Category Archives: Pregnancy

Older posts

5 responsibilities of a father during pregnancy

Posted on by

We’ve said many times that pregnancy and the arrival of a baby change life, but it is a mistake to believe that it only affects women. Men also face a real revolution and, like mothers, fathers must assume their role from the moment the mother’s belly starts to grow, and fulfill their responsibilities for the well-being of their child.

Although mom is the one who carries the baby in the womb, dad’s role is not less important during pregnancy, childbirth and throughout childhood. There is plenty of research that points the effects of the presence and absence of the father in a kid’s life.

Besides, in modern societies, more and more women are entering the workforce outside home, so it is imperative that both parents raise their kids. It is not an option anymore, the father not only makes a “biological investment” or supplier, he also invests in the care of his children so that they can be born and grow.

Don’t miss: The importance of the father in the lives of children

5 responsibilities of a father during pregnancy

1. Planning the pregnancy together, a shared responsibility

Through the study, The desire for fatherhood in men, Rebeca Rodríguez, Gilberto Pérez and Alejandra Salguero point out that the desire to be parents does not appear “naturally”, not even for women.

“It is not an instinct that accompanies men, but the product of the incorporation and resignification of sociocultural discourses found in magazines, television, friends”.

This is an important decision that should ideally be made through negotiation with your partner. “The relationship of the couple is essential to be able to account for the construction of the desire for fatherhood in men, that is, through negotiation where expectations are intertwined”.

 

Negotiating and planning your pregnancy has to do with your goals as a couple. Many couples “skip” this step, but it is desirable that shared responsibility begins with the decision-making.

We recommend: 6 Books for new fathers

2. Accompany the partner in the prenatal checkups (ultrasounds and checkups)

An investigation carried out among the Latino population in Houston, USA, showed that when the father had a favorable attitude towards the pregnancy and looked forward to it, there was a healthy impact, since the woman tended to seek or receive prenatal care earlier.   The fact of caring about the baby and seeing it in the ultrasound implies a greater approach and connection, since it is difficult to bond with something that they do not see or feel. Accompanying the partner also implies great support for the woman, as it is a stage when they need to feel accompanied.

You may be interested: A father who takes care of his baby does not “help”, he exercises his paternity

3. Change habits with mom

Expecting a baby is a good time and excuse for men to take care of themselves. Together, you can incorporate good habits like quitting smoking, exercising lightly, and making sure you both eat a healthy diet. You can even take vitamins! Everything is easier and more pleasant if you do it as a couple.  

Sometimes it may happen that the parents present what is known as Couvade syndrome (which comes from the French and means to incubate). The couple becomes connected to such a degree that the man presents symptoms similar to those of his partner: dizziness, nausea, mood swings, and abdominal pain. It is unusual, but it could happen. If that’s the case, talk about your concerns to reduce anxiety.

4. Find information and attend prenatal classes together

Martín Maldonado and Felipe Lecannelier explain in the article, The father in the perinatal stage, that like mothers, many fathers feel ambivalence towards their partner’s pregnancy.

In the same way as the woman, they also wonder what it is to be a father, how they should behave, if they can provide what is necessary for their children and family. It is natural for them to feel “anxiety about their own maturity (becoming a parent means that they are no longer teenagers). Even when consciously happy, it is common to have anxiety and fear of the future”.

When in doubt, the fathers also have the responsibility and the right to seek information and receive prenatal classes together with their partners.

They also need to know what the gestation process will be like, what will happen during delivery, what to do with the baby in the first days.   Men also require psychological support and the containment that the two members of the couple must give themselves before the uncertainty, anxiety and natural fear that can arise at this stage.

5. Prepare for the baby’s arrival

The most satisfying part for both the father and the mother: decorating the room, buying the baby’s clothes together, preparing the hospital bag, choosing the baby’s first toys.

Dad is not only a support for the woman, he is also a protagonist. He should and can be involved in both pregnancy and parenting.   Like motherhood, fatherhood begins before delivery.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

Other topics:

Why is it said that a baby’s head may sink?

What you should put in your hospital bag

You already had your baby; now do not abuse the girdle!

Posted on by

The body of a pregnant woman undergoes many changes. One of them has to do with the growth of the abdomen. Before pregnancy, the uterus is the size of an orange and is located inside the pelvis, but at the end of pregnancy, it will be the size of a watermelon. Incredible, isn’t it?

For Daniela Carrasco, team member of Luna Maya, professional midwives, wearing a girdle is not necessary after giving birth “because the body is wise and the muscles begin to work so the uterus returns to the size it had before pregnancy”.

Wearing a girdle does not speed up the reduction of the uterus, but “it makes a woman feel more secure by having greater support during the time in which this organ becomes small again and returns to its normal size”, says Carrasco.

Be patient!

