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Foods to avoid during pregnancy

You're eating not only for yourself but also for the baby. When you're pregnant, you should always stay alert and avoid all items that could potentially make you sick or badly affect your baby's health condition.Why should you avoid certain foods during pregnancy?Some foods are a shelter of bacteria like E.coli.🦠 Meanwhile, pregnancy also diminishes your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to all ailments like flu or common cold.🥶 You are more likely to get sick or suffer from complications such as miscarriage or premature delivery if you have foodborne illness.😟 The disease which crosses the placenta will harmfully affect your baby, developing severe birth defects or serious infections.😔 Foods to avoid during pregnancy🐟High mercury fishFish is loaded with brain-boosting nutrients and omega-3.🐟 However, some fish contain a dangerous level of mercury that is detrimental to your baby's developing nervous system.🧠 The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it carries. Avoid shark🦈, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and bigeye tuna. Limit white albacore to 6 ounces a week. Fish such as salmone, anchovies, cod, catfish, shrimp, trout, or sardines can be eaten up to 8 to 12 ounces per week. 🥩Raw, undercooked foodRefrain from blood-red meat🥩 because they can harbor bacteria causing food poisoning such as E.coli or Salmonella. Uncooked fish in sashimi🍣, raw oysters should also be off-limits because the danger of ingesting bacteria or parasites is too high. Dishes having undercooked eggs🥚 are so prevalent such as soft scrambled eggs, homemade mousse, raw batter or cookie dough, mayonnaise. Pregnant moms🤰 who consume these rampant raw and undercooked eggs are prone to Salmonella infection.☕Too much caffeineCaffeine wakes you up when you're tired. However, too much caffeine can interfere with the ability to absorb iron, leading to anemia.☕ It is time to switch to decaf ones. You should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day. Any caffeine sources such as chocolate🍫, black or green tea, energy bars and coffee-flavored desserts, ice cream🍨, yogurts should also be controllably devoured to ensure the 200 milligram limit. 🥛Unpasteurized dairy and juicesDairies such as skim milk🥛 and cheese🧀 can be a healthy part of your pregnancy diet. However, anything containing unpasteurized milk is a big no-no since they might have Listeria and other pathogens. Check your products' label before making a purchase.🐄 🍷AlcoholAlcohol is extremely harmful to your health during pregnancy so avoid it at all cost.🍷 The concentration of alcohol that goes into your bloodstream is also the same as that enters your baby, resulting in fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause facial deformities and intellectual disability.☠️ Toast happy events with healthy fruity juices! If you're concerned about alcohol that you drank before you knew you were pregnant, please consult your worries with doctors.👩‍⚕️ 

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Best food to eat during pregnancy

Are you worried that you're not hitting the healthy pregnancy diet mark? Don't worry, you can always look up to this information and prepare all vitamins and minerals that both you and your baby need.Essential nutrients for you and your baby💊Folic acidGetting at least 600 micrograms per day during pregnancy is important. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.🧠💊IronIron plays an important role in hemoglobin formation🩸, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. Your body needs iron to make more blood to supply oxygen for the baby.👶💊CalciumCalcium makes bones and teeth strong.🦷 It also helps your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems function normally.🧠 You should aim for 1000 milligrams a day.💊Vitamin DVitamin D assists calcium to do its job and your immune system to stay healthy. You should take 600 IU a day.😃💊DHAAn omega-3- fatty acid called DHA is vital in your baby's brain and retinal👁️ development. It helps absorb fat soluble vitamins and reduce symptoms associated with prenatal depression. You need 200-300 milligrams per day.👁️💊IodineIodine, available in salt, promotes your baby's brain and nervous system development.👁️ You should get 290 micrograms per day.🧂Examples of recommended pregnancy diet🥩Lean meatHigh protein lean meat🥩 provides you energy throughout the day and stabilizes your blood sugar. In addition to being protein-packed, it's also rich in iron, developing red blood🩸 cell supply for both you and your baby.🥜LentilsLentils are a great alternative source of protein that deserves a good place on your plate.🥜 Not only are they rich in vitamin B folate, they are also high in fiber which protects your digestive system and prevents pregnancy-related constipation.🚽   🐟SalmonFatty fish are one of the best foods to eat during pregnancy.🐟 Since your body cannot produce omega-3, salmon are packed with DHA omega-3s and iodine, making it a safe seafood choice for pregnancy.🤰🥑AvocadoThis creamy green fruit has a high amount of folate, along with vitamin B6 which also alleviates morning sickness. It's a healthy source of monounsaturated fats so your body can absorb vitamins in veggies and fruits better.🥑 🥬KaleKale is a potent pregnancy, all in one package of food.🥬 It serves lots of nutrients that you need, including folate, iron, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K and fiber.😄   

