Prenatal vitamins—why do they matter, how do you choose, and what do they do? Whether you’re trying to conceive or you’re already pregnant, prenatal vitamins are very beneficial to your baby’s health. 

A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need—but you could still be lacking some key nutrients. That’s where prenatal vitamins come in. They fill the gaps in your nutrition, so you and your baby can be at your healthiest. 

When Do You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

Most of the time, you’ll want to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. Your doctor might even suggest that you keep taking them even after your baby is born, especially if you’re breastfeeding. 

What Makes Them Different From Other Vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins usually contain more folic acid and iron than your standard multivitamin. This is important because folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects or serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. The iron in a prenatal supports your baby’s growth and development and can prevent them from having anemia. 

There’s even been some research suggesting that taking prenatal vitamins can decrease your risk of having a baby who is small for their gestational age. 

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some women report feeling nauseous after taking prenatal vitamins. If you find yourself feeling this way, try taking your vitamins with a snack or meal, or before you go to bed for the night. Sometimes the iron in your prenatal can cause constipation. If you’re experiencing this, here are a few things to try:

• Drink lots of water
• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet
• Include more physical activity in your routine, as long as it’s safe
• If the problem persists, ask your doctor about using a stool softener

What About Other Nutrients?

Omega-3 fatty acids can help with your baby’s brain development but aren’t found in every prenatal vitamin. If you don’t eat a lot of fish, chia seeds, walnuts, or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, your doctor might recommend a supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamins. 

Calcium and vitamin D are also very important, especially during your third trimester. That’s when your baby’s bones are growing quickly and getting stronger!

How Do You Choose a Brand?

Prenatal vitamins are widely available over-the-counter from most pharmacies or grocery stores. Your doctor might suggest a specific brand that they trust, but they also might leave it up to you. Generally, you just want to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, calcium, iron, and vitamin D—those are the basics. If you can find prenatals that also contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, iodine, and copper that’s even better!

Keep in mind that prenatal vitamins are supposed to complement a healthy diet, not substitute good nutrition. Also remember that every woman’s nutritional needs will be different! Always talk to your doctor. They might recommend higher or lower doses of certain vitamins. 

Interested in more maternity advice? Visit RMC’s website today.

Children are naturally curious, so there will come a time when your child wants to know: ”Where do babies come from?” It can come from nowhere. Maybe your friend just had a baby, maybe one of their friends is getting a sibling, or maybe they are getting one—regardless of how the question is planted in your child’s mind, it’s a very important thing to address. 

An important thing to remember while coming up with your answer is that your discomfort is not your child’s discomfort. Embarrassment, and even shame, with talking about body parts or sex is learned. Your child is asking you something he or she doesn’t know, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of! 

Also remember that it’s okay to take a few minutes to compose yourself before you answer them—that’s much better than blurting something out or simply feeding them a fairytale. Here are a few things to consider when you’re forming your answer. 

You Can Pace Yourself

If the question comes out of the blue—or even if it doesn’t—you are under no obligation to answer everything all at once. You can pace yourself in explaining these things to them, and you shouldn’t be afraid of telling them you need more time to consider their question. 

If you’ve spent some time thinking about it, and you still aren’t sure how to explain it to them correctly, do some research! You can find success (and failure) stories from other moms either online or in your own circle of friends and family. Not to mention, there are tons of books out there that were written for this exact purpose. It could be very beneficial to your child to having something they can refer back to, something that speaks to them on their level, and explains things fully and accurately. 

Answer Their Question

This one seems obvious, right? It can be incredibly tempting, especially when you’re caught off guard, to skirt the question if you don’t feel ready to answer yet. Before getting overwhelmed, though, really listen closely to their question and think about what answer they’re looking for. For example, your three-year-old asking “where do babies come from” might really wonder how a baby gets out of their mom’s tummy. Your six-year-old, on the other hand, might really be wondering how babies are actually made. 

You know your child better than anyone in the world—really listen to what they want to know, so you can answer their question directly, and in an age-appropriate way. 

Context is Key

Pregnancy involves a lot of scary, messy, often graphic things. Try your best, while answering their question directly, to avoid anything that might scare them or make them worry about you if you’re pregnant. For example, explaining a c-section can be a minefield of things that would sound very scary to a young child. 

