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.👩‍⚕️ 

Rh Factor testing

Why should I take the test?💡 Rh factor is a protein that resides on the surface of red blood cells. If you have Rh factor, your status is Rh positive. If you don't have Rh factor, you're Rh negative.If you're Rh negative, you might be Rh incompatible with your baby and produce antibodies to attack the baby's red blood cells if your baby's blood directly contacts with yours. You become Rh sensitized and require injection of a drug called Rh immune globulin to neutralize the antibodies and keep you from developing them.  How is the test done?💉   You can have blood tests at hospitals or clinics nearby. Special blood tests can also further be carried out to determine how much fetal blood has mixed with yours. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: What are the chances that you and your baby are Rh incompatible?Rh status is inherited usually from the father. In fact, your healthcare provider will assume you are Rh negative, just to be safe, and give you the shot if Rh immune globulin. There's no harm in getting the shot although you're Rh positive. How could your baby's blood and yours have contact?Normally, during pregnancy, the placenta's blood is separated from yours. The placenta only receives oxygen and nutrients from your body but not red blood cells. Rh incompatibility is usually not a big deal as long as your blood doesn't intermingle with the baby's until labor.Delivery: It's possible that your blood might have contact with the baby's during delivery. Hence, you should get a shot after delivery to prevent antibodies formation in a future pregnancy.In the third trimester: Sometimes, your body can still develop Rh antibodies during the third trimester. When the doctor confirms antibodies being produced, you'll receive an injection at 28 weeks of pregnancy.In other occasions: Your blood is mixed with your baby's if you have amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test, an abortion, a miscarriage, or an injury in your abdomen. An ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding and a stillbirth also promote this blood aggregation. How does the shot of Rh immune globulin prevent antibodies development?The shot of Rh immune globulin functions according to passive immunization. It consists of a small dose of antibodies that kill Rh positive blood cells in your system to refrain your body from developing its own antibodies. You need to get the shot no more than 72 hours after any potential contact with your baby's blood. Your baby is then protected for 12 weeks. If the doctor notices the smallest sign of possible mixture, you'll be administered the second shot if necessary.  You'll get the injection in the muscle of your arm or buttocks. The shot is safe and has no side effects for your baby despite his blood type. What happens if antibodies keep developing?The antibodies that your body produces can cross the placenta, attack the Rh factor in your baby's Rh positive blood cells as if they are foreign substances, and destroy his blood, resulting in anemia. Severe conditions called hemolytic disease of the fetus (HDFN) can develop into more lethal complications such as jaundice, congestive heart failure, or even death.However, the doctor can monitor your baby's red blood cells using Doppler ultrasound and amniocentesis. If your baby is doing well despite your Rh negative, you might be able to carry him without defects. After birth, the baby requires blood transfusion to replace all diseased Rh positive blood cells with healthy Rh negative blood cells, stabilizing the quantity of red blood cells and preventing further damage of antibodies.The return of the Rh factor is just a matter of time. By the time it is present again, your baby's red blood cells will be Rh positive again, but the vigorous antibodies are long gone.  

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

Why should I take the test?💡 Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a prenatal screening that takes the baby's genetic material in your bloodstream to analyze and search for any signs of genetic disorders, including Down syndrome. NIPT has been offered in private centers as an informative test to tell you whether there is a risk of having a baby with abnormalities, but it cannot give you a concrete answer. How is the test done?💉 The test involves a quick blood draw from your arm using a needle. Your blood sample is then sent to a laboratory and cfDNA in your blood is analyzed for any abnormalities.If the test is negative, it means your baby is healthy and less likely to develop any genetic mutations. If the test is positive, it means your baby is likely to be affected.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: NIPT is suitable for you if your combined first trimester screening test shows that you are prone to having a baby with Down syndrome. If you're pregnant when you're over 35, have a history of genetic disorders in the family, have had a baby previously with any chromosomal condition, you should consider taking NIPT. The cost of the test varies depending on the type of test and where the test is conducted. You'll be better mentally prepared and make the best decision when you are open to all options and results. 