According to the American Pregnancy Association, as the uterus grows, it pushes the organs out of place and stresses the surrounding muscles and ligaments. The pressure of the uterus can even cause the navel to protrude.

Upon reaching the term of pregnancy, the uterus extends from the pubic area to the lower part of the ribs. The good news is that after the baby is born, the uterus gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy size and position. Do not despair, all in good time. You have to be patient.

It takes about six weeks for the uterus to fully return to the size it was before pregnancy. This process is called uterine involution.

American Pregnancy Association

Postpartum girdle: Wearing time

“When a baby is born, by vaginal delivery, and the mother decides to wear a girdle because it makes her feel safer, she should do it only for the first two weeks and not wear it all day”, recommends Daniela Carrasco, an obstetrician nurse from the National School of Nursing and Obstetrics of the UNAM. She advises that wearing a girdle only prevents the abdominal muscles from working and not exercising.

She explains that the muscles are active all the time and, when putting on a girdle, the abdominal muscles become flaccid, they lose strength and muscle tone, “Wearing it brings more consequences than not doing it”.

In the publication Nursing Interventions during the Physiological Puerperium, by the Ministry of Health, it is recommended to inform women that the internal and external organs physiologically recover within the sixth and eighth week after childbirth.

It is normal for the first days after delivery to have some colic. This means that your uterus is contracting to return to its normal size, and little by little they disappear.

Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social

If you had a C-section…

In this case, it is fully recommended to wear the girdle because the surgery is a process in which the muscles are cut and important parts of the abdomen are cut, too. “A compression bandage simulating a girdle is made”, says the expert.

While in a vaginal delivery the abdominal muscles are not cut and everything remains in place, in a C-section the body needs a healing process to strengthen and be able to hold all the intestine and abdominal organs.

Finally, what are the motivations for women who had a vaginal delivery to wear a girdle? Daniela Carrasco lists them:

  • They feel safer and more comfortable to carry out their daily activities and carry the baby.
  • When walking, they do not have a body imbalance.

In a C-section, it is recommended to make a special bandage. A postpartum girdle may be worn for three to four weeks or as directed by the OB/GYN.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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

Posted on by

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.

We recommend: How do home pregnancy tests work?

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.

We recommend: 5 responsibilities of a father during pregnancy

“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

We recommend: Symptoms of pregnancy before a missed period

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

Maternity leave is not a vacation

Posted on by

Some people, bosses, and companies think maternity and paternity leave is a paid vacation. They falsely believe that during this period, their workers spend their time resting or that taking care of a baby is not a job but an activity that you can do “for a while,” as something that does not require much attention.

The reality is that as the journalist Anna Whitehouse, founder of Mother Pukka, explains in a public reflection on her LinkedIn account, during sick leave due to the birth of a baby is when mothers and fathers assume the work most difficult and important: to take care of a new life.

Maternity and paternity leave is a time to be with your baby

The leave granted by law to parents when they have a baby is known as maternity or paternity leave.

It is a period that, in the case of Mexican women, is 84 days, up to four weeks of the prenatal and postnatal period, and in the case of men, five days.

During this time, the mother or father may be absent from work with full pay. Unfortunately, many still believe that these days are days of rest, without considering how difficult it is to take care of a baby that depends on his parents.

It is not a vacation or a good break

Anna Whitehouse wrote, “A business reminder: maternity/paternity leave is not a holiday. It is not a good rest, and it is not free time. It is a heady cocktail of anticipation, expectation, arrival, and survival. It’s stripping yourself to an initial state and navigating naked through blocked milk ducts, red nipples, bloody sheets, broken minds, blackout blinds googling maniacally”. As a mom or dad, you are necessary.

Caring for a baby is much more than a full-time job; it is a job that requires all your senses to focus on adapting to the new and challenging routine; it is physical and emotional fatigue, it is joy, but also a flurry of doubts and emotions.

“Every second is needed (if not in person, in mind). It is a job. No sick days. Without fair compensation. It’s the most privileged position in the world, but it takes courage, guts (often inglorious), boobs, and any other limbs you can put to work. It is the purest happiness. It is the starkest of contrasts”.

For women, the mix of hormones and wear and tear on the body is immense. No one prepares you to take care of a baby through the pain of childbirth or major surgery like a C-section.

“It’s limping to the park after the birth, high on oxytocin; returning home, collapsing in the fetal position, succumbing to a postnatal slump. It is life in its purest, ugliest, and most stunningly beautiful form. It is rising higher, above your hunger, above your exhaustion, above your needs. It’s raising the next generation #flexappeal #maternitydiscrimination #challengethestatusquo”.

Dad also needs to spend the first few weeks with his baby. Photo: Shutterstock

Do not miss: A father who takes care of his child does not help; he exercises his fatherhood

Let’s put an end to discriminatory comments

Whether out of ignorance or simply because they are discriminatory and ill-intentioned, the truth is that there is a significant lack of sensitivity to the vital task of bringing new life into the world.

