Category Archives: Pregnancy

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Benefits of singing to the baby during pregnancy: pamper him from the womb

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Babies like you sing, talk to them, and play music for them. Singing to the baby makes him relax, fall asleep faster, smile, and give us a babble. We can carry out this activity from the fifth month of pregnancy when his ears have fully developed. Benefits of singing to the baby during pregnancy: pamper him from the womb.

Benefits

Prenatal singing is a means through which, through the voice, “A mother will be able to connect with her daughter or son from the gestation stage”, explains Rocío Parga, founder of Terra Roja (Goddesses in Sorority).

The clinical and perinatal psychologist, trained in prenatal singing, mentions that sounds accompany the baby since pregnancy. The first thing he will hear will be the mother’s heartbeat, like a constant drum that never stops.

In the womb, he will hear the sounds of the intestines and breathing, especially if they are conscious and deep breaths. He will also attend to the sound of the placenta receiving blood, oxygen, and nutrients. “It is a beautiful sound, very similar to that made by the sea, very relaxing as it reminds us of our most primitive state”, says Parga, trained as a doula in Barcelona.

Sing to the baby to secrete oxytocin and endorphins

The mother’s voice is another of the sounds that the baby will hear during his life in the womb. For Rocío Parga, singing is a tool all women can use to connect with their babies, but it also serves as a natural pain reliever when giving birth. By vocalizing and relaxing the throat, the vaginal canal relaxes, and contractions become less painful.

For the specialist, singing before and after pregnancy will cause multiple benefits:

  • With just the use of the voice, a mom or dad can soothe his little one by singing a lullaby while looking into his eyes and stroking him.
  • Singing makes both parents and babies feel happy, joyful, and loving because they secrete oxytocin, the hormone of pleasure and love.
  • When you breastfeed your baby, the expert recommends singing, looking into his eyes, and caressing him.

According to the Guide for stimulation and psychomotricity in the early education of the National Council for Educational Development (CONAFE), some research has shown that newborn children respond to their mother’s voice with tiny movements, almost invisible is synchrony between movements and words.

The document mentions that it is essential for the mother to talk to and coo over the baby because:

  • The physical contact between them will help the baby lower muscle tension.
  • She will calm the child when he cries or is restless.
  • Cooing is a rhythmic stimulus for the baby.

Recovering our roots

Some songs have been sung to children for many years, transcending time. For Rocío Parga, prenatal singing also seeks to recover our roots and continue with the tradition of singing to babies, “A connection that has been lost and that we need to recover for its many benefits”.

Prenatal singing not only promotes singing but also provides affection through love songs.

You don’t need to be a professional singer to do prenatal singing, “You just need to do it with your heart, to give love to your children through it and create strong bonds. They are not going to notice if we go out of tune, but they will notice our intention”, concludes the expert.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Warning symptoms in pregnancy; pay attention to them!

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In pregnancy, a common complaint, such as nausea or constipation, is not the same as medical emergencies, such as vaginal bleeding or ringing in the ears. Therefore, if you present any of these warning symptoms in any trimester, you should consult your doctor immediately to avoid complications.

The gynecologist and obstetrician Germán Palacios López, from the Star Médica Lomas Verdes Hospital, emphasizes that a pregnant woman must learn to listen to her body and, if necessary, go to the emergency room, but never ignore some symptoms or warning signs.

At any stage of pregnancy, time is a critical factor if it is an obstetric emergency. The faster a pregnant woman is treated, the fewer consequences she will have, “Because, in most cases, the complications that occur can be prevented or managed, as long as they are resolved as soon as possible”, explains Palacios López, a certified doctor by the Mexican Council of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

While most pregnancies and births are uneventful, there can be risks.

Recognizing an obstetric emergency

An obstetric emergency requires prompt attention to safeguard the life of the pregnant woman and the baby, “It is defined as that state of health that endangers the life of the woman and/or the product, and that also requires immediate medical attention and /or surgery”, states the document Obstetric emergencies in Mexico: designation of concept and use, by Guadalupe Ramírez and Graciela Freyermuth, published by the Observatory of Maternal Mortality in Mexico.

For Palacios López, in most obstetric emergencies, there will always be a certain point of margin to act, control, and prevent fatal complications. Hence, a pregnant woman must consult her doctor in the presence of any different or abnormal symptom, no matter how minimal it is.

