Lifestyle Archives - BabyQ

Aug 21
0

Correlation between flu vaccines and increases in miscarriage

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Health | No Comments

Question: Has babyQ reviewed any of the information reported by V.A.E.R.S. about any correlation between the flu vaccine that contains H1N1 and increases in miscarriage? Is there validity to this? Answer: Here is the summary statement from the Journal of Human and Experimental Toxicology dated  September 27, 2012: The unadjusted fetal-loss report rates for the three consecutive influenza seasons beginning 2008/2009 were 6.8 (95% CI: 0.1–13.1), 77.8 (95% CI: 66.3–89.4), and 12.6 (95% CI: 7.2–18.0) cases per million pregnant women vaccinated, respectively. . Thus, a synergistic fetal toxicity likely resulted from the administration of both the pandemic (A-H1N1) and seasonal influenza vaccines during the 2009/2010 season. It appears the multifold rise in miscarriages was primarily in women who received both vaccines, not specifically H1N1, according to the conclusion in the abstract on the web site.  We do know that women who suffer the flu during pregnancy have a slight increase in autism…

Read More
Aug 19
0

Pregnancy Regrets

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Lifestyle | No Comments

While I don’t live with many regrets (I love planning for the future; hate reminiscing about the past – mostly because I get depressed thinking about how quickly life goes), there are a few things I regret not doing while I was pregnant with Charlotte.  I always stress how different your first pregnancy is in comparison to the rest of your pregnancies because it’s all about you the first time around.  It’s so easy to plan your day/week/life when you have no other little human whose life depends on you.  While I was pregnant with Jack, I kept a journal of how I was feeling, had professional maternity photos taken*, and was religious about taking weekly bump pictures.  I didn’t do any of these things during my pregnancy with Charlotte.  It’s just so much harder to remember/schedule/be awake for those minor details. Minor details I really wish I had paid…

Read More
Aug 18
37

How Do I Know If I’m Having Contractions?

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Health, Stress | No Comments

What are the different types of contractions? The first type of contraction you will experience during your pregnancy is Braxton-Hicks, or what is known as false labor. This type of contraction causes the cervix to become softer and thinner, making it easier for the baby to pass through during delivery. Braxton-Hicks contractions become more frequent in the weeks before your delivery date. You can tell if you are experiencing a Braxton-Hicks contraction if: You feel your uterus muscles becoming tightened at odd times or you get a squeezing feeling in your lower abdomen. The contractions range from a painless tightening to extremely painful. The contractions don’t follow a pattern. They come and go unexpectedly in the afternoon or evening. On the other hand, true labor contractions, which indicate that the birth process had begun, follow a regular pattern, start at the back and move to the lower abdomen, are from…

Read More
Aug 17
0

Breastfeeding Is a Healthy Option for You & Your Baby

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Medicine | No Comments

Many women want to breastfeed; however, disappointingly, often women find that what’s supposed to be natural and “second-nature” may not be so easy. Therefore, too often women don’t breastfeed or discontinue breastfeeding out of frustration or lack of “know-how”. To prevent this, pregnant women should educate themselves about breastfeeding by reading books and consulting a La Leche League mother’s support group to learn more about the process and resources for effective breastfeeding. Women who wish to breastfeed should alert their doctor, partner or spouse, friends and family so they can be aware and assist with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an emotional, intellectual, and physical experience that should be shared by all that will love and care for a new baby.   Within the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s body physically prepares for an expectant baby by releasing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the breasts to enlarge…

Read More
Aug 17
0

Can I Dye My Hair During Pregnancy?

Posted by | Lifestyle, Pregnancy Medicine | No Comments

Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s body, but it doesn’t mean she has to stop doing everything she enjoys and prefers during this time. A woman’s physical appearance can influence how she feels about herself, and things like hairstyles and makeup can help lift a woman’s spirits about her outward changes if she is feeling stressed or questioning the new shape of her body. However, many women then ask: Can I dye my hair during pregnancy? Hair Dying During Pregnancy The short answer to the question Can I dye my hair during pregnancy? is yes. The long answer is yes, as long as you follow some basic safety guidelines and speak with your doctor about any of your concerns. There are several precautions you can take to minimize the risks that hair dye might pose to your developing baby. Wait Until After the First Trimester to Color Your…

Read More
Aug 17
0
How to get your baby to sleep

How Can I Get My Baby To Sleep Through The Night?

