You thought that awful skin and big zit were behind you right?

Unfortunately, pregnancy acne is a common symptom a lot of mom have to deal with.

Even if you’ve never been prone to acne before, you may suddenly suffer from acne during pregnancy.

Thanks for that one Mother Nature!

Acne can be annoying, especially when everyone has told you that pregnancy will make your skin glow.

The only glowing you’re seeing is the bright red pimples shining like Rudolph’s nose.

Jokes Aside, pregnancy acne can be awful. Not only is it painful but it can really knock your confidence too.

I’ve written this guide to help you to treat your pregnancy acne. These treatments may not completely take your pregnancy acne away, but they will make an improvement to your skin.

Let’s do this

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What Causes Acne during Pregnancy?

You probably already know that pregnancy makes your hormones go crazy.

Progesterone is one of those hormones. Your progesterone levels start increasing around 6 weeks into your pregnancy. This sudden rise can cause your skin to start releasing more sebum (oil) than it normally would.

All that extra oil can cause your pore to become blocked, resulting in all those nasty pimples.

8 Ways to Cope With Pregnancy Acne

These tips will help to tackle the effects of all that extra skin oil. Unfortunately, your pregnancy acne won’t disappear overnight; it will take some work.

These tips may seem simple, but following them consistently will help to reduce the chances of a huge pimple breakout.

1. Cleanse Twice a day

Make it a priority to start looking after your skin. You’ll need to use a gentle cleanser at least twice a day, in the morning and at night.

Thoroughly remove any makeup before you go to bed.

Regular cleansing will help keep your excessing oil production under control. It will also remove any bacteria from your face and reduce the chance of large pimples.

2. Don’t Scrub

IT can be tempting to scrub your face to try and remove as much oil as possible. Unfortunately, this will only irritate your sensitive pregnancy skin further.

Plus using facial scrubs or harsh soaps can make your pregnancy acne worse. That’s because your natural oils are removed, and so your dry skin works extra hard to replace them.

Opt for gentle or natural products with few ingredients when possible. Don’t be afraid to switch brands.

3. Use oil-free products

I’d always recommend keeping your skin well hydrated with a good moisturizer before using other products. Remember dry skin will overcompensate by producing more oil.

Your skin will then benefit from oil-free products for the rest of your skincare regime. These will help to prevent the dreaded oil slick look throughout the day.

4. Change your pillowcases

You spend a lot of your day sleeping or attempting to when you’re pregnant. As your head rests on your pillowcase, they mop up all the sweat and dirt from your hair and skin.

All of that transfers back and forward between your face each time you sleep.

Buy a new set of pillowcases to rotate as you wash them every few days. Get into the habit of cleaning them more regularly than you normally would.

This simple trick can make a huge difference to your skin.

5. Tie up your hair

Have you noticed your hair getting thicker during your pregnancy?

That’s caused by the other main pregnancy hormone called estrogen. That means there is a lot more of your hair to get greasier and touch your face.

I’d recommend tying your hair back wherever possible. It means your less likely to touch your hair or face throughout the day.

If you tie your hair back as you sleep the oils on your hair won’t press against your skin as you sleep.

6. Don’t pick

Whatever you don, try to resist the urge to pick your pimples.

I know, I know that can be torture, I totally understand as a fellow pimple popper.

However, your run the risk of causing permeant scaring to your skin when you do this. Also you pregnant, immune system is less able to deal with the bacteria and other nasties on your fingertips and in your nails.

A good cover-up will become your best friend. Always remember to use cleanse hands or makeup brushes when applying it.

7. Eat and drink right

You already know that a good diet will help your skin.

It can be really difficult during pregnancy, especially if you have mad cravings or bad morning sickness.

Try to get as much fruit and vegetable into your diet as possible. Smoothies are a great way to do this.

Avoid too much sugar and fried foods, as these can worsen your acne symptoms.

The top it all off by drinking around half a gallon of water each day. This will prevent your skin from drying out and causing your skin to produce more oil.

8. See a doctor

If a good skin care routine and diet changes aren’t helping, then you need to see a dermatologist.

They will be able to discuss pregnancy safe treatments that will tackle your acne.

Treatment soften include:

• Mediated washes
• Antibiotic treatments
• Light therapy

Your doctor will be able to advise the best treatment for you depending on the severity and your pregnancy history.

Related: 8 Annoying Pregnancy Skin Issues

Acne Products to Avoid In Pregnancy

Over the Counter Acne Products

The safety of over the counter acne products is unknown during pregnancy. It’s unlikely that the amounts that are absorbed are enough to harm your baby, but they also can’t be classed as safe.

Ingredient best to avoid during pregnancy include:

• benzoyl peroxide
• salicylic acid
• Retinoids

Check that any acne product you use is free of these ingredients.

Acne Medication

Most oral acne medication should be avoided during pregnancy.  The most common include:

• Isotretinoin
• Spironolactone
• Tazarotene

All of these medications are known to potentially cause birth defects.

If you’ve just found out, you are pregnant and use acne medication, discuss with your doctor if it’s safe to continue using it.

You may prefer to stop taking acne medication when trying to conceive or in the first trimester when the risk to your baby is higher.

6 Natural remedies for Pregnancy Acne

With all the uncertainty about how safe, certain acne products are, it may be best to go for more natural options. Check out this list of natural acne-fighting products to try for your pregnancy acne.

Tea tree

Using tea tree oil on your skin is an age old remedy for acne. This oil has antibacterial properties and will help to heal your skin.

All you need is a few drops of oil on a clean cotton pad. Dab it over the affected areas.

Don’t go overboard as too much can dry your skin out.

Zinc

Studies have shown that a good zinc supplement can help with mild acne.

Zinc is known to help with inflammation and fight of bacteria which can worsen your acne.

You may already be taking a pregnancy supplement which contains zinc so check to see if it meets your daily requirements.

A good diet of meats, nuts, and whole grains will help you to keep your zinc levels high.

Vitamin C

A good dose of vitamin C is perfect for fighting the redness caused by acne. Its properties also help to re-built healthy skin that has been affected by large breakouts.

Again your pregnancy vitamins may already contain your daily dose. Also, food containing Vitamin C will boost your daily levels Including broccoli, bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries.

A vitamin C serum is a great way to moisturize your skin overnight to prevent it from drying out after cleaning.

Probiotics

Poor gut health can be a reason for your pregnancy acne. Progesterone can slow down your digestive system causing a lot of issues for your gut.

An easy way to fix your gut health is to take a good probiotic supplement. They are well known for helping with acne symptoms.

A word of warning, your acne may get slightly worse for a few days as your gut bacteria corrects itself. Your skin should start to get better after a week or so of regular use.

Charcoal face mask

Activated charcoal is a safe and natural way to deal with your oily skin during pregnancy. The charcoal will help to draw the toxins and oil from your skin.

You can buy a charcoal face mask products or activated charcoal powder which you’ll need to mix.

Slater the mix all over your face and leave for around 15-20 minutes. Once you wash the mask off, you should moisturize to prevent your skin from drying out.

Witch Hazel

One of the best remedies to use for your acne is a witch hazel astringent.

It’s a triple threat for your acne by reducing inflammation, redness and mopping up excess oil. Using witch hazel can make it difficult for bacteria to grow which reduced your chance of infection.

Witch hazel also has healing properties which helps to recover and open pimples or scabs.

Pregnancy Acne FAQ

How Long will my Pregnancy Acne Last?

It is common for pregnancy acne to develop as soon as you find out you are pregnant. The symptoms may start to lessen around 20 weeks as your hormones level out.

Unfortunately, you may experience acne through your whole pregnancy, especially if you have a history of severe acne.