Warning symptoms you should know

The military doctor comments that among the symptoms that should alert a pregnant woman to go to the emergency room immediately are:

  • A temperature of 38°C or higher, occurring at any time during pregnancy, requires medical attention.
  • Transvaginal fluid leakage or bleeding. Before 20 weeks, it will be considered a threatened abortion. After 20 weeks, it will be a threat of premature labor. “It is essential to differentiate between liquid and blood: the first may be due to a water break. But if there is bleeding, it may be due to a placental abruption,” says Palacios.
  • Swelling of face and fingers.
  • Severe or continuous headache.
  • Elevation of blood pressure to more than 140/90 mmHg is a sign of pre-eclampsia.
  • Pain or burning when urinating can mean an infection. In severe cases, it may require hospitalization.
  • Decreased fetal movements. After week 24, one way to know if a baby is doing well is counting his movements. Whenever a mother notices the absence or decrease in fetal movements (less than ten movements a day), she should immediately go to the emergency room, “This is a measure that helps prevent intrauterine deaths”, says the specialist..

On the other hand, the IMSS also advises a pregnant woman to go to the hospital, regardless of the day and time, when there is one or more of the symptoms mentioned above and the following:

  • See colored “lights”
  • Have ringing in the ears
  • Painful contractions before due time

Finally, among the discomforts that are NOT an obstetric emergency, but DO require that you consult your doctor, are:

  • Throwing up
  • Vaginal infection (discharge, burning, itching, bad smell)
  • Discomfort when urinating
  • Flu and/or cough
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Appearance of rashes on the body

About 15 percent of all pregnant women experience some life-threatening complication that requires skilled care and, in some cases, major obstetric intervention for survival.

WHO

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Drowsy during pregnancy? This is the reason and what you can do about it

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One of the most perceived symptoms from the beginning of pregnancy is sleep when you are pregnant. What is the reason we feel so tired? Our eyes are closed! But like all the changes that happen during this stage, it has a curious reason.

Drowsiness during pregnancy

During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone increase, and your metabolism is at a high level, which can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If you work or have other children to take care of, this can be a big problem, as it is difficult to control the desire to lie down for a while and sleep soundly.

“During pregnancy, the metabolism increases, and the body stores cholesterol, glucose, etc. Yes, there is some tiredness and sleep. This is because the metabolism is saving resources. That, coupled with the hormone progesterone, which also increases in levels, makes you feel sleepy,” explains gynecologist Susana Haquet Santana, academic of the Department of Embryology and Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine, UNAM.

During the first trimester, things are like this. You will be more eager to sleep than usual, which is normal. You will feel tired while watching how your body transforms to protect and promote your baby’s development.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the levels of the hormone progesterone increase, and your metabolism is working triple. This can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Photo: Pxhere
At the beginning of pregnancy, the levels of the hormone progesterone increase, and your metabolism is working triple. This can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Photo: Pxhere

The placenta, the organ that nourishes the baby throughout his growth, is forming. Your body is making more blood; your heart is beating faster. All of you is preparing to give life.

What can we do? Be patient. Drink water to cool down. When you can’t anymore, get up and take a walk. Eat well and take your vitamins. Sleep during pregnancy is normal, but if you are underweight, one of the main symptoms of anemia is an increased feeling of tiredness and fatigue. The consumption of iron-rich foods is highly recommended: green leafy vegetables, oily nuts, and fruits with vitamin C. Preferably whole, not in juice.

Later, things change. Tiredness doesn’t go away, but it will be hard for some moms to fall asleep. Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different, so there are no rules.

.

As the baby grows, many women find it challenging to get enough uninterrupted sleep. Photo: PxFuel
As the baby grows, many women find it challenging to get enough uninterrupted sleep. Photo: PxFuel

Trouble sleeping during pregnancy

According to the Mayo Clinic, typical symptoms during pregnancy could disturb sleep. For example:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Need to urinate often
  • Physical discomfort (tender breasts, back pain, leg cramps, heartburn, itching, shortness of breath, restless leg syndrome)
  • Fetal movement
  • Snoring
  • Anxiety about labor and delivery
  • Sleep disorders

What can you do to sleep well?

From the beginning, it is a good idea to get used to sleeping on your side (preferably on the left side, with your legs bent). This is the most comfortable position as the pregnancy progresses. You can experiment with different pillows. Many women find it helpful to put one under the abdomen or between the legs. There are pillows for pregnant women, too.

Take care of your diet. Minimize caffeinated beverages, colas, coffee, and tea. Many doctors recommend having a bigger breakfast and lunch and a lighter dinner at night, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. Drink enough water during the day and less when you are about to sleep. It would help if you also tried to eat the amount indicated by your doctor.

Lastly, always consult your specialist. He can help you specifically with your case.

Translated by: Liga M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Gender reveal parties: why are they controversial?

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The arrival of a baby is a long-awaited event in the family, so the announcement about whether it will be a girl or a boy has become a reason for celebration. Gender reveal parties have become viral but at the same time controversial.

Social networks have been filled with photos of pink and blue balloons and confetti, announcing whether a baby will be a girl or a boy. Still, Internet users have expressed their discontent with these parties, arguing that gender stereotypes are reproduced.

