As your body changes back to its non-pregnant state, it can throw a few curve balls. Most changes are minor or due to hormone changes, but others can be fatal if ignored.

In the US 30% of maternal deaths occur postpartum. The worrying thing is this number is rising each year.

Your body will show symptoms that you need help. Your caregivers will monitor you in the hospital for these postpartum warning signs. However, do you know what to look out for when you get home?

When you get home from the hospital, you are often focusing on your new baby. Your health usually gets pushed to the side. Often new moms can put tell-tale postpartum warning signs down to being a new mom.

I’ve haven’t written this article to scare you. However, it’s essential you know what postpartum changes are normal for your body and those that are not.

You need to look out for your health postpartum and what to do if you are concerned.

This guide is quite long, so I highly recommend you Pin it or bookmark it for later. That way you can read it over your pregnancy without becoming overwhelmed.

Pin for later

9 Postpartum Warning Signs to Look Out For After Birth

1. Emotional state

After birth, you’ll experience feeling a bit low, tearful and anxious. These emotions are all completely normal for new moms.

A sudden change in hormones and lack of sleep cause these intense feelings. These symptoms usually start three days after birth and continue for around two weeks.

You’ll hear people refer to this as the ‘baby blues.’

If you experience these feelings for longer or more than these symptoms, it could be the sign of two further conditions.

Postpartum depression

It can be quite tricky to diagnose postpartum depression as it’s often gradual. You may not even realize you are suffering postpartum depression. You are more likely to develop postpartum depression if you have existing mental health issues, poor support or a recent stressful life event.

It’s difficult to predict who will suffer postpartum depression, as the change to motherhood can be the trigger.

The typical symptoms of postpartum depression are:

• constant feelings of sadness or low mood
• being unable to enjoy life or your baby
• fatigue and low energy
• difficulty bonding with baby
• sleep problems
• loss of appetite
• becoming withdrawn
• poor concentration or decision making

If you feel like you are suffering from postpartum depression, it’s important to seek help and support. Speak to your partner and family or friends for support. Also, inform your doctor, they may prescribe therapy or medication.

Your baby will not be taken away from you if you have postpartum depression. Your caregiver will want to support you and give your family the best start in life.

Postpartum Psychosis

A lesser known mental health condition is postpartum psychosis. It’s very rare, but when it happens, it’s a medical emergency.

Symptoms usually present within a few days up to 2 weeks but may present later than this.

Again you are at higher risk if you have existing severe mental health conditions or strong family history. Half of all women who suffer postpartum psychosis don’t have any risk factors.

Classic postpartum psychosis symptoms include:

• hallucinations and delusions
• extreme high and low moods
• confusion
• extreme paranoia
• depression symptoms (see above)
• out of character behavior
• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Postpartum psychosis is an emergency situation and requires urgent medical attention. You’ll likely be admitted to a psychiatric ward.

You’ll need medication such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. Psychiatric therapy will be required. Recovery usually takes 2-12 weeks but may take up to a year.

Your caregivers will put support systems in place during your recovery. After one episode, you are 50% more likely to experience postpartum psychosis in a future pregnancy.

2. Heavy Bleeding

Regardless of the type of birth you have, you should expect to bleed after delivery. It will start as soon as your baby is born and will last for up to six weeks. This bleeding should initially be no more than the heaviest day of your period.

The flow should then begin to settle to a minimal discharge after a week or two. For more detail on what to expect postpartum check out my postpartum bleeding guide.

Heavy bleeding is a warning sign that you are having a postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). A PPH is Continuous bleeding that won’t stop. Depending on how much you lose it may be a minor or major PPH.

There are many risk factors for PPH, so your caregiver should inform you of this before birth, or give let you know that you are at higher risk due to your delivery.

Straight after birth, you will bleed as your placenta detaches from your womb. You may even be given an injection to control how much blood you lose and to help your placenta deliver.

The causes of heavy postpartum bleeding are:

• Your womb is not contacting well
• You have some placenta, membrane or clots preventing the womb contracting
• Bleeding from a cut or tear
• You have a rare anti-clotting blood condition

The blood loss may happen suddenly, or slowly over a few hours. Without treatment, the bleeding will not stop, and you will go into shock (see signs at the end of this guide).

There are two types of PPH.

Primary PPH

A primary PPh will happen within the first 24hrs of delivery. The most common cause is that your womb is too weak from labor to contract well. This type of bleeding will usually happen in the presence of a caregiver. They may not be with you at the time you start to feel ill. It’s important to call for help immediately if you feel unwell or notice your bleeding is heavy.

A PPH is an emergency situation so expect a lot of people to come into your room to deal with the situation. They may give you medication, IV fluids, take blood, massaging your uterus and insert a catheter.

Secondary PPH

A secondary PPH is Any heavy bleeding from day two up to six weeks postpartum. The most common cause is a small piece of placenta or membranes left in the womb.

This type of bleeding is rarer and more likely to happen when you are at home with your baby. If you are soaking more than one maternity pad an hour or passing egg size clots, get urgent help.

A Secondary PPH usually occurs over a few days but becomes dangerous as it doesn’t stop. You are more likely to experience stomach cramps, pain, offensive bleeding and large clots with a secondary PPH.

If you think you are having a PPH at home call 911 immediately, especially if you have signs of shock.

3. Pain

Pain is a common postpartum problem.  Most women will experience muscular aches and pains after birth. A C-section delivery will result in higher levels of post-surgical pain. Normal postpartum pain can be treated with rest and mild painkillers

Let’s look at a few causes of pain.

Afterpains

After birth, your uterus contracts to return to its original size. This contraction causes a cramping sensation known as ‘after pains.’ You’ll notice these more with future pregnancies. It’s also common for them to be stronger when you breastfeed.

Afterpains are normal and can be relieved by heat pads, or mild painkillers, just like period pains. They should begin to settle after a few days to a week.

Backache

A sore back is common postpartum, as you begin to reuse muscle weakened by pregnancy.  You may also experience this from poor breastfeeding posture.  Heavy lifting of baby products such as strollers and tubs can cause repetitive strain on your recovering body.

If you have ongoing back issues after an epidural, you need to contact your doctor. They can have you reviewed by an anesthetist or a physiotherapist for exercises.

Headache

A spinal or epidural during birth can cause a severe headache post birth. This headache is so severe you’ll struggle to sit up or move around. Its caused by leaking of your spinal fluid from the needle site. Although not an emergency you need an urgent review from an anesthetist.

First line treatment for post-dural headaches is pain relief and bedrest. Some may require a procedure known as a blood patch. This procedure involves injecting a little bit of your blood over the affected area to block the leak.

Another cause of postpartum headaches is a condition known as pre-eclampsia. There are other symptoms involved with this condition which I’ll discuss below.

Constipation

It can take a few days to open your bowels after delivery. If your poop becomes impacted, it can become excruciating and cause severe stomach cramps. You may find my guide on constipation useful for tips and, medication to help you go.

Infection

Endometriosis is an infection of the womb which is common after birth. Infection is more common if your waters have broken for a long time before birth, or you had a C-section delivery.

Tummy pain accompanied by common signs of infection:

• fever
• pain
• offensive bleeding
• heavy bleeding
• feeling unwell (cold or flu-like)

You will need to be treated with antibiotics to treat the infection. Depending on how severe the infection is this may be oral antibiotics or require a hospital stay for IV antibiotics.

Read: 25 Postpartum Essentials for a Quick Recovery

4. Wound issues

If you had a C-section, forceps, episiotomy or tear, then you will have to care for a wound postpartum. Signs of poor wound healing include:

• Inflammation
• tenderness around the wound
• redness
• deep wound pain
• gaping areas
• green pus discharge
• offensive smell
• feeling unwell

Let’s discuss the two types of postpartum wounds.

Perineal wound

A perineal wound is caused by having an episiotomy or a tear during a vaginal delivery. A perineal wound can be tender, swollen and painful to sit on.

Try using painkillers, sitz baths, and ice therapy to soothe your perineum as it heals. It can take up to six weeks for your perineum to heal.

It’s essential to avoid infection in this area as it can come into contact with bacteria from poo. If you notice any of the signs of poor wound healing (above), seek help for antibiotic treatment. Your wound may also need re-sutured.

If your perineum is excruciatingly painful, you may have a hematoma.  It’s a sizeable blood-filled blister which forms inside the tissues. These can fill with a significant amount of blood and causes the same symptoms of shock seen in a PPH.

Seek help immediately as a hematoma requires draining in a theatre environment with re-suturing of the wound.

Read: Caring for Vaginal Stitches after Birth to Prevent Infection

C-section Wounds

You will have an abdominal wound after a C-section delivery. Healing of this wound is essential as it leads directly to your womb. Your wound may be tender to touch and movement for up to 6 weeks post-surgery.

If the wound gets infected, you are likely to contract endometriosis (discussed in the pain section).

You may be given a dose of antibiotics during your C-section to prevent this happening. Your dressing is usually removed in 2 days post-surgery.  Airing the wound promotes healing and prevents infection.

Keeping the wound clean and dry will prevent infection. If you have a skin fold covering the wound, a dry dressing can keep the area free from moisture.

Observe the signs of infection above. Again these need to be treated with antibiotics to help the wound heal.

A Hematoma (blood filled lump) or abscess (pus-filled lump) can also develop on a C-section wound. These are rarely drained from a C-section wound unless excessive and causing you severe pain.

Seek a medical review if you have pain or sign of infection and feel a hard lump near your wound.

Read: 17 C-section Recovery Essentials To Heal Fast

5. Anemia

Postpartum anemia is a condition caused by low iron levels in your blood. A significant blood loss after delivery is the most common cause of anemia after birth.

Routine blood work will detect if you have low iron levels. It’s easy to treat anemia with iron supplements or an IV iron infusion.

