Changes in her body

The word Caution takes on a whole different meaning when you find out you are pregnant. Everything that you do, every step that you take, your mind immediately asks the question – Is it Safe ? And this can lead to a lot of anxiety as you do not want to harm your baby in any way. Let’s talk about some ways and means to ensure that you and your baby are safe in this super special time.

Traveling : We cannot sit at home all the time. We do have to travel. Maybe to work, to the market, for an outing or even for a holiday. Choose a mode of transport that is not very jarring. Which means that avoid two and three wheelers during pregnancy as far as possible.

For road transport use cars and buses, Trains are safe as well and of course you can take a flight too. Most airlines will ask you to carry a Fit to Fly letter from your doctor if youhave crossed week 28 of your pregnancy. When on the flight make sure you drink plenty of fluids, move around frequently, perform stretching exercises on your seat and carry some home cooked snacks so that you do not have to rely completely on airline food.

Exercise : It is important to exercise if all is well with your pregnancy. Seek permission from your doctor before you start any exercise routine. Ensure that you are supervised by a qualified trainer. Walking is the safest exercise during pregnancy but make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and keep yourself well hydrated. Always listen to your body and stop at the first sign of discomfort.

Beauty Treatments : Most beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy. However as a caution you may want to visit your favorite salon for a make over once you have completed the first trimester and your baby is now past the critical period of development. Bleach, hair color, waxing all can be undertaken safely during pregnancy.

Spa Treatments : Now here is a word of caution. As a pregnant mom you have many aches and pains and you long for a massage or a hot tub. Be cautious. Make sure your therapist is qualified for pregnancy massage as there are certain pressure points which can induce pre term contractions. Hot tubs and saunas are also contraindicated since they raise your body temperature and hence also raise the temperature of the womb. This is not safe for the developing fetus.

Home renovations : Every parent plans to redo at least a section of the home in preparation for the new baby. Most of the work that is done is safe for the mom to supervise. But at the time of the paint being scraped and the walls being sanded to prepare them for the fresh coat of paint, it is best that the pregnant mom is away from the house. The paint which is being scraped will contain lead and this will be present in the air for a while. Lead is poisonous and especially harmful for a developing fetus.

Alcohol, Cigarettes and Drugs : There really is no safe permissible limit for alcohol intake. Any alcohol that you intake passes into your blood almost immediately and this passes to the baby. Cigarette smoke can lead to low birth weight babies, premature births and even still birth. Even second hand smoke is harmful. So if you smoke this is a good time to quit and if your partner or a member of the family smokes then they should either quit or not do so around the mother. A pregnant mom should surely stay away from illicit drugs as these can lead to development issues in the fetus.

Food : Most food items are safe for a pregnant mom to consume. However there is a short list which must be avoided – Uncooked eggs which can appear in various desserts, Soft cheeses, Unpasteurized Milk or Milk products, Sea food with shells, Raw fish, Tuna, Mackerel, Sword Fish, Shark Fish, Processed meat and excessive amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can sneak into not only tea and coffee but aerated drinks as well.
A little caution and a little care can make your pregnancy journey a Safe and Happy time.

Being pregnant is one of the most special times in a woman’s life. Being a mother in the true sense is a completion of woman hood.
Making pregnancy and birth comfortable and safe is every woman’s dream. Nausea and vomiting are the horrors of the first trimester. Backaches, sleep less nights and other complaints irritate in the third trimester. And the fear of a long, painful and complicated birth cause sleepless nights for many women. Women come into my classes with the fear of labor and looking for the magic formula which will eliminate LABOR PAIN. Of course that is not possible. Labor is the process in which the uterus opens and expels the baby and any muscle which exerts itself is bound to feel some degree of pain. Add to this are the different pain thresholds of different women. We cannot eliminate the above situations but we can surely attempt at making it more manageable and bearable.

What are the most important areas to concentrate on?
In my opinion a pregnancy rests on four pillars. If one is shaky then the troubles start.
The first pillar is DIET. This plays a very crucial role as it involves the overall mental and physical development of the baby. A well developed baby can handle the rigors of labor well and hence last minute complications are averted. The well nourished mother can cope with her pregnancy as well as her labor much better. It also results in a timely birth which is really important. A baby which is born pre-term runs into many complications in the immediate post-natal period. Diet contributes to over all well being during pregnancy and proper nutrition planning can keep a number of common pregnancy complaints away.
The second pillar is EXERCISE. Exercise helps to tone and prepare your body for the task ahead. It makes the woman comfortable with her changing body. Pregnant women who find the time to follow a daily regimen of antenatal exercises report that they feel more comfortable and relaxed and are even able to sleep better. A good ante-natal exercise routine targets at improving circulation and flexibility. It is a combination of stretches and breathing exercises with special focus on the muscles which will work during the birth process.
The third pillar is PSHYCHOLOGICAL FRAME OF MIND. A lot of what we experience is controlled by our mind. More than pain it is the perception of pain which is a major down fall. Pregnancy is associated with discomfort and labor with pain. It is this association that we must aim to remove from our minds. Instead let us look at pregnancy as nurturing a new life and birth as the most special and joyful moment of our life. The association of pain with birth will end. Approaching labor with this frame of mind will make the whole experience more enriching.
The last but not the least is your DOCTOR. It is important to select your practioner with care. You need to be on the same wave length. You need a person who understands your needs and someone with whom you can make a connection. Once you make this connection, then comes trust. It is important to trust your practioner. Ask questions and do not harbor doubts. It will go a long way in making your pregnancy and birth a memorable experience.
Treat the above as your training guide lines. You do not run for a marathon without training, You do not give an exam without studying, so also You do not achieve a comfortable pregnancy and birth without concentrating on the FOUR PILLARS of PREGNANCY.

Congratulations, you’re a mom-to-be! Now that your little one is months away from your lap, it’s time to prepare for a healthy and complications-free pregnancy. And the first step towards this goal is to narrow-down on one reliable and well-qualified prenatal health care provider who will be your individualised medical care expert in the months to come. First things first –

What is Pre-Natal Care?

Pre-natal care refers to a specialised and preventive medical care regime, tailor-made for pregnant women. Since complications in pregnancy may crop up at any time, it is advisable to consult a prenatal care expert starting from the early stages of one’s pregnancy. Timely prenatal visits throughout the course of the pregnancy reduce the chances of complications going unnoticed and help in preparing the mother-to-be.

Meeting your prenatal care provider will be a learning experience as you gain valuable pregnancy information about labour and delivery, body changes and lactation, weight gain, exercise, breathing and nutrition as well as precautions to be taken during the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester, etc.

What’s more, you’ll get useful advice about –

•How to stay healthy and fit?

•Things to avoid during pregnancy

•The most suitable personalised diet for you

•The best exercise sessions for you

•The importance of breast feeding

•How to manage mood swings, and much more.

The Early Stages

During your initial visits, your doctor will perform routine tests and monitor your prevailing chronic health conditions if any; suggesting ways to control these illnesses, lest they interfere with your pregnancy. The most common chronic conditions include diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure.

As you progress through your pregnancy trimesters, there will be a series of check-ups and prenatal tests to closely monitor your baby’s growth, fetal brain development and your overall progress.

Research shows that timely and regular prenatal checks increase the chances of having a safe pregnancy, and a healthy baby.

Common Issues Faced During Pregnancy & the Help Available
As your body undergoes changes to make room for your little one, you may experience minor irritants that can become serious issues if not managed correctly.

Weight gain, stretch marks, mood swings, acne and other skin breakouts, body aches in the lower back and abdomen, swollen feet, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, etc., are quite common. The important thing is to not let these problems overwhelm you. Rather, consult your prenatal care expert on how to handle these issues.

These days, an array of pregnancy footwear, safe prenatal massages and yoga sessions are available to help you release stress and give you the relief you need!

All the best!
Planning a baby? How far Apart is Smart – Dr. Sonali Shivlani

We all want the best for our children and at times this is one of the reasons most couples will say they want only one child. Well having one or two is really a couples personal decision but here are some reasons why you need to ensure good family planning.

New mums need time to recover : Having a baby makes your body work very hard. If you get pregnant very soon after having your first baby it is possible that the developing baby may not get enough nutrition. You would need to ensure that you adhere to a strict nutrition plan so as to not compromise the developing baby. Also as a pregnant mom you will be tired and your still young baby will naturally not let you sleep through the night. As you feel lousy due to the pregnancy hormones and the tiredness it will also be difficult to enjoy the new baby.

Remember that babies need space to grow. Babies born to mothers who space their babies about 2-3 years apart get a healthier start in life. If you get pregnant real quick then chances of the delivery happening premature and the baby being of a low birth weight are much higher.

