Pregnancy Questions

What Causes Slow Fetal Growth During the First Trimester?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions 0 Comment
What Causes Slow Fetal Growth During the First Trimester?

Once you’re expecting, you need to know about the various stages involved in your baby’s development. While you’ll be excited by the prospect of welcoming your baby, you’ll also be nervous about the entire process of giving birth. It’s always wise to know about the downsides of pregnancy apart from the positives.

So if ever you’re looking for answers on what causes a fetus to stop growing in the first trimester? One of many possibilities is what they call “Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)“. It’s one of the issues you need to be clued up on as far as your baby’s development is concerned. Most pregnancies report healthy growth of fetus until childbirth. But there might be exceptions where kids may be smaller than normal by the time labor starts.

Types of IUGR

This comes in two forms—symmetrical intrauterine growth restriction and asymmetrical intrauterine restriction. 

Symmetrical IUGR: (also known as primary IUGR) makes up 20-25 percent of IUGR cases. In this problem, all of the baby’s internal organs are comparatively smaller and there’s overall growth restriction in the baby. 

Asymmetrical IUGR: (also called secondary IUGR) is when the baby has a normal-sized head and brain but their body is smaller. This issue is harder to diagnose and might not be apparent until the last trimester.

What Causes a Fetus to Stop Growing in the First Trimester?

Genetic factors determine around 31 percent of a baby’s weight at birth, so some kids are what doctors refer to as “constitutionally small”. If a prospective parent was a tiny baby themselves and they’re short in stature, their baby could be perfectly healthy—only small. 

But some babies with intrauterine growth restriction have other health conditions, such as heart defects or chromosomal abnormalities, which restrict their growth. IUGR may also happen if the placenta’s blood supply or health is impaired. In addition, it happens if the mom’s lifestyle, health, or nutrition affects the healthy growth and development of her child most especially if she used drugs or alcohol, or smoked while pregnant). 

IUGR Risk Factors 

IUGR in babies is more likely to occur if a pregnant woman:

  • Use drugs or alcohol or smoke during pregnancy
  • Conceived within a year and a half of giving birth 
  • Is under 17 years old or over 35 years old
  • Have heart disease or high blood pressure 
  • Have an infection like syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, or cytomegalovirus 
  • Have placental issues, or uterine defects, including placental abruption
  • Have lung disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or kidney disease 
  • Have other complications such as hyperemesis gravidarum and preeclampsia 
  • Is carrying more than one baby (though that’s maybe because it’s more difficult to carry multiple 8-pound babies in one womb, not that the kids aren’t growing properly). 

How to Overcome IUGR in Pregnancy

While IUGR can happen when you’re healthy, there are some steps you can take to improve both the health of your pregnancy and your baby. The most important thing you can do is get lots of rest and eat healthily, as well as avoid any tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. And remember to honor all of your doctor appointments—they’ll definitely be plenty from now on. 

Why Do Pregnancy Symptoms Come and Go During the First Trimester?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions 0 Comment
Do Pregnancy Symptoms Come and Go During the First Trimester?

During pregnancy, a woman can experience various symptoms and they might vary from one woman to the next. But it’s been noted that over time, most symptoms may vanish to reappear again later, might not come back during the term of pregnancy or they may persist until delivery.

As such, pregnancy symptoms appearing and disappearing is very normal and no cause for concern. But it’s understandable for any expectant women, especially first-time moms, to get worried and anxious. So why do pregnancy symptoms come and go first trimester?

Disappearing Pregnancy Symptoms

Any general varying symptoms in the first trimester are completely normal. The problem, as with all things during pregnancy, boils down to hormones. The hormones inside your body go through constant changes, and they fluctuate during all vital stages of pregnancy. 

This can cause many unanticipated consequences, from fluxes in depression, waning interest in sex, and relative tenderness of the breasts. Since the hormones in your body fluctuate while you’re pregnant, symptoms of pregnancy can occur in all trimesters and might really appear and disappear at any given time.

When Are Changes in Pregnancy Symptoms Alarming?

black and white photo of woman thinking

There are periods when fluctuations in pregnancy symptoms are concerning and should be checked by your doctor (or midwife). Crucial among these concerns is fetal movement. Although it might take you quite some time to actually experience any fetal movement (somewhere around week 16 to 25), you should still watch out for any dramatic changes in your body. And if ever you do experience unusual symptoms that you think isn’t normal, please know that it’s okay to consult your doctor or midwife right away.

