José Ángel Araujo, Autor en Baby Creysi

My baby moves a little bit, is this normal or should I be concerned?

Posted on 21/06/2022 - 10:22 by José Ángel Araujo

What is a transcendental moment for you? Life is full of them, it is true. If you are pregnant, you will know that one of those moments is when you feel your baby moving inside you because with each “nudge”, “kick” or “push” he tells you: “Mommy, I am alive and my development is healthy!”

Fetal movements, as they are known in the medical field, are the first signs that a mother can perceive about the well-being of her child inside the uterus. The reduction of these is associated with causes such as that the fetus sleeps, medications with steroids for lung maturation, drugs for blood pressure, or infections that damage the concentration of oxygen.

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The first kicks

Dr. Mercedes del Pilar Alvarez Goris, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, explains that from week 20 -between month two and three- the mother can already detect the activity of her little one. At this stage of pregnancy, the tummy has more amniotic fluid, therefore there is more space for it to jump, bounce and explore the environment.

There are different movement patterns that depend on the trimester you are in and your habits. For example, it is common to notice them better at night, due to the state of relaxation caused by rest. However, these also tend to increase after meals, as a consequence of increased levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood, according to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

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“There are calm and restless babies, but in no case should there be periods of inactivity of more than two hours”.
Mercedes del Pilar, specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.

Detect possible dangers

Of course, it is valid to feel fear! Especially if you have already faced a painful experience or someone close to you has. However, you need to be aware that no baby moves the same as another does. The specialist Mercedes del Pilar points out that the “normal” thing is to feel approximately 10 fetal movements per hour, but it is not a number that should be considered a rule. There are little ones who only do it two, three or five times and they develop in a healthy way.

On the other hand, the mother can be exposed to situations that reduce her perception of the movements of the fetus. The Barcelona Clinic highlights the following:

Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Taking sedatives or antidepressants
Maternal stress
Standing for a long time
Excessive or intense physical exercise
Fasting for hours

“At the end of the pregnancy, the movements diminish at the same time as the duration of fetal sleep is extended”.
Clinic Barcelona

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Few fetal movements, what do I do?

Fetal movements are considered to be scarce when the woman has not felt the baby for more than two hours, even with external stimulation, such as eating food (it is important to avoid fasts longer than eight hours, for this it is recommended to eat five meals a day or include snacks), moving the tummy through gentle massages, talking or making a loud noise.

If there is no response, it is important that you call your doctor immediately to carry out a fetal well-being test, which consists of performing an ultrasound to identify movements and heart rhythm or a cardiotocographic recording, which tracks possible variabilities of the heartbeat rate.

If your baby is moving poorly due to a problem, the doctor will evaluate the possibility of continuing the pregnancy or terminating it with an emergency C-section.

Since conception, the dialogue between you and your baby is unique. Don’t be afraid to find out and understand it! And do not forget, along with it, go to your medical appointments for control and monitoring.

A change in the normal pattern or the number of fetal movements may mean that the baby is undergoing physical stress.
Stanford Children’s Health

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

Is it safe to wear makeup during pregnancy?

Posted on 16/02/2022 - 16:00 by José Ángel Araujo

Many routines change during pregnancy: diet and physical activity are adjusted, medical visits are scheduled from time to time, and even slightly different beauty and skincare routines are carried out, aren’t they? Amid this period of transformation, many moms have the doubt, is it safe to put on makeup during pregnancy? Can using cosmetics be bad for the baby?

Is it wrong to wear makeup during pregnancy?

Just as it is preferable to stop consuming certain foods, you should know that it is convenient to stop using some cosmetic products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that before buying them, you check that they are correctly labeled, have instructions for use, and list the ingredients in their formula so that you know if they are safe.

In Oregon, the Women’s Care Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproduction, and Women’s Health shares the list of ingredients in beauty and personal care products that you should avoid if you are pregnant.

Products to avoid if you are pregnant

Retin-A, retinol, and retinyl palmitate:

These vitamin A derivatives can cause birth defects. Although it is important to have adequate vitamin A for the baby’s development, these derivatives can negatively affect his development.

Tazorac and Accutane:

They are also derivatives of vitamin A that are found in controlled medications. The FDA recommends avoiding them during pregnancy as they can cause birth defects.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid:

Having acne during pregnancy is common. Be careful if you use anti-acne creams, as they often use these ingredients. Better avoid them.

Essential oils:

Essential oils are often thought of as a natural alternative to beauty products; however, they are not evaluated by health agencies and therefore do not follow the strict labeling standards of other products. Essential oils come in different varieties and concentrations, so it’s hard to tell if they’re safe to use during pregnancy.

