You have allergies. Or migraines. Perhaps you suffer from an underactive thyroid, or high blood pressure. Or you are suffering from generalized aches and pains during pregnancy. Now that you are pregnant, you may be wondering what medications are safe to take during pregnancy.

The most important thing to know is that you should take as little medication as possible! Obviously, if you have any existing health problems that you take medication for on a daily basis, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, they will change the medication you are on or the dosage, advise you to stop taking it or give you the green-light to continue treatment and just monitor your condition.

When it comes to over-the-counter medications, it ALWAYS important to check with a pharmacist, or your doctor before taking anything. Generally speaking however there are certain medications deemed low risk for pregnant women.

For stomach upset, medications such as Tums, Mylanta and Maalox are considered safe. Just don’t use over the recommended dosing, and consider that stomach upset and heartburn is often just part of pregnancy. Avoid indigestions medications containing salicylates, such as Pepto Bismol.

If you have a cold, the following medications are considered safe to use:

• Guaifenesin, an expectorant (Hytuss, Mucinex, Naldecon Senior EX, Robitussin)
• Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (Benylin Adult, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough, Scot-Tussin DM, Vicks 44 Cough Relief)
• Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan (Benylin Expectorant, Robitussin DM, Vicks 44E)
• Cough drops
• Vicks VapoRub

Again, before buying a non-name brand, check with a pharmacist on duty and ALWAYS read the ingredients before taking any cold medications.  You should avoid any medicines that contain alcohol at any time, and should start with lowest recommended dose when taking medicine.

For generalized aches and pains or headaches – the only medication you should take is acetaminophen (Paracetamol). It is important to avoid any medications that include aspirin or aspirin derivatives.

If you have other problems such as constipation, yeast infections, insomnia, the flu, or a bacterial or viral infection, you should visit your doctor before purchasing any medications over the counter.

It is also VERY important to steer clear of herbal remedies and herbal blends while pregnant. There are many herbal blends that contain certain herbs which can compromise your pregnancy, or even cause you to miscarry. So use caution when using homeopathic remedies and avoid anything that includes Cohosh.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Whether you’re embarking on a single parent pregnancy by choice, by happy accident, or by a slightly less happy accident, there are a few things you need to know. In many ways single parent pregnancy is the same as a two parent pregnancy, however there are some ways that it’s very different. Here’s the truth about single parent pregnancy:

1. It will be hard at times – pregnancy is tough, whether you’re in a loving relationship or going it alone, pregnancy can take its toll. The sickness, fatigue, mood swings, breast tenderness, and aches and pains are there whether you’re single or not.

2. It is what it is – wishing things were different won’t help, and could leave you feeling less happy. Whatever your situation is, it’s yours. So own it and make it a happy one. Find the positives about your single parent pregnancy, and focus on them each and every day. Whether you are avoiding a lifetime in an unhappy relationship, or grabbing your last chance to have a baby, remember why you are embarking on this single parent pregnancy.

3. You call the shots – you won’t spend hours arguing over baby names only to have your favourites vetoed. You won’t face disagreements about parenting methods or birth choices. Compromise will not be at the centre of your decisions. As a single parent, you call the shots. You get to choose the name, you get to decide on nursery and parenting styles.

4. You’re not alone – there are lots of other single parents out there. Facing pregnancy alone can be daunting, especially when faced with expectant couples at every antenatal class. Reaching out to a network of other single pregnant women can help you to make new friends, find support, and meet people who understand what you’re going through. Look for a local group for single mums, or find an online community to join.

5. You’ll need help – you will need to reach out to friends and family for help. Not all the time, but sometimes. When you are experiencing the worst of your pregnancy sickness, or when the fatigue leaves you unable to tidy your house, or when you want someone’s hand to hold during routine test, you will need help. And that’s ok. There’s nothing wrong with relying on friends and family for support.