The good news is that once your baby is born your hormones will return back to the way they were pre-pregnancy. Your skin should be seeing improvements by 6 weeks postpartum.

Can I still wear makeup with pregnancy Acne?

It’s still ok to wear makeup when you have pregnancy acne. However, you may want to keep it to a minimum rather than caking it on.

Switch to lighter coverage products to allow your skin to breathe.

Take off your makeup as soon as you no longer need to wear it. Give your face more time without makeup on than wearing it.

Also, remember to clean your makeup brushes regularly to remove any bacteria that is making your acne worse.

The post 8 Ways to Deal With Your Pregnancy Acne appeared first on Stork Mama.

I mean everyone talks about having the pregnancy glow. In reality your pregnancy hormone are wreaking havoc with your skin.

Your poor skin goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. Learning about these changes and how to work with them will give your skin a whole new lease of life.

Whether your skin is super sensitive or drier than the Sahara desert, this pregnancy skin care guide will help you.

I’ll discuss how to deal with skin issues in pregnancy, the best pregnancy skin products to use and what to avoid.

Now coping with your pregnancy skin doesn’t need to get you down. Follow these tips and you’ll have that elusive pregnancy glow in no time.

Let’s do this Mama

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8 Pregnancy Skin Issues

1. Sensitive Skin

Pregnancy is a prime time for your skin to suddenly become very sensitive. The sudden increase of hormones and rapid skin growth is the main culprits.

The best way to tackle sensitive skin in pregnancy is to switch to using gentle products that won’t irritate your skin. Your usual brand of products may do a sensitive or unscented range you can switch to.

Harsh tools such as exfoliators or cleansers need to go. A soft microfiber cloth is ideal for your sensitive skin.

2. Dry Skin

Has your skin got super dry?

Your pregnancy hormones are causing your body to lose moisture to your skin. Any water you take in is now being used by both you and your baby.

If your skin is very dry, that’s a sign you might be dehydrated. Your first step should always be to up your fluid intake. Make sure your drinking around 8 glasses of water each day.

I’d recommend using a moisturizer after washing your body or cleaning your face. Using a humidifier during the night will give your skin much needed moisture.

3. Oily Skin

Has pregnancy caused your skin to be slicker than Danny Zuko’s hair?

Oily skin is cause by overproduction of sebum in your glands. The cause? Yep you’ve guessed it, those pesky pregnancy hormones.

Regular cleansing in the morning and at night may help keep the grease at bay. However it may also make the problem worse for you.

If you’d want a solution for mopping up the oil, I’d recommend using blotting sheets.

You may also want to avoid using skin care products or makeup that is oil free. That way you’re not adding to the problem.

4. Pregnancy Acne

Have your skin transported you back to your teenage years?

Pregnancy acne is a common reaction to all that extra oil your hormones have made.

It can be so tempting to want to pick at your spots, but don’t. Your skin is much more sensitive and you can easily cause long lasting damage. Plus squeezing spots can leave you open to all sorts of nasty skin infections.

Avoid using over the counter acne products. The ingredients are often unsafe for using in pregnancy. A natural way to tackle the problem is a consistent skin care regimen.

If you feel your pregnancy acne is severe, my advice would be to see a dermatologist for a review.

5. Itchy Skin

Are you scratching your skin raw?

Unfortunately, your skin is stretched extremely fast during pregnancy. Your bump is probably the area most affected due to your growing bump. Your body hold on to a lot more fluid during pregnancy, which your skin has to deal with.

A good moisturizer is the best way to tackle to itching. An emollient with oatmeal can also be soothing for your skin.

You may also need to consider what laundry detergent you are using as it may be irritating your pregnant skin.

Itching can also be a sign of PUPPS (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) which is annoying but harmless in pregnancy. It can also be a sign of cholestasis, a condition that is dangerous for your unborn baby and needs to be medicated.

I’d strongly recommend getting any ongoing itch reviewed by your caregiver.

6. Pregnancy Stretch marks

Your body goes through many changes in pregnancy, but you’re probably praying you don’t get stretch marks. Unfortunately, it’s down to our genetic if you’ll get them or not.

These tiny pink stripes care caused by your rapidly growing skin. Although you can’t prevent them, you can minimize the impact they have.

Check out my top 10 tips for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy.

A good stretch mark cream or oil is ideal for helping your skin’s elasticity and preventing excessive damage. Keep up to your fluid levels and regularly apply your stretch mark cream to improve their appearance.

7. Pregnancy Mask

Has pregnancy caused random dark patches over your face? This is known as Chloasma or pregnancy mask.

A hormone imbalance is causing you to release too much melatonin to protect your skin against sunlight.

The best protection is to keep yourself out of the sun as much as possible. If you do need to go outdoors use clothing such as hats to shade your skin.

I’d recommend using a sunscreen with a high SPF to block as much UV light as possible. Reapply it regularly and keep your skin shade.

Pregnancy skin discoloration usually fades a few months after you give birth.

8. Redness

Is your skin super red and blotchy?

This is a common skin issue for pregnant women due to your increased blood flow. Your body is making 50% more blood in pregnancy; it’s no wonder your feeling flushed.

The best way to prevent redness is to avoid extreme weather conditions such as being too hot or too cold.

A good cooling skin product can keep the red patches at bay. Look for ingredients such as aloe vera or mint.

If you like to wear makeup, green tinted products will reduce the appearance of the redness under your makeup.

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are certain ingredients in your beauty products to avoid during pregnancy. These products are known to be harmful to your unborn baby.

Your body will absorb these ingredients through your skin, so it’s best to avoid them while pregnant.

Benzoyl peroxide

This is an ingredient commonly found in acne products. It’s known to make your skin sensitive especially in sunlight. There is little evidence about its safety in pregnancy.

Parabens/ Bisphenols

These are used as preservatives in cheaper shampoos and body washes. They act similar to the estrogen hormone. This is thought to cause growth problems for babies (especially boys) if there is too much exposure in pregnancy.

Retinoids/retinol

This is a family of ingredients that should be avoided at all costs. These skin products are marketed as containing Vitamin A which is known to cause a birth defect if used in high doses.

Salicylic acid

A common ingredient in acne, cleansing, and exfoliating products. It the main type of acid not approved for pregnancy use.

Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are alternatives that are considered safe for pregnancy.

Soy

Another ingredient that mimics the estrogen hormone. Too much usage is thought to increase the risk of developing pregnancy mask.

Hydroquinone

This is an ingredient used in skin lighteners. You may be tempted to use these types of products if you have a pregnancy mask. This ingredient is not recommended for pregnant women.

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Summary

Pregnancy can do a real number on your skin. It can be totally depressing if you don’t get the coveted pregnancy glow and terrible skin instead.

This guide has discussed the top 8 pregnancy skin issues and how you can deal with them. Follow these tips, and you should get your pre-pregnancy skin back in no time

Remember to check those ingredients before you go using any new products during pregnancy.

You got this mama.

The post 8 Pregnancy Skin Issues And Incredibly Easy Ways To Fix Them appeared first on Stork Mama.

Now that you’re pregnant you’ve got to consider the impact of your lifestyle of your extra passenger.

I mean think about it, pregnant women are constantly bombarded with information. You know everyone has an opinion of what you should and shouldn’t do. What to eat and drink, how to work, what medications to take.

And the reason comes down to one word: safety.

But has anyone spoken to you about the risks of driving during pregnancy?

Probably not.

Do you know if it’s safe to drive? How to safely wear a seatbelt?

Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death for pregnant women and unborn babies.

I feel it’s vital that you know about safe driving while pregnant. And that’s just what this guide is going to do.

The aim is to give you all the information you need to know to make an informed choice about what’s right for your family and lifestyle.

This guide is quite long so pin it to your pregnancy boards for you to read later. And if you find the information useful share it with your mommy friends.