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Morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy

Congratulations! Finally you're sailing along on your pregnancy adventure. Are you feeling any seasickness along the way? That's probably because you are experiencing morning sickness which definitely does not occur in just mornings. Morning sickness🤢What is morning sickness?It describes the nausea and vomiting that happen when you are pregnant.🤰 Depending on how sensitive you are to smells and odors, you may have strong aversions to certain smells or foods that are so powerful that you feel sick to your stomach.👃Morning sickness does not necessarily mean it only happens in the morning. In fact, you can suffer the symptoms any time of the day or night.☀️🌃🤢When does morning sickness start?It typically starts around week 6 until the middle of month 2. It is truly the first sign you'll notice after your hCG hormone levels overcome the threshold to produce a positive pregnancy test result.🤰  🤢How long does morning sickness last?  Nausea and vomiting diminish between weeks 12 and 16, but they are at their peaks form weeks 10 to 16. It is possible that you continue experiencing these symptoms when you enter the second trimester or even throughout pregnancy.🤮 Morning sickness causes🤢Hormone levelshCG hormone level is at its peak when morning sickness is worst. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone relax the muscles of the digestive tract and make it difficult for you to digest food.📈🤢A sensitive brainIf you are already hypersensitive to car sick🚗 or seasick🌊 compared to others, you are subjected to morning sickness. A family history of migraine also makes you prone to morning sickness. 🤢StressEmotional stress such as anger😠, depression😫 can upset the gastrointestinal tract. No wonder when you're under stress, you experience morning sickness more often.🤢FatigueIf you have morning sickness, fatigue can make the nausea worse. On the other hand, morning sickness can increase fatigue.🥴🤢First time pregnancyIf this is the first time you're pregnant, the symptoms might appear more severely and decrease when you're pregnant again.🙋 Your body is less prepared for the sudden surge of hormone levels, making you feel more anxious and resulting in stomach upset.  Morning sickness remedies🤢Stay away from offensive smellsBecause your sense of smells is so keen, some scents may be offensive and sickening despite them being familiar. Stay away from smells that make you feel nauseous. Open windows so the air inside your room can be well ventilated.🍲🤢Wear Sea-Band wristlets  They are clinically proven to be effective to protect you from severe morning sickness. These 1-inch-wide bands are anti nausea acupressure wristbands that put pressure on an acupressure point and naturally relieve the symptoms.😃🤢Rest wellMeditation, visualization or any methods that help you stay calm can help minimize queasiness. Relax your body and take it easy since rushing only makes your pregnancy experiences worse.😶‍🌫️😌 

