Category Archives: Pregnancy

When couples decide it’s time to start a family, they often think that falling pregnant will be fairly easy. After all, they just have to make sure they are having sex plenty of times, right? Well, in theory that should be enough, but it isn’t always the case.

There are hundreds of couples out there who have spent a year or so trying for a baby but nothing conceiving never seems to happen. This can be extremely frustrating and upsetting.

If you are about to start to try for your first baby, you will certainly want to conceive as quickly as possible. Then you can rule out any infertility issues with you or your partner. Ready to get started? Here are a few great tips that should help you fall pregnant as quickly as possible.

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Stop Contraception Well In Advance

If you are still on your contraception, you will need to come off that in order to become pregnant. Some women wait until they start trying for a baby, but it is highly advisable to come off your contraception well in advance. Ideally, you should stop using it about three to four months before you are going to start trying for a baby.

This will give your body the chance to get back into its natural rhythm, which should aid conception. Not only that, though, but it may take a month or two for your regular periods to return after coming off contraception that stopped your periods completely.

You won’t be able to fall pregnant until they return.

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Know The Best Time To Try To Conceive

It is also essential that you know the best time to try and conceive. You will only be able to fall pregnant if you have sex around the time your body ovulates. This is the name given to the process of the ovaries releasing an egg into the uterus.

The egg will only survive for up to twenty-four hours after ovulation if it isn’t fertilized. You don’t have to have sex within this small window, though. Sperm can survive for up to seventy two hours after sex, so if you have sex a couple of days before ovulation, you might still get pregnant.

The best way to know when you are ovulating is to track your cycle. Useful apps like Clue can help you with that.

Consider Scientific Intervention

The majority of couples will conceive within a year of trying. If you haven’t, it could be time to see your doctor about seeking scientific intervention to help you fall pregnant.

There are a few different options that you will have, including IVF and IUI. As the cost of in vitro fertilization is often quite reasonable compared to some of the other treatment methods, it is one of the most popular methods of conception for couples.

However, depending on the reason why you haven’t been able to conceive, you might have to use a different method. If you speak to your doctor or a specialist at your local fertility clinic, they will be able to advise you on your best course of action.

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Watch Your Weight

What some women don’t know is that their weight could be affecting their ability to fall pregnant as well. It is possible that being underweight or overweight could be making it difficult for you.

So, if you are carrying a few extra pounds or could do with putting another couple on, it’s worth seeing to this before you start trying for a baby.

This is because being under or overweight can create an hormone imbalance in the body, and this could ultimately affect the hormones needed in the reproduction process.

Get Your Vitamin Levels Checked

You should also get your vitamin levels checked by a professional as well. If you have a deficit in some vitamins, your body might struggle to conceive.

This is especially the case when it comes to men and their sperm counts. If your partner has low zinc levels then there is a chance that they will have a reduced number of sperm.

To fix that, you should get them to eat plenty of dairy, whole grains, and legumes. Women need to make sure they are eating plenty of vitamins D and B6. You’ll find these in spinach, eggs, and fortified cereals.

If you eat more nutrient-rich foods in your diet but find that your vitamin levels don’t improve, it could be worth speaking to your doctor. There could be an underlying condition that needs to be seen to.

Your doctor will treat that or, if they can’t determine an underlying issue, might simply tell you to take a daily vitamin supplement.

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Don’t Use Lubricants

Some couples think that using lubricants during sex can help them fall pregnant as they will help the sperm travel further to the cervix.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. In actual fact, you should try to not use lubricants if you are trying for a baby as many of them contain chemicals that can actually kill sperm.

So, you obviously don’t want that anywhere near you! Don’t worry if you struggle to have sex without any lubricants, though.

There are some brands that use natural ingredients and won’t kill any sperm.

Don’t Get Too Stressed

Did you know that high stress levels can also make it very difficult to conceive? There have been some studies that show women who are more relaxed will have better look trying to conceive.