Becoming a mother and father is a unique and wonderful experience, but it is full of new challenges that put us to the test every day. Don’t bosses and employers understand that parenting should be a priority? Isn’t it clear to them that the children we educate now will be the adults of tomorrow?

Hopefully, one day it will be apparent to all of us, not only to those who mistakenly believe that maternity and paternity leave is a vacation but also to the governments that bargain the days parents have for that task.

As data, in Sweden, maternity leave is 480 days and paternity leave is also 480 days. Not all European countries have such an advanced parenting culture, but we are far behind. In Latin America, Venezuela has the most extended licenses for mom (182 days) and dad (14); Chile follows (126 days for mom and five for dad).

In Mexico, initiatives have been presented to increase maternity leave from 84 to 98 and paternity leave from five to 15 days, but it is still insufficient. Remember that our country is within Convention 183 for the protection and recognition of maternity of the International Labor Organization (ILO). On several occasions, the United Nations Organization (UN) has issued recommendations to countries to increase maternity leaves and consider inclusive and friendly policies for childcare workers.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: here

Other notes of interest: The genealogical tree: a tool to know our roots

A life project, a key to couple and family life

You are not weak; postpartum depression happens to many women

Posted on by

When you become a mother, you face a series of expectations from your family, partner, and society. They make you believe that keeping everything under control and keeping what you feel to yourself is synonymous with strength. Little is said about emotions after giving birth, much less about postpartum depression.

Motherhood transforms you. The arrival of a life that depends 100% on you can be overwhelming, especially when you think that you will no longer be the same as before. If you add the changes in your body after childbirth and the ups and downs of emotions caused by hormones, you perceive yourself as very vulnerable.

Many women experience sadness after their baby’s birth. They may have mood swings, feel anxious, overwhelmed, have crying spells, lose their appetite, or have trouble sleeping. These feelings usually go away within a few days or a week of having the baby and are known as baby blues or postpartum blues.

However, the symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe. The National Library of Medicine explains that the new mom can feel hopeless and helpless, leading to disinterest in her child.

Moms can feel sad after giving birth. Photo: Pixabay
Moms can feel sad after giving birth. Photo: Pixabay

We recommend: During breastfeeding, there is a crush of love between mother and baby

A roller coaster of emotions

Many moms keep their emotions to themselves and don’t talk about postpartum depression for fear of being judged. Ani Cuartas, a lactation consultant, says, “Motherhood is a roller coaster of emotions; when your baby is born, on the one hand, you are happy, but you are also haunted by the thoughts that you will no longer be the same”.

People tell you, “You became a mother; your baby is healthy. Why are you crying? Why are you not happy? Why do you miss your old life? You feel like you are in a stadium, and all the lights are pointed at you; in the event of any failure, they point you out. It is a process that very few of us talk about, but it is very important to speak about it; motherhood is a roller coaster, full of emotions”.

Ani says that the love for your child is “the greatest you can feel on the planet”, but becoming a mother implies a reorganization of your activities and that your life will never be the same.

“These are normal things that happen to us due to hormonal change and due to grief, although the word sounds ugly. It is grief because our old self dies and a new self begins… Seeing your child be born, holding him in your arms is the most divine thing that can happen to you as a woman, but you do go through many hormonal, physical, and psychological changes”.

Motherhood can arouse mixed feelings. Photo: Shutterstock
Motherhood can arouse mixed feelings. Photo: Shutterstock

What is postpartum depression?

It is a severe affective mental disorder. Its main symptoms are sadness, high levels of tiredness, sleep disorders, and high cortisol levels, details the World Health Organization (WHO).

Postpartum depression is more common than you think; 1 in 7 women go through it during the first year of their child’s life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, while in Mexico, it is estimated that 23% of women mothers suffer from it, reveal data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).

Remember that postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or being a bad mother but is part of the change you go through when your baby is born.

Don’t Miss: What to Expect When Expecting by Heidi Murkoff: “Stop and Smell Your Baby”

Causes

Although there is no single cause of postpartum depression, the Mayo Clinic discusses some contributing factors:

  • Physical changes: After your child’s birth, there is a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. In addition, the decrease in hormones produced by the thyroid can lead to tiredness, laziness, and depression.
  • Emotional problems: When you have not slept and feel overwhelmed, it can be difficult for you to deal with everyday situations, making you doubt your ability to care for your newborn, along with feeling less attractive and losing your identity or control of your life can contribute to postpartum depression.
Hormonal changes and emotions contribute to postpartum depression. Photo: Pixabay

When should you ask for help?

Mayo Clinic recommends that if symptoms persist or take on these characteristics:

  • They don’t disappear after two weeks
  • The worsen
  • They make it difficult for you to take care of your baby
  • They make it difficult for you to complete your everyday tasks
  • They include thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby

It would help if you went to a specialist for proper treatment.