A reduction in the movement of your fetus, or a complete halt of movement, could be indicative of something very serious. While other pregnancy symptoms may subside or decrease as you go further along in your pregnancy, your baby’s movement shouldn’t. Of course, there’ll be times when your baby may decide to stay still for a while. But if there are drastic changes in your baby’s activity and you found yourself saying, “Something’s wrong” then it’s probably something serious!

The same case applies when you suddenly don’t have any symptoms of pregnancy at all. Just to be clear, we aren’t referring to the days when you’re not experiencing any indication that you’re pregnant. We’re talking about when you’ve been experiencing a lot of symptoms proving that you’re pregnant then suddenly, it all disappeared. 

While this doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s an issue, you should be concerned if the change is extreme and sudden. Even if there aren’t other obvious signs of miscarriage (like severe cramping or abnormal bleeding), it’s still critical to have your doctor check your condition as soon as possible. 

Can Pregnancy Symptoms Go Away?

When all is said and done, pregnancy symptoms do vary from individual to individual and no two pregnancies are the same. A pregnancy with intense and severe symptoms is as regular as one without any symptoms. Your doctor is the most qualified person to guide through your pregnancy. As such, it’s imperative to consult them before jumping to any conclusions.

Diarrhea When Pregnant: First Trimester (Is it Normal?)

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions 0 Comment
Diarrhea When Pregnant First Trimester (Is it Normal?)

Diarrhea is no fun topic to discuss, but it shouldn’t make you feel embarrassed either. We all experience it every now and then, and many pregnant women might experience diarrhea when pregnant first trimester.

While the issue may signify preterm labor, it’s highly unlikely that your pregnancy has anything to do with it, as it results from something like a sudden diet change or food poisoning. Keep reading to learn more about the problem during pregnancy, including if it’s normal during the first trimester, what causes it, the symptoms, as well as how to treat it.

Is Diarrhea Normal During Early Pregnancy?

Diarrhea is quite a common problem that may affect anyone, including pregnant women. Some women may even experience it moments before labor. Less serious cases during pregnancy are often fleeting and may not harm your child.

If you’re passing over three stools daily and have severe diarrhea, make sure to see your doctor for expert advice. 

Causes of Diarrhea in Early Pregnancy 

sad woman reflected in a mirror

Diarrhea during pregnancy may result from dietary changes to hormones to prenatal vitamins. You might experience it due to:

Dietary changes: Pregnancy might make you eat healthier. Often, a sudden shift to healthier, fiber-rich foods may also cause a change in your bowel movements. Give your body enough time to acclimatize if you switch from fries and burgers to salads and fruits at the same time.

Hormones: When pregnant, you’ll go through changes in your body and your hormones. These may affect your digestive tract and stomach, resulting in nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

Prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins come in many different brands. Some can cause loose stools, and others are more likely to lead to constipation. If you think a vitamin is the culprit, ask your doctor to recommend another brand.

Other causes: Diarrhea may also result from things that are unrelated to pregnancy, including:

  • Food poisoning
  • Illness from bacteria or a virus
  • Taking medication like antibiotics 
  • Travel
  • A health condition such as hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease

Diarrhea Symptoms 

The main symptoms during pregnancy include:

  • Feeling bloated or gassy 
  • Watery and loose stools
  • Fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Nausea
  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • Urgent need to pass stools

Treating Diarrhea in the First Trimester 

woman holding a glass of water

In general, diarrhea will disappear by itself within two days. The main problem is maintaining hydration. 

Make sure to drink lots of water, broth, and juice to rehydrate your body and replenish the electrolytes lost by your body. The water will replenish the fluids you’ve lost, the broth will replenish your sodium and the juice will replenish your levels of potassium.

If the problem still persists, you might need to see your doctor. If it’s caused by parasites or bacteria, you might need antibiotics. More importantly, talk to your doctor to find out the cause of your problem.

Experiencing Diarrhea While Pregnant?

Like everyone else, pregnant women can experience diarrhea, too. So long as it’s short-lived, it’s usually no cause for concern. It’ll most likely clear up by itself. But if your condition is serious or lasts longer than 48 hours, you should call your doctor right away.

