third trimester Content | Baby Billy

Evening primrose oil during pregnancy

Evening primrose oil is claimed to help speed up the first stage of labor and induce labor when applied vaginally. This supplement hasn't been widely studied yet. If you want to use it, you should consult with your doctor first. What is evening primrose oil?Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement from the seeds of the evening primrose plant native to North America.💐 Research shows that it may stimulate the production of prostaglandins hormones that help ripen the cervix and induce contractions.🤰🏵️ There is a lack of evidence to support evening primrose oil's effect on labor. More research is needed to figure out whether it actually works and is safe for pregnant moms.🥽🥼👨‍🔬Pros and cons of evening primrose oil💐ProsSince it hasn't been widely studied👨‍🔬, it's hard to assuredly claim the pros of the product. It may help speed up the first stage of labor when applied vaginally, get the cervix ready for labor and ease discomfort in some issues such as eczema.🤔💐ConsIt may cause an upset stomach or headache.🤕 Because the effect of evening primrose oil on labor hasn't been confirmed, it may increase risk for complications. If you want to use it, you have to consult with your doctor first to make sure it's safe for you.👩‍⚕️ 💐WarningsDon't use evening primrose oil if you're taking anticoagulants because it may worsen bleeding. If you have seizure order, it may diminish the potency of anti-seizure medications.🙅‍♀️ 

Lightning crotch in the third trimester

Lightning crotch is not an actual lightning from the sky hitting your belly. This sharp electric shock is jolting but it's not a serious sign of labor.Lightning crotch in the third trimester😩What is lightning crotch?It is a sharp pain like a jolt or sting in the vagina, rectum or pelvis.😖 The pain can be slight or excruciating. It often lasts no more than a few seconds. 😩What causes lightning crotch?Your baby is moving into position and getting ready to come out.👶 With your baby's head lower in your pelvis, your cervix and other nerves around the lower part of the uterus are under pressure, causing you pain.🙁The difference between lightning crotch and other kinds of pains😩Different from round ligament painRound ligament pain often occurs in the second trimester while lighting crotch often strikes you when you enter the third trimester.🤰 Round ligament pain radiates from your hip bones and varies in terms of pain scales; however, lightning crotch creates a sharp pain that only lasts for seconds.⏲️😩Different from sciaticaThe sciatica starts from the lower back through the pelvis and down each leg, also causing shooting nerve pain.🧠 Sciatica can happen anytime during pregnancy but lightning crotch only happens when you're near the end of the journey.🤰  Moreover, you can feel sciatica along the path of the sciatic nerve. You won't be able to feel pain in the groin or vagina like lightning crotch.🙂😩Different from labor painLightning crotch is not a sign of labor.🙅‍♀️ You may mistake it for labor pain, but labor contractions are often repeating and regular, and the beats are getting closer over time. Lightning crotch will sting for a few seconds and disappear.🙂Ways to prevent lightning crotchYou can wear a support belly band to reduce the pressure on the lower part of the uterus. Gentle exercises to keep you active such as walking🚶 and swimming🏊‍♀️ are recommended. Trying a warm bath also helps you relax.🛀 When you have a lightning crotch, you can shift your position to make yourself more comfortable and less in pain. 

Cervical dilation and effacement

Cervical dilation and effacement can take place for several hours, days or even weeks before you actually give birth. Once the process is complete, you're ready to deliver your baby.Cervical dilationDuring pregnancy, your cervix is closed to protect your baby.👶 Dilation is the opening of the cervix which is measured in centimeters. It takes hours, days, or even weeks for your cervix to reach full dilation. When you're fully dilated up to 10cm, you are ready to enter labor.😃 Cervical effacementEffacement is the thinning of the cervix which is measured in percentages. The cervix shortens and becomes thinner and softer in preparation for your labor. When your cervix is fully thinned out like a sheet of paper, you're 100 percent effaced.😃 Effacement and dilation must happen simultaneously and completely before you can begin going into labor.🤗Cervical effacement symptoms🤰Braxton Hicks contractionsThese fake alarms of irregular contractions are the first signal of the cervical effacement. These may cause some discomfort but no pain, and they come and go.🧐🤰Loss of mucus plugA plug of mucus at the entrance of the cervix that used to seal the uterus from the external world begins to be torn down. You may notice a gradual trickle or a large lump of bloody mucus coming out of your vagina.🩸🤰Baby dropYour baby is descending into the pelvis and resting the head on your cervix.👶 You may notice the shape of your belly might change a little bit too.🤰Greater need to peeYou may find yourself visiting the bathroom more often these days because your baby's descent is putting more pressure on the bladder.🚽 Despite the increasing need to urinate, you may find it easier to breathe deeply once your baby moves down.😮‍💨 

