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. 

Perineal massage

Perineal massage helps stretch the perineum and make it more elastic so that your baby can come out more easily. It's really easy. It won't take long for you to master all techniques!🧐Perineal massage💆What is perineal massage?Perineal massage is a method that helps prepare the pelvic floor muscles and make them more flexible for vaginal delivery.😃 Giving these muscles a gentle massage in the weeks before your baby's birth can soften and stretch the tissues, keep the perineum area loose and pave ways for the baby to come out more easily.👶 You can do a perineal massage yourself or ask your partner to do it for you.👨‍👧 You can also do it during delivery too! 💆Benefits of perineal massagePerineal massage is effective in reducing damage to the pelvic floor and avoiding perineal tears.🤗 It can also help you refrain from going through an episiotomy during delivery, having scars, postpartum urinary or postpartum perineum pain. Preparation for perineal massage💆When to startYou can begin perineal massage at about 34 weeks in the third trimester.🤰 You can do it three or four times a week until the due date, each takes 5 minutes. Although you might feel some sensation and burning pain in the first few weeks, you will gradually be accustomed to having massages, learning how to breathe👃 and relax and eventually feel more comfortable.💆 💆Massage oils and gelsMassage oils and gels are essentials in the massage process as they help moisturize the perineum and make it more elastic.😃 There is a variety of natural oils for you to choose from such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil or sunflower oil.🌻 However, because some of these products can irritate your vagina, you should consult with your doctor for recommendations.💆How to do perineal massageThe massage should be done gently to prevent bruising and swelling.😃 After you sit in a comfortable position, lean back on pillows, bend your legs and spread your knees open. Put one or two drops of oil on your thumbs, place them about 1 to 1½ inches inside your vagina and gently stretch the wall out to the side.💆 Then keep massaging up and down in a U shape. Repeat the process for a total of 4 to 5 minutes. It's easy, right?😝 

Biophysical Profile (BPP)

Why should I take the test?💡A biophysical profile (BPP) is a short and simple assessment of fetal well-being that combines with a nonstress test when your midwife suspects that a baby is under stress. If you receive a nonreactive result in a nonstress test, you will be recommended to take the BPP test to have a more accurate picture of your baby's condition. When all the measurements come back normal, your baby is most likely doing fine in your belly.How is the test done?💉A BPP test is accompanied with an ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to create the image of the fetus. The test will look into five aspects:The nonstress test: Your baby's heartbeat per minute is recorded.Fetal breathing movements: How your baby's chest moves as the baby practices continuous, rhythmic breathing in the amniotic fluid.Fetal movement: The baby's movements are observed for 30 minutes. If the baby is napping, it might take longer.Fetal muscle tone: The baby's ability to flex and extend arm or leg, rotate the trunk of the body is measured by quick and jerky movements.Volume of amniotic fluid: The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is measured through amniotic fluid pockets. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:Criteria of BPPBPP test results reflect different markers to assess your baby's health. Your sonographer will assign a BPP score of 0 or 2 points in each category and add them up. If the biophysical profile yields a maximum score of 10 points, all criteria are satisfied and the baby is perfectly healthy.The criteria for each component of the test are listed.The nonstress test:  Your baby's heart rate must reach a certain level above the baseline twice or more for at least 10 seconds each within a 20-minute window.Fetal breathing movement: At least one episode of continuous fetal breathing that lasts at least 30 seconds during a 30-minute window. Fetal movement: Three or more separate movements of the fetal body or limbs over 30 minutes.Fetal muscle tone: Active extension or flexion of an arm or leg, or the opening and closing of a hand during a 30-minute window.Volume of amniotic fluid: One single pocket of amniotic fluid measures at least one centimeter across and two centimeters vertically.Results of BPPThe total of BPP scores mean: A score of 8-10: Reassuring! Although the test may be required later again, the result means your baby is doing fine in your tummy.A score of 6: A second BPP is required within 12-24 hours. Depending on how far you are in your pregnancy, your baby may be delivered.A score of 4 or less: You need additional tests or your baby needs to come out right away. Risks of the procedureBiophysical profiles are noninvasive, hence, undergoing this test will not pose any threats to you and your baby. However, it might make you worried and anxious. Stress could potentially affect the results of the nonstress test portion of the BPP. 

