Your soon-to-be new bundle of joy will also create many challenges for you months before you even get to see that cute little baby. From the first week of your pregnancy, you will experience condition-related symptoms that may prove to be quite challenging for first a first time. Even if it is your second, third, or even fourth pregnancy, the changes may vary so you may still feel different every time. The changes may not only be visible on your skin, hair, and nails, but you may also feel some unusual pains throughout your pregnancy.

Common Maternity Pains

Pregnant moms always complain about a backache and other pains, especially during the latter part of their pregnancy. This happens as the body responds to the growing baby inside the belly. Aside from the usual fatigue that you may feel with the added weight that your developing baby puts inside your body, your expanding belly will become the reason for other pains that you may experience. That is why you need to wear a belly band as it does not only provide adequate support to your belly but to your lower back as well. It also encourages you to maintain a correct body posture. These lessen the strain on your core muscles and will make you feel better. If you feel better, it will be easier to look better.

Here are some of the common pains that expecting moms often complain about.

1. Lightning crotch. This happens when you feel a sharp, stabbing pain just like when your baby is punching you in your feminine area. This is actually caused by some varicose veins that develop in your labia and in your vagina. The increasing pressure in your uterus makes it difficult for blood to flow properly upwards. The veins expand and dilate causing the tingly pain from time to time.
2. Lower back pains. Weight shifts caused by your increasing weight modify the shape of the spinal curve. This may cause muscle spasms and frequent lower back pains.
3. Round ligament pain. The round ligaments are a pair of ligaments located in the pelvic area. These ligaments hold the uterus in place. The round ligaments expand as the uterus enlarges to accommodate the developing baby in it. You experience a stabbing pain when these ligaments get stretched. The location of the pain changes depending on your position.
4. Accommodation pain. This kind of pain is dull and throbbing. It happens as the uterus expands and does not go away even if you change position.
5. Leg pains. During pregnancy, there is a lot of blood in your system and much of them end up in the lower part of the body. This causes swelling and creates much pressure in your lower extremities. This causes leg pains.
6. Braxton Hicks contractions. You may experience Braxton Hicks contractions before real labor happens. This phenomenon is named after John Braxton Hicks, the English doctor who first described it. These intermittent contractions usually happen in the early stage of pregnancy. However, most pregnant moms would easily complain about them in the latter part of their pregnancy, starting about the 37th week of the pregnancy.

Things you need to know when wearing a maternity belt:

1. Consult your doctor for a more appropriate use of the maternity belt. Most of these pregnancy pains are brought about by the expanding uterus. For an easy and inexpensive way to manage such condition, you may need to wear a pregnancy belt or a belly band. If you experience unusual pains, however, you may need to consult your doctor for further recommendations concerning wearing any maternity support belt.
2. Find the right size for a better fit. Like any other maternity accessories, maternity belts are available in different sizes and from different brands. Buy premium quality belly bands that are sized to fit or to expand with your growing belly. This will ensure that you can wear it longer without having concerns whether the material will be ripped off or the velcro hooks or fastening system in it get tangled with the thread or the material which the belly band is made of.
3. Know when and how long you need to wear a maternity belt. You want to wear one while ensuring that your baby inside your tummy is protected. So you also need to know when and how long you need to wear a maternity belt.

Wearing a belly band, as mentioned earlier, does more than support the expanding baby belly and lower back, but it also strengthens the core muscle, encourages you to maintain a correct posture, and also makes walking about or doing other things easier. As such, you may wear one even as early as during the early part of your pregnancy. Just make sure that you wear the pregnancy belt properly.

Conclusion

As for the length of time that you may wear the belt, you may want to check with your doctor how long will be enough for your condition. Your doctor may limit your use of the belt if you have a special health condition, like when you are experiencing sacroiliac joint pain.

For most people, about 3-4 hours of wearing a maternity belt will be enough for an expecting mother to benefit from it. Although wearing one of these belly bands can do much to relieve pregnancy pains, you need to make sure that you won’t overdo it. Over-dependency will just make it difficult for you to disengage from using it after pregnancy.

