Besides morning sickness, food cravings tend to be only the most commonly known symptoms for pregnant women while they’re expecting. In TV, movies, and other forms of media, food cravings are often a hot topic of discussion between fictional characters—or even part of a harmless joke or gag—when one is a pregnant person.

If you’re pregnant or have been in the past, you probably know what it is like to experience a pregnancy craving. But maybe you’re a newly pregnant woman, and you wonder: When will I start craving foods or have the sudden urge to try weird food combinations? Can cravings predict whether my baby’s a girl or a boy?

Perhaps you want to learn more as you’re experiencing cravings for the first time, why you suddenly have food aversions to things that never bothered you before, or you want to know why you crave odd combinations of foods. You could even be craving non-food items.

Maybe you’re not a pregnant woman, and you’re simply interested in the topic of commonly craved foods for pregnant women, or you’re a supportive partner who wants to be educated on the subject.

Whatever your questions and reasons to learn more about pregnancy cravings and the most commonly craved foods, we’re sure to answer them here today.

Pregnancy Cravings: Frequently Asked Questions

Before we dish about common pregnancy food cravings and talk about all cravings, from ice cream to some of the “weird food cravings,” let’s run through some of the questions and answers you’re here for.

Why Do Pregnant Women Crave Certain Foods?

The number of unexplained pregnancy symptoms might shock you, and pregnancy cravings are one of them. Researchers have theories but don’t know precisely what causes pregnancy cravings.

Some think it could be a result of hormone changes (the same answer for a lot of other pregnancy symptoms), while others believe that certain diet deficiencies trigger them. What we do know is that almost all pregnant women experience cravings, so you’re not alone!

What Do Food Cravings Feel Like During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women will often say that their food cravings during pregnancy feel like an unbeatable urge to fuel extreme hunger or to give their taste buds whatever they’re “asking for” at any given moment. Food craving during pregnancy is often associated with the unpredictable ebb and flow of hormones, causing an extra need for comfort.

When Will Pregnancy Cravings Start?

Many pregnant women, especially new mothers, want to know the earliest point in pregnancy at which their cravings will start. Anecdotal evidence has revealed that most pregnancy cravings are reported during early pregnancy, starting at the end of the first trimester, increasing towards the beginning of the second trimester, and phasing out in the third trimester.

Of course, like most pregnancy symptoms, timing can be relative to when food cravings will appear and subside while you’re expecting. Some women have craving-free pregnancies and don’t experience them at all, which is actually quite rare, but every pregnancy is unique!

Pregnancy Food Cravings: a Sign of Nutritional Deficiency?

Pregnancyood cravings are extremely common, and they’re often not a sign of mineral deficiency or a lack of nutritional value in your diet. However, some healthy food and non-conventional cravings (such as pica cravings, which you can read more about in the sections below!) can be a sign of such deficiencies.

Can Food Aversions Reveal My Baby’s Gender?

Unfortunately—for the hopeful mothers here who have experienced food aversions before they can find out whether their baby is a boy or girl on an ultrasound—what you’ve heard about food aversions and their connection to the gender of your baby are simply rumors and myths without the support of scientific evidence.

Sure, you probably know some pregnant women who have “predicted” their baby is a boy or girl based on the foods they can’t stand, but those are probably just lucky guesses. If you want to know the gender of your baby before delivery, an ultrasound session with your OB-GYN—any time from 13 weeks until your due date—is your best bet.

Should I Ignore My Pregnancy Cravings?

You may think that you should or need to prevent food cravings during pregnancy, especially if you feel that they’ve become excessive or that you’re at risk when you’re craving nothing but unhealthy foods. Pregnancy-safe foods and healthy food intake are essential factors that contribute to optimal nutrition for you and your growing baby, but most pregnancy cravings are pretty harmless.

When you have a lot of aversions to food, ignoring your cravings may not be the best idea. You shouldn’t give in to harmful cravings, but you have to fuel your body at the end of the day! Plus, you deserve to comfort yourself; enjoy a sweet treat, or give in sometimes when you’re craving ice cream.

Just be sure to balance out your diet and supplement the things you know you should avoid with safer, healthier foods that can serve as alternatives for the time being.

What Are the Weirdest Pregnancy Cravings?

Lucky for those asking this question, we’ll get to that in just a second. If the “weird cravings” are the main reason you’re here, skip on down to the section called “Some Odd Combinations of Food Cravings”!

If you have lingering questions or curiosity about pregnancy cravings, read on! We’ll explore all things ranging from the most common pregnancy cravings to the “weird cravings” you’ve heard about—we’ll even discuss aversions and random cravings for non-food substances you need to watch out for.

Food Aversions

Of what we currently know about food aversions, they can be a huge cause of frustration. When your former favorite foods or what the people around you are eating makes you sick to your stomach, it can feel overwhelming or even miserable.

There isn’t a sole cause known to contribute to any specific food aversion during pregnancy, but there’s plenty of speculation as to why you may have them. One reason may be that pregnancy hormones can throw your senses out of whack.

