If you’re struggling with dry skin while pregnant, it’s good to know that you have many ways to find relief. Many of the best solutions for dry skin are safe to use during pregnancy. Plus, you’ll find that moisturizing your skin can also provide you with additional benefits that include helping you to stay hydrated. Taking a look at the causes of dry skin and how to address your symptoms helps you sail through your pregnancy with greater comfort.

Why Does Skin Get Dry During Pregnancy?

According to The Bump, the primary cause of dry skin during pregnancy is changing hormone levels, especially estrogen and vasopressin. The process of your skin stretching and an increased need for fluids to support your baby can also contribute to skin dryness.

Hormonal Changes and Their Effects

Estrogen isn’t the only hormone that impacts skin health. According to the National Library of Medicine, androgens play a crucial role in your skin’s sebum production.

Increased Blood Volume and Fluid Distribution

Pregnancy also increases your blood volume to ensure that there is adequate flow to support your developing baby. According to the Texas Heart Institute, your blood is made up of about 80% water, which makes staying hydrated extra important.

Common Areas Affected by Dryness

Dryness is more likely to occur on the parts of your body that stretch as your baby grows, such as your breasts and stomach. Your facial skin can also be impacted due to its exposure to outside elements.

Safe Skincare Products During Pregnancy

Finding safe skincare products while you are pregnant involves looking for gentle ingredients that won’t harm your baby or make dry skin worse.

Identifying Harsh Ingredients to Avoid

According to Babylist, retinoids are unsafe to use during pregnancy, since they are linked to a risk of birth defects. You’ll also want to avoid harsh exfoliants and other chemicals that irritate your skin.

Selecting Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizers

During pregnancy, choosing gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers helps you care for your skin safely. Look for ingredients that are known for being mild and coming from natural sources.

Daily Habits to Retain Skin Moisture

Establishing a few simple lifestyle habits can help you enjoy moisturized skin during pregnancy and beyond.

Limiting Shower Time

Showering is important for hygiene. But, you’ll want to keep your showers short to avoid rinsing away your skin’s natural oils.

Choosing Lukewarm Water Over Hot

Hot water loosens the protective top layer of your skin and causes more natural oils to get washed away.

Gentle Cleansing Practices

Make sure to use a soft washcloth or loofah, and use gentle motions to wash your skin.

Importance of Regular Moisturizing

Taking the time to moisturize your skin regularly helps to replenish the oils that you lose while bathing.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin Relief

You may be able to begin enjoying dry skin relief without leaving your home by exploring these remedies for dry skin.

Using Grocery-Bought Natural Remedies

Choosing ingredients from your grocery store helps you feel more confident about their safety as you moisturize your skin during pregnancy.

Incorporating Yogurt into Skincare Routine

According to Healthline, yogurt helps to lock in moisture, and you can combine it with turmeric, honey and aloe vera to increase its benefits.

Indulging in Milk Baths for Skin Relief

Milk also contains nourishing components, such as lactic acid, that are good for skin health.

Nourishing Oils for Skin Health

According to WebMD, coconut, argan and olive oil are just a few nourishing ingredients that help moisturize dry skin.

Additional Preventative Measures

Following these strategies can further help you enjoy more hydrated skin.

Maintaining a Humid Environment at Home

Using a humidifier could help increase moisture in the air to prevent your skin from drying out.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking more water is important for helping your body maintain proper hydration for skin health and supporting your growing baby.

When to See a Doctor

You’ll want to see your doctor if the dryness is accompanied by redness, peeling or other signs of potential skin conditions that go beyond dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick read through these common questions helps you start caring for your skin faster.

Is it normal to have super dry skin during pregnancy?

Yes, many people notice their skin getting drier during pregnancy, but there are remedies to moisturize your body.

How can I stop dryness during pregnancy?

Avoiding harsh ingredients, too hot water and scrubbing can all help improve skin dryness.

How to hydrate your skin during pregnancy?

Nourishing your skin with natural oils, more hydration and common ingredients found in the grocery store can help you hydrate your skin safely.

The post Why Is Skin So Dry During Pregnancy? appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Pregnancy brings some major changes to your body. Naturally, your stomach will get rounder as your baby grows. But, you don’t have to give up on your goals for staying fit. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and avoiding a few unhealthy habits can all work together to help you feel and look your best over the next several months.

Importance of Balanced Nutrition

A balanced diet helps your body get the extra calories and nutrients it needs to support a growing baby. Following these tips will help you hit this goal.

Dietary Needs

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, you’ll need approximately 300 extra calories each day. Making sure that these extra calories come from nutrient-rich foods ensures that each one provides the most benefits.

Managing Cravings and Appetite

Supporting a developing baby naturally increases hunger. But, you’ll find that eating a variety of healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables can help you stave off pregnancy cravings in a healthier way.

Foods to Include and Avoid

Avoiding sweets and fats is best to maintain fitness. While an occasional sweet treat is usually fine, you can try enjoying a piece of fruit or other nutrient-dense food when a craving strikes.

Substance Precautions: Alcohol and Tobacco

If you use tobacco, then talking to your physician about cessation strategies can help you quit. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are no safe times when you can use alcohol during pregnancy. The upside is that avoiding alcohol also helps you avoid drinking empty calories.

Understanding Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Some weight gain is inevitable, considering that your body is supporting a growing baby. But, you don’t have to stress about stepping on the scales when you follow healthy lifestyle practices.

Expected Weight Gain by Trimester

According to the American Pregnancy Association, a person starting at a normal weight for their body type should only gain around 28 to 35 pounds during the entire pregnancy. Broken down, this includes about 1 to 4.5 pounds during the first trimester.

Once you hit the second and third trimesters, your baby’s rapid growth can lead to an average weight gain of around one to two pounds per week. Attending your prenatal appointments helps you make sure your weight gain stays on track.