Routine IV during labor

Your due date is just around the corner! As soon as you're admitted to the hospital, you will be given an IV during labor.🙂  An IV during labor💉What is an IV?An IV line is a flexible catheter that is inserted into a vein to deliver fluids and medications into your body quickly and easily.😃 The IV is usually placed in the crook of the arm, but it can also be tethered in the hand, the wrist or the forearm.💪💉Refuse to get an IV?If you plan to labor without medications, your pregnancy🤰 is uncomplicated and you don't need to induce labor, you can refuse to get an IV. Consult with your doctor and practitioner before you decide that you don't want an IV.👩‍⚕️Reasons for having a routine IV during labor💉Positive for Group B strep (GBS)Group B streptococcus is one of the many bacteria🦠 that lives in the vagina and rectum. GBS can be passed to the fetus and cause serious infections in newborns if left untreated. If you test positive for GBS, you will receive treatments with antibiotics💊 during labor.💉Fluids and medications deliveryGetting IV fluids while you're in labor can help you prevent getting dehydrated.😃 It's more helpful if you can't eat or drink during labor.If you want an epidural during delivery, the IV will help you get fluids and medications in case the pain relievers cause your blood🩸 pressure to drop. If you're having a C-section, the IV is used to administer necessary medications for the procedure😊.If your water breaks but labor doesn't start or you're pregnant past your due date, or you've developed preeclampsia, your provider needs to induce labor and augment contractions by giving you oxytocin through the IV.🙂  If you're at risk for complications or something winds up needing an emergency C-section, an already set up IV will be pragmatic and imminent.😁 You immediately get access to medication instead of merely wasting time being untreated.  

Pregnancy glow

Do you look at yourself in the mirror recently and notice how your skin is glowing? Pregnancy glow is most evident during the second trimester so don't miss the opportunity to check out yourself.Pregnancy glow👩Pregnancy glowYour radiant, glowing appearance👩 these days is called pregnancy glow. Becoming a mom is not just about acne and pains, but it also gives you a flushed face and glowing skin. You're glowing!🤰 👩When does it start and end?There is no specific timeline for your beauty to glow.🤗 You may notice the radiance and flushed face more easily in the second trimester when all dull symptoms such as morning sickness has been alleviated.😃 The end of pregnancy is also the end of the pregnancy glow. After your baby is born👶, your hormones and blood flow go back to normal. Causes of pregnancy glow👩Surging hormonesExtra estrogen, progesterone, hCG hormones contribute to the glow. The increased amount might have made your face look glowy and shiny.☺️👩Increased blood flowYour blood volume🩸 increases by up to 50% to support your baby and other organs. More blood in circulation accentuates your beauty features and makes your skin look glowy and lively. A higher body temperature during pregnancy leads to flushing.🌡️👩Oil productionThe sebum glands produce more oil on your face, making it look shinier. However, sebum also contributes to acne on your skin.😉Don't worry if you don't encounter this pregnancy glow since every pregnant body is different.😃 Pregnancy glow doesn't indicate anything about your pregnancy.🤰  

