Did you know that 1 of 4 of all pregnant women have some bleeding or spotting during their pregnancy? Bleeding during pregnancy can have a variety of causes and maybe nothing to worry about. Spotting during the first trimester can be quite common and some bleeding can still happen after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Now why does this generally happen? Sometimes there's no obvious reason for … [Read more...]
Are you wondering what you can possibly stomach when you're dealing with the unpleasant symptoms of queasiness in the early parts of your pregnancy? I'll share with you now the seven best foods to eat if you're experiencing morning sickness. A pregnancy diet that's high in protein and complex carbohydrates is not only good for your baby, it can also help keep your nausea at bay. Think whole … [Read more...]
Why is maintaining vaginal pH important for your health? The pH level of your vagina, whether it's acidic or basic, plays an important part in determining whether it's healthy. During the reproductive years, the vaginal pH is between 3.5 and 4.5. After menopause, the pH of the vagina track rises to about 4.5 and even as high as six. This can create an environment that increases the risk … [Read more...]
You're not alone if you have experienced vulva varicosities. 55% of women will suffer varicose veins in their lifetime, according to a study done by the American College of Phlebology. This may not be a hot topic of conversation, but many women experience swelling of veins in the vagina or vulva during pregnancy. This condition often occurs during pregnancy due to the increased blood … [Read more...]
When you're pregnant, hemorrhoids (also known as piles) can occur because your hormones make your veins relax, causing swollen blood vessels in or around your anus. Constipation plays a starring role in their appearance, so if you want to avoid or ease them, it's essential to prevent or manage constipation. On the other end of the spectrum, they can also be aggravated by diarrhea. Now, how … [Read more...]
Whether you're an expecting mother preparing for childbirth or a birth partner seeking ways to support your loved one, this blog will help you understand the benefits of perineal massage and learn how to incorporate it into your pregnancy and birthing journey. First of all, what is the perineum? The perineum is the space between the opening of the vagina and the anus. Typically, the … [Read more...]
Looking after your tear or episiotomy after the birth of your baby, the thought of tearing or having an episiotomy in childbirth can be worrisome. Yet there are measures you can take to help produce the chances of this happening. If you sustain a tear or an episiotomy, knowing how to look after your body will help your healing and recovery process. So what can you do? Did you know that a PT … [Read more...]
Understanding vaginal discharge changes can help expectant mothers feel more confident and informed about their pregnancy journey. Is it normal to have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy? Increased levels of hormones like progesterone can also make you produce more fluid. So why does this happen? This helps prevent any infections traveling up the vagina to the womb. So first of all, … [Read more...]
This is a lifesaver when you're recovering postpartum. A Sitz bath is a pool of water that you can sit in with only your hips and bottoms submerged. The name comes from the German word "zitzen" which means, you guessed it, to sit! What are the benefits of using a Sitz bath for pain and relief after birth? Sitz baths offer a number of benefits during the postpartum period. They're known … [Read more...]
During your birth, you might sustain a tear which may or may not need stitches. There are four different types of perineal tears. First degree tear it's usually involves the skin and doesn't need any stitches. A second degree tear, this is slightly deeper, involves some layers of the muscles around the perineum. The third and fourth degree tears - these are more extensive and involve the tear … [Read more...]