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Early pregnancy symptoms

Have you been actively trying to conceive? Because very early signs of pregnancy symptoms are similar to premenstrual syndrome, the most accurate way to know that you have a baby on board is to take pregnancy tests. However, these symptoms can still provide credible clues.Early signs of pregnancy before a missed period🤰Basal body temperatureAn elevated basal body temperature🌡️ by 1 degree when you check your first morning temperature can be a good indicator of the big news. The temperature may rise and stay the same during pregnancy, but it's not likely to be a huge increase.😃 🤰Smell sensitivitySmells of your favorite food or previously mild odors👃 that once made you pleasant become unappealing and distasteful. You might want to throw up immediately if the situation is severe.🤮 This is a very common symptom of pregnancy indicating good news.🤰Breast changesTender, swollen breasts followed up with darkening and bumpy areolas🧐 are signs of breast changes that make you feel itchy and be in pain. Tiny bumps growing in size and quantity appearing on your areolas are preparing to produce oils that lubricate your nipples. 🤰FatigueSince all of your energy goes into building a placenta at the early stage of pregnancy, you tend to get hungry more easily. Pregnancy fatigue occurs shortly after you conceive.🥘Other signs of pregnancy including missed periods 🤰 Missed periodsIf you have regular periods🩸, this can be a good sign that all expectant moms experience. Missed periods are very common when you suspect pregnancy.😃🤰Implantation bleedingLight spotting or implantation bleeding can be an early pregnancy signal that an embryo has deposited itself into the uterine wall. Unlike the usual red color of periods🩸, implantation bleeding is usually medium pink or light brown, lasting for a few hours to a few days in discontinuity.📅🤰Changes in cervical mucusIf your cervical mucus becomes creamy and remains the same after ovulation, it's likely that you'll have a positive pregnancy test result.😃 Increased amount of thin, milky-white vaginal discharge post ovulation is normal and healthy. If it gets thicker and lumpy, you need to have a checkup with your practitioner or doctors.👩‍⚕️ 🤰Incessant urinationAfter conception for two or three weeks, you constantly want to pee.🚽 Due to the hormone hCG, your kidney receives more blood, aiding the solid and liquid waste disposal process from the body.  Your growing uterus is putting more pressure on your bladder, leaving less space for urine and increasing the need to pee.🚻 🤰Mood swingsBlame your hormonal changes all you want for the sudden mood swings you may be experiencing.😃🥴☹️ Your life is going through a major change, so it's completely normal for your moods to fluctuate. 

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Miscarriage rates by week

The experience of miscarriage is physically and mentally painful that no words can describe. Miscarriage often occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy when the fetus isn't heathily developing and happens less often after that. Miscarriage🤰What is a miscarriage?Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week.🤰 It typically happens during the first three months of the first trimester.📅 Miscarriage can take place for a variety of medical reasons, some of them are unpredictable and out of control. It is very common but that doesn't make the entire experience easier.😭🤰Miscarriage signsDepending on your stage of pregnancy and health condition, the symptoms may vary. Sometimes it happens so fast that you can't detect the signals.😥  Some of the symptoms of a miscarriage are heavy spotting, vaginal bleeding🩸, discharge of tissue or fluid from your vagina, severe abdominal pain, or back pain. If you experience any of these, please call your doctor immediately as soon as possible to prevent miscarriage.👩‍⚕️ Miscarriage causes🤰Chromosome problemsChromosomes are blocks of DNA.🧬 They are the keys to control a wide range of factors, from the baby's hair color to the baby's formation.👶 Any problems happening during cell division or at the point of conception, leading to the fetus receiving repeated or not enough chromosomes can result in miscarriage.😥 The exact cause of chromosomal abnormalities is unknown. The phenomenon is known to occur more frequently in women at advanced maternal age, or greater than 35 years old.👩👵 🤰Maternal health conditions  Uterus or cervix infections can be detrimental to a developing baby. If the uterus cavity has any defects, it can't support a healthy pregnancy.🤰   Underlying health conditions and bad lifestyle habits also impair successful pregnancy rate. Malnutrition, drug abuse, hormone issues, or obesity, for instance, can all interfere with fetus development.😟Miscarriage rate by week 🤰Week 0 to 6These early weeks have the highest potential of miscarriage. You can experience it without realizing you're pregnant.😟 The later you conceive your baby, the more dangerous the risks are. 🤰Week 6 to 12When your baby makes it to 6 weeks and has confirmed viability with a heartbeat, the rate of miscarriage drops to 10 percent. The miscarriage rate decreases as the gestinational age increases.😃🤰Week 13 to 20By week 12, the risk of miscarriage drops to 5 percents. However, you shouldn't be ignorant as complications can arise at any point.⚠️    