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What is gender?

The anthropologist Marta Lamas defines gender as “the set of ideas, representations, practices and social prescriptions that a culture develops from the anatomical difference between women and men to symbolize and socially construct what is “proper” to men (the masculine) and “proper” to women (the feminine).

While the National Commission to Prevent and Eradicate Violence Against Women (Conavim) points out that gender refers to “the social attributes and opportunities associated with being a man or a woman, and the relationships between women and men, girls and boys”.

While sex is defined as “the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women”.

Once the above is understood, let’s analyze why they are causing so much controversy. The debate focuses on whether it is necessary to give so much importance to the gender of the baby and thus feed the preconceived ideas that exist in society on the subject.

Gender reveal parties: a decision of the couple

Marisol Pérez Ramos, an academic from the Department of Sociology at the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM), pointed out that holding a party to reveal the baby’s gender is a decision for each couple.

She considered that the discussion should focus on parenting practices that maintain gender roles, thus limiting the development of activities to children, believing them to be for girls or boys.

“It is a fantasy of the parents, there is a lot of questioning about these parties not being held, or if they are, that is a decision of each couple, even if they know that it is a boy or a girl, the issue is how you raise them”.

The academic commented that the discussion should focus on the roles that society establishes regarding expectations about the behavior of girls and boys because they contribute to the prevalence of inequality between men and women.

The discussion has to do with gender roles, it has to do with the parts that are socially established, gender revelations have no implication; what has importance is how we raise through functions, the role is what determines you, yes I’m a woman I can’t play with toy cars, or I can’t like dinosaurs; or if it is a boy, he may not like dolls or kitchen games, that is what needs to be changed.

Origin of gender reveal parties

Although these events are recent in Mexico, they have been held in the United States for just over ten years. The blogger and YouTuber Jenna Karvunidis says she is the creator of this type of party since, in 2008, she announced with a pink cake to her family that the baby she was expecting would be a girl.

Since then, piñatas, balloons, fireworks, and other elements have been added to these parties to determine whether the new family member will be a boy or a girl.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Falling down during pregnancy

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When we are expecting a baby, we avoid sudden movements and high-impact exercises to reduce the risk of bumps and falls during pregnancy. However, even if we take care of ourselves, accidents happen, so we must be attentive to the symptoms that could indicate that the fall, no matter how insignificant, can be risky for our little one.

Should I worry if I fall down during pregnancy?

Yvonne Butler Tobah, a Mayo Clinic physician, explains in her article, Fall during pregnancy, that falls are a common cause of minor injuries and, in some cases, can be harmful to the mother-to-be and her baby.

You have to take things calmly, be attentive to warning symptoms and call your gynecologist if you have any questions. Maybe it is nothing but the shock, as the human body is designed to protect the baby during pregnancy.

“The walls of the uterus are thick, strong muscles that help protect your baby. The amniotic fluid also works as a protection. During the first weeks of pregnancy, the uterus is located behind the pelvic bone. Minor falls during early pregnancy are not usually a cause for concern”.

“However, falls in the late second and early third trimesters could be harmful for both you and your baby, especially if there is direct trauma to the abdomen”, Butler explains in her text.

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Signs of danger after a fall during pregnancy

Dr. Mercedes Álvarez Goris (Gynecologist Lucina), a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, explains the symptoms to which we must pay attention after a fall, as they are indicative that something is not right.

  1. Contractions
  2. Your tummy gets hard
  3. Pain in the belly
  4. If you suddenly don’t notice the baby’s movements. Especially in the second half of pregnancy if you don’t feel your baby for more than an hour.
  5. Liquid discharge. Your water could have broken if you notice that abundant liquid comes out.
  6. Vaginal bleeding

If you have any of these symptoms, seek urgent aid. If you do not perceive any change, but you have doubts, make an appointment with your doctor for a complete check-up and calm down.

Main reasons for falls during pregnancy

Throughout the pregnancy we must be cautious, but at the end we must be especially careful. For example:

  • When going up and down stairs, hold on to railings or ask someone for support
  • Put a non-slip mat in the shower
  • Avoid wearing heels
  • Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness
  • Try to walk safely, avoiding dangerous, uneven, inclined or slippery surfaces

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Do not forget that your body axis of balance changes during this period.

“You increase your size, your spine curves, the belly grows and starts to pull you forward. In this period you are more prone to sudden falls and bumps. That is why, especially in the third trimester, it is recommended not to make movements that require a lot of balance or a lot of motor agility”, indicates the gynecologist Mercedes Álvarez.

