Breastfeeding is an incredible, unique, and exciting bonding experience between you and your baby—but some mothers, usually first-time moms, feel differently. Sometimes mothers will experience nursing aversion, a phenomenon that can affect breastfeeding mothers due to a range of physical, mental, and emotional triggers.

What is Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA)?

Nursing aversion, or Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA), is when you find yourself filled with anxiety-inducing thoughts, negative feelings, and an overwhelming urge to de-latch while breastfeeding. This experience can leave mothers confused, stressed, and guilty for not enjoying this special bonding time with their baby.

Even if you have a strong desire to continue breastfeeding, these negative thoughts and feelings can discourage you and make you want to stop. The important thing for you to know? You aren’t alone. Nursing aversion is nothing to feel guilty about—it’s a common experience, and it’s not a reflection of your abilities as a mother.

Remember that you’re a fantastic mother, despite how you may feel at a particular moment.

Am I Experiencing Nursing Aversion?

Thoughts and feelings, because of their nature, are very difficult to categorize—no two women will have the exact same experience with nursing aversion. Most, however, describe the feelings as one (or several) of the following:

• Anger
• Shame
• Guilt
• Self-consciousness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Despair

Motherhood is an extremely tense, emotional experience. You feel the most intense joy you’ve ever felt and the most exhaustion you’ve ever felt all at one time. It’s completely natural to not feel yourself all the time, and it’s okay to have these feelings—you’re human!

Physical Triggers of Nursing Aversion

Nursing aversion can be random and can vary in intensity from mom to mom and from individual experience to individual experience. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been very much research into the cause of nursing aversion, but there are some commonly known triggers which include:

• Discomfort
• Breast and nipple pain
• Cracked nipples
• Teething baby

All of these can lead to hesitation while breastfeeding, but it’s important not to let the fear of what could happen to keep you from breastfeeding!

Mental Triggers of Negative Emotions While Nursing

Many mothers feel frustrated and confused when their negative embodied emotions get in the way of their true, loving intentions for their breastfeeding goals. The reasons you experience aversion can be rooted in cognitive triggers beyond your control, and some are not connected to physical causes (like that of D-MER).

Some mental triggers for nursing aversion include postpartum depression and previous sexual abuse. Having to process these challenging feelings is no reason to feel ashamed. You never asked to feel this way, and you deserve to know that these are valid emotions and you are still worthy of your baby’s trust and love.

You’4re still an amazing mother, and experiencing these obstacles in your breastfeeding journey doesn’t change that.

Seeking Professional Advice for Mental Wellness

Neglecting your own mental health is its own trigger for breastfeeding aversion and agitation. If you feel like there might be an underlying or more serious cause to your nursing aversion, it’s time to seek help from a mental health professional.

Seeking help is absolutely nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about. Getting the help you need is the best thing for you and your baby because taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby.

Is Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) a Form of Nursing Aversion?

Lactating women who experience Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (or D-MER, for short) encounter overwhelming dysphoria, symptoms of depression, and other negative emotions during milk releases for around 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

D-MER is not a form of Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation; D-MER is a physiological reaction of temporary sadness during or before milk ejection, whereas BAA is more of irritability that can stick around the whole time you breastfeed. Even though these feelings are hormonal and short-lived, the consistent cycle of deep sadness whenever you breastfeed can be very disheartening and could lead to nursing aversion.

How Does Nursing Aversion Affect My Child?

Neonatal nutrition and infant behavior can be affected by stress in your maternal life history and when you experience aversion. Levels of human milk cortisol increase due to this stress and predicts infant temperament. A breastfeeding mother may also see changes in the way her toddler responds when weaned off of tandem nursing while she continues infant feeding.

What is Tandem Nursing Agitation?

Tandem nursing is the term for women who continue a breastfeeding relationship with their toddler while simultaneously nursing a newborn. To promote healthy growth and development, the World Health Organization recommends continuing nursing sessions with your baby until they are at least two years old.

Breastfeeding aversion can get in the way of these goals. A suckling infant may not bother you, but you might feel weirded out, irritated, or annoyed as your older nursling reaches toddlerhood. You’re not selfish, abnormal, or alone if you experience aversion in this way.

Many mothers have shared that their nearly two-year-old nurslings can really get on their nerves, whether by biting and pinching their nipples or even making uncomfortable eye contact during nursing sessions. Other mothers can have breastfeeding aversion towards both nurslings or only infant feeding.

When You Have to Wean Your Toddler

Some women try to combat their breastfeeding aversion without taking away the nutritional benefits of breast milk by switching to a pump and bottle feeding for one or both of their nurslings. The transition can be a very challenging and tricky process when your baby or toddler is used to their mother’s milk from traditional nursing, but it can be comforting to know you have that option.

As we mentioned, tandem nursing can be a cause for breastfeeding aversion towards your infant or toddler, but a change in your breastfeeding relationship with your older nursling can cause them to be a bit confused, moody, or even jealous of their younger sibling.

Many breastfeeding women feel like they’ve done something wrong when their toddler is emotional during a transition or change in the breastfeeding dynamic, even if it’s the right time to wean. However, this type of response is quite natural and is to be expected, and you have to do what’s best for you and your babies.

When you have to wean or switch up the routine, no matter the reason, the best thing to do is show your toddler that you can still provide them with the love and comfort they need without nursing. Many mothers do this by:

• Giving lots of hugs, cuddles, and other reminders of the safety and comfort their little ones seek from nursing.
• Sticking to their guns. Don’t go back on your progress! The bond of trust you and your little one have will only grow stronger when they see you making confident decisions for their best interests.
• Slowly replacing nursing with other forms of nutrition—especially when a toddler becomes old enough to eat solid foods.
• Providing positive reinforcement—not a bribe, but a small reward—for their progress. This can be anything from encouraging words, celebrating with a cake, or having their favorite food at dinner time. It’s the little things that count for your favorite tiny humans.

Weaning is often the last resort for mothers who can’t shake their nursing aversion to their toddlers; it’s not always a choice. Whatever the reason for switching things up, you’re not alone, and you are more than capable.

How Can I Get Past the Nursing Aversion?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic cure-all remedy or therapy to make your breastfeeding aversion disappear. Still, you can alleviate or improve your symptoms with self-care and by seeking support to help you cope with the negative feelings.

Self-Care to Combat Breastfeeding Aversion

Motherhood is tiring. We have a very natural tendency to put our children and our families before ourselves, and while this is an admirable quality, we can let it go too far. The reality is that we have to take care of ourselves—so that we can better care for our families.

Feeling trapped, depressed, or resentful are all normal for an exhausted mother. You might feel overwhelmed and like you don’t have time for yourself, but you need to make time—even if it’s only 30 seconds.