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Miscarriage rates by week

The experience of miscarriage is physically and mentally painful that no words can describe. Miscarriage often occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy when the fetus isn't heathily developing and happens less often after that. Miscarriage🤰What is a miscarriage?Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week.🤰 It typically happens during the first three months of the first trimester.📅 Miscarriage can take place for a variety of medical reasons, some of them are unpredictable and out of control. It is very common but that doesn't make the entire experience easier.😭🤰Miscarriage signsDepending on your stage of pregnancy and health condition, the symptoms may vary. Sometimes it happens so fast that you can't detect the signals.😥  Some of the symptoms of a miscarriage are heavy spotting, vaginal bleeding🩸, discharge of tissue or fluid from your vagina, severe abdominal pain, or back pain. If you experience any of these, please call your doctor immediately as soon as possible to prevent miscarriage.👩‍⚕️ Miscarriage causes🤰Chromosome problemsChromosomes are blocks of DNA.🧬 They are the keys to control a wide range of factors, from the baby's hair color to the baby's formation.👶 Any problems happening during cell division or at the point of conception, leading to the fetus receiving repeated or not enough chromosomes can result in miscarriage.😥 The exact cause of chromosomal abnormalities is unknown. The phenomenon is known to occur more frequently in women at advanced maternal age, or greater than 35 years old.👩👵 🤰Maternal health conditions  Uterus or cervix infections can be detrimental to a developing baby. If the uterus cavity has any defects, it can't support a healthy pregnancy.🤰   Underlying health conditions and bad lifestyle habits also impair successful pregnancy rate. Malnutrition, drug abuse, hormone issues, or obesity, for instance, can all interfere with fetus development.😟Miscarriage rate by week 🤰Week 0 to 6These early weeks have the highest potential of miscarriage. You can experience it without realizing you're pregnant.😟 The later you conceive your baby, the more dangerous the risks are. 🤰Week 6 to 12When your baby makes it to 6 weeks and has confirmed viability with a heartbeat, the rate of miscarriage drops to 10 percent. The miscarriage rate decreases as the gestinational age increases.😃🤰Week 13 to 20By week 12, the risk of miscarriage drops to 5 percents. However, you shouldn't be ignorant as complications can arise at any point.⚠️    

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Anaemia screening

Why should I take the test?💡 When you're pregnant, your body produces more blood to support not only your body but also the growth of your baby. You are at risk of iron deficiency. Hence, anemia might occur due to the shortage of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and to your baby.  Making extra red blood cells requires iron, folate, and vitamin B12 and the required amount needs to be 3 times more than usual. Iron deficiency is the most likely cause of anemia.  Mild anemia makes you feel just tired, while severe anemia makes you feel like you are constantly out of breath, weak, dizzy. You cannot concentrate on your work and your heart will be racing. If it goes untreated, you may suffer serious complications such as preterm delivery. How is the test done?💉 Your iron levels will be reviewed with blood tests when you first see your midwife about your pregnancy and again at 28 weeks. If your hemoglobin level is low for your stage of pregnancy, the doctor might need to conduct more tests for better assessment.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:  Symptoms of anemia during pregnancyIron is hard to absorb so red blood cells are hard to form. Besides an iron-rich diet, you can improve your iron absorption by taking iron supplements during pregnancy. You may pay attention to these symptoms to early self-diagnose and remind yourself to constantly take supplements during pregnancy. You might experience pale skin, lips and nails. Other signs like feeling tired, dizzy, shortness of breath can be neglected because they are ones that you might have while pregnant even though you are not anemic. Rapid heartbeat and trouble concentrating are also one of the severe symptoms. Risk factors for anemia during pregnancyAlthough all pregnant moms are prone to be anemic, the risk is higher if your condition requires more iron and folic acid. If you are pregnant with multiples or have had two pregnancies close together, you are more easily diagnosed with anemia. Reinfection of anemia can occur if you have anemia before you become pregnant. Excessive vomiting because of morning sickness, being pregnant teenager or diets without diet-rich food can all result in anemia during pregnancy. Make sure to get routine blood tests to check for anemia when you can! 