Take it easy, you do not need to add extra stress. A visit to your doctor to rule out any danger will help you to be calmer.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

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Postpartum bleeding or lochia: what they are and when to go to the doctor

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The first days after childbirth, either vaginally or by C-section, there is considerable bleeding known as lochia (or discharge, grandmothers would say). “They resemble a very abundant period and they will change color as the days go by”, says Dr. Mercedes Álvarez Goris (Lucina Gynecologist), specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

What are lochia or postpartum bleeding?

For many women, it is surprising, and even worrying, the amount of blood that can appear after having a baby. However, lochia is completely normal, it is the way in which your body recovers from pregnancy. In fact, the blood that comes out is the lining of the uterus.

When you were pregnant, your uterus was covered with blood and tissue, once you deliver your baby, the body eliminates lochia much like the menstrual cycle. On the first or second day, this bleeding can seem alarming, particularly because of the coagulated blood, “At first it is like a very abundant period and it changes color as the days go by, from red or brown, then yellow and white, until they disappear”, explains the gynecologist.

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When should I go to the doctor?

According to Dr. Álvarez, there are some tips that can help you identify if they are “abnormal”:

  1. The lochia must not be fetid, they must not have an unpleasant odor. “They have a sui generis smell, like iron and blood, but they shouldn’t have a bad smell”.
  2. The vaginal cavity should not feel hot.
  3. There should be no a 38°C or higher fever.
  4. The clots should not be very large (the size of a fist or an orange, for example).
  5. Watch out for bleeding. The amount of lochia is more abundant than a period, but not so much more than you have to change the soaked sanitary pad in less than two hours. If you are changing the pad in less than two hours and you notice that the bleeding is extreme, you have to go to the emergency room immediately because it could be a postpartum hemorrhage”, explains the expert.

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How long do lochia last?

Lochia discharge varies greatly from woman to woman. “They usually last about 15 days and appear regardless of whether it was a C-section or vaginal delivery”, says Álvarez. Although there are women, especially if they had a multiple pregnancy, who may have these bleeding for longer.

Types of lochia

According to their color and approximate duration (remember that we are all different), they can be classified into the following:

Lochia rubra (dark red blood): It is the first bleeding after childbirth. It can flow continuously or by intervals. They last up to four days after you have the baby.

Lochia serosa (pinkish-brownish discharge): They become less intense. There is increased exudation and the secretion is more watery. It lasts between five and seven days.

Lochia alba (yellowish-white): The mucous secretion increases. It lasts about ten days.

Lochia is usually not painful, but frightening. Considering these data you should see a doctor. Even if you have large clots and are in doubt, don’t wait to measure it or see if it’s bigger than your fist, see your doctor, especially if you suddenly start bleeding heavily again, moreover if the blood is bright red.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Which kind of exercise can a pregnant woman do and which is not recommended?

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In general, exercising has many benefits, but there are some that are not recommended when a woman is pregnant. What factors should be considered before? Which ones can you do and which ones can’t you do when you’re expecting a baby? According to Mayo Clinic, exercising during pregnancy has great advantages:

  • It can help you through labor and delivery
  • It reduces back pain, constipation, bloating and swelling
  • It improves your mood and energy level
  • It helps you sleep better
  • It prevents excessive weight gain
  • It helps you gain strength and endurance
  • There is a lower risk of gestational diabetes
  • It could help you for a shorter labor
  • There is a reduced risk of having a C-section

However, as Dr. Mercedes Álvarez Goris, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, explains, “You can exercise during pregnancy if you were already doing it. If you were a sedentary person before pregnancy, pregnancy is not the best time to start doing aerobics or high-impact exercises”.

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Exercise and pregnancy

Before starting any sport during this stage, you must first take into account individual risk factors and what your gynecologist tells you.

The doctor will advise against physical activity if there are any of the following contraindications:

  • Some form of heart and lung disease
  • If there is pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure
  • If there are cervical problems
  • If persistent vaginal bleeding occurs
  • If problems are detected in the placenta

What kind of exercises can a pregnant woman do?

With your doctor’s permission, you can do exercise that doesn’t put a pregnant woman at risk for trauma or falls. “What can you do? You can walk or do low-impact exercises”, says the gynecologist.

  • You can walk, jog lightly, especially in the first months of pregnancy, when your belly allows it.
  • You can swim during all three trimesters.
  • You can do yoga; there is something called prenatal yoga, it has special postures, and it adapts to the trimesters you are going through.
  • You can low-impact dance

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What kind of exercises should I avoid during pregnancy?

According to Dr. Álvarez, high-impact exercises should be avoided because you can hurt yourself. For example:

  • You can’t ride a bike because you can fall off
  • You can’t ride a bike because you can fall off
  • Avoid any sport that involves balls because you can get hit (football, tennis, racquetball)
  • Say no to exercises that require “jerking” and bouncing movements. For example, horse riding, skating, skiing, gymnastics, etc.
  • Do not go for any sport that involves high impact or contact: boxing, tae kwon do, judo, etc.