Go for a walk! Take your little one for a stroll around the block. Odds are, you’ve been cooped up inside for a bit, and a change of scenery is exactly what you need. Take 30 seconds to meditate.

Close your eyes, be still, focus on your breath, and recenter yourself. A little moment of calm will go a long way. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It’s very common to feel alone when you’re experiencing nursing aversion, but even if you don’t know someone who’s personally experienced it, know that millions of mothers out there are feeling the same way.

Try Remedies

A mother’s milk has powers you might not even know about—it can actually be used to soothe irritated or cracked nipples! Rub a little bit of your milk on the area before and after feeding, or you can use coconut oil instead. It smells good, and most likely, your baby won’t mind the taste.

A teething baby who thinks you’re a chew toy is a sure-fire way to induce nursing aversion. It’s important to remember that teething is a new experience for your baby—they’re just as uncomfortable as you are! Try to establish early on that you aren’t for chewing—as soon as you feel a bite, unlatch your baby and gently tell them not to do that. They should catch on if every time they bite, the milk is taken away.

Dietary supplements

Anecdotal evidence suggests that mothers who experience aversion can notice improvements in their discomfort and negative emotions by increasing their magnesium intake. You can boost your magnesium levels with dietary supplements and topicals, which are also known for their gradual calming effect on individuals with other forms of anxiety and agitation.

See a Lactation Consultant

Sometimes, a mother’s breastfeeding aversion can be influenced—for better or for worse—by her baby’s habits while they’re nursing. It can be truly stressful when you’re struggling with tandem feeding, your baby’s latch causes you nipple pain, or you have a number of lactation and breastfeeding concerns.

When you bring these concerns and questions to a lactation consultant, they can provide you with the advice and solutions you need to help improve your breastfeeding aversion and nursing habits.

Find a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter

Many mothers who experience aversion and agitation while breastfeeding or tandem feeding find that the support of fellow breastfeeding mothers helps them to cope. You can find comfort and reassurance for your struggles with aversions from fellow breastfeeding friends or a trained breastfeeding peer supporter through maternity support groups and programs.

You have to remember that having struggles with breastfeeding aversion and agitation does not make you an inadequate mother. Some people have a hard time understanding women’s intentions when it comes to nursing aversion, but your breastfeeding journey is only the concern of you, your baby, and those you choose to share it with.

We’re Here to Support Your Breastfeeding Journey

Our maternal medical care team in the Women and Children’s Pavilion at RMC in Anniston welcomes more than 2,000 newborns each year. We have a team of specially trained OB Nurses, board-certified physicians, and top-of-the-line labor, delivery, and recovery care systems.

For all the advice and support you need for pregnancy, delivery, infant care, and breastfeeding contact Regional Medical Center—and check out more on our maternity blog—today!

Keto While Breastfeeding: Is It a Good Idea?

Updated June 21, 2024

The ketogenic diet, or the keto diet, has been all the rage lately—but how well does it mix with postpartum life? If you want to keep nursing, what you eat (or don’t eat) is extremely important. After all, you’re your baby’s only source of sustenance until they transition to solid food. 

What is the Keto Diet?

The keto diet is essentially the new Atkin’s diet—it’s based on a low-carb, high-fat intake, which causes your body to go into its ketogenic state, also known as ketosis. When your body is in ketosis, it uses fat stores for energy instead of glucose. This is a naturally occurring metabolic process, but one we don’t need to use very often anymore. 

A strict ketogenic diet requires you to limit your carb and sugar intake to around 5% so that your diet consists of 75% fat and 20% proteins. By starving your body of glucose, the diet forces your body into ketosis, so it burns stored fat instead. 

The diet has grown very popular because lots of people have found success with short-term weight loss! The catch? Keeping your body in its state of ketosis is notoriously hard to maintain—this diet doesn’t allow any cheat days because just one will snap your body back to normal function. The good thing is that most foods you can eat while on the keto diet are very filling, so it’s unlike normal diets in that aspect. 

Some of the foods you need to eat most while on the keto diet are meat, fatty fish, cheese, butter, and eggs—all of which are good to eat while breastfeeding, too! To remain in ketosis, you should avoid alcohol, sugary food, grains and starches, fruit, and unhealthy fats like mayo and vegetable oils. 

There are some possible side effects to the diet, like “keto flu,” fatigue, muscle loss, bad breath, smelly urine, and some digestion issues.

Nutritional Needs During Breastfeeding

Nature made it so that a developing baby gets its nutrition from its mother during pregnancy and in the breastfeeding stage. As such, prioritize a balanced diet for the optimal health of you and your newborn. The standard diet of a lactating woman should include:

Choline Iron Protein Vitamin D Calcium Vitamin A

So, does the Keto diet impact breastfeeding needs? The unfortunate answer is yes. The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may be fantastic for losing baby fat, but you may be compromising on essential nutrients such as iron and calcium.

Some breastfeeding mothers may also experience a considerable decrease in milk supply because of the low carbohydrate intake. The protein and high-fat diet keep you full longer, making it difficult to consume enough calories for you and the baby. Worse still, the ketosis stage presents the risk of dehydration as the body burns fat instead of carbs for energy. 

Nursing women may also suffer from severe ketoacidosis or high ketone levels in the blood. This occurs when the body overproduces ketones due to the absence of carbohydrates. As a result, you’re likely to suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Keto Benefits and Considerations for Nursing Mothers

Weight gain is inevitable during pregnancy. However, losing baby weight while caring for your newborn can be challenging. Keto accelerates weight loss thanks to its low-carb and high-fat content. Another benefit is appetite control–the fats and proteins keep you satiated, suppressing your appetite. 

However, nursing moms should speak to their healthcare provider before embarking on any diet to understand the benefits and side effects. If your doctor approves it, gradually transition into the diet instead of shocking your system with abrupt changes. Most importantly, consume enough nutrients for quality milk production. You should monitor your milk supply and stop the diet if you see notable declines. 

The key to a keto diet is consuming nutrient-dense foods like healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and different protein sources. Additionally, drink enough water to counter the diuretic effect, especially in the early stages. 

Can Keto and Breastfeeding Coexist?

It’s no secret that breastfeeding takes a lot out of you, and it’s easy to understand why—you’re producing enough nutrients to keep an entire separate human alive! That means your body is burning a lot of energy and, therefore, requires more calories than usual. Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, you need anywhere from 200 to 500 extra calories every day when breastfeeding. This is especially true in the early stages before your baby can get nutrients from solid food. In the beginning, you can expect to nurse eight to 12 times a day. 

If you’re eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, those additional calories won’t hang around. They’ll go straight to who needs it most—your baby! It’s not uncommon for breastfeeding moms to lose a few pounds while nursing. In general, diets are not a good idea while breastfeeding. Cutting calories to lose weight can affect your milk supply, and giving your baby all the nourishment they need should be your top priority. 