Setting Realistic Body Goals

Pregnancy isn’t a time to try to lose weight or start an extreme workout regimen. However, you can embrace this time as an opportunity to begin implementing healthier lifestyle habits. Eating more nutritious foods, moving your body and focusing on stress prevention all help you to improve your overall wellbeing.

Safe Exercise Options During Pregnancy

Finding safe exercises can help you round out your fitness plan and maintain better cardiovascular health that supports your developing baby.

Activity Recommendations for Each Trimester

According to Healthline, you can typically continue your normal workout routines during the first three months of pregnancy as long as you aren’t high-risk or experiencing problems.

By the time you hit your second trimester, you may need to modify certain exercises. For instance, wall push-ups may be safer compared to traditional ones on the floor.

During the third trimester, changes in your energy levels and balance may influence your workouts. Focusing on gentler exercises such as swimming can help you build endurance and stamina that will help out during labor and delivery.

Prenatal Yoga Benefits

Prenatal yoga can help ease those pains in your joints and back as your ligaments loosen. You can also enjoy greater relaxation as you perform breathwork that helps you prepare for labor.

Swimming for Fitness and Relaxation

The buoyancy you enjoy in the water makes swimming one of the best workouts for feeling weightless. You can also do water aerobics without putting too much strain on your joints.

Walking as a Gentle Exercise

Walking is one of those exercises that you can do anywhere, and it builds strength and endurance. You can also break walks up into several shorter ones to accumulate exercise minutes throughout the day.

Practical Methods to Incorporate Daily Movement

Building exercise into your normal day routine helps you stay fit during pregnancy. You’re also more likely to stick to your workout regimen after your baby is born when it’s a natural part of your day.

Building Exercise Into Daily Routines

Taking a walk after lunch or dinner is just one way to make exercise a normal day activity. You might also choose to start your day with a round of prenatal yoga. Or, you could go for a swim in the evening.

Setting Realistic Fitness Goals

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you should aim to get around 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. Breaking this up into 30-minute workouts five days a week is one way to create a realistic workout regimen.

If you are new to working out, then speak with your doctor first. You might also begin exercising for only a few minutes at a time until you build up more stamina.

Importance of Mental Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of rapid change that can strain your mental health. Prioritizing stress management can help you sail through pregnancy to greet your baby with a positive mindset.

Stress Management Techniques

Exercise is just one form of stress relief. You can also practice deep breathing, meditation and enjoying your favorite hobbies to help you feel calmer and focused.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Mindful meditation helps you to stay focused on the present moment, which can alleviate anxiety about what the future holds for you and your growing baby.

Strategies for Adequate Rest

Sleeping may get harder when those baby kicks wake you up. Or, you might find that back discomfort makes it challenging to get comfortable in bed.

Establishing a Relaxing Sleep Environment

Eliminating any distractions can help you get better sleep. For instance, you might want to hang light-blocking curtains and use a white noise machine to drown out street sounds. You can also use pillows to support your body for greater comfort.

Healthcare Consultations and Guidance

According to Mayo Clinic, you should have your first prenatal visit as soon as you suspect or know that you are pregnant. Following that initial visit, you’ll need regular checkups to assess your baby’s development and your overall health.

Importance of Regular Check-Ups and Professional Advice

Regular prenatal appointments may take time out of your schedule, but they are vital for monitoring your pregnancy. These check-ups are also a great time to get answers to those random questions that pop up, such as whether a new exercise is safe.

Hydration During Pregnancy

Hydration is essential for helping your body have what it needs to form amniotic fluid and prevent dehydration that could cause dizziness.

Understanding Fluid Needs

According to the ACOG, you should drink around eight to 12 cups of water each day.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch Out For

Feeling thirsty or dizzy is a sign of dehydration during pregnancy. You’ll also want to watch out for reduced urine output or feeling excessive fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have a few common questions that develop about pregnancy and fitness. Reading through these gives you a good start on improving your wellbeing.

How to stay lean during pregnancy?

Staying lean during pregnancy is possible by eating nutritious foods and exercising, along with avoiding too many fats and sugar.

Which month to start exercise during pregnancy?

Starting exercise is possible every month, but it’s always best to begin working out as early as possible.

What is the 5-3-1 rule in pregnancy?

The 5-3-1 rule in pregnancy is based on a concept that involves maintaining close social ties that benefit mental health. You can easily achieve the rule of spending time with five different people each week, enjoying three close relationships and one hour of social time each day, by joining a fitness group.

Can you get fit and toned while pregnant?

Sticking to your healthy lifestyle practices can help you develop leaner, toned muscles during pregnancy.

What is the golden rule for every pregnant woman?

The golden rule for pregnant women is to listen to your body. Prioritizing a healthy diet, stress management and exercise should make you feel good each day.

The post How to Stay Fit and Thin During Pregnancy appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

If you go through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) to start a family, you will be given progesterone. This is to help the process along and make it easier for a pregnancy to occur. When a woman conceives naturally, the placenta makes the hormone to retain the pregnancy. Taking progesterone in the first 16 weeks of a pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technology (ART) helps to prevent the risk of miscarriage.

What Is Progesterone?

According to Cleveland Clinic, progesterone is a hormone found in the female reproductive system. It sends messages to the body to support the menstrual cycle and helps maintain the earliest stages of pregnancy. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus to support a fertilized egg – an embryo – to implant. When pregnancy does not occur, the hormone allows the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, to shed during menstrual periods.

When to Stop: General Timing Guidelines

After IVF or IUI results in pregnancy, your healthcare provider will instruct you to take progesterone to prevent miscarriage. According to the Society for Reproduction and Fertility, it’s recommended to stop taking it up until the 16th week. However, some studies indicate that it’s better to stop by the 12th week.

Factors Influencing Progesterone Withdrawal Timing

Certain factors influence progesterone withdrawal timing. They include pregnancy test results, patient history and previous loss, presence of complications and type of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Test Results

A positive pregnancy test result doesn’t mean you stop taking progesterone. Consult with your doctor to confirm how far along you are, and they’ll instruct you on the next steps.