Discuss various family planning methods with your doctor and choose the one which suits you best. Some of the temporary birth control options available in the market today include : Male and female condoms, birth control pills which can be taken by the woman and IUD’s (Intrauterine devices) which need to be inserted by the doctor and which stay in place for 3-5 years. There are also permanent methods which include a tubectomy for the female and a vasectomy for the male. Both these are options which are very difficult to reverse and hence should be opted for when you are absolutely sure that your family is complete.

Before you plan a baby some things that you must do to ensure your physical health :

•Visit your doctor.

Get a complete Health check up done which will include all the blood tests.

• Get a pap smear and a mammogram done as well.

• Start taking your supplements as prescribed by the doctor. Supplements are prescribed for the father – to – be as well.

Just a little bit of planning can help you plan your family SMARTLY.

In the third trimester of your Pregnancy and wondering if you should indulge in a prenatal massage? Well look no further. Pre natal and Post natal massages have tonnes of benefits to pregnant and new mums. You have to however make sure that you sign up with a professional therapist who is qualified and knows what she needs to do while looking after the safety and comfort of the mum and baby.
A professional qualified pregnancy therapist is aware about the pressure points need to be worked upon. Normally mums are advised to sleep on their sides post week 26-28 and a therapist will help support the mum with the use of pregnancy pillows before starting the process. She knows which pressure points will provide relief to the mum and starts the process with caution and care.

Pre Natal Massage- A prenatal massage relieves the “mother to be” from aches and pains. A pregnant woman experiences pain or swelling in their lower back, abdomen, head, feet etc. A good therapist can ease swelling and pain thus providing comfort to the “to be mother” and helping her relax.

Prenatal massages help increase oxygen in the blood. It helps in blood circulation through all the parts of the body thus ensuring enough oxygen and nutrients reach the mum and baby. It helps to tone the muscles of the body and helps ease sciatic pain. Most women face sleepless nights in pregnancy and prenatal massages helps in relaxing the mother thus decreasing insomnia. Pregnancy massages also help during depression and eases stress in the mind of mums thus helping them feel better.

Post Natal Massage- Post-delivery, some new mothers experience depression. A good professional therapist with the help of a good post natal massage can help the mother feel good, relaxed and happy which automatically releases endorphins – “feel good hormones” that help tackle depression. A post natal massage helps increase blood circulation, relaxes tense muscles and helps the mother get back into their pre pregnancy shape.

Please make sure you do not register with any general masseuses or general spa’s for pregnancy related massages

Call Awww today and let us help you with service right away!

Pregnancy is a time to rest. It is natural for your body to feel tired and sleepy in the first few weeks. It is after all making a new life and that is hard work.

1)  Visit your doctor regularly for your prenatal checkups and this will help to detect any problems at an early stage.

Avoid eating uncooked and non  vegetarian food outside the house. Especially stay away from sea food which comes in shells and avoid soft cheeses.

3)  If you need to travel for work avoid two wheelers and auto rickshaws. A bus or train is a safer option if you cannot travel by private vehicle.

4)  Pregnancy is a time to be stress free so try and relax and keep stress out of your life. If you get a lot of morning sickness and this happens throughout the pregnancy then consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to plan your meals.  Contact Awww to help you with a perfect diet and nutrition plan

5)  Swelling of hands, feet and face should be reported to the doctor immediately.  Sometimes swelling in the body for eg; the feet could be perfectly normal but ensure you run it through your doctor. If the doctor seems to think its normal you could look at getting some help to make you feel a little more comforted inspite of all the swelling. For eg: You look at indulging in some relaxing pregnancy massage  sessions at home and Awww can arrange that for you right away. You could also look at purchasing the Awww special maternity footwear that is specially designed to accommodate swelling in the foot . The shoe expands and contracts as per swelling and increase in foot size and keeps the mum comfortable.

6)  Understand how to count your baby’s movements and keep track of them. The movements can be a strong indicator of the baby’s well being.

7)  Stretch marks and pigmentation are a normal part of pregnancy and will fade away a few weeks after the birth.  Make sure you eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Hydrating and applying a vitamin E based cream / lotion or oil will also help. Apply twice a day to abdomen breasts and buttocks starting from the 12th week. Continue this practice for six months post delivery.

8)  It is natural to feel unexceptionally warm and breathless during pregnancy. If you doctor deems you fit, you should join a pregnancy class/exercise class. Exercises as suggested by your prenatal care provider can help deal with the feeling of breathlessness. However along with breathlessness if you experience chest pain, cough or severely not being able to breathe you must call your doctor immediately

9)  Sleep can also become a challenge as your pregnancy progresses due to the growing weight of the uterus and the frequent urination. Invest in a good body pillow from Awww to get comfortable and restrict fluid intake closer to bedtime.

By Sonali Shivlani
www.baby360degrees.com You may have had a planned cesarean or an emergency cesarean. Either ways your body will need time to recover as this is a major abdominal surgery. Moms who have had a planned surgical birth are emotionally better prepared. But if it has been an emergency for you then you may be feeling a little let down as well.
Immediately post the birth you would be in the recovery area. Here you are monitored closely to ensure that all your vital signs are stable and to see how well you recover from the anesthesia. If you have had an epidural you should be able to wriggle your legs in about 2-4 hours. However if you have had a general anesthesia then you may be more groggy and may even feel nauseous.
Focus on your breathing, specifically try and take a deep breath. Do this frequently. Even if this sounds easy post a surgical birth this is not very simple.

You will be moved into your room but you would still be attached to the blood pressure monitor, the IV and the catheter. The doctor will be checking you periodically and most of these will be removed the next day as you slowly start resuming your normal activities. For the first day you will probably not be allowed anything orally but slowly a liquid diet followed by a soft and then your regular diet will be started.
As the pain medications in the IV wear off moms start feeling the pain from the surgery. Do take the pain medications as prescribed as it is important for your recovery to be able to move. Your doctor will encourage you to move the next day post the surgery. This is a really important part of your healing process. Here are a few tips:
Support your incision. You can wear a c section support belt.
Do not bend forward. Try and stand and walk erect.
Take help, Support is important.
Walk few steps but walk frequently.
It is important to start walking as this will prevent blood clots from forming in the legs as well as speed up your recovery.
The incision will be covered with dressing but it is normal to feel some numbness and itching. There will be some stitches and staples visible but these will be removed or may dissolve on their own. Try and avoid clothing that covers or sits over the scar. You may need to do this for a few months as the tissue can take some time to heal completely. Keep the incision site clean and dry.
The best advice that we can give you is rest. Take advantage of all the help you have at home or in the hospital and rest. It is vital to a speedier recovery. If you need to rest, ask the visitors to wait and surely ensure that they stick to visiting hours. Ask family and friends for help and make sure that you sleep whenever possible.
Breast feeding is surely possible post a surgical birth but you may need some help in positioning the baby. Side lying positions are great for the first couple of days. Once you are able to sit up you may want to try the foot ball or clutch position. Seek help from the hospital lactation counselors to get breast feeding well established.

Exercise helps us stay fit and healthy.  Once your doctor deems you fit and healthy to undertake an exercise class you should definitely consider enrolling yourself into one. In fact it has become an integral part of our modern life style.  Traditionally exercise was not given a lot of importance. Women were actually encouraged to take it easy and slow down, as exercise was considered unsafe for the pregnancy. But this belief has been replaced, as there is a great amount of research that shows benefits of exercise during pregnancy.

It helps the mom stay fit and healthy.

It ensures optimum weight gain.

It helps prevent / reduce pregnancy discomforts.

It reduces the incidence of pregnancy complications.

It prepares the body for the birth process.

It also helps the baby as the fetus of an exercising mom is also in essence exercising with her and hence reaping the benefits of exercise.

It speeds up post partum recovery and helps the mom get back to her pre- pregnancy shape and size much faster.

So if you are thinking of starting an exercise program here are some things that you should keep in mind:

First and foremost, discuss your exercise program with your doctor. Your doctor is examining you physically and will be able to assess your over all pregnancy health. Women who have a healthy pregnancy are actually permitted to partake in most exercise programs. Naturally all contact sports must be avoided, jarring movements should be steered clear of and any activity which has a high risk of injury or falls should be kept on the back burner till that baby is safely delivered.

Think about what you plan to do and how you plan to achieve the same. It is best to start off with a qualified professional especially if you are exercising for the first time.

Always start slow and gradually build up repetitions and intensity as you gain more strength.

Get the right clothing and always wear the right shoes. Clothing should be breathable which will ensure that you do not get over heated and the right shoes will help prevent injuries.

Ensure that you eat a small healthy snack before your workout and always keep sipping water at regular intervals during the session.