You can, and should, however, be honest about how things work. You can explain to them what a uterus is, how it’s different from a stomach, how long the baby will be in there, how it gets out, etc. Again, you know your child, so choose your words accordingly. 

Another good rule of thumb when considering your answer is to take into account what your child already knows. Chatting casually about the subject opens up the conversation and makes them feel involved, and it also establishes what you do and don’t have to explain. Use vocabulary that your child already understands, too—the simpler your response, the more completely you’ll answer their question. 

Honesty is the Best Policy

This conversation can be uncomfortable, especially if you weren’t expecting it—but avoiding the conversation or lying in your answer will only tell your child that something is wrong with their question. They might feel embarrassed or ashamed for asking, but they shouldn’t. They should feel comfortable coming to you for just about anything! 

Even still, your comfort and your feelings are just as valid as theirs. Remaining honest is the best way to ensure that your discomfort doesn’t alter your response. Telling the (age-appropriate) truth and avoiding fairytales with your child is the best way to make sure they develop a healthy relationship with their bodies, pregnancy, and sex. 

Looking for more maternity tips? Contact RMC today.

There are very few people that ask more questions than an expecting mother. Questions about pregnancy, motherhood, everything that’s changing in your life—you need answers! In this blog, we’re outlining some of the most commonly asked questions regarding pregnancy. 

Am I Pregnant?

The first of many questions all new moms want the answer to—am I pregnant? Most of us already know that the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. There are a lot of early signs and symptoms you can look out for as well:

• Morning sickness—feeling or being sick at any time of the day.
• Changes in your breasts—if they become larger, more tender, or tingly. 
• Needing to urinate more often—you might get up in the middle of the night when you don’t usually need to.
• Being constipated 
• Increased vaginal discharge with no soreness or irritation
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Having a strange taste in your mouth—most women describe it as metallic

Some women feel normal at four weeks, but others notice some changes. Some women experience some very light spotting around their period, which is known as implantation bleeding and isn’t a cause for any concern. 

The best thing you can do to get an answer is to take a pregnancy test! Consult your doctor to be completely sure that you’re pregnant—but at-home pregnancy tests are very reliable. You can take one as soon as the first day you miss your period. 

What Prenatal Vitamins Should I Take?

You should get most of the vitamins you need by eating a healthy diet, but you should also be taking folic acid supplements while pregnant. You should also take a daily vitamin D supplement—this is especially important in the winter months since you won’t be getting as much vitamin D from the sun. 

Once you become pregnant, there are some things you should stop taking. Any supplements or multivitamins containing vitamin A, or retinol, can harm your baby’s development. That means you should avoid liver and liver products, like fish liver oil, since they’re high in vitamin A. 

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

Like most things in pregnancy, this varies from woman to woman and depends a lot on your weight before you became pregnant. You’ll most likely put on most of your weight after week 20. A lot of the extra weight is your baby growing, but your body will also prepare to make breast milk! You’ll be storing a good bit of fat for that—good fat! 

Putting on too much, or too little, can lead to health problems for you and your baby. As long as you’re communicating with your doctor, eating healthy foods, and avoiding the things you should be avoiding (like these) you should gain the weight you need at a healthy pace. 

When Will My Cravings Start?

There is no specific time when your cravings should or will start—cravings start at different points for different women, and sometimes never start. Typically, though, they’ll start as early as five weeks, get stronger in your second trimester, and eventually stop in your third. It’s common for women to crave fatty foods like chips, and things they didn’t even like before they were pregnant! Some women even crave odd combinations of things, like these. 

Try to eat as healthily as you can, and keep any unhealthy temptations to a minimum. Don’t be too hard on yourself, though—most things are fine in moderation. If you crave things that aren’t food, like toothpaste, dirt, or even paint chips, speak with your doctor. These kinds of cravings could be a sign of vitamin deficiency. 

How Can I (Safely) Stay Active?

Exercising during pregnancy shouldn’t scare you! Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, you can keep up your normal level of daily activity as long as it still feels comfortable for you. During these nine months, it’s especially important that you listen to your body’s needs. If something hurts or feels uncomfortable, stop doing it immediately. Go easy on yourself—your body is going through a lot, so there may be some things you simply can’t do during this time. Remember to take as many breaks as you need and drink a lot of water. 