The trouble is that anemia can go undetected as symptoms can be put down to being a new mom. Untreated anemia can put a lot of stress on your body as it prevents vital oxygen being carried around in your blood.

Anemia can also make you more susceptible to postpartum infection and low milk supply when breastfeeding.

Signs of anemia include

• severe fatigue/lack of energy
• rapid heartbeat
• breathlessness (with activity)
• pale skin
• dizziness/fainting
• poor sleep
• leg cramps

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for blood tests to check for low iron levels.

Read: 11 Tips to Recover from Postpartum Anemia

6. Postpartum Preeclampsia

You’ve probably heard of preeclampsia in pregnancy, but it can still appear postpartum. Pre-eclampsia is a condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure and protein in your urine.

Symptoms develop over a few days or weeks. Left untreated it will cause seizures and other life-threatening complications.

Symptoms to look out for are:

• High blood pressure
• protein in your urine
• a headache (usually frontal) that don’t resolve with painkillers
• vision changes- blurry, flashes or spots, light sensitivity
• severe swelling – especially face, hands and feet
• Pain under your right ribs
• nausea or vomiting
• poor urine output

These symptoms will usually present within 48hrs of delivery. This means you are likely to still be in the hospital if it happens. However, it but can even present up to six weeks postpartum. Although it’s rare, you can develop postpartum pre-eclampsia without having any symptoms during pregnancy.

If you are at home when you experience any of these symptoms, contact your caregiver for an urgent review. Unless you have a blood pressure monitor at home, you won’t know if your blood pressure is high until you get checked.

If you have ongoing blood pressure issues or a stong family history of pre-eclampsia, consider buying a home monitor. Wrist blood pressure cuffs, like this one, are fairly inexpensive although it is best to use an arm cuff monitor.

If your blood pressure is over 140/90, you will need to give blood and urine samples for diagnosis. You may need to be admitted for further observation and bed rest. The first line of treatment will be blood pressure medications. You may also be given a drip to prevent seizures.

7. Thrombosis (Blood Clots)

This condition is when blood clots develop in your blood vessels. They slow or stop the flow of blood. If the clot dislodges and travels to your lungs, it can become fatal.

During postpartum is the time thrombosis is most likely to occur. Your body is designed to clot well after birth to stop your losing lots of blood. Unfortunately, this means you are at higher risk of developing blood clots.

Lack of movement due to C-sections, traumatic births or bed rest can cause slowed blood flow. If you are at higher risk of developing clots, your doctor will prescribe blood thinning injections and compression socks. These will help improve your blood flow and prevent clots.

A DVT can develop up to 6 weeks postpartum. There are three main areas they are likely to develop: leg, pelvis or lungs.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A DVT is most likely to appear on your leg. With postpartum women, this is often your left leg. However, it may develop in your right leg.

Common symptoms to look out for on your legs are:

• swelling (one leg looks bigger than the other)
• pain (especially when flexing your toes to your shin)
• tender to touch
• warm, red spot on the leg (usually at the back below the knee)

A DVT may also appear in your pelvis, although this is a lot rarer. The symptoms of a pelvic DVT are often mild and often passed off as postpartum aches and pains.

Look out for:

• Pain in your pelvis (mild or severe)
• Ongoing lower back pain on one side
• Enlarged veins near the pelvis
• Heavy aching on one side of your pelvis

If you think you have symptoms of a DVT contact your doctor for an urgent review. Try not to be overly active until you see a doctor as it may dislodge the clot.

You’ll have blood tests and scans performed to diagnose a DVT. Treatment will be ongoing treatment with blood thinners as well as keeping mobile and hydrated to improve blood flow.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism is a condition that can develop if you have a DVT that is left untreated. A PE means you have a blood clot in your lung. Usually, this blood clot has detached from a leg or pelvic DVT and traveled to the lungs.

A pulmonary embolism can be fatal if left untreated.

Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• shortness of breath
• signs of shock
• collapse

If you start to experience symptoms of a PE, call 911 immediately. Inform your partner or family to do this if you have DVT symptoms as your condition may change quickly.

Once diagnosed you will be admitted to hospital. You may be given medications to dissolve the clot. Other treatments include surgery to physically remove the clot.

8. Breast problems

Breast problems can occur whether you choose to breastfeed or not. Your breasts will fill with milk for your baby until you signal you don’t need it. If baby does not empty the milk from the breast, it can cause painful breast conditions.

These conditions are more likely to happen if you do breastfeed, as your breast continue to fill and empty.

Let’s discuss the common breast problems during postpartum.

Engorgement

One your mature milk comes in your breasts fill with milk. Until your or baby empty them, they continue to swell and become hard to touch.

You’ll experience this around day 3-4 whether you breastfeed or not. Your chest will feel massive, heavy and warm.

You’ll likely leak milk at the slightest touch or even if your baby is crying. The pain and leaking is your body signaling to feed your baby.

If you choose not to breastfeed, keep your breasts cool, supported and take mild painkillers. Don’t express milk off; it signals to the body your baby needs it, and you’ll make more.

If you are breastfeeding put baby to the breast often. Your breast should start to feel soft after a few minutes. You might even hand express off a few drops until the breast softens.

If you experience regular engorgement even with regular feeds, seek help from your midwife or a lactation expert. The problem may be that your baby is not draining your breast during a feed.

Blocked Ducts

The inside of your breast is made of ducts, similar to orange segments. These ducts can become blocked if the milk isn’t draining correctly during a feed. You will feel this as a triangle shaped lump on your breast.

A blocked duct may be caused by a tight-fitting bra digging into your breast tissue. Make sure you have a good supporting nursing bra which doesn’t dig in.

To resolve a blocked duct, try massaging that area of the breast. Then latch baby onto the breast for a feed. You can continue the massage as baby feeds.

Once the ducts unblock, the pain will stop. Seek help from a lactation specialist if you continue to have issues with blocked ducts.

Mastitis

If engorgement or blocked ducts are left untreated, it can lead to mastitis. As your breast fill the trapped milk is forced out of the ducts into the breast tissue. Mastitis can occur in one or both breasts.

You’ll notice mastitis on your breasts with these symptoms:

• Pain
• swelling
• redness
• hot hard and tender to touch
•  fever
• feeling unwell (flu-like symptoms)

It’s best to continue breastfeeding your baby with mastitis as stopping can make the problem worse.

If you don’t feel feverish, get a lactation specialist to make a feeding assessment. They will help resolve the problem and prevent it returning after the mastitis resolves.

If you begin to feel feverish, seek help from your doctor for a review. It’s likely you’ll need antibiotics to clear up the mastitis.

If you do require antibiotics, I recommend seeing a lactation specialist to ensure the problem doesn’t return.

Read: 7 Essential Maternity Bras You Need

Breast Abscess

Without treatment for mastitis, it can turn into a breast abscess. This is a pocket of pus which fills in the breast. An abscess can also develop if your body doesn’t respond to treatment for mastitis.

A breast abscess gives the same symptoms as mastitis. You will probably be able to feel the abbess inside your breast.

If you think you have a breast abscess you need to seek urgent help from your doctor.

Your breast will be scanned to diagnose an abscess.

A breast abscess is treated by draining the pus with a needle or making a small cut into the breast tissue. A doctor will do this procedure as a day case under local anesthetic. You will them start on a further does of antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Breast Thrush

If you have cracked or damaged nipples, you may develop breast thrush. It’s a fungus that thrives in warm, sugary environments. You may pass the thrush onto your baby who will show symptoms in their mouth.

Breast thrush symptoms include:

• Shooting pain in your nipples
• itching or burning nipples
• red or shiny nipples
• deep breast pain

Also check your baby for symptoms including:

• white patches in the mouth (not milk)
• fussiness at the breast
• red, bumpy diaper rash

You are more likely to suffer from breast thrush if you are taking antibiotics while breastfeeding.

To treat thrush, you’ll need medicated ointment for both you and your baby. If you get treatment for one but not the other, you will continue to pass the thrush back and forth when feeding.

Your doctor will be able to prescribe nystatin or miconazole for your baby’s mouth and your nipples.

9. Toilet trouble

Going to the bathroom after delivery can be scary. You’re sore and probably have stitches which you’re worried about.

The worst thing you can do is avoid eating and drinking well to hold off going to the toilet. This delay can lead to a few problems which you don’t want to have to add to your recovery.

UTI

It can be common to develop a urinary infection after birth. Lack of fluids can lead to a build-up of bacteria, especially if you have a wound from stitches.

Common urinary infection symptoms include:

• Burning sensation passing urine
• a small amount of urine
• dull ache in your lower abdomen
• offensive or cloudy urine
• feeling unwell

If left untreated, a bladder infection can spread to your kidneys. Without getting oral antibiotics to clear the infection you are likely you become so unwell you’ll be admitted to hospital.

Urinary Retention

If you are entirely unable to pass urine after birth, you may have urinary retention. This is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Its more common postpartum as pushing, birth damage or catheter use can cause issues with the bladder emptying.

You’ll need a bladder scan to show that you are not retaining urine even after peeing. If you still have urine remaining you may need an indwelling catheter to rest your bladder.

You’ll also require follow up from a physiotherapist to make sure your bladder function returns to normal.

Loss of sensation

A loss of the urge to pee requires attention. You may even lose the feeling when you are peeing, resulting in leaking.

Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause the loss of sensation. However, this symptom can signal damage to your bladder during birth.  Begin doing your Kegel exercises after birth, and make an appointment to discuss any leakage with your doctor at your postpartum follow up.

Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist or a gynecology specialist for further treatment.

Read: How to make your Pelvic Floor Stronger After Birth

Hemorrhoids

Piles are a common condition to develop postpartum. Pushing during delivery causes stress on the rectum, leaving to the swollen blood vessels that cause piles.