HCG hormones often make women’s sense of—well, everything—different from what they were used to before pregnancy. This can cause morning sickness, a dull or metallic flavor experience from your taste buds, or a heightened sense (maybe even a horrifyingly putrid, vomit-worthy perception) of smell.

Certain foods may gross you out so badly during pregnancy that you’ll never want to eat them again. Sometimes pregnancy is a mourning period for your favorite foods, but usually, you’ll come back around after your little one arrives.

Most Common Pregnancy Cravings

Again, pregnancy cravings are incredibly common and shouldn’t be any reason for concern. Having food cravings during pregnancy can even be traced back to ancient Greece! Some of the most common cravings include:

• Milk (Many women specifically crave chocolate milk)
• Ice cream. It’s more than likely that you will crave ice cream like nobody’s business. Seriously, be cautioned that your ice cream consumption rate may skyrocket.
• Aside from milk and ice cream, you might crave dairy products like cheese, sour cream, and butter. Just be sure to stick to pasteurized dairy products only!
• Chocolate, particularly milk chocolate
• All sweet foods. Most pregnant women crave sweet foods, but who knows—some hate it, and it might not be your thing, either.
• Fresh fruit, mainly strawberries, citrus fruits, pineapple, and fresh fruit juice. Citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin c, so doctors approve of satisfying this craving!
• Fish, but be warned: All raw fish and cooked fish containing high mercury levels are pregnancy no-nos. Sorry, no sushi!
• Spicy foods
• Salty foods: Most of the unhealthy junk foods you can’t wait to get your hands on are likely delicious, salty foods. On the upside, pickles and other salty foods can help with muscle cramps due to their high sodium content.
• Red meat
• Fatty foods
• Sour foods
• Comfort foods and carbs: you might crave rice, pasta, french fries, cereal, and mashed potatoes

Some Odd Combinations of Food Cravings

While these are the most common, there are certainly more documented cravings than that! Odd combinations of different foods are also extremely common. Some of the most bizarre craving concoctions on record are:

• Buddy’s sweet spaghetti from the movie Elf
• Sardines on crackers, with blueberries
• Pulled pork and vanilla ice cream
• Doritos dipped in clam chowder
• Dill pickles dipped in grape jelly
• Pickles and Peanut Butter
• Canned cheese on powdered doughnuts
• Pizza dipped in icing
• Twinkies dipped in ranch dressing
• Dog treats
• Nutella on a burrito

If you’ve been craving something that seems unnatural, know that you aren’t alone at all! Some women even experience intense cravings for non-food items—this is a condition called pica, and it is somewhat common.

Pica Pregnancy Cravings

The word “pica” is Latin for “magpie,” which is a bird famous for eating just about anything. This is an incredibly accurate name for this condition because women with pica crave things that aren’t actually edible. The most common pica cravings are:

• Ice
• Dirt or clay
• Soap or laundry detergent
• Paint chips
• Ashes
• Clothes
• Plants
• Paper
• Coffee grounds
• Cornstarch

Again, pica is somewhat common, so it’s not something to stress about—but you should not indulge in these cravings. They’re harmful to both you and your baby, so if you crave non-food items, you should call your doctor right away. It could signify that you have an iron deficiency or are short on another vital nutrient.

When your body fails to produce sufficient red blood cells for proper oxygen transport, you probably suffer from a condition known as anemia. Anemia can stem from iron deficiency, which is what those ice cravings could indicate. If your physician believes you have pre-natal anemia, they might refer you to a hematologist.

Calming Your Cravings

Managing intense food cravings can be very difficult—after all, you feel like you deserve it, right? While you probably do, it’s important not to indulge too much. The best way to combat cravings is to treat them like normal, non-pregnant cravings—everything in moderation. A little ice cream or a few potato chips won’t hurt you, just don’t overdo it!

Healthy Foods for Pregnancy

Outside of your cravings, try to ensure you’re eating healthy foods safe for pregnancy and maintaining a balanced pregnancy diet. Start your day right with a big, healthy breakfast, and make sure you’re eating good-for-you snacks throughout the day. Some foods that can be delicious while helping you to stay healthy are:

• Dark leafy greens rich in folic acid
• Peanut butter—which you might already be craving and is packed with necessary protein!
• Certain foods rich in vitamin c, like citrus and other fruits
• Whole grains

If you’re craving sweets, make sure you’re keeping up with flossing, brushing, and regular dental visits! The good news? These intense cravings usually let up after the first trimester—so hang in there!

For Further Advice on Pregnancy Cravings + More

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 maternal nutrition contact Regional Medical Center—and check out more on our maternity blog—today!

A doula’s sole purpose is to make you and your partner feel secure and supported throughout your pregnancy journey. The word “doula” is a Greek word used to describe a higher level of servant that would have been responsible for the woman of the house, her pregnancy, and her babies. Today, the word refers to a professionally trained person who assists you and your family during pregnancy, birth, as well as the postpartum period. 

If you think you and your partner could use some physical, emotional, and informational support, you might want to consider hiring a doula! 