Here are some great pregnancy exercise tips to keep in mind:

• If you can’t hold a conversation while you’re exercising, you’re working too hard
• Always warm up and cool down to protect your muscles
• Again, drink tons of water
• If you take an exercise class, make sure your teacher knows that you’re pregnant
• Swimming is great while pregnant—the water helps support your body weight and relieves pressure
• Walking, running, yoga, pilates, and aerobics are all great for pregnant women
• Some exercises, like running and weight training, will need to be modified
• If you weren’t active before pregnancy, it’s never too late to start—just start slower than you normally would

Avoid any kind of exercising that might risk you falling, like skiing, gymnastics, or horseback riding. Contact sports are not a good idea, and try not to do anything that requires lying on your back for too long—your extra weight can press on an important artery that brings blood back to your heart, causing you to feel lightheaded. 

For more helpful maternity tips, classes, and events visit RMC’s website today.

When you’re pregnant, you want to give your baby everything they need—but it’s easy to go overboard, especially with food! Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential to getting your baby the nutrients they need to grow at a healthy, sustainable rate. But how do you know how much is too much?

Pregnancy Weight Gain

It’s true, you need to pack in some extra calories when you’re pregnant, but there’s no need to “eat for two.” The average woman needs only about 300 extra calories every day, and they should be healthy calories. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain while you’re pregnant, because it depends on your specific body type and lifestyle habits. 

A woman who was an average weight for her height and body type before getting pregnant should gain somewhere between 25-35 pounds. If she is over or under a healthy weight for her body type, that number will vary. Every woman is different, but on average you’ll gain about two to four pounds during the first three months, and then one pound per week during the rest of your pregnancy. 

Twins, of course, are a different story! If you’re pregnant with twins, you’ll typically gain 35 to 45 pounds during pregnancy. That works out to an average of 1 ½ pounds per week after the “usual” weight gain during the first three months. Carrying twins also means that it’s especially important to gain the right amount of weight—they’re often born before their due date, so a higher birth weight is important for their health. With twins, you may need between 3,000 to 3,500 calories a day. 

Where Does the Extra Weight Go?

25 to 35 pounds can sound like a lot when the average baby is born weighing only 7.5 pounds! So where does your other poundage go? Don’t worry—it’s all serving a very important purpose! 

• 2-3 pounds: placenta
• 2-3 pounds: amniotic fluid
• 2-3 pounds: breast tissue
• 4 pounds: blood supply
• 5-9 pounds: stored fat for delivery/breastfeeding
• 2-5 pounds: growing uterus

Tips for Gaining a Healthy Amount of Weight During Pregnancy

If you doctor wants you to gain weight while pregnant, they’ll have advice specific to you and your pregnancy, but here are a few tips to start with. 

• Eat five to six meals every day
• Keep quick and easy snacks on hand, like nuts, raisins, cheese and crackers, dried fruit, or yogurt
• Spread peanut butter on whatever you can! Toast, crackers, apples, or bananas—one tablespoon of creamy peanut butter provides about 100 calories
• Add extras to your meals like butter or margarine, cream cheese, gravy, sour cream, or cheese

If you and your doctor feel you’re having the opposite problem, and you’re trying to slow down your weight gain, we have some tips for that as well. 

If you’re eating fast food, try to choose lower-fat items like broiled chicken breast, and leave the sauce or mayonnaise off of your sandwiches. Order a side salad with low-fat dressing and keep your baked potatoes and bagels plain. Avoid french fries, mozzarella sticks, and breaded chicken patties. 

Avoid whole milk products. Although you need at least four servings of milk products every day, using skim, 1%, or 2% milk will greatly reduce the amount of calories and fat you eat. Also, choose low fat or fat-free cheese or yogurt. 

Limit your sweet and sugary drinks like soft drinks, fruit punch, iced tea, lemonade, or powdered drink mixes have a lot of empty calories. Substitute them for water, club soda, or mineral water to skip those extra calories. 

Salt adds flavor to everything, but you might have to sacrifice it in your recipes if you’re trying to slow your weight gain. Salt causes you to retain water, so try to avoid salting your food when cooking. 

Use fats like cooking oils, margarine, butter, gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, lard, sour cream, etc. in moderation. When you’re looking, try lower-fat alternatives instead! Besides altering your diet, moderate exercise can help burn excess calories. Walking or swimming are great options for most pregnant women, but be sure to consult your doctor about what’s safe for you. 