Piles can be extremely painful, and also cause rectal bleeding. Although this can be alarming it’s not an emergency situation.  Increasing your fluid intake and using a hemorrhoid treatment like Dr. Butlers ointment will reduce them over a few days.

If any problems continue to seek a review from your doctor.

Getting help

If you don’t feel right, your instincts are often right. Not all the conditions in this guide require emergency help but may do if left untreated. Use the infographic below to know how soon to get help. If you start to experience a few of these signs of shocks call 911 immediately:

• Feeling clammy or cold
• Pale skin
• Confusion
• A racing heart
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting

Remember to tell any caregiver that you have had a baby recently and what symptoms you are experiencing. This will help them to treat you quickly should you deteriorate further.

Pin for Later

The post 9 Postpartum Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore appeared first on Stork Mama.

As Moms, we often stretch ourselves so far between family, friends, home, and work. You’re too busy dedicating all your time to everyone else but yourself. You need more hours in the day.

Well, that’s a sure-fire sign you need to take time out for yourself. Self-care is an essential part of a happier life, especially when you’re a mom.

Self-care is the general term given to different aspects of our life. Including the physical, social, emotional, spiritual and mental things.

Although that seems like a lot, just small acts of self-care in these areas can give you a greater sense of happiness. Plus it dramatically improves your overall health and wellbeing.

Check out my tips to help you squeeze some self-care into your life as a busy mom.

Pin for Later

9 Ways To Free Up Time And Take Care Of Yourself

1. Wake up Early

Set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier than usual. Hopefully, this means you’ll be up before your family and have all that time to yourself.

Take this time to do something just for you. Get ready at your own pace, read, meditate or just drink a coffee in peace. You’ll feel much more relaxed when the usual morning chaos starts.

Waking up early is a technique a lot of successful people use to be more productive during the day.

You can dedicate a few minutes of the day to write a ‘to do’ list. Tasks will help keep you organized for the day and make you feel accomplished as you tick of each one.

2. Technology Ban

Dedicate a section of your day where you unplug from all forms of being online or a cell phone. Technology, and social media, in particular, can be a huge time suck.

When you have so much information at your fingertips, it can keep your mind racing or distracted. Switching off can help you re-focus on you.

Even 30 minutes a day less will give you extra time for self-care activates. You’ll find yourself engaging better with your time without regularly checking for notifications.

A big reason why we always update is our fear of missing out.

After a while, you’ll notice that regularly switching off will squash this fear. That in itself is a huge revelation to help re-balance your mind.

3. Be alone

Look out for opportunities to spend time on your own. You’re probably always surrounded by your family or colleagues. You certainly spend very little time away from everything.

When you take your breaks at work aim to get away from your workspace. If you have a park nearby, you can get some exercise at the same time.

When you are at home, try to spend time alone in a room for even 30minutes. Tell your family not to disturb you and read a book in bed or run a nice bubble bath.

If you have young kids, try to do it when they are napping.

4. Make an appointment

As a mom, you’re probably used to scheduling appointment for everything. Now it’s time to free up those spaces for yourself.

At least once a week, you should clear a slot in your day for self-care. Once it’s in your diary, it makes it easier for you to commit that time to yourself.

Scheduling an appointment for yourself means you are regularly making time for yourself.

Try to make it at the same time and day each week. That makes it easier to stick to.

Say you block off an hour every Saturday morning; you’ll know never to make other plans for this time.

5. Ditch the Guilt

Spending time with yourself can make you feel selfish. The truth is that without this time, you’ll quickly burn yourself out.

When you run yourself into the ground, you’re no good as a partner, parent, employee or friend.

In fact, making time for yourself can have a positive effect on those around you. You act as a role model for others to do it for themselves.

Teaching others that self-care is essential to a good life will benefit everyone around you. Once others see the benefits that self-care is having on you, they will soon want to embrace it.

6. Make a list

Have you ever had a bit of free time and didn’t know what to do with yourself? Make a list of things you want to do or learn.

When it comes to your free-time, you can just choose something from your list.

It’s similar to having a bucket list. Once something is written down it compels you to want to ‘tick it off.’ Once you start to work on your list, it can spur you on.

You’ll soon see what you can achieve, and how much you are growing, with setting time aside for self-improvement.

7. Start a journal

If you want to ease yourself into self-care, start with a journal. All you need is 5 minutes a day, before bedtime.

It helps you to sum up your day and do a bit of self-reflection. Journaling is a fantastic way to focus on your emotional self.

You can start with simple prompts such as ‘How did I feel today?’ It’s important to focus on negative feeling just as much as positive feelings.

Try to figure out what made you feel this way, and what you would change if it happened again.

Doing this before bedtime is a great way to completely dump your thoughts onto the page and stop your mind racing when you’re trying to sleep.

8. Back to basics

If you feel overwhelmed at where to start, then think of the basics. Sleep, nutrition, and hydration are essential to function as a human.

Without these as a strong foundation, it can be challenging to tackle anything else.

If possible have a regular bedtime. When you feel rested, you can tackle the day head on.

The same goes for eating and drinking. Lack of proper nutrients and vitamins can lead to poor physical and mental health.

You’ll notice that even a few hours without food can leave you with a brain fog an unable to focus. Try making small changes such as switching from coffee to herbal teas, not skipping breakfast or snacking on fruits and nuts.

9. Learn to say no

When you are a people pleaser, it can be difficult to say no.

You don’t want to see anyone struggling or being unhappy. So you take on some of the burdens yourself.

This makes people see you as kind and reliable. However, it also means people can take advantage of your good nature.

Saying no to some things can stop you from over-committing yourself. When you’ve stretched yourself too thin, you can’t give yourself to the areas that are important.

It doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you responsible. Taking care of yourself now leaves you with more to give back in the future to relationships, work, and health.

Let me know in the comment your favorite self-care tip.

The post 9 Easy Ways To Free Up Time To Take Care Of Yourself appeared first on Stork Mama.

And you’re not alone. Around half of pregnant women experience this bunged up feeling at some point.

This constipation is making you feel uncomfortable and miserable, right? Well, the good news is that a few simple changes can help give you some relief.

That’s why I’ve written this guide on relieving pregnancy constipation, just for you. It has everything you need to know. Perhaps even TMI! But guarantee if you follow this guide, you’ll get the relief you need.

Pin this guide for later; you may read it when you are stuck in the loo.

Pin for Later

Constipation In Pregnancy Guide

Am I constipated?

You know that feeling when you need to do a poo, but you just can go? Nothing is coming out, no matter how hard you try. Well, if that’s what you’re feeling, then you’re constipated. Signs you’ll notice when your constipated are:

• Being unable to poo for 2 or more days
• Straining as you poo
• Poo that is hard, dry or lumpy

Also be on the lookout for other like stomach ache, cramps, bloating or nausea. They are all early warning signs you are constipated. But it’s really easy to pass them off as common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester.

What Causes Constipation in Pregnancy?

Your body is changing so much to cope with your pregnancy. These subtle changes are the cause of your constipation. Thanks for that one Mother Nature.

These are the three main culprits:

Hormones

Your main pregnancy hormone is called progesterone. Your body uses this hormone to signal that you’re pregnant. One of the main changes progesterone makes is to relax your muscles.

The good news is that stops you going into preterm labor. The bad news is you digest your food slower, and your bowels slow down. Together those two side effects are a recipe for constipation during pregnancy.

Hormones are the main cause of pregnancy constipation in your first trimester.

Weight

As your bump grows, you’ll feel a lot more pressure on your internal organs. Hand’s up if you feel like you have a bowling ball between your legs? Yep, thoughts so.

Well,  all that weight is pressing on your lower organs. That includes, you guessed it, your rectum.

I want you to imagine you’re walking down a hallway when no one is around. It’s easy, right? You’re walking at your own pace with plenty of room.

Now think of walking down that same corridor with a big crowd gathered on one side.

“Excuse me”, “Sorry, can I just squeeze past?….”

You get the picture. You have less room and that totally slows you down. You’re having to maneuver yourself past in the only available space.

That exactly what is happening to your bowel as you get bigger in this pregnancy. You’ll notice that increased weight is more likely to cause constipation in your third trimester.

Medication

Has pregnancy left you with constant heartburn, pain, headaches, or nausea? It’s easy to reach for medication for a little relief and to get through the day.

Think about any medication you have taken recently. Could it be causing your constipation?

Common culprits include:

• Iron supplements
• Narcotic pain relief
• Antacids
• Anti-depressants
• Blood pressure medication

If you think one of your medications is causing your constipation, don’t stop taking it right away. Have a word with your doctor. They may be able to give you a different medication or brand that doesn’t bung you up.

11 Ways to Relieve Constipation in Pregnancy

Well, you’re here because I promised you relief from this dreaded constipation right? Well, let’s get on with it.

I always think it’s best to start at the beginning. What I mean by that is before reaching for medications, there are things you can so to ease your constipation. Now, these might not give you instant relief now, but they’ll you keep it at bay in the future.

1. Healthy Diet

You’re probably fed up hearing that a healthy diet will fix pretty much anything, right? Well, in this case, it couldn’t be truer.

I want you to think about your diet. Are you eating foods that are good for you? By that, I mean fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Or are you scoffing too much fast food, meat, and dairy?

Cleaning up your diet can help to give you a good clean inside? Try eating better for a few days and see how quickly your bowel movements change.

If you want to know my top food for constipation, then I’d recommend pears. They are amazing for relieving constipation. That’s a top tip I picked up from the physiotherapists I work with on the postpartum ward.

2. Drink water

Again it’s another simple recommendation. But it works. You see water is essential to helping your poo to ‘move along.’ If you’re dehydrated, your body is going to hold onto your food as long as it can.

I’d recommend plain water, but fruit juice and coffee are great for helping stimulate your bowels. Herbal teas can help. However, be careful to use one that’s suitable to drink in pregnancy.