Translated by: Ligia Mabel Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Hair dyes in pregnancy: Are they safe?

Posted on by

While you are expecting your little one, each action that previously seemed normal makes you worry that it could harm your baby. Every day a new question arises, especially if you are a new mom; everything is new. If you usually go to the beauty salon, you may wonder about dyes during pregnancy and if it is safe to dye your hair.

Hair dyes have chemicals such as paraphenylenediamine, ammoniacal mercury, nonylphenol, parabens, or formaldehyde; they are used to achieve color resistance to last longer, points out the National Chamber of the Cosmetic Products Industry (Canipec).

Yvonne Butler Tobah, a gynecologist and member of Mayo Clinic, explains that only a limited amount of hair dye and other grooming and styling products are absorbed by the skin. Although if your skin is irritated or has a crack, it may absorb more chemicals than usual.

“Research on the use of hair dyes during pregnancy is limited. These chemicals are generally considered to pose no harm to a developing baby; however, given the lack of available evidence, you may, if you prefer, postpone any chemical hair treatment until after delivery”.

We recommend: Is it safe to wear makeup during pregnancy?

Although there are not enough studies, doctors recommend waiting to dye your hair. Photo: Pixabay
Although there are not enough studies, doctors recommend waiting to dye your hair.

Photo: Pixabay

When can you dye your hair?

Although recommendations vary, the American Pregnancy Association recommends waiting until at least the second trimester of pregnancy to dye or apply any treatment (such as straightening or perming) to your hair to avoid any exposure of your little one to the chemicals in these products.

“Small amounts of hair dye can be absorbed through the skin; this small amount is not considered harmful to the fetus. The same is considered during lactation. Although no data is available on women receiving hair treatment during this stage, it is known that a small amount of the chemicals would be absorbed into the blood. Thus, the possibility of it entering the milk and putting the baby at risk wouldn’t be likely”.

Fred Morgan Ortiz, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, explains that all the baby’s organs and muscles begin to form in the first trimester. The chemicals could affect his development.

“The dyes that have peroxides can affect the development of the embryo

Morgan Ortiz comments that natural dyes based on henna can be an alternative; you can also use those that do not have ammonia or whose chemical concentrations are lower.

Do not miss: How many kilos can I gain during pregnancy?

It is recommended to wait until the second or third trimester of pregnancy to dye your hair. Photo: Pixabay
It is recommended to wait until the second or third trimester of pregnancy to dye your hair. Photo: Pixabay

Chemical hair treatments

Most hair styling involves chemicals and dyes. The American Pregnancy Association notes that you should also avoid these treatments until the second trimester:

  • Coloring: It includes permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary dyes.
  • Curling: To form curls, a solution is used to keep the hair fixed.
  • Bleaching: It uses hydrogen peroxide.
  • Straighteners: They use sodium hydroxide, potassium, lithium, or guanidine hydroxide, with which the hair is straightened.
It would help if you waited to get treatments like perms or straightening. Photo: Pixabay
It would help if you waited to get treatments like perms or straightening.

Photo: Pixabay

Recommendations

If you decide to color your hair during pregnancy, follow these Food and Drug Administration (FDA) precautions:

  • Follow package directions carefully.
  • Wear gloves when applying the dye.
  • Do not leave it for longer than indicated.
  • Rinse the scalp well after applying it.

It may interest you: Drowsiness during pregnancy? This is why and what you can do

Tell us on Facebook about your experience. Did you wait until after delivery to apply a dye?

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version

What to Expect When Expecting, Heidi Murkoff: “Stop and Smell Your Baby”

Posted on by

What to Expect When You’re Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff, is considered the bible of pregnancy. It was written in 1984, and since its release, it has become a best-seller in the New York Times, where it holds the record for the title that has spent the longest time on the best-seller list.

It is considered by many to be the most influential book of recent decades. With more than 45 million copies sold worldwide, What to Expect When You’re Expecting marked the beginning of the parenting phenomenon. In 2010, the Canadian production company, Lionsgate, bought the rights and produced a film based on the book but told through the stories of seven couples.

Heidi Murkoff and her bible of pregnancy

Almost forty years after the first edition, Heidi presents a completely revised and updated new version. Timely information makes it easy for expectant mothers and their partners to go through the exhausting, exciting, frazzling, and magical task of having a newborn.

Regarding this new edition, we talked with Heidi Murkoff, who told us some tips so that during the pregnancy process, we know just that: what to expect when expecting.

Baby Creysi: Heidi, thank you very much for your book. It contains the latest advances in medicine, genetics, and obstetrics but retains the good humor, warmth, and empathy of someone who, beyond the medical side, knows what it’s like to be pregnant. What do you expect from this 5th edition? How has it evolved in all these years?