Physical Help

Your doula can help ease the physical pains and discomforts of pregnancy—they’re well-versed in massage and breathing techniques, as well as what sleeping, sitting, and birthing positions will make you the most comfortable. They can help move your labor along, identify back pain and apply the right counter pressure to ease your discomfort. It’s incredibly common for pregnant women to hold their breath or breathe too shallow, but your doula can guide you to comfort and keep you from passing out. 

Even if you plan on having an epidural, a doula can make sure you feel comfortable at home leading up to labor, or even help in the hospital by making sure you’re resting in the best positions for you. During the pushing stage of labor, your doula can offer suggestions to make things easier, as well as encourage you while you push. 

They’ll make sure your partner is handling everything okay, and make sure everyone involved is eating, drinking plenty of water, and staying comfortable. 

Emotional Help

Your doula is there to get to know you and really understand what you’re going through—even if they haven’t had a baby themselves, they know exactly what it means to be cared for, listened to, and supported. They’re meant to serve as a shoulder for you to cry on and an empathetic third-party listener for you and your partner. They are nurturing, calm, and confident even when things seem chaotic and overwhelming. 

They’ll talk you through any questions you have about pregnancy, labor, and life postpartum. Your doula can work through anything that you’re anxious or stressed about with you. They are meant to serve as a nonjudgmental expert, offering whatever it is you might need. 

Informational Help

A doula knows what questions to ask. They’ll constantly encourage open and honest discussions between you and your doctor or midwife. They’ll offer up-to-date and evidence-based resources to help you make decisions along the way. Not only can they offer up expert information and advice, but they can translate medical jargon so you always know what’s going on. A doula is equipped to teach prenatal classes to help you better understand birth and breastfeeding. They serve as a much better resource than sifting through thousands of unhelpful Google searches. 

Breastfeeding can be overwhelming and frustrating for a lot of new parents, but a doula will help you with the first latch after birth, as well as offer general help and information when you get home with your baby. Your doula will also support you without question if you decide not to breastfeed—they’re an unbiased and nonjudgmental support person for you and your partner, whatever decisions you make. 

Things to Consider

Not everyone wants extra support during labor, especially if you’ve already chosen a friend or family member to offer support in the delivery room. Most hospitals have a strict limit on how many support people you’re allowed to have. 

Your financial situation is something to consider when deciding whether or not you want to hire a doula—they can be expensive. Average prices for a doula range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The price, of course, will vary depending on where you live, as well as the doula’s experience level. Sometimes, a newer doula will offer discounted services to get more experience, but it’s important to know that no doula is required to work for free while completing their certification. 

Regardless of their experience level or price, a doula can make one of the most important times in your life much less stressful, more comfortable, as well as give you and your partner more confidence throughout your childbirth experience. 

Search for doulas in your area, and see if there are any you’d like to meet! You can add a doula to your baby registry, or hire them right away to start supporting you and your family in whatever way you need. The sooner you hire them, the better you can get to know them and the more support and wisdom they can offer you. 

For more expert advice and support, contact RMC today!

Sporadic moments of forgetfulness and general fogginess during pregnancy is completely normal, but can be frustrating. Pregnancy brain, baby brain, or “momnesia” is very real, but it doesn’t actually change your brain. Regardless, any pregnancy book—or pregnant mom—will tell you about it, and there is evidence from research showing memory deficits in pregnant women. 

What Does Pregnancy Brain Feel Like?

Have you ever walked into a room, stopped, and stood there for several minutes because you forgot what you went in there for? Pregnancy brain is like doing that 10 times a day. 

Some studies have shown that there could be evolutionary reasons behind this mental fog. From an evolutionary standpoint, this kind of memory impairment may be helpful—the woman forgets about other things, and focuses all her mental energy on caring for her new baby. Pregnant women and new moms spend so much time thinking about the changes their baby will bring that their short-term memory is bound to suffer. 

What Causes Pregnancy Brain?

It’s normal to have memory lapses or feel overly forgetful whenever you’re exceptionally busy, stressed out, or running on not enough sleep. Pregnancy, of course, tends to involve all of these causes. When you aren’t getting enough sleep, and you’re still trying to multitask, no one’s memory is as sharp as usual. Not to mention, surging hormone levels and brand new priorities help explain pregnancy fog. You have between 15 and 40 times more progesterone and estrogen in your system during pregnancy, and these hormones affect all kinds of neurons in your brain. 

By the time a woman gives birth, there are large surges of oxytocin that cause the uterus to contract and the body to produce milk—this hormone also affects your brain circuits. It might sound scary, but your neurons and circuits are completely fine! Pregnancy rearranges what gets your attention, that’s all. Your overall brain function isn’t changing, only your priorities are! 

A British study found that hormones can really affect a pregnant woman’s spatial memory, which includes remembering where things are. 

