There are countless resources that one can read up regarding pregnancy and the changes that go along with it. These write-ups oftentimes try to accurately portray what a pregnant mother feels, everything from a physical and emotional standpoint. But words can only say so much. There is no better literature to accurately portray pregnancy than what an actual experience brings. And in my case, all these experiences are magnified by the fact that I am carrying twins!

It has been months since I first caught a glimpse of my two angels by ultrasound, but I still find it hard to believe. But the physical signs cannot be denied. My tummy is much larger than what is normally expected from a singleton pregnancy. It has grown so much that I marveled at the sight of how my body is trying to accommodate the growing babies. Of course, the stretch marks are inevitable. It is like they’ve been printed all over my tummy, looking like webs in different directions and of varying colors. No lotion or any specialized cream can have the power to stop this natural adaptive change in my skin. Definitely, my skin has to be stretched to the greatest possible extent to provide enough space for my twins to grow.

With the large size of my tummy, most people who see me and don’t know that
I’m carrying twins think that I’m only counting days to my due date. They are surprised to learn that I actually still have a month and a half before I can finally see my twin baby boys.

The past months had not been easy both physically and emotionally. Everyday is a constant struggle to give out my best for my babies. I diligently carry out routine and deemed important self-care such as daily bath, multivitamin intake, and ample rest, even if at times I feel listless to do so. There are times when my appetite for food is terrible due to a cold or flu, but then again, I must compel myself to eat so as not to compromise my babies’ nutrition. At certain times too, my body is unreasonably tired that I feel my muscles could not bear the increasing weight. My muscles and joints feel weak and I couldn’t stand or move at once.

Now that I am entering the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy, I am experiencing more difficult and exhausting physical demands. I can not afford to stand still for more than 10 minutes or walk around for more than 5 minutes, or else my hips sore and my tummy feels so heavy and hard that I’m afraid I might have premature contractions. I can not eat as much as I would want to in one setting. I have to moderate the volume of food I have to eat because a full stomach can only give me a labored breathing afterwards. And if I should sit, I sit with my back inclined at 30 degree angle so as to increase the surface area for my tummy. What could be worse than the above discomforts already mentioned, is the fact that there is not even a single sleeping position that can give me the best relaxing sleep all through the night. I am always restless, resulting to sleep deprivation and drowsiness the following day.

On the other hand, by this time also, my babies are becoming more revealing of their presence. Their kicks and punches are more discrete. I might not know who among them is gleefully moving inside my tummy, but I can definitely tell which part of their body moves. Honestly, there’s a different kind of joy that I feel inside when I see my tummy waves in and out, sometimes getting deformed as my babies move inside.

With all the seemingly unbearable discomforts that I have to go though for the next couple of weeks, I ponder on the little joys that I am experiencing everyday with my twins. I am personally convinced that perhaps the reason why my babies’ movements become more and more sensible and discrete as I hurdle over the discomforts, is to inspire me to look forward and persevere with joy in my heart this difficult stage of my life.

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Some couples are lucky not to have any issues regarding fertility, but there are others who may find it more difficult to conceive. With advances in medicine, conception has already been possible for couples who are up against great odds. However, doctors may first look at outside factors affecting fertility, before they recommend a more aggressive approach.

Smoking has long been known to be harmful to one’s health. A lot of people may take in stride its ill-effects, without realizing that it can greatly affect one’s fertility. Smoking can significantly reduce fertility for both men and women, and it can also lower conception rates for couples. Smoking can reduce sperm counts, as well as affect the quality of sperm in men. As for women, it can make conception harder. However, there is still hope for smokers. Research has shown that men, who gave up smoking, experienced an increase in sperm count of up to 800%.

It may be the best time to modify your lifestyle in such a way, that you can reduce stress. Stressors will always be part of our lives, and although the links between stress and fertility are not yet clear, more and more doctors believe it exists. There are studies that have shown that women were able to conceive, after they had therapies aimed at reducing stress.

There is also a need to examine your diet. Research has shown that a lack of nutrients is common, among individuals who are having fertility problems. In particular, the study found out that couples having fertility problems had a lower intake of foods, which are rich in antioxidants. It may also help if you take vitamin supplements. A daily dose of 100 mg of Vitamin C can increase sperm counts up to 140%. Likewise, Vitamin E and selenium have been found to improve sperm motility.