Your body is incredibly smart. If it senses that it’s having to fight for energy, it will try to preserve itself—that means cutting back on breastmilk production and storing fat. Not only will you supply less milk, but your body will cling to those few pounds you were trying to lose in the first place. 

The keto diet is different, however, as it emphasizes a large intake of high-fat foods, even if it does cut carbs. There isn’t any evidence that a low-carb diet will affect your milk supply. However, it’s important to note that most pediatricians probably won’t recommend anything other than a balanced diet while breastfeeding. 

There is a chance that, because most keto foods are so filling, you actually won’t eat as much as you usually do. This could make it harder to reach your daily caloric intake goals, which could lead to a decrease in milk supply. Another thing to consider is hydration—the keto diet can be dehydrating, so you’d have to commit yourself to drinking enough water to make up for it. 

Overall, the keto diet does come with some health risks. Our recommendation? Save the dieting for when you’re done breastfeeding! And whatever you decide, always keep your maternity doctor in the loop. 

FAQs About Keto While Breastfeeding

Is intermittent fasting safe while following a keto diet during breastfeeding? How can I ensure I’m getting enough electrolytes on a keto diet while breastfeeding? Can a keto diet affect the flavor of breast milk? How quickly can I return to my pre-pregnancy keto diet after giving birth?

Want more baby advice, support, and helpful tips? Check out RMC’s website today for more blog posts.

Whether this is your first pregnancy and you’ve never packed a hospital bag, or it’s your fifth time, it can be a stressful task. Maybe you’ve been putting it off because (let’s face it) delivery is a long way off, and you have other things to worry about! Or maybe you’ve already packed your bag, but there’s a lingering feeling that you’ve forgotten something. Regardless of your situation, we have the essentials right here. 

Reinforcements 

Postpartum care is messy and uncomfortable. There’s no way around it. Hospitals will typically provide things for you like pads, squirt bottles—for your sensitive undercarriage—and mesh underwear, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. 

Pack some mesh underwear that you know is comfortable, extra vaginal or nipple pads, ice packs—also for your sensitive undercarriage—and a stomach binder if you’re having a c-section. It’s also a good idea to bring reinforcements for the baby, including extra diapers and wipes. 

Comforts of Home

The hospital can and will provide a lot of things for you, but one thing they can’t give you are the comforts of your own home. It’s difficult to predict how long you’ll be in the hospital—even if you’re there for a “normal” length of time, a lot of women say that bringing little pieces of home made their stay much more bearable. 

Pack some of your favorite drinks, snacks, or any go-to treats you reach for when relaxing at home. Bring your coziest socks, a pillow you love, or a robe you picked out especially for this occasion! The little things make a huge difference, and while your baby is your top priority, your emotional wellbeing is important, too. 

Footwear

It’s no secret that pregnancy is hard on your feet, but what a lot of women don’t expect is that delivery is too. You might feel uneasy on your feet because of blood loss, pain from delivery, or side effects from various medications. Even if your feet feel completely normal, walking on a cold hospital floor is not exactly a nice feeling. 

Pack some slippers or comfortable footwear. This is especially helpful to pack in advance, because you never know when your contractions will start and it’s go time! You could be in winter boots or rollerblades—make sure you have a designated comfy pair for walking around during your hospital stay. 

Compression stockings can be helpful, too, especially if you’ve already experienced some swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs, or if you’re expecting a c-section. 

Comfortable Clothing

Every hospital bag list mentions packing loose, comfortable clothing. That’s great advice, but there’s more to it—what’s comfortable for one woman isn’t as comfortable for another. It’s important to consider what’s comfortable for you. 

For example, you might feel more comfortable in tighter fitting pants that will help keep vaginal pads in place. Or you might prefer a tighter top to help support your breasts or keep nipple pads in place. Maybe you want as little fabric touching you as possible! Try to bring something you’ve worn before, that you know you feel relaxed in. If you’re expecting a c-section, remember to be mindful of where your incision will be—you won’t want clothing that’s tight around that area for a few weeks. 

Medication

Pain medication is a top-priority hospital bag item for every new mom. Labor and delivery wards will supply some medication, but it can be helpful to bring your own. Tylenol or Advil are staples for your bag, not only for you, but for your partner too! Stool softeners can come in handy as well, especially if there’s a possibility for a c-section or episiotomy. 

Don’t forget to pack any daily required medication that you or your partner are on! This can include nutritional or dietary supplements and vitamins. In general, try to think about your daily routine and pack those necessities as well. 

Ways to Freshen Up

Giving birth is one of the most intense, vulnerable, physically and emotionally demanding experiences you’ll ever have. It’s a good idea to pack some things that might make you feel a little more like yourself once the hard work is done! This could be makeup remover, deodorant, lotion, mints, etc. Your mental well-being is extremely important, so try to take a few minutes for yourself. You’ve been through a lot. 

Important Documents

Go ahead and pack any important documents you’ll need for the hospital. This includes your birth plan, health card, hospital registrations, insurance papers, etc. When you leave, the hospital will also give you important documents, so have a designated place to put them. 

After you’ve delivered a baby, you’ll be exhausted, sleep-deprived, and emotionally drained—it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with everything. The more organized you can be beforehand, the better you’ll feel throughout the process. 

Things for Your Partner

Your hospital bag is priority one of course, but this can often leave your partner scrambling to get their things together once you’re in labor. Scrambling is a great way to forget important things. Your partner’s main job is to support you, and they’ll have a much easier time doing that if they have all of their necessities ready to go. 

Make sure they pack basic necessities, but also some entertainment! Odds are both of you will do some waiting around, so it’s a good idea to pack some things to do. A book, a magazine, a deck of cards, or laptop won’t take up too much space in you bag, but will be a nice distraction when you need it. 

The most important tip to remember is that the earlier you can start getting your hospital bag together, the better you’ll feel! The second most important tip is not to stress about forgetting something—have friends or family members you can call on to grab you something you forgot, and focus on welcoming your little one into the world. 

For more maternity advice and support, contact RMC today.

Every pregnancy is different, which means that every pregnancy will require different medical precautions. With one pregnancy, you may be able to walk, run, and exercise relatively normally even right up to the week of delivery, and with another pregnancy, your doctor may put you on bed rest for weeks. 

There are so many factors that play a role in a doctor’s decision to put a mother on bed rest, and even though it can be frustrating, you’ve got to take your doctor’s decision seriously! If you’ve gotten the news that you’ll be getting real cozy for the next few weeks, keep reading for everything you need to know. 

Put Your Best Health Habits to Practice

Since you won’t be able to move around and burn the same amount of energy you could before, it’s even more important to commit to a healthy diet! You should be eating nutrient-dense, healthful foods for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, so continue this through your time on bed rest as well.