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Guide To Safe Driving While Pregnant

Is it safe to drive while pregnant?

Right, let’s get to the point.

If you’re feeling well during your pregnancy, it’s safe for you to drive.

You may even find you use your car more as your bump grows. Car travel can speed up your daily tasks, especially if you’re suffering ongoing pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or pelvic pain.

If you’re diagnosed with any pregnancy complications, always check with your doctor if it’s safe to continue driving.

Seat Belts

Should I wear a seatbelt when pregnant?

As your bump grows, you may wonder if it’s ok to use a seatbelt.

Unless you have a medical exemption certificate, you always need to wear a seatbelt when in a car. This includes being a driver or a passenger.

Safety tests have shown you are 3 x safer during a car crash when wearing a seatbelt compared to without one.

How to Wear a Seat Belt during Pregnancy

The NHTSA has safety guidelines to follow for using a seatbelt during pregnancy.

The safest way to wear your seat when pregnant is:

Shoulder belts: Place the shoulder belt over your shoulder but away from your neck. The strap should sit between your breasts.

Lap Belt: Place under your bump. The strap should rest over your hips and pelvic bone.

Tighten the belt, so it’s snug, yet comfortable.

Do not:

• Place the shoulder belt behind you back
• Place the lap belt over your bump
• Sit upright and avoid reclining the seat
• Use a lap-only seatbelt, swap places if you need to.

Seat belt Issues for pregnancy

The biggest problem with using a seatbelt during pregnancy is that they are not designed for pregnant women.

In fact, seatbelt design hasn’t changed much since the 1970’s. Back in the days when pregnant women didn’t drive a lot.

Each year there are 170,000 car crashes involving pregnant women. It’s estimated 3000 of those result in pregnancy loss. That doesn’t include the injuries to babies or pregnancy complications that result.

These injuries are caused by the pressure the seatbelt puts on your belly during sudden stops or impacts.

Seat belts do make your journey three times safer, but they are not without risk.

Seat belt Solution

I know that pregnancy is full of anxiety and now driving has just been added to your list.

The reality is 4.25% of women will experience a car crash during pregnancy. Learning how to avoid the dangers is what I hope you can learn from this guide.

Now you can start walking everywhere or taking public transport. But let’s face it, you’re a busy woman with things to do right?

Pregnancy Seat Belt Adjusters

You can buy seat belt adjuster that repositions the seatbelt off your bump and onto your legs.

Seat adjusters make using a seatbelt just as safe but more comfortable and remove the risk to your pregnancy.

The Tummy Shield is a crash-tested seatbelt adjuster designed for pregnant women. It’s the perfect solution if you need that peace of mind during pregnancy.

Yes, the tummy shield is expensive, but the investment is worth it for your unborn baby’s safety. Plus you can use it for more than one pregnancy if you plan on having more babies.

There are cheaper versions available on Amazon. These may be a better option if you’re on a tight budget. However, a quick read of the reviews will tell you that the tummy shield is the best option.

Airbags

Using Airbags when pregnant

Airbags are a car safety feature to protect your body during a car crash.

They are safe to use and should not be turned off when you’re pregnant. Your airbag is much more effective when used together with a seatbelt.

Airbags can be seen as risky due to the force they open with during car impact. It’s common for airbags to cause minor injuries such as friction burn or finger/wrist sprains.

For pregnant women, this can be a concern as your bump sits you closer to the wheel.

Airbag adjustments for pregnancy

If your car has the option to turn off your airbag, keep it switched on.

You’ll provide the most protection for you and your baby during a car crash by using a seatbelt and an airbag together.

If you have an adjustable steering wheel tilt it up towards your chest. That means you airbag will open on your chest area rather than your bump.

Next step is to adjust your chair to sit as far back as possible while comfortable reaching the pedals. When you’re a passenger move the chair as far back as possible.

If your bump touches the steering wheel push it inward as far as possible. If you can’t move your steering wheel consider having someone else drive if possible.

Car Insurance

Pregnancy does not affect your driving insurance policy. You don’t need to disclose to your insurance company that you are pregnant. Your regular policy is still valid throughout your pregnancy.

You may want to inform your insurance company if you are diagnosed with any complications in pregnancy. The risk is that if you don’t and end up in a car crash, they may not pay out due to non-disclosure.

Driving through the trimesters

First Trimester

Most concern about driving while pregnant are focused on when your bump is bigger. However, driving in the first trimester can be scary.

In the first trimester, your risk of pregnancy loss is highest, and you experience most pregnancy symptoms. Let’s discuss the issues.

Nausea

Morning sickness can make it difficult to drive. The sudden urge to vomit at any time of day can be tricky when you’re behind the wheel.

If you have severe morning sickness, it’s best to avoid driving until this passes in your pregnancy.

Fatigue

Tiredness is a common pregnancy symptom. If you’re finding it’s so severe, you can’t focus or concentrate, then avoid driving.

Tiredness is a major cause of car accidents. Don’t be caught short at the wheel if it’s affecting your pregnancy.

High-Risk Pregnancy

Your doctor may advise you not to drive if you have a high-risk pregnancy. This is especially important if you suffer from pregnancy complications that can result in low blood sugar, fits or visual disturbances.

Second Trimester

In the second trimester, your baby will start to grow out of your pelvis. This takes away the bony protection of the first trimester.

Let’s discuss some issues to consider in the second trimester

Growing Bump

As your baby grows, driving can become difficult. Make sure to make adjust your steering wheel, seat and seat belt.

I’d advice using a seat belt adjust like the Tummy Shield, to protect your baby in the case of an accident.

Leg Problems

Your circulation is affected by your growing baby. Try some foot exercises when your car is stopped. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes to improve the blood flow.

Your legs are prone to pain and swelling when you sit down for long periods in pregnancy.

Third Trimester

The third trimester and so close to meeting your baby. Your bump is big and now making it difficult to get in and out of your car. Keep in mind to keep adjusting your car seat to provide a safe space for you and your baby.

Optimal fetal positioning

The modern car seat is terrible for pregnancy posture and often cause back pain. Bucket seats tilt your pelvis and can cause your baby to turn into the posterior position.

I’d recommend using a seat wedge to take the pressure off your back and get your baby in the best postion. It’s also great for angling your bump away from the airbag.

Traveling alone

At this stage in pregnancy, it best to avoid traveling alone if possible. Sudden onset of symptoms or breaking waters can distract you while driving.

If possible try to be the passenger as much as possible during this trimester. It’s safer for you and baby in the event of a crash.

Postpartum

It’s completely safe for you to drive after birth. Although you may feel tired and very tender. Especially sitting down if you’ve had vaginal stitches.

C section birth

You should know that your car insurance policy is unlikely to cover driving for 6 weeks after a cesarean birth. The surgery increases your risk of injury if you’re in a car crash.

You should discuss your policy with your insurance company in the event you have a C-section birth.

Long Road Trips

There is nothing to stop you from taking a long road trip while you are pregnant.

Although I would suggest, you don’t make the trip alone.

The biggest concern on long road trips is taking regular breaks. It’s important to give your legs room to stretch.

It may seem easier just to keep driving and get the journey done, but it’s not a good idea. You greatly increase your risk of developing a blood clot if you sit for too long. That’s not a scare tactic, I’ve cared for women who this has happened to.

In fact, if you are driving for more than 4 hours I’d suggest wearing a pair of medical grade compression stockings (I love these ones). This improves your circulation and reduce your risk of developing a DVT.

7 Car Travelling Tips for pregnancy

Let’s face it, its unlikely you’ll give up driving during pregnancy. However, you should make small changes to your driving habits to reduce your risk of having an accident.