It may help if you consult your doctor regarding certain nutrients and plants, which have been found to boost fertility for both men and women. Discuss with your doctor which supplements you can use to aid conception. There are already supplements that contain a combination of essential nutrients and even herbs, which can increase conception.

Obesity may also hamper a couple’s desire to conceive. Thus, efforts at weight reducing are recommended. For some women, even reducing their daily caloric intake may improve fertility. Even as little as 5% of weight loss for women with polycystic ovarian disease, may encourage ovulation and pregnancy. Women with this condition don’t usually ovulate, and they may have excessive male hormones, as well as insulin resistance.

It may also be good if you try to avoid substances, which can lower your chances of conception. Pesticides containing methoxychlor, have also been found to reduce testosterone levels, and it can also impair the function of the reproductive system of a woman. Try to avoid these chemicals in order to prevent more issues regarding fertility.

Getting more sleep may also be good for your fertility. Although the link has not been fully established, experts have found that leptin, a hormone affecting appetite and weight regulation, may play a role in female fertility. Leptin levels may decrease due to lack of sleep, and studies have coincidentally found that some infertile women have low levels of this hormone. However, experts are not yet sure whether getting more sleep can increase the level of leptin in an individual.

If you hare having problems conceiving, consult your health care provider to improve your odds. Couples may encounter a lot of challenges in terms of fertility, but there are a lot of options that are now available, which can give a couple a best shot at becoming proud parents.

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After conception, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes. Some women may experience all of the common symptoms of pregnancy, while others may only have a missed period. Here are the most common signs of early pregnancy, and some suggestions on how you can deal with the changes:

1. A Missed Period
A lot of women may think that a missed period can already indicate a positive pregnancy. However, this pregnancy symptom is not definitive. Some factors like illness or hormonal imbalance may cause irregular cycles in some women.

What you can do: A missed period is only a presumptive finding of pregnancy. You can try testing by using a home kit because these are usually accurate, when used a week after the missed period. Another option is to consult your health care provider because the pregnancy hormone can be detected earlier in the blood.

2. Breast Tenderness
This is usually one of the first symptoms that a woman can notice during pregnancy. The increased sensitivity is caused by the hormonal changes due to pregnancy. Some women experience increased symptoms when exposed to cold air. However, breast tenderness usually causes minimal discomfort in a woman.

What you can do: Wear a bra with a wide shoulder strap for better support. You can also dress warmly, to avoid exposure to cold air.

3. Nausea and Vomiting
A lot of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. This usually lasts for the first three months of pregnancy, and may be more intense in the morning. However, the queasy feeling may last all day, and may also be triggered by other factors like the smell of certain food items.

What you can do: Eat small frequent meals throughout the day, and avoid nausea triggers. Eat dry crackers before arising, and try a quick fix like sucking on hard candy. You may also drink ginger tea, or peppermint tea to help settle your stomach. Get enough rest because fatigue may also aggravate morning sickness.

4. Increased Fatigue
Fatigue in early pregnancy is quite common. This may be due to the increased metabolic requirements due to pregnancy. Some women may find that they don’t have enough energy to last the entire day, or they may be unable to do the usual activities before they got pregnant.

What you can do: Make sure that you have enough rest periods during the day. Try to get more hours of sleep, and be certain that you are getting the right amount of nutrients from your diet. Try to eat food items which are good sources of iron and protein.

5. Increased Frequency of Urination
After implantation, the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG. This pregnancy hormone can actually trigger frequent urination. A woman also experiences increased urination because the growing uterus puts pressure on the anterior bladder. As the pregnancy progresses, this symptom will temporarily disappear when the uterus rises above the bladder. During the last trimester, this may recur because the fetal head will put pressure on the bladder.

What you can do: Try to limit the amount of caffeine that you consume. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it may only increase the frequency of your urination. Avoid drinking too much liquid at night, so that you can have a restful sleep. It is also essential that you urinate when you feel the urge, in order to prevent urinary tract infection.

If you suspect that you are pregnant, consult your health care provider. Having early prenatal care is good for you and your baby. After all, prenatal care is one way of ensuring that you are on your way to a healthy pregnancy.