You may be craving junk food since you are in bed all day anyway, but always consider what will be the most beneficial for you and your growing baby. Stay hydrated and base your diet on plant foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and the like.

Not only will eating healthy and drinking plenty of water help you nourish yourself and your baby, it’ll also help you maintain a healthy weight even when you can’t get up and move around. This reduces your chance of developing gestational diabetes and will make postpartum recovery much easier.

 Find Your Favorite Bed Rest Position

Preparing for the day your baby arrives usually means purchasing a new car seat, painting the nursery, and buying all the precious baby clothes you can get your hands on. We agree that these are some of the most exciting parts about preparing to meet your little one, but don’t forget to also do what you can to prepare your body for labor and delivery! Especially if you have been put on bed rest.

Many healthcare professionals have said that the best position for a mother on bed rest is on her side with both knees bent and a pillow in between the knees. This position should reduce pressure on the hips. Another recommended position is to lay on your back with your legs propped up, either straight or bent. You can try both of these positions to see what works best for you, but make sure to always check with your doctor as well, since they know your pregnancy and will be able to best identify what you and your baby need. 

Find Things to Do on Bed Rest 

You may have had a pretty active pregnancy up to this point, so it’s surely frustrating to have to suddenly change your routine. There are small activities you can do from your bed, though, to keep you busy and to resemble that activity level you enjoyed before. You can squeeze a stress ball to activate your hands and arms, press your feet against the floorboard to activate your feet and legs, and move your arms and feet in circular motions to stretch it all out. But again, always talk to your doctor before beginning anything out of the ordinary bed rest regimen.

Develop Self Care Strategies

Self-care refers to the health of your mind just as much as it does to the health of your body. If you’re on bed rest, you are likely very close to the end of your pregnancy, and your mental health is so important as you bring this new being into the world. Use this time to make yourself a priority.

Think about what it is that makes you feel happy and fulfilled, and try to achieve that from your bed! Maybe you love to read but haven’t found the time to really dig into something on your list. Perhaps you’re interested in learning to sew or knit. Rekindle a lost love or develop a new one during this time. 

You can also take this time to pamper yourself! Think face masks, nail polish, and bubble baths. Now bed rest doesn’t sound too tragic.

Keep an Eye Out for Side Effects

Being on bed rest allows you to relax your body and mind, but many healthcare professionals have seen adverse side effects. Women on bed rest may develop blood clots, decreased bone mass, depression, and/or anxiety. Make sure that you’re listening to your body and mind, and that you take note if anything seems out of the ordinary. If you feel any unfamiliar pain during your time on bed rest, reach out to your doctor. If you are feeling unusually anxious, stressed, or sad during your time on bed rest, talk to your spouse, a friend, or even reach out to a therapist. Your mental health is important and deserves just as much care as your physical health.   

Ask Questions

We’ve mentioned this throughout each tip, but it deserves a separate discussion as well. When you are initially put on bed rest, you may have a lot of questions, like: What exactly does this mean? Am I on pelvic rest or bed rest? How long do I have to stay in bed each day? Can I lift things? Will I be able to walk up and down stairs?

Don’t hesitate to ask these questions of your doctor! You should understand doctor’s orders as clearly as possible for this period of your pregnancy. The more questions you ask, the better you will be able to take care of your body and your growing baby.

Ask for Help

Women are fierce and independent, which means that one of the hardest parts of bed rest is asking for and receiving help for things you want to be able to do on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help on everyday tasks, because it’s imperative for the health of you and your baby. Also, remember that you are surrounded by people who love and support you, and who want to help during this time. Lean on them, because asking for help doesn’t make you weak, and your baby’s life will be better for it.

Trust Your Doctor’s Call

You and your doctor have the same goal: to create the best living conditions for your baby while they are growing inside of you! And even though you know your body better than anyone, which means that you know how much you can handle, listen to the direction of the medical professional you have chosen. They may not have lived in your body, but they studied for years to best take care of people in your exact position! And they are always looking out for yours and your baby’s best interest. If you are to stay in bed for a specific time frame, stick to that time frame as closely as possible. When you do get up, set a timer for yourself so that you know you don’t spend too much time on your feet. 

For more tips on navigating pregnancy, or to get in touch with one of our pregnancy doctors, contact RMC today.

Traveling is one of the most stressful things in life, even when you aren’t pregnant—and when you are, it can be a scary, emotional experience. Pregnancy changes your mind and your body, so even if you’re used to traveling, it’s a different ballgame now! Keep reading for some simple (but life-saving) pregnancy travel tips. 

#1: Wear Comfy Clothes

This one might sound like a complete no-brainer, but being pregnant comfy is different than being regular comfy. You’ll be sitting for hours on end, either in a car or in a tiny plane seat. Make sure you aren’t wearing anything that will pull at you or squeeze you too much—try on your outfit beforehand and sit in for a bit! You might be surprised—some elastic clothes can still feel too tight when sitting. 

#2: Neck Pillow

If you’re sleeping or riding in a car, bring a travel pillow. This little item is a life-saver even when you aren’t pregnant! You’re exhausted from growing a person anyway, and travel will only make you more tired, so try to sleep as much as you can. Using a travel pillow will help you avoid any extra neck or back pain.

#3: Pack a Snack

Nothing amplifies stress like being hangry. You’ll need some extra energy to make it through your travel day, so pack a few snacks. You’re eating for two, after all, and you know by now that you don’t have to be active to get hungry often. Pack some fruit, trail mix, granola bar, or anything that’s accessible and easy to pack. You’ll have some energy boosts throughout the day, plus you won’t have to buy any expensive airport food or unhealthy gas station food. 

#4: Water Bottle

If you’re flying, you won’t be able to bring a filled water bottle through security. Make sure you bring an empty one to fill up later. The air inside a plane cabin is very drying for your body—you’ll need more water than usual. Plus you’re pregnant, so that means you need even more water. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, and be prepared to pee every five seconds. 

#5: Use the Bathroom

Speaking of peeing every five seconds, make sure you’re using the restroom whenever possible—not just when you feel like you have to go. 

You’ve probably noticed already that your bathroom trips are growing more and more frequent.

Your baby is most likely pushing up against your bladder and making you have to use the bathroom more than usual, so it’s a good idea to take every opportunity you can. This especially applies to flying—no one likes those tiny plane bathrooms. Use the bathroom when you get to your gate, then use it again before boarding even if you don’t feel like you have to. 

#6: Pack Some Tea

One of the best ways to calm down if traveling while pregnant (since you can’t exactly grab a drink at the airport bar) is to have a nice warm cup of tea. This is a great alternative way to calm your nerves that doesn’t involve medication—it’s a healthier option for you and your baby. Not to mention, traveling is germy! Drinking tea with sickness-fighting properties will ensure you enjoy your vacation. 