When Does First Trimester Nausea End?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions , , 0 Comment
When Does First Trimester Nausea End?

Morning sickness is arguably the most well-known pregnancy symptom, and it usually occurs in the first trimester. If you’re experiencing it, however, you’ll most likely want to know when does first trimester nausea end, how long it lasts, and how to find some relief for it. 

Let’s start by looking at when morning sickness begins for newly pregnant moms.

When Does Nausea Start in the First Trimester?

Going through pregnancy gives one lots of happy and cringe-worthy memories. Speaking of which, are you one of those who thought, “When does morning sickness end?” while your world spins? What about when you’re wobbling across the room, hoping to make it to the sink or bathroom on time before “letting it all go”?

Nausea varies from one woman to another and from pregnancy to pregnancy. Most women begin to feel sick around halfway through trimester one between the 6th and 8 week of pregnancy, with nausea peaking around week 9.

There’s no known cause of nausea, but there’s a probable link to elevated levels of pregnancy hormones, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). For women carrying more than one baby, the probability and severity of nausea is higher, as is the hCG level. 

When Does Morning Sickness End?

Morning sickness usually ends by the close of trimester one, with your appetite getting back to normal by the 12th to 15th week. This is no general rule though. Nausea can sometimes continue well into trimester two. 

Some women experience morning sickness all throughout their pregnancy. And usually, nausea has no impact on baby’s health during pregnancy. Unless you’re having extremely different and awful symptoms than what most pregnant women have had. Others may even feel severe morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which may sometimes necessitate hospitalization. 

Severe weight loss due to illness can be harmful to a developing baby and should be attended to as soon as possible. Extreme morning sickness with repeated vomiting can result in dehydration, which calls for medical attention.

Tips for Relieving Morning Sickness

water with ginger

There’s no cut-and-dried remedy when it comes to nausea. Some treatments work for your morning sickness while some may not work at all for others. 

If your nausea isn’t severe, you can try these simple natural remedies:

Well-known remedies include eating plain or dry food such as plain toast and tea biscuits, nibbling on fresh ginger, dipping slices of fresh ginger in hot water and drinking it, adding ginger to biscuits (even to your meal), or just simply smelling the “aroma” of fresh ginger. 😁

Have at least a bite of any food that you know you can take when you wake up in the morning to avoid the initial bout of morning sickness that may strike early. 

While morning sickness doesn’t result from being tired or hungry, these two factors may worsen symptoms, so it’s best to eat little amounts of food often and get adequate rest.

Why Do Pregnant Women Experience Nausea?

Morning sickness (nausea) is a very common symptom of pregnancy. But the good news is that it doesn’t last indefinitely. There are also steps you could take to ease some of the symptoms. 

Morning sickness typically vanishes by the end of the first trimester, although its disappearance doesn’t necessarily indicate that something is amiss with your child. If you’re worried, or having certain signs of miscarriage, make sure to let your doctor or midwife know immediately. 

Can You Take Ibuprofen When Pregnant in the First Trimester?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions , , 0 Comment
Can You Take Ibuprofen When Pregnant in the First Trimester

Can you take Ibuprofen when pregnant in the first trimester? Well, pregnant women are normally advised against taking Ibuprofen. Experts recommend paracetamol as a safer alternative during pregnancy. 

It’s especially important to avoid Ibuprofen in the first and third trimester, unless your doctor prescribes it. If you’ve already taken Ibuprofen, fear not. A one-off dose any time during pregnancy won’t harm you or your child. Taking Ibuprofen more than once while your pregnant would though. So it’s best to steer clear of it. 

Why Ibuprofen is Unsafe During Pregnancy

The excitement of pregnancy can be tempered by back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, and even more regular headaches. As such, it might be tempting to look for something more powerful than paracetamol. This is where Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication which acts as a painkiller, comes in.

Did you know that Ibuprofen can potentially harm your baby if you’re pregnant?

There are numerous studies pointing to possible harm—the latest of which suggests Ibuprofen in the first trimester can affect the future fertility of a baby girl—but experts concur that more research is required.

If possible, it’s best to not use this medicine while you’re pregnant. If you’re in pain, for instance, back pain, you can take paracetamol. If it doesn’t work, then you should talk to your physician about an alternative. 

doctor and pregnant woman

Experts recommend avoiding Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in the first six months of pregnancy, unless their potential benefit is greater than the possible risk to the developing baby. You should never use any types of NSAIDs for medication during trimester three unless it’s absolutely needed and your doctor advises you to.