6. It will be worth it – yes pregnancy is tough, and it can feel scary at times to face pregnancy and motherhood alone, but it will all be worth it. When you are cradling your newborn in your arms, it will all slot into place, and you will know you made the right decisions. When your newborn’s eyes lock with yours, searching for answers, you will know that you are the only person for the job.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

You are pregnant. And now you may worry that having sex while pregnant is not safe. Will the penis harm the baby? Can sex cause miscarriage? Can the baby feel sex? Is it okay to have an orgasm during pregnancy? Is sex during pregnancy safe? For many women, the libido can be greatly affected during pregnancy – either boosted or diminished – which can add to sexual questions and concerns.

Perhaps the best rule of thumb to follow is that unless you have a high-risk pregnancy and have been advised otherwise by your healthcare provider, sex is considered safe during pregnancy. That being said, whether you have sex, enjoy sex, or are comfortable with sex while pregnant is entirely a personal decision. Your normal may be different from someone else’s normal, and that is perfectly okay.

Medically speaking, sex is considered safe unless you have a history of: cervical weakness, a low-lying placenta (placenta previa), heavy bleeding, or vaginal infection. If any of these conditions are present, doctors advise you to abstain from intercourse.

One of the most common myths about sex during pregnancy is that sex will bring on labor. In fact, many women who go past their due date try having sex in order to bring on labor because the semen can act as a stimulant, as can the hormone oxytocin. Even so, if you are not ready to give birth, having sex will not bring on pre-term or early labor.

One of the most important things to remember is that some positions during sex will likely not be comfortable for you. The trick is finding positions that work well around your cumbersome belly, and that don’t put excess pressure on your back and abdomen.

Additionally, once you have lost your mucous plug (in the third trimester) any bacteria from the penis or semen can be passed along to your baby. If you are in the mood for lovemaking, it might be wise to use protection. Remember that certain STD’s can be present without symptoms and they too can be passed unwittingly along to your baby causing complications during delivery and afterwards.

The truth is, that your sexual preferences during pregnancy are personal. You and your partner should work together to find sexual positions and levels of intimacy that both of you are comfortable with. Additionally, if you feel any pain during intercourse, you should speak with your doctor and avoid intercourse, if possible.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu and other illnesses than non-pregnant women of the same age. The reason is simple. You are making a baby, which means not only are all of your bodily systems working hard, but your immune system is suppressed causing your own personal immunity and defenses to be weakened. Even worse is the fact that the flu can pose serious health risks and complications (not to mention 100 times the discomfort) during pregnancy.

Additionally, severe flu symptoms and complications which develop more easily in pregnant women can affect the growing baby, as well. This is one reason that many obstetricians recommend pregnant women, or those planning to get pregnant during flu season, get inoculated with the flu vaccine. In most cases, even if you do contract the flu during pregnancy after being vaccinated, the CDC suggests that your chances of developing life threatening complications to you or your baby are reduced by more than 50 percent.

One reason many pregnant women avoid getting a flu shot is because they are afraid that the vaccination will harm their babies. According to the CDC, a small amount of mercury (called thimerosal) is a common preservative in multidose vaccines. Despite concerns, thimerosal-containing vaccines have NOT been shown to cause autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, if you have concerns about mercury, ask your doctor about a preservative-free vaccine. All routine vaccines are also available without added thimerosal. The CDC says pregnant women may get flu shots either with or without thimerosal.

If you do get the flu while you are pregnant, it is important to let your health care provider know as soon as possible. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests pregnant women get treated within 48 hours of the first symptoms of the flu in order to reduce the chances of developing serious complications. Also, remember that many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies are not safe for pregnant women, and you need to contact your health care provider to make sure you are taking medications that will not harm your unborn baby.