#7: Have a Plan

There are plenty of areas in life where you can wing it, and everything goes just fine. Traveling should not be one of those areas. Travel stress always occurs when the unexpected happens, so lay out careful plans—it’s the best way to ensure that nothing is more stressful than it needs to be (because some things are out of your control). Double check your flights, get to the airport in plenty of time, double check hotel and dinner reservations, etc. so you aren’t caught off guard. 

#8: Book an Aisle Seat

Avoid getting wedged between two people with an aisle seat. It allows for the most possible room (still not much) to stretch out on a plane, and the most freedom to move around. You’ll probably be getting up frequently to use the bathroom or stretch your legs, and an aisle seat means you won’t have to squeeze your belly past the other people in your row. You’ll be able to get up as often as you need to with zero guilt. 

#9: Pack Light

Anything you aren’t sure about, leave it behind. This also ties into having a carefully laid out plan—have your activities and outings planned already, so that you can pack specific outfits you know you’ll need instead of packing multiple options for all possible scenarios. Don’t be afraid to rewear things either! If you’re going on vacation, you probably won’t see those people again anyway. Try to only bring the necessities, and remember that if you’re staying in a hotel, they’ll have most toiletries available for you! 

#10: Travel with Someone

The stress of traveling is tripled when you’re alone. If things go wrong, you have to handle them by yourself. Try to travel with your partner or a friend. Going somewhere with family? Try to book the same flights. While traveling alone can be freeing, and is an important experience to have, save it for when you aren’t pregnant. You’ll want an extra set of eyes, someone to get you water or food if you’re feeling sick, and some general support. 

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before traveling while pregnant. For more pregnancy tips and advice, contact RMC today!

Labor is not an easy thing to describe, so it’s no surprise that most pregnant women wonder how it will feel (or how much it will hurt) and when it’s real versus a false alarm. Because it’s so hard to describe, these are difficult questions to answer. Every woman is different and may feel different things, but here are the most common signs of labor that you can be on the lookout for. 

#1: Your Baby Drops

Your baby dropping means they’re descending into your pelvis, usually with their head down and low. This means they’re getting into position to meet you! If it’s your first pregnancy, your baby will typically start to drop a few weeks before labor begins, but this timeline can vary. If this isn’t your first, your baby probably won’t drop until you’re truly in labor. 

You’ll know if your baby has dropped if you’re waddling a little more, or taking more frequent bathroom breaks—your baby’s head is pushing on your bladder even more after they’ve dropped! The upside of this is that they’re moving away from your lungs at this point, so you might find that you have a little more breathing room. So, take some deep breaths. 

#2: Your Cervix Dilates

Your cervix is starting to prepare for birth too, so it might start to dilate (open) and efface (thin out) in the days or weeks before you deliver. At your weekly check-ups leading up to it, your healthcare provider may measure and track your dilation and effacement via an external exam. 

Every woman is different of course, so don’t get discouraged if you’re dilating slowly or not at all!

#3: More Cramps & Increased Back Pain

You might feel some crampy-ness and pain in your lower back or groin as your muscles and joints stretch and shift in preparation for birth. This will be especially true if this isn’t your first baby rodeo!

#4: Your Joints Feel Looser

Throughout your pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin has made your ligaments loosen up a little. You can also thank relaxin for any bouts of clumsiness you may have in your last trimester. Before labor starts, you might notice that the joints in your body feel even more relaxed—this is nature’s way of opening up your pelvis to make delivery easier. Hopefully. 

#5: Diarrhea

Unfortunately, when relaxin loosens up your joints, it loosens up a lot of other stuff too—including your rectum. This, of course, can lead to diarrhea. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you didn’t experience it until now! Plenty of women experience it at different points all through their pregnancies. It’s completely normal, just remember to stay hydrated. It’s not fun, but it is a good sign.

#6: You Stop Gaining Weight, or Lose Weight

Pregnancy weight gain typically levels off at the very end of your pregnancy—some people even lose a couple of pounds. This is perfectly normal and won’t affect your baby’s birth weight at all. They’re still gaining weight, but you aren’t due to lower levels of amniotic fluid, more potty breaks, and maybe even increased activity. 

#7: You’re Extra Tired, or Extra Productive

There are pregnant women at both ends of the spectrum when it comes to energy levels. It’s hard to get a good night’s rest at this stage in your pregnancy, which could leave you feeling extra exhausted. Try to take as many naps as you can throughout the day, and work to find (if you can) positions that are comfortable for you. You can ask your partner or your doula for help!

Some moms, on the other hand, get a burst of energy as delivery nears and simply can’t resist the urge to clean and organize their entire homes. This is normal, too, just don’t overdo it. 

#8: You Lose Your Mucus Plug & Your Vaginal Discharge Changes Color or Consistency

There’s basically a little mucus cork sealing off your uterus from the rest of the world. It makes sense when you think about all the stuff you’re storing up there! You might lose this leading up to delivery, either in one big piece, or in little gradual pieces. You might not see it when you lose it, and some women don’t lose it at all before delivery. 

It’s pretty common to see increased or thickened vaginal discharge around this time. If you have thickened, pinkish discharge, it’s called bloody show—it sounds like a horror movie, but it’s a good indication that labor is on its way! Without contractions or a dilation of 3-4 centimeters, though, labor could still be a few days away. 

#9: Stronger & More Frequent Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, or “practice contractions” can happen for weeks, or even months before delivery. The muscles in your uterus are gearing up for its big job—pushing your baby out! It can be pretty difficult to tell the difference between real and false labor contractions, so look out for these contraction-specific signs of labor:

• Contractions get stronger instead of easing up when you’re active
• Contractions don’t go away if you change position
• Contractions progress, getting more frequent and more painful
• Contractions fall into a regular pattern

Real early labor contractions could feel like strong menstrual cramps, upset stomach, or lower abdominal pressure. Pain could occur in your lower abdomen, or in your lower back, and might radiate down the legs. 

#10: Your Water Breaks

Why is this last, you ask? Movies give the impression that water breaking is the official start of labor—it’s always sudden and dramatic, and the woman knows for sure her baby is coming. The reality is, it’s usually one of the last signs of labor women experience, and only happens in around 15% of births or fewer. Even if someone’s water breaks, it can be such little fluid that they still can’t tell if it’s time. 

When to Call Your Doctor

Your doctor should have already briefed you on what to do when your contractions become regular. A common set of instructions is to call when your contractions are coming about five minutes apart for at least an hour. Contractions aren’t usually spaced exactly, but if they’re becoming consistent, longer (30-70 seconds), and more painful, it’s time to call your doctor. 