Can I jump during pregnancy?

This is a frequently asked question and the specialist answers, “Come on, you can jump in the first and second trimesters if you don’t have a threat of abortion or your doctor does not recommend the opposite, but if you have any contraindication or you are already in an advanced pregnancy, definitely not”.

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Starting the second trimester avoid balance exercises

According to the expert, you have to be very careful, especially at the end of pregnancy, with balance exercises.

From the second trimester, in the middle of your pregnancy, more or less when your belly begins to show well, that is to say in month six or seven, the axis of balance changes.

You increase your dimensions, your spine curves, your belly grows and begins to pull you forward. In this period, you are more prone to accidental falls and bumps. 

“That is why, especially in the third trimester, doctors recommend you not to do movements that require a lot of balance or agility. Hence, one of the great recommendations for exercising during pregnancy is water, because swimming is low impact”, concludes the expert.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Recovery after childbirth: how long does it take? How can I take care of myself?

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Your baby has just been born: you are exhausted, excited and with many questions. You finally have that beautiful piece of flesh and bone that you carried in your womb for nine months. You and your partner will give everything to take care of him for the rest of your lives, but regardless of your baby’s needs, on the first days, weeks and months you also need to take care of yourself and to focused your energy in the recovery after childbirth.

How long will you be in hospital after giving birth?

Dr. Mercedes Álvarez Goris, a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, explains that if you have a vaginal delivery, without any complications, the minimum you will be in the hospital is 24 hours. “If there is no risk factor, I mean, that the woman doesn’t suffer from hypertension or diabetes, she must mandatorily be 24 hours in hospital, although she can be up to two days to get help with the baby or anything”, says the expert.

When it is a surgical or C-section delivery, you can stay a few more days, “As it is an incision, they can stay a few more days for pain management and it can vary from 48 to 72 hours”.

Many years ago, women stayed up to a week or ten days in hospital, but those times are over. Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages, there are people around you who take care of you and help you solve situations with the baby, but you are not in your environment, you do not have any of your things, and that can be a bit suffocating.

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General recommendations when leaving the hospital

When you leave the hospital your first impulse will be to be 101% caring for your baby, but may I tell you something? If you are well, your little one will be too, so it will be important that you follow the general recommendations for your care.

According to the gynecologist, the stage after childbirth is called the puerperium and the recommendations, whether after having a vaginal or surgical delivery, may vary from woman to woman, but in general terms they are:

  • Have a good diet: fruits, vegetables and proteins, avoid fats.
  • Relax: Absolute rest should be avoided. I mean, walk or move a little since lying down can cause coagulation problems and the risk of developing clots in the legs increases.
  • Rest: To the best of your ability, sleep. Your baby will also spend his first days sleeping, take advantage and recover.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
  • Hygiene: Take showers carefully.
  • Take your medications: especially if it was a C-section delivery. Antibiotics and painkillers are usually prescribed.
"The girdle: although there is no real evidence that it helps, there are women who feel very safe wearing it", she adds.

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When will my body return to normal?

The puerperium stage is well established medically, it lasts 42 days and it is known as quarantine. In this time, says Mercedes Álvarez, the body will begin a period of adaptation.

  • There is a redistribution of fluids and recovery begins
  • The uterus gets smaller in the first 24 hours
  • In the first 48 hours, the woman feels swollen, a little plumper, but this decreases over the days
  • Lochia, which is bleeding after childbirth, goes from being very abundant to scarce and changes color.
  • Lactation starts
  • The body loses its pregnant shape and returns to its original one

However, although in the puerperium stage you begin to recover, full recovery will come months later.

“Many women believe that once they give birth, their body returns to what it was like before pregnancy, but is not like that, it is a slow process, especially regarding the body composition, but everything returns to normal. There is no set time, it depends on each woman”, explains the doctor.

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Full recovery, up to a year later, research states

In a research by the University of Salford in Greater Manchester, England, Dr. Julie Wray interviewed several groups of women to get a broad view of postnatal recovery. In her conclusion, the scientist suggested that the body requires at least 365 to return to normal. In addition, she revealed that new mothers are dissatisfied with postnatal services, saying, according to Wray, that the six-week recovery time was a “fantasy”. Each woman is different.

The truth is that postpartum recovery takes time. You have to take it with patience and responsibility. Take care of yourself!

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

More interesting topics:

Basic skin care during pregnancy

Virtual Baby Shower, a growing trend

7 ideas to reveal the gender of your baby

Quick guide to make a milk bank

How breasts change during pregnancy

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The human body is perfect and proof of this are the changes that occur in women when we are pregnant. Everything lines up to receive our baby, each of our cells prepares to give life. These transformations not only occur in the uterus and internal organs, but also physiologically and, after the womb, the breasts are where the increase in size is most appreciated.