For more expert maternity care and tips, contact RMC today.

A miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends on its own within the first 20 weeks of gestation. It’s the most common type of pregnancy loss—anywhere from 10-25% of clinically recognized pregnancies will end in misscarriage. Chemical pregnancies account for 59-75% of all miscarriages. You can find information about chemical pregnancies here. 

Most miscarriages occur within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, and it’s important for every expecting mom (or woman trying to conceive) to know as much as they can about miscarriages, including the risks and treatment options. Remember—the absolute best source of information is your doctor. 

Types of Miscarriage

Rather than a single event, miscarriage is usually a process and there are many stages and types of miscarriage. The more you know about healthy fetal development, the better idea you’ll have of what’s going on with your pregnancy. Understanding early fetal development, as well as first-trimester development, can help you know what to look out for, and what specifically you should be sharing with your doctor. 

Most of the time, all types of miscarriage are just called “miscarriage,” but you may hear your doctor refer to other terms relevant to what’s going on. Here’s a break down of miscarriage types:

With a threatened miscarriage, there will be some degree of early pregnancy or uterine bleeding, along with cramping or lower backaches. The cervix will remain closed, and it’s important to note that bleeding is often simply the result of implantation. 

An inevitable or incomplete miscarriage will result in abdominal or back pain, along with bleeding and an open cervix. When there’s a dilation or effacement of the cervix, and/or a rupture of the membranes, miscarriage is inevitable. Bleeding and cramps may persist if the miscarriage is not complete. 

A complete miscarriage occurs when the embryo, or “products of conception,” has emptied out of the uterus. Bleeding should subside quickly, as should any pain or cramping, since the miscarriage is considered complete. This can be confirmed by an ultrasound, or by having a surgical curettage performed. 

A missed miscarriage is when a woman has a miscarriage, but doesn’t know it. This essentially means that embryonic death has occurred, but there is no expulsion of the embryo—there isn’t an answer as to why this happens. Common signs of a missed miscarriage include a loss of pregnancy symptoms, and the absence of fetal heart tones in an ultrasound. 

A reccurent miscarriage is defined as three or more consecutive first-trimester miscarriages, and can affect 1% of couples trying to conceive. It’s important to remember that a miscarriage does not mean you can’t go on to have a healthy pregnancy later. 

A blighted ovum, or embryonic pregnancy, is when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall, but there is never any fetal development. Usually there will be a gestational sac with or without a yolk sac, but there’s also an absence of fetal growth. 

During an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than the uterus, usually the fallopian tube. Treatment for this kind of miscarriage is needed immediately to stop the development of the implanted egg—if not treated quickly, it could result in serious maternal complications. 

A molar pregnancy is the result of a genetic error during the fertilization process, and leads to the growth of abnormal tissue within the uterus. Rarely does a molar pregnancy involve a developing embryo, but often it does involve some of the most common pregnancy symptoms like a missed period, positive pregnancy test, or severe nausea. 

Causes of Miscarriage

The most common cause of miscarriage during the first trimester is chromonosal abnormalities. This means that something is incorrect in the baby’s chromosomes. Most often, these abnormalities are caused by a damaged egg or sperm cell, or possibly due to a problem at the time that the zygote went through its division process. 

Other possible causes can include (but aren’t limited to) hormonal problems, infections, or maternal health problems. Maternal age or trauma can contribute to miscarriage as well. Lifestyle choices, including smoking, drug use, malnutrition, etc. can cause miscarriage, as well as problems with implantation. 

Some things that are proven not to cause miscarriage include sexual intercourse, working outside (unless the environment is dangerous or harmful), or moderate exercise. 

Signs of Miscarriage & Prevention

Below are some common signs of miscarriage—if you experience any or all of them, you should call your doctor right away. 

• Mild to severe back pain, often worse than regular menstrual cramps
• Weight loss
• White-pink mucus
• True contractions, i.e. very painful and occurring every 5-20 minutes
• Brown or bright red bleeding, with or without cramps
• Tissue with clot-like material passing
• A sudden decrease in signs of pregnancy

Unfortunately, with chromosomal abnormalities being the most common cause of miscarriage, there isn’t much you can do to prevent them. One thing you can control, however, is being as healthy as possible before conceiving. This way, you’re providing the healthiest possible atmosphere for conception to occur. That includes exercising regularly, eating healthy, managing your stress, keeping your weight within healthy limits, taking folic acid every day, and not smoking. 