How You Can Treat It

1. If you aren’t feeling as sharp as usual, try your best to simplify other areas of your life—everything is about to get more complicated, so anything you can minimize will help! 
2. While it’s tricky with a newborn, the most effective thing you can do for your pregnancy brain is to get better sleep. Sleep deprivation is a serious contributing factor after your baby arrives. Women can accumulate up to 700 hours of sleep debt in the first year after having a baby. This causes your brain to function only for caring for your baby and not much else. Most moms find that their pregnancy brain goes away within a week of getting better sleep!
3. Get in the habit of writing things down! Questions you have for your doctor, things you have to get done, ideas you have—anything that you know you’ll forget, write it down in a central place you can refer back to. 
4. Above all else, keep your sense of humor. Pregnancy brain is normal and natural, so try not to get frustrated with yourself. Of course, if your memory problems are more severe—like you’re forgetting to put your baby in their car seat—you should seek help. Otherwise, though, it’s completely normal. 

For more information, tips, and maternity advice, contact Regional Medical Center today!

There’s hardly a “perfect” time to be pregnant, but it’s commonly thought that summer is the worst—it’s hot outside, you’re carrying extra weight, you’re extra sweaty, and extra irritable. While it sounds miserable to most, we have a few reasons to be happy if you’re carrying your little bundle of joy around all summer!

Outdoor Exercise

Both walking and swimming are a pregnant woman’s best friends. They’re low-impact and provide great cardio benefits. With the weather heating up, they’re perfect excuses to get outside and get some fresh air.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can do during pregnancy, because it’s an activity that can be done by all women at any fitness level and in all stages of pregnancy! As weight-bearing exercise, research says walking delivers a multitude of health benefits to both mom and baby, including delivering more oxygen to mom’s muscles and tissues. This translates to a better-functioning placenta and more nutrients for your baby.

Make sure you wear comfortable, supportive shoes and drink plenty of water!

The great thing about swimming? It provides some much-needed relief from pregnancy weight gain, swelling, and pressure—not to mention relief from the summer heat. If running or walking isn’t comfortable, swimming is an amazing alternative. Enjoy feeling weightless (for once) and let the water rejuvenate you.

All the Fruits

Fruits and vegetables are absolutely packed with vitamins, fiber, and essential nutrients for both you and your baby. The hotter it is outside, the more you crave cold, refreshing food! Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant during the summer, right when you’ll be more likely to eat them. You can easily grow your own organic fruits, veggies, and herbs if you want to save money! You can cook and freeze them for your baby to enjoy when they’re old enough, too.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in pregnant women and has been linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and bacterial vaginosis. In fact, most prenatal vitamins don’t even supply enough vitamin D. Fortified milk and fatty fish can help with this deficiency, but you should supplement those with sunshine! It’s hard to get all that you need just from food. You can check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

Clothes

Maternity clothes have come a long, long way over the years. You have endless options for cute summer dresses, skirts, tank tops, and swimsuits to choose from! There are plenty of comfortable, affordable options out there for you. You can check consignment shops for great deals, too.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus is a highly contagious virus that causes a respiratory tract infection. This can be very serious for premature babies, or those who already have heart or lung problems, especially if they’re younger than six months. RSV season is October through May, so babies born in the summer months are less likely to get it.

Staying Hydrated

It is absolutely essential that you stay well-hydrated during your entire pregnancy, but this is a lot more important (but easier!) in the summer since you’re already in the mood for something cool and refreshing. Summer fruits contain tons of water, you can infuse water with fruits, not to mention, ice cold mocktails are always an option. Have fun with it, and get all the water you and your baby need!

Vacation

Summer is the perfect time to take a last-minute babymoon—take a little vacation with your partner to connect and spend some quality time together before you’re a family of three or more! Summer often offers vacation time away from work, which can be especially nice if you’re close to your due date and really feeling those physical symptoms. You can even start your maternity leave a little early if you’re close! Relax a bit, and get ready to meet your little one.

Pregnant this Summer?

We have programs for expecting mothers and have been designated the first baby-friendly hospital in the state of Alabama. If you find yourself pregnant this summer, contact the RMC team to get the assistance and support you need along your journey.

It’s no secret that with all the beautiful moments pregnancy brings that there’s also a lot of pain and discomfort. While you may not be able to exercise like you used to, yoga is an amazing way to relieve some of your discomforts. Yoga has the ability not only to decrease your stress—the root cause of many pregnancy ailments—but it can also reduce back pain, heartburn, headaches, tired feet, and insomnia.

Prenatal Yoga to Reduce Stress

On top of presenting its own negative effects on your overall health, stress can also worsen the issues you were already experiencing pre-pregnancy. Learning to tackle stress during your pregnancy will help with all your weird pains and help you sleep better!

Easy Pose

Sit on your yoga mat with your legs crossed (criss-cross-applesauce style). Use your hands to move your glute muscles so that you’re firmly on the mat, resting solely on your sit bones. Sit up as straight as you can, and place your hands on your knees. Close your eyes and practice deep, slow breathing. As you breathe in, count five full seconds. Do the same when you breathe out, and get a nice, calm rhythm going.