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Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Why should I take the test?💡An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby inside your tummy. All pregnant moms should receive at least one ultrasound to confirm your health and the health of the baby.If you have any spotting during pregnancy or carry multiples, ultrasounds during pregnancy are highly recommended to monitor the baby's growth. If you are at risk of preterm labor, the doctor will need to check for changes in the cervix, the position of the baby, and the necessity of cesarean surgery by ultrasound test.  How is the test done?💉Different kinds of ultrasound are available in each trimester of pregnancy. There are two main types of ultrasound which are transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds. Both types are painless and quickly done. Transvaginal ultrasound: A small, long transducer is wrapped in a sterile condom-like cover and inserted into the vagina. Then, your healthcare practitioner will move the transducer around your vaginal cavity and scan your uterus. The sound waves produced by the transducer bounce off of the baby's structures to create an image on a computer screen.Transabdominal ultrasound: After lying down, your practitioner applies gel on your tummy to help the sound waves move more easily. Then, the transducer is rubbed over your stomach to produce images of your baby on the computer screen. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: How to prepare for your first ultrasoundIf you are getting transabdominal ultrasound, you should arrive at your appointment with a full bladder because it will give you much better image quality. To time it right, some practitioners suggest emptying your bladder about 90 minutes before your exam, then drinking an 8 ounce beverage that you like.Eating something sweet before your exam is also considered a stimulus for your baby to actively move around. The sonographer can take better pictures and you might see some actual movements of your baby inside your tummy.  Risks of the procedureUltrasounds are noninvasive and very low-risk when performed by professional healthcare providers. Although they are relatively accurate at estimating the baby's size, they might exaggerate numbers if they are overused. Miscalculation of baby's weight occasionally leads to unnecessary C-sections or premature labor.

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Dizziness in pregnancy

Dizziness is a common pregnancy symptom and goes away without medical intervention. You should stay alert for other symptoms that accompany dizziness and call your doctor if necessary.Causes of dizziness😵Cardiovascular system changesYour heart❤️ is beating faster. Your heart pumps more blood per minute so the blood in your body levels up by 30 to 50 percent. When the cardiovascular system can't adapt quickly to these changes and supply enough blood🩸 to your brain, you feel dizzy or even faint. 😵Dilated blood vesselsWhen you're pregnant🤰, your blood vessels are widened. Blood pressure drops, making you feel dizzy. Soon it then begins to return to its normal state by the end of pregnancy.😃Other health conditions associated with dizziness😵Vasovagal syncopeWhen you force yourself to cough, sneeze🤧 or have a bowel movement, your blood pressure and heart rate drop, leading to dizziness and fainting. Dehydration🌊, anxiety, and pain can also trigger dizziness.😵AnemiaIron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia.🩸 Shortage of red blood cells to carry oxygen to your brain and other organs make you feel dizzy. 😵AnxietyWhen you're under stress😟 and get anxious, you tend to hyperventilate and feel lightheaded. You should consult with therapists to avoid depression and figure it out how to make yourself feel better.👩‍⚕️Ways to prevent dizziness😵Don't stand up too fastBlood concentrates on your feet and lower legs when you sit.🪑 If you suddenly stand up, blood hasn't been able to catch up your standing speed and return to your heart from your legs. As a result, blood pressure drops quickly, making you feel dizzy.When you're lying down and preparing to wake up, sit up slowly and stay seated on bed for a while, then slowly stand up.🛏️😵Don't lie on your backYour growing uterus puts pressure on the large vein, slowing down the circulation. Your heart❤️ pumps less blood and blood pressure drops, so you may feel anxious, dizzy, and nauseated for a while.🤢 😵Eat and drink regularlyWhen you don't eat enough, especially when you're pregnant, low blood sugar can also make you feel dizzy.🥣 Split your meals throughout the day so you can snack on them more frequently.Dehydration also leads to the same effect. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.🥛 😵Avoid overheatingTaking a hot bath🛀, going into a sauna room can make your blood vessels dilated and lower your blood pressure, resulting in dizziness. You will feel dizzy when you are in stuffy and crowded places too.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Always try to keep your bathroom cool and avoid crowded areas.😵Don't overdo your exercisesHeavy exercises cause you to hyperventilate and feel faint. Gentle exercises are the way to go and be careful not to overdo it.🏃‍♀️ 