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 symptoms that you should never ignore

You are probably familiar with pains, aches, and weird symptoms along the way. If you have any signs of potential problems, you should stay alert and call your doctors immediately.Early stage symptoms⚠️Bleeding or spottingVaginal spotting or bleeding🩸 can be considered a serious sign of potential miscarriage. It can also signal ectopic or molar pregnancy. If molar pregnancy is the case, you may pass small, fluid-filled sacs from your vagina while feeling severely nauseous and vomiting.🤮⚠️PainIf the crampy, persistent abdominal pain comes along with pelvic pressure or low back pain, non stop bleeding, all signs might indicate miscarriage.🤰 Pain anywhere in your abdomen or pelvis at the early stage can be linked with ectopic pregnancy.Pain in your shoulder can be a symptom of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. You should call an ambulance and doctors immediately if this is the case.👩‍⚕️🏥Some serious symptoms throughout pregnancy⚠️Painful or burning urinationYou can't help going to the bathroom🚽 and feeling the urge to go again minutes after you just finish. Painful or burning urination, little or no urination, cloudy and blood-colored urine, strong and unpleasant odor can be signs of urinary tract infection.😟 UTI can result in soreness in your back, sides, or lower abdomen. If the situation gets worse and spreads to the kidneys, you may experience back pain, fever and chills, and nausea and vomiting.🤮 ⚠️Strange vaginal dischargeUnhealthy vaginal discharge such as green substances🟢 having unpleasant odor, pain and itching signs accompanied, you may have yeast infection. If the discharge is thin white or gray with a strong fishy smell, you may have bacterial vaginosis.A common sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis is also a consequence of yellow🟡 or green vaginal discharge. Have a regular checkup with doctors to protect your health.👩‍⚕️ ⚠️FeverIf you experience chills or fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit🌡️, there is a high chance that you have infection in the kidneys, uterus, lungs or elsewhere. Other symptoms such as belly or back pain, nausea, diarrhea, trouble urinating, foul-smelling vagianl discharge will be used as indicators to address the disease more correctly.👩‍⚕️ ⚠️Severe nausea and vomitingSevere nausea and vomiting, also called hyperemesis gravidarum can be associated with weight loss, low birth weight, and dehydration. It starts in early pregnancy and continues throughout the process.🤕🤢⚠️Extreme tirednessPregnancy takes a toll on you, leaving you fatigued at times. If you feel suddenly extremely tired, it can be a sign of heart disease, anemia, diabetes or depression.😟   

Rubella antibody screening

Why should I take the test?💡 Rubella is a contagious disease that spreads through droplets in the air when people cough or sneeze. It typically begins with rash, swollen glands and fever. Although rubella has been eradicated due to widespread vaccination with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, if you're unvaccinated, you are prone to be infected.If you catch the virus during pregnancy, you can transfer the virus to your baby through the bloodstream. If you catch rubella within the first 11 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is likely to have congenital rubella syndrome. If you are infected after week 16, the baby is considered safe from the virus.  Unfortunately, no treatment is available to prevent the baby from catching rubella if you're infected. Vaccination can only provide protection before you're infected, but once the virus is present in your bloodstream, it is too late to be vaccinated. How is the test done?💉 The rubella antibody screening determines prior protection and assesses immunity to rubella virus. Testing requires a sample of blood, urine, or a nasal or throat swab.During a blood draw test, a needle is injected into a vein in your arm while an elastic band is placed around the upper part of your arm to increase blood flow. The area where the needle is inserted is cleaned with antiseptic. Then, a test tube or vial attached to the needle is there to collect the blood.  During a rubella test that requires a nose or throat swab, a cotton swab is inserted into nostrils or the throat to collect samples. You may experience some discomfort or watery eyes during the procedure. Then they are stored in a tube for analysis. During a rubella test that asks you for a urine sample, you will need to provide a sample in a cup for analysis. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: A rubella antibody screening checks for the level of antibodies to see if you have been vaccinated. There are several types of rubella antibody tests. Immunoglobulin M antibody test: IgM develops as soon as 4 days after the symptoms start to kick in when you are first infected with rubella virus. IgM is detectable for six to eight weeks or longer after infection.Immunoglobulin G antibody test: IgG can be considered as a memory antibody which distinguishes between recent infections and immunity due to past infections and enhances the release of IgM antibody attacking the virus faster. IgG testing is also an accurate method to understand how well your body can fight against rubella. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT): uses reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to identify genetic material of rubella virus present in a nasal swab, throat swab or a urine sample. The test is highly sensitive, can be done in a short period of time and requires minimal template for detection and amplification of a specific sequence. It detects and amplifies the DNA and RNA sequences of the virus despite the small quantity of the virus.  