Walking is one of the safest and easiest exercises to begin with and does not even need supervision. Ensure that you walk at a pace that you are comfortable with. Think about the Talk and Walk test. If you can talk without getting breathless but would still prefer to avoid talking then that is the right pace for you. Most moms will be comfortable with a 30-minute walk everyday.

Another exercise that you can safely start with is Deep breathing. It might seem odd that Deep breathing is considered to be an exercise but if done correctly it can actually tone the lungs and the abdominal muscles. It is a safe exercise and
can be done even by women on bed rest. The best way to learn how to do deep breathing is to imagine that your body is a large deflated balloon. Now place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Slowly inhale, filling up your chest and then your abdomen till the maximum possible point. Now slowly exhale first allowing the air to exit the abdomen and then slowly deflate your lungs. Always breathe in and our through your nostrils and ensure that you do not hold your breath anywhere. It is recommended that you do this exercise at least once a day for 30-40 deep breaths. Also do the exercise in a non-air-conditioned environment as this will allow you to take in more fresh air and hence more oxygen.

When you begin your exercise program, you may feel lethargic and demotivated. Don’t quit. Once you have been exercising for a few days you will realize the immense benefits. Your body will feel energized and you will feel rejuvenated. And interestingly it will also help you to sleep better at night.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Pregnancy is a magical journey and in a way one of nature’s greatest miracles. It is the foundation stone to your future generations. This is definitely one of the most important phases in the life of a couple. So how does this work and what happens? Ovulation normally occurs at approximately three weeks after the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. The process is as follows –

An egg is released from the ovaries and it makes its way to one of the fallopian tubes towards the uterus. During this phase if intercourse takes place there is a possibility of a woman getting pregnant. During ejaculation, millions of sperm from your partner are released but only one of them will succeed in the race

towards your egg and will fertilize it while it is still in the fallopian tube. The joining of your partner’s sperms and your egg is called a blastocyst and will undergo rapid multiplication in the next 9 months. At this point in time you may not realise you are pregnant but this is pretty much what’s happening inside your body.

Your Baby’s growth

A woman’s egg normally has an X chromosome and a man’s sperm could have an X or a Y chromosome. When these unite it results in either an XX chromosome which is when you have a baby girl or an XY chromozone which is when you have a baby boy.

Your Pregnancy Journey

This is the time when you actually think you may be pregnant. It’s a beautiful phase in every woman’s life, and an occasion to celebrate. The first sign to you being pregnant is that your monthly period is delayed. There are also some physical changes to look out for during this phase. Usually the first physical signs are noticed in the breasts. They feel bigger and tender in general. The aerola appears darker and bigger. In this phase you may also feel the urge to urinate more.

Your Baby’s growth

In this week you baby’s spine and brain is beginning to form. The egg is now called an embryo and is about 2mm long. It is possible to see the embryo with the

naked eye. Your baby’s limbs, facial features, liver and kidneys are also beginning to form in this phase. It is an indeed an exciting time and in the next few weeks your baby will grow further little by little taking form. We are sure you can’t wait for your baby to be in your arms.

Your Pregnancy Journey

You may physically experience some additional changes. At this stage your vagina appears slightly blue instead of the usual pink. Also a urine test or home pregnancy test at this point of time would be able to confirm the pregnancy. This is the time when most women start facing morning sickness and nausea symptoms. Your may become sensitive to different type of aromas around and you may feel like throwing up at certain smells. We really don’t know why this is called Morning Sickness, mainly because for a pregnant mom, waves of nausea and feeling uneasy can hit at any time of the day. Another thing, we don’t understand is why use the term Sickness because it really is a hormonal change which happens due to Pregnancy. But since it makes you uncomfortable lets use the phrase ‘Anytime Sickness’

Your Baby’s growth

The baby’s circulation system now kicks in, at this stage. Can you imagine how awesome that is? There is blood circulating to different body parts in your baby’s body. The baby’s dental buds start to develop and there’s a thin layer of skin forming. The baby’s head has also now formed. Your baby now has a head and a trunk.

Your Pregnancy Journey

If you visit your gynaecologist at this point in time, they would do a physical examination in the form of a vaginal examination in order to be able to confirm the pregnancy. At this stage of your pregnancy, you may begin to feel a little tired or fatigued. Pregnancy hormones are making you feel this way. At this stage this is normal. You must however run these symptoms through your doctor to make sure it’s a normal pregnancy effect and not something to worry about. The Breasts also continue to feel enlarged and tender. You may also experience some mood swings at this point in time too and may also find some difficulty sleeping due to the anxiety of the baby growing inside you. But this is all normal. If you are facing Anytime sickness and are facing difficulty in dealing with it, Here are a few tips to manage ‘Anytime Sickness’.

Your baby’s growth

Your baby has now grown a little more. Every week is going to be so exciting cause there will be small developments in stages and it’s the most magical feeling ever. Your baby’s spinal cord and the brain are now almost ready and the baby is app 1-3 cm long. They eyelids are also beginning to form
The baby now also has limb buds which resemble arms and legs. The limbs also have developed small formations which will eventually grow into fingers and toes.

Your Pregnancy journey

You could still be feeling nauseatic at this stage. It also completely normal for you to experience increased vaginal discharge. As long as the experience is not painful and the discharge is odourless, you have nothing to worry about. Incase you experience any pain do contact your doctor.

Here are a few tips to manage ‘Anytime Sickness’.

1. Eat small meals and make sure you stay away from fried and processed foods. Also stay away from sugary foods.

2. If this is a morning affliction for you, then don’t just jump out of bed raring to go. Keep a jar of dry crackers or plain biscuits next to your bed. Reach for one as soon as you wake up and nibble on it. Lie back and snooze for an additional 15 minutes and then get started.

3. If it is “Anytime” affliction then I would recommend snacking on a dry toast or a plain biscuit every couple of hours. These are carbohydrates and will help settle the stomach acids.

4. Run an inventory of smells which trigger off the nausea. For some it may be the toothpaste and for others it may be certain foods. Try and keep away from the smells which irritate you.

5. Ginger plays a great role in helping you handle this condition. Nibbling on a tiny sliver of ginger or mixing ginger juice with a little honey and consuming a teaspoon when you feel uncomfortable can give relief.

6. You could also avoid spicy foods and make sure you eat your high protein foods with enough fibre in the form of fresh fruits of vegetables

7. Anti-nausea bands are also available in the market and these can be used for relief.

Most of the times the hormonal changes are most dramatic in the first few weeks and they settle down in the second trimester. It is important to remember that the baby is feeding of the mother and in the first few weeks even if you are not able to hold too much the baby will get nourished from your reserves. You will do well to identify certain foods which suit you and mix and match them to form your own days meal plan. Its really ok to eat the same foods every day as long as they are healthy, you are able to hold them and they make you feel comfortable. You might want to stay away from high protein foods for a few weeks as they take longer to digest and hence can make you feel uncomfortable. If you are unable to hold anything then you must inform your doctor as this is known as ‘hyperemesis gravidarum’ and this condition needs to be treated. Medications prescribed to help you cope with these hormonal changes are safe to be taken during pregnancy so do follow your doctor’s instructions and guidelines.

Your baby’s growth

Hurrah! There are some more cute little tiny formations this week in your baby’s body. Your baby’s eyes and ears are visible and the face is now in the process of resembling a normal human face. Can’t help but imagine what it’s like right? The baby’s internal organs are now all in place, they are however not yet developed completely and will continue to grow over the next few week before they can function well. The baby is now app. 2-5 cms long. Miraculous isn’t it? Well, he /she is your greatest joy and you know that this feeling of love is like no other?

Week 9:
Your Pregnancy journey

This is good time to get a dental check up and clean up done. Most moms will experience bleeding and or spongy gums. This is again due to the hormone relaxin. Since the gums are spongy there is the possibility of build up of plaque and tarter and this can lead to pre term contractions or early labor. It is also advisable for the mom to massage her gums after every brushing as well as ensure that she uses a soft tooth brush. Women normally also experience skin changes this week. Most women normally experience what most call a “Pregnancy glow” in this phase. Their wrinkles and dark spots start to fade and be less visible due to the hormonal changes. When a woman is pregnant, the body produces 50 percent more blood. This causes an increase in blood circulation in the pregnant mums body thus giving her a brighter appearance.

During this phase a pregnant woman’s body produces a lot of hormones as well. This means that even your oil glands are working overtime thus making your face appear oiler and thus shinier. Hence people say that when a woman is pregnant she has a glow on her face.

Your Baby’s growth

At this stage the amniotic fluid is increasing in your body. The weight of the baby is that of a grape. Your baby is yet small but growing rapidly and quickly. Your baby is now officially called a “foetus”. The baby’s fingers and toes are now visible. Right now they would appear webbed and would remain webbed for a few weeks. The baby starts to move around to get some exercise but the mother will not be able to feel these movements. The lungs also begin to develop at this stage.