1. Stretch before

Leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially after sitting for long periods. Gentle stretches before your begin driving can prevent the sudden onset of cramps which can cause distractions.

2. Pregnancy seat belt

Adjust your seatbelt to sit in the right position as you drive. That always means placing is under your bump and across your chest. A good seat belt adjuster like the Tummy Shield will take care of this for you.

3. Seat adjustments

Adjust your seat as your pregnancy progresses. You need to create space between the steering wheel and your belly. Also, keep your backrest upright and avoid reclining so your seatbelt fi close to your chest.

4. Eat and drink

Keeping hydrated and small snacks can stop the sudden onset of nausea or sickness. This is particularly important if you get stuck in traffic jams or have a long commute.

5. Regular Stops

If you’re driving for long periods of time make sure to take a break at least every hour. This will help the circulation to your legs and reduce your risk of blood clots.

6. Assess driving conditions

Always avoid road conditions that increase your chance of having an accident. This includes:

• Driving at night
• Poor weather conditions like rain, fog or snow
• Bad lighting
• Areas of high speed such as highways

I recommend you always keep a cell phone on you in case of an accident.

7. Keep car maintained

Regular check on your car will ensure it’s in the best condition for you to drive. Breakdowns can put you at high risk of an accident, especially on highways.

Make sure you have some breakdown cover and keep the contact details in your car.

What to do if you’re in a car crash

If you’re in a car crash, get yourself to a safe area if possible. Call 911 to inform them of the incident.

You need to get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel well.

A car crash greatly increases your risk of:

• Pregnancy loss
• Preterm labor
• Placental abruption
• Bleeding
• Rhesus sensitivity (if you have rhesus negative blood)
• PTSD

Your doctor will give you an assessment and make a plan for you. You will most likely need to stay for observation overnight, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Summary

Driving is something you’ll do every day, but it presents risks when you are pregnant.

This guide has shown you how to drive safely including seatbelt safety, airbag use and tips for driving during pregnancy.

Use these when you drive, and you’ll reduce your chances of a car accident or severe injury for you or your unborn baby.

The post Safe Driving While Pregnant To Protect Your Unborn Baby appeared first on Stork Mama.

Suffering from back or hip pain during pregnancy is awful right?

Your doctor or physiotherapist may have recommended you use a support belt. A good pregnancy belt will help to redistribute the weight of your growing bump.

You may see these support belts referred to as a:

• maternity belt
• pelvic support
• pregnancy girdle
• belly support
• bump support band
• belly band

Regardless of the name, they will take the pressure off your body and relieve the majority of the strain. Using a support belt can help you to bring a bit of normality back to your daily life.

But what is the best pregnancy support belt?

I’ve developed this guide to help you find the right support belt. Knowing what features to look for will help you get the most benefit from the support belt you choose. In this article, I’ll discuss

• 5 Pregnancy Support Belt Reviews
• Pros and Cons of Pregnancy Support Belts
• Buying Guide
• Comparison Guide
• Pregnancy Support Belt FAQ

First, let’s start by looking at what bands are available on the market.

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5 Best Pregnancy Support Belt Reviews

1. NEOtech Pregnancy Support Belt

Pros: Comfortable, adjustable, breathable fabric, strong support

Cons: Poor Instructions

Our Verdict

The best selling option on the market is the NEOtech pregnancy support brace. You will notice immediate relief for your back or pelvis as soon as you start wearing this belt.

It’s made up of 3 different layers to provide support in all the right places as well as being comfortable to wear. The abdominal lift belt is a great feature as it gives redistribute the weight all over the bump rather than at the bottom.

Plus you won’t need to keep readjusting it as the strap prevent it from rolling down.  The belt is available in 5 different sizes from small to XXL and is adjustable to get the perfect fit for you.

2. AZMED Maternity Belt

Pros: Affordable, free birth book, comfortable, supportive

Cons: Sizes run large

Our Verdict

The AZMED Maternity Belt is an Amazon Bestseller option.

It’s a great all-rounder which will support your belly, hips, and pelvis. That means relief for all these areas.  This support belt is soft enough to wear throughout the day while proving the right amount of support.

It’s discreet enough to be worn under loose clothing. It’s really easy to put on and adjust to your size. We particularly like the back support as it corrects your posture and supports your back from lower back pain.

3. Babo Care Support Belt

Pros: Very Supportive, postnatal use, money back guarantee

Cons: sizing on the small side

Our Verdict

The Babo Care Support Belt is out best pick if you suffer from lower back pain.

The thick elastic support bands remove pressure from the sacroiliac joint that supports the lower back. It’s fairly slim line and  you can wear it under clothing without showing through.

The band is available as a ‘one size fits all’ and adjusts with a Velcro fastening. The design means you can use it as a postpartum belt to support your tummy after your baby is born.

4. Bracoo Support Belt

Pros: One size, comfortable, supportive, use in pregnancy and after birth

Cons: Wide on short torsos

Our Verdict

The Bracoo Support belt is a great all in one option. The belt is designed to fit from small size6 right up to a US dress size 18.

It’s made up of two separate bands which offer triple support over the lower back and hips.

The material is soft and comfortable to wear, especially when walking. With support to lift the abdomen, it helps to correct your posture.

The belt can also be used after birth as an abdominal binder.

5. GABRIALLA Elastic Maternity Belt

Pros: Discreet, comfortable, seamless,

Cons: Prone to rolling

Our Verdict

The GABRIALLA Elastic Maternity Belt is perfect if you’ve suffered from pelvic pain is a previous pregnancy.

You can start wearing it as soon as your bump appears to prevent pain. It’s a belly band style made from soft, stretchy material that expands with your growing bump.

It’s so comfortable to wear as it is seamless and has no tag to irritate you. It comes in 3 different sizes from small to large. There is a choice of three colors including nude, white and black so you can match most outfits in your closet.

>> How to Cope with Hip Pain during Pregnancy <<

Pregnancy Support Belt Benefits

A pregnancy support band should be used as a medical aid. Check out the other benefits you can get from using one regularly.

Pain Reduction

Support bands are often prescribed by physiotherapists to provide extra support for your growing bump. They help to redistribute the weight from your lower back and pelvis to areas higher up. This prevents the wear and tear of these muscles and ligaments causing you pain.

Pregnancy Conditions

You can prepare for extra strain on your body if you have any of the following conditions

•     SPD or PGP
•     Multiples
•     Polyhydramnios
•     Hernias
•     Diastasis recti

Using a support belt as soon as you begin to ‘show’ will help ward off pain from your lax muscles.

Reduce Swelling

The constriction of support belts will help to improve your blood flow. Combine this with keeping hydrated, and you will notice a reduction in your swelling. This is particularly helpful if you are on your feet for most of the day.

Improve Posture

Pregnancy causes major changes in your spine to cope with the extra weight. You may notice you spine curves more, or your lower back flattens. Both of these changes can lead to pain as your muscle and ligaments adjust. A support belt can help you adjust your posture to your new shape.

Postpartum Use

Support belts can also be used after delivery to help your body recover. They help to minimize your bleeding and aid your uterus to return to its normal size. They can help give you a confidence boost by smoothing everything out so you can get into your regular clothes again.

Daily Activities

A pregnancy support belt can help you to return to doing tasks you had to give up because of pain. Everyday activity such as walking and walking up the stairs will be a lot easier with a support belt. Once you use one, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

Disadvantages of Pregnancy Support Belts

Although maternity supports belts offer a lot of benefits, you should also consider the following drawbacks before you buy one.

Discomfort

When you are in pain, you will try almost anything to ease it. However some women find the support belts too hot or irritating to wear, and that just adds to the pain you are already in.