Check out Sarah Harris in this snap bearing one of her pregnancy necessities that make her life a whole lot better. She looks gorgeous even with her belly band. Notice how grateful she is to have a handy pregnancy buddy. Sarrah Harris is Studio 10 co-host, journalist, presenter and mum to Paul. She’s shown in this snap displaying her growing baby bump. Like Harris, you may also find wearing a maternity belt quite beneficial.

Pregnancy brings with it a lot of welcoming news and also several unexpected changes. This includes drastic changes in the breasts. This is most especially true during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. As a matter of fact, many women find it difficult to fit in their pre-pregnancy bras as their breasts become fuller as their pregnancy progresses.

This will require them to buy some new sets of bras that they can use throughout their pregnancy, and even after giving birth. This could be rather inconvenient and also quite expensive especially for one who is already working on a tight budget. If you are able to find the best bra for pregnancy, you will have to settle for just a set for the entire period, however. This post will provide you with tips on how to choose the right brassiere that you can use during pregnancy.

Get the facts right away

There is no shortcut to finding the right brassiere for pregnancy. You may hear or read conflicting information about picking the right bra for expecting moms. However, the earlier you get to know the right information, the better you will be at picking the right undergarment to wear. Take note that your bra size may change throughout your pregnancy. It is just right that you know when and how to buy the right bra to accommodate your changing needs.

Some might just consider buying a bra that is a size larger than their pre-pregnancy bras. However, these brassiere do not actually provide the comfort that a maternity bra offers. Your breasts may also be more tender and sensitive most especially during the first four months of pregnancy. Once the breasts are done with its pregnancy expansion, you will note that the breasts changes won’t be as dramatic as it had been during early pregnancy.

It will be a wise decision to pick one or two that you can use during the early phase of your pregnancy. Note that during the latter phase of your condition, the bra size that you have during the first trimester might not be the same as what you will have in the next trimester. It is best to hold off the urge to buy more undergarments as you might not be using them afterward.

Know what fits well

An ill-fitting brassiere may cause a lot of pain in the neck, shoulder, and back. When looking for the right bra, you need to make sure that they do not just function as expected, but that they fit your breasts well, too. Maternity bras are designed to provide a different level of support. They are also better constructed designed so that they can provide adequate support to the growing pregnant woman’s breasts without constricting or making you feel uncomfortable.

Wearing a bra that is too tight may clog your milk duct and cause some problems later on when you are ready to nurse your baby. Make sure that the bra that you will buy will not only provide adequate coverage but will also fit well. Take note of the band whether it is sitting straight and snugly around the rib cage. The center front of the bra should also sit flat on your chest.

Some women prefer not wearing any brassiere for all. However, for those who are endowed with large breasts, having a support from a well-constructed and well-fitted brassiere will be more comfortable than otherwise.

Look for the most ideal bra type that will suit your needs

Just like any other normal brassiere, there are so many style variations available when it comes to pregnancy bras. Every woman has different requirements and priorities. Needless to say, it is best to pick a maternity brassiere that will give you the freedom to do what you like to do even when you are heavy with a child.

If you would rather stay active and engage in several exercises and activities even later in  your pregnancy, a sports bra-style maternity bra will be your best pick. If you observe more tenderness and sensitivity around your chest area, it is best to look for a maternity bra that provides ample protection yet is totally comfortable for the breasts.

Opt for a brand that offers adequate support and is also highly appealing

While it is essential that you look for a comfortable wear, you should not disregard style, and quality as well. Wearing interestingly designed high-quality brassiere makes one feel more confident about themselves. If ever you are having high sensitivities at the moment, making you feel happy about what you are wearing will lessen any pain that pregnancy may bring.

Look for a comfort bra

A comfort bra is designed to provide adequate support, lift, and comfort to the breasts as the body changes with pregnancy. It is particularly designed to fit several bra sizes, so it keeps fitted on your breasts even if they grow throughout your pregnancy. Even then, should you consider buying a comfort bra make sure that you opt for one that is a size bigger than your current breast size. This will ensure that your breasts will be given enough room to grow in the coming months ahead.