This is both in everyday life and while physically trying to conceive. If you are stressed at all, it could result in an imbalance of your hormones, which will likely have a negative effect on the body’s reproductive system.

So, try as much as possible to unwind – take plenty of bubble baths, get an early night as often as you can, and spend plenty of time on your own self-care.

There are lots of great tips and helpful advice out there all about trying to conceive. Hopefully, the tips in this blog post will help you fall pregnant as soon as possible!

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Most women know that they need to stop drinking alcohol, cut down on caffeine and give up smoking when they get pregnant, but many ladies still aren’t quite clear on what represents optimum nutrition when they’re pregnant.

When you’re growing a baby inside you, it’s a really good idea not only to eat a healthy balanced diet but to ensure that you get a little extra in the vitamin and mineral department too. By taking the right supplements, you can help your baby to grow strong and healthy from the inside out.

So, which vitamins and minerals should you be taking?

Iodine

Studies have shown that many pregnant women are deficient in a iodine which is a trace mineral. Studies have also shown that mothers who were deficient in iodine while pregnant tend to have children with lower IQs in elementary school than those who were not, so adding a little more iodine (150 mcg) into your diet is probably a good idea.

Folic Acid

If you’re pregnant or you’re trying to conceive, you’ve probably been told time and time again that you need to take folic acid and you do because it protects against a wide range of birth defects such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy. Of course, they don’t give a 100 percent guarantee against them because they can be caused by medical negligence too, but they will decrease the odds of you needing medical malpractice help significantly. Ideally, you should be taking between 600mcg and 800 mcg daily for the biggest benefits.

B12

It is difficult to get enough vitamin B12 from the average diet today, even if you are a meat eater because the food chain is so depleted of this important nutrient that, along with folic acid has shown to help protect against various Neural Tube Defects. So, if you want to protect your baby, you want to boost your energy during pregnancy (it’s really good for that too), and you want to avoid anemia, start supplementing with B12 right now.

Selenium

During pregnancy, you should be taking around 60 mcg of selenium daily  to protect your immune system and potentially lower your risk of miscarriage. The evidence that it can do so is looking good although more studies need to be carried out. If you don’t want to take a supplement, then eating a small 25g portion of Brazil nuts each day will give you everything you need to grow your baby.

Magnesium

Taking 270 milligrams of magnesium throughout your pregnancy will help your body to repair itself and build up a healthy baby. There is evidence to suggest that a deficiency in magnesium can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia and a baby that doesn’t grow as well as he should.

Vitamin D

While you’re pregnant, you should definitely make an effort to get outside in the sun more (remember your sunscreen), so that your body can make plenty of vitamin D. It may also be a good idea to supplement your diet with a Vitamin D pill of 10 mcg daily because your body needs to be able to produce enough for you and the first few months of your baby’s life too.  Vitamin D is important for strong bones and good mental health, so don’t leave it out.

If you take these vitamins and minerals regularly during pregnancy, not only will you grow a healthy happy baby, but you’ll feel much better yourself too!

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Deciding to give birth to your child at home is a huge decision but is one that increasingly more mothers to be are making. Giving birth at home is an appealing option because you can be in your own environment, it is private and you have all those home comforts at your disposal. If you are considering taking this method to welcome your child into the world, here are some tips.

1. 
   Do your research

Just like with anything, the first step is to research your different options to find out as much as you can. Visiting your doctor can help because they can give you the information and advice, and then the decision is up to you for which type of labour is best for you.

2. Pick an experienced midwife

Giving birth to a healthy child is the most important thing you will ever do, and because of this you need to make sure that the midwife you choose is seasoned in the field. Find out how many births she has attended, and if she works with an assistant. At this point you may also want to ask for any advice that you can be doing in the meantime to either induce labour or keep your body as strong and healthy as you can. Using vitamins like Prenatals.com can benefit you and the baby, and eating spicy food can induce labour.

3. Plan for emergencies

Ask your midwife what complications they have had to deal with in the past. Your midwife should have encountered multiple types of emergency in her time, and she should be prepared if necessary to suture a laceration in your body, stop a postpartum hemorrhage and resuscitate a child if needed.