Once you find out you’re pregnant, there are even more things you should try to do in order to stay as healthy as possible while your baby develops. Keep your abdomen safe, don’t drink alcohol, eliminate caffeine, avoid environmental hazards (like radiation, infectious disease, or x-rays), avoid contact sports or activities with a risk of injury, and check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications. 

Emotional Health

Unfortunately, miscarriage can affect anyone. It’s a very emotional thing to go through, and you might be left with a lot of questions and insecurities. It’s very important to keep your lines of communication open with those close to you, and your doctors—you aren’t alone, and this does not mean that you can’t go on to have a happy, healthy pregnancy. 

For more information and support, contact RMC today.

There are a lot of women who suspect that they’re carrying more than one baby—but how can you know for sure? An ultrasound confirmation is the only way to be 100% sure, but here are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for! 

Signs of a Multiple Pregnancy

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to excessive weight gain (more than the normal amount expected during pregnancy). The amount of weight a woman should gain while pregnant will vary, depending on her height, body type, and her pre-pregnancy weight. It is common, however, for women carrying multiple babies to gain about 10 more pounds than those carrying a single baby. 

Close to 50% of all pregnant women experience some kind of morning sickness while they’re pregnant. Some (not all) mothers notice an increase in the frequency or the severity of their morning sickness when carrying more than one baby. 

Extreme fatigue is a common sign of a multiple pregnancy—which makes a lot of sense, because your body is trying to provide enough nutrients for more than one baby! Extreme fatigue, however, can be caused by a lot of other things too, like stress, work, or responsibilities. 

Women who are carrying multiple babies tend to have higher levels of hCG, which is the hormone produced during pregnancy. This, like most of these symptoms, doesn’t automatically indicate multiple babies, although it is common with a multiple pregnancy. 

An alpha-fetoprotein, AFP, maternal serum screening, or the triple marker test (lots of names for this one!) is performed during the second trimester to detect certain birth defects, as well as to measure the amount of a certain protein that is secreted by your little one’s liver. A positive or high test result could indicate a multiple pregnancy. 

Fetal heart sounds can be detected by a Doppler during the first trimester (how exciting!) and multiple heartbeats can mean multiple babies. Experienced doctors and midwives may be able to detect multiple heartbeats, but this can be inaccurate at such an early stage. A single heartbeat can be detected in several areas of the mother’s abdomen, resulting in the appearance of multiple heartbeats. 

Being pregnant with multiple babies can actually run in certain families! If you have fraternal twins in your immediate family, your chances of conceiving fraternal twins yourself is doubled. Twins are also thought to occur in a family (with the necessary genes) every other generation. 

Contact RMC, No Matter How Many Babies There Are!

Women and their bodies are absolutely amazing, and a lot of women simply have an intuitive feeling that they’re pregnant with multiples—of course, they aren’t always right, but sometimes they are! Remember that a lot of these signs can have other causes as well, and that an ultrasound is the only way to be 100% positive. 

For more pregnancy advice, or to set up an appointment, reach out to us!

Sometimes it can seem like there’s no convenient time to be pregnant—there’s always some trip, some party, or some special event you feel like you’re missing out on. But you can learn to enjoy whatever season you’re in while you’re dealing with weird cravings and swollen feet! Keep reading for some tips to help you survive the holiday season. 

Make It About You

The best way to enjoy a busy holiday season while pregnant is to slow down. Growing your baby is your number one priority, and your friends and family should be more than on board with that. They’ll understand when you have to go easy on the parties, group shopping trips, and long-distance travel. 

Especially if this is your first baby, take some time to focus on you and your quality time with friends and family—next year, it’ll be all about your little one! Treat yourself to all of your favorite holiday activities, as long as they aren’t too strenuous. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Indulge

It’s all too easy to give into every obligation the holidays throw at you, which can leave you constantly running around trying to attend every party and family gathering—but more than anything, you need rest right now. Even more, be intentional with your rest. Let your family and friends know when you’re going to lie down so you won’t be disturbed. 

Sure, you’ll have to skip the spiked eggnog, but don’t be afraid to indulge in some tasty mocktails and delicious desserts. While you still need a healthy, balanced diet, don’t stress too much about calories for a little bit. Of course, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water! 