If you are pregnant, try to stay away from people who you know are sick. Wash your hands often, and keep hand sanitizer nearby. There is no need to stay indoors and away from others out of fear of getting sick, however being proactive and using common sense can help you to remain healthy during your pregnancy.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Many women are concerned about flying while pregnant as they are not sure whether it will be safe or not. Except for some women who are facing certain pregnancy-related conditions, flying is generally safe during pregnancy. You can take an air trip as late as a month before your due date. However, as precautionary measures, airline policies regarding pregnant travelers might not allow you to fly beyond a certain time period. Not because you may find it difficult to fit in those crammed airline seats, but because it will be a nightmare for the airline if your baby decides to make its grand entrance in the plane! How many airline attendants do you know that can deliver a baby?

Is It Safe to Fly When Pregnant?

Usually, all women who are going through a smooth and normal pregnancy can fly without any difficulty. However, it is recommended, even for these women, to stay on ground after their 36th week of pregnancy as the risk of labor is high after this time. In the case of women who have complications (such as, high-blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell disease, placenta abnormalities or are at risk of premature labor) flying can be problematic and is not recommended.

Are There Any Risks?

If you’ve got a clean bill of health, there may be one risk that you face if you are flying during pregnancy – the lack of blood circulation. Especially if you are taking long flights, you might have to stay put for too long which can increase the risk of thrombosis or blood clotting, and of varicose veins. However, wearing support stockings and moving around a bit in the flight can regulate blood circulation enough to avoid these issues.

When Is The Right Time to Fly?

The second trimester is considered to be the best time for flying for pregnant women. Since you may not experience as much morning sickness during this phase, you will feel more energized and up for traveling. In the first trimester, traveling can also be fine if you don’t have a bad case of morning sickness. For the third trimester, flying can definitely take more of a toll on your body. In most cases, airlines won’t allow you to travel during the third trimester.

Fly or Not: How To Decide?

Before you make the decision whether to should fly or not, the best thing to do is to ask your obstetrician or midwife. While you might be having a smooth and healthy pregnancy, it is still better to get your doctor’s go ahead before setting off.

Some Tips for When You Are Flying

• Before you book a ticket with an airline, find out its policies and guidelines regarding pregnant women who want to travel.
• During pregnancy, it is better to get an aisle seat so that you can have more space and comfort, and because it allows you to move freely.
• Make sure you have fastened the seat belt properly. You can secure the lap belt below your abdomen for safety.
• In order to keep circulation normal, try to walk up and down the aisle whenever possible. If you can’t do that, keep flexing your legs and ankles while staying seated.
• Flying can often cause dehydration so make sure you are drinking enough non-caffeinated fluids, especially water.

Zika virus alert: Zika is a virus spread by mosquitos that typically causes a mild and short-lived infection. The Zika virus can, however, cause very serious birth defects if your fetus is exposed. If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, health experts recommend postponing any non-essential travel to areas of the world where Zika virus is prevalent. Zika has been found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, a number of Pacific island countries, and several countries in Africa. In the US, Zika has been found in Florida. If you’re planning to travel to one of these areas, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to protect yourself and your unborn baby.

Written by Manal, first time mom, rearing an infant.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Pickles and chips? Ice cream? Hot wings? A sudden hankering for an egg salad sandwich (even though you hate eggs)? Sudden craving for Spam – or a sudden aversion to a food you have always loved? The food cravings during pregnancy can be wide and varied from women to women. The burning question is – what do these food cravings mean, and should you follow your stomach?

According to studies around 40% of all pregnant women crave something sweet during pregnancy, while 33% are gravitating toward the salty snacks. As few as 10% reported a strong craving to fruit while 17% reported a sudden love of all things spicy.

While it is true that hormones can cause a drastic change in both your sense of smell and taste – some experts believe the cravings can mean something more. For instance, pica – which is a sudden craving for unusual things such as ice or cleaning products – can signify a nutritional deficiency such as low iron. It is also suggested that strong cravings for chocolate indicate low magnesium. Similarly, if you suddenly desire red meat and want to eat steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner – this could be your body crying out for the almighty protein.