You may find your pregnancy a lot more bearable if you have put on the right garment to wear in even at the beginning of the day. You will also feel rested when you have to resign for the night as you did not feel constricted with what you were wearing during the day. It will help if you look for the best-fitting bra that will provide the right support but won’t sacrifice quality and appeal as well.

You should also remember that you need to keep watch your weight when you are pregnant. Take note that gaining too much or too little will affect the health of your baby as well. It is just proper that you don’t just consider the size of your chest, but also the size of your waist. These are just a couple of things that you need to take charge when you are pregnant.

Do you have any other thing to say on this matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments’ section below.

Your hormones, the potent cocktail of chemicals, behave erratically during pregnancy. These causes constant mood swings, bloating, and several other changes on a pregnant woman’s skin. The fluctuations in hormonal levels can also cause acne during pregnancy. It is nothing really to be worried about as it is just a manifestation of the rampaging hormones inside the body. However, it can be seriously annoying and many will try to use just about anything to treat acne even if these treatments are unsafe. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to treat acne during pregnancy. Remember, however, that it will take some time for acne to heal.

Here are several ways that you can manage or cure your acne:

1. Taking medications. Your primary health provider knows exactly what you need to take for your skin condition. Make sure to take only as recommended. Your doctor will also remind you not to take two medications with the same active ingredients at the same time. It is also best that you avoid any treatment that will cause the skin to peel as this will mean that more of what may be necessary may penetrate the pores of the skin. Take note of the drug ingredients or medications that your doctor will tell you not to take or use.
2. Try topical treatments. Topical solutions with Glycolic acids and other alpha hydroxy acids  (AHAs) are thought to be safe during pregnancy. Only a small amount of the solution is applied directly to the affected area. This solution can also be in the form of a lotion, cream, and facial wash. However, it is not recommended to take oral acne treatment as they can be hazardous. You will need to consult your health provider if  you think you need to take oral acne treatments instead.
3. Use topical azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is considered to be a category B treatment for pregnant women under the US FDA. However, there are no studies on human subjects establishing this yet. Only take this medication as prescribed by a specialist.
4. Apply topical antibacterial solution. Acne appears when dead skin cells and excess oil clog the pores of the skin and attract bacteria. Clindamycin and erythromycin, two of the most common antibacterial solutions, are both considered to be under category B medication for pregnant women. You may need your doctor’s prescription to use this medication, however.
5. Avoid medication that contains high-risk compounds. Isotretinoin (Accutane), Tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova), adapalene (Differin), Tazorac (tazarotene) and other retinoids are considered high-risk medications as they may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Another drug, Tetracycline, may affect bone and tooth development in the fetus. Lastly, hormonal therapy is also considered a high-risk treatment as it can cause major developmental changes to the unborn child.
6. Natural acne treatments. There are safer ways to treat acne during pregnancy. You won’t need any prescription for these as health experts agree that they can be used safely and effectively
7. Keeping your skin clean. Regular washing of your face and body with a gentle soap and water will help remove excess oil and unclog the pores. This will ensure that no acne buildup will be there. Just make sure to wash your skin gently and pat dry. Excessive washing and rubbing will eventually dry out the skin. This will cause the oil glands to produce more oil, which eventually will trigger an acne outbreak. It may also cause irritation and cause other skin problems.
8. Do not pinch or pop your pimples. This may also cause skin irritation that may trigger an acne breakout. Keep your hands clean and away from your face.
9. Use makeup products that are non-comedogenic. Not all makeup products may be safe for your skin. Some may even encourage acne breakout. Non-comedogenic products are less likely to clog the pores of the skin.
10. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. All that your baby needs is a healthy diet that he can absorb so his brain and body will be fully developed. This will also ensure that your immune system will be fully functioning and will help keep any unsightly skin problems away.
11. Apply natural acne solutions. Though they may not be as effective as prescribed medications, they are less likely create any harm to your baby. There are several ways you can use natural ingredients as a solution for acne. Argan oil, olive, oil, as well as honey and sugar mix can be applied directly on the affected area.
12. Take oral zinc supplements. Pregnant women are required to have a daily intake of 15 mg of zinc per day. Taking oral zinc supplements (if you are not receiving an adequate amount from the food that you take) is said to help manage acne. However, you will need to stop taking this supplement when you start breastfeeding your baby.
13. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Keeping your body hydrated is a good way to remove toxins from your body through your sweat, feces, and urine. This also a good way to unclog the pores and keep dead skin and excess oil from accumulating within those areas. Make sure that you drink about 8-10 glasses each day.