The stages of labor and delivery

The process of labor and delivery is divided into three stages. Since the length of labor varies among moms, it's hard to give an accurate prediction how long it will last for you. Guess you have to wait until it actually happens.🤗🧐 First stage of labor👶Early laborIn the early labor phase, you should expect contractions striking at relatively regular intervals and intensifying over time.😫 Sometimes it's hard to distinguish them from Braxton Hicks contractions which occur irregularly and don't cause pain. Eventually the contractions will come every four to five minutes and last for 40-60 seconds each. Gradually they get longer, stronger and closer together, creating painful yet mild torment so you can still talk through them.😣 The bloody show follows with pink or brightly red vaginal discharge.🩸 If you see your water break🌊 before contractions begin, you have to call your doctor immediately. 👶Active laborYour contractions become increasingly intense and you'll no longer be able to rest.☹️ As your cervix dilates more quickly up to 6cm, the contractions last every 2½ to 3 minutes, or even up to 5 minutes. Your baby👶 also starts to descend into your pelvis and prepares for exiting. Sometimes, epidural anesthesia causes blood pressure to drop, making you feel like vomiting and nauseated.🤢 If this is your first baby, this phase will last between 5 to 7 hours on average. If you've had a baby before, the active phase will go faster between 2 to 4 hours on average. If you have a big baby or twins, labor may last even longer.😀 👶TransitionYour cervix dilates from 8 to a full 10cm. Contractions are coming every two to three minutes and lasting a minute or more. When your baby is moving downward, you will feel the urge to push and rectal pressure as if your bowels were moving.😣 The anguish kicks in and you start making deep grunting sounds.😣 It's nearly time to push! If you have an epidural, you will probably handle the pain a bit better. The pressure you'll feel in your lower back and rectum depends on your baby's position and the type and amount of injection you get. Lots of blood will come out.🩸 You may feel nauseated or even vomit due to the pain.🤮 Second stage of laborYou are completely ready for childbirth.😃 This stage is the most work for you since you start pushing out your baby. At the beginning of the second stage, your contractions may be a little further apart, leaving you some spaces to breathe and rest.😌 Then, you start pushing and moving the baby down the birth canal. Bearing down can offer you some relief. Take it slow and listen to your coach as you will be instructed when to push with each contraction to accelerate the baby's exit.👶 You may need episiotomy which is a small cut at the opening of the vagina to create a clear path for your baby.Crowning is the process of your baby's head slowly appearing. The doctor👩‍⚕️ may use a forcep to help your baby out more easily. Now you feel more compelled to push. With each contraction, more parts of your baby's body become visible. At some point, a slow and controlled push is required to allow your baby to gradually stretch out your vagina and prevent the perineum from tearing.🧐 Push a bit more! The whole head gradually appears in awe.🤗 Your baby turns to the side, paving the way for her shoulders and the rest of the body to come out. Finally, your baby is out and removed from any blockages while the umbilical cord is cut!😍 Then your baby is dried off with a towel and kept warm. Third stage of laborRight after giving birth, your uterus begins contractions again to separate the placenta from your uterine wall. It's usually just a one final push that is short and not difficult at all.😃Congratulations! You did it!🤗 Your pregnancy journey finally comes to an end and your baby is born. Enjoy your skin-to-skin special moment with your little angel and get started breastfeeding.😙  

Labor positions for active labor (part 2)