Heidi Murkoff: My goal remains the same. When I was pregnant with my first baby, I needed answers to many questions. Still, there were no materials that had everything clear and well researched, so I took on the task of writing it in my own words and, in this way, helping other women who were surely going through the same questions.

She had the idea in her first pregnancy, and a few hours before giving birth to her baby, Heidi submitted the proposal for a guide to help other future parents. I conceived a pregnancy, and then I conceived a book. The truth is that I did not expect either of those things.

She never imagined what it would become

It was something that was sorely lacking. Many things have changed over time, especially in medical recommendations, but what never changes is the experience of expecting a baby: the doubts, the fears, the processes that take place in the body. Women who get pregnant at all times feel bloated, they are constipated, and have aches and pains. What does not change is that both women and men, everyone who is expecting a baby, has questions and needs answers.

BC: From your experience as a writer, workshop facilitator, and mother, what worries women the most during pregnancy?

HM: Basically, it’s always the same questions: Is this normal? Is my baby okay? Is my pregnancy going well? Sometimes, a mom needs to know that she is not alone and that other women have been through the same thing. When you understand that what happens to you has already happened to other women and that makes you part of a global sisterhood, you take a weight off your shoulders because you know that there are answers and that you are not the only one with that doubt.

Information is power but beware of Dr. Google

BC: How did your guide and, in general, the experience of motherhood change with the arrival of the internet?

HM: On the internet, there is a lot of information that is not entirely true, but there is something very positive: support groups are created. There have always been myths about pregnancy, stories, and legends that grandmothers tell us that are passed down from generation to generation. There is a lot of helpful information but also misinformation.

The problem with asking Dr. Google is that often the information is not correct and can lead to confusion. My recommendation is that it is okay to look for information, to read everything you want, but when you are going to make a decision, always consult your doctor. Every woman, pregnancy, and baby is different, so only you and your doctor will know what’s best for your little one.

Another thing that worries me is the pressure in social networks and society to be perfect mothers. Be aware that there is no perfect mom; there is no perfect baby, so relax.

We recommend: Ten books to turn your daughters into powerful women

Stop and smell your baby

BC: If you had to go back to your first pregnancy, what advice would you give yourself?

HM: I would tell myself not to worry so much! I worried about everything, the symptoms I had and the ones I didn’t have. I would say to myself to ask if I have doubts, don’t stress, and enjoy the moment.

The most important advice I would give to a new mom is to stop and enjoy the scent of her baby. There is a proverb that states Stop and smell the roses; this means that you stop and allow yourself to enjoy the time you have with your baby. We are constantly stressed about the moment he is going to stop crying, at what time we have to feed him; you have to enjoy it, you have to smell it.

BC: What’s next for Heidi?

HM: Everything. I will update my books. I have a foundation dedicated to giving information to mothers, so I will travel the world to meet them. Still, above all, I am interested in carrying the message for them to stop and smell their baby.

Don’t Miss: First books for young thinkers

What to Expect When You’re Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff

Publisher: Diana

Review: New updated edition of the world’s best-selling pregnancy guide. It includes the details of the baby’s development week by week, the baby’s last day in the womb and childbirth, and news about perinatal tests and medication during pregnancy. New lifestyle trends are also incorporated: diets, exercise, sex, water or home births, etc.

What to Expect When You're Expecting is available in bookstores and on the Planeta Libros website
What to Expect When You’re Expecting is available in bookstores and on the Planeta Libros website

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

How many kilos can I gain in pregnancy?

Posted on by

One of the concerns while expecting your baby is to stay healthy. You face the dilemma of feeding a being within you and keeping balance for the benefit of you and your little one. We tell you what weight gain during pregnancy is like.

Food is a key element in life; health depends on it since you can prevent many diseases with a balanced diet. While you expect your child, you must have products from all food groups and avoid those with high caloric content and salt.

A study from the University of Granada, Spain, reveals that the Body Mass Index (BMI) before pregnancy is a powerful indicator of the child’s weight at birth. Hence, it is important to promote BMI care to avoid perinatal complication conditions such as macrosomia (when babies are larger than normal) or low birth weight.

Dr. Liliana Cortés, a specialist in nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, explains that weight gain during pregnancy depends on several factors, such as obesity before pregnancy or some pathology. In these cases, the diet must be taken care of even more so that the weight gain is correct for the baby’s development, but without reaching extremes.

“We must remember that if we allow ourselves to gain excess weight, this will result in babies with a heavier weight than appropriate. We are conditioning that our baby may develop a disease in the near future”.

We recommend: Food during pregnancy: What can you eat?

A balanced diet will bring benefits for you and your baby. Photo: Pixabay
A balanced diet will bring benefits for you and your baby. Photo: Pixabay

Target weight gain

Nutritionist Ana María Vilas comments that it is a myth that women should gain 9 kilos during pregnancy; this depends on the particular situation of each one, especially her weight. If she is obese before pregnancy, she should gain less.