During the first trimester (week 1-13), you should avoid using Ibuprofen because of the following reasons:

  • It can make miscarriage more likely to occur.
  • Your baby might develop some birth defects, such as a heart defect, a cleft palate, or defects in the abdominal wall.
  • According to the latest (2018) study, if you kept on taking Ibuprofen while pregnant and you gave birth to a baby girl, it may cause a “drastic loss” of germ cells that make the follicles which promote the development of a girl’s eggs.

Can Ibuprofen Cause Miscarriage?

It’s not clear whether using Ibuprofen in the first trimester raises the risk of a miscarriage. Research has shown that women who use NSAIDs during pregnancy are at higher risk of having a miscarriage than those who don’t. But some studies that have investigated Ibuprofen independently  from other NSAIDs revealed no connection at all with miscarriage.

What If I’ve Already Taken Ibuprofen?

If you’ve already had an intake of Ibuprofen either before you read about its risks or before you realized you were pregnant, chill out. A one-off dose won’t harm your child, even if you used it after week 30. The severe and scary Ibuprofen side effects tend to happen with chronic, repeated use of the drug.

If you took Advil for headache a few days ago and you’re more than 30 weeks pregnant, don’t worry. Your tot will be fine.

Avoiding Ibuprofen During Pregnancy

Paracetamol is considered the safest painkiller during pregnancy, but it might be ineffective for certain kinds of pain. If you’ve already tried everything but you’re still not okay, talk to your midwife or doctor about what you can take instead. Whichever medication you take, always use the lowest dose possible for the shortest possible time.  

If you have concerns about taking any medication during pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor, pharmacist or midwife first.

What Happens When One Twin Dies in the First Trimester?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions , 0 Comment
What Happens When One Twin Dies in the First Trimester

Unfortunately, loss of pregnancy in the first trimester (early miscarriage) is common for both multiple and single pregnancies. It usually occurs due to the inability of an embryo to develop normally. In some cases, however, there’s no known cause or reason for losing a twin.

The loss of a twin during pregnancy typically happens in the first three months, often before mum even knows she’s having twins. In rare cases, this happens later on in the pregnancy.

You may be wondering what happens when one twin dies in the first trimester, so here’s what you need to know.

Loosing a Twin During Pregnancy

Losing one of your babies on the first trimester usually has no impact on the surviving developing baby. If you’re excited about having twins, you’re likely to feel empty when you realize you’ve lost one of the little ones.

If the result was a twin pregnancy before but you suddenly see just one baby on your recent scan, that only means that you’ve had the vanishing twin syndrome. And when a mother looses a twin in the first trimester, the tissue of the lost twin is then reabsorbed. In this situation, you might experience few symptoms or none at all, apart from some light bleeding or spotting and mild cramping.

If one twin dies in trimester two or three, the surviving twin is more likely to suffer complications. Your doctor will need to monitor you and your baby more carefully. He’ll try to strike the perfect balance between keeping your baby a bit longer in the womb, or determining if it’s safer for the baby to be delivered early.

Most kids whose twin dies in trimester two or three are born healthy. But there’s a higher risk of complications like cerebral palsy, especially for identical twins. Not to mention the fact that there might be a higher chance of getting into early labor.

pregnant woman in bed covering her head

You might feel upset by the thought of the dead twin remaining in your uterus with the surviving twin. Then again, some women are comforted by the idea of their twins staying together. You might even feel guilty about being happy about your surviving child. Don’t worry, all of these feelings are completely understandable.

Your doctor (or midwife) can help you plan a delivery that meets your surviving baby’s needs, and respects your loss. Speaking with a bereavement midwife prior to the birth of your baby can also be useful. From there, you can get the help you need to get ready for birth, and talk about any funeral plans for the twin you’ve lost.

Get Support for Vanishing Twin Syndrome

Losing a twin especially can be a devastating experience. Many moms and dads may find it difficult to get the support they might need. They have their hands full looking after their newborn, but they’re still mourning the loss of the other baby. Amid the excitement of having a newborn, it’s vital to acknowledge your grief and find support if necessary.

If months later you feel as though you still aren’t coping well, or the problem is getting worse, speak to your midwife or doctor. They’ll be able to advise you about where to find local support or recommend to you a more structured counseling program.