Reduced fetal movement

The restriction of some support belts can make it difficult to feel your baby’s movements. If you experience reduces fetal movements it important you contact a maternity center to have a check-up for your baby’s wellbeing.

Muscle dependency

Prolonged use of a support belt can make your muscle reliant on it. It’s best to do regular low impact exercise to build up your muscle strength. Aqua natal classes and pregnancy yoga are great options.

Pregnancy Support Belt Buying Guide

Let’s look at the features which may sway your buying decisions.

Style

Would you prefer an adjustable belt or a pull-on style. Belts with velcro fastening are great for adjustability, whereas pulling on bands rate higher for comfort.

Support

Check the areas that each belt provides support for. Certain belts will be aimed at the pelvis and hips, and other may have more support for the back. You also may only need light support or heavy-duty depending on how severe your pain is.

Sizing

Make sure you measure yourself to choose the correct sizing before buying. It’s also best to read other user reviews to see if the belts sizes run large or small. Most belts come in various sizes from small to extra-large.

Hygiene

If you plan to wear the belt for long periods of time, you’ll need to wash it regularly. Consider if it can be machine washed or hand washed only. If the belt is cheap enough, you should consider buying two to alternate between wash days.

Price

You’ll find pregnancy support belts to suit most budgets from $20 – $50. If you have the extra cash, consider investing in a durable belt. It can be used for more than one pregnancy if you plan to have more children.

Pregnancy Support Belt Comparison Guide

If you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few options and can’t decide, try using this comparison guide. We’ve selected features which offer important benefits. The support belt which offers you the most benefit it the best choice for you.

Comfort

Your belt should be as comfortable as possible to wear. You might want to wear it as much as possible, so that means it needs to withstand your daily activities. The belt should offer support and have features which prevent it from slipping or the material rolling down. It’s important to choose the correct size or one which adjusts to avoid discomfort from wear.

Durability

Your belt will need to be durable enough to provide support for your bump. Look out for good quality material such as mesh and strong elastic which withstand a lot of wear and tear. If the belt adjusts with velcro, read other reviews for the verdict on the Velcro strength. The belt may provide support, but if the velcro goes after a few uses, it won’t provide suitable support.

Ease of Use

When you have hip or back pain in pregnancy, you should avoid twisting and bending as much as possible. Your belt should be easy to put on, like a piece of clothing. If you want to wear it outside the house, it should be discreet under your clothes. Consider if it’s easy to take off if you start to get uncomfortable during the day.

Effectiveness

If you put on the belt and felt instant relief, you’ll know it’s effective. It should also make you feel like you are sitting upright in the correct posture. The belt should also make you aware of your seating positioning and will feel uncomfortable if you are slouching. This helps you recognize poor positioning which is putting the strain on your hips and back.

Pregnancy Support Belt FAQ

When should I start wearing a pregnancy support belt?

You can start wearing a support belt as soon as you feel any symptoms of hip or back pain. The earlier you seek treatment for pain in pregnancy you will prevent ongoing pain. Most moms don’t need a band until the third trimester however you can use the bands at any time.

How long should I wear a maternity support band for?

It is advised you wear a support belt for a few hours a day. Constant wear can cause your muscles to become reliant on the band for support and weaken them. I suggest regular exercise and stretches to strengthen your muscles. After birth you should wear a support for around 12 weeks, then start abdominal strengthening exercises.

Do I need a maternity support belt?

A support belt isn’t just for hip and back pain. If you suffer from restless legs, swelling and leg or knee pain, then a support belt can help ease the symptoms. We don’t recommend a support belt if your pregnancy if ailment free, however, you may benefit from using it after birth.

The post Best Pregnancy Support Belt Reviews appeared first on Stork Mama.

Even though you not quite sure what that means, your caregiver wasn’t positive about it!

So what’s everyone’s deal with baby’s in the posterior position?

Well, essentially they are facing ‘the wrong’ way for labor.

Ideally, your baby should be facing head down with their back against your tummy. This is also known as the occiput anterior or OA position.

A poster baby is facing head down but with their back against your back. Officially known as the occiput posterior or OP position.

Babies can be born in the posterior position. It typically makes everything take a lot longer. That’s because the angle of the head doesn’t match those of your pelvis. The uneven posterior position also makes it hard to dilate your cervix evenly.

In fact, there are many reasons you’re gonna want to avoid a posterior baby.

Reasons to avoid a posterior baby

• Increases your risk of needing a forceps or vacuum delivery due to long 2^nd stage
• Increases your risk of tearing as baby’s head needs more room
• Increased risk of C-section if your baby doesn’t dilate your cervix
• Increased back pain in labor
• Longer labor length
• Increased need for strong pain relief such as epidural
• Increased risk of baby needing resuscitation at birth and admitted to a neonatal unit

Now, I know that all sound very serious, but don’t panic.

Babies can be born perfectly healthy in the posterior position. However, it’s best for you and baby if you can avoid posterior labor.

This guide is to teach you 12 easy tips and tricks to avoid a posterior baby in pregnancy. Or even turn your baby into the anterior position.

Let’s get started

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12 Ways to Turn Your Posterior Baby Position

The easiest way to prevent or correct a posterior baby is to be mindful of your posture.

Modern life makes it easy for you to do a lot of slouching. Comfortable sofa’s, contoured car seats and reclining office chairs.

These all make it so easy for your baby to turn to the posterior position.

Think of your body like a hammock for baby. Their back is going to turn to the position you tilt your body.

These tips will show you how to do this every day without thinking about it.

1. Prep your car

Modern car seats are terrible for your posture in pregnancy.

Take a look at your car seats from the side.

Do they tilt downward, bringing your knees higher than your bottom?

Sure that makes your car seat comfortable, but it also tilts your pelvis at a bad angle for baby.

It’s important you change this, especially if you drive a lot, or have long commutes to work.

The best way is to use a car seat wedge (like this one). They help to tilt your pelvis into the correct position and are super comfortable to sit on.

You’ll probably notice a huge improvement in any back pain you have when you start to use a car seat wedge.

2. Ditch the Sofa

I know that when you’re pregnant, you want to snuggle up and lie around on the sofa.

This baby making business is hard, right?

Well, sorry to tell you but you’ll pay the price for lazing around too much during pregnancy.

In fact, you can use this time to turn your baby and keep them in a great position.

I recommend using a birth ball instead of the sofa when you’re watching TV. This Brand has high quality balls at a great price.

Birth balls help to keep your back upright and prevent the ‘hammock effect. A ball base is a good idea to stop your ball rolling away everything you stand up.

Another great tip is to use a high backed dining chair and sit on it ‘back to front. The high back can be used to lean on. That helps your belly to tilt forward, and your baby’s back will follow.

3. Sleep Smart

Avoid sleeping on your back during pregnancy. If you’ve been following the other tips, you’ll know it will cause your baby to ‘swing’ to your back.

Sleeping on your tummy seems the best options. But we know that’s pretty impossible with a big pregnant bump.

By the way, if you are a front sleeper and can’t get comfy in any other position. You might consider the Cozy Bump, to get a decent night’s sleep.

The best way for you to sleep during pregnancy is on your left side. But your right side is good too if you find it more comfortable.

Keep your knees separated with a pillow. Honestly a good pregnancy pillow will be your best friend in the third trimester.

A pillow will keep your hips from twisting forward and give your baby more room to stay at the front.

4. Watch those knees

Always be mindful of any posture that keeps your knees above your hips.

You’ll find these positions when you’re sitting or exercising.

That means avoiding squatting or crossing your legs unless you know your baby is facing forward.

If you do a lot of sitting, especially at work, consider using a kneeling posture chair. They are great for keeping your knees low and your back upright.

5. Try a Belly Band

Are you getting a lot of back pain during this pregnancy?

If yes, then try a belly band.