Labor positions for active labor🤰Exercise ball kneelKneel on a soft mattress to protect your knees while leaning forwards onto an exercise ball⚽ or your partner. This position is especially suitable for moms experiencing back pain as it helps you endure the pain during labor and takes some pressure off your back.😃🤰Lying on your sideLying on your cozy bed🛏️ gives you the comfort and a much-needed rest. Lying on your left side helps you avoid the compression on your blood flow and allow blood🩸 to circulate better. Slide a pillow between your knees for extra comfort.🤰Side-lying lungeYou can rest yourself on your cozy bed🛏️ while opening your pelvis, particularly if you have an epidural. Stack more pillows underneath your belly for more support.😃 🤰Standing lungePut one foot on your chair🪑 and one foot on the ground. Stand firmly while stretching your muscles and ligaments. This position is only recommended when it feels good and doesn't cause more pain in your pelvis, hips or knees.🤗Other labor positions for active labor🤰Birth pool kneelDo you know that warm water🌊 can ease pain and help you relax? Fill your bathtub or a pool with warm water and lean forward in the water to create more space in your pelvis.🤽 The buoyancy of water can help relieve some of the pressure off your pelvis and your back. 🤰Supported squatGet in the squat position while having your partner at the back holding your upper arms. When your pelvis is open, the gravity will help your baby move down faster.👶 Be mindful that the blood flow down to your legs might be a bit interrupted.🩸 🤰Hanging kneelKneel on a soft mattress to protect your knees. You can grab on a window sill, straps, or a bed rail🛏️ and start stretching slowly while facing downwards. Rock yourself gently during contractions.🤰Supported kneelYou can ask your friends and partner to help you stabilize while you're on your knees and open the pelvis.👨‍👧 Getting into this position encourages your baby👶 to descend and the placenta to come out after delivery.  

Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy. Prevention is your best bet in minimizing discomfort and avoiding this fiery acid reflux.Heartburn during pregnancy😩What heartburn feels like?It is a burning sensation that starts from the bottom of the breastbone and travels up your esophagus to the lower throat😩. It's often related to gas and bloating. The discomfort that you experience will come and go after delivery.🤰😩What causes heartburn?  Progesterone hormone relaxes the muscles of the uterus and the lower esophageal sphincter, making gastric acid go back up burning your throat. The weight of your growing baby👶 also contributes to pushing stomach acid back up into the esophagus.🙁vvvvv Heartburn prevention😩Avoid food and drinks that upset your stomachCarbonated drinks like soda🥤, alcohol, and caffeine exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Citrus fruits and vinegar containing acids, fatty and spicy food should also be avoided.🙅‍♀️😩Eat small mealsInstead of eating three big meals per day, divide your meals throughout the day and give your body time to digest.🍲 Take your time eating and chewing. 😩Drink water between mealsStaying hydrated is important. Drinking water🥛 between meals helps neutral acids in your stomach and wash all remnants of food in your mouth away.😃 

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.  

Contraction Test

Why should I take the test?💡The contraction test is also called a stress test or an oxytocin challenge test. It checks for any signs of stress during uterine contractions. When a decision to deliver has to be made but your healthcare practitioner is not sure whether the baby is healthy enough, external stimulus that makes your uterus contract is given to stimulate contractions that are similar to labor contractions but typically don't start labor. You only need a contraction test if you have abnormal results after a nonstress test or biophysical profile. During a contraction, the blood flow to the placenta is slowed down, hence, the placenta's extra storage of blood can provide the baby with the oxygen he needs if it is healthy. Signs of an unhealthy placenta can be detected if the baby's heart beats more slowly due to lack of oxygen. How is the test done?💉The contraction test is often performed when you are 34 or more weeks pregnant. Usually, you stop eating and drinking for four to eight hours before the test. If you smoke, you have to stop at least two hours before the test because smoking can decrease your baby's heart rate and interfere with the test's results. Then, after lying on your left side, the doctor will strap two devices to your belly. One monitors your baby's heartbeat while the other records uterus contractions.You will be given a small dose of oxytocin in an IV to stimulate contractions. The test can take up to two hours until you have had three contractions in a ten-minute window, each lasting 40 to 60 seconds. When the test is over, you will continue lying down to wait for your contractions to stop or go back to their pretest level.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Results of the testNegative result:  A normal or negative result indicates that the baby's heartbeat does not slow down in response to your contractions. The baby is probably doing fine in your tummy.Positive result: If your baby's heart beats more slowly after more than half of your contractions, the result signals that your baby may be under stress or incapable of tolerating labor contractions. In this case, the doctor may decide to do a cesarean section right away or continue observations. Equivocal results: Your baby's heart reacts more with long-lasting contractions, or sometimes it slows down intermittently. Risks of the procedureYour uterus will be hyperstimulated, causing contractions so strong and frequent that they halt blood flow to the baby. The test can also stimulate premature labor if you get too much oxytocin too quickly. Because the test carries these risks and is not fully reliable in most situations, the contraction test is not often conducted unless it is truly necessary. 