The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council details how much a woman should gain during a singleton pregnancy, that is, with a single child:

  • Low weight (BMI at 18.5): 13 to 18 kilos
  • Normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9): 11 to 16 kilos
  • Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9): 7 to 11 kilos
  • Obesity (BMI 30 or more): 5 to 9 kilos

“It’s a weight range you can put on; it doesn’t necessarily have to be the highest or the lowest; you can stay in the middle”.

Nutritionist Ana María Vilas

Weight gain during pregnancy will depend on the health status of the mother. Photo: Pixabay
Weight gain during pregnancy will depend on the health status of the mother. Photo: Pixabay

Multiple pregnancies

When you expect more than one baby, the weight gain must be more significant; it is distributed as follows:

  • Normal weight: From 17 to 25 kg
  • Overweight: 14 to 23 kg
  • Obesity: 11 to 19 kg

“Although it may seem like many kilos, you must consider how much your baby weighs, the placenta, the amniotic fluid, and many other factors that contribute to this increase”, explains nutritionist Ana María Vilas.

“What the mother should keep is more or less two or three kilos of fat because the body prepares for lactation to have more reserves. As soon as the baby is born, most kilos are gone in the first two weeks; those stayed behind leave during lactation”.

When you expect more than one baby, the weight gain is greater. Photo: Pixabay
When you expect more than one baby, the weight gain is greater. Photo: Pixabay

Don’t miss: What you need to know about preeclampsia

Kilos per trimester

You must gain weight little by little throughout your pregnancy, not all in one month, to avoid increasing the risk of suffering from preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Mayo Clinic comments that most women do not need to gain much weight in the first trimester, so they usually gain between 0.5 to 1.8 kilos.

The most significant weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters, especially if you start at a healthy weight or below average. You will gain about half a kilo a week until delivery. That represents about 300 extra calories a day.

For women who are overweight or have a body mass index of 30 or more, it is recommended to increase 200 grams per week in the second and third trimesters.

“Have a healthy diet and keep your prenatal appointments to keep your weight gain during pregnancy on target”.

Mayo Clinic

The most significant weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters. Photo: Shutterstock
The most significant weight gain occurs in the second and third trimesters. Photo: Shutterstock

Do not forget that a balanced diet is vital so that both you and your baby have good health.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version

It may interest you: Warning symptoms in pregnancy, pay attention to them!

Food in pregnancy: what can you eat?

Posted on by

Waiting for your baby’s arrival, you have been told that you should eat for two and satisfy your cravings. How is the diet during pregnancy? Do you have to eat food without restriction?

At this stage, you must be very careful with food and achieve a balance in which you obtain the necessary nutrients for both you and your little one without stopping eating, and do not overdo it with products with a high salt content sugar.

It is essential that you have a healthy and adequate diet according to your age, weight, and specific characteristics, indicates the Ministry of Health.

Because this helps prevent anemia, infections, poor healing in the mother, and premature or low birth weight emphasizes the Ministry.

We recommend: What you need to know about preeclampsia

Food to prevent diseases

A study published in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria from Spain points out that a balanced diet in the first thousand days of life, which is counted from the moment of conception until the child’s first two years, is key to health throughout life; as well as for the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

The nutritionist Rosa Ávila, a specialist in maternal and child nutrition, highlights the importance of having control over food during pregnancy, together with the support of a professional, to prevent diseases such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia; so you must follow a balanced diet in which all food groups are present.

“The most important recommendation is that pregnant women eat as balanced a diet as possible; I’m not talking about following a strict or special diet. The pregnant woman can eat from all the food groups, but her diet must be low in salt, fats, and sugars to preserve the good state of health reflected in the baby”.

She explains that it is not contraindicated for the future mother to fulfill a whim, “As long as she does not have a health condition that limits her, such as the beginning of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes; in that case, you have to look for options that can be adapted to the woman’s condition”.

She adds that the gynecologist should prescribe a special multivitamin for pregnancy, complementing a balanced diet.

Do not miss: Warning symptoms in pregnancy; pay attention to them!

A balanced diet during pregnancy reduces the risk of diseases. Photo: Pixabay
A balanced diet during pregnancy reduces the risk of diseases. Photo: Pixabay

Foods you should eat

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) recommends that pregnant women include these foods in their diet:

  • Seasonal fruits and vegetables: Have between 4 and 5 servings per day, as they provide vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.
  • Carbohydrates: Bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and flour that, in addition to being fortified with folic acid and iron, are essential nutrients.
  • Animal products: Beef, poultry, and fish are good sources of B vitamins, protein, iron, and zinc, as well as fats and oils that are vital for the child’s brain development.
  • Fiber: Orange (with bagasse), tangerine, pineapple, figs, prunes, tamarind, wheat germ, soybeans, oats, barley, green salads. This will reduce constipation.
  • Water: Drink 2 to 3 liters daily.
  • Have five meals a day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. Include all food groups in each of the meals.
  • Tea or coffee: You can have a cup, but not overdo it.
  • Pasteurized cheeses low in fat and salt: Cottage, panela, and fresh cheese will prevent or reduce stomach inflammation.
  • Dairy: Milk and yogurt, in addition to the cheeses mentioned, are a source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
In pregnancy, you should have all food groups. Photo: Pixabay
In pregnancy, you should have all food groups. Photo: Pixabay

It may interest you: Is it safe to wear makeup during pregnancy?

