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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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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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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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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.😶‍🌫️😌 

👉 First trimester content list

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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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Blood test

Why should I take the test?💡 The first blood sample that comes from you as a pregnant woman contains a lot of vital information. With this information, the hospital is able to check on infections, diseases, immunity, which will give them a heads up on potential future complications or the treatments that you may need.How is the test done?💉   You can have blood tests at hospitals or clinics nearby. A blood sample is collected with a needle and syringe from your arm. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:Blood groupThere are 4 blood types A, B, AB and O. You'll be given a blood test to determine which blood type you are. It's useful to know your blood type in case you need blood transfusion if you have heavy bleeding or hemorrhage during pregnancy.Your hCG levelsHCG is a hormone that shows up in the bloodstream and urine, which is produced by the fetus. The blood test for hCG can detect pregnancy with an accuracy close to 100%. This will also allow the doctor to estimate your due date by measuring the amount of hCG in your blood, since hCG levels change as pregnancy progresses.Sexually transmitted infectionsSTIs such as syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV can be detected through the blood sample. You can still catch these diseases during pregnancy although the result of the test is negative initially. HIV and hepatitis B can arise if you and your partner take risks, such as having unprotected sex. You can still get HIV and syphilis if you share needles and inject drugs during pregnancy.   Immunity to certain diseasesIf you have been vaccinated, you can find out if you have immunity to certain diseases such as rubella titers (immune to German measles) and varicella (immune to chickenpox).Pregnancy can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to viral illnesses such as malaria, but enhances other parts of the system such as resistance to HIV.   Vitamin D deficiencyPregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to have pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia, diabetes, preterm birth and small babies. Therefore, checking up on your vitamin D levels could help you avoid these pregnancy complications.Rhesus (Rh) factorWhen you find out your blood type, you are able to find whether you're Rh positive or Rh negative. Rh factor is a substance known as D antigen on the surface of your red blood cells. Rh incompatibility between you and your baby could cause complications if you are not aware of it. However, you will need an injection at 26 to 28 weeks and at 34 to 36 weeks to protect your baby if you happen to fall into the category of having the incompatibility.Genetic riskThe blood test can screen the risk for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hemoglobinopathy and possibly other genetic diseases. Anemia is an iron deficiency during pregnancy because your body requires extra iron so your baby receives a sufficient blood supply, oxygen and other nutrients. It makes you tired and vulnerable to loss of blood during labor and birth.Gestational diabetesIf you are suffering from obesity, have had gestational diabetes or a large baby in your previous pregnancy, have a family history of diabetes or have any other risk factors for gestational diabetes, the blood test can inform your doctor, get you and hospital ready for possible future complications. Except for the discomfort felt from a needle prick and maybe a little bruising afterwards, there are no health risks of an initial blood workup.   

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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.🏃‍♀️  

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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.👩‍⚕️

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Pregnancy rhinitis

Congestion or a stuffy nose starts during pregnancy and usually lasts for at least six weeks. The symptoms are often confused with conditions of other diseases. Pregnancy rhinitisPregnancy rhinitis is also understood as stuffy nose or nasal congestion.👃 The symptoms are neither severe nor linked to infection or allergies. The signs can be similar to the stuffiness you experience when you have a cold.🤒Is it pregnancy rhinitis or other conditions?👃Allergic rhinitisIf allergies are the main cause of your nasal congestion, you'll always experience sneezing👃, itchiness in the eyes👁️, nose or throat. Be aware that preexisting allergies are unpredictable during this sensitive era and may improve better or worse.👃Cold or fluIf you have a stuffy nose as well as coughing, a sore throat, a mild fever🌡️, and muscle aches, you will probably catch a cold.😷 During pregnancy, your immune system is weaker so you are more susceptible to cold or flu. 👃SinusitisViral and bacterial infections🦠 causing stuffy nose can lead to sinusitis, a sinus infection. It's more likely you'll experience more symptoms such as fever, headache, ache in upper jaw, green or yellow mucus, facial pain, or a weird sense of smell.🙂👃COVID-19Although COVID-19 can cause pregnancy congestion, it is linked with other recognizable symptoms such as fever🌡️, cough and fatigue😫. If you only experience congestion, it is hard to tell the difference based on just one symptom, so if you're concerned, you should get tested.🙆‍♀️ How to manage pregnancy rhinitis?👃ExerciseSafe and gentle exercise🏃‍♀️ is one of the best ways to make you breathe more easily. Regular exercise can also keep your pregnancy weight gain in check and prepare you the best health for your future delivery.🙆‍♀️ 👃Stay hydratedStay hydrated by drinking lots of water.🥛 You should only drink water and healthy fruit juce, and avoid all beverages like soda.👃Elevate your head when sleepingUplift your head a bit when you lie down when sleeping.💤 The position helps you sleep better and breathe more easily. 👃Saline nose dropsSaline nose drops or saline nasal spray is the best remedy to ease nasal congestion.👃 Try to use it three to four times a day until you feel better.🙂  👃HumidifierDry air can worsen your nose condition. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom when you sleep to add moisture to the air and warm up your nose.😃

