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. 

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

Are you experiencing pelvic pain? It could be symphysis pubis dysfunction!Symphysis pubis dysfunction😞What is SPD?Symphysis pubis dysfunction happens when ligaments sitting centered between your pubic bones relax and become more flexible.😃 When these ligaments become too relaxed, the pelvic joint is unstable, causing strange sensations and pain.😣😞Causes of SPDThe hormone relaxin is the culprit to blame. This hormone relaxes your ligaments and makes them stretchy so that your baby can come out more easily.👶 However, if the ligaments stretch too far, movement in the pelvic joint results in pain.😣 SPD treatment during pregnancy😞Avoid triggers as much as you canYou should avoid heavy lifting and pushing.🏋️ Sit down to do most of your basic needs.🪑😞Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the pubic boneIf you use a heating pad, don't leave it on for longer than 10 minutes at a time since the baby's temperature will be consequently increased.🥵 You can also use an ice pack to ease the pain.🧊😞Wear a pelvic support beltYou can use them to support your pelvic bones back to place. They are readily available online or in drugstores.😃😞Do your Kegels and pelvic tiltsRegular practice will help you ease the pain while putting pelvic bones back to their positions. It can also help you strengthen your muscles but don't overdo it.🏃‍♀️😞Pain reliefIf the pain is serious, you can ask your doctors about pain relievers. You may also need therapy if necessary.👩‍⚕️

Breast changes during pregnancy

Nipples and tender breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.  As your body is preparing for breastfeeding, you will see all these changes happening soon.Breast tenderness🤱Causes of tendernessSurging hormones progesterone, estrogen and prolactin in pregnancy increases blood flow to the breasts and prepares them for breastfeeding.🤱 Breast tenderness starts around 4 to 6 weeks and lasts through the first trimester.🤱Sore nipplesYour nipples might feel extremely sensitive and uncomfortable. It is temporary but periodic throughout pregnancy.🤰Other breast changes you can expect🤱Breast growthStarting around 6 to 8 weeks, your breasts are getting bigger and itchy and they will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy.🤱 Stretch marks are more visible since the skin stretches.🙂🤱Veins and pigments changesVeins under your breast are more evident. After the first few months, your areolas will also get bigger and darker.🙂 🤱Bumps on the areolaBumps on the areola are noticeable when you're pregnant.🤰 These bumps, called Montgomery's tubercles, are producing oil on the surface of your breast.🤱Leaky breastsDuring pregnancy, your breasts initially start producing colostrum, which is the precursor to immune-boosting milk for the baby.🍼 You may leak a small amount of this thick yellowish liquid in the last few months of pregnancy.🤱Lumpy breastsLumps and bumps developing on your breasts are milk-filled cysts or benign breast tumors. It's difficult to develop acute tumors or breast cancer during pregnancy.😃 If your lumps are hard and persistent, consult with your medical providers for better checkups.🩺Ways to ease breast pain🤱Maternity brasComfortable maternity bras usually have extra hooks for your expanding rib cage.👗 It provides support and structure, making you feel more at ease without using underwire.😃  🤱Nursing brasYou're preparing to breastfeed your baby soon.🧑‍🍼 Nursing bras might be the best option at this time because they also bring comfort and clip-down cups to make it more convenient to feed the baby.🤱Sleep brasSleep bras have wider straps and are made of soft cotton lining. They won't make you feel like you're actually wearing bras when you sleep.💤🤱Sports brasGentle exercises are highly recommended for pregnant women. Sports bras can support your laggy and heavy breasts while you are walking on the treadmill.🏃‍♀️  

Pelvic pain during pregnancy

Do you feel pain in the hips or groin? Pelvic pain is what you are going through now. Causes of pelvic pain🤕Hormonal changesIncreased levels of relaxin hormone relax your ligaments, making your pelvic joints unstable and moving unevenly.😟 If these ligaments stretch too far and the bones move too easily, they can put pressure and collide nearby muscles, causing pain.🤕😷 🤒 🤕🤕Weight gainYour pelvis is pushed forward and the curve of your lower back is more visible when your belly keeps growing. Your muscles around the pelvic are being put under lots of pressure, causing pelvic pain.😷 Different types of pelvic pain🤕Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)SPD happens when ligaments sitting centered between your pubic bones relax and become more flexible. The joint moves too much and causes mild or severe pain.🤒 🤕Diastasis Symphysis Pubis (DSP)If the pubic symphysis widens too far, the widening joint becomes unstable and causes pain. You may experience pains raging from mild to excruciating.😣🤕Sacroiliac joint painThe sacroiliac joints contain ligaments as the bridge connecting the pelvis and lower spine. If these ligaments relax too much, bones in this area can mobilize, putting pressure on nearby muscles and nerves, causing pain.🤕 Because the joints support the legs when you stand, the pain may radiate down your legs, into the back or front of your thighs. 🤕Round ligament painTwo round ligaments that attach your uterus to your pelvis and hold your uterus in place. As your belly grows, the uterus is being pushed to the front, the ligaments also stretch to accommodate it, causing pain.😖 Usually the pain is mainly in the groin where your abdomen meets your legs. Pelvic pain treatment🤕Pregnancy girdles, bands and beltsThe belts gently place more pressure to the pelvis to prevent it from moving freely. They can be effective if you combine them with gentle exercises.🏃‍♀️🤕Sleep positioningPregnancy pillows are recommended to better support your belly and hips. They can also ease the pressure on your pelvic ligaments and reduce pains.😃🤕Physical therapyCertain exercises can be helpful in reducing pelvic pains. Ask your medical provider about therapies and stretches to make you feel better.👩‍⚕️🤕AcupunctureSometimes, acupuncture can be used to relieve pelvic pains. You have to find a licensed and professional practitioner to ensure your safety and effectiveness.🙆‍♀️🤕Pain relieversAcetaminophen can be used to relieve pains.💊 However, you should avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen because it can make your immune system weaker. Consult with your doctor for a prescription.👩‍⚕️   