Hydroquinone:

Many women are concerned about melasma, the pigmentation that appears during pregnancy. They look for solutions to lighten the skin, but hydroquinone should be avoided. The FDA notes that it has a higher absorption rate than other topical chemicals, making it more likely to enter the bloodstream and affect the baby.

Aluminum chloride:

This ingredient is common in deodorants and antiperspirants. It is generally believed to be safe to use in low concentrations, but it is recommended to avoid products that use it in high concentrations.

Formaldehyde:

It is present in nail polish and certain hair products. The use of formaldehyde products should be avoided, as it has been linked to fertility problems and miscarriages. Nail polishes labeled “3-Free” or “5-Free” are recommended.

Chemical sunscreens:

Sunscreens may contain potential hormone disruptors such as oxybenzone or avobenzone, which can interfere with a baby’s developing nervous system. To protect yourself from UV rays, use protectors based on natural ingredients.

Tetracycline:

A common antibiotic used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It should be avoided, as well as its derivatives (doxycycline and minocycline). These can have adverse effects on both pregnant mothers and their babies.

Dihydroxyacetone:

It is a chemical that is used in many spray self-tanners. Although it is not absorbed into the body, it can be inhaled during application and is unhealthy for mother and baby.

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Beautiful and safe

Whether a product uses natural ingredients and avoids chemicals, it’s a good idea to go to your dermatologist and gynecologist and ask them about it.

Once you have the recommendations and approval of the experts, look for options that adapt to it. Chemical engineer Iliana Loza, the founder of the Mexican biocosmetic brand Ahal, talks about their ingredients: “All our formulas are clean, free of fragrances, alcohol, parabens, synthetic and toxic agents”.

“We formulate and assemble all our products. We are a laboratory that selects ingredients and active ingredients with a conscience”. This can be a good option, and another good idea is to let your skin rest during this period.

Are you going to make up? You should not worry about:
Eyeliner is mostly wax and cannot be absorbed by your skin.
Mascara because your lashes are “dead hair,” and it’s only applied on top of them.
Powder products, as they settle on the surface of the skin.

* Don’t get caught in the rush! Today is a good time to start shaping your newborn’s wardrobe. Find the clothes for his first weeks and months in our Online Store.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Making a Milk Bank, the quick guide

Posted on 19/07/2021 - 13:30 by José Ángel Araujo

A milk bank is not only useful for moms who are going back to the office. It is also for those who want to go out for exercising, spending a day away from home or must take a medicine that is not compatible with breastfeeding.

Ideally, you should start form three weeks to a month before you need it, so your body get used to the feeling of pumping milk with a pump, and your production gradually increases.

It is normal that, at the beginning, only little milk comes out, even less than 30 ml (one ounce), but over the time, thanks to the stimulation of your baby and the extractor, you will be producing more.

What do you need in a milk bank?

A manual or electric milk extractor. If it is for your office, I recommend a double and electric milk pump, so the extraction will be faster and you can do it on both breasts simultaneously. These extractors usually include a useful thermal box lunch for storing and transporting your milk.

Double and electric milk pump extractors are ideal for the office because they’re faster than manual ones.

Hermetic bags or bottles for storing the milk.

A permanent marker.

A lactarium. Every woman has the right to have a clean and private space to pump her milk at workplace.

A fridge. Ideally in the office, but if there is not one, you must put your milk in the thermal box lunch and storage it in the freezer as soon as you get home.

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How to do a milk bank?

Prepare the atmosphere. Choose a quiet place with a comfortable chair where you can stay for about 20 minutes. Ask someone to take care of your baby or do it while your kid is sleeping, so you can be relaxed.

Watch the hygiene. Always wash your hands and be sure that the extractor and the containers are clean.

Take out your milk between breast-feeding schedules. Do it after your baby has eaten so it won’t be hungry. A good timing is 30-60 minutes after the first intake in the morning. As the days go by, you should integrate more extraction sessions. It could be after the midday intake and at the end of the day.

Calculate how much milk you will need. Between one month and six months of age, a baby consumes about 25 ounces (30 ounces from 7 to 11 months) on average. Count how many times your baby eats over 24 hours and divide 25 ounces by that amount. For example, if your child eats 10 times in 24 hours, divide 25 by 10 and you will know that each feeding bottle you will need must have 2.5 ounces on average. Now calculate how many intakes your baby will have in the period you’ll be away from home and you’ll know how many ounces you’ll need to leave.