Week 10:

Your Pregnancy Journey

In week 10 mums may experience an increase in their cup size and would need to get a bigger bra size. They also may experience an increase in their waist line and may need to start wearing more comfortable maternity clothing. Moms would also need to buy maternity under garments to provide support and prevent any sagging. The uterus is growing rapidly and is now almost as big as an orange. It is still within the pelvic cavity hence pregnancy is still not visible to others.

There is the urge to urinate frequently and you may be surprised since the uterus is not yet large. However hormonal changes are causing the bladder muscles to relax. Due to this the bladder is not able to empty completely and hence may cause the need to urinate frequently. Also in the 1st trimester the uterus presses against your bladder which also causes frequent urination.

Baby’s growth

Your baby is growing rapidly and will soon form into a tiny little person. The baby’s fingers and toes are no longer webbed at this point. The baby’s ankles and wrists are formed and the fingers and toes are clearly visible. The baby is now 4-5 cms long.

The baby’s jaw bones are also beginning to form at this stage along with their future teeth.

Your Pregnancy journey

Here is when most of the morning sickness and nauseatic feeling subsides as you are now approaching your second trimester

You should look at joining a Pe natal class at this point in time. The classes will have different sessions that will guide you through the coming months of pregnancy, on various important topics like breastfeeding and lactation, labour and delivery, post natal care, child care, exercise sessions and much more. You should also involve you partner in the same as it will help him to be more connected to the pregnancy.

There are many pregnancy classes that are available for moms to be and parents to be. Let’s start with a basic classification – classes which offer only pregnancy exercises and classes which offer the complete pregnancy program. Within exercise classes there could be yoga or a prenatal workout program. These are very helpful as they allow moms to work out. Most of them will be in groups and there is a certified trainer who will supervise the class. You could also look at hiring a personal trainer who will then work with you individually. Group classes are of course more fun as you get to meet other moms and there is a higher level of motivation.

A complete program would then be again further divided – classes which focus only on birth preparation and classes which also cover pregnancy and post delivery information in addition to birth preparation. Additionally some classes will allow the spouse to attend all sessions whereas some will restrict spouse attendance to only the birth class. Choice of the class will depend on your own needs and preferences.

A pregnancy class will provide you with customised information which is relevant to your stage of pregnancy as well as your own requirements. Additionally you will be meeting other parents and that will help you to discuss your concerns and understand that most of what you are going thru is very normal and other parents are also going thru the same. Some of the things that a typical class will cover is nutrition, pregnancy information, safe exercises, labor preparation, breathing exercises, child care and breast feeding.

These trainers are counsellors and they will not provide medical advice but can help you to understand medical information and help you to understand your choices better.

Some classes may also be available on the online platform which means that you can take them from the comfort of your home.

Contact us at Awww and let us take you through the different options available for these classes as per your convenience.

Your baby’s growth

Congratulations!! The baby’s head is almost half the size of the body at this stage. The baby also starts to straighten up a little at this stage. The baby’s testicles in case of a boy or ovaries on case of a girl have formed so it is possible to determine the sex of the baby. In India it is however considered a crime to determine the sex of an unborn fetus and is punishable by law. All major organs like liver, kidney etc have been formed and will continue to grow over further over the next few weeks in your uterus along with you.

Week 12:
Your Pregnancy Journey

Your appetite is probably in place by now and it is importance for you to follow a good well nourished balanced diet at this point in time. Pregnant Moms need to eat every 2-3 hours which means six meals. Lets look at the combination of different food categories that should make your every meal. These would be your main meals. Each of your main meals must contain all the five food groups – Carbohydrates, Vegetables/Fruits, Protein, Milk Protein and Fats. All of these nutrients work in tandem with each other and hence there is maximum nutrient absorption. Imagine if my hand was missing one finger, the hand would not be fully functional right ? The same way if any food group is missing from the meal then the absorption of nutrients is not optimum.

This week is also very important in your prenatal visits to your care provider. The doctor will conduct a host of medical tests including blood and urine tests to make sure you are healthy overall. The test will also check for the possibilities of birth defects in the baby and other risk factors such as HIV, Thallesemia etc. to the baby. You must ask your doctors as many questions as possible here.

Your baby’s growth

Your baby has some amazing developments this week. The kidneys begin to excrete urine in the 12th week. The cartilage has formed which will further develop into the bones in the coming weeks. The baby now has a roundish head and its eyelids have developed. (imagine It is now app 6cms long but weighs only app. 18 gms. Their reflexes have begun. They begin curling their toes and fingers, clenching their eyelids etc.

Your Pregnancy journey

At the stage usually Moms begin to enjoy their pregnancy. The second trimester is the comfortable period of pregnancy. The breast continues to grow although the tenderness may reduce. The uterus is growing steadily and will soon make its way out of the pelvic cavity. The bump starts showing and it is difficult to hide the pregnancy. An increased sex drive in the second trimester of your pregnancy is absolutely normal and if you’re feeling the same there’s no need to worry ?

For most pregnancies sexual intercourse is allowed. However it is prudent to discuss your case with the doctor. What is important to remember if you get the go ahead that you do not put pressure on the abdomen. This can be achieved by the father being in the doggy style, or the woman on top or side ways. If you find this uncomfortable or are overly concerned you can think of other non invasive methods to pleasure each other. Most women do find intercourse uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness and you could use a lubricant. Ensure that you do not try any incorrect postures or rectal intercourse as this can cause infections. Intercourse is generally allowed between week 12 to week 35. Post week 35 most doctors will ask you to abstain as it increases the possibility of vaginal infections. It can also lead to infection passing to the baby if your water bag were to break. It is also important to abstain from nipple stimulation during intercourse as this can lead to pre term labor especially post week 28. If you find that your nipples are leaking don’t worry this is absolutely normal. Additionally you may want to ask your partner to avoid touching your breasts as they may be sensitive.

Your Baby’s growth

Hurray! Your baby is completely formed and if seen through an ultrasound resembles a completely developed miniature baby. Let that Awww-some feeling sink in. A tiny version of you has almost developed in your womb and it’s the greatest feeling ever. The baby is however still quite tiny and needs the mother’s uterus to survive as it cannot support itself.

Your Pregnancy journey

As week 14 of your Pregnancy approaches, your feelings of tiredness and lethargy are now disappearing and you are feeling more active. This is a good time for you to consider enrolling yourself to a regular prenatal exercise class. Exercise helps us stay fit and healthy. In fact it has become an integral part of our modern life style. Hence it is but natural that even during pregnancy women consider exercise equally important. Traditionally exercise was not given a lot of importance. Women were actually encouraged to take it easy and slow down, as exercise was considered unsafe for the pregnancy. But this belief has been replaced, as there is a great amount of research that shows benefits of exercise during pregnancy.

• It helps the mom stay fit and healthy.
• It ensures optimum weight gain.
• It helps prevent / reduce pregnancy discomforts.
• It reduces the incidence of pregnancy complications.
• It prepares the body for the birth process.

It also helps the baby as the fetus of an exercising mom is also in essence exercising with her and hence reaping the benefits of exercise.

•It speeds up post partum recovery and helps the mom get back to her pre- pregnancy shape and size much faster.

So if you are thinking of starting an exercise program here are some things that you should keep in mind:

First and foremost, discuss your exercise program with your doctor. Your doctor is examining you physically and will be able to assess your over all pregnancy health. Women who have a healthy pregnancy are actually permitted to partake in most exercise programs. Naturally all contact sports must be avoided, jarring movements should be steered clear of and any activity which has a high risk of injury or falls should be kept on the back burner till that baby is safely delivered.
Think about what you plan to do and how you plan to achieve the same. It is best to start off with a qualified professional especially if you are exercising for the first time.

Always start slow and gradually build up repetitions and intensity as you gain more strength.

•Get the right clothing and always wear the right shoes. Clothing should be breathable which will ensure that you do not get over heated and the right shoes will help prevent injuries.

•Ensure that you eat a small healthy snack before your workout and always keep sipping water at regular intervals during the session.

During this phase most women will also develop a dark line which runs down the centre of your abdomen and is called the linea nigra. This is usually happens due to hormonal changes and will disappear after the birth of the baby.

Your baby’s growth

Think about how you would feel when you first hear your baby’s heartbeat! It’s joy can that cannot be measured. Your baby is a part of your flesh and blood and now is the time you can hear the baby’s heartbeat through the Doppler in your doctor’s office. At this point in time your baby can also swallow the amniotic fluid as its digestive system has developed and can urinate. Also the placenta completely nourishes the baby which is now app. 9 cms long. The baby has also now formed its eyebrows and small fuzzy hair also starts to sprout on the head in this week.