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Food cravings and aversions during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings and aversions are common symptoms during the first trimester. Don't worry, you're not alone on this journey.Food aversionsFood aversion🍲🤮 is the sudden hatred towards a certain dish due to unpleasant smells or texture, even when it is used to be your favorite snack.😢 The most common food aversions include eggs, onions, fish and other seafood, meat, dairy products. It is often associated with morning sickness and nausea.Food cravingsOn the contrary, food craving🍲😝 is a sudden urge for a type of dish that you just can't get enough of. The most common pregnancy cravings include fruit🥝, vegetables, carbs, salty snacks, ice cream and chocolate. It usually emerges at the end of the first trimester. Causes of food aversions and cravings🍲HormonesA flood of pregnancy hormones is the culprit for most of these experiences.😃 If you have strong cravings for sweet food before your period, you're likely to feel the same urges during this time.😃 🍲Eccentric sensesYour taste receptors are hypersensitive and somewhat dull. Even a slight smell of tomato paste can make you feel nauseous and walk away.🥴 Sometimes, you know that your body needs vitamins but these days, it translates into a craving for ice cream with lots of Oreos sprinkles.😋 🍲A need for comfort foodYou may crave special dishes when you feel nostalgic of your past. As long as your comfort food is on the healthy list, it's fine to indulge.😋  Solutions when having food aversions and cravings🍲Try to hold yourself togetherDon't spoil yourself with pregnancy cravings that do nothing for you nutritionally.⚠️ Eat tiny bits of them to make you feel better, but avoid the whole unhealthy bar of chocolate🍫, for example.🍲Give inIt's totally fine to indulge in nutritious food and healthily gain weight.💪 If they are good for the baby, they are approved. If food aversions are severe and limit your list of intake, look for other substitutes among healthy options and try them little by little.😃   🍲Get movingTake a walk🏃‍♀️ and do something else to distract you from unhealthy cravings when they get serious. Reading a book📘 or chatting with other people can also help take your mind off.  

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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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Bloating and gas during pregnancy

You're paying attention to what you eat and medications you ingest. Gas and bloating are common symptoms at an early stage of pregnancy. If you have gas problems, this information is for you.Causes of bloating and gas during pregnancy😶Undigested carbohydratesGas is an uncomfortable result of a common process of digesting undigested carbohydrates.🍙 Gas enters your digestive tract when you swallow air and is released when bacteria in your large intestine breaks down carbohydrates.🦠😶CarbsCertain carbs can make you gas often.🍚 Fats contribute to a sense of bloating especially when you eat noodles at night because they slow down digestion.🌾😶Progesterone hormonesWhen you're pregnant, a high level of progesterone hormones relaxes your muscles and decelerates digestion.🤰 These relaxed muscles lead to more gas being released, bloating, burping, and flatulence after you have a big meal.😌You may experience bloating and gas a few times a day. Relax and unbutton your pants to make yourself more comfortable.😃 Foods to avoid to help relieve pregnancy bloating and gas😶Beans, whole grains, and certain vegetablesCabbage, cauliflower🥦 , brussel sprouts, broccoli🥦, asparagus contain raffinose sugar, making people more gassy. Bloating and gas are inevitable symptoms but cutting down on these kinds of food is an effective way to relieve them a bit.🌳 🌿🥬 😶FructoseFructose, also called fruit sugar, is found in leeks, onions, artichokes, dried fruit, ketchup, pears, honey, or apples.🍒 It is often added into processed foods. Together with carbonation, fructose in sodas and fruit drinks can result in bloating and gassy feelings.🥤😶Certain starchesExcept rice, wheat or corn🌾 can lead to bloating and gas because you may not have the enzyme to break down these complex carbohydrates. When they reach the colon, bacteria start feasting on them and producing gas.😃😶Fiber-rich foodsOat bran, beans, peas🥫 and many fruits are fiber-rich and produce gas after they are digested. Wheat bran, however, is not as easily broken down as other types of foods and suitable for you if you're constipated.🚽 😶Dairy productsIf you're lactose intolerant, you're likely to get diarrhea, stomachache, and gas production after consuming dairy products.🥛 Try lactose free milk or calcium-fortified soy milk to enhance your calcium intake. If all these options are not available, consult with doctors for calcium supplements.👩‍⚕️ 😶High fat and fried foodsThe fiber content of most fried foods is low, making them hard to digest and remain in the colon much longer. When they stay in your digestive tract for too long, you're likely to feel full and bloated.😃 

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Excess saliva during pregnancy

Don't worry too much. Excess saliva during pregnancy is normal to have when you're pregnant and it won't badly affect your baby. But it can affect the quality of your life depending how much saliva you have. Causes of excess saliva👄Excessive salivationUsually your salivary glands produce about 1 ½ quarts of saliva a day but it's not evident since you constantly swallow unconsciously.😃 However, if you suddenly notice you have a lot more saliva in your mouth, you are producing more or swallowing less, either of these two cases.🙂👄NauseaDuring the first few months, you're likely to experience morning sickness and nausea.🤢 Sometimes, when you're nauseated, you produce more saliva than usual so you need to spit some out. When to expect excess saliva 👄Hormonal changesThe real reason why you have excessive saliva in early pregnancy is unknown.🤷 Hormonal changes during pregnancy might be one of the contributing factors.🙂 👄NauseaFeeling nauseous makes you swallow less, leading to saliva build up in your mouth. If you experience a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, immense saliva production is much more common.🤢 👄HeartburnHeartburn causes irritation to the esophagus, stimulating your salivary glands to neutralize the tsunami acid in your stomach by producing more saliva.🤢  This phenomenon is also common when you vomit.🤮👄IrritantsCertain irritants such as smoke, oral infections, tooth decay🦷, or exposure to toxins can make you produce an excessive amount of saliva. Consult with doctors for these medical conditions.👩‍⚕️ 

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