It is up to you whether to go with the natural way or those clinically proven methods to treat acne. Whichever treatment method you take, always consider your health provider’s advise. Take note also that you don’t need to worry much about your condition as it may just worsen your condition. Just relax and stick to healthy living to keep your baby safe and enjoying a stress-free pregnancy.

Your body deals with so many things during pregnancy. However, it is not only the added weight of the developing baby inside your tummy that may make you feel sluggish. The overall hormonal changes within you, as well as outside your body, may take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These changes happen as your body adapts to your condition. As such, adequate rest and the right nutrients are needed to ensure that both you and the baby’s health is taken care of properly.

Even with good food and enough rest, however, you may still need to do some form of exercise to release the toxins from your body and to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Yoga, combined with other forms of exercise (like walking and running), will provide several benefits that will make your pregnancy.

Yoga in History

Yoga has long been in the history of Indian ancient form of spirituality. In classic Indian texts, the term has been used in a variety of ways and is intended to free the body, soul, and spirit. It is practiced that all three may all be functioning as one unified and contented entity.

This practice caught the attention of the Western World during the middle of the 19th century. However, it was not until the 1980s when yoga became associated with heart health and disconnected to any religious practices (“Yoga” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia). From then on, it has attracted millions of people in the US alone. It has become “a universal language of universal language of spiritual exercise in the United States, crossing many lines of religion and cultures” (ibid).

Yoga and Pregnancy

Yoga is practiced all over the world in the form of postures (a.k.a. asanas). These postures, in general, provide self-care during pregnancy and prepares the expectant mother for labor and delivery. Yoga, when combined with the best skin care products for pregnancy, adequate rest and nutritional intake, will assure that your pregnancy would be the best time for you to be looking great.

There are a number of asanas that can be done during pregnancy. A few of the popular poses are as follows: the cat/cow pose, the child pose, and the triangle pose. As mentioned earlier, there are other exercises that you may consider doing during your pregnancy. However, yoga exercises have become a more favored form of exercise because of the benefits that it provide to the expectant mother.

Here are 10 benefits that you may gain from doing yoga exercises:

• Relaxes the mind and makes one feel at peace and have a sense of balance.
• Increases the possibility of having a natural birth as well as an earlier recovery.
• Helps improve the blood circulation in the body and makes possible an adequate oxygen intake, which is essential for the proper development of the baby in the womb.
• Eases any back pains (such as lower back pains) that are commonly felt during pregnancy.
• Certain yoga positions alleviate digestive problems, such as feeling gassy, nauseous, or constipated.
• It helps removes stress, fatigue, and even anxiety.
• The different yoga poses work to affect the muscles, joints, and also the various body systems. This makes you more aware of your body and breathing and prepares your mind and body for childbirth.
• Helps develop the mother’s reproductive system and also strengthens the pelvic muscles.
• Makes you look healthier and satisfied with your pregnancy.
• Reduces the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction as well as pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Yoga can be practiced any time (pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, even after child delivery). As your body changes during these periods, you have to make sure that your exercises will also fit what your body requires. If you have any special concerns during or after your pregnancy, you should always consider your physician’s advice. Always remember to listen to your body. These exercises are intended to help you maintain a balanced body, spirit, and mind. With all the benefits mentioned, yoga can be a vital routine that will make your pregnancy one of the most memorable moments of your life.