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The safety of garlic during pregnancy

Garlic is commonly used as a flavoring agent to add depth to any cuisine. While it is enjoyed for its distinct taste, it also has health benefits and certain side effects.Side effects during pregnancy🧄Risk of bleedingThe sulfur compound in garlic🧄 called ajoene inhibits platelet formation and increases the possibility of incessant bleeding.🩸 Therefore, taking garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding during delivery.🧄HeartburnDue to massive hormone changes and physical pressure of a growing fetus, pregnancy alone can cause heartburn.❤️ However, it can also be worsened or directly linked to garlic intake.If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or irritable bowel syndrome🤢, you should refrain from consuming too much garlic. Otherwise, it's safe for you to continue eating this herb.Benefits for pregnancy🧄Prevent preeclampsiaPreeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure🩸 and damage to organs, mainly livers and kidneys. Garlic can help decrease blood pressure and thin the blood, but you should take it with caution.🙆‍♀️Research on a safe daily dosage of garlic is still limited. You should consult with doctors for detailed information.👩‍⚕️🧄Lower the risk of spontaneous preterm deliveryGarlic has antimicrobial and prebiotic properties, supporting a healthy pregnancy.🤰 Garlic was found to be associated with a significant reduction of preterm delivery. However, more research needs to be warranted on this topic.🤔 🧄Lower the risk of infectionPregnancy takes a toll on your body and weakens your immune system. Garlic was recommended to be a potential immune-boosting dose.😃 However, more studies need to be conducted to learn more about garlic's potential.🤔 For your baby's safety, it's best to eat in moderation.🤗

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Urine tests

Why should I take the test?💡A urine test is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and preeclampsia by looking at markers that show up in your urine. It is expected during your first prenatal exam and periodically in future prenatal visits.  If you feel tired, lethargic, or constantly thirsty, you might need to consider taking the test. If you lose weight or have a consistent level of sugar detected, the urine test is necessary to detect any risks and protect both you and your little one.How is the test done?💉You will be given a specimen cup and an antiseptic wipe and sent to the bathroom to collect a clean, midstream urine sample. Wash your hands first, then separate your labia and clean your vulva from front to back with the wipe. After you start urinating for a few seconds into the toilet, you can slip the cup under the stream until you collect enough for the sample.Remember not to contaminate the sample and avoid touching the inside of the cup. Once you finish, close the lid of the cup and deliver it to medical assistants. They will check your urine by dipping a colored test stick in it and compare the result with the chart. A color change of the strip indicates a positive test result. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: What is your urine tested for?The test looks for:Diabetes: If a high level of glucose/sugar is detected in your urine, it may indicate that you might have pre-existing type 2 diabetes. If tested later in the pregnancy, it may indicate gestational diabetes (which is also tested for with a glucose screening between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy)Preeclampsia: The level of protein in your urine early in the pregnancy will be compared to levels measured in later stages of the pregnancy. High levels of protein can be a sign of preeclampsia (characterized by sudden high blood pressure, severe swelling of the hands and face, and signs that some organs may not be working normally, including protein in the urine), or pregnancy - induced high blood pressure.A urinary tract infection (UTI): If red or white blood cells of bacteria are detected in the urine, it can be a sign of a UTI (a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, the urethra, or in more serious cases, the kidneys).Risks of the procedureThere are no risks of urine tests to you or your baby so keep calm and pee in your cup! Maybe a glass of water before coming to your appointment might help you keep things short and simple! Results of the testPositive for glucoseIt's normal for your sugar level in urine to be a bit high, especially after you eat a large meal or drink a really sweet beverage. However, if you have elevated levels at a few more prenatal visits in a row or an extremely high level at one visit, you may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.Positive for protein  High levels of protein may suggest a possible urinary tract infection or kidney disease. You might be offered further tests by the hospital in order to make a preeclampsia diagnosis. Positive for urinary tract infections (UTI)UTIs occur when bacteria enter and grow in the urinary tract. Because of your growing uterus and an increase in hormones that relaxes your muscles in your uterus, the bladder is less likely to be completely empty when you urinate.Hence, the urine remnants support the development of bacteria. There is no need to worry since the infection can easily be treated through a course of antibiotics.Positive for ketonesHigh levels of ketones infer that your body is too acidic. It can be a potential indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis which is a severe complication of diabetes. 