Products to avoid

  • Salt: Be careful with sausages, cheeses, canned goods, jerky, ketchup, mineral water, powdered consommé, olives, and crackers.
  • Raw or undercooked foods: Avoid dishes like sushi, beef tartare, ceviche, raw salmon, and medium-rare meat; you could get an infection if they were not appropriately prepared.
  • Spices and condiments: With this, you will reduce heartburn.
JFoods high in salt, such as sausages, affect your health. Photo: Pixabay
Foods high in salt, such as sausages, affect your health. Photo: Pixabay

Do not forget to consult a specialist to advise you on your diet. A balanced diet will bring benefits to you and your baby.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

What you need to know about preeclampsia

Posted on by

Of the many fears that arise during pregnancy, probably one of the situations that most frightens women is suffering from preeclampsia and its complications. The concern is reasonable: according to a report by the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Mexican Ministry of Health, hypertensive diseases, such as preeclampsia, are one of the main causes of maternal death in that country.

Leonardo Ávila, a gynecologist at the Spanish Hospital, explains that it is a state of pregnancy that can cause hypertension. It usually presents after the 20th week of gestation. Women who suffer from it show signs of proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine) and arterial values greater than 90/140.

According to the World Health Organization, preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal death in developing countries.

If a pregnant woman has preeclampsia and it is not detected or treated early, the results can be severe. Ávila points out, “It usually causes organ damage, kidney failure, and brain hemorrhages. It can also restrict the baby’s growth or cause the pregnancy to be terminated early, so the baby is not always viable. In the worst cases, preeclampsia can lead to the death of mother and child”.

Risk factors for preeclampsia

So far, there are no certainties regarding the risk factors that can predispose women to this disease; however, there is some consensus around some characteristics that could be related. Among them are:

  • Getting pregnant at the extremes of reproductive life. It has been found that many of the women who suffer from this disease are under 18 or over 36.
  • Various studies worldwide have indicated that obesity is more common among women with preeclampsia than even other factors, such as genetics. On the other hand, obesity is a condition that is usually associated with hypertension.
  • Thyroid disorders. Some patients with thyroid gland problems, especially hypothyroidism, are prone to preeclampsia or other hypertensive states during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, most often the liver and kidneys. Photo: Pixabay
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, most often the liver and kidneys.
Photo: Pixabay

How do I know if I have preeclampsia?

To find out, it is essential to go to pregnancy monitoring appointments. In them, your doctor will carry out routine check-ups that can show signs that would help detection, such as monitoring your blood pressure, checking for signs of vasospasm, and confirming that there are no high levels of protein or nitrogen, or toxins in your blood. He will also ask you if you have experienced headaches, ringing in the ears, vomiting or nausea, pain in the upper abdomen or if you have seen lights: all these are alarm signals.

Prevention to avoid complications

The way to prevent preeclampsia is through early medical attention. Some experts recommend performing an ultrasound before the tenth week of pregnancy in which the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries is measured. If there is any alteration, the patient will likely present it, so a straightforward preventive treatment will be prescribed to avoid all the complications of this disease.

If detected early, it can be controlled, and your baby could even be born at 40 weeks. “The most important thing is to make an early diagnosis, give specific antihypertensive medications for this stage, and continuously monitor the baby. However, if he stops growing or there are alterations in the fluids, that is, if little blood arrives, the pregnancy must be terminated, regardless of whether the person is under control”, Ávila points out. Despite this, there are many success stories, “The pregnancy can come to term. Even women with preeclampsia can give birth”. Do not miss your medical appointments; continuous monitoring is essential for your health and that of your baby.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Other topics of interest: Warning symptoms in pregnancy

Is it safe to wear makeup during pregnancy?

Benefits of singing to the baby

Is it safe to wear makeup during pregnancy?

Posted on by

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.

We recommend: What you should put in your hospital bag

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

Postpartum sex: When can you have intercourse?

Posted on by

Pregnancy involves a physical and mental transformation. For nine months, your body adapts to give life, undergoes a series of changes that do not end by giving birth, and your relationship is no exception. Returning to your activities after the baby is born includes intimacy: What is postpartum sex like?