3. Activity

Are you avoiding exercise in case it hurts your baby? Or maybe this pregnancy already has you so freaking exhausted? I hear you, the thought of exercise in pregnancy probably fills you with dread.

Now you don’t need to be a hardcore gym bunny, but moving will get your blood flowing and your bowels moving.

It’s difficult when everyone is telling you to rest and ‘put your feet up. And while it’s true, you should take it easy. You also need to keep moving.

Go for gentle exercises like swimming, prenatal yoga, and walking. They’re all great options, especially for the end of your pregnancy. Plus they’ll help get your body ready for labor.

4. Relaxation

Is this pregnancy stressing you out? Your hormones are raging, and your anxieties are sky high, right?

Well, all that stress increases your cortisol hormone levels. Cortisol then causes your body to slow down your digestive system. And so more stress means more constipated.

Make time for a little bit of self-care every day. Take a bubble bath, read a book, put on a face mask or try meditation.

5. Watch your cues

Your body is pretty freaking amazing. It has little systems in place that keep it running well. And if you watch it close enough, you’ll be able to read it so much better.

Try to observe the signs your body gives you before you poo. Do you get chatty, feel sweaty or get a certain taste in your mouth? If you can’t think of anything, observe closer.

Ignoring these signals can confuse your body. If you like data, try using a bullet journal. Make a page for observations that can help you build up a bigger picture.

Have you noticed you poo at the same time every day? Try going to the toilet at times when you usually would, even without the urge. The familiarity may stimulate your body to relax and release.

6. Squat

I’m just going to through this out there – modern toilets are terrible for helping you to poo. Who knew? That position you’re in causes your rectum to narrow. That makes it a whole lot harder for you to pass stools.

The best way to poo is a squatting position. How on earth can you achieve that? Use a toilet stool like a squatty potty. It helps raise your knees and give more room for the poop to come out.

Honestly, this simple device will change the way to poo. It makes your toilet trips so much easier and natural. I bet your partner will love it too.

7. Change medications

I mentioned above how certain medications are likely to make you constipated. Again, do not come off any prescribed medication without first speaking your doctor. You are using them because your health needs it.

The best thing to do is let your doctor know you think its cause constipating side effects. Often they can change you to a different type or brand of medication.

If you aren’t on any medication, have a look at what’s in your pregnancy vitamin supplement. The iron in it can be causing your constipation. If you suspect this is the cause try switching the brand, this one is great, as it has non-constipating ingredients.

8. Probiotic supplements

Want better digestion? Try a probiotic, like these ones. Probiotics stimulate the good bacteria in your gut and making it work better.

Are you still suffering from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thrush, or heartburn? Well, a probiotic can help to ease those symptoms.

If you can’t stomach another supplement, then try eating probiotic-rich foods.  Plain yogurt, kefir, and pickles are all great options. Now you have a good excuse for that pickle craving.

9. Alternative therapy

If you’ve already tried the suggestion above, what about a bit of alternative therapy. You know something like acupressure, acupuncture or reflexology. These therapies are known to work well on constipation.

Maybe it’s because they help you relax a little. But who cares right? If it works, it works.

It’s a road you may want should consider if you’re at your wits end with constipation.

10. Massage

Try some tummy massage. It’s is a great way to stimulate your bowels, especially in the first trimester. You can do this yourself or ask your partner if they can lend a hand.

As your bump grows, massage won’t be effective. Because well your bambino is in the way. At this stage, a leg and arm massage can stimulate a few acupressure points that help with constipation.

If you go to a professional massage therapist always tell them you’re pregnant. They may refuse to work on you. For insurance purposes, it’s best to use someone who is qualified for pregnancy massage.

11. Over the Counter Medicine

When all else has failed, and you need relief, like right now, opt for medication. There are lots of over the counter options to choose from.

It’s important to know which ones are suitable for use in pregnancy.

It’s a fairly big topic so keep reading, and I’ll discuss what you can and can’t take.

Constipation Medications in Pregnancy

If you’ve tried all the natural methods of constipation relief and they aren’t cutting it, you need something stronger. Let’s discuss what constipation medications you can buy. I’ll even go over whether you should take them during pregnancy or not.

Always remember to discuss taking OTC medications with your doctor, especially if you’re taking prescription medications.

Mild Laxative

I’m just gonna put this out there and say it – don’t use regular laxatives during pregnancy. They’re so hard on your body. Plus you don’t want to bring on severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration.

A good alternative is a milk laxative called mild milk of magnesia. It usually takes a few hours to work. So don’t use it on a day when you’ve got a lot on. Or you may get caught short.

Only use a mild laxative as a short-term remedy for your constipation problem. I strongly recommend you don’t regularly use laxatives to deal with ongoing constipation.

Enema

Saline enemas, like these ones, are a great way to get some instant constipation relief.

It works by squirting a small bottle of salty water up your butt. The fluid stimulates your bowels, and you’ll pass a stool within a few minutes.

Saline is safe to use during pregnancy and won’t harm your baby.

Suppository

Glycerine suppositories, like the fleet brand, are an easy way to stimulate a bowel movement. They usually come in a douche or a suppository pill.

Again you have to place the suppository in your butt. The smooth glycerine lubes up your insides and makes it easier for you to pass a stool.

Suppositories usually work quickly and help you to open your bowels within minutes.

Bulking agents

A fiber supplement powder, such as Benefiber, is a great way to get extra bulk in your diet. It’s perfect if you’re having trouble eating a balanced diet, or keeping food down at all.

This type of supplement is easy to use. You can add it to anything you drink or eat. It’s kinda like powdered sweetener but with no taste. You don’t even notice any difference. It’s ideal if you don’t need instant relief, but want to be more regular.

Stool softeners

The active ingredient in stool softeners is docusate sodium. This helps your body pull more water into the stools, making them softer and easier for you to pass.

Stool softeners work can overnight, but you might not see any results for a few days. It’s important you drink plenty of fluids when taken these regularly.

Medicines to avoid

You may have heard of taking cod liver oil or castor oil for your constipation. They are old housewife remedies. Do not use them. Neither of these is safe for you to take in pregnancy.

• Cod liver oil contains a high level of retinol Vitamin A, and this is a well-known cause of birth defects.
• Castor oil is known to stimulate contractions and is dangerous when you’re under 37 weeks. It is effective, but trust me it’ll leave you feeling awful.

It’s not worth the risks when other, safer options, will give you relief.

Complications of chronic constipation

Want to know what happens if you don’t treat your constipation?

The worst case scenario is that untreated constipation can lead to an impacted bowel. This is a hard build-up of stools in your rectum. You can treat this with the constipation medicines I’ve already discussed.

Try not to let your constipation get so bad it leads to an impacted bowel as they can cause you to have other health problems.

Hemorrhoids

I bet when you’ve been straining a lot to try and pass a stool. This motion causes your blood vessels to swell up in your rectum causing piles (hemorrhoids). If your yet to experience the joy of piles, they are uncomfortable, itchy and can be painful. That pain can make you avoid going to the toilet when you have the urge to poo.

They may even bleed on wiping, which can cause you to panic. It’s important to have any bleeding during pregnancy checked as it may be vaginal bleeding.

You don’t want to be starting labor with severe piles. The pushing can cause them to get worse. That’s going to make for a very uncomfortable postpartum recovery.

Fissures

I’m going to get a little graphic now. Passing hard stools can cause tears in your anus.  Yeah, I saw you flinch when you were reading that. This type of tear is called a fissure and can be very painful and cause ongoing rectal bleeding.

The first line of treatment is with constipation medicines, but you may need to add pain relief into the mix. As with piles you want them to heal before labor as they can worsen with pushing.

If your fissure doesn’t heal with medicine, you may need surgery to have it repaired.

Pre-Term Labor

Although constipation doesn’t cause pre-term labor, it can make it very difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of severe constipation can be very similar to pre-term labor.

If you’re under 37 weeks and your constipation is causing symptoms such a regular cramping, backache, ongoing pain or nausea you need to get an urgent check-up. You have to rule out that you’re not going into labor.  This can be a costly hospital trip that can be easily avoided.

Delivery Delay

An impacted bowel in labor will absolutely slow down your natural birth. That poo takes up essential room that your baby needs to deliver. An impacted bowel not only slows your delivery but can increase your chances of an assisted delivery.

If your baby becomes distressed by the delay in labor your doctor will want them to deliver quickly or may suggest they do an episiotomy.

Related: How to Prevent Pooping During Birth

When to see your doctor

Your constipation should be easy to treat at home. Although, I’d recommend you let your doctor or midwife know about it during your next routine pregnancy check-up.

If you’re concerned or have any of the following symptoms contact your doctor for a review.

• Blood in your stools or on wiping
• Constant stomach pain
• Mucus in your stools
• Regular treatment not working
• Severe bloating
• Unexplained weight loss

Summary

Constipation in pregnancy is something most women will experience. It’s a pain in the butt.

The goof think is there are a few medicines you can buy to get relief.

Prevent it coming back by following a good diet, drinking water and keeping active.

It’s important for your health and to have a smooth delivery and postpartum.

DISCLAIMER: I provide this information for educational purposes only.  I make every effort to ensure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. If you are concerned about your health, consult with your registered health care provider regarding the advisability of any opinions or recommendations concerning your individual situation. Stork Mama is not responsible or liable for any self-diagnosis made from the information within site. Keep in mind that online information is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation by a qualified doctor, nurse, midwife or allied health professional.

The post How To Relieve Constipation In Pregnancy appeared first on Stork Mama.

Yep mine too.

Well, we’re not the only ones who dread them. Apparently, 8 million suitable women in the USA are overdue for a pap smear.

The trouble is pap smears are life-saving. More importantly, they are lifesaving for moms.