Your Pregnancy journey

Staying healthy and fit in your pregnancy journey is one of the most vital elements for all the to be moms. Walking is one of the safest and easiest exercises to begin with and does not even need supervision. Ensure that you walk at a pace that you are comfortable with. Think about the Talk and Walk test. If you can talk without getting breathless but would still prefer to avoid talking then that is the right pace for you. Most moms will be comfortable with a 30-minute walk everyday.

Your Pregnancy journey

You should be looking at getting some real good “Mom Time’ in this week. Relax yourself and indulge in a prenatal massage. Pre natal massages have tonnes of benefits to pregnant and new mums. You have to however make sure that you sign up with a professional therapist who is qualified and knows what she needs to do while looking after the safety and comfort of the mum and baby.

A professional qualified pregnancy therapist is aware about the pressure points need to be worked upon. She knows the pressure points that will provide relief to the mum and starts the process with caution and care.

A prenatal massage relieves the “mother to be” from aches and pains. A pregnant woman experiences pain or swelling in their lower back, abdomen, head, feet etc. A good therapist can ease swelling and pain thus providing comfort to the “to be mother” and helping her relax.

Prenatal massages help increase oxygen in the blood. It helps in blood circulation through all the parts of the body thus ensuring enough oxygen and nutrients reach the mum and baby. It helps to tone the muscles of the body and helps ease sciatic pain. Most women face sleepless nights in pregnancy and prenatal massages helps in relaxing the mother thus decreasing insomnia. Pregnancy massages also help during depression and eases stress in the mind of mums thus helping them feel better. Please make sure you only call on a professional therapist for these massages and make sure you get a go ahead from your doctor before you call on this service. Contact us at Awww to avail of this service today!

Your baby’s growth

This week your heart will skip a beat. Why you ask? During your doctor’s visit you will undergo an ultrasound and you will be able to see your baby for the first time. Lanugo which is known as fine hair is now starting to form all over your baby’s body. Your baby also has fingernails and toenails. It is now 16cms in length and weighs app.135 gms

Your Pregnancy journey

It is important to keep your body hydrated during pregnancy. Water is a must for absorption of nutrients and also to ensure that you do not get dehydrated. Mild dehydration can result in pre term contractions hence ensure that you keep that bottle of water close to you and keep sipping. A minimum of two litres and then drinking to thirst is the rule to follow.

Nasal congestion is common and because of this most pregnant women are very prone to coughs and colds. Drinking plenty of fluids will help keep your nasal passages hydrated. Also you could try and use a saline non-medicated nose drops to get relief. This week most mum’s also reportedly feel hot most of the time on account of the increasing fluid volumes in your body. You would also experience sweating much more than usual.

This may also be a good time to start off with some exercises with your partner.

PREGNANCY SQUATS:

Stand facing your partner and hold on to your partners hand for support. Your partner will help balance you. Spread your egs wide, point your toes out and gently squat. Go half way till your thighs are parallel to the ground and make sure that your knees do not cross the toe line. You can repeat the squats as per your comfort. Once you gain strength,
you can go lower and attempt a full squat as well. Remember to use your partner only for balance, and not to pull yourself up and down.

LEG RAISES: Lie down on your side and have your partner sit behind you. Your partner can place his hand on your ankle to provide counter pressure. Now raise your leg against the pressure being provided by your partner. This counter pressure will act as a weight, and will add intensity to your workout. You can repeat the leg raises as per your comfort and then turn over and work the other leg.

BUTTERFLY : Sit on the floor with your feet facing and touching each other. Your partner will sit in front of you. After you have done several gentle flutters in this position, have your partner apply pressure with his hands on both your knees. This has to be done gently and to the point of your resistance. This posture will help improve the flexibility in the inner thighs, and hence, prepare the body for labour and birth.

PREGNANCY BREATHING EXERCISE:
Have your partner sit with back support and you can lean against him for support. He can place his arms around you and place his hands on your abdomen to help monitor your breathing. Take a deep breath in, all the way to your lower abdomen and then slowly exhale. Repeat this a few times. Have your partner check that you are inhaling deeply.

Your baby’s growth

You are now a growing Yummy Mummy to be! Your uterus is now halfway between your navel and the pubis bone. The baby is slowly and steadily growing inside you and in no time you will have a small bundle of joy playing in your arms. Your baby is now bigger than the placenta.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Experiencing food cravings? Food cravings in pregnancy are quite normal. A midnight snack or a mid day craving is something your body call out for and its nothing to be worried about. Some mums experience cravings towards something they like and some experience cravings towards something that they don’t prefer all that much. All of which is very natural. Some Moms have a cravings for sweet, some have a cravings for something tangy in nature. Other moms crave junk food, cold desserts, yogurts so on and so forth.

A mom experiences food cravings when there is a deficiency in the mom’s nutrient levels. For eg: Some moms crave tangy food and these are foods which are high in vitamin C. Iron levels drop during pregnancy and vitamin C helps the body to absorb more iron and hence naturally asks for the mother to eat more of vitamin C foods. Make sure you follow a balanced nutritious diet to help curb cravings.
FOOD GROUPS

Your baby’s growth

Beginning to feel your baby’s first magical moments? Thos initial baby movements during this time make your baby seem much more real and in high spirits than the images on the ultrasound you are used to seeing. The movements would usually feel like gas bubbles or flutters. In most cases you may just think it’s indigestion but it’s actually your baby that you can now feel within you. Your baby now measures approximately 20cms and is much more active. You maybe also in for a bigger treat. If your lucky during an ultrasound you may see your baby grasping the umbilical cord or sucking its thumb.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Energy levels in the second trimester are high and technically this is the best trimester. We however do advise moms to listen to their body. They are doing a huge job of making the baby and if the body is asking them to rest then they should just drop everything and rest.

Most moms will be able to complete the daily routine at this time without any difficulty. If a mom is feeling fatigued then she should investigate her haemoglobin levels. There could be low iron levels that contribute to the feeling of tiredness and fatigue.

There are few things that you could look into and inspect in order to check if its normal fatigue or if it’s related to some deficiencies in the body during pregnancy

Low iron

Low iron is a characteristic of the second trimester and if the supplements have not been started or if the mom is skipping them she may feel exceptionally fatigued.

Blood pressure fluctuations

Fatigue may also be caused by fluctuating blood pressure levels. It’s advisable to check your levels with your doctor from time to time.
Thyroid evaluation
Finally investigating the thyroid function is also a good idea if all other reasons have been evaluated.

Eating healthy

Ensure that you are healthy balanced diet. Sometime if the mum does not receive enough nutrients this could also lead to low energy levels. Planning your meals means first understanding the different food groups. The base of every diet is the carbohydrates. These include your rotis, rice, breads, pastas and in general all cereals. These provide the fibres and also the nourishment to build every part of your baby. Ensure that you have minimum six or maximum eleven servings per day from this group. Equally important are your fruits and vegetables. They provide vitamins and minerals which help to support a healthy pregnancy. Ofcourse they are also low in calories and hence can be eaten in plenty. Ensure that you have a minimum of five servings from the fruits and vegetables category. The proteins are called the building blocks of cells and it is important to consume 2 to 3 servings of protein per day. Proteins help the baby to grow and also help optimum brain development. Calcium forms the baby’s skeletal system and the teeth and hence 3 servings of milk or milk products are ideal. Fats, oils and sweets should be kept to a minimum. A maximum of two tablespoons of oil/butter/malai/ghee should be consumed and frying of food should be completely avoided. If you have a sweet tooth try and find healthy alternatives or have a small portion. Restrict your intake of tea, coffee and other cola drinks as these interfere with iron absorption. Along with a healthy diet it is also important to not ignore your supplements which have been prescribed by the doctor. Remember to take them regularly without fail.

Your Baby’s Growth

Your baby’s cartilage is now starting to harden to form bones. The baby is forming tooth buds for his permanent teeth. Your baby’s brain is also beginning to rapidly develop in this week. The baby is beginning to develop sensory organs for smell, touch, hearing, vision, taste. It is advisable for the parents to speak to the baby during this time so the baby hears their voices and begins to recognise that. It helps develop a bond between the parent and baby while the baby is in his mothers womb.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Congratulations Awww Mom! You’ve now hit the half way mark! Have you experienced any Acne problems yet? Acne problems in Pregnancy is a common symptom that most pregnant moms face. Its nothing that you should be too worried or upset about. This is one of the skin problems that occur due to hormonal changes. The reason why this happens is because the sebacous glands in the skin become overactive and release more oily substances. This can cause the mom to break out into acne.

You can do a few things to help the situation.

Face wash

Make sure that face is washed well and use a non-medicated and non-perfume face wash. Make sure you pat the skin after washing it and not scrub it cause thaty could irritate it further

Make up

Do not prick or poke the pimples or zits. If you do use make up opt for water based makes up and not oil based because that could lead to excessive blocking of the pores.