Freeze you milk. Once you have your milk in a bottle or a bag, write down the date and time of extraction with a marker. Try to freeze it in small quantities (one or two ounces) to avoid waste. Store it in the bottom of the freezer.

Defrost the one you froze first. The easiest way is to put the milk in the refrigerator the night before you’ll use it. You can also put the bag or bottle in a bowl with warm water or under running warm water. Avoid putting it in bain-marie or microwave because that could kill milk nutrients or burn your baby.

Basic rules of consumption

If you defrost, you shouldn’t freeze again. According to “The League of the Milk”, refreezing breast milk can cause nutrient breakdown and increases the risk of bacterial proliferation. If your baby doesn’t finish a defrosted bottle, you can give it to it in the next scheduled meal.

Milk lasts for three to five hours at room temperature, depending on the weather (the more heat, the faster it decomposes).

Freshly extracted milk can last for three to five days in the fridge at an ideal temperature of 4°C.

Frozen milk can last up to 6 months; however, it is not recommended to freeze it for so long because breast milk properties change as your baby grows.

It is normal that at first you get very little milk, but little by little, and thanks to your baby and the extractor stimulation, you will produce more.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

We recommend you to read: How breasts change during pregnancy

The importance of the father in the lives of children

Posted on 17/06/2021 - 13:00 by José Ángel Araujo

The mother is commonly referred as the most important person in a child’s development; the kid´s well-being or suffering depends on her, and she must be the one in charge of raising and supporting him.

This idea is not entirely wrong, however, it is not possible for a single woman to conceive a child: the father intervenes to make this possible and he plays a fundamental role not only biologically but also emotionally, psychologically and socially.

There are many types of parents.

In psychoanalysis, when we speak of the father we do not refer to a man, but to a role. Thanks to this function, the child can appropriate his existence, be named, feel recognized, belong to a lineage and insert himself into society respecting the rules of humans.

Also, this function allows the mother to feel supported, accompanied and cared and, then, she can connect more easily with her baby and understand it.

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A present father teams up with the mother so that they both are in charge of a new life, sharing time and responsibilities, mitigating the heavy moments that are present in the upbringing of any child.

Thanks to the father, the baby can learn other ways of being cared, other ways of bonding, playing and knowing the world.

The father is fundamental because he is in charge of making a “gap” between the mother and the child, what does this mean? The father helps the baby be interested in the world beyond the mother; he helps ensure that there is no overprotection, excess of anxiety, so that he does not get stuck with the mother.

So, thanks to this role, the child can feel relaxed knowing that there is someone who sets a limit. This is how father and mother are fundamental.

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However, we still find prejudices, imposed roles or deficiencies that are transmitted from generation to generation and that make us think that the presence of the father is secondary.

It is still common to think that the child is an object that only belongs to the mother. It is not uncommon to think that if a man is not a “good” husband, he will not be a “good” father either. Many mothers think that it is best for children to be away from their fathers. It is common to hear phrases like, “My child’s got me, having his mother is enough for him”…

Some cases

It is true that there are cases in which fathers mistreat and abuse their children; therefore, it is necessary to keep minors away. Also, there are cases in which the father vanishes, and despite the insistence of the mother, he does not want to be present.

However, removing these cases, it is difficult to find reasons why a child should grow up without any contact with his father.

Regardless of the conflicts that may exist in the couple, the father-child relationship is apart and it is very important to support it.

The mother is fundamental in this dynamic, since she is the one who allows or does not allow her child and his father to get closer.

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Thanks to the role played by the father, children can feel calm and eager to grow up with all what this implies: learn, be interested in relating to people beyond the family, investigate, adapt to a society, and build internal limits.

*Claudia Rodríguez Acosta has a degree in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana and a Master’s degree in General Psychotherapy from the Mexican Psychoanalytic Association. She is a teacher in middle and high school, and practices psychoanalytic psychotherapy in privately in Mexico City, as well as by Skype for patients who live abroad.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Male Contraceptives: Will this finally be the new era in contraception?

Posted on 08/04/2021 - 22:30 by José Ángel Araujo

Por Cristina O. Nava/LAVA

Last research in the field suggests that some effective contraceptive measures designed for men -pills, gels, monthly injections and non-permanent chemical vasectomies- could take their place on the shelves of pharmacies around the world by the end of this year.

Last research in the field suggests that some effective contraceptive measures designed fomen -pills, gels, monthly injections and non-permanent chemical vasectomies- could take their place on the shelves of pharmacies around the world by the end of this year.