4. Make a plan

If you do plan to give birth at home,you need to be aware that if something does go wrong, you won’t have immediate access to a doctor like you would in the hospital. Make sure that between you and your midwife you make a plan that if something does go wrong, you will be able to get yourself to the hospital and treated immediately. You midwife should warn the hospital that you are coming so that when you arrive, you are ready to be treated.


5. Where will you give birth?

It could be a case that your home itself is a little too small to be putting a pool in the living room, so you might end up using a relative’s house. Make sure you discuss this all with your family to work out the best option, and also decide who will be attending the birth.

6. 
   Have tests done

When you choose to have a home birth, your ultrasounds, prenatal tests and everything else will be put through your doctor’s office. This is because if you are transferred to the hospital for any reason, your medical records will already be on file ready for treatment. This is why it is also advisable to get some test done, so that when you reach the hospital in an emergency the doctors won’t need to run tests, they can just read your file. Here are some of the tests you can do: https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-tests.aspx

7. 
   
   Check your insurance

Many insurance plans will not cover you for a home birth if anything happens, so be aware of this. You will generally get six weeks worth of postpartum care after the birth paid for. If you suffer from any complications through the pregnancy or the birth, this might change. Make sure you have a buffer saved up in case you need to fork out for extra care.


8. Understand the risk

Before you choose to go down the home brith route, you need to bear in mind that a home birth is much more risky than a hospital birth. There is almost a double chance of a baby not making it when you are giving birth at home compared to a hospital, this is likely due to the fact you don’t have the same medical facilities available to you at home. Be very aware of the fact that even if you do travel to the hospital, because your body is vulnerable in transit, you could run a higher risk of a hemorrhage.

If you do choose to give birth at home, make sure that you have researched every option, that you know every risk and that you have a plan of action should things go wrong. Other than that, you should be able to enjoy your labour at home with your loved ones, and welcome a new member to your family.

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Deciding to give birth to your child at home is a huge decision but is one that increasingly more mothers to be are making. Giving birth at home is an appealing option because you can be in your own environment, it is private and you have all those home comforts at your disposal. If you are considering taking this method to welcome your child into the world, here are some tips.

1. 
   Do your research

Just like with anything, the first step is to research your different options to find out as much as you can. Visiting your doctor can help because they can give you the information and advice, and then the decision is up to you for which type of labour is best for you.

2. Pick an experienced midwife

Giving birth to a healthy child is the most important thing you will ever do, and because of this you need to make sure that the midwife you choose is seasoned in the field. Find out how many births she has attended, and if she works with an assistant. At this point you may also want to ask for any advice that you can be doing in the meantime to either induce labour or keep your body as strong and healthy as you can. Using vitamins like Prenatals.com can benefit you and the baby, and eating spicy food can induce labour.

3. Plan for emergencies

Ask your midwife what complications they have had to deal with in the past. Your midwife should have encountered multiple types of emergency in her time, and she should be prepared if necessary to suture a laceration in your body, stop a postpartum hemorrhage and resuscitate a child if needed.

4. Make a plan

If you do plan to give birth at home,you need to be aware that if something does go wrong, you won’t have immediate access to a doctor like you would in the hospital. Make sure that between you and your midwife you make a plan that if something does go wrong, you will be able to get yourself to the hospital and treated immediately. You midwife should warn the hospital that you are coming so that when you arrive, you are ready to be treated.


5. Where will you give birth?

It could be a case that your home itself is a little too small to be putting a pool in the living room, so you might end up using a relative’s house. Make sure you discuss this all with your family to work out the best option, and also decide who will be attending the birth.

6. 
   Have tests done

When you choose to have a home birth, your ultrasounds, prenatal tests and everything else will be put through your doctor’s office. This is because if you are transferred to the hospital for any reason, your medical records will already be on file ready for treatment. This is why it is also advisable to get some test done, so that when you reach the hospital in an emergency the doctors won’t need to run tests, they can just read your file. Here are some of the tests you can do: https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/prenatal-tests.aspx

7. 
   