This is how breasts change during pregnancy

Breast enlargement starts from the beginning of pregnancy. “The increase in estrogen and progesterone causes the mammary glands to mature, then they begin to prepare themselves to produce milk when the baby is born”, says gynecologist Susana Haquet Santana, academic from the Department of Embryology and Genetics from the Faculty of Medicine, UNAM.

How breasts change in the first trimester

The first thing that many women identify when they are expecting a baby is some tension in the breasts; they begin to feel sore and often it is even the first sign of pregnancy. The increase in hormones makes both the nipples and the breasts more sensitive.

Each woman is different, some would notice that they grow from the beginning, others would not see drastic changes until delivery (with the milk coming in). Breasts may feel swollen, tingly, or the nipples stick out more than usual. All this is normal.

“The changes in the breasts begin from the moment the embryo is implanted, the increase in estrogen and progesterone happens; therefore, the breasts will increase in size and may feel painful and sensitive. Women notice this changes from the beginning”, adds Dr. Haquet.

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Breast changes during the second trimester

Some women would feel their breasts larger and heavier. At this stage you may need a larger bra, or perhaps you would think of a special one that will also help for breastfeeding. There are elastic ones, without seams, with wide straps which unfasten right where the breast is to feed the baby. Choose one that makes you feel comfortable, just try to avoid the ones with underwire.  

At this point it is possible (or not, remember that we are all different) that you notice that the areola and nipples area darkens. Some also have small bumps or pimples (Montgomery’s tubercles).

There is a reason for these lumps: they secrete moisturizing oil that protects you from pain and their scent helps guide the newborn to your nipples. It is highly recommended that, just as you take care of your belly, you keep your breasts hydrated to avoid stretch marks.

You can use a special cream or sweet almond oil. Note: When you are breastfeeding, it is important that you do not remove the natural oils from your breasts, just clean them after each feeding with a towel with warm water and gently dry them.

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Changes during the third trimester of pregnancy

“In the end, from week 36 or 37, there could even be some milk secretion”, explains the gynecologist Susana Haquet.

The breasts begin to grow a little more. You may notice a yellowish discharge coming from the nipples (some women notice this as early as the second trimester). This is colostrum and it is the first food given to the baby.

It is said that it is our children’s first vaccine because in addition to nutrients, mainly proteins, fats, water and lactose, it also contains immunological factors, which protect them against germs in the environment.

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What happens to the breasts after giving birth?

You will notice that your breasts are full. This is because you are starting to produce milk, but also because the blood circulating through your breasts has increased. Probably you will feel that you have milk “balls”, this is called congestion and is quite common.

Your baby will eat and release the load of milk. If you still have too much milk, you can use a manual pump and save the milk for the moment when your partner bottle feed your baby. If you feel very uncomfortable, talk to your doctor, he will be able to tell you what to do for your particular case.

As the baby grows, you will see that the feeling that your breasts are full decreases, but that does not mean that you will produce less milk.

Around the time your little one reaches 15 months of age, you will notice that your breast size is similar to what it was before you got pregnant no matter if you continue breastfeeding or not.

The reason is that your breasts are working more efficiently after six months of your baby’s birth, so it is very likely that there is a redistribution of breast tissue that allows you to have milk without engorgement.

After weaning, your breasts return to their pre-pregnancy size within three months. Obviously if you get pregnant again, the process starts all over again.

Isn’t it amazing how our body works?

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Vaginal discharge during pregnancy, is it normal?

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Pregnancy causes changes in vaginal discharge. The color, texture, volume and frequency may vary, but you should NOT confuse them with vaginal fluid. In this article we will explain what is normal and what is not.

All women have vaginal secretions

Whether we are pregnant or not, all women have vaginal secretions. They start a little before puberty and stop with the menopause. What is their purpose? Well, they help the vagina be clean, without infections; they are a mixture of cervical mucus and other fluids produced in the vagina itself, the uterus or the cervix. “Vaginal secretions help keep vaginal tissues healthy, provide lubrication, and provide protection against infection and irritation. The amount, color, and consistency of normal vaginal secretions vary: from whitish and sticky to clear and liquid depending on the stage of the reproductive (menstrual) cycle”, explains the Mayo Clinic.

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Every woman is different. Some have discharge from time to time, others have a little daily. The amount varies from woman to woman, and it even changes throughout life. But not all secretions are normal.

Is vaginal discharge normal during pregnancy?

The flow as such is NOT normal (at any time), what are normal are the vaginal secretions. Especially in the second trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic.

During pregnancy it is possible to notice “a sticky, transparent or white vaginal discharge, which is normal”. However, if it has a strong odor, an unusual color (intense green or yellow), or if it is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or itching in the vaginal area could indicate a vaginal infection.