Patient History and Previous Pregnancy Loss

A patient’s history and previous pregnancy loss can determine when she should stop taking progesterone. According to Epic Research, studies have shown that women with a history of miscarriages who take the hormone are 18% less likely to experience a miscarriage.

Presence of Complications

Progesterone sometimes causes complications in pregnant women. These issues can occur from both too low and too high doses and may include fatigue, anxiety, depression, hypertension and even preterm labor. If a patient has experienced prior complications, her healthcare provider will tailor her treatment based on those issues.

Type of Pregnancy

The type of pregnancy can influence when you should withdraw from taking progesterone. If you are carrying a single fetus, it’s best to stop after the first trimester because the placenta will make its own progesterone. However, if your healthcare provider determines that you are in the high-risk category, you may take it for longer.

Key Studies and Clinical Trials

Key studies and clinical trials have shown when you should stop taking progesterone during pregnancy. Specifically, there are insights from the PROMISE trial and other significant studies.

Insights from the PROMISE Trial

According to Facts About Fertility, research from the PROMISE trial was published in the 2020 edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study showed positive outcomes when women took vaginal micronized progesterone in their first trimester of pregnancy. Study participants who previously suffered miscarriages had a 66% rate of live births.

Other Significant Studies

Other significant studies have shown that progesterone during the first trimester may have positive impacts on pregnancy. According to PubMed, participants in the PREGNANT trial were 45% less likely to experience preterm birth. Another study, the MIST trial, also found a lower risk of the same when given weekly intramuscular injections of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

Risks of Early or Late Withdrawal

Withdrawing from progesterone during pregnancy carries risks. Some occur when stopping early and others when withdrawing late from the hormone.

Risks of Early Withdrawal

The biggest risk of early withdrawal is miscarriage. Going off progesterone too soon can compromise the viability of a pregnancy because it can negatively affect the endometrium, making the uterus inhospitable for the embryo.

Risks of Late Withdrawal

Late withdrawal can also threaten a pregnancy. Key risks are the uterine lining being insufficient for the placenta to produce its own progesterone.

Side Effects and Monitoring

Stopping progesterone after IVF or IUI can result in side effects and must be watched. It’s crucial to know those potential impacts and how levels are monitored.

Potential Side Effects of Progesterone

Some of the side effects of progesterone are common, while others are rarer. According to the Mayo Clinic, the more typical ones include cold or flu-like symptoms, chills, fever, chest pain, urination problems and cough. It’s wise to consult with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

Monitoring Progesterone Levels

Your healthcare provider can monitor your progesterone to ensure safety. This can be done by testing your blood or urine or through an ultrasound. If necessary, your doctor can modify your levels.

Making the Decision to Stop Progesterone

If you decide to stop progesterone, you need the facts. This requires working with your healthcare provider and getting individualized withdrawal plans.

Working with Your Healthcare Provider

Work with your healthcare provider when preparing to stop taking progesterone. They will monitor you with ultrasounds to determine the best time and safely taper you off the hormone.

Individualized Withdrawal Plans

Healthcare providers create tailored withdrawal plans for pregnant patients going off progesterone. To do this, they monitor you and consider your potential risks so you can withdraw as your body produces it naturally.

Different Contexts of Progesterone Use

There are different contexts of progesterone use in pregnancy. They involve IUI and IVF, and natural conception, respectively.

Progesterone in IUI and IVF

Progesterone is critical for women undergoing IUI and IVF. According to Stanford Medicine, it is administered in the latter case after egg retrieval and continued daily for the following two weeks. You continue taking progesterone even after a positive pregnancy result as instructed by your doctor.

Progesterone in Natural Conception

Progesterone plays a key role in natural conception to maintain pregnancy. It prepares the uterus by thickening its lining, allowing a fertilized egg to implant. As the fetus develops, the placenta creates its own progesterone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if I Stop Taking Progesterone While Pregnant?

You can suffer a miscarriage if you stop taking progesterone too early for the placenta to produce it naturally.

Can Too Much Progesterone Harm a Baby?

Too much progesterone can pose risks to a baby. In pregnancies involving IVF, it can lead to miscarriage, and in natural conception, it can cause a molar pregnancy.

Should I Stop Progesterone at 12 or 16 Weeks?

You must follow your doctor’s advice on when to stop taking progesterone. Everyone is unique, so some women must stop earlier while others do so later.

How Long Are You Supposed to Take Progesterone in Pregnancy?

Typically, you must take progesterone up until the 16th week of pregnancy.

The post When to Stop Taking Progesterone During Pregnancy appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Pregnant women must be aware of the risks of too much caffeine consumption. An excess can raise blood pressure, which poses a risk of preeclampsia and other complications. However, if you don’t have a high-risk pregnancy, you can safely have matcha in moderation. Only consume one cup per day after your first trimester.

Benefits of Consuming Matcha During Pregnancy

There are benefits to consuming matcha during pregnancy. It’s rich in antioxidants, provides vital nutrients for fetal development and may reduce stress levels.

Rich in Antioxidants

According to The Bump, matcha is rich in antioxidants, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most prevalent. Such catechins have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants are essential in protecting against oxidative stress, which can damage cells and DNA.

Provides Vital Nutrients for Fetal Development

Matcha offers vital nutrients for fetal development, making it a good choice of drink for pregnant women in moderation. According to Baby Center, it provides vitamins A, C and K and iron to support growing fetuses.

May Reduce Stress Levels

According to The National Library of Medicine, experiments have shown that matcha may reduce stress levels. This is due to the amino acid theanine. Stress reduction is a significant benefit for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Risks of Consuming Matcha During Pregnancy

There are risks of consuming matcha during pregnancy. They include caffeine content concerns, potential impact on folic acid absorption and quality and purity of matcha products.

Caffeine Content Concerns

According to Miracle Cord, drinking too much matcha during pregnancy can lead to an excess of caffeine intake. Pregnant women should limit their levels to 200 milligrams per day, or they risk poor sleep. Even riskier, excessive caffeine from too much matcha can lead to low birth weight, pregnancy and other problems.