The stain pregnancy puts on your muscles is a well-known cause of what’s known as round ligament pain.

This type of pain can cause your muscles to seize up and make it difficult for your baby to move into an anterior portion.

A pregnancy support bands will support these muscles and alleviate the pain from the strain.

That support can help them to relax a little and encourage your baby to move into the right position.

If you’re looking for a good one to buy, check out the Neotech Maternity Belt. It’s a highly recommended favorite and Amazon bestseller.

Related: Best Pregnancy Support Bands

6. Use warmth

Did you know that babies love their back to be warm, even in your womb?

Take advantage of the knowledge to try and get them to shift.

You’ll need two hot/cold packs, these ones are good for this.

Heat one pack up and freeze the other pack.

When they are ready, place the cold pack on your back and the hot pack on your tummy.

Do this technique as often as you can during the day. You can even try it together with the other tips on this list.

Your baby should want to turn their back towards the warmth and end up in the best position.

Just as a side note, these packs are also great to use for labor pains and postpartum healing. They are cheap to buy but great for all sort of maternity uses.

7. Homeopathic option

An excellent homeopathic remedy to consider is Pulsatilla may be your answer.

It’s a common remedy prescribed by homeopaths for turning breech and posterior babies during pregnancy.

Pulsatilla works by slightly relaxing the muscles of your womb to help your baby turn.

You’re best to use it from 36 weeks and after. Before this time, your baby still has plenty of room to move about easily.

You can takePulsatilla as granules, tablets or a liquid. The most common dose is 30c once a day. However, I’d advise you to discuss dosage options with a trained professional.

It’s a great option to calm you, especially if your posterior baby is making you anxious about giving birth.

8. Rebozo sifting

Rebozo sifting is an ancient technique used by Mexican midwives. The idea is you help your baby to turn to the anterior position.

Sifting is done using a large Mexican shawl (like these beautiful ones) to shake your tummy from side to side in a rhythmic way.

This sifting motion helps to relax muscles that you can’t do yourself. Once these tight muscles loosen up, your baby can move around easier.

Now, I’m no expert on rebozo sifting, but I can tell you someone who is. Gail at Spinning babies has a fantastic article on using a rebozo to get your posterior baby moving.

In fact, the whole spinning babies’ website is a fantastic resource for getting your baby to turn the right way around.

9. See a Chiropractor

I’ve already told you how pregnancy can cause tight ligaments which can lead to a posterior baby.

But what if you have ongoing muscles issues before you even got pregnant?

Think about it, have you ever had a bad fall or an accident that flares up every so often?

Then you probably have myofascial issues that need more professional treatment.

A chiropractor will be able to deal with these for you.

The treatment that shows the most promising results is the Pelvic Diaphragm Releases.

This incredibly light touch massage is enough to release chronic tensions in your muscles. Once this tightness is released, your baby has that extra room to move from posterior to anterior.

10. Swim on front

Swimming is an excellent exercise for pregnancy. However, do be mindful of choosing tummy down strokes.

Again think of your tummy as a hammock.

If you are doing backstrokes, you’re wasting a chance for your baby to turn their back to your tummy.

The water takes a lot of pressure off your back. Swimming also helps to support your muscles.

That feeling of weightlessness on your body will relax those tight muscles and ligament which are usually preventing your baby from getting the right way round.

11. Keep active

You know how everyone tells you to rest and put your feet up during maternity leave?

Well ignore them (unless it was your doctor saying that!)

Try to get at least 30 minutes of daily activity in your third trimester (unless you’re on bedrest).

Keeping upright and active is the best way to get your baby into the right position. Great options are walking, yoga and swimming.

These exercises are gentle enough for pregnancy. They also prepare your body for birth and will aid your postpartum recovery.

12. Do daily Crawl

Ok, you’ll probably hate me for this one.

Crawling on your hands and knees is awesome for turning your posterior baby.

Some experts recommend scrubbing your floors, which you may enjoy doing if you’re nesting.

If the thought of scrubbing floors fills you with dread, there is another option.

You can do a move called ‘pelvic rocks.’ If you’re a yoga fan, it’s the Cat Pose. I recommend doing it twice a day for 10 minutes each time.

This video will show you how to do it safely.

Summary

The posterior position isn’t a great start to labor for you or baby.

The quicker you can resolve it, the better it will be for you and baby.

I hope these tips and tricks help your baby get into a good position at the start of labor.

The important thing is not to get too stressed if your baby doesn’t move.

Your contractions will take care of shifting their stubborn little butts for you. And you never know, your baby may want to be born ‘sunny side up.’

The post How To Turn A Posterior Baby Position in Pregnancy appeared first on Stork Mama.

It’s awful, right?

One minute you can feel like you’re fine, then BAM! Your hip feels like it’s gonna pop out it’s joint.

Unfortunately, hip pain is extremely common during pregnancy. You may have already been diagnosed with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

The good news is there are things you can do to cope with the hip pain during pregnancy. That’s exactly why I’ve written this guide.

I want to help you gain some control back from the impact this pain is having on your daily life. Plus I’m gonna talk about other ways the hip pain can affect your pregnancy.

In this guide you’ll find:

• Common causes of hip pain in pregnancy
• How to relieve hip pain
• Tips to prevent pain
• Preparing for labor

First, let’s start by looking at the symptoms of pelvic pain during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Pregnancy Hip Pain

Hip pain can happen at any time during pregnancy but it’s more common in the third trimester.  If you start to experienced regular pain, it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, it’s only gonna get worse.

Look out for these symptoms:

• Pain in your pubic bone, lower back, hips, groin, thighs or knees
• Difficulty walking
• Clicking or grinding noises when you move
• Difficulty opening legs (forward or sideways)
• Pain when standing on one leg or an uneven surface
• Pain during sex

If you suffer from these symptoms on a regular basis then tell your midwife or obstetrician. They will refer you to a physiotherapist who can diagnose and provide treatment for your pain.

Common Causes of Hip Pain during Pregnancy

There are a few reasons you’re getting hip pain during this pregnancy. The source of the pain will help you get better treatment. Let’s have a look at the most common causes.

Hormones

During pregnancy, your body releases a hormone called relaxin. This hormone helps to soften the ligament in your body in preparation for birth.

When the ligaments are more flexible the nerves and muscles can sometimes struggle to adjust to the changes. This is often what leads to pain around various ligaments in the pelvis.

Sciatica

This is a type of nerve pain which crosses over the hips. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back to your feet.

Swelling around these nerves from extra weight or fluid can cause them to become pinched. The pain is often described as shooting or burning sensation and often only occur on one side.

Round Ligament

Pain the runs along your hip bones is often caused by the round ligaments. These ligaments are stretched upwards during pregnancy to support your growing uterus.

The stretching of these ligaments can often cause a sharp shooting pain with movement. Usually, these pains don’t start until the second trimester as your uterus grows above the pelvis.

Extra Weight

The extra weight from your baby and amniotic fluid will put a strain on your hips. If you have a small frame with a large bump it can put a lot of pressure onto the hip area which is holding it in place.

Try to eat as healthy as possible during pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain.

Posture

Pregnancy will change your body shape to cope with the extra load. Your spine will slightly curve to support your growing baby. These posture changes can put a lot of strain on your muscles and ligaments.

Try to walk and sit as upright as possible. Slumping when seated can worsen your pelvic pain and cause back pain too.

Previous Injury

If you’ve had a previous injury to your back or hips this worsen with pregnancy. Horse riding or car accidents are fairly common causes of this.

If you start to feel painful niggles you should have a physio referral as soon as possible.

You might even want to mention any previous injury or hip pain in a previous pregnancy at your first appointment. This will help your caregiver organize a quick referral or open appointment to a physiotherapist.