Cervical cancer mainly affects women of child-bearing age. That means most women who are diagnosed have children. Or need a hysterectomy before they can have children.

I developed this guide to be your pap smear sergeant cheerleader. The aim is to encourage you to go and get your vag checked and look after your health.

It’s an easy to read guide, and you need to share it with your female friends. So go ahead and do that now with those little share buttons up above.

Pin For Later

Pap Smear Test Guide

What is a pap smear?

You know pap smears are important, but do you know why?

The Pap smear is another name for the Papanicolaou Test after the guy who invented it.  It’s a cervical screening test to detect abnormal cells.

Your doctor will offer further investigation if any unhealthy cells are detected.

A Pap smear does not test for cancer, it checks for cells that can lead to cancer.

Do I need a Pap Smear?

In the USA every year, 13000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed. Around 35% of these women will die from the disease.

The survival rate for cervical cancer is 91% if detected early with a pap smear. Only 41% of these cases are identified early.

If you are over 21 or sexual active before this age, you need a pap smear.

How often do I need a pap smear?

Your gynecologist will invite you for a yearly pelvic exam. You should only be offered a pap smear if you are:

• currently pregnant
• Age 18-21 (sexually active) – Every 3 years
• Age 21- 29 – Every 3 years
• Age 30-65 – Every 3- 5 years

You will not be offered a pap smear if you are:

• Under 21 and not sexually active
• over 65 with 3 previous clear screens
• had a hysterectomy

If you’ve had previous abnormal smear results, your smear frequency increases.

Prepare for Pap smear

At least 2 days before your smear test try to avoid:

• Having intercourse
• Douching
• Using vaginal medications
• Using lubricants
• Tampons

You want to avoid putting anything inside the vagina which can interfere with your cervix. This will ensure your results are as accurate as possible.

It’s also best to avoid scheduling your Pap smear around the time you are bleeding in your menstrual cycle.  Your doctor can still perform the test, however, the results may not be accurate.

Pap smear Procedure – What to Expect

Even if you’ve been for a pap smear before, you might not know what goes on down there.

When you go into the doctor’s office, you undress from the waist down and use a gown for modesty.

You’ll then get onto the examination table and put your legs into the stirrups.

Your doctor will then insert a beak-like speculum into your vagina. This device helps to hold the vagina open so your doctor can see your cervix. This part can be quite uncomfortable.

Once they find your cervix, they will either use a spatula or a small brush to collect cells from your cervix. This part lasts about 15-20 seconds.

The screen is complete, and you can get on your merry way. A container of your cells is sent to a testing lab.

For a day or so after your screen, you may feel slightly crampy or have a light vaginal bleed. Contact your doctor if any pain or bleeding continues for longer.

Pap smear Results

You should get the results of your pap smear in 1-3 weeks after the test.

The results will be either normal or abnormal.

Normal Pap Smear results

A negative or normal result means the sample did not show any abnormal cells. You don’t need to do anything and attend your next scheduled pap smear.

Abnormal Pap smear Results

An abnormal result is not a positive for cancer. It means you need further investigations on your cervix.

A standard investigation is a colposcopy. This procedure is similar to a pap smear. Your doctor will use a microscope and light to look closely at your cervix. They may even ask to take a small tissue sample for further investigation.

If these cells are found to be pre-cancerous, you can have procedures to remove them.

• LLETZ – A heated loop wire removes the cells from your cervix. This procedure will be done as a day case with a local anesthetic.
• Biopsy – The cells are cut away from your cervix. You will be admitted for this procedure as it will be done under general anesthetic.

Pap Smear Accuracy

Technology has dramatically improved the accuracy of Pap smear results. Two types of error can happen with the outcome of your smear.

False negative

That means that normal results not always correct. You can have abnormal cells that go undetected, given you a wrong result. This  is  a false negative error.

This can happen if:

• The abnormal cells are in very early stages
• The sample size is too small
• Substances in the vagina obscuring abnormal cells (e.g. sperm, blood, medicine lubricants)

Don’t panic. Abnormal cells usually take 10-15 years to develop into invasive cervical cancer. Your next smear should pick up these cells. That’s why it’s so important to attend your pap smears regularly.

False Positive

This error is when you informed you have abnormal cells, but there are none. False positives can be quite stressful as you need to go for further, yet unnecessary testing.

Related: Pelvic Floor Exercising to Prevent Prolapse After Kids

7 Tips to Avoid Pap smear pain

You may be avoiding a pap smear because of how uncomfortable they are. Check out these tips to help make the procedure a little more comfortable for your next visit.

1. Painkillers

Take some Tylenol or ibuprofen before the procedure. Painkillers will help with any cramping you may have afterward.

2. Go Pee

Always empty your bladder before you go into the doctor’s office. A full bladder will automatically make you feel uncomfortable. When they insert the speculum, it can irritate your bladder more and cause unnecessary pain.

3. Speculum size

Ask your doctor if it’s possible to have a smaller speculum. This change in size can be helpful if you have a short vagina or haven’t delivered a baby vaginally. The shorter length can make the whole procedure more comfortable.

4. Distract yourself

Wiggle your toes, count back from 100 or sing a song in your head. Distraction is a great way to help you take your mind off any discomfort.

5. Communication

Talk to your doctor. Let them know if you are incredibly nervous. They may have some tips to make the procedure more comfortable for you. If your doctor isn’t great with technique or communication, then consider switching to a doctor who is.

6. Relax

Don’t get hung up on trivial things like your non-matching socks, hairy legs or hiding your bra (yes we all do it!). Remember you are probably the tenth vagina your doctor has seen this week. Stressing makes you tense causing the speculum to hurt more when it goes in.

7. Bear down

A great tip is to bear down a little bit as the speculum goes in. The sensation should feel similar to when you sneeze. This motion relaxes the pelvic floor muscles and makes it easier for the speculum to slide in.

The post Pap Smear Test – Tips For When You’re Overdue appeared first on Stork Mama.

Christmas Eve is the perfect time to bond and to make memories with your family. It has all the excitement of Christmas day without the stress.

Clear your schedule and mark it for a day full of full, laughter and holiday spirit.

 You may already have some of your own traditions. If this is our first Christmas as a family it’s the perfect time to start a few Christmas Eve traditions of your own.

We’ve picked 17 fun traditions which are easy and loved by kids. You don’t have to do them all, but you may want to start a few this year.

Pin this guide for later so you can come back to it. Remember to share it with your friends and spread the Christmas cheer.

Pin for later

17 Christmas Eve Traditions for Families

1. Santa Milk and Cookies

The most popular Christmas Eve tradition had to be a snack for Santa. You probably did this when you were a kid too, so it’s a great way to pass on the tradition.

Just before bedtime, leave out a plate of cookie and a glass of milk for Santa. The idea is for Santa to eat them when he arrives to leave presents.

Just remember to take a few sips and bites before the kids wake up in the morning.

2. Reindeer Food

Make some reindeer food on Christmas Eve for When Santa’s sleigh arrives at your home.

It really simple and cheap to make, you probably have most of the ingredients in your home already.

Reindeer food ingredients:

• Oatmeal
• Christmas food sprinkles
• Glitter (red, green, silver)

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. You can then place them into little clear plastic bags.

At night-time take the reindeer food outside and sprinkle it around. It helps the Reindeer to find your home and gives them the energy to keep flying through the night.

3. Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt

Make a scavenger hunt for your kids to do. This is a great way to keep excited kids busy for a while. It gives you time to yourself while the kids are happy and entertained.

You can even scale it from a home scavenger hunt to an outdoor one as the kids get older.

You can make the clues as creative or simple as you like, as long as your kids will understand.

I recommend have a little treat at each clue site, a small chocolate or an inexpensive stocking filler type gift.

A great way to end the hunt is a Christmas Eve box.

4. Christmas Eve box

Source: Page Brook Market on Etsy

The Christmas Eve box is a recent tradition which exploded in popularity due to Pinterest. The idea is to take a large box and fill it with gifts for more Christmas traditions.

Popular contents include:

• Pyjamas
• Hot chocolate
• Christmas movie
• Christmas Book

The box is them wrapped or closed and opened by the kids.

If you have younger kids who do Elf on the Shelf it’s a great way to send off your Elf every year.

5. Christmas book

If you want something a little more traditional, then reading a Christmas book before bed is a great way to bond.

It helps kids to have some downtime on a day where they have probably been bouncing off the walls.

You can let the kids pick which book they want, or read the same one each year.

The ‘The Night before Christmas’ is really popular choice your kids will grow to love.

6. Christmas Movie Night

A fun way to gather everyone is to set up a Christmas movie night.

You can let the kids pick the movie and send out invitations to the family. You can also gather drinks and snacks to eat during the movie.

Once everyone is ready, grab lots of pillows and blankets and snuggle on the sofa. Draw the curtains and turn the lights out for a true cinema feel.

You might even want to create your own little movie den with sparkly fairy lights.

7. Bake Cookies

Kids love to bake, and Christmas cookies are a fun way to use up all that energy.

Take a look at Pinterest for inspiration and let your kids pick which recipe they want to do.

The smell of cookies will make your home smell like Christmas.

If they are old enough, let your kids gather the ingredients and read the instructions. Try not to take over, or make things perfect, it just stresses everyone out.

You can then use the cookies to put on Santa’s plate for his snack.

8. Hot Chocolate bar

Set up a hot chocolate bar for your kids to make their own mug of cocoa.

Fill a few empty mason jars with topping such as marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes and whipped cream.

Let everyone have their own cup of hot cocoa and then choose either own toppings.

It’s a great way to warm up if you’ve been out in the cold. Plus it’s always a huge hit with all ages from toddler to teens.

9. A letter to Santa

A great way to get your kid to slow down is for them to write a letter to Santa.

Traditionally Santa letters were sent up the chimney. If you don’t have a chimney you can leave it out with Santa’s milk and cookies.