Potential Impact on Folic Acid Absorption

Careless matcha consumption during pregnancy can have potential impacts on folic acid absorption. Folate is crucial in preventing neural tube defects in unborn babies. Women who drink matcha in moderation can protect their babies and improve folic acid absorption.

Quality and Purity of Matcha Products

The quality and purity of matcha products matter, especially if you’re pregnant. Only choose reputable, organic brands that weed out contaminants. The best quality matcha powder is vibrantly green, smooth and has a non-bitter taste.

Recommendations for Safe Matcha Consumption

There are ways to safely consume matcha during pregnancy. This involves consulting healthcare professionals, tailoring caffeine intake, choosing high-quality matcha and avoiding supplements.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Consult your team of healthcare professionals to ensure it’s safe to drink matcha during pregnancy. If you’re not in the high-risk category, they may tell you it’s safe to consume it in moderation during your second and third trimesters. According to Miracle Cord, it’s best to avoid matcha during your first trimester and to be mindful of portion sizes as your pregnancy progresses.

Tailoring Caffeine Intake

Throughout your pregnancy, carefully tailor your caffeine intake. If you limit it to matcha consumption, scrutinize the label of your product and measure your servings to avoid overdoing it. Never guesstimate; use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision.

Choosing High-Quality Matcha

Don’t be fooled by cheap matcha brands. According to Healthline, certified organic varieties reduce the risk of impurities that can harm your unborn baby. Only high-quality matcha is safe to consume, especially during pregnancy.

Avoiding Supplements

Avoid taking supplements with matcha to prevent problems, such as a lack of absorption. Wait at least two hours or longer before resuming your intake of iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B and folic acid to ensure you get the maximum benefit.

Matcha Consumption Timing and Quantity

When you’re pregnant, matcha consumption timing and quantity are crucial. This means monitoring daily intake and ensuring strategic timing for consumption.

Monitoring Daily Intake

You must monitor your daily intake of matcha. Read labels and measure the powder when preparing your drink. It keeps your caffeine under control and protects your unborn baby.

Strategic Timing for Consumption

Because matcha can interfere with folate absorption, you must develop strategic timing for consumption. According to Bearaby, it’s best to wait at least an hour after taking a prenatal vitamin to have a cup.

Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers

Considerations exist for breastfeeding mothers who drink matcha. They include your personal caffeine tolerance and caffeine’s effects on nursing.

Personal Caffeine Tolerance

Your personal caffeine tolerance is important when breastfeeding due to concerns of passing it to your baby. However, according to Baby Center, you can consume up to 300 milligrams of matcha per day safely.

Effects of Caffeine on Breastfeeding

Too much caffeine can make your baby fussy to the point where their sleep quality deteriorates. By monitoring your matcha intake and keeping it low, this isn’t a problem. Only a tiny amount of caffeine is passed to your child through breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Drink Green Tea During Pregnancy?

You can drink green tea in moderation during pregnancy. This means limiting your intake to 200 milligrams per day or having decaffeinated options.

How Much Green Tea Is Safe During Pregnancy?

One cup, up to 200 milligrams, is safe.

What Are the Best Teas to Drink While Pregnant?

Decaffeinated teas are the best to drink while pregnant.

How Much Caffeine Is in Green Tea?

According to Healthline, a cup of green tea contains 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine.

The post Is Matcha Safe During Pregnancy? appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Expecting a baby causes hormones to go wild. As a result, mothers can find themselves yearning for the cliche pickles and ice cream combination. However, pregnancy cravings can be weirder, with women consuming things they never imagined. This can include food and even non-food items, also known as pica cravings.

When Do Cravings Typically Start?

According to The Bump, pregnancy cravings can start at any time, but many women experience them in the first trimester. This is due to the surge in hormone levels, and foods you never cared for may suddenly seem irresistible.

Common Theories Behind Cravings

Pregnancy cravings are widely misunderstood, but theories exist to explain them. According to Northwestern Medicine, the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormones, estrogen and progesterone causes your sense of taste and smell to sharpen, making you crave certain foods.

Unexpected Craving Examples

Pregnant women can experience unexpected cravings, some harmless, some dangerous. Examples include peanut butter and pickles, chocolate-covered bacon, pickles with ice cream, soap and ice, raw garlic and fruit, dirt and starch and spicy food with ice cream.

Peanut Butter and Pickles

According to Baby List, pickles are one of the most common foods women crave during pregnancy. Although they’re usually paired with ice cream, pickles and peanut butter are a weird mix. This non-conventional pregnancy craving isn’t considered cliche by many moms.

Chocolate-Covered Bacon

Some women crave chocolate-covered bacon during pregnancy due to its sweet and salty contrast. It’s believed that the increase in blood flow causes a desire for more sodium. Chocolate is also a common favorite regardless of pregnancy status.

Pickles with Ice Cream

Pickles and ice cream give you a mixture of juicy and salty and cold and sweet. According to WebMD, women raised to believe that this combination is associated with pregnancy are likely to crave it when expecting. This is heightened for those who consider pickles and ice cream to be comfort foods.

Soap and Ice

Some women crave the odd combination of soap and ice during pregnancy. Consuming the former can be dangerous, but the latter is safe. Soap and ice cravings may indicate an iron deficiency.

Raw Garlic and Fruit

Although strange, raw garlic and fruit is a common pregnancy craving due to hormonal changes. Both are also healthy: the former boosts the immune system and cardiovascular health and the latter aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins and minerals.

Dirt and Starch

One of the weirdest yet common pregnancy cravings is dirt and starch. According to the American Pregnancy Association, women have the urge to eat these substances when they lack certain vitamins and minerals from normal food.

Spicy Food with Ice Cream

Spicy food with ice cream doesn’t exactly mix, but it’s a common pregnancy craving. Women who enjoy a little spice may want it more due to the burst of hormones in their bodies, and ice cream is a favorite treat. The dessert can also soothe the heat of spicy food.