   Check your insurance

Many insurance plans will not cover you for a home birth if anything happens, so be aware of this. You will generally get six weeks worth of postpartum care after the birth paid for. If you suffer from any complications through the pregnancy or the birth, this might change. Make sure you have a buffer saved up in case you need to fork out for extra care.


8. Understand the risk

Before you choose to go down the home brith route, you need to bear in mind that a home birth is much more risky than a hospital birth. There is almost a double chance of a baby not making it when you are giving birth at home compared to a hospital, this is likely due to the fact you don’t have the same medical facilities available to you at home. Be very aware of the fact that even if you do travel to the hospital, because your body is vulnerable in transit, you could run a higher risk of a hemorrhage.

If you do choose to give birth at home, make sure that you have researched every option, that you know every risk and that you have a plan of action should things go wrong. Other than that, you should be able to enjoy your labour at home with your loved ones, and welcome a new member to your family.

Even if you’ve undergone fertility treatment and you’ve known all along that a multiple pregnancy is a high possibility, finding out you’re pregnant with twins or more can still be a huge shock. Suddenly, your pregnancy joy turns into outright fear and sheer panic. Not only is your pregnancy automatically classed as high risk, with an early delivery highly likely, but you’ve also got to bring home two or more tiny humans that you’re responsible for. So, how do you get through it without becoming completely overwhelmed?

Allow Yourself Time

You don’t immediately have to resolve yourself to the idea of a being a parent to multiples. If you’re scared, acknowledge that you’re scared. Don’t bottle your feelings up and expect them to just disappear. It’s acts like that, that can cause anxiety and depression. If you’re having a difficult time dealing with the idea of being a parent to more than one baby, it might help to talk about it in a counselling session. However, when all is said and done, you have to find the strength to put your children before you and get through it.

Kick the Habit

Although the majority of multiple pregnancies result from fertility treatment, it’s still very possible for couples to conceive multiples without help. If you’ve discovered an unplanned multiple pregnancy, it’s important you do everything you can to stay healthy. That means kicking bad habits like, alcohol, recreational drug use, limiting caffeine and cutting out smoking. It can be difficult to do this on your own. If you need help, visit https://www.columbusrecoverycenter.com/ to find out more. Getting the help you need will be better for you and your babies in the long run.

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Ask for Positive Stories

You probably know plenty of couples who have children, and they’ll likely start to tell you everything that went wrong as soon as they find out you’re pregnant.  You may hear horrific birth stories or you may be taunted about how much sleep you’re likely to get. Multiply the horror stories by how many babies you’re having and it’s enough to send you into a constant state of panic. Don’t take any of these stories to heart. Every parent’s experience is different, no matter how many babies are involved. Get yourself onto a multiples forum online and read all of the positive stories that come from parents of multiples instead. It’s not all doom and gloom.

Take Things a Day at a Time

It’s easy to sit there and worry about what comes next when you find out you’re pregnant with multiples. However, if you do that, you risk losing out on all the wonderful things that are happening in the moment. Focus on your pregnancy and staying healthy first and foremost. If you’re constantly stressed out about what will happen when the babies arrive, you won’t be doing yourself or the babies any good. Try and relax and take things as they come.

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Roll with the Punches

You could be the most organised person in the world and a child will still take you by surprise. So, it’s best to just embrace the chaos. There may be times when you want to scream because you become so overwhelmed, but that’s part and parcel of being a parent, no matter how many children you have. Remember, when you feel like you can’t take it anymore, close your eyes and count to ten or take a few deep breaths. Everyone becomes overwhelmed every now and again, you just need to regain control of your emotions.