You should always call your doctor if:

• You experience any bleeding or bright-red discharge (brown or pinkish is okay)
• Your water breaks—especially if the fluid looks green or brown. This could be a sign that meconium is present (your baby’s first stool) and could be dangerous to your baby. 
• You experience blurred or double vision, a severe headache, or sudden swelling. These can all be symptoms of preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. 

These are all serious and require medical attention. 

Never feel embarrassed about calling your doctor! Labor is extremely varied and hard to nail down. If you think you might be in labor, it’s best to give your doctor a call just to be sure. 

If you want more maternity tips, advice, and support, contact RMC today.

“Postpartum” refers to the time period after childbirth, up until about a year. Most women get the “baby blues,” or they feel sad, empty, or hopeless within a few days of giving birth. For a lot of women, these baby blues go away in three to five days. If your baby blues don’t go away, and you find yourself feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for longer than two weeks, you may have postpartum depression. 

While feeling hopeless or empty after childbirth is not a regular or expected part of being a mother, you are not alone. In fact, one in 9 new mothers experience postpartum depression. However, it’s important to take it seriously—it’s a serious mental illness that can affect your behavior and physical well being. It interferes with your day-to-day life and can affect your ability to care for yourself and for your baby. 

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

All of the drastic hormonal changes you’re going through can trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. Your levels of estrogen and progesterone are at their absolute highest they’ll ever be when you’re pregnant, but during the first 24 hours after childbirth, they plummet back to normal levels. Think period hormones, but more extreme. Researchers believe this drastic and sudden change in hormones can lead to depression. 

It’s also possible for your thyroid hormone levels to drop after birth. Your doctor can perform a blood test to see if your thyroid is causing your symptoms, and if so, can prescribe you medicine to help. 

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Some seemingly normal changes that typically occur after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression, so it’s important to know the difference. For example, most mothers feel overwhelmed when a new baby comes home—that’s doesn’t necessarily mean they have postpartum depression. If you have any of the following symptoms last for more than two weeks, that’s when you should call your doctor, nurse, or midwife. 

• Feeling restless or moody
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
• Crying a lot
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself
• Having thoughts of hurting your baby
• Not having any interest in the baby
• Not feeling connected to the baby
• Feeling like they’re someone else’s baby
• Having no energy or motivation
• Eating too little, or too much
• Having trouble focusing or making decisions
• Having problems with your memory
• Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad mother
• Losing interest in things you once found pleasure in
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems

It’s fairly common for women not to tell anyone about their symptoms because they feel embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty for feeling depressed during such a happy time. You might be feeling that you’re a bad mom, or that others will think you’re a bad mom, but this is simply not true. Any woman can become depressed during or after pregnancy, and it has absolutely nothing to do with your abilities as a mother. There is help out there, all you have to do is seek it—for yourself, and for your baby. 

What Can You Do At Home To Feel Better?

In addition to seeing a doctor to treat your postpartum depression, there are some important things you can do at home to help with your symptoms. 

Resting as much as you can is very important, as lack of sleep will only worsen your symptoms. Try your best to sleep whenever your baby is sleeping. Make sure you aren’t trying to do everything alone—ask your partner, a friend, or a family member for help. Ask them to babysit once in a while, too! It’s important to make time for getting out of the house, visiting friends, or just spending quality time with your partner. Talk with other mothers you know, share experiences with them, and get advice—odds are, they can relate to you and make you feel less alone. If you don’t have any mothers close in your circle, or you’d feel more comfortable talking to strangers, consider joining a support group.

Try your best to minimize stress as much as possible, and don’t make any major life changes right after giving birth—you’re going through enough change already. If this is unavoidable, arrange for support and help from your loved ones. 

If your symptoms seem more extreme or possibly dangerous, you may be suffering from postpartum psychosis. This only happens in about four new mothers out of every 1,000, and usually begins within the first two weeks after childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:

• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
• Feeling confused most of the time
• Having rapid mood swings within several minutes
• Trying to hurt yourself or your baby
• Paranoia, or thinking that others are focused on harming you
• Restlessness or agitation
• Behaving recklessly or in a way that is not normal behavior for you

You Are Not Alone

You don’t have to suffer alone—you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of your baby. Have your partner, your friend, or a caregiver take care of your baby while you’re dealing with your depression. Call your doctor, or have someone close to you call them. If you’re currently pregnant, make sure the people closest to you know postpartum depression symptoms so that they can help you if it’s necessary. 

For advice, support, and encouragement, call us at RMC. We’re here to help.

Updated: June 21, 2024

With your body going through so many changes during pregnancy, it’s no surprise that most women are constantly reaching for the phone to give their doctor a call. It can be difficult to know what’s serious and what’s just another symptom, so keep reading for everything you need to do about vaginal bleeding while pregnant. 

Vaginal Bleeding in the First Trimester

During the first trimester, vaginal bleeding is actually pretty common—in fact, it occurs in about 20% of pregnancies, and most of those women go on to have perfectly healthy pregnancies. The most important thing to know is the difference between light and heavy bleeding and when to call your doctor. 

Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Bleeding During Pregnancy

For starters, there’s a big difference between spotting and bleeding. The term “spotting” refers to a few drops of blood—not enough to cover a pad or panty liner. You may already be familiar with spotting from your period days! Bleeding, on the other hand, means a blood flow that’s heavy enough to require wearing a pad.

If actual bleeding occurs during your first trimester, wear a panty liner or pad so you can get a clear idea of exactly how much you’re bleeding so you can tell your doctor. Remember that you shouldn’t use a tampon or douche while you’re pregnant. 

Causes of Vaginal Bleeding in the First Trimester

Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. This typically happens around the time of your expected period, so sometimes you don’t even know you’re pregnant yet.

Cervical Changes Ectopic Pregnancy Miscarriage Indicators Molar Pregnancy Passing Blood Clots in Early Pregnancy

Second and Third Trimester Vaginal Bleeding

While light vaginal bleeding is fairly common during your first trimester, it’s more serious in your second and third trimesters. Like the first trimester, however, sometimes having sex or a pelvic examination can cause light bleeding. Problems with your cervix, like cervix insufficiency or infection, can also lead to bleeding.

Understanding Placenta Previa and Its Implications Recognizing Signs of Preterm Labor Uterine Rupture Placental Abruption

What to Do If You Experience Bleeding

In the best-case scenario, you should be able to carry the pregnancy to full term without complications. However, as many would attest, that’s not always the case. 

Any time you notice bleeding at any stage of pregnancy, it’s reasonable to call your doctor—even if it’s just a few drops, it could be a sign of some serious problems to come. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding accompanied by pain or cramping, seek immediate medical attention. 

Pay attention to your symptoms and describe them to the doctor in detail. For example, you can count your contractions and note the severity of the bleeding and the color of your blood.