Non-Food Cravings: A Peek into Pica

Non-food cravings are common for some women during pregnancy. It’s crucial to understand what pica is and typical non-food items craved and consumed.

What Is Pica?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pica is a craving for non-food substances. Although rare, some women develop this issue when expecting a child. It’s unknown what causes pica cravings, but some theories indicate that iron deficiency is the culprit.

Common Non-Food Items Craved

The most common non-food items pregnant women crave are clay, dirt and starch. Others are coffee grounds, ice, mothballs, soap and toothpaste.

Nutritional Insights from Food Cravings

Pregnant women experience food cravings for various reasons. Nutritional insights include hormonal influences and possible deficiencies.

Hormonal Influences

Pregnancy increases estrogen and progesterone to help a fetus develop. This surge in hormones causes a sharper sense of smell and taste as well as food cravings. It can also cause women to eat things they would otherwise avoid.

Possible Nutritional Deficiencies

According to the World Health Organization, pregnant women experience possible nutritional deficiencies crucial for their developing babies. This includes vitamin A, folate, iodine and iron. Pregnancy can cause women to crave foods and even non-foods rich in these nutrients.

Managing Bizarre Cravings Safely

If you’re pregnant, there are ways to manage bizarre cravings safely. They include making healthier choices and consulting with healthcare providers.

Making Healthier Choices

Even if you only crave sugary treats or salty junk food snacks during pregnancy, healthier choices can better benefit you and your baby. For example, if you’re craving chocolate, consider having an apple with a drizzle of honey. If you want a salty snack, a handful of raw almonds is nutritious and satisfying.

Consulting Healthcare Providers

If you find yourself experiencing pica cravings during pregnancy, it’s best to consult with healthcare providers. A doctor can evaluate you, determine whether you have any nutritional deficiencies, give you advice and provide treatment. Don’t shrug off weird cravings because they might be harmful to you and your baby.

Psychological Factors Behind Cravings

Psychological factors apply to pregnancy cravings. They include emotional comfort and food and social and cultural influences.

Emotional Comfort and Food

Food is often a source of comfort, so pregnant women turn to it to soothe difficult emotions. Emotional eating isn’t always physically or psychologically healthy. Pregnancy cravings can cause a mom to make poor food choices.

Social and Cultural Influences

Pregnancy is associated with “eating for two” in many cultures. Women might eat the wrong foods or eat twice the normal amount. However, according to Medline Plus, most only need 300 more calories during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Strangest Pregnancy Craving?

Non-food items like dirt, chalk and charcoal are among the strangest pregnancy cravings.

What Is the #1 Pregnancy Craving?

Ice cream is the top pregnancy craving.

What Are Weird Cravings During Pregnancy Called?

Weird pregnancy cravings are called pica, which encompasses non-food substances.

What Are Some Typical Cravings of Someone Who Is Pregnant?

Some typical pregnancy cravings are ice cream and pickles, peanut butter, spicy food, red meat, fruit and cheese.

The post List of Weird Pregnancy Cravings appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Chiropractors manipulate spinal areas to relieve pain and pressure. Many people respond positively to adjustments to manage their symptoms. These are myths about chiropractic care debunked.

Myth: Chiropractors Are Not Real Doctors

There is a myth that chiropractors are not real doctors, but they must meet educational and licensing requirements and uphold professional standards and regulations. Comparing chiropractic education to that of medical doctors brings understanding to this misconception.

Educational and Licensing Requirements for Chiropractors

According to the National University of Health Sciences, chiropractors must obtain education for their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and state licensure. Like doctors, they must also complete laboratory studies and clinical internships before practicing.

Comparing Chiropractic Education to Medical Education

According to the University of Bridgeport, chiropractors must meet clinical requirements to care for patients and obtain licenses. This involves studying anatomy, neurology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology before pursuing clinical science education. Like doctors, chiropractors must undergo a year-long internship and make rotations to complete their training and begin treating patients.

Professional Standards and Regulations

Chiropractors must abide by professional standards and regulations. According to the American Chiropractic Association, this means following the ACA Code of Ethics to maintain professionalism.

According to the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, all health care professionals are regulated to ensure statewide professionalism. Regulations include obtaining scientific undergraduate education, graduating from an accredited chiropractic college, undergoing examinations and background investigations and understanding state laws.

Myth: Chiropractic Adjustments Are Dangerous

One of the most common myths is that chiropractic adjustments are dangerous. This is false based on techniques and methods used, risks and benefits of chiropractic care and safety records and studies.

Chiropractic Techniques and Methods

According to Medical News Today, there are over 130 different chiropractic techniques for easing pain and increasing range of motion. Examples include the activator, diversified, flexion distraction and Thompson drop-table methods. Techniques involve gentle or forceful hand manipulation of the joints, depending on the patient’s condition, and sometimes, specialized instruments are used.

Risks vs. Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care has both risks and benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment by someone not formally trained and unlicensed may be dangerous. Chiropractic is also risky in individuals with severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, herniated disc, increased stroke risk or spinal compression.

According to Cleveland Clinic, chiropractic care has benefits. It can improve posture, relieve migraines, ease pain, increase range of motion, treat minor neck and spinal injuries and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

Safety Records and Studies

According to the American Chiropractic Association, studies show chiropractic care is safe and effective at relieving pain and decreasing the need for opioids. Research has also shown that adjustments alleviate chronic and acute low back pain and benefit those with cervicogenic headaches.

Myth: Chiropractic Care Is Only for Back Pain

Many believe chiropractic care is only for back pain. However, it also applies to head, neck and joint conditions, plays a role in overall wellness and preventative care and can be used for athletes and rehabilitation.

Applications for Head, Neck and Joint Conditions

Chiropractic care can treat migraines and neck-related headaches, arthritis and joint pain. It relieves neck and upper spine pain and improves mobility in patients with degenerative disc disease.