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Pregnancy can affect women differently. While some women embrace the changes that pregnancy brings, others may feel unhappy about it. For a woman who has a positive self-image before pregnancy, it may not be so hard to adjust to these changes. But for somebody who has negative perceptions, it may be harder to cope with all the changes. You don’t really need a perfect figure, so that you can feel good about yourself. It’s really more about how you feel about yourself, in spite of all the imperfections.

Recent studies have shown that women, who had misperceptions regarding their pre-pregnancy weight, have a tendency to gain more weight during pregnancy. A woman’s body can indeed change remarkably during pregnancy. From the expected weight gain to skin changes, it can bring about mixed emotions in a woman. Dealing with these emotions may be hard, especially if the people around you are not at all supportive.

It is then essential for a woman to understand why her body needs to go through these changes. It can be difficult to develop a positive self-image during pregnancy because the body changes rapidly each month. A woman needs to understand that the physical changes are normal. Without these changes, the body cannot support the needs of the growing baby. Knowing what to expect during pregnancy, may allow a woman to feel more in control of the situation.

You can actually work on ways on how you can handle these negative thoughts, so that you can enjoy your pregnancy. Hormonal changes may trigger nausea and vomiting initially, but as these symptoms pass, you can actually enjoy your pregnancy more. In order to have a good support network, let your emotions out and openly talk to your partner, or your loved ones. Having people who can give you insights, may allow you to redirect your focus on your baby, and not on the negative comments you may be getting from other people.

If you have been eating healthy prior to your pregnancy, the more you need to be conscious of what you are eating during pregnancy. Dieting is never acceptable during this time, and a good way to avoid excessive weight gain is to be selective of what you eat. Pregnancy requires that you need to increase your daily caloric requirement, but it does not mean that you can let go of your healthy practices, and eat more than what is necessary. After all, excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications, like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.

Exercise will always be good for the body, and it can also improve your mood. If your doctor has allowed you to have some physical activity, then check your options. If joining an exercise class for pregnant women can keep you motivated, go ahead and sign up. It may also serve as an informal support group because you are surrounded by women going through similar changes.

Some women may feel so uncomfortable, that they may choose to shy away from socializing. An acceptable reason for staying at home is when you have a high-risk pregnancy requiring bed rest. If old clothes don’t fit anymore, go out and shop for figure flattering clothes specifically designed for pregnant women. It may boost your confidence, knowing that you can still be fashionable in spite of the changes.

Having enough free time to nurture your well-being is also important. Take time to get some fresh air, or you can go out on dates with your partner. If your schedule is too full, prioritize your tasks and work gradually on achieving them. You clearly do not need to be stressed out during this time because it may also affect your self-esteem.

A woman’s pregnancy experience will always be unique. Although the changes can be many, a woman’s body is still extraordinary in the sense that it can support a life. Enjoy your pregnancy knowing that each day brings you closer to the time, when you can finally hold your baby in your arms.

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Pregnancy may last nine months, but for many expectant parents, this time frame can seem so short, especially with all the preparations that need to be done. Aside from all the important baby things, women also need to be prepared physically and emotionally for the eventual delivery of the baby.

There are undoubtedly many resources, which a woman can get regarding labor and delivery. Although these may help, joining a childbirth education class may give a pregnant woman, a better understanding of the birthing experience. It is a good way of allowing a woman to cope better because it gives her a sense of control over the situation.

Taking childbirth education classes may take some of your time and money, but the benefits are many. If you take childbirth education classes, the better prepared you will be for the discomforts that childbirth brings. Women are taught different strategies, to be able to cope with the pain during labor. These may range from breathing and relaxation techniques, to approaches like visualization. It may also include a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the common pain medications, used for pain relief during childbirth.

Childbirth classes also provide an opportunity for a significant other to participate, thus encouraging support during labor and delivery. A woman needs all the support that she can get, especially during the time when the pain can become so intense. Some classes may even include a tour of a facility, which gives the woman a good orientation of the birthing area. You may also have the chance to be familiar with the devices that may be used during the delivery of your baby.

Some classes even discuss the basics of a cesarean delivery. It may help a woman understand, why a cesarean delivery is indicated for some pregnancies. Although the recuperating process may vary as compared to that of a normal delivery, a woman can better prepare for what’s ahead, if she’s aware of the things that she will be going through.