Labor augmentation

After evaluating your cervix and your baby's heart rate, your doctor might decide if stimulating the uterus to bring on contractions is necessary. Labor augmentation is probably what you need.Labor augmentation🤰What is labor augmentation?Labor augmentation is the process of assisting a slow or stalled labor🤰that has already started. The doctor👩‍⚕️ may try to augment it if your contractions are coming frequently or powerfully enough to dilate your cervix and push your baby down the birth canal. 🤰How is labor augmentation done?Before augmenting your labor, your doctor will assess your contraction pattern, your cervix dilation and your baby's condition.👶 Your baby's heart rate in response to the contractions is measured using external fetal heart monitoring.If it's appropriate to augment the labor, you'll be given oxytocin through an IV line connected to a pump so the doctor can adjust the amount of drug that you get while observing how your uterus is contracting.💉Contradiction stress test might be conducted simultaneously to truly gauge how strong the contractions are. The goal of labor augmentation is to give you the adequate amount of oxytocin to stimulate contractions that effectively dilate your cervix and help your baby descend but not overwork your labor. Excess contractions do more harm than good and stress your baby.🙅‍♀️ The doctor also constantly keeps tabs on your baby's heart rate to make sure the baby is tolerating contractions well.😃 🤰Are there risks related to labor augmentation?If oxytocin dose is too high💉, the contractions are overstimulated, leading to various problems with your baby's heart rate. Because oxytocin wears off quickly, the doctor might give you other drugs to relax your uterus first, then continue adjusting oxytocin dose from the lowest level again to avoid stressing your baby. If your baby can't tolerate contractions whether they are spontaneous or manually stimulated by oxytocin, the doctor might recommend you to deliver the baby by cesarean section. Labor augmentation is not suggested for everyone. It's best to delay it until it's safe and appropriate to do so.😃 Other ways to augment labor🤰Getting uprightBirthing positions play an important role in helping moms give birth without medical interventions.💊⛔ Remaining mostly upright, whether it be standing, walking around or kneeling during the first stage of labor can help shorten the stage by about an hour. As long as you're comfortable with your position, it's worth a try.😃🤰Nipple stimulationSimulating your nipple by rubbing or twisting it might advocate your body to produce oxytocin on its own. It is possible to overdo this so you should discuss with your doctor about guidance on its frequency and rest periods.👩‍⚕️🤰AmniotomyIf your water🌊 hasn't broken on its own, your doctor can insert a slim, plastic hooked instrument through your vagina and dilated cervix to rupture your amniotic sacs. Although membrane rupture accelerates labor and decreases chances that you'll need oxytocin, your baby is less likely to be protected from infection and umbilical cord compression during contractions.🥺 Based on how far your cervix is dilated, how your baby is descending, and your risk of infection, the doctor👩‍⚕️ will decide if amniotomy is appropriate for you.  

3D and 4D Ultrasounds

Why should I take the test?💡Are you anxious to see your growing baby in your belly? 3D and 4D ultrasounds allow you to see your unborn baby in depth and detail which you could not see in a standard 2D ultrasound. Your midwife may offer you an ultrasound if your baby is at risk of complications. Depending on the trimester and your needs. If you have any existing medical conditions or experiences of eclampsia, you are the right candidate for ultrasounds. Ultrasounds in 3D and 4D are performed only to closely examine fetal demise or monitor something specific. These are usually not included in routine prenatal exams. How is the test done?💉A sonographer will put some gel on your tummy and move a transducer over your skin. 3D ultrasoundsMultiple two-dimensional images are taken at various angels and put together to create a three-dimensional rendering. 4D ultrasounds4D ultrasounds provide you with baby's movements in real time. You can see your baby opening and closing his eyes or even sucking his thumbs. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Risks of the procedureThere are no known risks of ultrasounds for pregnant moms. However, ultrasounds should only be performed by qualified medical professionals when necessary. 