Expect the First Year to be Hard

The first year of their lives is when your children will need you most. The feeding, diaper changing, rocking to sleep, piercing cries when something is wrong. You’ll have to accept that you’ll have more of all of that than a singleton parent. But you know what they about twins – double the work, double the joy. No matter how difficult the first year gets, you’ll still be able to find joy in every day. Whether it’s a simple smile or a first milestone, you’ll get the watch your babies develop their own little personalities. You’ll also have the added joy of watching their bond develop as they grow.

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Get Help

When your babies are born, it’s likely you’ll need some time to recover and regain your strength too. You may find that you have a short hospital stay if your babies are born prematurely. Take as much of this time as you can to rest. Although your babies will need you close by, you’ve also got the added reassurance of knowing they’re in great care. When you do return home, if you have family and friends that are willing to help out, let them. Let someone else do the cleaning and the washing, put your partner on cooking duty and get a neighbour to walk the dog. Whatever you can pass onto someone else will save your time and energy for the needs of the babies.

Don’t Compare

If you have a few friends with multiples, it’s easy to start comparing how they live their lives and how you plan to live yours. You may hear one couple tell you they find it really difficult and another couple tell you it’s not that bad. Don’t compare yourself and your family to others. Every family is different, and so is every birth and every baby. You don’t have to run your family the way other multiple families do. Just like you and your partner don’t have to have the same relationship as other parents of multiples do. Do it your way, and forget about everyone else.

There’s no denying that raising multiples is hard work but it’s also highly rewarding. If you’re having trouble finding any joy in raising your multiple children, you may need help. Get some support from family and friends, or visit your local doctor and discuss how you feel. You may feel like you’re in it alone, but remember that there is always help available when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

No matter what you see in celebrity magazines, the pregnancy belly doesn’t always disappear with the baby. It can be disheartening when you’ve overcome labour but still look six months pregnant, but rest assured that the belly will go down eventually. In the meantime, you can cleverly conceal your fourth trimester waistline with a post-pregnancy wardrobe. Thankfully, there are more options available, so you’re likely to find something that works with your staple style.

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Jeans and leggings

Don’t throw out your good maternity jeans right away. Not only have they been a comfortable item for the past few months, but they are now one of the few pieces of clothes that will hide your muffin top without making your butt look saggy. The best part is, you no longer have to wear them with maternity shirts, so there are plenty of outfit combinations to try out. That said, you can’t go wrong with a good pair of leggings either. Find a pair that is super opaque, and doesn’t have the cheap-looking elastic hue. Your best friend is a high-waist version, or fold-over yoga pants.

Flowing dresses and shirts

You’re still a month or so away from being able to wear form-fitting tops and dresses again. Instead, choose tops and dresses that drape over and away from your tummy, rather than fitting tightly. Fortunately, bigger bellies don’t have to shop in the maternity section for this one; plus size dresses and shirts will do a very good job, and they have more cute designs available now. Be sure to avoid too many ruffles or pleats when you’re shopping, because excessive design can draw too much attention to the parts you’re trying to hide. Stripy patterns are a good idea because they add a bit of color to your outfit, but they can disguise your middle and camouflage milk leakage and spit-up stains

Button-down shirts

When you’re breastfeeding, quick access is a saving grace in public situations. If your belly still hasn’t slimmed down yet you might be a little uncomfortable pulling your shirt up to nurse, but button-downs can easily sort that problem. Going one size bigger can also hide your slowly shrinking waistline, but even so it’s nice having an oversized shirt in slightly warmer weather.

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Deep V-neck shirts

Let’s be honest, even if their sole purpose is to feed your child, you can’t deny you like flaunting that motherhood cleavage every once in a while. V-necks are great for a quick self-esteem boost, but they’re also soft enough to provide comfort when your breasts are leaky. Also, once your belly slims down, V-necks are easy to push out of the way when you need to nurse.

Black is the new black

There is no magic quite like black magic; it slims those enhanced features, it makes the unwanted extra parts disappear, and it transforms your post-pregnancy body into something that almost resembles your pre-pregnancy body. You can also use you black outfit as a canvas for some brightly colored scarves, chunky necklace, or a comfortable sweater. This outfit is perfect for your first baby-free night out, so take all the time you need to plan it out perfectly.