Make the letters extra special with fun Christmas paper, scented pens, glitter, and stickers.

10. A Twinkle Walk

A really fun way to keep your kids active is to take them on a walk around your neighborhood. Wait until it’s a little darker and go out to see all the Christmas lights.

There is nothing quite as magical as looking a twinkling Christmas light, on a cold crisp night.

If your neighbors don’t really do house décor, look out for areas of your hometown that are decorated and take them there.

Ask your kids to pick their favorite home or spot and try to get some fun pictures of your walk.

11. Christmas Pickle

The Christmas pickle tradition originated in German but remains popular in the USA.

The idea starts with a Christmas ornament shaped like a pickle. The ornament is hidden on the tree on Christmas Eve. When the children wake in the morning they search for the pickle.

The first to find the pickle is granted a year of good luck.

You can get your own Christmas pickle here.

12. Pajama Elves

Pajama Elves a book by Hayden Edwards with adds a little Christmas tradition for new Pyjamas.

The idea is that little Christmas elves make new pajamas from the kids and leaves them every year.

It’s a fun way to give your kids a little gift and bring a little story to it.

Plus kids in matching pajamas make for such cute Christmas photos. Just remember to a picture in front of the Christmas tree so they can look back on previous years.

13. Santa Tracking

Have you ever wondered where Santa is in the world on Christmas Eve?

With world time changes that means Santa is probably somewhere in Europe when you wake up in the morning.

A fun way to countdown to Santa Arriving is using a Santa Tracker.

These online Trackers will show you exactly where Santa is in the World. All the action happens on Christmas Eve.

The two best trackers are The Google Santa Tracker (yes they will find you everything, even Santa!). The NORAD tracker is another great one to follow.

14. Hanging Christmas Stockings

This is an oldie but a goodie. Traditionally people would hand socks that Santa can fill with small gifts and sweet treats.

The good news is now you can get all kinds of awesome Christmas stockings to hand up on Christmas Eve.

You can hand your Stocking on a mantelpiece, using one for each family member. Some people like to hand their stocking at the end of their bed for Santa.

15. The Santa Key

The problem with modern day housing s that some people don’t have a chimney for Santa to slide down.

As you kids get older, they may be starting to question how Santa gets into the house.

The Santa Key is a great way for kids to help him get inside and leave all those goodies for Christmas day.

You may want to leave it on your doorstep after you go outside to sprinkle your reindeer food.

16. Open One Gift

Why not let your kid’s open one small gift on Christmas Eve. This will depend on how you explain Santa to them, however, it can be made clear this is a gift from you.

Try to make it a small gift. Just enough to keep them happy and excited about tomorrow.

This tradition is particularly handy if you have a special gift you want them to focus on. It’s really easy for kids to get overwhelmed on Christmas day. The one gift tradition keeps them, from being so distracted when they receive it.

17. Christmas Eve games night

You can make this tradition as big or as small as you want. For smaller families, you might want to opt for simple board games that you can all play.

If you have a lot of family members why not team up and do minute to win it challenges.

You can get a lot of inspiration for games on Pinterest.

If your family love a good competition you can have a trophy prize. The winning team or family member get to keep it for a whole year.

The post 17 Christmas Eve Traditions for Families appeared first on Stork Mama.

Like most big events, it’s difficult to choose what to wear. Your outfit will be immortalized forever. You don’t want to look back in a few years and say ‘what on earth was I thinking?’ You want to feel and look amazing, right?

I’ve created a few maternity shoot looks to give you some inspiration for your final shoot. I’ve sorted them into months as most maternity shoots are on location. Your outfit can perfectly match the backdrop. You can even do a shoot each trimester to watch your bump grow.

Check out my fall maternity shoot look.

Related: 5 Spring Maternity Photo Shoot Looks

Pin for Later

Fall Maternity Photo Shoot Outfits

1. Teal Fall

Dress | Scarf | Necklace

Nails | Lips

2. Mocha Fall

Dress | Crown |Necklace

Lips | Nails

3. Wine Fall

Dress | Hat | Necklace

Lips | Nails

4. Mustard Fall

Dress| Earrings| Crown

Nails | Lips

5. Cream Fall

Dress | Crown |Necklace

Nails | Lips

The post 5 Fall Maternity Photo Shoot Outfits appeared first on Stork Mama.

Like most big events, it’s difficult to choose what to wear. Your outfit will be immortalised forever in the photos. You don’t want to look back in a few years and say ‘what on earth was I thinking?’ You want to feel and look amazing, right?

I’ve created a few maternity shoot looks to give you some inspiration for your final shoot. I’ve sorted them into months as most maternity shoots are on location. Your outfit can perfectly match the backdrop. You can even do a shoot each trimester to watch your bump grow.

Check out my spring maternity shoot look.

Pin For Later

Spring Maternity Photo Shoot Outfits

1. Bluebell Goddess

Click link below for each item:

Dress | HeadPiece | Necklace

Nails| Lips

2. Romantic Rose

Click link below for each item:

Dress | HeadPiece | Jewelry

Nails | Lips

3. Mint Blush

Click link below for each item:

Dress| Crown | Underwear

Nails| Lips

4. Peaches and Dream

Click link below for each item:

Dress | Crown | Underwear

Nails | Lips

5. Lilac Lovely

Click link below for each item:

Dress |Crown | Underwear

Necklace | Nails |Lips

The post 5 Spring Maternity Photo Shoot Outfits appeared first on Stork Mama.

There are a number of ailments your legs and feet can suffer from during pregnancy. This guide is here to help you care for your legs in pregnancy. Let’s get started.

Pin For Later

Leg and Foot Care during Pregnancy

1. Swollen Legs and Feet

Excessive swelling is also known as edema. You will notice this happening more as your bump grows. It’s common in the third trimester to go up a shoes size due to swollen feet.  Your body swells so much because of your increased blood supply. With an increase of around 30% of its normal volume it settle in places like your legs and feet. Be aware that excessive swelling can be a sign of a serious condition known as pre-eclampsia. If you have other concerns such as bad headaches, visual disturbances, liver pain, vomiting or high blood pressure, contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

Rest

Elevating your legs will help your circulation to pump the blood higher up the body and away from the lower half. Standing for too long or crossing your legs really restricts the blood flow back to the heart.

Hydration

Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day will reduce your swelling. It helps to keep your circulation moving around the body. You will also dilute any salts from your diet which make you retain water.

Dress right

Try to avoid clothing which restricts small areas of your legs, such as tight socks or shoes. Make sure the feet are well supported with an adjustable fastening for comfort. Compression stockings or socks are a great way to reduce the swelling and improve your circulation.

Relax

Giving your body time to rest can really help reduce the swelling. Try simple methods which are easy on the body such as taking a bath or swimming. A nice leg or foot massage is a great way to pamper yourself or bond with your partner in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

2. Leg Cramps

Muscle cramping during pregnancy are common. They usually start in the second or third trimester. The main cause is unknown however increased weight, hormones and changes to your calcium levels are all thought to contribute.

Do Stretches

Gentle calf and leg exercises can help to reduce a cramp attack. Holding a stretch for 15-30 seconds a few times a day will lengthen the muscle to ward of a contraction. Combining stretching with a gentle massage is known to be very effective for cramps.

Increase Calcium

Calcium is believed to be important for warding off cramps. Increase your calcium intake if you regularly suffer cramps. Dairy products are your best source, however you can also take a vitamin supplement if you have an intolerance or a special diet.

3. Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the most problematic in pregnancy. It runs down right along the area under greatest pressure from your bump. The nerve them runs down your leg and into your feet. Any pressure put on this area buy your bump can cause severe nerve pain for a few days.

Painkillers

Taking a mild pain killer such a Tylenol can help relieve the pain. Usually it won’t last any longer than a few day. If it persists see your doctor for further advice on using stronger painkillers.

Position

Lying on your left side can take the pressure off your nerve. This position preferred for better blood flow to the baby. You can aid this position by propping yourself up with a maternity pillow for extra support.

Compress

A hot or cold compress can help to provide instant relief for the pain. These are easily available from a pharmacy. If you have a sudden attack of sciatic pain, even a cold bag of peas from the freezer can ease the pain until painkiller kick in.

Exercise

Gentle exercise will help support the muscles in your back. The movement can help reduce the severity of the sciatic pain as sitting may make it worse. Gentle walks or stretches are best for targeting the area.

Physiotherapy

If the sciatic pain is not relieving you can consult a physio for advice. They may give you specialist exercise to do during the day. You may also be given a tummy support band to relieve the weight pressure from the nerve.

4. Restless Legs

This is an uncontrollable jerking sensation you get in your legs or feet. It mostly occurs during the night time. About 20% of pregnant women suffer from this condition in the third trimester. You are more prone to this condition if you are anemic , so ask your doctor for a simple blood test to check your iron levels. Although it sounds harmless it can really affect your sleep or disturb your daily activities. It can take around 4 week after birth for the symptoms to disappear.

Good Sleep Habits

Establishing a good sleep pattern can help alleviate the symptoms. The means going to bed at a regular time, getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine which can keep you awake.

Exercise

Gentle exercise can help to stop the symptoms. It’s thought the condition can be linked to dopamine and how the body handle it. Exercise is a great stress reliever and helps your cope better with adrenaline rushes. Try gentle swimming of yoga which can both aid other foot and leg ailments.

Thermal care

If you need an instant cure try using a thermal pad on your leg. You may find a hot or cold compress takes way the jerking motion and relaxes the leg quickly.

5. Varicose Veins

These are large, visible veins that stick out from the surface of your skin. When your veins backflow a small amount of blood get trapped and causes swelling. These are common in pregnancy because of the extract pressure and weight of your growing baby. You will experience these more if you stand or walk a lot.