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.😶‍🌫️😌 

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.😉 

Pregnancy headaches

You're pregnant and having headaches? You're not alone in this journey.Causes of headaches🤕Hormonal changesIncrease and fluctuation of hormones when you're pregnant cause you headaches.🤕 If you are more sensitive to a high level of estrogen, you tend to have headaches more easily compared to others.🙁🤕Increase of blood volumeDuring the first trimester, you need more blood🩸 not only for yourself but also for the baby's development. You may also notice headaches as a side effect of increased blood volume.🤕 🤕A lack of sleep and nutrientsLack of rest due to stress, depression or stuffy nose👃 can lead to headaches in the morning. Low blood sugar levels from a poor nutrient diet🥣 also cause headaches, making you feel fatigued and tired.Common type of pregnancy headaches🤕Tension headacheTension headaches are the most common kind of headaches during the first trimester. You feel a steady pain behind your eyes👁️ and in your head🧠 and at the back of your neck. If you've always been prone to tension headaches, pregnancy will make it worse.🤕Sinus headacheSinus headaches happen the most often when you have a cold or respiratory infection.😷 It feels like pressure or pain in your cheeks, around your eyes, and in your forehead.🤯 🤕Cluster headacheCluster headaches are not common during pregnancy but there is a possibility that it might happen. You will notice sudden and severe pain around one eye or temple, sometimes accompanied with teary eyes😥 or a stuffy nose.👃  🤕Migraine headacheMigraines are most common during the first trimester. You'll experience moderate to severe pain, typically one side of your head. The pain soon will be reduced when your body gets used to the altered amount of hormones in the second and third trimester.😃Ways to prevent or treat migraines🤕Relaxation techniquesTry biofeedback, meditation, or yoga🧘 to reduce stress and headaches. You can also consider self-hypnosis and consult with your medical provider to make yourself less in pain.👩‍⚕️🤕Drink waterTo prevent low blood sugar, eat small meals🍲 frequently throughout the day. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.🥛 Sip water slowly if you've vomited from a migraine. 🤕Take a showerCold shower or a big splash of water into your face🚿 can relieve migraine headaches temporarily. A warm shower can soothe tension headaches.🛁🤕SleepJust sleep. Having a good sleep in your quiet and dark room will help ease the pain.😴 🤕ExerciseGentle exercise during pregnancy can reduce the severity and recurrence of migraine. It also reduces stress that can cause tension headaches.🏃‍♀️ 

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.👩‍⚕️ 

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! 

Itching during pregnancy

Do you feel your belly and breasts are growing to accommodate your baby's growth? Itching in pregnancy is common and inevitable. Don't worry, we got you covered. Causes of itching during pregnancy🥴Skin stretchesAs your baby is growing bigger and bigger, your skin stretches when your breasts and belly are growing in size. Itchy nipples are also common during pregnancy.🤰🥴Dry skin and hormonal changesDuring winter, if your skin is not moisturized enough, you can feel extra itchy and uncomfortable. Dry heat from the heating system can also lower moisture in the air and exacerbate itching.☀️🥵🥴Itchy skin conditionsSome skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can improve better and worse depending on each individual case.😃 If you experience severe itching on your palms or the soles on your feet, you should reach out to doctors since these symptoms may require medical care.👩‍⚕️Ways to prevent itching during pregnancy🥴Lukewarm showers or bathsHot water🚿 can make your skin like a desert and itching worse. It's best to use mild, fragrance-free soap🧼 and rinse it off well with lukewarm water. Then towel yourself to dry.🥴Stay as cool as possibleTry to avoid being outside for a long time bearing the heat of the day. Heating either from the sun☀️ or the heating system🥵 in winter can make itching worse.🥴Wear comfy clothesCotton and comfy clothes👚 are your best options to keep yourself cool. They don't get in contact with your skin much so it will be less irritated.🥴MoisturizeBody lotion🧴, hand cream or any kind of moisturizer are your best friends now. After taking shower, apply a thin layer of cream and let it absorb. You'll notice how soft your skin is.😃 🥴Lower your stressStress and anxiety during pregnancy☹️ may seem unrelated but actually can worsen itching. Stay positive and maintain a healthy mental state of mind.😃  Ways to relieve itchy skin during pregnancy🥴Apply coldPut an ice pack or wet compress on itchy areas for a few minutes until the itchy fades.🧊 Then apply moisturizing cream on that area.🥴MoisturizeSince lack of moisturize is the main culprit, lotions and creams that are fragrance free are the best remedy. Pure the cream on itchy areas and observe the magic.🧴 🥴Occasional warm oatmeal bathOatmeal baths are available in drugstores and online.🛀 Colloidal oatmeal binds to your skin, locks moisture and provides a protective barrier.🥴Apply medicines before moisturizingConsult with your healthcare provider about anti-itch medications if you feel extremely itchy. While most of these medicines are safe for pregnant women, it's best to review them and apply as instructed.👩‍⚕️