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Shapewear

If Spanx wasn’t your best friend before you had a baby, it certainly is now; it can hold in your stomach and hips and make you look smoother — maybe even smaller. Spanx is a good wardrobe essential for special occasions, or you can wear it around the house in case anyone drops in unexpectedly to say hi to the new bundle of joy. Obviously, no one expects you to look immaculate while taking care of a newborn, but wearing Spanx is a nice little confidence booster to tide you over until your old wardrobe fits again.

Don’t fear the tailor

The best way to save yourself several trips to the store, and the donation bins, is to make your current wardrobe fit now. If you consider how much a new wardrobe will set you back, a good tailor will save you a fair bit of money. Even if it’s not much in the long run, can you really put a price on a miracle worker? A tailor can take in clothing under the armpit on both sides, take in pants that are too big, and add removable side panels to pre-pregnancy items that you can’t quite squeeze back into (such as jeans). Later on, seams taken in and out, and stretchy panels added or removed, so you won’t ruin your clothes.

Having a child in your 40s is far more common now than it was about 20 years ago. With the increase in technology and the fact that we are living longer, combined with optimum healthcare, the option to have a baby in your later years is likelier. And while there are some who have had their children in their 20s or 30s, what about those who put their career first, and are now coming round to the idea that they need to have a baby before it’s too late, and although it’s not impossible by any stretch of the imagination, but what’s the cost in a financial and emotional capacity?

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Conceiving a child is far more difficult the older you get, and especially so if your mother had the menopause early because the chances are you may too. Around 15-years before the menopause starts, the eggs start to go into decline, not just in quantity, but in quality too. This is due to structural problems in the eggs, such as chromosomal abnormalities. But there are treatments available for you, at a cost. The cost of treatments vary, and it will depend on your own fertility insurance. IVF insurance coverage may not cover certain aspects so you would need to consult your plan as some plans cover IVF and some don’t so be sure to read the fine print before embarking on something you are unable to pay for. The benefit of being financially secure in your 40s is that you can pay for these treatments with little hassle, but there’s only so many rounds of IVF or other treatments we can pay for.

And yes, when you are in your 40s, there is the benefit of being financially sound, so if you can conceive a child, you are able to provide them with a happy life, but some still struggle financially due to the ever-changing rules of employment. And so either if you fell into the career-focused state of mind in your 20s and 30s, it has set you up for a nice life that you can pass onto your child. But the cost of having a baby later in life means a higher risk of health issues during the pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and the baby being born with a low birth weight are just some of the problems you can face if you decide to get pregnant, and the older you get the risks increase.

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The overall concerns of having a baby in your 40s is a mixed bag. While on the one hand, you can provide everything for your little one due to the career and life you’ve already set yourself up for, you are running the risks of potential health issues. But, of course, it’s not impossible. If you’re ready for this, and you’ve weighed up the risks, then it’s time to make the most of the options available to you. There are many, and it’s important to remember that. It can be a cost emotionally and financially, but it’s a cost that is completely worth it.

During the nine months of pregnancy, it’s easy for your health to go wayward. After all, with all the perils of pregnancy like nausea and sickness, your diet might go out the window. And with your little one taking all the goodness from your body, you are left with little nutrients. This, combined with the extra weight you will be carrying, can make your health take a turn for the worse. However, once your little one arrives, you can start turning things around for the better. In fact, here are some ways you can get your health back on track after baby.

Start to exercise again slowly

You should always check with the doctor’s recommendations before you start taking steps to get fit again. After all, if you ended up needing a c section to deliver your baby, it will take you much longer to recover. But once the doctor has said it’s okay, you should begin exercising again. You might want to start with something low impact like yoga. In fact, there is a lot of postnatal yoga classes you can go to with your baby. You might also want to go for a jog around the neighborhood. After all, it’s a great way to get fit while someone looks after your little one. Whichever workout you choose to do, make sure it’s right for your current strength and fitness levels. After all, you don’t want to end up with an injury as a new mom!