You’ve put a grueling 40 weeks into pregnancy, and your little one is finally here! There’s no doubt you read tons of books and articles in preparation for being pregnant—you researched what to expect when you’re expecting, different symptoms you might experience, and how to deal with them. Now it’s time to focus on the transition into postpartum life, which brings an entirely new set of questions and symptoms to worry about. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Postpartum Recovery

Regardless of how you chose to deliver your new baby, the six weeks following delivery are considered your recovery period. Even if you had the easiest delivery possible, your body has been seriously stretched and stressed out, so it will need time to recover. Remember, though, just like every pregnancy is different, every woman’s postpartum recovery will look a little different. 

The good news? The majority of physical postpartum symptoms ease up within a week. The not-as-great news? Others like sore nipples, backaches, and perineal pain could last several weeks. Leaking breasts or backaches have been known to last until your baby is a little older. 

If you delivered vaginally, recovery of your perineum could be 3-6 weeks—three if you didn’t tear, but more if you had a tear or an episiotomy. An incredibly common and understandable question most women ask, is whether or not their vagina will ever be the same after birth. The answer is that it won’t be exactly the same, but it’s likely it will return almost to normal. 

If you delivered by c-section, expect to spend your first 3-4 days postpartum in the hospital. It might be 4-6 weeks before you feel back to normal. Also, depending on whether you pushed and for how long, you can expect to have some perineal pain for a bit. 

Vaginal Bleeding After Birth

Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, can last for up to six weeks. It’ll be just like a really heavy period—your body is flushing out all of the leftover blood, tissue, and mucus from your uterus. Typically it will be heaviest for the first 3-10 days, but then should taper off, changing from a red/pink color to a yellowish-white. 

If you spot large clots, or you’re consistently bleeding through more than one pad every hour, call your doctor. Hopefully they’ll be able to rule out postpartum hemorrhage or begin treatment. Remember—tampons are off limits during this time! That might be frustrating, but the upside is you’ll be able to better tell how much you’re bleeding, and if you need to worry. 

Postpartum Recovery Tips

To help your perineum heal, ice it every few hours for the first 24 hours after you’ve given birth. Spray warm water over the area before and after peeing to keep urine from irritating any skin that might have torn during delivery. Try taking warm baths for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day, to ease the pain. Avoid long periods of standing or sitting, and try sleeping on your side. 

If you had a c-section, be sure to care for your scar as it heals. Gently clean it with soap and water once a day, and dry it with a clean towel before applying antibiotic ointment. Your doctor will let you know if you should leave it covered or let it air out. Try to avoid carrying anything but your baby! That extends to exercise as well—no weight lifting, running, or any kind of vigorous exercise until your doctor says it’s okay. 

For general aches and pains, acetaminophen is your best friend. You can also try taking hot showers or using a heating pad on achy spots. Or, possibly the best suggestion, treat yourself to a massage! 

Kegel exercises work wonders after delivery—just make sure you wait until you’re comfortably able to do them. There’s no better way to get your vagina back in shape, which will lead to more enjoyable sex for you and your partner, as well as resolve postpartum urinary incontinence. Once you can, aim for three sets of 20 every day. 

If your breasts are sore, the first thing you should do is make sure you have a comfortable nursing bra. You can use a warm compress (or ice packs, whichever feels better) and gentle massage to ease the pain. If you’re breastfeeding, let your breasts air out after every nursing session, and apply a lanolin cream to prevent or treat dry, cracked nipples. 

Keep up with your doctor appointments! This is crucial to a smooth, worry-free recovery. Your doctor will make sure everything is healing like it should, and can keep tabs on how you’re doing emotionally as well. If you’re struggling with being a new mom, they can suggest how to get help adjusting. Also remember to make your appointment to get your stitches out if you had a c-section birth, as leaving them in too long can lengthen the healing process. If you experience fever, pain, or tenderness around your incision, tell your doctor. 

Postpartum Depression

Nearly every new mom faces a bout of the baby blues. You’re on a roller coaster of hormones, you’re most likely sleep-deprived, and adjusting to having a baby is not easy. If you’re feeling persistently hopeless, sad, isolated, irritable, worthless, or anxious for more than two weeks postpartum, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. 

You are not alone. Postpartum depression affects up to 1 in 4 women and does not reflect your abilities as a mother in the slightest. Don’t feel ashamed, but do seek professional help—for your own well being and for your baby’s. This is an incredible time for your family, but don’t forget to take time for you! You’ve been through a lot, and it’s essential that you take care of yourself so you can better care for your new baby. 

For more information, advice, and support, call RMC today. We’re here to help!

While pregnancy is certainly one of the most joyous times in a woman’s life, it can also be one of the most stressful. As soon as you see that positive pregnancy test, you start thinking about all the things you’ve been doing. You obsess over that glass of wine you had with dinner last week, that espresso shot you had yesterday, that beer you drank three years ago—you start to worry about every little thing that could harm your baby. 

The important thing to remember is that stress won’t do you, or your baby, much good. Take some deep breaths, and keep reading for some lesser-known things you should avoid starting now. Then call your doctor! They will be able to give you an exhaustive, official, and backed-by-science list of everything you should avoid. 

Certain Foods

The rule of thumb is: avoid any foods that are more likely than others to become contaminated with bacteria or heavy metals. This includes:

• Soft, unpasteurized cheeses
  • Feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, Mexican queso fresco, blue-veined cheeses, etc. 
• Unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
• Raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs
  • Mousse, tiramisu, raw cookie dough, eggnog, homemade ice cream, caesar dressing, etc. 
• Raw or undercooked fish
  • Sushi, shellfish, meat, etc. 
• Pate and meat spreads
• Proceeds meats
  • Hot dogs, deli meats, etc. 
  • If you are eating these, make sure they’re well cooked!

Fish and shellfish can be a very healthy part of your diet, because they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, they’re high in protein, and low in saturated fat. You should, however, avoid certain kinds with high levels of mercury, which can damage your baby’s developing brain. Fish to avoid include: 

• Shark
• Swordfish
• King mackerel
• Tilefish
• Tuna steak
  • Although limited amounts of canned, light tuna are okay

Some low-mercury options that are safer for eating include:

• Canned, light tuna
• Catfish
• Pollock
• Salmon
• Shrimp

Avoid foodborne illnesses like listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella at all costs—these can cause birth defects or even miscarriage. Make sure you’re thoroughly washing all the fruits and veggies you eat, as they can carry bacteria or may be coated with pesticide residue. It’s true—you may have to miss out on some of your favorite foods, but you’ll sleep well at night knowing you’re doing everything you can to protect your growing baby! Not to mention, those foods will taste even better when you can enjoy them again. 