Ask for Help when You Need It

All of your loved ones want you to feel your best, and they want you to take care of yourself and your little one. A huge part of taking care of yourself is letting others help you. Of all the times in life to take a backseat with holiday chores, it’s now. If you feel guilty sitting on the couch the entire time, you can help a little! Just take frequent breaks. 

Running yourself ragged trying to help with all the things you usually help with simply won’t do anyone any good. Your body is going through a lot, no matter where you are in your pregnancy—don’t feel bad if you can’t do everything you did last year.

Start Early on in the Season

Even if you’re planning to take it easy, there’s a lot to do around the holidays. There are gifts to buy and wrap for loved ones, and trees to put up and string with lights. You might have to get ready to host friends or family, or someone else is hosting and you’re prepping for holiday travel—there’s a lot to do. 

The key to a stress-free holiday season is to start early. Start buying gifts as early as you can, and take your time wrapping them. Have some friends help you clean, decorate, and cozy-ify your home. Plan for travel well in advance. 

Anything that you can do to minimize your stress will help you have a relaxing holiday season—and you can focus on the excitement of having another person in your family next season!

For more maternity tips, advice, and support, visit RMC’s website today.

Dr. John Braxton Hicks discovered in the 19th century that the uterus contracts as it expands over the course of nine months—when this happens before it’s time for real labor to begin, they’re called Braxton Hicks contractions. They’re actually a very natural part of the pregnancy process, and don’t cause any physical issues, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t confusing and scary to new moms and seasoned moms alike. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton Hicks contractions feel a lot like menstrual cramps, because the tightening and cramping that make them occur in your lower abdomen and pelvis area. They’re uncomfortable, but not usually painful. One of the biggest differences between Braxton Hicks and regular contractions, is that the former is felt more in the front of the body while the latter is felt in the entire lower body. 

Braxton Hicks contractions usually happen during the third trimester, but can start in the second. Here are a few common things you can look out for to tell these contractions apart from real labor contractions—they typically aren’t indicative of labor if:

• They don’t happen at regular intervals
• They don’t get closer together as time passes
• They aren’t painful
• They stop when you change activity/position
• They don’t last longer as time passes
• They don’t feel stronger as time passes

What’s the Medical Difference Between Them?

Braxton Hicks contractions occur much earlier than labor contractions (as early as the second trimester) because the two types aren’t doing the same things. A real contraction is your body preparing for labor by opening up your cervix and preparing the birthing canal. These contractions are usually felt in the abdomen, lower back, and even in the legs. Real contractions may start off feeling like Braxton Hicks, but they’ll become more consistent and will grow in intensity as time goes on. 

Most moms find that simply changing what they’re doing can stop Braxton Hicks contractions. For example, if you have one while sitting, stand up and take a little walk. Or if you have one while exercising, take a break and some deep breaths. You’ll know for sure you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions if they stop with some adjusting—because the only remedy for labor contractions is having your baby! 

Are Braxton Hicks Contractions Harmful?

Braxton Hicks contractions shouldn’t have any impact on your baby, but your baby does have an impact on your Braxton Hicks contractions! What your baby is up to in there can trigger a false contraction, and you’ll usually feel some movement before you feel a Braxton Hicks. 

Even though they aren’t real labor contractions, they’re still a way that your body is preparing for labor. Your uterus is tightening and relaxing just like in a labor contraction—but it isn’t changing your cervix yet. Some mothers don’t feel them at all, but if you do feel them and you want them to go away, here are a few things you can try:

• Drink some water
• Relax and focus on your breath
• Change positions
• Take a hot bath or use a heating pad (but not for too long)

In some cases, false labor contractions can be a sign of dehydration—that’s why drinking water is first on the list! It’s incredibly important that you stay hydrated throughout your entire pregnancy, so Braxton Hicks could be a sign that your body needs more water. 

When You Should See Your Doctor

If you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions, but everything else is normal, there’s no need for a special doctor’s visit. Just let your doctor know at your next appointment, and be sure to give them plenty of details like the duration and frequency of them. Also be aware of any signs of labor that may accompany them, like losing your mucus plug.

There are a few symptoms, however, that need to be taken seriously. If you experience any of the following, call your doctor immediately. 