The researchers believe that these new drugs will be a milestone for family planning and sexual health, and undoubtedly will be a further step towards gender equality.

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In 1979, Indian researchers first published that they were developing a form of male hormonal contraception: Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance (RISUG). More than 40 years later, RISUG is only undergoing phase 3 of clinical trials.

In contrast –a very sharp contrast- the female combined oral contraceptive pill was researched, tested, and mass-produced in less than 4 years; and it has been widely available since 1960.

Today, contraceptive measures for men are limited to condoms and permanent surgical vasectomies.

This could change in 2021 with new techniques that are being tested, some of which have efficacy rates up to 97%.

Currently, there are three potential methods of male contraception that are currently being formally developed: pills, gels and injections.

Gel NES/T

So far, the most prominent method, currently in phase 2 of clinical trials in a research led by Dr. Christina Wang. The gel is composed by segesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin, and it is used every day. It comes in a dispenser that provides a standard amount in each use and is rubbed on the shoulders.

The promising results suggest that it successfully blocks the natural production of testosterone in testicles and reduces sperm production; it also contains testosterone replacement to help maintain sex drive and other functions that depend on the hormone.

Pill and injection

The daily pill and monthly injection methods are developed with an experimental drug called dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU), which combines synthetic anabolic steroids (AAS) such as testosterone, with progestin. Stephanie Page, from Washington University, leads the first clinical trials of this method.

Page’s team has completed phase 1 testing of DMAU pills in 2020, and believes they could be introduced to the market by the end of the year.

Temporary Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that prevents male reproductive function, but it is usually permanent, so it is not widely accepted. So, the researchers of the Medical Research Council of India are working on a temporary method that could last up to 13 years, based on the same premise as RISUG.

This reversible and non-surgical male contraceptive, injects a synthetic polymer called styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) into the vas deferens, which transport sperm from the testicle to the ejaculation ducts, and disables the channel function.

Dr. Radhey Shyam, principal investigator, believes it’s an exciting and effective breakthrough. “It has been thoroughly tested on more than 300 volunteers with superior efficacy, more than 97.3% without side effects”.

All this makes us think about two questions:

1 Why did it take fifty years for substantial research into male non-surgical contraceptives to begin, and why are there still no options available?

The lack of male contraceptive methods has real global impact on women. United Nations (UN) data show that 70% use female (hormonal) instead of male (condom, vasectomy) contraception; and even in surgical methods there is a gap: 23.7% of users have had a hysterectomy or tubal ligation, while only 2% of users have had a vasectomy.

Male methods have been rejected again and again in different stages for their significant side effects: headaches, weight gain, mood swings and decreased libido… Does that sound familiar to you, women? These are the side effects (the mildest, in fact) of most female birth control methods.

Historically, pharmaceutical companies have accepted side effects -in many cases severe- caused by female contraceptives, but not male ones.

2 Why the leaders of two of the three most promising male contraception projects are women?

It’s the limit… On the other hand, it is unfortunately obvious: women are more interested because we are the most affected. Women have been practically the only ones responsible for reproductive controls throughout human history.

Anyway… The research seems to have gained a new momentum, and it seems to be closer than ever to be a reality. We wait anxiously.

Globally, 85 million pregnancies (40% of all pregnancies) per year are unplanned. In 2005, a study of 9,000 men in 9 different countries found that 55% of men with stable sexual partners were willing to use some form of contraception, but in Mexico 58% of young people do not use contraception during their sexual relations (although 84% have some knowledge about it).

Pharmaceuticals’ argument about lack of demand can only be countered with men stepping forward and showing interest. Innovative and effective male contraception options may be easily available, but they will not be a real breakthrough unless apathy ends. It’s time for men to take over their part of responsibility, after a lifetime of women bearing the financial, medical and personal cost of birth control.

Are we on the eve of a new era of contraceptive justice? We will be looking forward to it.

(Well, at least about that part. Then we will have to continue fighting stigma, the economic gap, access…)

Sources

Male contraception clinical trial launches in Sacramento (2020) UCDavis Health
First Trial Launches to Test Effectiveness of Male Contraceptive Gel (2018) The Lundquist Institute
The Birth Control Pill A History (2015) Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Acceptability of contraception for men: a review (2010) Glasier, A.
Fundación México Vivo: Día del Condón (2021) Rodrigo Moheno
Attitudes toward male fertility control: results of a multinational survey on four continents (2005) Heinemann K, Saad F, Wiesemes M, White S, Heinemann L.
World Health Organization World Contraception Patterns (2015)

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

This article was originally published on La-Lista. Check it here.