Various studies have been done about food cravings, and it seems that no two experts wholly agree. Still, the common thread is that your food cravings – especially if they are strong and sudden – should be taken seriously. Maybe this is just one way your body and brain revert to innate knowledge to direct you down the right path nutritionally during pregnancy. In other words, your cravings could be sign that you and your baby need something that you are not getting.

The trick is balancing these cravings. If you are constantly eating candy and cookies to satisfy your craving for sweets, you could gain too much weight. Perhaps instead of picking up a chocolate bar, you might find that strawberries or watermelon satisfy your urge. Similarly, your cravings for eggs should be taken as a sign that you need to add more protein to your diet, which you can also get from lean meats.

The reality is that you should be able to eat what you want to during pregnancy – as long as they are actual food items. Part of the fun of pregnancy is finally being able to eat without guilt and as long as your weight gain is slow and steady- there is nothing wrong with following your taste buds and indulging yourself. (Especially given the research that suggests your body may know best!)

So fess up!  What did YOU crave during pregnancy?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

The loss of a child is an experience you may never truly recover from. It is likely that you will carry with you part of that grief for the rest of your life, although your emotions will become more manageable over time. Though you may be excited when you discover you are pregnant again, you may feel more worried than excited, at least for a little while.

It is important to remember that experiencing a miscarriage in the past, does not increase your chances of suffering another miscarriage. Many women who experience miscarriages go on to have problem-free healthy pregnancies.

You may find yourself feeling worried and anxious about the pregnancy, and may lose sleep over concern for your pregnancy. Anxiety is common during pregnancies after loss, and you may find that time seems to pass very slowly throughout this pregnancy. You may find that you feel less anxious once your pregnancy has progressed past the timing of your previous miscarriage. Some women find that hearing their baby’s heartbeat for the first time, or seeing their baby on an ultrasound scan, reduces the feelings of anxiety.

How to cope with the worry

Your experience is unique to you, and you will need to find your own path to ease your worry. You may find the following tips useful, however, as ways of reducing or coping with your anxieties over the pregnancy:

• take care of yourself – do all that you can to ensure you are having a healthy pregnancy. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and take regular exercise. Rest when you feel tired, and make sure you are trusting your instincts and listening to what your body tells you.
• relax – take some time out at the end of each day to clear your mind. Meditation, yoga, or even just a long soak in the bath, could be all you need to help yourself relax at the end of the day. Clear your mind of negative thoughts and worries, and instead spend some time thinking positively, focusing on the fact that you are pregnant right now, and making sure you feel calm.
• be honest – a problem shared is a problem halved. Talk to your partner about how you feel, he may be able to reassure or comfort you during times of worry. Speak to your mum, best friend, or an online support group of strangers – whoever you feel comfortable opening up to.
• talk to your healthcare provider – your healthcare provider is there to support you during pregnancy, as well as during the birth. Be honest about how you are feeling, and any worries you may have. Your healthcare provider may be able to offer advice to calm your nerves, practical help in the form of extra check ups, or support simply by listening to you.

Announcing the news

Some couples choose to wait before announcing the pregnancy for fear of another loss. For others, however, the support of friends and family is a must, and so the news is shared earlier. Whether you wait until after the scan, or tell people straight away, is a personal decision that only you and your partner can make.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

YOU MADE IT!  Welcome to the second trimester.

You can now breathe a collective sigh of relief because you have made it through the often confusing first trimester of pregnancy. You might notice that the undesirable side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness and fatigue are starting to fade away – and you might be noticing A BABY BUMP! How exciting is that? If you are superstitious, you have probably been waiting to buy maternity clothes, and can now go shopping happily to facilitate your rounding belly. Yes, the second trimester of pregnancy brings about a lot of changes – and many women finally start feeling excited about their pregnancy now that the risks of miscarriage drop off substantially.