Rash during pregnancy

Most rashes during pregnancy are unrelated to your pregnancy but there are a few pregnancy conditions that do cause rashes.🧐  Atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP)🤰SymptomsAEP includes three conditions, atopic dermatitis (eczema), pruritic folliculitis, and prurigo. An outbreak of AEP on your arms, legs🦵 or torso can be extremely itchy. Eczema often appears red🔴 or purple with small bumps and flaky skin. These itchy bumps are grouped, appear thickened and may have a crust. Pruritic folliculitis looks like tiny pimple bumps while prurigo may look like bug bites and dome-shaped papules at the beginning.🙁 🤰TreatmentAEP is treated with topical medication and oral antihistamines. Sometimes oral steroids can be prescribed.💊 Consult with your doctor carefully to have the most accurate diagnosis.Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (PUPPP)🤰SymptomsYou may feel itchy like crazy at the beginning. PUPPP appears first on your belly or around stretch marks you have, then further spreads to your thighs🦵, buttocks, back, arms💪 and legs. PUPPP doesn't really affect the area above your chest. 🤰TreatmentYou are often given a topical ointment or oral antihistamine. Sometimes oral steroids can also be prescribed if the doctor finds it necessary.💊👩‍⚕️Pemphigoid gestationis🤰SymptomsPemphigoid gestationis is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your own organs, creating intensely itchy rash that turns into large, blistering lesions.🙁 The outbreak begins around the belly buttons and travels to other parts of your trunk, arms💪 and legs🦵, including your palms and soles. 🤰Treatment  This condition is often treated with oral steroids. You ask your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.💊👩‍⚕️  

How long do you stay in the hospital after giving birth?

Congratulations! You must be so excited and can't wait to go home to spend your first day with your newborn. How long you stay in the hospital after giving birth depends on your birth experience and hospital rules. Don't worry, it won't be long.🧐After a vaginal deliverySince vaginal delivery is an uncomplicated and safe process, you'll likely stay in the hospital🏥 for 24 to 48 hours. You need to rest after long hours of labor in the postpartum unit for anesthesia to wear off. Your healthcare provider👩‍⚕️ will check any perineal tears and the progress of the uterus's recovery to pre-pregnant state. Then you may have a chance to meet a lactation consultant to get instructions about breastfeeding.🤱 At the same time, your baby is monitored carefully to make sure that there's no problem. After a C-section The average time you should stay in the hospital🏥  is two to four days. You just go through a long and complicated surgery so you need to stay longer and rest.😃 In the meantime, your doctor will be monitoring you and your baby to make sure that both of you are doing well.👶 You should be able to walk to the bathroom without assistance, urinate without a catheter, eat and drink normally🍲 and pass gas before you are discharged.🤤 You should limit your activities for the first several weeks since your body has not been fully recovered.🙅‍♀️ If you feel pain, consult with your doctor immediately for pain medication.👩‍⚕️ 

Varicose veins during pregnancy

It is more likely that varicose veins will develop if other members in your family also have had them. Varicose veins will improve and disappear after you give birth.Varicose veins during pregnancy🩸What are varicose veins?Varicose veins are swollen veins🩸 that appear near the surface of the skin. Blue, red, or purple veins sometimes look ropelike and often conspicuously show up on your legs.🦵You may experience some discomfort from varicose veins as they may make you feel itchy. The symptoms deteriorate if you stand on your feet all day.🧍🏼 🩸Causes of varicose veinsAs your uterus keeps growing, it puts pressure on the pelvic blood vessels and further increases pressure in your leg veins.🦵 The extra volume of blood🩸 required for two healthy bodies also puts forces on the blood vessels in your legs, which are already working hard to fight against gravity to return blood to your heart. A high level of progesterone hormone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, contributing to the formation of varicose veins. They may improve or disappear after you give birth.😃 How to prevent varicose veins🩸ExercisesKeep yourself moving🚶. Exercise is key in preventing varicose veins. Take a walk or two each day. Do some low-key and gentle exercises to help increase blood circulation.😃 🩸Watch your weightAlthough you need to gain weight to provide nutritions for your baby, keep your weight down to what doctors recommend.⚖️ Extra weight means extra work for your overworked circulatory system.🩸Don't sit or stand for too longYou shouldn't stand on your legs for the entire day. Take frequent breaks and move around.🚶🩸Change your postureElevate your legs and feet to the level of the heart or higher by putting pillows below when you're lying down.🛏️ Rest your legs on another chair or a box to make you feel more comfortable. Don't cross your legs or ankles when sitting.🙅‍♀️