Hot Baths and Pregnancy: Can Pregnant Women Take Hot Baths?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions , 0 Comment
Can pregnant women take hot baths

Can pregnant women take hot baths? You may promptly say yes but think again.

While it’s generally okay to take a hot bath while you’re expecting (provided the water is not too hot), you should never soak in hot water for over 10 minutes. Especially if it’s so hot that it might raise your body temperature to above 102.2°F. Such a temperature can cause you and your unborn child several problems, including:

  • Dizziness and weakness
  • A reduction in blood pressure, leaving the baby without nutrients and oxygen, which may increase the risk of miscarriage
  • Birth defects, particularly in the 1st trimester

This is why steam baths, hot tubs, saunas, and ultra-hot bathtubs are unsafe during pregnancy. It’s fine to have a hot shower but steer clear of long, steamy showers.

Why Hot Baths Aren’t Recommended During Pregnancy

When you have a hot bath, it raises your core body temperature. In general, this doesn’t pose any immediate threat to your health. But during pregnancy, your baby might be at risk if your core body temperature becomes too high, causing hyperthermia.

Overheating may cause various birth defects, particularly in the first 12 weeks (1st trimester) when your baby’s organs are forming. The spinal cord and brain are the most at-risk organs when it comes to hyperthermia. 

The other issue with very hot baths is that they reduce your blood pressure, which could impact the flow of blood to your child. This can potentially be risky at any time during pregnancy. You could also start to feel dizzy, lightheaded or even nauseated. Not fun at all! Lowered blood pressure is definitely not safe for pregnant women since it could most likely make you feel faint, which might cause you to loose your balance.

Be wary of spending your time in a sauna or hot spa, too. These places have an even greater risk of overheating. As most know, although a hot bath will cool down over time, a spa or sauna’s temperature is kept at a regularly high level. This is why health professionals generally advise pregnant women against spending time in saunas and spas.

Hot Bath Alternatives During Pregnancy 

The safest substitute for hot baths if you’re pregnant is soaking yourself in a tepid or warm bathtub. You’ll reap all of the hot bath benefits without compromising your own health or that of your baby.

Nonetheless, always closely monitor the water’s temperature and your own core body temperature. Take lots of fluids to maintain hydration throughout the bathing process, and step out of the bathtub immediately if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Like many moms-to-be, the achiest, sorest muscles are found in your feet, ankles, and legs. If this is also the case with you, consider soaking just your lower body in lukewarm water to relieve the pain.

All in all, you should try to take a few hot baths as much as possible when you’re pregnant. Might as well go for other activities that promote rest and relaxation, including listening to music, reading, or taking long walks rather than taking risks that might affect you and your little one.

Are You Pregnant and Planning to Take a Hot Bath?

If you’re having second thoughts, then you probably shouldn’t. Taking a bath is an amazing way to relax and soothe muscles while pregnant, but taking it too hot is never a good idea. Ensure that the water is just right. Go with a warm bath, rather than enduring a scorching hot bath.

What Is The Best Sleeping Position for a Pregnant Woman?

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions 0 Comment
What Is The Best Sleeping Position for a Pregnant Woman?

Are you also wondering what’s the best sleeping position if you’re pregnant? Most would say that the most comfortable position is likely to be sleeping on your side with your knees bent. You can even put pillows under your tummy, behind your back, and between your legs, if you wish. Lying in a half-sitting stance on your back, supported by a few pillows, is also great and can be useful if you have heartburn issues.

Finding the right sleep position is tricky since lying on your back or your stomach isn’t the best option when sleeping during pregnancy. Good thing other moms who’ve gone through the same dilemma decided to share what they know as the best sleeping position for a pregnant woman (based on their own experience).

Different Sleeping Positions and Their Effects on You and Your Baby

Sleeping on your belly: If you like sleeping with your belly down, that’s perfectly okay. But if your belly’s gotten bigger, you’ll need to consider changing your sleeping position if you haven’t instinctively done so yet. You won’t find it comfortable to sleep on your belly if you know you’re pregnant anyway. Right?

Sleeping on your right/left side: On your 2nd and 3rd trimester, lying on either side—ideally on the left, if you can—is perfect for you as well as your baby. This position enables the maximum flow of nutrients and blood to the placenta, reduces pressure on your vena cava, and boosts kidney function. This means better removal of wastes and reduced swelling in your hands, ankles, and feet!