Vision changes during pregnancy

Vision changes during pregnancy are common symptoms. Your eyes are not deceiving you. They are slightly blurry and nearsighted these days.Vision changes during pregnancy👁️Why vision changes occur?When you're pregnant, changes in hormones🤰, metabolism, fluid retention and blood circulation can all have an impact on your eyes and eyesight. Fluid retention slightly increases the thickness and curvature of your cornea👁️, causing blurry vision. Surges of hormones can make your eyes drier and more irritated.👁️When vision changes begin?Vision changes often occur in the second and third trimester.🤰 They will be mitigated after delivery or after you finish breastfeeding.😃Other vision changes during pregnancy👁️ Visual disturbances from migrainesMigraine headaches with aura begins a series of symptoms such as seeing flashing lights💡, zigzag line or blind spots. If you experience any of these signs, you should visit doctors.👩‍⚕️👁️ Central serous chorioretinopathyThis is a rare disease where fluids aggregate under the retina👁️. Layers of the retina then detach and distort vision, causing blurry eyesight and blind spots. It often develops in late pregnancy and you will usually get your vision back towards the end of the pregnancy or after delivery.😃 👁️ Diabetic eye diseaseBefore pregnancy, if you're already diagnosed with diabetes, pregnancy can worsen your diabetic eye disease.😟 You should have a balanced diet to regulate your blood sugar and see your doctor to get screened for damage to any blood vessels in the retina.👩‍⚕️  

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are also called false alarms of labor. You can feel them early on in your pregnancy, but usually most moms won't feel them until mid to late pregnancy.😃  Braxton Hicks contractions🤰What are Braxton Hicks contractions?Braxton Hicks contractions are mild and sporadic contractions that you probably won't notice until mid to late pregnancy.🤰 They feel like tightness in your abdomen, typically last less than 30 seconds, then go away. They are uncomfortable but rarely painful.😃 Since Braxton Hicks contractions are often mistaken for early signals of preterm labor, you should not make any diagnosis yourself just to be safe.🙅‍♀️ You should consult with your doctor👩‍⚕️ if you experience abdominal pain that doesn't get better even after you rest. More regular and stronger contractions accompanied with vaginal bleeding as you approach your due date are also warning signs of possible preterm labor.⚠️ 🤰What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?The exact cause of Braxton Hicks contractions is unknown but you can think of them as a practice before your true labor.🤔 You will notice them more clearly when you're dehydrated or have a full bladder, or after having sex or doing physical activities. The difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor🤰PatternBraxton Hicks contractions often appear sporadically and don't get closer together. True labor signals come at regular intervals and get closer together over time.🧐 🤰DurationBraxton Hicks contractions are weak, rarely causing any pains and lasting shortly. True contractions last 30 to 90 seconds.⏱️ 🤰PositionBraxton Hicks contractions occur in the front of your abdomen. However, real contractions feel like they start in the back and gradually progress to the front.🤰  🤰ChangeBraxton Hicks contractions stop when you change your position.🚶 True labor contractions continue despite position changes and intensify over time.