Litter Box

Spending time with Mr. Whiskers is completely safe, but you shouldn’t be cleaning out his litter box. A dangerous infection called toxoplasmosis, can be spread through soiled cat litter boxes. It can cause some serious problems, including prematurity, poor growth, and severe eye and brain damage. A pregnant woman who becomes infected with toxoplasmosis often has no symptoms, but can still pass it along to her unborn baby. 

So have someone else clean the litter box for a few months (see, some of these things are fun!) and make sure they clean it thoroughly, and that they wash their hands well after their done.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines

This one is tricky—there are a lot of different medications out there, so you should talk to your doctor about yours specifically. Even if they don’t seem like a big deal, talk to them about over-the-counter drugs you can and can’t take. Ask them about everything, and make sure to tell all of your healthcare providers that you’re pregnant, so they keep this in mind when prescribing your medications. 

Even some over-the-counter medicines can be off-limits because of the potential effects they could have on your baby. Certain prescription medications can also harm your baby. The type of harm and the extent of possible damage depends on the medication, so talk to your doctor. 

Be careful with herbal remedies and supplements—some of them may be safer alternatives to medical treatments, but none of them are required to be regulated by the FDA. This means they don’t have to follow any safety standards, and therefore could be harmful to your baby. 

Artificial Sweeteners

Sugar substitutes like aspartame, sucralose, stevioside, and acesulfame-K have been deemed safe in moderation during pregnancy. Experts are still unsure about whether saccharin, found in some foods and in little pink packets, is safe during pregnancy—it can cross the placenta and could remain in the fetus’ tissues. It’s safer to avoid it altogether. 

Moderation, as with most things, is the key here. It’s okay to have the occasional diet soda, or sugar-free food with these sweeteners. If you’re really craving something sweet, though, the real thing is better for you! In moderation, of course. 

If you or your partner suffer from a hereditary disease called phenylketonuria, you should avoid all aspartame. This rare disease causes the body to be unable to break down the compound phenylalanine. 

Bug Sprays

Bug sprays, while they make your summer nights more bearable and your garden more appetizing, are considered poisons. They should be avoided as much as possible. The occasional household use of insecticides might not be dangerous, but it’s best to be cautious because high levels of exposure can cause problems as serious as miscariage, premature delivery, and various birth defects. 

Common insect repellents can contain DEET or diethyltoluamide, but the risks aren’t fully known so it’s safest not to use them at all. Or, you can use gloves and put a very small amount on socks, shoes, and outer clothing instead of directly onto your skin to keep the bugs at bay. 

If bugs are a serious problem where you live, there are some precautions you can take to ensure your baby’s safety around these chemicals. Instead of bug repellent, you can use boric acid, which you can find at your local hardware store. Always make sure someone else applies pesticides to your garden, and stay away from the treated area afterwards, for the amount of time specified on the product label. If you’re gardening outside later, make sure to wear rubber gloves. Whenever pesticides are sprayed outside, close all your windows and turn the air conditioning off to prevent the fumes from getting into your home. If pesticides are used indoors, have someone else wash any treated area where food is prepared or served. If you have well water, have it tested regularly if you use pesticides, fertilizers, or weed killers. 

Overheating

Anything that raises your core body temperature above 102 F can be harmful to you and your baby. This means you should avoid all of the following:

• Saunas 
• Hot tubs
• Very hot, long baths or showers
• Electric blankets
• Heating pads
• Getting a high fever
• Spending too much time in the sun
• Exercising too hard

If your body temperature rises above 102 F for just 10 minutes, it can cause problems for your baby. The most important time to avoid these things is during your first trimester, during which overheating can cause neural tube defects or miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, the main concern is you becoming dehydrated, because that also means that your baby becomes dehydrated.  

So skip the hot tub and take a dip in the pool instead! Keep your baths or showers warm, but not steaming. If you have a fever, you can talk to your doctor about ways to lower it. Make sure you’re listening to your body’s cues that you’re getting overheated—slow down your workouts, go inside for a few minutes, and drink plenty of water. 

Sex

An extremely common question is “can I have sex while pregnant?” The answer is yes you can! In fact, most pregnant women continue having sex as usual all the way up until delivery—adjusting positions for comfort, of course, as their belly grows in size. Sex is perfectly safe for you and baby, so you can continue your sexual habits unless your doctor says otherwise. Your doctor may advise against sexual intercourse if they anticipate or find significant complications with your pregnancy like:

• History or threat of miscarriage
• History of preterm labor
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
• Leakage of amniotic fluid
• Placenta previa
• Incompetent cervix (your cervix dilates early)
• Multiple babies

While sex is deemed safe for pregnant women, there are still risks involved. You shouldn’t have sex with anyone whose sexual history is a mystery to you, or someone who could have an STD—if you’re infected, you could pass it on to your baby. 

Keep your doctor updated, and talk to them about whether or not it’s safe for you to continue sexual intercourse. If everything is “normal” with your pregnancy, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy what made your baby in the first place! 

Vaccinations

There are many vaccinations you should avoid, but some that are okay. Generally speaking, it’s best to wait until after your pregnancy for most vaccines, even though a few are considered safe. Your doctor may say it’s a good idea to get a vaccine if there’s a good chance you could be exposed to a particular disease or infection, and the benefits of vaccinating you outweigh the potential risks. They might also suggest a vaccination if an infection would pose a serious risk to you or your baby, or if the particular vaccine they’re suggesting is unlikely to cause any harm. 

For example, the flu shot is considered safe during any stage of pregnancy—just be sure (and your doctor will know this) you only receive the shot made with the inactivated virus, not anything with live strains of the virus. 

The Tdap vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women in the second half of each pregnancy, regardless of whether or not they’ve had the vaccine before, or when it was last given. This recommendation is fairly new and was made in response to a rise in pertussis (whooping cough), which can be fatal in newborns who haven’t had their routine vaccinations yet. Other vaccines that are considered safe to get during pregnancy include hepatitis B, meningitis, and rabies. 

Most vaccination risks come with live-virus vaccines, or vaccines containing live organisms. The risk with these is that the actual infection or disease that it’s meant to prevent, could possibly be passed along to your unborn baby. 

The important thing to take away here, is that you should always talk to your doctor. Most vaccines, and scenarios in which you may need a vaccine, are circumstantial. For example, getting the chickenpox vaccine, in some cases, may be safer for your baby than actually getting the infection. So keep your doctor in the loop, and you’ll be fine. 

What to Avoid During Pregnancy: The Takeaways

It might seem like you can’t do anything anymore—this is a hefty list, and there are more things to avoid—but remember that everything is circumstantial, and temporary. So talk to your doctor often. Be open and honest with them, not only about what’s going on physically, but also how you’re feeling, and remember the good things! Like the fact that your partner has to clean the litter box, you can opt out manual labor, and you’ll get to meet your little miracle in no time. 

Looking for a knowledgeable doctor to guide you through this journey? Call RMC today for personal, professional maternity care.