Posted by | Lifestyle, Pregnancy Medicine | No Comments

Whoever coined the phrase “sleeps like a baby” as a way to describe a peaceful slumber probably didn’t actually ever spend one night with an infant. If it seems like your baby won’t sleep unless she’s being held in your arms or your newborn thinks sleeping is overrated, there are ways to encourage a better night’s sleep – for everyone. Keep in mind that until about six weeks of age your newborn won’t have a regulated sleep-wake cycle that is regulated (like for older children and adults) by light and dark. How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need? Although every child is different, according the National Sleep Foundation, the typical newborn needs anywhere between 10.5 and 18 hours of sleep each 24 hour day. Their sleeping patterns are regulated by their needs to be fed, changed, and cuddled or comforted. Usually their awake times last between 1 and 3 hours….

Read More
Aug 15
0

Can I visit my Dentist?

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Medicine | No Comments

Caring for your teeth and gums is an essential part of a healthy routine.  Dental health is as important as eating a balanced, nutritious meal and participating in moderate exercise. Dental hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day with an American Dental Association (ADA) approved fluoride toothpaste and a good-quality, soft-bristled toothbrush as well as flossing once a day. In addition, the ADA recommends bi-annual, preventive dental cleanings and exams to safeguard against, readily identify, and establish treatment for any possible oral infections. Maintaining good oral health is particularly important for pregnant women as there is a surge of hormones in pregnancy that have been associated with an increased risk of gum disease. This “pregnancy gingivitis” should be monitored and treated effectively as it has been linked to preterm birth. Care should be taken to maintain good oral health before and during pregnancy to avoid problems of…

Read More
Aug 14
0

Breastfeeding in Public? Returning to Work and Pumping Milk? You are Protected!

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Medicine | No Comments

With ongoing headlines about celebrities being “caught” breastfeeding in public, military moms being fired because of breastfeeding in public, or the occasional news story covering a mom who was asked to leave a store for breastfeeding, making the choice to breastfeed can seem very intimidating. Some of you will contend with outrage from your family, friends or a random person in public who shoots you a look of disdain. However, your baby needs to nurse constantly, and for many breastfeeding moms that is a scheduled time every 2-4 hours. Beyond those first 6 weeks, you are bound to breastfeed in “gasp” public. This may include your car, a restaurant in the mall or grocery store aisle if you can’t get away immediately. Here are some tips for new moms to make the experience less awkward for you or those around you. Become familiar with your local mall, church, or other…

Read More
Aug 14
0

Spend the money on yourself

Posted by | LENS, Lifestyle, Pregnancy Lifestyle | No Comments

In the weeks that followed and I calmed down a bit, I was able to start thinking about the “fun” things that go along with being newly pregnant. Planning the nursery, trying every old wives’ tale to determine my baby’s gender, thinking of what I wanted to add to my imaginary shower registry, and compiling a long list of possible names were constantly on my mind. I found that it was really easy to get wrapped up in all of the accessories just for my baby’s crib. My advice to you? Don’t! The bumpers, the crib blankets, the crib skirt – it’s not worth it.  Here’s why:   Studies show that bumpers are not safe for young babies…no matter how cute they look.  Babies can get tangled or caught in the plush fabric causing suffocation. Also, once older, babies can use the bumper for leverage to climb out of the…

Read More
Aug 13
0

I Feel Like a Solo Parent!

Posted by | Lifestyle, Pregnancy Medicine | No Comments

How Can I Get My Partner More Involved in Childcare? Parenting is hard work, and single parents are often challenged with filling dual roles of Mom and Dad. However, for some parents the challenge is not being the only parent in the home. The challenge is being the only parent in the home who is parenting. The roles of moms and dads have definitely changed over the years and each family is left to find a way that works best for them to provide involved fathers and mothers. Do you ever feel like you are doing most of the childcare? That you change the diapers, attend to the basics needs, and spend the most time with your child? Do you wish that your partner was more involved in parenting? You’re not alone – and you don’t have to continue feeling this way. 5 Ways to Encourage a More Involved Father…

Read More