Balanced diet and fluid intake

Drink plenty of water so you are hydrates and your pores clean out. Equally important are your fruits and vegetables. They provide vitamins and minerals which help to support a healthy pregnancy. Ofcourse they are also low in calories and hence can be eaten in plenty. Ensure that you have a minimum of five servings from the fruits and vegetables category. They will help keep you healthy and help keep away acne.

Over the counter medication

A lot of acne treatment creams available over the counter have certain ingredients that maybe considered harmful for your baby and you during pregnancy. Stay clear of those creams and prescriptions. Instead consult a Pregnancy skin expert and let them guide you on the safe products that can be used during Pregnancy. Contact Awww today to get skin expert advice during Pregnancy

Contact us at Awww and we can set you up with a skin consultation session with our experts to provide you with safe solutions,

Your Baby’s growth

The baby is slowly getting really active every week and at times you will notice your abdomen actually move. The uterus pushes your stomach outwards and slowly starts pushing towards the lungs. At this stage, the baby’s skin now also starts forming the protective vernix which clings to the hairy parts of the baby as well as the creases. This protects the baby from amniotic fluid Your baby is also developing a mixture called Meconium in its bowel. It’s a mixture of amniotic fluid dead skin cells etc which the baby will pass out as its first poop when its born. Some babies may also pass it out in the womb or during delivery Your baby is now app. 25cms long.

Your Pregnancy Journey
Experiencing a burning sensation in your chest? Heartburn, also known as acid reflux is a very common symptom in pregnancy because the hormone progesterone relaxes your muscles and stomach valve that keeps acid from getting into the eusophaegus. Also the uterus takes more space in the abdominal cavity, in a way forces the stomach acids to enter the eusophaegus.
YYou can take a few preventive measures yourself to help reduce or get rid of heartburn.

Avoid spicy and oily foods
Meals that are less oily and less spicy in nature should be preffered in order to avoid heartburns. You could lower the masala intake in food items and go for something for milder on your stomach.
Eat small frequent meals
Pregnant Moms would need to eat every 2-3 hour which means 6 meals. Follow the below mix of nutrients and food intake while timing them well in such a way that you eat more frequent small meals and avoid long gaps between the meals.

Avoid food such as carbonated drinks, excess chocolate, caffeine, acidic and citrus food items, fried, fatty food items and processed meat.
Consult your doctor
If the problem still persists, it is best to take medications prescribed by the doctor
Your Baby’s growth
This week you baby will have the urge to start kicking and tossing inside the uterus. It is very normal for your baby at this point in time to kick all over the place and just have a good time moving freely in your amniotic fluid. The baby is still small weighing only app.450gms. You may also begin to notice a pattern in the movement of your baby. It’s a great time and an amazing feeling. So enjoy it!

Your Pregnancy Journey

Yes, it’s that exciting part of your pregnancy where you would begin to notice a few changes in your body and the way it functions. You are a pregnant mom, there’s a new life growing inside you and these changes are only normal to experience. This article is meant to give you a brief overview on the body changes you are likely to experience and a few measures you can take to make this change more comfortable

In the first trimester there is no visible bump and pregnant mums will be able to hide the same. This is because the uterus is still in the pelvic cavity. However since it has started to grow it puts a little pressure on the bladder which accounts for the need to urinate frequently.

This need to urinate frequently also happens due to the hormone relaxin which causes the bladder muscles to relax. This means that the bladder does not understand that it is empty or full and many a times mums will fell the need to urinate more frequently

Belly size

After twenty the uterus has reached the belly button. Traditionally weeks of gestation would be counted by measuring the size of the uterus in centimetres. A doctor would generally measure the mothers abdomen with a measuring tape and determine the due date or the gestation age.
It is difficult for mom to hide the news now.

Buttocks

The moms buttock size also increases as the pelvis stretches to accomodate the growing baby and uterus. Many Indian myths state that if the buttocks are growing then the mom is carrying a girl and if the abdomen is growing then the mom is carrying a boy. However this is only a myth.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks also generally make an appearance in the second trimester. As the uterus grows the skin also stretches and when it can stretch no more it results in a stretch mark.

Dental Check up

Most moms will experience bleeding and or spongy gums. This is again due to the hormone relaxin. Since the gums are spongy there is a possibility of build up of plaque and tarter and this can lead to pre term contractions or early labor. It is also advisable for the mom to massage her gums after every brushing as well as ensure that she uses a soft tooth brush.

Your Baby’s growth

The baby now has a sleep and awake cycle which will continue in the first few weeks after delivery. Generally the baby is most active when you are resting which explains why new borns are more wakeful in the night and sleep more during the day.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Some Moms may start feeling the Braxton Hicks contractions at this stage of their Pregnancy.

Pre contractions or Braxton Hicks Contractions

Pre contractions– This is popularly also known as braxton – hicks contractions or fake contractions. Pregnant Mums usually experience this post week 28 of their Pregnancy.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Experiencing swelling in your feet? Feeling like you can’t fit any of your footwear? Are you uncomfortable with anything you wear to go out? Well dot fret, this is completely normal. In your third trimester most moms will experience swelling in their feet around the ankles and toes. It is also natural to go up by atleast one shoe size. The additional weight you carry in the baby tend to flatten your feet and the hormone relaxin tends to relax the muscles in your body including your feet which account for an increase in the length of your feet. Well you don’t need to worry about the problem anymore. Awww has the perfect solution for you.

Invest in a pair of specifically designed pregnancy shoes that come with insole cushioning and flexi leather belt that stretches and contracts to accommodate any increase in foot size and any swelling. The shoes are also specially crafted to offer you the best grip in the form of soles and we would advise you to wear this post delivery while carrying the baby as well. So go on a buy your maternity shoe pair from your shopping section.

Your Baby’s growth

Your baby is now about 32 cms long and weighs app. 500 gms. The top of the uterus which is called the fundus now reaches your navel. Most of your baby’ organs are almost developed but the lungs are not yet fully mature and hence the baby still needs the protection and safety of the uterus to survive. The baby will find it difficult to survive outside the uterus.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Well Mommy to be, this may be the time when you might start feeling cramps in your legs while sleeping. Ensure that you make a mention of the same to your doctor or to your prenatal instructor who will guide you with relevant exercises and tips. If you haven’t already please do sign up for a good exercise session with a qualified pre natal instructor who would be able to customise exercise sessions for you as and how your body needs it.

The baby may be pressing against the bladder which will induce frequent urination. This need to urinate frequently also happens due to the hormone relaxin which causes even the bladder muscles to relax. This means that the bladder does not understand that it is empty or full and many times mom will come back from the bathroom and immediately feel like going back again. Also in the second trimester your uterus will move into the abdominal cavity however the urge to urinate often in Pregnancy will continue as and how the trimesters proceed and the baby gets ready to come into this world.

Your Baby’s growth

Yayy!! The small little human inside you is now growing quickly and is developing at each stage. Looks like your inching closer to the big day when your baby will finally be playing in your arms and you would be able to touch, cuddle and feel your baby. The baby’s soft cartilage initially is now beginning to harden in the form of bones.

Your Pregnancy journey

As the stomach grows the pressure on the back increases and this can lead to back ache. Good posture is imperative to preventing back ache. Mom should ensure that she sits erect, pushes her chest out and throws her shoulders back a little. To facilitate this she can use a small pillow or a wedge pillow while sitting. The same wedge pillow can then be used to support her while sleeping. The same concepts of good posture should be applied while standing and walking. Mom should avoid slouching.

Invest in a good body pillow

As your proceed through your pregnancy, Your doctor would advice you to sleep on your sides and not your back. It’s a good time now to invest in a body pillow now and to make it a habit to start sleeping on your sides with the help of your pillow. (Contact Awww to get one today)

Exercising

Exercising and walking increases the intake of oxygen supply to your body, keeps you healthy, active and positive and helps keep you fit. Sign up to a good prenatal exercise session and map out a schedule for a time to exercise with the experts taking care of your safety and customising an exercise plan for you as per your body’s needs and requirements (Contact Awww for more info)

Your Baby’s growth

We are sure that by now this weekly section is an exciting read to understand what happening to your baby. Well a few weeks earlier we mentioned a translucent paper skin developing on the body of your baby covering various organs. At this stage now the baby’s translucent, paper thin skin, changes and is gradually becoming opaque.

Your Pregnancy Journey

You are carrying a miniature version of yourself inside your uterus and by this stage weight gain becomes steady and noticeable.
Pregnancy is a time of growth. As the baby grows, your body changes and you gain weight. The amount you can expect to gain depends on your weight before pregnancy.