Many of the treatments for swollen legs will aid and prevent varicose veins. This includes extra fluids, rest and foot elevation.

Compression stockings

Regular use of compression stocking can help keep varicose veins at bay. Where them as often as possible. This may be difficult if you live in a hot climate. We highly recommend them if you have a job where you are on your feet for very long periods of time.

6. Flat Feet

In pregnancy your body release a hormone called relaxin. This relaxes the muscles in your body, including your feet. Your foot arch is affected by this hormone. You may even go up a shoe size in pregnancy. The extra weight gain can also cause strain on your foot which results in pain. You should consult a podiatrist if your foot pain becomes excessive.

Supportive shoes

Wearing a shoes with a supportive arch will help to position your foot properly. Ballet flat and sandals won’ provide enough support. Opt for a good supportive trainer shoe for best support. Try to avoid walking around barefooted as the lack of support can cause pain in the ankles and foot ligaments.

Insoles

Specialist orthotic insoles can help to support your joints is the pain worsens. The insoles will support your feet in all the right places and take pressure away from the weaker areas. Your foot will be aligned and prevent pain.

10 Foot and Leg Care Essentials for Pregnancy

To help care for your leg during pregnancy you may need a few aids. Let’s look at some great products to keep your legs and feet in tip top shape.

1. Massage Cream

A good foot massage cream will make foot care feel like a real pamper session. Opt for a soothing mint fragrance to boost your circulation and leave you feeling fresh. If you prefer a relaxing finish then try a lavender or chamomile scented cream.

2. Elevation Cushion

Tackle swelling, varicose veins and sciatica with this simple foot support pillow. The tilted design allows you to position your feet above your heart for optimal circulation. It also helps to keep your pelvis tilted to avoid placing weight on your sciatic nerve.

3. Compression Stockings

Help to boost your circulation when spend a lot of time on your feet. Compression stockings help to push your blood back up to your heart to prevent swelling, varicose veins and cramping. These are lots of funky styles you can get to add a little fun to wearing them.

4. Gel Insoles

Extra pregnancy weight can make your feet hot, sweaty and sore. The extra pressure can make wearing some shoes unbearable. We recommend using a gel insole to cushion your soles. You can even cool them down in a fridge to provide a cool relief for your feet.

5. Foot Bath

A luxury soak in a foot bath will feel like luxury after a long day on your feet. Swollen and pain feet will benefit from the warm water can help to reduce the size and boost your circulation. You can use the time to do some foot and lower leg stretches to prevent cramps.

6. Foot Soak

The ingredients of a foot soak are designed to relieve discomfort in your feet. They will boost your circulation and improve swelling. A foot soak also help you to keep your feet hygienic when your bump start to get in the way.

7. Arch Support

Arch support insoles will provide an area of support for your fallen arches. These insole align your foot to the correct position and relieve pressure from your joints and ligaments. You can also opt for an arch bandage to wear around the house if you prefer to walk barefooted.

8. Foot Massager

This is a bit of a splurge item, but its pure luxury when you need to relax in the third trimester. If you partner isn’t up to massaging your feet it’s a great alternative for you. We recommend a shiatsu style foot massager to give you a good deep kneading massage to your soles.

9. Dry Body Brush

Get your circulation flowing by dry brushing your lower legs. Using an upwards motion you will help to improve the blood flow and lymph drainage in your body. This prevent swelling, varicose veins and cramps. Opt for a dry brush with a long handle to reach all the way down and over your bump.

10. Thermal Compress

Using a hot or cold compress can provide instant relief for swelling, cramps, sciatica and restless legs. These are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. You can also use them after pregnancy to relieve stitches or breastfeeding problems such as engorgement.

The post Leg and Foot Care during Pregnancy appeared first on Stork Mama.

If so, you’re probably now dealing with postpartum anemia.

This caused by low iron levels that’s making you feel exhausted, irritable and downright rubbish.

As if we don’t already have the short end of the stick with sleepless nights, constant feeds, poor diet and a household to run.

If your iron levels are low it can affect your life beyond your health. Let’s look at ways you can deal with postpartum anemia. These are great tips if you’ve just given birth or you’ve had a big blood loss in a previous pregnancy.

Pin For Later

11 Ways to Cope with Postpartum Anemia

1. Take Supplements

Depending on how low your iron levels are you should start to take iron supplements. You can opt for capsules, liquid or chewable forms. You’ll need to take around 2-3 tablets a day to get your levels back to normal.

Finding a good iron supplement for you can be a bit hit or miss. Certain types of iron can give you a really upset tummy or make you feel sick. Look out for brands which are labeled as non-constipating or slow release.

Our favorites are the Ferro-Sequels one a day, or check out our other top iron supplements here.

2. Eat Iron Rich Food

Even if you are already taking supplements, you have to remember they are a diet aid. That means you should still change your diet to include iron-rich foods. The best sources of iron come from animal protein such as meat, poultry or fish.

You can also get iron from vegetables, fortified cereals and whole grains. Plant-based iron doesn’t absorb as well into the body but can still boost your daily intake.

3. Get Follow Up

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with postpartum anemia or you feel rubbish at home. See your caregiver if you continue to feel run down and symptomatic of anemia.

It may mean you need to change the brand of supplements you are using, or that further bloods are needed. If your iron levels continue to drop you may need an iron IV drip, injections or a blood transfusion.

Your caregiver may also be able to monitor your diet to ensure you are getting the right amount of iron and where you can make changes.

4. Cut down on the Tea

Or coffee for that matter. Both contain an ingredient known as tannin, which can slow the absorption of iron.

If you also drink a lot of milk, then the calcium can slow your absorption of iron from your food.

We recommend cutting down your daily intake or preferably stopping until your iron levels increase. If you can’t go without, try only drinking your tea or coffee in between taking your iron supplements.

5. Get Rest

You should try to get as much rest as possible to help your body recover. If your partner has parental leave then let him do the bulk of the work.

Try not to be superwoman, you’ll end up out of action for longer. Rope in family and friends to help out too. They will be around a lot in those early day. Don’t let them leave you to act as a host.

If possible get them to bring around a meal do a chore, or look after baby whilst you have a nap.

6. Watch Your Mood

You’ve probably heard of postnatal depression. Studies have shown that there is a definite link between being anemic and developing postpartum depression.

Anemia causes fatigue and low milk supply when breastfeeding. These can both leave you feeling overwhelmed. Especially if your baby is not settling and you are feeling exhausted.

If you’re feeling low then discuss your moods with your caregiver. They will help give you more advice, medication or support groups to attend.

7. Go Natural

If you are not keen on taking supplements for anemia then try a natural cure. Blackstrap molasses has been used for centuries to improve anemia symptoms. It’s really rich in iron and can help to boost your iron levels quickly. It’s suitable for a diabetic as it has a low glycaemic index, unlike refined sugar. Its sweet taste means you can use it in your diet as a sweetener.

Another alternative is to use a Lucky Iron Fish when you are cooking. It’s a cast iron fish you add to your cooking pot or mug of hot drink. It releases iron into your food and drinks so you get an easy dose. Plus it’s reusable so you can buy the device for around the same amount as a bottle of iron supplements.

These are great options if you simply can’t tolerate any iron supplements. Also if you are vegetarian or vegan and want to avoid using any animal-based products or fillers.

8. Vitamin C

Fill up on Vitamin C rich food to boost your iron absorption. This includes fruits such as oranges and strawberries. Some people like to take their iron supplement with orange juice to boost the amount absorbed.

The Vitron-C iron supplements combine an iron with vitamin C, so you only need to take the one tablet.

9. Drink More Fluids

The health benefits of a regular water intake after birth are amazing. If you’ve lost a lot of blood it’s important to keep your circulation flowing. If you become dehydrated you put yourself at risk of developing a blood clot.

Water can also increase your energy levels and prevent UTI’s which are common with anemia. Iron supplements can make you constipated, which you can tackle with regular fluids.

Don’t go excessive with the water as this can dilute your blood too much and make you feel worse. Aim to drink around 2 liters (half a gallon) of fluid a day.

10. Stool Softener

If regular fluids aren’t tackling your constipation problem then try a stool softener. You probably won’t poo for around 4 days after delivery.

If you are bunged up longer than this you may need a little help. Stool softeners are great for getting things moving along. We’d recommend the Colace capsules. They work well and you get them for a great price on Amazon.

If you’re brave you can even opt for some prune juice to get more nutrients and increase your fluids at the same time.

11. Monitor Infection

Anemia can increase your risk of getting an infection. Your immune system is lowered and has less chance of fighting off any nasty infections. Tears, C-sections wounds and milky breasts are all heavenly places for bacteria to breed quickly.

If you start to feel unwell, have a fever, shivering or see signs of infection then contact your doctor or midwife.

These are usually quickly cleared up with antibiotics, however, can make you seriously unwell if left untreated.

The post 11 Ways to Cope with Postpartum Anemia appeared first on Stork Mama.

Around 20% of pregnancies are affected by anemia. The most common type of anemia is low iron levels in the blood. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen around your body and to your baby. We’ve developed this guide to give you more info on Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and how it affects your pregnancy.

If you’ve been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia in your pregnancy you will need an iron supplement. This will boost your iron levels and make you feel healthier and prepare your body for birth. There are a lot of choices which can leave you feeling confused about which one is right for you. We’ve researched the market for you to find which ones are the best rated. Let’s see what we found.

Pin For Later

Related: Coping with Low Iron Levels After Birth

Top 5 Best Iron Supplement for Pregnancy

1. Solgar Gentle Iron

• Type: Capsule
• Dose: 25MG
• Iron: Ferrous bi-glycinate

Our Verdict

The Solgar Gentle Iron are our best rated supplements for pregnant women. We are highly recommended them if you usually have tummy troubles when taking iron. They are also non-constipating due to the type of iron used. Although it’s a small dose of iron studies have shown that 25mg of iron bi-glycinate is as effective as 50mg of iron sulphate. That means less tablets to take to tackle your anemia. The capsules are regular size around about the length of a cent. If you have borderline severe anemia check out our next recommendation.