After learning more about the birthing process, it is possible that you may have more concerns. A childbirth education class is a good venue to bring out all your fears, as well as your perceptions towards the birthing process. Your instructor may correct some inaccurate information, which is good at settling any unnecessary worries.

The classes may also give you a primer on the basics of newborn care. Topics such as breastfeeding, bathing, diapering, and comforting may be tackled. With all the adjustments that need to be done during the postpartum period, having a background on newborn care can be very helpful, especially for first time parents.

In order to choose a childbirth education class that is suited for you, check your options with your health care provider. Some classes are specifically suited for the type of delivery that a woman is going to have, while others are focused on the approach to childbirth. There are even classes offered for parents who only need to be refreshed with the basics. Be certain that you enroll in a class, which will be instrumental in preparing you for the challenges of labor and delivery.

These classes are recommended for women, who are on their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. If you are contemplating on enrolling in a class, check your options early on. This will allow you to fix your schedule at your most convenient time. The classes usually last for an hour or two, over the course of a few months. You may also have the option of attending a full-day session during weekends.

If you are concerned with regards to the cost, try to check whether your insurance can cover it, or if you are entitled to a reduced cost. Short courses can be quite affordable, while a more comprehensive course can cost more than a hundred dollars. Although enrolling in a class may entail more expenses, it can be a good investment in terms of preparing for the challenges ahead.

The birth experience can be different for every woman, and although your doctor can help you have a positive birth experience, it matters a lot when you have also done your part in preparing for the entire process.

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Many women nowadays have chosen to delay pregnancy later in life. Although pregnancy at the age of 35 and beyond is very much possible, it can also mean greater risks for a woman, and her unborn child. A woman needs to understand the risks, so that she can better prepare for any complications during her pregnancy.

Women may find it harder to conceive during this time because she may be ovulating less frequently. If you are unable to conceive after six months of trying, consult your health care provider. A multiple pregnancy may also occur because of the hormonal changes, which can lead to the release of more than one egg at a time. Some women, who resort to in vitro fertilization, may also have a multiple pregnancy because it generally enhances ovulation.

The risk of pregnancy complications may also be higher, for women who are 35 years old and older. There is an increased likelihood of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and placenta previa. Aside from that, a woman may also have an increased risk for miscarriage, as well as chromosomal abnormalities. For first time mothers at this age, the risk for cesarean births may also be higher.

Because the risks are greater, it is then essential that you take steps to reduce the risk of complications during your pregnancy. Ensuring that you are in good health, long before you are trying to conceive, and during your pregnancy, may help in reducing the complications.

It may be wise to see your health care provider for a preconception appointment. This is necessary so that you can have proper evaluation prior to your pregnancy. Your doctor needs to assess your overall health, so that he can address issues that may hinder conception. Your doctor may even suggest lifestyle changes, which may help improve your chances of having a successful pregnancy.

During your pregnancy, it is very important that you religiously have prenatal check-ups. Since your pregnancy may be at higher risk for complications, your doctor needs to closely monitor not only your health, but also your baby’s development inside the womb. If you feel any troubling symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.

It is also essential that you consume the right amount of nutrients during your pregnancy. Eat foods high in folic acid, calcium, protein, iron, and other nutrients, to support the needs of your growing baby. Taking folic acid supplements months before you are trying to conceive, may also be helpful in trying to reduce the risks during your pregnancy.

It is also crucial that you monitor your weight gain throughout your pregnancy. If you have a normal pre-pregnancy weight, the recommended weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 to 35 pounds. If you are already overweight prior to your pregnancy, work with your health care provider so that you can be guided with your diet, and you can safely prevent any complications.

Exercise may not be recommended to some individuals during pregnancy. It is then vital that you get your doctor’s approval before you start exercising. If you are allowed to have some physical activity, know your limitations, and try to choose a safe exercise routine. Pregnant women can benefit from exercise during pregnancy, and it can also help women prepare for labor and delivery.

There is also a need to avoid substances that may harm your unborn child. Do not attempt to smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages during your pregnancy. Likewise, illicit drugs should never be used because it can be harmful to your baby. Even certain medications may have teratogenic effects. Thus, it is very important to consult your doctor before you take any medications.

Pregnancy after the age of 35 may require close monitoring by your health care provider. Since the possibility of having complications is higher, work closely with your doctor so that you can have the best chance of having a safe and healthy pregnancy.