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9 Ways to Relieve Hip Pain during Pregnancy

If your hip pain is making you miserable try these methods to ease the pain.

1. Rest

You’ll probably still be going about your daily life until you get into the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Remember that pregnancy takes a lot out of your body.

You need to rest more often than usual. Adding even a 15-minute nap to your day will make you feel so much better.

If you’re feeling sore rest, stop what you are doing and rest.

2. Thermal Therapy

Using heat or cold can really help relieve pain. The rule of thumb is that sudden onset pain or inflammation should be treated with cold. If it’s an ongoing pain then heat can provide relief.

Try sitting or lying with a hot water bottle or heat pack on the sore area. This one from Amazon is great for heating up or cooling down.

3. Pain Killers

If nothing seems to be working then mild painkillers can be used to take the edge off the pain.

Tylenol is safe to use in pregnancy. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen shouldn’t be used as they can cause problems for your baby.

If you need something stronger you would need to consult your doctor for a stronger prescription.

Do be aware that regular use of strong painkillers in pregnancy can cause your baby to have some withdrawal symptoms after birth.

4. Stretches

Regular stretches can help to strengthen muscles weakened by pregnancy. It can also help to improve posture and align the joints and ligaments.

If possible consult with a physiotherapist for customized stretches for your sore areas.

A pregnancy yoga class is a great way to target these areas at a slower pace.

5. Water Exercises

Water is great for exercising without the weight bearing. Aquanatal classes and swimming are great for keeping active in pregnancy.

Start early in pregnancy and build up your muscle strength. Try to swim by front crawl as it’s easiest on the legs.

The leg movement of a breaststroke can lead to leg pain after your swim.

6. Maternity Support Belt

Using a support belt can help to redistribute the load from strained areas. These belts are placed over the hip area and provide support for your bump.

A physiotherapist may be able to provide you with a Tubigrip support or Kinesio tape as part of your treatment.

If you want a belt which is easier to put on and adjustable. Check out the Neotech belt it’s the best rated pregnancy belt on Amazon.

Check out the Stork Mama guide to the best pregnancy support belts.

7. Massage

A good massage is well known to make you feel rested and relaxed. The manipulation of the muscles can release tension and help aches and pains.

Always contact a massage therapist who is trained and insured for pregnancy massage. If you have severe hip pain a chiropractor or osteopath may be a better option to target your bones and joints too.

Always ask your obstetrician if it’s safe for you to have a massage, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

8. Pregnancy Pillow

Sleep can be greatly affected by your hip pain. And it’s only gonna get worse as your bump grows.

A pregnancy pillow can help to support your hips, back and legs as you sleep.

Side sleeping is best with a pillow for support between your knees. Lying on the left side is best for baby as it helps them get more oxygen, however, choose a position that is comfortable for you.

9. Acupuncture

Studies have found acupuncture to be effective at helping hip pain during pregnancy. The ACOG even recommend it as a suggested treatment for pelvic pain.

Your obstetrician may be able to refer you for treatment, however, the availability varies from area to area.

Daily Life with Hip Pain

There are a few changes you can make to your daily life that will help prevent making your hip pain worse.

FootWear

If you are on your feet a lot you need supportive shoes. High heels shoes should be avoided as they cause your pelvis to tilt at an exaggerated angle. Support insoles can help improve the support from your footwear.

Body balance

Try to keep the body aligned at all times. This means avoid twisting, bending, crossing your legs and getting out of bed or the car one leg at a time.

Living Aids

For severe hip pain, a physio can loan you mobility aids. You may be offered crutches or a wheelchair if walking is too painful. Other aids include bath boards, bed levers, raised toilet supports and shower chairs.

Mattress Check

A soft mattress can make your hip pain a lot worse. Uneven springs can also cause poor posture in bed. We highly recommend checking your mattress and consider buying a replacement.

Accept Help

Don’t be afraid to ask people to help. This is important for tasks which require excessive mobility. For regular activates such as shopping, why not get it delivered to the house.

Work

If you are struggling with your regular work duties you need to discuss this with your employer. As part of your risk assessment, your employer should adapt your work duties to your abilities, adjust your working hours or offer more breaks.

Planning for Birth

Hip pain can leave you worrying about your labor. Let’s tackle some of the most common concerns.

Induction

Your doctor may offer to get your labor started early with medication if the pain is affecting your daily life. Remember that your pelvic pain may not go away straight after delivery.

The risk of induction should be considered carefully. Induction often leads to increased need for epidural, reduced mobility and instrumental or cesarean delivery. All of which can prolong your recovery period.

Vaginal Birth

A natural delivery is still possible when you have hip pain. Your caregiver will offer you extra support during the labor to ease any pain.

You might want to consider a water birth for ease of movement during the labor. Changing position regularly will prevent your hips causing extra pain during labor.

Your caregiver may need to assess how far wide you can open your legs without it being painful. This is so they can provide physical support during the second stage when you push your baby out.

Elective cesarean

Hip pain is not an indication for having an elective cesarean section. Remember it is major surgery and can slow down your recovery after birth.

However, your situation should be discussed with your obstetrician based on your medical and pregnancy history.

Postnatal

If your hip pain is pregnancy related it will take around 6 weeks after birth to resolve. There are a few things you should keep in mind if your mobility is still restricted after delivery.

Prevent Blood Clots

If your movement is restricted you are at higher risk of getting a blood clot. The doctors may recommend you wear compression stocking and have blood thinning injections to prevent this. You should also keep well hydrated.

Facilities

Ask your caregiver if it’s possible for you to have an en-suite toilet or bed situated near the toilets. This will help you to keep mobile, without the pain caused by long walks to the bathroom.

The post How to Cope with Hip Pain During Pregnancy 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.

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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.

The subject of cord blood banking has put your brain into overdrive.

You’re considering it, but is it worth it?

It’s a subject which has a lot of info for you to have a good think about. A proper informed choice of all your options is the best way for you to make a decision.

This easy to follow guide is for you to explore all the options to help you pick the best route for your family. There is a lot to get through, so bookmark or pin this guide now to read later.

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What is cord blood banking?

Cord Blood Banking is a blood donation that you can collect from the umbilical cord at birth. Once collected the blood is then safely stored. This blood from your baby is known to be full of stem cells. Modern medicine can now use these stem cells to treat various diseases or improve recovery from intensive treatments.

Cord Blood Banking Process

Collecting the blood from the cord does not hurt your baby in any way. When your baby is born their cord will still be connected to your placenta. The cord is clamped and cut to separate baby. You can bank cord blood if you have a vaginal or a C-section birth. If you choose not to use a blood bank your placenta will be discarded after it delivers.

If you do opt to bank the cord blood the process starts straight away. A special collection kit is used to milk the cord of as much blood as possible. Around 1-5oz is usually collected from the cord.  A blood sample will also be collected from you to screen the blood for any disease or viruses.

The cord blood is sent to a specialist blood bank laboratory. The blood is then screened and processed. The processing procedure involves removing all the red blood cells and plasma so you left with just the stem cells. What’s left of the sample is frozen for future use.

You can either opt for a public or private cord blood bank.

Public Cord Blood Banks

I like to think of this as a baby blood drive. Once the blood is received and processed it’s put into a national database for public use by any potential matches.

The great thing about public blood banks is that it’s free. With each donation, you are increasing the availability of stem cell therapy to really ill people who desperately need. Clinical trials and research use cord blood to improve future medical treatments. It’s a great feeling to know you’re doing your bit for others without having to do anything.

The downside of public banking its extremely unlikely you will get that blood back if you need it in the future. Either it will be used by some else, for research or possibly discarded if it doesn’t meet processing criteria.