Pica disorder during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings are part of your pregnancy. It's normal for you to desire strange combinations of food in the middle of the night. However, if you crave nonfood items, you may have a disorder.Pica disorder⚠️What is pica disorder?Pica is used to describe an intense craving for nonfood items such as soil, chalk, dirt.🌭 Pica disorder is more prevalent among children but can occur sometimes to pregnant women.🤰⚠️Causes of pica disorderA clear reason is unknown🤔, however, pica has been linked with iron deficiency. Anemia, for example, which is often associated with cravings for ice, can be the underlying cause of pica.🩸 Low nutrients levels in other vitamins or minerals can result in these unusual cravings. Having mental health conditions may lead to pica as a coping mechanism.😟 Pica treatments⚠️Negative effects of picaDepending what you crave, pica might interfere with your body's ability to absorb other necessary nutrients and affect your baby with lethal and toxic substances.😟 Hence, the baby is prone to more serious problems such as growth restriction, learning disorders or behavior problems in the future.👶⚠️Pica treatments There are no tests for pica yet. Your unusual cravings can be a sign that your body is trying to replenish nutrients.😔 When you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, you will be given nutrient deficiencies treatment first to prevent further cravings if the healthcare provider detects any abnormalities in your diet. Sometimes, behavioral therapy or distractive techniques are prescribed if necessary.👩‍⚕️

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.👩‍⚕️   

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.😄   

Fatigue during pregnancy

It's common for you to feel fatigued and extremely tired, especially during the first trimester. Oh mom, if you could rest more…Fatigue😫What does pregnancy fatigue feel like?Your entire body is lagging and dragging from the moment you get up in the morning.😫 You constantly feel tired and lack energy.😧😫When does fatigue start?Fatigue can begin in the very first weeks of pregnancy.🤰 Many moms notice the symptoms as early as one week after conception.😖  Fatigue causes😫Building the placentaYour body is creating the placenta to supply nutrients and oxygen for your baby to thrive.🥱 Growing a human takes a toll on your body, making you feel tired.😧  😫HormonesIncreased production of progesterone hormone assists milk production for breastfeeding later on.🤱 Intense mood swings resulting from hormone changes make you feel drained and tired faster. 😫Increased blood supply Your baby demands lots of supply of blood, nutrients and oxygen and you are the baby's delivery method.👶 The procedure of transportation makes you feel fatigued.😫Other physical changesSince the baby is taking nutrients and energy from you, your blood sugar, pressure and nutrients are wearing out. You inevitably feel fatigued and tired.😥  Fatigue remedies😫Prioritize rest and sleepIf you're tired😩, try to rest as much as possible and pace yourself. A good night's sleep and naps during lunch or downtime can give you a boost of energy.💤 Getting an extra hour of sleep can really make a difference.😫Eat oftenEating six meals instead of three large meals per day can maintain your blood sugar and nutrients steady. Gaining weight is common during pregnancy because you're not just eating for yourself but also for the baby.🍲