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Pregnancy may entail that a woman make sacrifices for her baby, but sometimes there are circumstances when a woman needs to do just that, even at the early part of her pregnancy. When you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe bed rest to ensure that your pregnancy can go on safely. Women with high blood pressure, bleeding tendencies, incomplete cervix, and multiple pregnancies are usually ordered to stay in bed. Likewise, if you are having signs of preterm labor, your doctor will also strictly order bed rest.

When you are forced to take a step back, and focus on your health for the sake of your baby, it may bring about mixed emotions. It may not seem fair when some women can continue working, and you don’t have that option because of the risk of your pregnancy. You don’t have to feel so alone. Each year, there are around 700,000 women who are forced to stay in bed due to high risk pregnancies. Thus, it can really happen to anyone depending on the risks.

It is then very important for a woman to discuss with her health care provider why she is ordered to stay in bed. If a woman is aware of the risks, there is a greater chance that she will adhere to her doctor’s orders. It is also essential to discuss what activities are allowed, what positions in bed are contraindicated, if intercourse is allowed, and for how long she will be ordered to stay in bed. It may also be good to ask whether you are allowed to go to the bathroom, or if it is alright to do some range of motion exercises.

Depending on your limits, you can actually make good use of your time while on bed. It is very important that you ask your partner to rearrange the things in your bedroom, so that everything is within your reach. Make sure the telephone is just at the bedside table, as well as important numbers to call in case of emergencies. You may also need some toiletries, snacks and drinks in case you get hungry, reading and writing materials, and other essential things that can keep you occupied.

If you are allowed to sit up, then perhaps you can continue on with an unfinished endeavor like organizing photo albums, or finishing a scrapbook. With so much free time, some women experience a lot of emotional challenges. There will always be times when worries will set in. Talk openly with your partner so that you can both come up with ways to address your concerns.

If you have kids, it may be good to seek help from other family members. Try scheduling visits with favorite aunts and uncles, or you can even have other family members fetch them from school. Be certain that your children fully understand why you are confined in bed. This will ensure that they won’t harbor negative behavior towards the baby because you had to stay in bed.

If it is your first pregnancy, it may be the best time to educate yourself regarding labor, delivery, pregnancy and parenting. There are a lot of resources that you can get online regarding these topics. Having an internet connection will even allow you to get in touch with the outside world. There are support groups that you can find online, which primarily help women cope with bed rest. It may even give you an opportunity to get in touch with other women, who have been in bed for months. Sharing thoughts with women, who can understand your situation, will definitely help you through this time.

Depending on the work that you do, it may still be possible to work while on bed rest. Women, who rely on the computer for work, can make arrangements with their employers regarding projects that can be done at home. If this is not possible, do not feel so bad for yourself. After all, there will be plenty of time later on for you to focus on your work. Pregnancy may demand sacrifices for a woman, and sometimes the challenges can be overwhelming, but if it will ensure the safety of your baby, then definitely it will be worth all the effort.

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Cute newborns are frequently associated with the physical attributes of being large and chubby. Onlookers can not help but notice these babies with so much fascination and utter words like, “What a healthy baby!” But are they really healthy?

Babies born greater than 4000 grams, or beyond the 90th percentile for gestational age, are called macrosomic babies. Macrosomia is a typical feature of infants of diabetic mothers. In other words, babies of diabetic mothers are expected to be considerably larger than usual. This happens because babies receive too much sugar via the placenta from their mothers who have high blood sugar levels. In an attempt to use up all the extra sugar, the baby will produce more insulin to break down the sugar and deposit it in the form of fat, making a large baby.

One fact holds true though: That infants of diabetic mothers are not as healthy as they might seem to be. Reports demonstrate that some of these infants have congenital anomalies. Two-thirds of the anomalies involve the cardiovascular and nervous system, with neural tube defects occurring 13-20 times more frequent than infants of non-diabetic mothers. Gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and skeletal anomalies are also common.

Macrosomic babies of diabetic mothers can also suffer from traumatic birth injuries such as clavicular fracture, shoulder dystocia, and brachial nerve injury resulting to inward turning of the shoulder. Birth injuries occur because these babies have a unique pattern of overgrowth. Their fats are centrally deposited in the interscapular and abdominal areas, giving them a bigger shoulder and larger extremity circumference and decreased head-to-shoulder ratio. A larger shoulder contributes to a difficult vaginal delivery, causing injuries.