“There should be no discharge during pregnancy. Some women detect cervical mucus, which all women have, but during pregnancy it becomes thicker, a whitish, but there should be no discomfort such as itching, bad smell or burning”.

“The cervical mucus looks thick and stains the panties, that’s it. If vaginal discharge is present, it is a symptom of infection and then we would be talking about another issue that requires medical treatment”, explains Susana Haquet Santana, an academic from the Department of Embryology and Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine, UNAM.

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Why is there vaginal discharge?

Abnormal vaginal discharge has many causes. When the woman is not pregnant, most discharge is relatively harmless (such as vaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis) although they are very uncomfortable. It can also be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections.

But be careful, when the woman is pregnant it is very important that the doctor provides treatment before the baby is born because infections can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth. Your gynecologist will be able to provide you with treatment that will help you against abnormal vaginal discharge and infections, without putting your baby at risk. If you are expecting a baby, never try to solve it on your own with over-the-counter medications, go to your specialist; remember that at this stage we must be very careful with medications.

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If you are at the end of pregnancy, pay attention if there is a sudden increase in mucous vaginal discharge. Pay attention if it is thick and transparent, light yellow or brown, sometimes stained with blood. In this case you could be losing your mucus plug, which indicates the moment of delivery.

Also at the end of pregnancy, be very careful that the secretion you are losing is not amniotic fluid because it is a vital element to protect the baby inside the womb. In all cases, if in doubt, contact your doctor immediately.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Symptoms of pregnancy before a missed period

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How wonderful it would be to have clear pregnancy symptoms before the period is missed! However, although it is one of the most frequent searches on Google, there are very few signs that could indicate that we are expecting a baby before the absence of menstruation.

Pregnancy symptoms before a missed period

The clearest sign of pregnancy, when we all go for a test, be it home or blood in a laboratory, is the absence of menstruation. But, can I tell you something? The woman’s body begins to prepare itself from the moment of conception.

They are subtle symptoms, most of the time unnoticed, and can be confused with premenstrual symptoms or other external factors. According to Susana Haquet Santana, an academic from the Department of Embryology and Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, the symptoms of pregnancy before the period is absent are very few: “It could be a little pain or tension in the mammary glands. Perhaps a slight nausea”, explains the expert.

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Breast changes

Do you notice something different in your breasts? Are they more sensitive, even hurtful?

“From the beginning, there is a greater secretion of hormones that affects the breasts. Estrogen and progesterone cause the mammary glands to mature; they begin to prepare so that when the baby is born, milk production can occur”.

“This begins from the moment the embryo is implanted, breasts begin to increase in size, you can also feel the painful and sensitive mammary glands. This change can be noticed by women from the beginning”, explains the gynecologist.

A little bleeding

Implantation bleeding, usually defined as staining or light bleeding that occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, is normal and can appear before you even expect your period.  

Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic explains: “It occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. Implantation bleeding usually occurs around the time you would expect to have your period, a little earlier. This bleeding is lighter than the one that occurs when menstruating”. But beware, some women do not have implantation bleeding, and in others it goes unnoticed. It is also possible to confuse it with a light menstruation. If this happens, you may not realize you’re pregnant, which can lead to confusion when determining your baby’s due date.

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Sickness

A classic that you see in the movies to refer to pregnancy before the period is missed is nausea. Dr. Mary Marnach, also from the Mayo Clinic, explains that nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are due to the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). “Pregnant women begin to produce HCG soon after the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus”.

Dr. Susana Haquet, from UNAM, adds, “Nausea occurs before there is a menstrual delay and during the first three months. Especially there is a peak between week 10 and 12″.

But despite the hype in movies, many women never experience nausea. In addition, it is very common to believe that it is because some food has made them sick, which is why the vast majority of women do not perceive them or relate them as such.

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Other possible symptoms of pregnancy before the missed period

In the article Symptoms of pregnancy, what comes first, Mayo Clinic explains some other signs at the beginning of pregnancy, but they are not exclusive to this stage either. Most are due to hormonal changes:

Increased urination: The amount of blood in the body increases during pregnancy, causing the kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in the bladder.

Fatigue: It is also one of the first symptoms. During the early stages, levels of the hormone progesterone rise, making you feel drowsy.

Mood swings: The rush of hormones can make you feel unusually emotional and tearful.

Bloating: Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can make you feel bloated like you would feel at the beginning of your menstrual period.

Cramps: Some women experience uterine cramps (stinging pain in the lower abdomen).

Constipation: Hormonal changes can cause the digestive system to slow down.

Food aversions (disgust): You may become more sensitive to smells and your sense of taste may change.

Nasal congestion: Also, due to the increase in hormones, it is possible for the mucous membranes of the nose to swell and it can make your nose feel “stuffy”.