Role in Overall Wellness and Preventative Care

Proper alignment with chiropractic care can improve your immune system’s functionality and give you better protection from ailments. It can also promote better mental health.

Chiropractic Care for Athletes and Rehabilitation

Athletes who have chiropractic care see improvements in flexibility and reduced wear and tear-related musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic rehabilitation relieves chronic back pain, joint stiffness and range of motion. It’s a minimally invasive option compared to surgery.

Myth: Chiropractic Is Not Scientifically Valid

Some argue that chiropractic is not scientifically valid. Research and evidence supporting its efficacy, the integration of chiropractic care in conventional medicine and stories and testimonials from patients debunk this myth.

Research and Evidence Supporting Chiropractic Efficacy

Research shows that chiropractic care is effective for back, neck and shoulder pain. It can also treat musculoskeletal ailments, migraines and sports injuries.

Integration of Chiropractic Care in Conventional Medicine

Chiropractic care is sometimes incorporated into conventional medicine. This is especially true in treating spinal conditions and osteoarthritis.

Stories and Testimonials from Patients

Most patients positively view chiropractic care. Stories and testimonials often note improvements in back or neck pain, headaches and even sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Scientific Evidence That Chiropractic Works?

Many scientific journals highlight evidence of chiropractic effectiveness. Studies show it can treat back and neck pain, spinal conditions and headaches.

Why Do Doctors Discourage Chiropractors?

Doctors discourage chiropractors because their treatment approaches differ from traditional medicine.

Does Chiropractic Have Any Actual Benefits?

It eases back, neck and shoulder pain, migraines and osteoarthritis symptoms.

What Is a Red Flag in Chiropractic?

It’s a sign that it can counteract with certain conditions. For example, people with high stroke risk, severe osteoporosis and spinal cancer are poor candidates for chiropractic care

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The increasing weight and hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy often causes problems such as low back pain, joint pain, sciatica, pelvic discomfort and leg pain. Chiropractic methods offer a drug-free way to reduce discomfort without posing a risk to the growing fetus.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Chiropractic care can help to relieve pregnancy-related discomfort without the use of strong medications that could injure the fetus. Chiropractic care is also associated with shorter labor times and fewer problematical deliveries.

Alleviating Back Pain and Sciatica

According to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic methods are proven to aid in relieving lower back pain and the pressure on the sciatic nerve that can lead to leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.

Promoting Optimal Pelvic Balance

The increasing weight at the front of the body can lead to changes in posture that create an imbalance in the pelvis. Chiropractic treatment helps to restore normal balance to improve comfort and function.

Enhancing Labor and Delivery Outcomes

Studies listed at the U.S. National Library of Medicine indicate that chiropractic treatment can have a beneficial effect on the length of labor and reduces the risk of breech delivery.

Speeding Postpartum Recovery

The improved pelvic balance and spinal function associated with chiropractic care can help individuals recover more quickly during the postpartum period.

Techniques Used in Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors receive specialized training for the treatment of their patients during pregnancy, which involve modified techniques to safeguard both mother and child.

Overview of Common Techniques

Chiropractors are trained in using specialized pillows or tables to prevent pressure on the abdomen during treatment. The Webster technique has been used for many years and been shown to be beneficial to pregnant patients.

The Webster Technique Explained

The Webster technique is a chiropractic method that involves gentle adjustment of the sacrum and pelvis, using the hands and specialized chiropractic instruments, to improve comfort and function in pelvic area.

Safety and Effectiveness of Techniques

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association recommends and approves the use of the Webster technique for individuals during pregnancy.

Safety Considerations

During pregnancy, individuals should take extra care to avoid pressure on the abdomen. Chiropractors can modify their techniques to accommodate pregnant patients’ needs.

Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions

Many people believe that chiropractic treatment involves vigorous manipulation of the body that might be injurious to a baby in utero. However, chiropractors receive specific training for their patients who are pregnant that utilize special equipment and gentler techniques.

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

Pregnant individuals should always inform their obstetrician/gynecologists before receiving chiropractic treatment to ensure that no condition is present that would make the treatment inadvisable.

Identifying Qualified Chiropractic Practitioners

Many chiropractors make a point of informing patients about their training for pregnancy care. You can often find this information on their websites. If this information is not available, ask the chiropractors whether they have received training in chiropractic pregnancy care and how much experience they have providing treatment for pregnant patients.

Impact on Baby’s Well-being

Whether and how chiropractic care affects the baby in the womb is a natural concern for pregnant patients. Clinical studies and years of experience show that chiropractic treatment has many beneficial effects.

Potential Benefits for Fetal Positioning

Adjustment of the lower spine and pelvis can provide better balance in the pelvis and more space for the growing fetus.

Improved Pelvic Space and Development

Improved pelvic space provided by chiropractic treatment allows the infant to move more freely and also permits the flow of blood and nutrients throughout the uterus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of going to the chiropractor during pregnancy?

In general, chiropractic treatment can cause localized, temporary discomfort. In a healthy pregnancy, there are no additional risks when treated by a trained, qualified chiropractor.

Can I lay on my stomach at the chiropractor while pregnant?

You should avoid putting pressure on the abdomen during chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors use special tables and pillows to accommodate pregnant patients.

Can you get your lower back adjusted while pregnant?

According to the Spine-Health site, lower back pain is a common problem during pregnancy. Chiropractic care has been found to safe and effective for relieving low back pain during pregnancy.

Why is OB/GYN an important subject for chiropractors?

The OB/GYN medical specialty is of particular importance for chiropractors because of the frequency of spinal, muscular and nerve problems that can occur during pregnancy. Chiropractors study special techniques to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, while providing the care needed to maintain good function and greater comfort during the months of pregnancy.

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During the months after birth, the body is still recovering from the rigors of pregnancy and the birth process. In addition, the individual’s lifestyle and habits change radically from their pre-pregnancy status. These factors combine to make it difficult to lose baby weight and can contribute to continued weight problems in the postpartum period.