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Smell sensitivity

Can you tell what's on the menu today? Does the slightest smell of food from the kitchen already turn your stomach the moment you just walk in? You're extremely sensitive to smells and odors, even the ones that used to make you feel pleasant, Mom.Smell sensitivity😷What is sensitivity?Smell sensitivity, also called hyperosmia, is a heightened or hypersensitive sense of smell👃 that pregnant Moms often experience at the early stage of pregnancy especially during the first trimester.😷 Previously mild odors or pleasant smells now become unappealing, distasteful and trigger vomiting.😷What causes smell sensitivity?You can blame pregnancy hormones. Increased levels of estrogens make scents stronger and more conspicuous like an assault on your nose. Soon you will feel better as pregnancy progresses.😃 What can you do to alleviate the symptoms?😷Eat smart You should cook and eat only foods that you can stand the smells of.🍲 Even your favorite food can become your enemy so choose your menu wisely and avoid all scents that make you feel dizzy.🥴😷Freshen upVentilate your room often😮‍💨. Leave windows open whenever possible to get rid of all unpleasant smells👃 or musty odors.😷Take care of your noseSaline washes💧 and sprays can help keep your nasal passage clean and healthy👃. You can also wash off all the dust to make you breathe more easily.😷Sniff the good stuffsTry to surround yourself with pleasant and soothing smells such as lavender, mint, lemon, cinnamon.😃 They are more likely to make your nausea go away than make it worse.😷Ditch deodorants or fragrancesSwitch to unscented or lightly scented deodorants, toiletries and cleaning products to diminish any chemical odors in the house.🙆‍♀️ You might be a fan of perfumes and cologne but they can be too strong for you now. Go easy on your perfumes and colognes because they can upset your nose if you smell them for a long time.😉 

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Nuchal Translucency Screening

Why should I take the test?💡A nuchal translucency testing is a specialized routine ultrasound that measures the nuchal fold thickness. It focuses on a small, clear space at the back of a baby to determine whether the baby has chromosomal abnormalities. This spot tends to accumulate fluid and looks thicker if your baby carries genetic problems.It is mandatory but highly recommended if you are over 35 years of age or you have a family history of certain conditions. It is conducted between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy. The result of the test can help you make important decisions about your management of pregnancy and delivery, and any necessary preparations or special care that your child might need. How is the test done?💉Your healthcare provider will use abdominal ultrasound to measure the nuchal fold. A sonographer applies a transducer to the outside of your stomach to measure the baby from crown to rump. The fetal age, the location of the nuchal fold and its thickness will appear on screen.  Having a full bladder will give you the best ultrasound picture. An hour before the test, you might need to drink 2-3 glasses of water to make your bladder full. You cannot urinate before the ultrasound. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:  Normal results of the testNuchal translucency measurement correlates with the gestational age. The higher the measurement compared to other babies at the same age, the higher the risk is for the baby to have genetic disorders. If the measurement is up to 2mm when the baby is around 11 weeks old, the baby is at low risk for any problems. If the measurement is up 2.8mm at 13 weeks and 6 days old, the baby is relatively safe and healthy.Abnormal results of the testMore fluid at the back indicates that the baby might have Down's syndrome, Turner syndrome or congenital heart disease. However, the test itself cannot diagnose any specific condition. An abnormal result only means that there is a statistical likelihood of your baby having a problem. Your doctor might suggest follow-up diagnostic testing. Nuchal translucency risksBoth the ultrasound and the blood tests are completely painless and safe for you and your baby. You are perfectly fine in the hands of all professional doctors!  