Am I really pregnant if I have any of these symptoms?

Here we go again, unfortunately all these signs and symptoms are NOT exclusive to pregnancy, so do not hallucinate, otherwise your doubts and stress may increase.

If you have doubts, the best thing to do is to take a pregnancy test and make an appointment with your doctor to confirm it, rule it out or, in any case, find out the causes of your weird symptoms.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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10 frequently asked questions about pregnancy

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When we get pregnant or trying to get pregnant, many questions come to mind. When do we have to go to the doctor? How much weight did we gain? Can we know if we are pregnant before the period is missing? It is time to clear the most frequently doubts about pregnancy.

Frequent questions in pregnancy:

1. Is it possible to detect pregnancy before the period is missed?

The gynecologist Susana Haquet Santana, academic of the Department of Embryology and Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine, of the UNAM answers, “There could be a little pain or tension in the mammary glands. Maybe a slight nausea, but there are no other symptoms before the missed period.

2. When is it advisable to go to the doctor?

“The ideal is to go before pregnancy. If a woman is trying to get pregnant, I think she should start seeing her gynecologist about six months earlier”.

“Both man and woman should have laboratory tests done, take their blood pressure, analyze the risk factors they have for a normal pregnancy, or detect the risk of any pregnancy disease such as diabetes, preeclampsia and depression. It is good to take prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid and iron before trying to get pregnant”.

3. Why do you feel so sleepy during pregnancy?

“During pregnancy the metabolism increases and the body stores cholesterol, glucose, etc. Yes, there is some tiredness and sleep. This is because the metabolism is saving up. Progesterone also increases in levels, so you feel sleepy”.

4. Why does nausea occur? Can it be avoided?

“Nausea occurs since the beginning of pregnancy, even before there is a menstrual delay and goes on during the first three months. It occurs because the pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone or hCG) increases too much and peaks between weeks 10 and 12. That is what makes us very nauseated”.

“It can be avoided by removing highly seasoned and fatty foods. Broths also cause a lot of nausea, chicken broth, for example. The ideal would be to take a dry diet, fruit, toast, etc. And try to eat small meals, at least five times a day to not have an empty stomach, but not overloaded either. Crackers can help and there are doctor-prescribed medications that can help as well”.

5. Is vaginal discharge normal during pregnancy?

“There should be no discharge during pregnancy. Some women detect cervical mucus, which all women have, but during pregnancy it becomes thicker, whitish, but there should be no discomfort such as itching, bad smell, or burning. The cervical mucus may stain the panties, it looks thick, but that’s it. If vaginal discharge occurs, it is a symptom of infection that requires medical treatment”.

6. Why do breasts grow during pregnancy?

“Breast swelling also starts from the beginning of pregnancy. The increase in estrogen and progesterone causes the mammary glands to mature, then they begin to get ready for the child birth and milk production can occur”.

This begins in the moment the embryo is implanted, and this increase in estrogen and progesterone causes the breasts grow in size and may feel painful and sensitive. Obviously the change is well noticed by the woman since the beginning of pregnancy. In the end, from week 36.

7. How much weight should a woman gain during pregnancy?

According to Mayo Clinic there is no single approach to weight gain during pregnancy and it depends on several factors such as the woman’s weight before getting pregnant and her body mass index.

Women with normal weight can put on between 17 and 25 kilograms, overweighed ones between 14 and 23 kilos and obese women between 11 and 19 kilos. In general, an increase between 10 and 15 kilos is considered healthy.  

At the beginning there is very little gain. Most pregnant women gain one to five pounds throughout the first trimester, and then a pound a week for the rest of the pregnancy. It is important that they eat a balanced diet, rich in nutrients.

8. When do I start to feel my baby?

“Midway through your pregnancy, or as early as 18 weeks after conception, you may feel your baby move (first fetal movements). The baby sleeps and wakes regularly. He can be woken up by noises or your movements. At this point, the baby could measure about 6 inches (160 millimeters) from crown to rump, and weigh more than 11 ounces (320 g)”, says Mayo Clinic.

9. What complications are there during pregnancy?

The National Institute of Health explains that the most frequent complications (that should be monitored) are high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, preeclampsia, premature labor and risk of pregnancy loss or miscarriage.

10. How do I recognize contractions?

During the last few months of pregnancy, you may have the occasional, sometimes painful sensation of your uterus contracting and relaxing, known as a contraction. “These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions”.

To tell the difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and true labor, the Mayo Clinic recommends: Calculate the time of the contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next.

Look for a regular pattern, they progressively get stronger and more regular. False labor contractions are irregular.  

How long do they last? Figure out the duration of each contraction. True contractions last between 30 and 70 seconds.  

Do the contractions stop? True contractions keep going regardless of activity level or position. With false labor, contractions may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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