Supported Fish Pose

This one may require some props! Lie down on your back and use a rolled up blanket or towel, or a small lumbar pillow if you have one, to support your shoulder blades. Your prop should be resting just below your underarms to support your upper back. Rest your arms out to the sides, forming a t-shape with your body. Keep your palms facing up, close your eyes, and practice the same breathing rhythm. Focus on relaxing everything—every muscle from head to toe—and let go of tension and negativity with every breath.

Prenatal Yoga to Help You Sleep

Another cure-all for pregnancy ailments is sleep. Trouble sleeping is a very common problem for pregnant women, and it’s another factor that can worsen any troubles you already have. In addition to the Easy Pose from the last section, try these simple poses before bed to help you fall asleep faster, and more easily.

Figure 4

Recline in bed and bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the bed. Cross your right ankle over your left knee, keeping your foot flexed and perpendicular to your shin. Move your right knee away from you, engaging your hip muscles, or grab onto your left hamstring and pull your leg towards you. Take slow, deep breaths while you do this, and when you’re ready, repeat with the other leg.

Seated Forward Bend

Sit up straight and extend your legs in front of you. Reach for your toes—if it hurts, you’re reaching too far! With every exhale, reach forward a little bit more. Try to keep your spine as straight as possible, while slightly bending your knees to help. Breathe slowly and deeply.

Wide Child’s Pose

Get onto all fours, and separate your knees about as wide as your yoga mat is. Touch your toes together on the mat behind you. Sit your hips back onto your heels, and reach your arms forward on the mat for a good stretch. Stretch as much as you’d like, and relax your arms by your sides. Stay in this relaxing position for several deep breaths.

Corpse Pose

Lie down on your back, either in bed or on your yoga mat, and let your hands rest comfortably at your sides, palms up. Make sure every limb is resting a comfortable and natural distance away from your body. Close your eyes, and focus on relaxing every muscle you have. Start with your toes, and work your way up your body, releasing any tension you feel. This is a very simple yet very effective way to get sleepy if you’re feeling restless!

Prenatal Yoga for Back Pain and Hip Tension

The average woman gains about 30 pounds during pregnancy, and it’s almost all on the front of your body. With all this added weight to your chest, belly, and pelvic area, you’re bound to experience some back and hip strain. Try some of these yoga poses to help relieve the pain while strengthening those muscles that support the extra weight!

Seated Side Bend

Sit down on your yoga mat with your legs crossed. Sit tall, keeping your spine as straight as you can. Lift your right hand up into the air, and slowly tilt to the left. Make sure you’re keeping your arm in line with your body, and that your arm isn’t moving behind or in front of your head. You should feel the stretch in your side—the deeper you want to stretch, the more you’ll tilt to the left. But remember that stretching shouldn’t hurt!

Standing Forward Fold

Stand up straight with your feet as wide as your hips or a little wider. Place your hands on your hips and hinge forward at your hips, keeping your back as straight as you can while you fold. Continue to fold more and more, and when you can’t keep your back straight anymore, bend your knees and relax into a full fold. You can let your arms dangle, grab onto your ankles, or hold both elbows.

Yoga Squat

Stand with your feet very wide—wider than your mat—and face your toes outward for optimum balance. Drop your hips down and back, keeping your back straight and your feet flat on the mat. Bring your hands into a prayer position in front of your chest. Focus on deep breathing, and keeping your chest open as you inhale.

Low Runner’s Lunge With Twist

If you’re in your third trimester, you can adapt this pose to how your feeling. The twist may be uncomfortable for you, and if it is, feel free to skip that part. Start in a lunge with your right foot forward. Make sure everything is in line—your right knee should be straight above your right ankle, your shin perpendicular with the floor. Use your left toes for balance, and drop your left knee to the mat if you need the extra support. Stabilize yourself with your hands on the mat, and when you’re ready, lift your right arm to the sky and twist your body. Hold this pose for a few breaths, and again, skip the twisting if it doesn’t feel right.

Seated Figure 4

This is a great alternative pose for those who find the previous poses uncomfortable. Sit on your mat with your hands placed flat behind you. Bend your knees so that both feet are flat on the mat. Cross your right ankle over your left knee, and flex your foot. Move your right knee away from you using your hip muscles. Breath deeply, and then do the same pose on the other side. This pose works great in a chair too, if that’s more comfortable for you.

Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose

This pose looks exactly how it sounds! This one is an amazing restorative pose that will bring a lot of relief to your legs, feet, hamstrings, and lower back. Sit close to a wall, and swing your legs up in the air to lean them against it. Scoot your bottom up as close to the wall as you can—if you feel tightness in your hamstrings or your back, you can scoot a few inches away from the wall. Let your arms rest at your sides and breathe deeply.

Cat-Cow Pose

Get onto all fours, and transition from Cow Pose to Cat Pose while breathing steadily. Inhale through Cow Pose, letting your belly drop and lifting your tailbone and your head to the sky. Exhale through Cat Pose, rounding your spine like a cat, tucking your head down, and stretching between your shoulder blades. Go through several rounds of these poses, breathing deeply and slowly the entire time.