Sleeping on your back: Experts advise pregnant women against sleeping on the back during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. This is because this position rests the whole weight of the baby and growing uterus on the back, intestines and vena cava (the major vein that transports blood from the lower body to the heart). This pressure can worsen hemorrhoids and backaches, interfere with circulation and digestion, and possibly cause low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness. Poor circulation can also decrease blood flow to the developing baby, giving it fewer nutrients and oxygen.

Best Sleeping Positions While You’re Pregnant

During the 1st trimester, a pregnant woman can sleep in any position she finds comfortable, whether it be on her side, back, or belly. Any combination of these positions is fine, too since the uterus hasn’t grown big enough to disrupt sleep. But nighttime hunger, nausea, hormonal changes, and other symptoms of pregnancy may make sleeping harder.

As you enter your 2nd and 3rd trimester, it’s best to sleep on your left side. This position maximizes the flow of blood to your uterus without putting your liver under pressure. If you experience back or hip pain during pregnancy, placing one or two pillows between your knees or bending your knees while sleeping may provide relief.

If you prefer to sleep on your right side, you can opt for this position instead. No study has shown that this position is dangerous. So don’t be afraid to switch from left to right and vice versa.

How Should Pregnant Women Sleep?

Finding the right position to sleep in may be tricky on whichever stage of pregnancy you’re in. Although there’s no perfect position, a number of strategies can help solve your pregnancy-related sleep woes. If these sleeping positions didn’t help, you’ll also need to take your bed, pillows, or surroundings into consideration as well. There are different ways for pregnant moms to sleep comfortably, you’ll just need to find the right one for you.

One more thing, if you’re struggling to get adequate sleep or are sleeping too much while pregnant no matter what you do, then it’s highly recommended to consult your doctor.

What Not to Do When Pregnant with Twins: 5 Things to Avoid

PregnancyLoop Pregnancy Questions 0 Comment
What Not to Do When Pregnant with Twins

Finding out you’re expecting can be a beautiful and tricky experience—whether it is your first or even fourth time. But what if this time, you’re carrying twins?

Being pregnant with more than one child places you in a different class, according to obstetricians. As you’re not in control of so many aspects of your pregnancy, it’s vital to do all that you can to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy which will lead you to successful delivery.

But you don’t have to worry so long as you know what not to do when pregnant with twins. Trust us, it’ll make your life so much easier as well as more exciting in the next 9 months. 

Here are the things that you should definitely not do when you’re pregnant with twins:

1. Skip Checkups

Women carrying twins are very likely to experience medical issues such as anemia, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Not to mention that the fetuses may be at risk of low birth weight, birth defects, and other health problems.

To protect your babies’ health and your own, you’ll need to visit your OB-GYN more frequently than if you’re expecting just one baby. After week 24, you should typically see your family physician every other week. 

Note: This doesn’t mean that you can skip appointments with your OB-GYN if you’re an expectant mother of one. 😉

2. Eat Too Little

woman holding a forkful of dessert

If you’re expecting twins, you should be eating for at least three. Your caloric consumption needs to show that, too. Although it’s a perfect time to practice healthy eating, it’s unwise to limit your food consumption in any way or start a diet. You need a minimum of 300 additional calories per child, so make sure to fill up your plate and eat anything you’re craving for. You can shave off the calories once you’ve given birth anyway.

3. Exercise Too Much 

Exercise is typically recommended during pregnancy, but it’s a definite no-no if you’re expecting more than one baby. High impact exercises like running or dancing put pressure on the pelvic area muscles that house your babies. 

Strenuous exercises can cause overheating, which can stress your muscles, joints, and heart. Ask your doctor what kind of workout is best for you and save the high-intensity workout for after your baby is born.

4. Party Hard 

women holding glasses of wine

It’s definitely not advisable to drink too much alcohol, take drugs, or smoke, whether you’re expecting or not. However, it’s quite appalling to have your unborn babies exposed to those harmful substances.

You’re putting their lives in serious danger, increasing their likelihood of having birth defects, and possibly causing them to have severe chronic ailments. So please, don’t do it! 

5. Plan a 40-Week Delivery Date

If you’re in trimester 3, don’t put off building the nursery or packing your suitcase. According to studies, 50 percent of all women pregnant with twins deliver preterm, with deliveries occurring at 35 weeks on average. 