Hormonal Changes

After birth, the body may take some time to adjust back to the pre-pregnancy state. Pregnancy hormones and those involved in breastfeeding can lead to weight gain.

Lifestyle and Routine Adjustments

Everything changed after your baby is born, and these changes often have a big impact on your daily routine, limiting the time spent on healthy eating and getting proper exercise.

Nutritional Factors

Caring for a newborn is time-consuming, and you may not give the time and attention to your normal food shopping and meal planning habits. Also, you may be accustomed to eating larger portions and having treats around the house that you allowed yourself during pregnancy. These poor eating habits can continue post-pregnancy, making it harder for you to lose weight.

Psychological and Social Influences

Non-food factors can also affect how people feel about their bodies and their ability to manage their weight.

Body Image Perception

Throughout pregnancy, a person must deal with many physical changes. Your usual sense of your body and how it feels can become distorted. During the postpartum period, you may expect a fast return to your pre-pregnancy state, and you may become discouraged when this doesn’t occur as quickly as you’d like.

Social Expectations and Pressures

Social expectations about how an individual should look and how quickly they should lose their pregnancy weight can put psychological pressure on individuals struggling with weight in the postpartum period that can be very unhealthy. Keeping in mind that you are an individual, with unique factors affecting your weight can help you to resist this negative pressure.

Importance of Emotional Support

If you share your weight concerns with your family and friends, they can help you to stick to your chosen diet plan and can avoid providing the temptations that will tend to derail your success.

Strategies for Managing Postpartum Weight Gain

Good weight management strategies don’t happen by accident. Having a plan in place and proper nutrition on hand can help you succeed in reaching your weight goals.

Nutrition and Meal Planning

Careful meal planning can help you to avoid consuming fattening foods that don’t contribute to good nutrition. Focus your menus on lean meats and fish, legumes, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts and healthy oils to provide maximum nutrition and reduced calories.

Physical Activity Recommendations

According to the Johns Hopkins Health site, regular exercise improves physical function and weight control both during pregnancy and after the birth. A daily exercise regime can generally be done at home, with home-based equipment, videos and Zoom classes, if you cannot find the time to get to the gym for your workout.

Stress Management Techniques

According to the University of Utah Health Library, stress hormones can contribute to weight gain after birth of a child. Engaging in yoga, tai chi, meditation and mindfulness can help to manage the stress from the constant physical demands and sleeplessness involved in caring for an infant.

Importance of Adequate Sleep

Developing a working schedule can take some time with a new baby. You may be up several times during the night, feeding, changing and comforting the infant. Your own sleep needs can suffer, and this can cause physical changes that lead to weight gain.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re eating more than usual, have trouble with sleeplessness or find you’re losing confidence in your ability to manage your emotions, reach out for professional help.

Consultations with Nutritionists

Talking with a nutritionist can help to clarify how your current diet is contributing to weight gain and what changes you can make to not only improve your nutrition, but also manage your weight more effectively.

Support from Healthcare Providers

Stay in close contact with your healthcare providers after pregnancy and share your concerns about managing your weight. Your doctor can suggest dietary changes and other measures that will help you to stay on track with your weight goals.

Mental Health Considerations

Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression can worsen under the stresses of pregnancy and birth and can cause changes in eating habits. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects as much as 1 and 9\8 individuals after birth, according to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control. It’s important to get psychological help at the first sign of symptoms such as lack of pleasure in usual things, overeating or undereating, sleeplessness or constant fears about being a good mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I gaining so much weight after pregnancy?

Hormonal readjustment, pregnancy eating habits, lack of time for oneself, fatigue and postpartum depression can all play a part in weight gain after pregnancy.

Why is it harder to lose weight after having a baby?

The demands of caring for a newborn baby often take more of your attention than self-care, which can result in poor eating habits, less time for exercise and hormonal imbalances that make managing your weight more difficult.

What causes weight gain during breastfeeding?

The kinds and amounts of food required to maintain a good supply of breast milk can contribute to increased weight during the breastfeeding period.

How to keep pregnancy weight after birth naturally?

After a careful assessment of your current eating habits and lifestyle, you can mindfully make the corrections in diet, exercise and mental attitude that will help you to achieve and maintain your desired weight.

The post Why Do Women Gain Weight After Pregnancy? appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

The frequency and types of chiropractic techniques needed to help you keep functioning well during your pregnancy can be tailored to your individual needs. Common problems like low back pain, shoulder pain, sciatica and hip discomfort can be resolved with manual adjustment, trigger point therapy and other specialized techniques.

When to Start Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic techniques can help during all three trimesters of pregnancy for the physical discomforts that commonly arise.

First Trimester Benefits

In the first trimester, chiropractic treatment can help to relieve nausea that commonly occurs in the early months, as well as the joint pain that may accompany the production of pregnancy-related hormones.

Considerations for Each Trimester

During the first trimester, you should inform your chiropractor that you are pregnant, so they can use techniques that are appropriate for your condition. In the second trimester, increased production of pregnancy hormones can lead to increased dysfunction in muscles and joints. In the third trimester, the growing fetus and shifting of weight to the front of the body can require additional chiropractic treatment for the spine, hips and pelvis.

Key Techniques in Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use a variety of specialized techniques to help maintain comfort and function during pregnancy.

Overview of the Webster Technique

According to the Healthline site, the Webster method is a chiropractic technique that focuses on the pelvis and sacrum, to provide more room in the uterus for the growing fetus.

Techniques for Fetal Positioning

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the Webster technique can have a beneficial effect on breech deliveries and should be considered when fetal positioning is in question.

Managing Intrauterine Constraint

According to the National Institute of Medicine, intrauterine constraint is defined as any maternal condition that constrains the growth of the fetus in utero, which can contribute to a number of abnormalities. Chiropractic care can help to alleviate uterine constraint to prevent problems during the birth and during infant development.

Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can help to relieve common issues and can help you maintain good physical function during the month of pregnancy.

Alleviating Common Pregnancy Discomforts

Increasing weight in the abdomen often causes individuals to compensate with changes in posture. This can cause back strain, joint discomfort and neck pain.

Promoting Overall Wellness

Chiropractic treatment can relieve backaches and joint pain, as well as contributing to improved mood during pregnancy.

Preparing the Body for Delivery

Chiropractic care is associated with shorter labor time, reduced back labor and fewer breech presentations.

Frequency of Chiropractic Visits During Pregnancy

The frequency of your chiropractic treatments will depend on your own physical comfort and any health issues that may arise.

Adjusting Frequency According to Trimesters

You may find that you need to increase the frequency of your chiropractic treatment as your pregnancy progresses.

Personalized Plans Based on Individual Needs

Your chiropractor will tailor your care plan to your individual needs, which will include your current health condition, your stage of pregnancy and any physical problems you are having.

Safety Precautions for Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors are trained in special techniques needed for treatment of individuals during pregnancy and will ensure that no undue pressure is placed on the abdomen during treatment.

Importance of Consulting Healthcare Providers

Inform your obstetrician if you are receiving chiropractic treatment, so that they can advise you on any specific health issue your chiropractor should keep in mind.

Avoiding Certain Positions Like Lying Flat on Back

Lying flat on the back can increase discomfort for the pregnant patients and places increased pressure on the fetus. Your chiropractor will utilize other positions during your treatment.

Monitoring Personal Comfort Levels

Listening to your body is always good advice, but it is particularly relevant during pregnancy. The physical stresses of increasing weight, pregnancy hormone production, and shifting center of gravity can lead to unexpected aches and pains.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you start going to the chiropractor while pregnant

You can begin going to a chiropractor as soon as you begin to experience the physical effects of pregnancy hormones on your body.

What age can a baby go to a chiropractor?

Infants can begin treatment after the first few weeks of life.

Does insurance cover chiropractic during pregnancy?

Many, but not all, health insurance companies cover chiropractic treatment to some extent as part of their coverage. Check with your insurance company to find out if your chiropractic care is covered by your policy.

The post When to Start Chiorpractic Care During Pregnancy appeared first on Healing Hands Chiropractic.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the present of hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is excreted into the body when conception has occurred. A number of medications and conditions can affect the levels of hormones in the human body. However, alcohol generally will not affect the ability of a pregnancy test to detect this hormone. In addition, not following the directions on the test carefully can also lead to an inaccurate result.

Does Alcohol Affect Pregnancy Test Accuracy?

Alcohol consumption does not have a direct result on pregnancy tests. These tests are designed to detect the presence of a certain hormone associated with pregnancy. Alcohol does not affect the production of this hormone.

Can alcohol alter hCG levels?

According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol cannot alter hCG levels in the body. But some types of medication can affect

Can alcohol cause false positives or negatives?

Alcohol does not cause a false positive or false negative on a pregnancy test, but it can have an indirect effect on the results of a test.

Factors that can influence pregnancy test accuracy

A number of factors can influence the accuracy of a pregnancy test.

Timing of the test

Taking a pregnancy test too early will not give an accurate result because it takes time for the cHG hormone to filter through the body. You should wait at least 10 days after a missed period before taking a pregnancy test.

Expiration and sensitivity of the test

According to WebMD, a pregnancy test that has passed its expiration date will not give an accurate result, so you should pay attention to the date on the package. If you have passed the expiration date, throw it out and purchase a new test.

Dilution effects from fluid intake

You should avoid drinking too much water before a pregnancy test, which can dilute the gCG in urine and cause an inaccurate test result.

Mechanism of detecting hCG

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the level of hCG in urine. This hormone is only produced by the placenta when a pregnancy has occurred. The test strip is treated with certain chemicals that can detect the presence of this hormone.

How pregnancy tests work

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of cHG, a hormone that is produced when the individual is pregnant. You should take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning, when cHG levels in urine are highest. If you take the test later in the day, wait at least three hours after the last time you urinated. Make sure you carefully time the test as recommended in the directions. If you look at the result too soon, it may not be accurate. Waiting too long before reading the test will give an inaccurate result.

Drinking Alcohol Before a Pregnancy Test: What to Know

Individuals who suspect they might be pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol, which can cause problems with development of the fetus.

Potential concerns for unplanned pregnancies

An unplanned pregnancy can be a surprise. You may not have been taking measures to protect your health and your baby’s health. You should immediately stop drinking, stop taking recreational drugs and make an appointment with an obstetrician/gynecologist to learn the best ways to safeguard the health of yourself and your coming baby. A healthy diet, exercise, refraining from certain activities and regular visits to your doctor will ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

When to seek medical advice

If you take two pregnancy tests and get different results, you should contact your physician to get a more accurate pregnancy test. If you have a negative test result and still do not get your period, you should contact your doctor for further investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can alcohol mess up pregnancy test results?

Alcohol does not affect pregnancy test results. However, some medications can interfere with accurate results, and some conditions can affect test accuracy.

What interferes with pregnancy test results?

According to the Drugs.com website, most medications people take will not affect a pregnancy test result. However, some drugs can produce a false positive, such as anti-anxiety medications, anti-nausea medications and anti-psychotic drugs. In addition, if you are taking infertility medications, the drugs can interfere with accurate pregnancy test results because they affect hormone levels.

When to stop drinking before a pregnancy test?

If you suspect you are pregnant and intend to take a pregnancy test, stop drinking a day or two ahead of testing. This measure will allow your body fluids to normalize for the test. Because alcohol can affect the development of the fetus, you should stop drinking as soon as you suspect you might be pregnant.

Can you drink too much before a pregnancy test?

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause you to drink more water to counteract dehydration. The more you drink, the more dehydrated you will become. As a result, you will want to drink more water to replace fluids. You should stop drinking a day or two before taking a pregnancy test to avoid diluting your urine, which can affect test results.

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