While it is important to gain enough weight, you will want to avoid gaining too much. Gaining too much weight may make delivery harder. It may also make it harder to get back to the weight you were before you became pregnant. It is a good idea to watch your calories so that you do not get overweight. Being overweight is not healthy for a pregnant woman’s body too. A good well balanced diet is sufficient for you and your baby. You do not need to eat twice the proportions. You just need to eat right and increase of an additional of 300 calories a day through the right combination of food is enough for your body Consult a prenatal nutritionist for guidance on the correct diet to be followed at every trimester of your pregnancy in order to nourish the baby and not put on unnecessary weight.
Your Baby’s growth

Your baby’s skin is beautiful, soft, tender and very delicate. It is taking on a more opaque form. On account of being exposed to the amniotic fluid, your baby’s skin at this stage of your pregnancy seems wrinkled. However it is protected by the vernix.

Your Pregnancy Journey

You are slowly inching closer to the last few weeks of your pregnancy. At this stage you are probably experiencing different changes in your body, in your bottocks, waist etc. Your breasts will also change in size and will feel tender and sore in different parts of your pregnancy trimesters. By now you are probably already using a good pregnancy bra. If not please look at investing in one. At this stage your breasts may also leak colostrum. However the presence or absence of colostrum during pregnancy is not indicative of the amount of breast milk you will produce in the post natal period.

You could look at buying a few maternity essentials to keep you comfortable and happy during your pregnancy

1. MATERNITY BRAS: This is a very wise investment. The first pregnancy change even before you miss your period is breast changes. The breast becomes tender and sore, and the areola darkens. It is important to wear the right bra for comfort and to prevent sagging. You may have to change sizes frequently, so don’t buy too many pieces. Always remember to try them on before buying.

2. MASSAGE LOTION: Pregnancy changes are most prominent in the abdomen, breast and buttocks. Use a vitamin E based massage oil or lotion from the 12th week on to help reduce the incidence of stretch marks. You can continue using this even post delivery.

3. MATERNITY CLOTHES: You may be able to use your regular clothes up to the 5th month, but invest in a couple of maternity pants and jeans which you can mix and match with various tops. Choose basic and neutral colours as this will help you to stretch your wardrobe.

4. SUPPORT PILLOW: Shaped like a wedge, this pillow supports the abdomen when you sleep and can offer lumbar support when you sit. Contact Awww for details on this today

5. BODY PILLOW: A body pillow will help support your back and your legs when you sleep. The pillow also helps you to maintain your side sleeping position and will prevent you from rolling over on your back. Contact Awww for details on this today

You will now also be visiting the doctor once in two weeks. If your blood group is RH negative the doctor will recommend an antibody check.

Your Baby’s growth
Your baby at this stage has extensively developed but is still quite tiny in size. The baby is now about 38cms long and weighs app.900 gms. In some pregnancies if the baby is born now he/she has a good chance of survival.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Your baby is growing bigger every week and hence. The uterus now occupies most of the abdominal cavity and all the internal organs are pushed out of the way. There is a lot of pressure on the diaphragm, stomach and intestine. It is important for mums in this phase to eat well, drink lots of fluids and rest well. Now would be a good time to look at planning a really nice maternity photoshoot. It will take your mind off a lot of the pregnancy related discomforts and will bring in some excitement. It also serves as a great way to create memories for this all important phase in your life.

Imagine a beautiful studio setup with lovely backdrops, lighting and a team that is waiting to make that day and this pregnancy phase extra special for you. You can choose from a whole set of unlimited props and pose your way through the photoshoot with your partner. We also have a makeup artist ready to make sure you look amazing in all those photos. While planning the maternity photoshoot it might also be a good idea to get a good deal on your baby photo shoot session.

Contact Awww and let us help you capture these memories forever!

Your Baby’s growth

This week your baby is growing bigger in size. The baby’s head is growing bigger to accommodate the brain. Your baby is now on her way to fully developing the remaining parts of her body which includes the muscles, lungs and so on.

Your Pregnancy Journey

You will soon be a mommy and as you have noticed by now, as and how the weeks proceed by, you will find your uterus becoming heavier and larger. It disturbs your centre of gravity and can cause you to loose your balance. Back aches are very common in this phase. Another pregnancy change which contributes to the back ache during pregnancy is the change in the size of the breasts. This is generally something which most pregnant moms will ignore. Here is what happens; The breast increases in weight and this causes the shoulders to droop forward. Most pregnant women by the third trimester have a deep arch in the lower back due to the growing uterus and shoulders drooping forward due to the growing breasts. Both these physiological changes can be managed by a simple posture correction. You could do a few things to help relieve yourself of them.

1. Stand sideways in front of a mirror, such that you can observe yourself full length at a side angle.

2. Make sure that when you stand, your feet are placed firmly on the ground with a 6 inch gap between them.

3. Next push your chest out and push your shoulders back.

If you are sitting, especially for long hours at work then follow these simple steps to correct your sitting posture;

1. Sit comfortably on the chair seat such that your buttocks are touching the back of the chair.

2. Your feet should reach the floor and be flat.
3. Your thigh should be at a slight angle to the floor. Which means that the knee should be inclined downwards.

4. Always tuck a small pillow in the small of your back for support – especially when sitting in office, in the car or
watching television.

Avoid slouching. Sit upright and use a good multipurpose pillow or a wedge pillow while sitting so it can support your back and take the pressure off it due to the growing belly.

Your Baby’s growth

You should definitely communicate with the baby more in this phase. Maybe read to him or sing to him or just have a conversation because your baby at this stage is very aware of its surroundings. This will help you form a lovely bond with your baby while he is still in your womb and im sure he smiles and is the happiest to hear your voice If you have experienced the Braxton hicks contractions yet, your baby would have felt it too. Your baby also now reacts to other external sounds and light.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Now that your uterus is growing in size, the weight falls on your body. You may find yourself getting tired around this period. Breathlessness is very common during this time of pregnancy. You may notice feeling exhausted doing normal every chores or when you indulge in simple activities like climbing the stairs, when you exert yourself or talk continuously. But do not worry, even though you feel breathless the oxygen to the baby is adequate. You can do a few things to help you feel better in this phase

Deep Breathing

Make some time everyday to do some deep breathing. Concentrate on your breath as you breathe in and breathe out and this practice is not only good for you and your baby’s health but will also help you deal with pregnancy anxieties and breathlessness. Take a few moments! While climbing stairs mom should pause at every landing take a few deep breaths and then proceed further.

Exercises-

Exercises as suggested by your prenatal care provider can also help deal with the feeling of breathlessness. However along with breathlessness if you experience chest pain, cough or severely not being able to breathe you must call your doctor immediately. Try and prepare yourself with nursing wear and gowns so that you don’t have to run around once the baby is born. You must buy nursing inner garments nursing kurtis/gowns with zips. Look through our section on Awww to help you plan this well.

Your Baby’s growth

As each week passes by our baby is getting ready to make its way into the world. Your bond with your baby is one of the most unique in the world and the baby feels and listens to everything along with his mom. It is a magical time and the wait will soon be over. The baby now weighs app. 1800 gms.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Waking up in the middle of the night with some scary intense dreams? Don’t worry! Getting intense dreams is fairly normal and occurs in a light sleep state. Since pregnant mom’s are constantly find themselves waking up to urinate and al also since she is uncomfortable due to her growing belly and is not allowed to sleep on her back it can make her sleep light and disturbed. You could use a good body pillow to help you sleep better, have some warm milk before you go off to sleep. Exercising and mediation can also help in this stage

Your baby’s growth

Whenever you have a doctor’s appointment going forward, the doctor will assess important factors like the baby’s position, heart rate and growth. The baby will now slowly start assuming the head down position as this is the ideal position for birth. Also now your baby is 42 cms long. There are fat layers beginning to form below the skin to form and if the baby is born now it will need to be placed in an incubator to regulate the body temperature.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Since you are in the last few weeks of your pregnancy and your probably already hearing a lot about C section and natures birth, let’s give you soem perspective on the circumstances under which your doctor would opt for a C section. At times a mom may go into labor and then certain conditions may need to opt for a surgical birth. Some moms may just not go into labor and be over due, in this case if induction does not work then a C section is the only option. In few cases, a mom may go into labor but the cervix may not open and it is not possible to physically cut the cervix, hence the baby would have to be delivered by a C section. In other cases the mom may go into labor, the cervix would also open but the baby does not move down and that would result in a C section too. Also during the labor process if the baby shows signs of distress or the mom develops a temperature due to an infection or if her blood pressure shoots up, the doctor would go in for a C section procedure.

If the condition is not an emergency the doctor will opt for a spinal block which means the mom can be awake and greet her baby at birth. If it is an emergency then the doctor will opt for general anesthesia and deliver the baby asap.