Prenatal Yoga for Indigestion and Heartburn

There’s nothing like a bad case of heartburn to make everything else worse—it’s hard to sleep or relax with heartburn or indigestion, but these yoga poses can help!

Triangle Pose

This pose stimulates your abdominal organs, and improves digestion! Stand up, and face the right edge of your yoga mat. Turn your left toes forward toward the front of your mat. Turn your right toes at a 45 degree angle. Put your right hand on your hip, and reach your right arm up to the sky. Your body should tip over to the left. Make sure your shoulders are on top of each other and that you aren’t twisting backward or forward. Look up at your right hand, and breathe deeply. When you’re ready, repeat the pose on the other side.

Bound Eagle Pose

Sit down on your yoga mat, and put the bottoms of your feet together with your knees out to the side (butterfly pose). Wrap your hands around your feet, and focus on deep breathing. Sit up as tall as you can, and slowly start to hinge forward to deepen the stretch.

In Summary

The most important part of prenatal yoga is finding time to relax, recenter, and breathe during your pregnancy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but this stress will only add to your ailments. So take some time, maybe even just a few minutes a day, for yourself—you and your baby deserve it! Remember, this is not the time to push yourself exercising or stretching. Your body is under a lot of stress as it is, so be sure you’re listening to what it needs and not over straining it.

For more support, tips, and advice for your pregnancy journey, contact Regional Medical Center today!

Pregnancy is chock full of weird feelings, aches and pains, and lots of stress and worrying. Most of these are completely normal, as is the excessive worrying that accompanies them. But one thing that could ease your worrying is knowing when you should call your maternity doctor.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Bleeding

If you’re experiencing bleeding or spotting, it’s best to call your doctor immediately. Not all bleeding during pregnancy is bad, but this is something you should have checked out.

Pain

If you feel sharp, intense, or one-sided pain, and it doesn’t go away with movement or repositioning, call your doctor. Minor aches and pains can wait until your next office visit. Be honest with yourself about your pain level, and seek help if you need it.

Contractions

If you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and having contractions that are more frequent than 10 minutes apart, you should get your doctor on the phone.

Water Breaking

If you feel a gush of fluid, big or small, that could be your water breaking. Some women can’t even tell when it happens, so if you aren’t sure, it’s best to call your doctor anyway.

Baby Movement

Babies sleep and wake inside your tummy, so you shouldn’t expect movement around the clock. If you notice a significant decrease in your baby’s movement, however, you should report this to your doctor right away.

Headache

If you’re experiencing sudden or severe headaches (that aren’t normal for you) you should be in contact with your maternity doctor within the next 24 hours.

Swelling

Some swelling is normal! Your feet and hands will swell throughout the day, and that’s nothing to worry about. Anything sudden, or that doesn’t go away after a night of rest, should be a point of concern—call your doctor.

Questions

Keep an ongoing list of questions you think to ask your doctor, and bring your list to your next appointment! Not every question is an emergency, so if it can wait, wait.

What to Expect

When you make the call, odds are you’ll feel flustered and nervous—especially if you think something is seriously wrong. Be ready to give the appropriate information so you can get the help you need as quickly as possible.

• Your name
• The name of your doctor or midwife
• Your due date
• The date of your last period
• The symptoms you’re experiencing
• How long you’ve been experiencing them
• The hospital closest to you
• Your pharmacy’s name and number

Calling during office hours will start with speaking to a receptionist. You should ask to speak to the nurse that works with your doctor to make sure your doctor gets the message if they’re busy or out of the office—the nurse is more likely to know more about you and your status than the receptionist will.

Calling Your Maternity Doctor After Hours

First, you’ll most likely get an answering service. This is to screen calls, as well as to route them to the on-call practitioner. This might not be your doctor, but they can still help you. Typically, they’ll call you back within 5 minutes—if they don’t, call again.

If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, don’t bother calling anyone—go straight to the emergency room, and they’ll get in touch with your doctor there.

Have more questions or need guidance through this journey? Contact the team at RMC today.

You noticed some early pregnancy signs and received a positive result on an at-home pregnancy test—congratulations! Your journey to motherhood has begun. The excitement and initial shock of finding out you’re pregnant can be overwhelming, and you may not know where to start.

Start with these things to promote the best care for both you and your baby’s development! Everything else will follow naturally.

Take Prenatal Vitamins

Most doctors recommend that you start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you know you’re pregnant. These nutrients are essential to your baby’s healthy development, especially in the first four weeks. That seems early, but your body is going through a lot already, and your baby needs all the nutrients they can get.

Almost all drugstores and supermarkets, as well as health food and some online shops, will have these important vitamins for a healthy pregnancy and the development of your unborn baby. You’ll find that the majority of these stores will have them combined in one prenatal vitamin for an affordable price.

Omega-3 DHA

Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a naturally occurring lipid in the brain proven to be fundamental for healthy brain performance, which is why it’s a staple ingredient in almost all prenatal vitamins. More specifically, Omega-3 DHA vitamins will support your baby’s visual and cognitive growth.