Diabetic fetuses have also significant delay in lung maturity, making them at high risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Other known conditions associated with infants of diabetic mothers are hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, transient tachypnea (fast breathing), polycythemia (increased red blood cell volume), and hypocalcemia (low calcium). Furthermore, a growing body of research has also documented that by the age 10-16 years, children of diabetic mothers develop metabolic syndrome, which includes hypertension , childhood obesity, hyperlipidemia, and glucose intolerance. [1]

To prevent these complications from happening, good glycemic (blood sugar) control is crucial before and during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy consult will identify women with preexisting diabetes so that they will be managed accordingly. Likewise, regular prenatal check-up should be done by any expectant mother so she can take advantage of the routine diabetic screening which is usually done at 24-28 weeks of gestation. This is done because a woman, even without a prior history of diabetes, can develop diabetes throughout the course of her pregnancy, known as Gestational Diabetes.

In the United States, approximately 3-10% of pregnancies are complicated by diabetes, 90% of which is gestational diabetes, and 8% is preexisting diabetes. [1]

Women whose diabetes are very well-controlled often carry their baby to term without any problems. The key to good glycemic control is to work closely with your obstetrician, internist, and dietician, who will provide you with the appropriate medications, regular blood sugar monitoring, and effective dietary plan.

Reference:
1. Thomas R Moore, MD, et.al. (2007). Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy. http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC3249.HTM

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Pregnancy can be such an exciting time for a family. Couples eagerly await the arrival of the baby, so they can finally hold their precious little one in their arms. For a woman, it can be a fulfilling time to be finally nurturing another life. However, pregnancy is always accompanied by great risks for a woman, and her unborn child. Not all pregnancies are successful, and no matter how hard you follow your doctor’s advice, sadly some pregnancies aren’t meant to last.

Pregnancy loss can be really devastating for a woman, and even her partner. And the road to healing may not be easy. After all the anticipation, it is hard to let go of dreams lost for an unborn child. Healing from pregnancy loss can take time, and the process can be different for every person. Oftentimes, grief comes in stages, and some individuals may skip a stage, or go through each stage differently.

During the stage of denial, it may still be impossible to accept the loss of the pregnancy. This stage can be followed by feelings of anger, wherein you may be angry at yourself, your partner, or even a higher power for the loss. This stage is followed by feelings of guilt, or you may keep on blaming yourself for what happened. A lot of women go through this stage wishing they could have been more careful with their pregnancy. This stage is then followed by depression. A woman may feel so resigned at what happened that she can easily give in to her pain and sorrow. Each stage brings an individual towards the last phase, which is acceptance. Acceptance for a woman can mean that she will always remember her baby, but she can already look on to the future with a more positive outlook.

Healing may not be easy, and it is even possible that hormonal changes may cause the mother to manifest symptoms of postpartum depression. Recognize these feelings, and learn to seek help when necessary. Talk openly to your partner, and ask support from family and friends. Tell them how you feel, and let them know how they can support you during this time. You may also find comfort through counseling sessions with your spiritual adviser or somebody in your church.

It may also help if you join support groups in your area. If you can’t find any, try to get support online. People who have been through the same ordeal can be a good source of comfort and strength. During this difficult process, take as much time as you need. Deal with the loss one day at a time because some days may be better than others. Tackle things on a daily basis, and avoid making big decisions for the time being. Set aside plans to change career paths, or to relocate elsewhere while you are going through your grief. Try to focus on your own emotional and physical well-being so that you can learn to accept how things have turned out.

Loved ones may suggest that you keep all the things that can be associated with your baby. If you have already prepared the nursery, and you are not ready to clear all the reminders of your baby, then take your time and set your own pace. If you are invited to a baby shower, and you feel that you are not ready, go ahead and decline. If it would help, create a journal and write down your thoughts. It can be a good way to let go of emotions that you have kept inside. Reading books that you can draw strength from may also be helpful.

Some women can manage to get on with their lives in a short time, while others may have difficulty coping. If you have symptoms of depression that have lasted for more than two weeks, consult your health care provider. Do not hesitate to seek for help because it is a big step towards healing.