Both you and your partner must be aware of the significant change that your body went through. The fatigue involved not only in giving birth but also in adjusting the entire dynamics of the home before the arrival of a new member and the physical wear and tear that entails bringing life into the world. Therefore, both must have patience and support each other to find those spaces to connect.

The first 40 days after childbirth, either by delivery or C-section, are called the puerperium. During this period, the woman’s body progressively recovers the characteristics it had before pregnancy, explains the World Health Organization (WHO).

At this stage, there is abundant bleeding called lochia, in addition to colic, a symptom that the uterus is returning to its original size. Beyond these physical changes, you are faced with many other factors that alter all aspects of life, including your sexuality.

We recommend: The 30 best phrases of love for Valentine’s Day

The baby’s arrival implies many changes in which sexuality will be affected. Photo: Pixabay
The baby’s arrival implies many changes in which sexuality will be affected. Photo: Pixabay

Postpartum sex

After six weeks of giving birth, women can have sexual relations again, according to the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS); however, several factors can complicate this aspect, such as: having had complications in childbirth, if there was a tear that needs surgery or, the lack of sexual desire.

Mayo Clinic recommends that women set their times according to their physical and emotional state. Resuming sexual relations can be a longer and more complex process involving hormonal and emotional factors.

“The risk of complications after childbirth is higher during the first two weeks. Waiting will also give your body time to heal. In addition to postpartum discharge and vaginal tears, you may experience fatigue, vaginal dryness, pain, and low sex drive. If you had a vaginal tear that required surgical repair, you might have to wait longer”.

Psychologist Soledad Sánchez from the Chilean Institute of Reproductive Medicine explains that postpartum can be a difficult period in the relationship, which requires adjustments in the couple and a lot of mutual understanding.

“Many times, couples try to restart their sexual life as if nothing had happened, unaware of the changes, the gap between them, and the need to seek a new form of relationship or a new balance. For this reason, it is necessary to dedicate some time to the subject and support the couple”.

The physical and emotional changes after childbirth can make intimacy as a couple difficult. Photo: Shutterstock
The physical and emotional changes after childbirth can make intimacy as a couple difficult. Photo: Shutterstock

Is it going to hurt?

One of the main obstacles that many women experience when resuming intimacy is the fear of pain. The research Recovery of sexual activity after childbirth, published in the scientific-health journal SANUM from Spain, points out that concern about the state of the genitals after childbirth is another factor that makes it difficult to resume sexual life.

When facing the emotional sequelae, “After childbirth, the good quality of the couple’s relationship is essential for the emotional stabilization of the new mother”, details the study led by Manuela Velázquez Barrios, a specialist nurse in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Virgen del Rocío Hospital.

“It is necessary for the emotional stabilization of women, to share tasks, and that the couple does not feel displaced. It makes it easier to have common time for the approach and the resurgence of the desire for intimacy, tenderness, and sexual relations”.

Hormonal changes, especially if you are breastfeeding, can make it difficult for the vagina to lubricate and thus lead to difficulty and discomfort during intercourse. You may experience some pain during sex if you are healing from an episiotomy or perineal tears.

Tips to get back to intimacy

To regain intimacy after childbirth, Mayo Clinic recommends:

  • Try to ease the pain: Take a hot bath or take an over-the-counter pain reliever; if you feel burning, you can apply ice wrapped in a towel to the area.
  • Use lubricant: Preferably water-based to remedy vaginal dryness. This can be helpful if you have vaginal dryness.
  • Be creative: Let your imagination run wild to create intimacy; try alternatives to sex. Both of you need to communicate about what makes you feel good.
  • Quality time: Find some time to spend as a couple, do something together that you like, and forget about stress.
  • Consult your doctor: If sex continues to be painful, see your doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Find times for you and your partner to connect. Photo: Pixabay
Find times for you and your partner to connect. Photo: Pixabay

Pelvic floor: how to exercise it?

It is the set of muscles and ligaments that surround the abdominal cavity and support the bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, and rectum; it is normal for these muscles to be affected by the weight we carry during pregnancy.

This muscular structure is essential for various body functions, including sexual function. The AtempoCare Organization points out that a pelvic floor causes us to have less sensation in intimacy and that orgasm is more difficult to achieve.

Given this, the institution recommends going to a specialized physiotherapist to tell you the state of your pelvic floor and the exercises to strengthen it. The recovery of this set of muscles is easier during the postpartum period and up to two years after giving birth.

Inmaculada Santos García, a physiotherapist and member of Top Doctors Spain, comments that hypopressive and Kegel exercises are beneficial for the recovery of this area; she highlights the importance of going to a professional and performing these routines with supervision to avoid injuries.

Hypopressive and Kegel exercises help recover pelvic pain. Photo: Pixabay
Hypopressive and Kegel exercises help recover pelvic pain. Photo: Pixabay

Do not forget that your body has just given birth and needs time to recover. Talk to your partner, together will find a way to resume intimacy.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: here

Older posts