Moving away from the topic of C section, now is also an important time for you to look at baby home proofing options. Your baby will begin crawling post 6-8 months and it’s important for you to get some professional knowledge on the subject and find out how this can be a saviour to you and your baby’s safety needs. Contact the experts at Awww and we will provide you a workshop session and a product kit that can be used at home to protect your baby from any dangers at home.

Your baby’s growth

Yayy!! your baby is now in the 33rd week and inching closer and closer to entering the world !! Last week we spoke about how the doctors would check on the baby to make sure the baby is assuming the head down position. By now the baby should have adopted the head down position which it will maintain till delivery. Also the baby’s football like kicks now become more subtle as there is less space for it to somersault in the uterus since the baby has increased in size.

Your Pregnancy Journey

By now you are feeling heavy, overweighed and probably really realy tired. It might be a good idea to consider signing up for a prenatal massage. Pre natal and Post natal massages have tonnes of benefits to pregnant and new mums. Provided you sign up with a professional therapist that is qualified and knows what she needs to do while looking after the safety and comfort of the mum and baby.
A prenatal massage carried out by a professional therapist can relieve the “mother to be” from aches and pains. A pregnant woman experiences pain or swelling in their lower back, abdomen, head, feet etc. A good therapist can ease swelling and pain thus providing comfort to the “to be mother” and helping her relax.

Your baby’s growth
Your baby’s skin by now has built fat under it and is keeping the baby warm and cozy inside your uterus. The baby’s skin colour that was previously more opaque like is now changing. It is now pinker and it turns towards light.

Your Pregnancy Journey

If you have already signed up for a Pre Natal Class you will notice that at this stage, Your child birth classes will now start focusing on the labor and delivery process. The class would start coaching you on the breathing patterns and positions to be employed during labor and delivery. If you have not already signed up for this class please consider doing so. You might also start developing back ache in this phase as your muscles and ligaments start relaxing in preparation for labor. At this stage it might also be a good idea to start preparing your hospital bag.

Labor can start anytime once you are in week 37 and when you do feel the contractions you do not want to scramble around or take stress regards your hospital bag. Of course most hospitals will provide everything for the mother for use during labor and even gowns for the stay so do not worry. Check with the hospital if they will be providing the items for the baby and pack accordingly. Pack essentials like Toiletries, maternity pads, warm socks, chapstick, gum, camera etc.

Your baby’s growth
The baby now is about 44 cms long and weighs app.2500 gms and is almost fully developed. Your baby’s kidneys and liver are now fully developed. Most of your baby’s physical body’s parts are now developed and the baby will continue to grow in size and weight over the next few weeks.

Your Pregnancy Journey

In this week your care giver will want to see you every week till delivery. At this stage your baby’s head gets firmly fixed in the pelvic cavity and it is now difficult for the baby to change position. You will feel your abdomen sink lower. This will reduce the pressure in your upper abdomen which will lead to you being able to breathe easier and will also result in the return of your appetite. However the pressure in the lower abdomen will cause extreme pressure in the pelvic area and the need to urinate more frequently which is absolutely common.

You are also thinking a lot about Labour and Contractions at this stage. Labor and contractions go hand in hand. Pain is an outcome on account of the contractions. Labour can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours especially for first time moms. Let’s talk a little more about the contractions. Firstly what do contractions mean? Contractions mean that the uterine muscle is contracting and squeezing and while doing so it pulls at the mouth which is the cervix is causing the effacement and the dilatation. By the time most moms realize they are in labor, they are already dilated 3 or 4 cms when they reach the hospital. After you reach the hospital the resident ob/gyn will examine you in order to confirm that you are indeed in labour.

Your baby’s growth

The baby is almost fully ready and is now about 49cms long. Your baby in this week will shed most of its covering hair on the body and also the vernex caseosa, the waxing coating that protected the baby’s skin all this while from the amniotic fluid. At this stage your baby is getting ready to enter the world in a couple of weeks

Your Pregnancy Journey

Let’s make this a more chilled out week for you, mom cause soon the little bundle of joy is going to enter the world and be a part of your life. How are you announce the arrival of the one you love the most in the world? Well it might be fun to plan it this week. You could go with a beautiful poster announcements, customised chocolates or cupcakes maybe? You could also look at getting some different baby announcement gifts ready as per your choice, budget and preference. So what will it be? Confused? Need some help with planning the birth announcement? Contact us at Awww and let us help you plan the best birth announcement kit ever.

Your baby’s growth

Your baby is now a full grown mini human inside you. At this stage your baby may start getting hiccups which will cause rhythmic tapping movements in your abdomen. You may be able to see your abdomen flutter and move and the sight is pretty amazing.This is the baby practicing breathing movements although the lungs are completely closed

Your Pregnancy Journey

Since labour and delivery is all on your mind in this stage of your pregnancy, lets take you through the signs and the labour process so you know what to expect
Some signs to look out for when you are about to go to into labour are- The frequent urge to empty bowels, spasmic lower back pain. You would also notice a sudden rush of energy. You may feel like to want to clean the house, or go shopping, cook and in general would be really pumped up.

Labour stage 1: This is when you would realize that you’re in labor and will be rushed to the hospital because the baby is on its way soon. In this stage the cervix which is also known as the mouth of the uterus effaces (becomes thin) and dilates which means it opens. Normally the cervix has to efface upto 100% and dilate up to 10 cms which is the size of the baby’s head.

Labour stage 2: In this stage the process of actual birth giving takes place. The baby makes its way from the uterus, into the birth canal and outside into the world.

Labour stage 3: In the third stage of labour the placenta is delivered. This happens spontaneously. After the baby is born, and the cord is clamped onto the placenta and the placenta automatically starts separating from the wall of the uterus and is delivered. This is also referred to as “afterbirth”.

Your baby’s growth

The baby has grown in considerable size and the baby moves much less now. Instead of full fledged kicks or body movements you only feel jabs and prodding movements cause of the increase in size. The baby’s head would now move inside the vagina causes eerie sensations in the vaginal area which is a very new experience for you. The baby is now growing rapidly and can put on as much as 25 gms per day.

Your Pregnancy Journey

Since you are very close to giving birth, its good to know what you feel when the process starts. Your body is starting to prepare for labor. The cervix starts to soften in preparation for birth and the number and intensity of Braxton hicks contractions increases. The level of amniotic fluid reduces.
Closer to the birth the contractions are very intense. This is when most moms will feel a loss of control and will probably ask for some pain relief. But there is no point in taking any pain medications at this time as birth is just about to happen.

Once the body is completely ready the mom will feel a strong urge to push and bear down. This can also be compared to passing a hard motion. The sensation is unmistakable and mom will be fully aware of the fact that the baby is now ready to come. As the baby’s head crowns she will feel a burning sensation in her perineum as it stretches to accomadate the head of the baby.

As the baby comes thru the contractions pause and mom will feel intense relief and a huge sense of achievement. She is very excited and over whelmed. She is keen to meet her baby and get breast feeding started and at the same time wants to shout from the top of the world that she is a mom.

Your baby’s growth

As you approach the last few weeks of your pregnancy, the baby starts taking the position for birth automatically. What is this position? Gravity helps by pulling the baby’s head which is the heavy part towards the pelvis. Also the baby naturally finds it comfortable to find space for his head in the pelvic cavity.The pressure on the cervix increases as the baby’s head descents downward thus making the cervix shorter and thinner

Your Pregnancy Journey

As your due date approaches you will feel anticipation along with fear of the unknown and un experienced. Soon labor will start and your baby will be a tangible part of this universe and your life. Here are 3 areas you need to monitor when you go into labour
They are Frequency, Duration and Leaking. Let’s take you through what these actually mean.

Frequency
Frequency means how far apart your contractions are. This is timed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction. The closer the frequency of your contractions, the closer you are to delivering your baby.

Duration

Duration means the actual length of the contraction. This is measured as the time taken from the start of one contraction to the end of the same contraction. The longer the duration of your contraction, the closer you are to labour. You could request your husband or close family of friends to time these for you so you know the progress in labour.

Leaking

Leaking refers to the amniotic fluid. This is your baby’s sterile environment and if you are leaking then it means that they baby is also susceptible to infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you’re leaking and inform them so that you can get to the hospital and the doctor can probably induce labor and deliver the baby.

Once you are on your way out to the hospital, pick your hospital bag and do not forget to pack in all the reports as the doctor may need to refer to the same.

If you still don’t go into labour at week 40, you wil be induced into it somewhere at week 41 or 42 provided its safe to wait till then and the baby heart rate, movements ets are all well.

Your baby’s growth

Your baby is all grown now and ready to enter the birth canal anytime now and enter your lives. He/she can’t wait to meet his parents and say hello to the beautiful people in the world that await his arrival.