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Time to work on your diet

It’s also crucial that you take a good look at your diet to get your health back on track. After all, during your pregnancy, it’s likely you just consumed what you fancied at that current time. And eating a well-rounded diet probably went out the window! But now that you have had your baby, it’s time to take a good look at your diet. After all, there might be areas which you are deficient in since you got pregnant. For example, you might not be getting enough iron or calcium in your diet. You will then need to increase these to ensure your health gets back into good order. You could also look into consuming a supplement which is a quick way to add more to your diet. But check out reviews like these AlgaeCal reviews on Supplement Police, and talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. And remember to plan out meals which will ensure you consume all food groups.

Keep checking in with the doctor

A lot of new moms think they need to back away from the doctor after giving birth. After all, they will have been going a lot during the pregnancy. But now they feel they should only go for their baby’s issues. But it’s so important that you are still checking in with the doctor after giving birth. After all, they can keep an eye on your health if you are having any postpartum difficulties. For example, some women have issues with kidney infections and back pain after having a baby. Therefore, talk to your doctor to ensure your health gets back on track.

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And taking time for you as much as you can is so important for your mental health. Therefore, ask family and friends to help in the first few months.

Many mothers don’t reach their peak body weight until after the baby is born and at least 1 year old. Women on average have 13% more fat than men to begin with because the female anatomy is constantly preparing itself to bear children. The extra fat is converted into energy for the baby and breast milk when it is born. Dropping the extra pounds takes time, and especially after carrying a child for such a long, your body shape will readjust slowly. Your aim shouldn’t be to sculpt your body back into the same silhouette it was before, but to live a healthy well-rounded lifestyle. Take small steps and don’t rush, the fat won’t drop off instantly, and there’s no use getting worked up about your body image as it’s natural to be a few dress sizes bigger at this stage. Relatively light workout routines are a comprehensive route to getting back to a slim and slender tone.

Photo credit – army.mil

Stay active but moderate yourself

Your body is going through a lot, and there are a chemicals imbalances taking place, such as mood swings and hormone fluctuations. Take it light and easy, to begin with, take 20-minute relaxed strolls once you’re able to come home. This will get your legs moving, and the blood pumping around your joints which have taken so much of the burden carry around the baby. Do this once a day or once every few days depending on how you’re feeling. Every morning you should do stretches if you can physically bear it, less strenuous yoga. However, if you would like a guided workout routine, with knowledge, pace and demonstration, look at something like https://defendyourhealthcare.us/full-venus-factor-product-review.

Bodyweight exercises

Once you feel stronger and healthier, move onto bodyweight exercises, like situps, pushups, and squats. Take it easy and try to only do these exercises with someone in your home who can come to your aid if you start feeling fatigued or dizzy. Limit the amount of reps and sets you do until you have fully lost your baby bump as compressing the womb can inflame your organs and cause stomach pains. Remember to breathe properly and take your time; make sure you have lots of room and fresh air circulating the area; open a few windows if you need to.

Balancing breastfeeding

Do not cut yourself off from a decent caloric intake to lose weight, because you will need still need to breastfeed occasionally even if your child is 1 years old. Breastfeeding requires an extra 500 calories to produce a good quality milk and a sufficient amount of it. Indeed, this sounds like an uphill struggle, but it’s really just balancing a healthy exercising regimen, with a healthy diet.

Image credit – pixnio

Maintain a responsible diet

It can be so tempting to binge on junk food and cave into your cravings but think about the long run. You don’t want to be this size forever; instead, you want to feel sexy and curvy; almost as if you haven’t even had a child. To maintain a habit of eating the same amount as you did as you consumed during pregnancy is going to increase your size more than when you were carrying the child as you’re only eating for one now. Get into a routine of making a salad for lunch and consume 3 – 4 liters of water every day to stay hydrated. If you find yourself walking in the dark when trying to formulate a schedule, write down a meal plan as a physical representation of your goal.