The second trimester officially begins at the 14 week mark and ends at the 26 week mark. During this time, your baby will experience substantial growth and development and you will begin to start feeling fetal movement, which is one of the most amazing feelings of pregnancy. While your baby is still relatively small, he or she will start to function like a ‘real’ baby learning how to swallow amniotic fluid and move his or her body parts. Sexual body parts, bones and the senses of hearing, smell and taste are developing now as well – and you can finally start having real heart to heart conversations with your baby.

Another exciting part of the second trimester is that you will reach the halfway mark of your pregnancy – at approximately 20 weeks. For most first time moms, this is when you will start feeling the first flutters of movements that will prove to you once and for all that your pregnancy is real! In fact, at around 23 weeks, your baby can hear so well that they may jump or jolt in response to loud noises around you. Hair is also developing during this time and the skinny frame of your baby will start to accumulate the adorable rolls of fat that will make them a cuddly ball of cuteness come delivery day.

For most women, the second trimester is a happy time. You won’t be so big that you feel cumbersome, and yet the world will be able to share in your prenatal bliss. Additionally, since hormones begin to settle slightly, you will have more energy to get things done, will likely not feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster and can finally have fun planning for your baby.

Of course, the second trimester is often the first time that moms are given the once in a lifetime chance to ‘see’ their baby through the technology of ultrasound. Most often, your first ultrasound will be scheduled between the 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy (depending on your health and your doctor’s protocol) and you will get to leave the physicians office with an actual picture of your baby.

For many moms – the second trimester is the best phase of pregnancy and is often dubbed the ‘springtime’ of pregnancy. Not only is your body in full bloom, but your baby is as well. Take plenty of time during this part of your pregnancy to enjoy your life and make sure that you take care of yourself emotionally and physically. After all, you are glowing now – from the inside out.

Written By Stef, Mother of 4@MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Have you ever noticed there are a lot of rules when it comes to being pregnant? Everything from what you eat to how you exercise and when you can fly has a set of guidelines meant to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. And while that is absolutely a goal you can get behind, it’s fair to admit that all the rules (and all the people reminding you of those rules) can get more than a little overwhelming.

Well, take a deep breath, because we’ve got one more thing for you to think about.

In 2013, based on years of data, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a committee opinion that OBGYNs should be talking to their patients about oral health care and helping to ensure they have the access they need.

Why would your OBGYN be concerned about your teeth when they should be checking your uterus? Because multiple studies have found a link between a mother’s oral health and her baby’s birth outcomes.

This research isn’t new. A 1996 study found an increased risk of premature birth in women with periodontal (gum disease). Those same women were also more likely to have low birth weight babies, weighing less than 2,500 grams (or 5.5 pounds). And similar studies have been conducted, with similar results in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

The effect of maternal oral health on a developing fetus and the outcomes of that pregnancy, are well-documented. But the problem comes with what can be done to address those issues.

A report released in the March 2011 Journal of Dental Research compiled the data from various studies and tried to answer just that question: Now that we know about the link between oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes, what next?

The answer, unfortunately, isn’t clear. Studies looking at treatment options have yielded some promising results for improving outcomes, but ultimately those results haven’t been statistically significant. Which means that oral health treatment during pregnancy may help, but we can’t yet know that for sure.

It might be that the best option is to improve oral healthcare before pregnancy whenever possible, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides tips on how to do just that:

• Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss each day
• Make an appointment with a dental provider
• Make good nutritional choices; limit sweet drinks and avoid refined sugar
• Include Vitamin C and Calcium in your daily diet
• Quit smoking

But if you find yourself already pregnant and concerned? Both the NHS and the ACOG recommend still seeing a dentist, with the ACOG adding “Despite the lack of evidence that prenatal oral health care improves pregnancy outcomes, ample evidence shows that oral health care during pregnancy is safe and should be recommended to improve the oral and general health of the woman.”

So make that appointment with your dentist — for both you and your baby!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.