• Constant leaking or water breaking
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Consistent, painful contractions (about 5 minutes apart)
• Decrease in fetal activity
• Active labor and contractions

For more professional guidance through your pregnancy journey, visit our website.

Updated June 2, 2024

Pregnancy is a world of intense emotions and can get very confusing very fast. If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to understand what a chemical pregnancy is, what causes it, and how to prepare for it. It can be very scary—it is scary—but very common, and most women who experience chemical pregnancies go on to have healthy babies. 

What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

Essentially, a chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage, typically before the 5th week of gestation. At this point in your pregnancy, you may have gotten a positive pregnancy test result, but an ultrasound can’t detect it yet. Most women don’t know that they’re pregnant when they have a miscarriage this early on, but if you do know, it can be devastating. While chemical pregnancies are fairly common, it doesn’t make them any easier to deal with. 

How Common are Chemical Pregnancies?

Chemical pregnancies make up anywhere from 50 to 75% of all miscarriages, but they are not an indication that you can’t get pregnant. In fact, many doctors look at chemical pregnancies as good signs that you can get pregnant and probably will in the future. 

It’s important to understand that a false positive pregnancy test does not automatically equal a chemical pregnancy because you could get a false positive for a number of different reasons. Chemical pregnancies are usually because of chromosome abnormalities but can be the result of unsuccessful IVF or in vitro fertilization. Another important thing to note is that working, exercising, sexual intercourse, or having taken birth control does not cause pregnancy loss. You can be at higher risk for early miscarriage if you’re at an advanced maternal age, you have a thyroid condition, or a clotting disorder. 

What are the Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy?

Detecting a chemical pregnancy in the early stages can be difficult, seeing the symptoms resemble a normal/clinical pregnancy. It’s not uncommon to have:-

• A missed period
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue/Nausea
• Spotting

In an article published by the Business Insider, Michael Cackovic, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine practitioner at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, reveals, “Most women don’t even get to know they are pregnant, simply believing their period is late.”

However, other more notable and hard-to-ignore symptoms include:

• A negative pregnancy test after receiving a positive one
• Late periods
• A positive pregnancy test shortly followed by your periods
• Heavier than usual periods
• Intense menstrual cramping
• Lack of early pregnancy symptoms, despite positive tests

What Causes Chemical Pregnancies?

Like many pregnancy-related conditions, there’s no clear cause. The important thing to remember is that they’re common and not an indication of your or your partner’s ability to conceive—it’s not your fault, and it’s not your partner’s fault. 

Some possible risk factors that could lead to a chemical pregnancy include:

How is Chemical Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Your ob-gyn may rely on your medical history and physical pelvic exams to identify a miscarriage. This is in addition to time-tested methods, including a pregnancy and blood test to measure hCG levels.

Latest Diagnostic Techniques in Chemical Pregnancy Diagnosis

The medical field is constantly evolving, with advanced diagnostic techniques like high-sensitivity pregnancy tests to detect low hCG levels. Doctors may also conduct quantitative hCG testing and serial hCG testing to confirm hCG levels. This is in addition to improved imaging techniques, endometrial biopsies, genetic testing, and transvaginal ultrasounds to detect early abnormalities.

Think You’ve Had a Chemical Pregnancy?
Here’s What to Do

Many women experience no symptoms and don’t know that they’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy. For others, it can feel like menstruation and involve some vaginal bleeding. Some common symptoms include getting your period after a positive pregnancy test, light spotting (this can be a result of implantation bleeding, so it doesn’t necessarily mean chemical pregnancy), and menstrual-like cramps. 

If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, see your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll be able to confirm whether you’re pregnant or you’ve gotten a false result. If you think you’ve had a chemical pregnancy, regardless of whether or not you’ve taken a test, you should still see your doctor. 

There’s typically no physical treatment necessary for a chemical pregnancy since it’s so early on. The only thing you might need is tissue removal, but your doctor can confirm whether your tissue has passed on its own. Your OB-GYN can also help you get in touch with a mental health professional if you or your partner need someone to talk to. 

Recovery and Trying Again

Losing a pregnancy is devastating. Allow yourself time to grieve and seek professional counseling to get over the trauma. 

Tips for Getting Pregnant After a Chemical Pregnancy

Start by taking care of your physical health and addressing any underlying issues. For recurring cases, consider genetic counseling to understand the risk factors and how to avoid them in the future. 