Folic Acid

Taking a prenatal vitamin containing the B vitamin folic acid (also known as a folate supplement) is crucial during the first trimester of your pregnancy. The recommended dose of at least 400 milligrams of a folic acid supplement during the first trimester has proven to increase the prevention of prenatal anemia and neural tube defects, which impact your baby’s development and brain health.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

After receiving a positive pregnancy test result at home, it’s time to visit your doctor or midwife as soon as possible. Your physician will confirm your pregnancy and explore options for providing you and your baby with the best of care. Your healthcare provider will likely confirm the pregnancy by checking your hCG levels with blood tests and a repeat urine test.

Obstetricians often prefer to schedule prenatal appointments after at least eight weeks of gestation. However, if your initial appointment with your doctor or midwife raises cause for concern or an earlier intervention, your OB-GYN will likely decide to schedule sooner.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The sooner you find out what’s covered for you in prenatal care and delivery by your insurance company—and what’s not—the better prepared you’ll be for all the expenses coming your way.

Pregnancy is expensive, but knowing what you’ll get help with and what you won’t help you start budgeting right away. Figure out what portion of your hospital bills they’ll pay for, including prescribed medical tests. Also, double-check that your OB-GYN is in your network.

At some point during your pregnancy, you’ll want to look for a pediatrician in your network that aligns with your health and wellness goals for your baby’s development after they’re born.

Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment

It’0s important to schedule a prenatal visit with an obstetrician for around six to eight weeks into your pregnancy after your last period. Most gynecologists won’t see you before then—but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the ball rolling.

Go ahead and schedule your appointment. This is also a great time to get some initial recommendations for you during the first six weeks over the phone.

OB-GYN

Don’t already have an OB-GYN, or you’re looking for a new one now that you’re pregnant? Do some research!

The internet is a treasure trove for checking out the obstetrician offices in your area. You can usually see how others review them online and what their payment options look like, and sometimes you can check out their website to see what procedures their office tends to follow.

You can also connect with other pregnant women and mothers that you know or through online and in-person support groups to get their opinion and advice on the obstetricians they have visited.

Your First Prenatal Care Visit

So, what exactly happens at your first visit with the OB-GYN for prenatal care?

Typically, your obstetrician will perform an ultrasound to reconfirm your pregnancy and see the progress of your baby’s growth and development so far. This is when they can calculate how far along you truly are and your approximate due date.

They’re also likely to order a round of blood testing and will review your and your partner’s medical history.

Based on the testing and information gathered, your physician will discuss what the rest of your pregnancy should look like when you should come back for a visit, delivery options, and further advice on what to do for you and your baby’s best care.

Be sure to prepare beforehand for the many questions you’ll want to ask, and don’t be shy to ask questions as they arise during your appointment.

When You’re Ready—Tell Your Friends and Family!

Some new mothers are so excited to be pregnant that they start typing their social media announcements the moment they get a positive pregnancy test. Most women wait until after their first trimester to share the joy of their pregnancy, though, when the risk of miscarriage has decreased.

Even if you aren’t ready to shout your baby news from the rooftops, telling a close family member or friend can take a lot of the stress off of you. Having someone to confide in about your pregnancy—maybe even someone who’s been pregnant before—other than your doctor can be a great stress reliever.

Arrange Your Maternity Leave

Most women wait until the end of their first trimester to share baby news at work. Making sure everything is working and going smoothly is a perfectly reasonable explanation for waiting! Waiting doesn’t mean you can’t feel out what your company’s maternity leave policy is like.

If you don’t have access to an employee handbook or direct access to policies, you can email HR and ask about the policy. Your conversations with HR are confidential, so don’t worry about the news spreading before you’re ready.

Be Prepared For Change

Your hormones are going through all kinds of changes right now, even this early on in your pregnancy. It’s hard to tell—especially at the beginning—when your blood sugar may suddenly drop. Start carrying water with you everywhere, and keep a few snacks in your bag, like almonds or fruit, just in case you start feeling woozy.

Adjust Your Lifestyle Habits

While you’re pregnant, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your usual lifestyle for your baby’s growth and healthy development. That means it’s time to quit a lot of things you love, although we promise it’ll be worth it. Your baby will thank you! And you’ll probably thank yourself, too.

Evaluate Your Diet

You’ll need to make some important adjustments to your regular diet and nutrition during pregnancy. What you eat and drink (and the foods you should avoid) while you’re pregnant majorly contribute to the nutrients your baby will need to grow strong and healthy.

Recommended Diet and Nutrients

A balanced, safe diet is one of the most important aspects of your lifestyle that needs an upgrade while you’re pregnant. Although you’ll miss out on some of your old favorites, you don’t have to stick to bland, unfulfilling foods at all!