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Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Why should I take the test?💡Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test that involves removing a sample of chorionic villi from the placenta to test for genetic problems. The chorionic villi are tiny projections of placenta tissue that enclose the same genetic material as the fetus.The test can provide valuable information on whether the baby has a chromosomal condition, such as Down's syndrome, or other genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. The result can help you make important decisions about your management of pregnancy and delivery, and any necessary preparations or special care that your child might need.You might consider chorionic villus sampling if you have a positive result from a previous prenatal screening test or any complications in a previous pregnancy. If you start your pregnancy when you are over 35 years old or you have any family history of a specific genetic condition, it is highly recommended for you to conduct the test.  How is the test done?💉CVS is often done between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Then, the doctor will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form before the procedure begins. There are two types of CVS procedures. In the transcervical procedure, a catheter is inserted through the cervix after the doctor opens your vagina with a speculum, then gentle suction will be used to collect the sample. In the transabdominal procedure, a needle is inserted through the abdomen and uterus, the tissue sample is withdrawn into a syringe, and the needle is removed. Since the transcervical procedure is done through the vagina, the doctor will be cautious if you have an active cervical or vaginal infection like herpes. Any vaginal bleeding or spotting in the previous two weeks or an inaccessible placenta due to tilted uterus or benign tumors are all alerts to take into consideration.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:   Before the procedureGenerally, there is no special restriction or diet prior to CVS. If you are allergic to latex or sensitive to any medication such as anesthetic agents, you should notify your doctor immediately. Tell the doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, or take anticoagulant medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. Having a full bladder might be advantageous before the procedure. Depending on the position of the uterus and placenta, a full bladder can assist the doctor to better locate the uterus. You should check with your provider the necessity of a full bladder and the amount of fluid intake.After the procedureAfter the procedure, you might experience vaginal bleeding immediately. Although you can continue your day normally, you should avoid any strenuous exercises and sexual activities as they might advance the bleeding and hurt your vagina. If you experience fluid leaking from your vagina, heavy bleeding, a fever or uterine contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. It might take up to a week to receive your result. There is a rare chance of a false positive test. Please remember that the test cannot indicate all types of birth defects, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Risks of the procedureChorionic villus sampling carries various risks such as leaking of amniotic fluid, miscarriage, infection, Rh sensitization, and preterm labor. The baby's blood can enter your bloodstream after such an invasive test. If you have Rh negative blood and you have not developed antibodies to Rh positive blood, you will be injected with a blood product called Rh immune globulin to prevent your body from producing Rh antibodies that can cross the placenta and damage the baby's red blood cells. Uterine infection rarely happens after the CVS. Your doctor may give you additional instructions after the procedure depending on your particular condition. Occasionally, the result of the test is unclear and you might need to do follow-up tests like amniocentesis. 

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Diarrhea during pregnancy

Diarrhea during pregnancy is not serious enough to ring an ambulance. However, if your diarrhea lasts longer than a couple of days, you might need to consider visiting doctors.Diarrhea in pregnancy🧻DiarrheaWhen you have loose stools three or more times a day, you have diarrhea.🧻 Diarrhea does not directly relate to any pregnancy symptoms, but it can still happen during this time for many of the same reasons it happens when you're not pregnant.😃   🧻Causes of diarrheaYou can get diarrhea from illness or food poisoning. Stomach viruses🦠, certain antibiotics or antacids, digestive problems can also be the cause of diarrhea.😃 If you're lactose intolerant, you are prone to diarrhea when you consume dairy products.🥛 Some unsuitable medications can also lead to diarrhea. Relief diarrhea symptoms🧻Drink plenty of fluidsWhen you have diarrhea, you lose lots of fluid after many times visiting the bathroom and your body is dehydrated. Try to replenish the fluid you are losing by drinking water.🥛 🧻Avoid dairy productsDespite lactose tolerance, you still need to avoid dairy products🥛 for a while because your digestive tract is vulnerable now. Soda and juices🍓 can also make the diarrhea worse, so you should stick to water. 🧻Drink fluids containing saltIf the diarrhea continues for hours, you should drink fluids or liquid foods containing salt🧂 such as sport drinks to replenish the lost fluid and ease the pain. Call doctors immediately if the situation doesn't show signs of stopping.👩‍⚕️

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