Pregnancy – Baby Creysi

5 responsibilities of a father during pregnancy

Posted on 08/07/2022 - 16:52 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Neutral names for your baby

Posted on 29/06/2022 - 12:30 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The choice of a name for our baby is one of the first decisions we must make as parents. In order to avoid gender stereotypes, more and more parents are looking for neutral names for their baby.

Even celebrities have chosen to call their babies with names that can be used indistinctly for either girls or boys. If you haven’t decided yet on any, we leave you this list of names that range from the most common like Guadalupe, to those that have an English or French origin.

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Neutral names: Letters A-J

Alex: Short form for Alexander or Alexandra. Its origin is Greek and means “Defender, The defender”.

Aike: It means “Sword”, and it comes from the Frisian, that is, from the villages that settled in northern Germany.

Akira: It is Japanese, its meaning is “Clear”, “Brilliant”.

Aran: It means “Valley”, its origin is Basque.

Ariel: Hebrew origin, its meaning is “Lion of God”.

Asunción: It means “to assume, to attract”, it is of Latin origin.

Azul: Like the color, it refers to stability or tranquility.

Cruz: It comes from Latin Crux and is closely related to the Bible.

Dani: It is associated with experience and wisdom.

Denis: It means “The one who doesn’t lose faith in God”, its origin is French.

Francis: Arising from Francisco or Francisca, it means “Free person”.

Fénix: In Greek mythology is the bird that is reborn from its ashes.

Guadalupe: It has several origins. One of them is related to the Virgin of Guadalupe and the root of the Nahuatl word “Coatlallope”, which means “The one that crushes the snake”. Although etymologically, it comes from the Arab wad-al-luben which means “River of black stones” or “River of love”.

Harper: It is of Anglo-Saxon origin and means “The one who plays the harp”.

Joss: It comes from the German name Josse, it means “Champion”.

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Neutral names: Letters K-Z

Kin: Japanese name to represent ‘golden color’.

Lamar: Arising from old French “La mare“, which means “The sea”.

Luan: Biblical name, it means “Uprising”.

Marlon: It means “Tiny hawk”, it is French.

Mel: It comes from Latin, it means “Honey in the field”.

Milán: Its origin is Hindu, it means “Union”.

Morgan: It means “Brilliant ocean”, it’s of Welsh origin.

Naim: Its meaning is “A very beautiful person”, it is of Arabic origin.

Nilam: Means “Blue gem”.

Neftalí: Biblical character known as “The Fighter”.

Paris: In Greek mythology it means “The protector of man”.

René: It means “The reborn”, it is French.

Robin: It is of English origin, it means “Illustrious”.

Sidney: It means “Wide prairie”, it is of Anglo-Saxon origin.

Sasha: Of Greek and Russian origin, it means “Defender of humanity” and “Warrior”.

Yael: It means “Force of God”, it is of Greek origin.

Zoel: Means “Son of Babel”, comes from Hebrew.

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

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

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

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The first kicks

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

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

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

Mercedes del Pilar, specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.

Detect possible dangers

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

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

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

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

Clinic Barcelona

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Few fetal movements, what do I do?

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

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

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

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

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

Stanford Children’s Health

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

Hair dyes in pregnancy: Are they safe?

Posted on 25/02/2022 - 09:30 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

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”.

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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.

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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.

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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 22/02/2022 - 15:05 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

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.

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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.

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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 22/02/2022 - 09:46 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

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”.

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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

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

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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

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 17/02/2022 - 15:29 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

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.

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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.

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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

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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 17/02/2022 - 09:00 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

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

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

Is it wrong to wear makeup during pregnancy?

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

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

Products to avoid if you are pregnant

Retin-A, retinol, and retinyl palmitate:

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

Tazorac and Accutane:

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

Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid:

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

Essential oils:

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

Hydroquinone:

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

Aluminum chloride:

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

Formaldehyde:

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

Chemical sunscreens:

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

Tetracycline:

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

Dihydroxyacetone:

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

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Beautiful and safe

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

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

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

Are you going to make up? You should not worry about:

Eyeliner is mostly wax and cannot be absorbed by your skin.

Mascara because your lashes are “dead hair,” and it’s only applied on top of them.

Powder products, as they settle on the surface of the skin.

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

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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

Posted on 27/01/2022 - 18:35 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

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

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

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?

Posted on 14/12/2021 - 15:30 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

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

Mariso l 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

Posted on 19/10/2021 - 10:25 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

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.

Contractions
Your tummy gets hard
Pain in the belly
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.
Liquid discharge. Your water could have broken if you notice that abundant liquid comes out.
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