2. Ferro-Sequels High Potency Iron

• Type: Capsules
• Dose: 65mg
• Iron: Ferrous Fumarate

Our Verdict

The Ferro-Sequels high potency iron is the best option for high strength iron. These tablets are very effective at building up your iron levels quickly. We would highly recommend them if you are close to needing an IV iron drip or very close to your due date with anemia. They contain vitamin c which makes the body absorb more of the supplement. The slow release formula makes them very easy on the stomach and reduces side effect such as nausea and diarrhea.

3. Nature’s Plus Iron

• Type: Chewable
• Dose: 27mg
• Iron: Ferrous Fumarate

Our Verdict

The Natures Plus chewable iron tablets are perfect if you find it hard to swallow capsules. Unlike regular iron tablets they taste really nice, which make them easier to take every day. The tablet is the size of a nickel and because they are chewable you won’t need to force the down. They contain 27mg iron so you may need to take a few a day depending on how severe your anaemia is. With added vitamin c you won’t need to worry about taking extra vitamins to help absorb as much as possible.

4. Floradix Floravital Iron

• Type: Liquid
• Dose: 10mg
• Iron: Ferrous Gluconate

Our Verdict

Floradix liquid iron is highly recommended by obstetricians and midwives. If you struggle to swallow tablet iron then a liquid may suit you. The liquid is very gentle on the stomach and will digest without causing upset or vomiting. It’s suitable for both vegetarians and vegans as there are no binders or capsules. The taste is quite strong, however you can add it to a cherry or grape flavoured juice to mask it. This liquid is also a great option if you want an iron supplement which is gluten-free.

5. Garden of Life Vitamin Code Iron

• Type: Capsule
• Dose: 22mg
• Iron: Non- Haem

Our Verdict

The Garden of Life Vitamin Code Iron is a great capsule alternative to the Floradix. The brand is focused on providing organic vitamin derived from plants. As this is a non-haem iron we strongly recommend using with a vitamin c supplement to improve the absorbency. It’s much easier on the digestive system and won’t leave you feeling constipated after regular use.

Type of Iron Supplement

The type of iron supplement has a huge effect on how easy it is for you to take. There are four common types available.

• Capsules – This is the most common type. They usually are the most potent type of iron and can be harsh on the stomach. You will need to check if they contain binders or ingredients which are suitable for your diet e.g. vegetarian, soy/gluten free.

• Liquid – This type is a great option for those who have trouble swallowing tablet forms.  You can add juice to mask the taste as it’s usually very strong. Liquid is often suitable for most diets and are easier on the stomach. The iron levels are usually lower in liquid forms.

• Chewable – A great in-between for liquid and tablets. If you need a stronger dose but hate to swallow hard capsules a chewable supplement is great. They often have a metallic or chalky taste to them, however, women usually find them easier to stomach than capsules.

• Soft Gels – Not as commonly available as the other types. They are easier to take than capsules and have a softer effect on the tummy. Check the ingredients of the capsule as often they are usually aren’t suitable for vegetarians.

  

Iron Supplement Buying Guide

This is the criteria we used to find the best iron supplement for pregnancy. If you are undecided about which brand to opt for then use this list to find one that’s right for you.

Type

We’ve already discussed above the types of iron supplement you can get. Choose one which you feel will be most suitable for you and help you keep a daily routine.

Taste

Most iron tablets have a strong metallic taste, especially in capsu

le form. Liquid iron is known to taste particularly strong. Chewable tablets are often rated best for taste as they are usually flavored to make them easier to swallow.

Ingredients

The type of iron which is used in the supplement can affect how well it works for you. Iron is one of those vitamins that work differently for everyone. You may find that one type works better for you than another. If you have a lot of side effects with one type, try switching to another and see if it helps. Most common types of Iron (Ferrous) used in supplements are:

• Fumarate
• Gluconate
• Sulphate
• Biglycinate

Size

Consider the size of the tablet, especially if you find it difficult to swallow large supplements. Remember you may need to take these tablets up to four times a day. If they are too large you will struggle to force them down and keep up your medicine routine.

Dose

For iron deficiency anemia it is recommended you supplement with 60-200mg of iron daily. The dose of the tablet will determine how many you need to take to meet those requirements every day. Supplement are usually between 10-60mg.

Cost

Like with most supplements you will find good brands to fit all budgets. The quality of ingredients will affect the price. A basic iron tablet is effective and fairly inexpensive however they often cause a few side effects. Expect to pay around $3-$30 for a month’s supply of iron supplements.

Benefits of Iron Supplements in Pregnancy

Feel Better

Improving your iron levels will stop all those nasty effects of anemia. You’ll notice that as you iron levels improve you’ll feel less breathless, dizzy and have fewer palpitations when you exert yourself.

Stop Fatigue

Feel exhausted is part of pregnancy but anemia makes this a million times worse. You should start to notice an improvement in your energy levels when you take an iron supplement. Your organs are getting more oxygen and have the energy to work well.

Prevent Infection

Low iron levels can make you more likely to get an infection. Common infections like a UTI are be made worse by anemia. Infections are serious in pregnancy and can cause a lot of complications. Taking an iron supplement can prevent this happening.

Better Recovery

Pregnancy anemia with a big blood loss after delivery terrible for your body. You’ll already feel exhausted after birth, but anemia fatigue on top will leave you feeling wiped out. A good iron supplement can prevent this before delivery or aid you after.

Improve Baby Growth

If you have severe anemia in pregnancy it prevents oxygen getting to baby. Without oxygen, your baby will have problems growing and developing in a healthy way. Babies who are born too small are at greater risk of infection which can mean a prolonged hospital stay. A good iron supplement will improve your oxygen levels which means more oxygen for your baby.

Help Breastfeeding

Prevent anemia can improve your milk supply after delivery. Breast milk is made from your blood supply. If it’s not healthy then your milk supply if affected. Again if you develop an infection such as mastitis you may take a longer time to heal if you are anemic.

Side Effect of Iron Supplements

Nausea

You may experience nausea or vomiting whilst taking an iron supplement. Avoid taking your supplements on an empty stomach to reduce this side effect.

Upset Tummy

Cramping or stomach irritability is another common side effect of iron tablets. Try to take you tablet at mealtimes to avoid this.

Constipation

Iron can make you really constipated in pregnancy. To prevent this happening you should increase your fluid intake, fiber intake and keep as mobile as possible.

Severe Anemia Treatment

Treatment for anemia will depend on your iron levels. Iron supplements the first line of treatment if your iron levels fall between 85-109 (or 8.5-10.9) during pregnancy.

IV drip

An IV drip of iron may be recommended if your iron levels fall below 85 (8.5) during pregnancy. These are very simple to administer and usually only require a short stay appointment. IT helps to quickly increase your iron levels especially if you are close to delivery. The downside is that some women have a severe allergic reaction to the solutions used.

Injections

This method isn’t used as often, however, it is another between tablets and an IV drip. The injections are very effective at increasing iron levels quickly. They are however quite painful and can result in skin staining.

Blood Transfusion

When your levels fall below 70 (7) then you will be offered a blood transfusion. Iron level this low can start to cause permanent damage to your body due to lack of oxygen. A blood transfusion is the quickest way to improve your iron levels.  You will need to continue iron supplement after your transfusion to make sure your iron levels remain high.

Diet Advice

Adding iron-rich foods to your diet will help to improve your iron levels. By the end of pregnancy, you need at least 30mg of iron a day. That is 3 times more than you need outside of pregnancy.

• Iron Type – Animal-based (haem) iron such as meat and fish is absorbed better than plant-based (non-haem) iron.

• Vitamin C – Increasing your vitamin c intake improves the absorbency of iron. Taking your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice it a great way to increase absorbancy. Other great sources include bell peppers and strawberries.

• Food to Avoid – Cereals, beans, tea, and coffee all contain ingredients which reduce iron absorption. You don’t need to exclude these from your diet but try to reduce your intake of them.

Pregnancy Anemia FAQ

What is anemia?

In pregnancy, the most common cause of anemia is low levels of iron (IDA). Other types of anemia include low vitamin B12 levels, low folic acid or a blood disorder known as sickle Cell.

What causes anemia in pregnancy?

Some women have a poor diet in pregnancy. This may be because of constant morning sickness or bad heartburn when they tend to eat less. Around 32 weeks of pregnancy you make a lot more blood to prepare for delivery. This increase can sometimes cause a temporary anemia in some women.

Who is at risk of anemia?

Women who are at higher risk of anemia in pregnancy are those with:

• Reduced food intake
• Heavy periods
• Small gap between pregnancies
• Multiple pregnancy
• Vegetarian or vegan diets

When you book with your doctor or midwife they will advise you about eating well in pregnancy. Eating an iron-rich diet is particularly important if you fall into any of the above categories.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Common anemia symptoms include pale complexion, dizziness, lightheaded, fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations and hair loss. Some of these symptoms may just be a result of pregnancy hormones. Alert you caregiver if you are experiencing a few of these symptoms and they will test you for anemia.

How do they test for anemia?

A simple full blood count will inform your caregiver if you are anemic or not. Most caregivers do a routine test to pick up those who are anemic but don’t have any symptoms.

Is anemia dangerous in pregnancy?

Most women just feel rubbish when they are anemic. If the anemia is severe the worry is that you will become very ill if you hemorrhage at birth. A hospital birth is advisable so you can receive quick treat should this happen. Also, a ‘managed’ third stage, which involves having an injection to remove you placenta will reduce the risk of bleeding.

The post Best Iron Supplement for Pregnancy Anemia appeared first on Stork Mama.