It’s also important to be aware of signs of premature labor. If you notice changes in the amount or appearance of your discharge, abdominal cramps, pelvic pressure, or unusual pain in your lower back, call your doctor immediately.

Why should you avoid these when you’re pregnant with twins?

If you want you and your baby to have a safe delivery and avoid any health issues, then you should definitely follow these tips. Note that these are just some of them. There are still many other things and activities to avoid when you’re having twins (or more).

Having twins can be quite tricky, but you’ll get twice the joy. With good care and a positive attitude, you can breeze through your pregnancy and celebrate childbirth happily with friends and family!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I take care of my twin pregnancy?
It should be the same as when you’re having one baby except if your doctor said otherwise. Eat lots of healthy food, avoid excessive unhealthy habits, and do everything else moderately.

Are all twin pregnancies high risk?
No.

Is bed rest common with twins?
It is, especially if a pregnant woman happens to have health issues during pregnancy. The only way for you to know is to consult your doctor and do your best to not skip any check-ups.

Pregnancy Plus Protein Shakes – Can Pregnant Women Drink Protein Shakes?

PregnancyLoop Nutrition, Pregnancy Questions, Pregnancy Safe Products , 0 Comment
Can Pregnant Women Drink Protein Shakes

Protein powders are a good option to get that additional protein, but can pregnant women drink protein shakes? The simple answer is yes, but it depends on various factors.

When you’re pregnant, your protein requirements increase considerably. You can get your protein from various plant and animal-based food sources. But if you’re vegan or don’t eat meat, then you’ll need to consider protein shakes.

Protein shakes are a great source of protein in addition to other essential nutrients. But due to some additives in protein shakes, like artificial preservatives and sugars, their safety has been brought to question, especially during pregnancy.

Protein Requirements During Pregnancy

Pregnant women require around 70-100g of protein daily, depending on full body weight. 

Let’s break this down: A hard-boiled egg supplies around 6g of protein, while a skinless chicken chest supplies 26g. Not into eating so much dairy and meat? Well, the good news is that many plant foods also have lots of protein. For instance, ½ a cup of lentils contains about 9g. 

If you’re unable to get enough protein through your diet, however, you can boost your intake with a protein powder supplement—of course with your OB-GYN’s approval. 

Is It Safe To Drink Protein Shakes While Pregnant?

Protein shakes are deemed safe for women, whether they’re pregnant or not. However, it’s always best to consult your doctor or other health professionals before drinking them.

When picking a protein shake, carefully read (so exciting!) the list of ingredients. Choose one containing fewer ingredients that have been approved by the FDA. The first ingredient in any protein shake should definitely be the source (e.g. egg, whey isolate, or plant-based blend), along with a natural sweetener (e.g. stevia, cane sugar), and/or flavorings such as chocolate, cacao, or vanilla. 

Extra ingredients like xantham gums or lecithins, which add texture, are usually safe. Make sure that the ingredients don’t include saccharin, as it’s unsafe for pregnancy since it may go past the placental barrier; artificial sweeteners; stimulants like caffeine; or any additional fillers or chemicals.

If you’re unfamiliar with a certain additive on the label, you can usually get more information about it only. Alternatively, you can pick another brand, or show your doctor the label so that you can decide if you should proceed with it or not.

Are There Better Protein Sources for Pregnant Women?

If you need extra protein and can’t stand the taste of a protein shake, there are numerous foods full of protein you can include in your diet.

The following protein foods are safe to eat during pregnancy:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Chia seeds 
  • Nut butter

You can add them to baked products or use them in protein-rich smoothie recipes to meet your daily protein needs without having to take a supplement.

Why Would Pregnant Women Drink Protein Shakes?

There are many different reasons and factors why pregnant women consider drinking protein shakes. And there may be different resources available to you when you’re looking for answers (especially online), but not everything you see or hear is true. Just look at the long list of results you got when you search for anything online!

When it comes to choosing the best protein shake to take while pregnant, always consider asking your doctor first for medical advice. Also, make it a habit to crosscheck the facts you get by asking reliable professionals before anything else. Our best recommendation? Find or use natural ingredients when picking protein shakes for pregnancy.

We wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy, leading to the safe delivery of your baby!

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy