Depression During Pregnancy

We’ve all heard of the “baby blues” — but what happens when the blues come before the baby? It’s estimated that for every 10 women, one or two will exhibit symptoms of depression during pregnancy. For those who are already predisposed to depression, the surge of pregnancy hormones can alter levels of brain chemicals and exacerbate the condition, known as antepartum depression.

How do you know if you’re clinically depressed? Many of the signs can be attributed to other causes, which can make the medical disorder challenging to diagnose. The key is careful self-monitoring. If you experience any of the following symptoms for a period of two weeks or more, you should consult your obstetrician or health care provider:



•    Persistent feelings of sadness

•    Excessive fatigue or sluggishness

•    Insomnia

•    Disinterest in activities you once enjoyed

•    Difficulty focusing on one topic or activity

•    Loss of appetite, or a suddenly insatiable one

•    Suicidal thoughts or tendencies



The safety of anti-depressant medication during pregnancy is a subject of some controversy among medical professionals. When considering an antidepressant, such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, it’s important to carefully weigh the potential benefits with risks to the fetus.



If you’re not comfortable with the risk associated with antidepressant medication during pregnancy, there are alternate methods of treatment. Holistic therapies such as support groups, light therapy, and psychotherapy can help restore feelings of well-being and minimize risk to you and your baby’s health.

Changes in Your Body During the Third Trimester

As you enter the “home stretch” of your pregnancy, you’ll undergo some of the most significant physical changes yet. Many of them will be the same symptoms you’ve been experiencing during the second trimester, although to a greater degree. Now more than ever, it’s important to pay close attention to your body and report any concerns to your doctor, who will also be examining you more frequently as your due date approaches.



Below are some of the most common physical changes you’ll notice during the third trimester:



• Heartburn: Many women complain of this uncomfortable burning sensation at the tail end of their pregnancy. This is often due to a combination of elevated hormone levels and the pressure applied by the weight of the baby.

• Swelling: Although a moderate amount of swelling is normal, especially in the ankles, fingers, and face, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice excessive or sudden bloating or weight gain, as this could be an indication of preeclampsia.

• Restless sleeping: Many pregnant women complain of having trouble sleeping as they approach their due date. As the baby -- and your belly -- grow larger, you’ll most likely find it difficult to get into a comfortable position. You may also experience muscle spasms, late-night thirsts, and sudden changes in body temperature, all of which contribute to restlessness.

• Bladder sensitivity: The urge to urinate, usually starting at the end of the first trimester, will ramp up now that the baby’s heavier weight is pressing against your bladder and other organs.

• Shortness of breath: A carry-over from the second trimester, this symptom will intensify in the final weeks of pregnancy, as your uterus grows larger and your respiratory system becomes more taxed.

• Discharge: It’s normal to see thick, white discharge during the final weeks of pregnancy. To prepare for delivery, your cervix will begin to thin out and grow softer, which causes the mucous-like secretion. Your doctor will check your cervix regularly to monitor the effacing process as you approach your due date.

• Weight gain: During the third trimester, the rate of weight gain will be approximately 3-4 pounds per month. An overall gain of 25-30 pounds throughout the entire pregnancy is considered a healthy range for both mom and baby.

Announcing Your Pregnancy at Work

While it’s usually a good idea to keep your personal life at a respectable distance from your professional persona, the two will ultimately collide when you become pregnant. After the excitement of the first few weeks, be sure to take the following into consideration when deciding when to clue in your colleagues:

• Verify the results. It can be tempting to swoop in and share the news after the first home pregnancy test, but it’s an unfortunate fact that many premature positives turn out to be false. Before you make your announcement, get a blood test to confirm the results. Many women opt to hold off until the end of the first trimester, reducing the chances that they may need to share bad news if the pregnancy doesn’t endure. On the other hand…

• Don’t wait too long. Out of courtesy to your boss, you should give him or her enough time to plan for your absence, which may necessitate hiring a temporary replacement or cross-training other employees.

• Read the handbook. Before making your status known, it’s a good idea to review your company’s policy on pregnant employees and maternity leave. Your Human Resources department should have information on what you can expect regarding the duration of your leave, the amount of compensation, and what paperwork is required. If you work with someone who has already been through the process, ask them to share their experiences.

• Resist a theatrical announcement. Instead of breaking the news to the entire department during lunch, request a private meeting with your boss and tell him or her individually. Be sure to come armed with as much information as possible, including your due date, expected length of your leave, and any ideas for transitioning projects during your absence.

However and whenever you choose to make it known that you’re expecting, the announcement should set the tone for the rest of your pregnancy. By conveying the news in a professional, confident manner, and by letting your boss know that you’ll continue to contribute to the best of your abilities, you can help ensure that you’ll be treated with respect in the coming months.

Well-Balanced Nutrition During Pregnancy

Good nutrition is always important, but when you’re growing a new life inside of you, it becomes even more essential. To ensure a smooth pregnancy, a successful delivery, and a healthy baby, do your best to consume a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods from each of the recommended groups.

Most obstetrical dieticians recommend striving for the following balance each day:

• 3-5 servings of vegetables

• 2-4 servings of fruit

• 6 or more servings of grains, bread, rice, pasta, or other starches

• 2 servings of cheese, yogurt, milk, or other dairy products

• 2-3 servings of lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, or nuts

• At least 64 ounces of water, juice, or milk

When choosing your fare, try to select foods high in iron, calcium, and protein. Be sure to get the recommended daily dose of fiber, which helps to regulate the digestive system and ward off the constipation that can often plague pregnant women. Most doctors recommend avoiding fish with high levels of mercury. Above all, balance is key—by diversifying your diet into the right buckets, you’ll be effectively providing your baby with the right proportions of vitamins and minerals.

Nutrition and Pregnancy

Risk of Smoking During Pregnancy

We all know smoking poses health risks—especially for women who are expecting. The smoke emitted from cigarettes contains thousands of toxic chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. But what exactly are the dangers of lighting up during pregnancy? The answers are sobering, especially considering that 13% of American women continue to smoke throughout their pregnancies.

• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, which can be fatal for both mother and baby


• Higher percentages of miscarriage and stillbirth


• Twice the chance of placental complications, such as placenta previa and placental abruption, both of which can result in the death of both mother and baby


• Slowed growth of the fetus and lower birth weights, which can cause severe physical impairments and mental retardation


• 30% increase in the risk of a premature delivery


• Higher risk of physical birth defects


• Increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) after birth


• More chances of developing learning disabilities, asthma, behavioral disorders, and other problems during early childhood

Changes in Your Body During the First Trimester

Congratulations -- you’re pregnant! Once the initial excitement subsides, your thoughts will most likely center around how your body will change in the coming months. Most expectant moms can’t help but anticipate the bulging belly, the cute maternity clothes, and even the endearing “pregnancy waddle.” But you’ll quickly realize that many of the most obvious physical changes are still a long time coming. In fact, if this is your first baby, you may not even start to show for two or three months.



That said, your body will experience some significant changes during the first trimester, even if they’re not detectable to the naked eye. Below are some of the most common symptoms:



• Fatigue: Many women notice that they tire a lot faster in the early weeks of pregnancy, experiencing what is often described as a bone-weary exhaustion. This tiredness is a result of your body working extra hard to support the new fetus growing inside of you. To counteract the weariness, rest as often as possible and try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. It may sound contradictory, but regular moderate exercise is also a great way to offset fatigue.

• Nausea: Morning sickness (a bit of a misnomer, as this can strike anytime of the day or night) is prevalent during the first trimester. Try to stick to bland foods, never start the day on an empty stomach, and avoid any known triggers that bring on queasiness.

• Bladder sensitivity: It may not be obvious just yet, but your growing uterus is already beginning to press against your bladder, causing you to experience more frequent urges to urinate throughout the early weeks of pregnancy.

• Weight gain: On average, women gain approximately one pound per month during the first trimester, so you shouldn’t see any drastic changes in this area just yet.

Changes in Your Body During the Second Trimester

Once the bone-weary fatigue and queasiness of the early weeks of pregnancy have abated, many expectant moms find the second trimester to be much easier in comparison. Even so, you’ll continue to undergo significant physical changes, many of which are more noticeable from the outside. Although you may be feeling much better, it’s important to monitor your body to make sure everything is progressing as it should be.

As the second trimester draws to a close, you’ll be experiencing some of the most exciting aspects of pregnancy, including fetal movement and a real, honest-to-goodness baby bulge.



Below are some of the most common physical manifestations as you approach the mid-point:



• Muscle aches and pains: Most women notice these primarily in their abdomen, thighs, groin, and back. This discomfort is a completely normal effect of your body stretching and expanding to accommodate your growing baby. These symptoms can be remedied with moderate exercise, pregnancy yoga, and daily stretching.

• Shortness of breath: You may notice that you become winded more easier after physical activity, such as climbing stairs or walking long distances.

• Changes in complexion: Many expectant moms find that their skin changes in appearance, for the better or the worse, during the second trimester. The luckier ones experience an improvement in their complexion, taking on what’s commonly known as the “pregnancy glow,” while others may be stricken with acne or splotchiness.

• Itching: This is usually due to tautness of the skin as it stretches to accommodate your growing baby. If you experience intense itching in tandem with vomiting, nausea, or loss of appetite, contact your obstetrician or midwife to rule out a potentially dangerous condition.

• Stretch marks: Some women begin to notice stretch marks in the abdomen area as their bellies expand. You can treat and prevent these by applying “belly balm” or other lotions designed to counteract stretch marks.

• Weight gain: Although every woman -- and every pregnancy -- is unique, average weight gain during the second trimester is one pound per week.

Fitness Precautions During Pregnancy

Childbirth Classes

Breastfeeding and Working Mothers

Benefits of Pregnancy Fitness

Due Date Calculator and Pregnancy

Conception and Infertility Problems

Performing Kick Counts

As you near the middle of your pregnancy, you’ll begin to experience those first wondrous flutters of your baby’s movement in your womb. Although they may be fleeting at first, those tiny stirrings will soon become unmistakable and frequent.

Toward the end of your pregnancy, usually around the 28th week of gestation, your doctor or midwife will most likely mention “kick counts.” More and more often, medical practitioners are using kick counts as a means of monitoring your baby and ensuring a healthy level of activity.

So, what exactly is a kick count, and how do you know if you’re doing it correctly?

As the name implies, a kick count is a tally of the number of movements your baby makes in a given time period. Below are some tips for obtaining accurate results:

• Always perform kick counts at the same time of day, ideally at an hour when your baby is typically the most active.

• Get a pen and piece of paper and lie down on your side. Each time you feel your baby move, make a mark on the paper. Any type of movement qualifies, no matter where you feel it or how forceful it is.

• Continue marking movements until you have 10 marks in a 30-minute time span. If you have fewer than 10 marks and 30 minutes have passed, turn on your other side and continue the count.

• If you’re not feeling much movement, try drinking some orange juice or eating a snack. The sugar consumption can help to get your baby up and moving.

• If you haven’t recorded at least 10 movements in two 30-minute sessions, contact your doctor or midwife for suggestions.

 

Yoga During Pregnancy

Yoga is an excellent way to stay fit during pregnancy. This safe, low-impact workout offers an array of benefits to women who are expecting:

• Improves posture and muscle flexibility without putting excess stress on your joints

• Helps you master meditative breathing exercises that can be used during childbirth

• Allows you to practice birthing positions that can be used during delivery

• Reduces back pain, as well as other aches and strains

• Aids in overall relaxation and physical well-being

Ideally, you should look for a yoga program that is designed specifically for pregnant women, as these will avoid exercises that could pose a danger to your unborn baby. During the second and third trimesters, you may need to use a chair or wall to ensure that you don’t lose your balance when assuming yoga positions. After the first trimester, be sure to avoid poses that require you to lie flat on your back, as this can restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the fetus.