It’s important to remember that even if you donate cord blood, you will be charged medical fees should you need a public donation in the future. The current cost is around $40,000 per unit of cord blood. You may want to check if your medical insurance covers these costs.

If you opt to go down this route, you need to let your caregiver know before the birth. They will give you more information on the process. Not all hospitals participate in public cord blood donation.  Ask if they can arrange a company to come and take the donation.

Private Blood Banks

A private cord bank will take care of retrieving the cord blood and storing it for you. You’ll have full rights over the donation. It will also be available for you to use at any time your family needs it. You can even use the donation for any siblings or close family members. This makes private cord blood banking very appealing, almost like a health insurance for your kids.

Private cord blood banking is a great option for ethnic minorities or rare blood types. The reason is that you have the security of a known match. It can be difficult to find a match from public databases if you need a very specific match.

There are lots of private cord blood banking centers in the USA. You may even receive some marketing information during pregnancy. They will take care of the collection process and will be able to attend anywhere you choose to give birth.

This may give you a better idea of what is available in your area. The most established companies are:

• Viacord
• Americord
• Cryo-Cell
• Stem-Cyte

The biggest downside is that private cord banking will make a big dent in your purse. The initial collection process will cost around $2000, plus anything from $100-$200 yearly fees for storage.

Related: 14 Important Decisions To Make for Your Newborn

Cord Blood Uses

Docotors use stem cells from cord blood replace damaged blood cells with healthy ones. This can be done at any age.

The transplant process involves destroying the damaged blood cells first then replacing them with the stem cells.

Like building blocks, Stem cells are used to change into any cell your body needs them to. That means they can be used to build and repair any area of the body affected by a disease. The stem cells are immature and haven’t yet learned to reject foreign material. This makes them a better option for recovery as the body is less likely to react or reject the cells.

Stem cells often work best for diseases like cancer, where cells are destroyed by treatment.

Currently, cord blood can be used for treatment in over 80 diseases related to:

• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Anaemia
• Immune disease
• Metabolic disease
• Blood disorders

As a fairly modern technique, the full potential of what cord blood cells can treat is unknown.  More clinical trials are developed everyday.

Current studies include treatment for:

• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Diabetes
• Heart defects
• Brain injury

Donor Stem cells

For some treatments, it’s best to use your own cells, especially if there is a risk of rejection by the body. However, some treatments are better to use donor stem cells. This includes diseases which are related to defects in DNA or blood. The problem with your own stem cells is that they will still contain these defects. Placing the stem cells into your body wouldn’t help to the problem. In this case, donor stem cells must be used for treatment.

Other Stem Cell Options

Cord blood banking is one of the easiest methods to get a lot of stem cells quickly and easily. However, Stem cells are not only found in cord blood. They can be gathered from other areas of the body.  There are a few other options other than cord blood banking.

Bone marrow

Stem cells are mad in tehis is a spongy material inside your bones. You can undergo a bone marrow transplant if needed. It’s physically very tough, including lots of investigations and a surgical procedure to donate the cells. The procedure itself is painless due to a pain block, but recovery may take around a month.

The current cost for bone marrow transplants in the USA are:

• Donor transplant – $800,000
• Own cell transplant – $350,000
• Children – $75,000 – $200,000

Cord tissue banking

This process is similar to cord blood banking but they store the actual cord tissue. Again, cord tissue produces stem cells for extraction. You can even combine banking both cord blood and cord tissue to give a full range of therapy use.

The research on this is further behind than cord blood therapy, so it’s still unknown the full extent of possible treatment.

The tissue can be used to generate actual tissue rather than just stem cells. This is promising for the treatment of degenerative diseases or trauma. The hope is it can be used for Parkinson’s disease, stroke, arthritis or bone and cartridge injuries.

Issues with Cord Blood Banking

Delayed cord clamping

Your baby remains attached to your placenta by their umbilical cord after they are born. Usually, this is clamped and cut as soon as they are born. Delayed cord clamping means this procedure isn’t performed until the cord stops pulsing. This allows more blood to flow from the placenta into babies system. Delayed cord clamping prevents baby anemia and can help with placenta delivery.

The dilemma is that the more blood baby gets, the less blood there is to donate for stem cells.

You may feel isn’t more important for your baby to receive as much cord blood as possible straight away. In that case, you are much more likely to get a small stem cell donation. This doesn’t mean you won’t get anything. It’s just more likely the volume is only suitable for a child treatment rather than an adult.

Clamp the cord sooner rather than later if you want to do both cord blood banking and delayed clamping. The optimum time to wait is 2 minutes. This way your baby gets more blood without it starting to clot and prevent a donation.

Retained Placenta

Sometimes the placenta does not deliver after birth. If there is little bleeding medical staff may wait a few hours before removing the placenta. In this situation, it is unlikely you will get any blood from the cord to donate. It may be possible to cut a piece of cord and take the donation, but the sample is likely to be very small.

You may even want to consider cord tissue donation instead.

Physiological Third Stage

The third stage is the time from when your baby is born to when the placenta delivers. Most women opt to have in injection to speed up the placenta delivery, with the caregiver assisting the placenta out. Another method is to let the placenta deliver without any interfering, known as a physiological third stage.

This is the same debate as delayed cord clamping, but what happens when you wait longer. Again it’s not impossible to get a sample, just a little trickier to get a large donation.

Some collection companies may be able to use anti-clotting drugs and special techniques to still get a good sample. It’s best to discuss your preferences with any cord blood bank to know if their company can do this.

Twins or Multiples

Public cord banks are usually unwilling to accept donations from twins. Private cord banks will take a twin or multiple donations without issue. Although the cost will be higher, companies usually give a discount from the cost of doubling a single donation.

Is Cord blood banking worth it?

To sum up this guide, we’ll go over what you need to consider before you decide

Cost

The upfront fees of private cord blood banking make it out of reach for a lot of families. The total cost over 18 years totals to around $6000. Although public cord blood banking is free to donate, it cost around $40,000 to receive a unit for treatment.

Need

If your family has a strong genetic history of a certain disease or your baby was born with complication, you may want to consider using a private bank. If your family is generally healthy and your baby born well, the chances you’ll need to use stem cells are very slim. In fact, don’t let private company’s guilt trip you into a sale. They may try to make you fear that you are putting your baby at risk or not looking out for their health.

To put in into perspective the current need for stem cell therapy is:

• Age 0-21: 1 in 2,700
• Age 0-70: 1 in 217

This simply means that as people age they are more likely to need treatment for various diseases. Stem cell therapy is not the first port of call. You can use stem cell therapy when other treatments have not worked.

Rarity

Cord blood banking is ideal for rare blood types as it guarantees a quick match. Donor stem cells donation for rare blood types can rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills to find a suitable match. Ultimately it will save a lot of money from various testing procedures to find a suitable donor.

You who will benefit most from private cord blood banking if you

• Can easily fund the cost
• Have a family history of certain disease
• Have rare blood types
• Know baby will be born with a certain condition
• Need the reassurance of ‘health insurance’
• Want more children

How to Arrange Cord Blood Banking

It’s best to start arranging a cord blood donation at the beginning of your third trimester. First, you should decide whether a public or private donation is best for your family. To get the ball rolling

Public Donations – Contact cord blood banks in your area, you can find a list of participating hospitals here.

Private Donations – Contact the blood bank company you wish to use they will give you exact details of their process and pricing.

There will be a few bits of paperwork and consent form to fill out before the birth. Do this as soon as possible just in case your baby makes an early appearance.

Let your nurse know you are donating cord blood when you are in labor.  Your nurse can prepare for a collection after delivery, and arrange for collection from the cord blood bank.

After birth, the collection procedure will begin.

The post Cord Blood Banking Prep in Pregnancy 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

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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.