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The birth of your baby may put an end to those many tormenting physical and emotional changes you have patiently endured for the last nine months. But, just like everything else in life, it is also the beginning of another series of changes that you will have to go through for the next several weeks and months. Your body will begin to heal from childbirth, rebuild its strength, regain its pre-pregnancy normal physiologic functions, and at the same time prepare for the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of parenting.

Most of the changes that come postpartum are problems and discomforts, which differ in severity among women. Some of the common postpartum problems involved are:

Vaginal Discharge (Lochia). Few days after delivery, vaginal discharge is seen, which consist of blood and remains of the placenta is common. Initially the color of the discharge or lochia is bright red. It will eventually lighten into pink, then white or yellow before stopping altogether.

Breast Discomfort. About 2 to 4 days after delivery, your breast will start to engorge and become sore as milk production increases. If you are breastfeeding, such discomfort can be relieved by expressing small amounts of milk, either manually or using a breast pump. However, if you decide not to breastfeed your baby, avoid milk expression and hot showers. These will only confuse your body into producing more milk when it is not necessary. Other remedies include wearing well-fitting support bra, applying ice packs to the breast, and taking oral pain relievers.

Clogged Milk Ducts. If your breast is red, painful, swollen, and you note a lump or bump, not accompanied with flu-like symptoms, your milk ducts might be clogged. Home treatment may usually solve the problem such as breast massage, application of moist pack to the sore area, and frequent breast feeding. But, if the condition persists, consult your doctor.

Perineal Pain. Perineum is the area between the anus and the vagina. This is quite painful in women who delivered vaginally due to some tissues that may have been stretched or torn during labor. This can be also be aggravated by episiotomy. Though this discomfort should lessen as your body heals, the following can be done to avoid infection and ease tenderness: Sitz bath; wiping your perineum from front to back after every bowel movement; and oral pain reliever. If you want, you can use a doughnut-shape pillow if sitting is uncomfortable.

Stretch marks. These red striations may never disappear completely, but some will fade significantly over time, regardless of whether or not special creams or lotions are applied on it.

Constipation. Most of the time, a diet rich in fiber and an increase in fluid intake can usually solve the problem. If your had episiotomy and repair during delivery, laxatives and suppositories should not be used without consulting your doctor.

Hair Loss. While pregnant, soaring level of hormones prevents the normal daily hair loss. Few months after delivery when the same hormones are brought back to the pre-pregnancy levels, a woman’s normal daily hair loss resumes. The number of hair loss is not significant and should not cause a concern.

Postpartum Blues, Depression, and Psychosis. Due to changing hormone levels plus the apprehensions regarding the responsibility of caring a newborn, postpartum women can temporarily suffer from moodiness and mild depression called “postpartum blues.” A longer lasting and more severe type of depression is called “postpartum depression.” Treatments include support from family and close friends, and if necessary, anti-depressant medications will be prescribed by the doctor. The most serious condition is called “postpartum psychosis”, wherein the woman’s depression is combined with suicidal and violent thought, abnormal behavior like wanting to hurt the baby, and hallucinations. In this case, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Discomfort During Sex. It is best to postpone intercourse 4-6 weeks after a vaginal birth, or less if you didn’t have a perineal stitch (episiotomy). For cesarean birth, it is advised to wait 6 weeks.

Losing Post-pregnancy Weight. Unless you have had difficult delivery, cesarean section, and other complications which your doctor might have pointed out to you, you can resume exercise once you feel you are ready for it. But remember to take it slow. You accumulated that extra weight for nine long months, it’s impossible for you to loose it fast. Swimming and brisk walking are good exercise but swimming should be avoided for the first three weeks after vaginal delivery because of the potential risk for the bacteria to enter the healing tissue of the vagina.

Although rare, serious postpartum problems can occur and should not be self-remedied at home. You need to call your physician at once if you experience any of the following symptoms.

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or hemorrhage
• Flu-like symptoms accompanied with fever, painful uterus, foul-smelling discharge
• Infected cesarean section incision
• Painful urination, increased urinary frequency, low back pain, and fever
• Painful breast with reddened area, associated with fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and/or nausea and vomiting

So when your pregnancy is almost over, you should be aware of what lies ahead after delivery. The earlier you know what to expect, the more prepared you are, and the better you will be able to cope with these new emotional and physical challenges that come post pregnancy.

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