Moving on

The aftermath of a chemical pregnancy can be hard to deal with. The first step to healing is acknowledging your loss and associated feelings. You can also lean on your partner, family, and friends for support. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help–take strength in knowing you are not alone. 

FAQs About Chemical Pregnancy

Important Things to Remember

Chemical pregnancies are not any indication that you can’t get pregnant. You can even get pregnant as soon as two weeks after you’ve had a chemical pregnancy. Even having multiple early miscarriages, although very difficult emotionally, is no cause for alarm. After three, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist to rule out any other medical causes. Most of the time, they won’t find anything wrong, and you’ll go on to have a beautiful, healthy pregnancy. 

It’s completely understandable if these logical facts don’t comfort you—it’s devastating to lose a pregnancy at any stage. If you find yourself struggling to deal with your experience, don’t be afraid to reach out. Talk openly about your feelings to your partner, your doctor, or a mental health professional. 

For more advice, information, and support in all things maternity, visit our website.

The traditional definition of a geriatric pregnancy is one that occurs anytime a woman is over the age of 35—but many experts have been revisiting this definition, claiming that it’s misleading and outdated. Here’s what they’re saying. 

Advanced Maternal Age

The minute you turn 35, you’re considered AMA or of advanced maternal age. Doctors used to view this “magic age” as a sharp turning point, at which your likelihood of being able to conceive plummets, and your risk factors for geriatric pregnancy complications skyrocket. Not they’re saying that isn’t how things work at all—it’s not a magic switch that flips at 12:01 on your birthday. 

Today’s experts are acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to having a healthy pregnancy after the age of 35. Instead, they’re leaning more toward personalized risk assessment. Like in life, age is just a number when it comes to understanding a woman’s risk factors during pregnancy. Doctors are looking more closely at the individual now, not her age, and how her overall health plays a role in her ability to conceive. 

So, What Actually Happens After 35?

The number one factor that can affect your ability to have children? Your health. If you’re in perfectly good health at age 35, your ability to conceive is no different than when you were 34—again, there’s no flipping of a magic switch. 

The simple biological fact (which is true, but has led to exaggerated claims over the years) is that as you get older, the number of eggs you have decreases. The probability of achieving a pregnancy in one menstrual cycle starts declining significantly in your early 30s, with a steep decline at about 37 years old. In a study on the probability of pregnancy following intercourse, it was found that for women age 27 to 34, their probability was 40%. For women age 35 to 39, it was 30%. In addition to these ages, fertility decreases by as much as 95% between the ages of 40 and 45. 

So yes, there is a biological clock—but it doesn’t start ticking for every woman on earth at 35. 

Possible Geriatric Pregnancy Complications

The actual reason that the risk of potential pregnancy complications increases as we get older, is because the likelihood of having other medical conditions like hypertension or diabetes goes up as well. Makes sense, right? While pregnancy risks certainly increase, it’s not necessarily because we’re getting older. 

The risk for things like spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, stillbirth, and chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome all increase with age. At 35 years old, your risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities is about 1 in 204. At 37 years old, it’s about 1 in 130. At 39 it’s 1 in 81, and at age 42 your risk is about 1 in 39. Age can also complicate breastfeeding, as some older mothers have issues with their milk supply. This is particularly likely for women who needed medical assistance to either become pregnant, or stay pregnant. 

The good news? Health assessment, genetic screening, diagnostic and counseling options are more sophisticated than ever. Women can much better understand their own health and their pregnancies. 

The Verdict

The way it used to be is that the risk of a woman at age 35 having a baby with Down Syndrome was equal to the risk of her suffering a miscarriage during amniocentesis. That’s where age 35 became synonymous with “high-risk.” However, with new technologies in ultrasound, the risk of miscarriage during an amnio is around 1 in 500, making that magic age obsolete. 

Doctors are continuing to see more pregnancies in women over 40, and more of them that are successful. In fact, women over 40 actually have the second highest unintended-pregnancy rate, after very young women. Many experts are even looking at age as an asset in successful pregnancies now, being that older women are more experienced, and tend to feel more emotionally ready to be a parent. 

The bottom line? A woman who maintains a healthy weight, manages her medical conditions, doesn’t smoke, and keeps her vaccinations up to date has a better chance of conceiving a healthy baby—regardless of her age. 

For more information on all things maternity and motherhood, visit our website today.