There are plenty of options that are tasty, nutritious, and safe for you and your baby, such as:

• Legumes, such as peanuts, peas, and lentils, are rich in protein, folate, and other nutrients
• Whole grains rich in iron and folic acid that you can find in certain cereals and bread
• Fruits and vegetables contain essential complex carbohydrates
• Lean meats for extra protein
• Pasteurized dairy

Foods to Avoid

It’s time to cut out the cheese, sushi, lunch meats, and junk food. That’s right: some of your favorites can pose a risk to your baby’s development and health.

Here are a few of the “no-no’s” when it comes to your pregnancy diet:

• Raw or undercooked sprouts, fish (including sushi), eggs, and meats
• Unpasteurized dairy and juices
• Lunch/deli meats
• Unwashed produce
• Cooked or raw fish containing high mercury levels

Quit Smoking

Smoking cigarettes, vaping e-juice, or consuming any other substances containing nicotine during pregnancy can cause developmental harm or delay to your unborn baby’s lungs and brain. Maternal smoking is also linked to birth defects, low birth weight, miscarriage, and numerous other risks.

Stop Drinking Alcohol

Consuming wine, beer, or any other types of alcoholic drinks during your pregnancy increases the likelihood of birth defects, such as low birth weight, miscarriage, premature delivery, and other severe risks to your baby’s growth and development.

There should be no exceptions to this; for your baby’s safety, you must limit your alcohol consumption during pregnancy to none.

Cut Back on Caffeine

Coffees, chocolates, teas, and sodas—you need to cut all forms of caffeine consumption down to a total of 200 milligrams while you’re pregnant. Caffeine crosses the placenta and metabolizes at a much slower rate than what your body is used to.

Check Your Beauty Products

Some makeup contains phthalates, which are chemicals that could be harmful to your baby’s growth, development, and overall health. Go through your makeup bag and check the ingredient labels—you may have to find some replacements.

Certain hair dyes and styling products contain ammonia and should be avoided while you’re pregnant. If you can’t give up on touch-ups, ask your hairstylist about some pregnancy-safe options that leave out the chemicals that could harm your growing baby.

Try Out Pregnancy-Safe Excercise

From swimming to prenatal yoga, pregnancy-friendly exercise can offer many benefits for your mood, energy, and your baby’s health. Before you create a new pregnancy-safe workout plan or continue your usual routine, discuss prenatal exercise with your healthcare physician or obstetrician.

Plan For a Healthy Pregnancy and Parenting

Most women with motherhood experience will tell you that it’s much harder to raise (and carry) a baby than it looks. Luckily some options will help bring you up to speed as much as possible while you’re still pregnant.

Check out a pregnancy book from your local library or book store. The internet is also a great resource for finding free information on pregnancy, prenatal care, infant care parenting, and delivery planning—you name it, and there’s sure to be plenty of guidance material to suit your wellness and parenting preferences.

Enroll in Pregnancy and Parenting Classes

Some parents have more experience, but newly pregnant, first-time parents are in unfamiliar territory. New parent classes are often a staple in this case, as they’re a great way to prepare for your baby by teaching you and your spouse/partner vital lessons in parenthood, infant care, emergency preparedness like baby CPR and first aid, and delivery support.

You can usually look online, ask friends and family members who are mothers, or call your OB-GYN’s office to find a class near you.

Document Precious Memories

These next nine months will certainly fly by, so be sure to take the time to document the process! Journal about your feelings and your experiences, and take pictures of your growing belly and anything else during your pregnancy that you think you’d enjoy looking back on.

Make a To-Do List

Whatever path you choose to take with your pregnancy, you have much preparation ahead before your unborn baby arrives. This page offers many tips and a good idea of the basics, but each mother, baby, and pregnancy is unique.

Here’s an idea of some additional things you might want to add to your pregnancy ‘to-do list,’ but again, every mother should plan their pregnancy and delivery according to their unique needs and preferences:

#1 Pick up the essentials you’ll need or add them to a registry (like diapers, wipes, baby clothes, bottles, a crib, a car seat, etc.).

#2 Arrange plans for delivering your baby with your doctor or midwife. Most women plan to have their baby in a medical center or hospital for professional clinical care, amenities for certain precautions, and supervised care from nurses.

• Others enjoy the familiar comfort and natural experience of home birth with a licensed midwife.
• Also, decide if you want to invite anyone to your delivery for encouragement, such as a doula, spouse/partner, family member, or friend.

#4 Plan a baby shower (or find someone to do it for you!).

#5 Determine whether you’d like to bottle feed (formula or using a breast pump), breastfeed, or both.

• Like many of the post-delivery plans you may choose to make, your decision on this matter is subject to change based on what your body and baby need.

#6 Prepare your hospital bag: get everything you need, ready to go!

Newly Pregnant? We’ve Got You

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 pregnancy advice and support you need, contact Regional Medical Center today!

Every woman is different, as well as every woman’s pregnancy experience. The only way to truly know if you’re pregnant or not is to take a pregnancy test. A lot of these symptoms are associated with other things as well, so noticing any of them does not mean you’re pregnant. Again, take a pregnancy test or talk to your doctor as soon as you can. In the meantime, here are some things to lookout for that could be an indication that you’re pregnant.

Period-Like Symptoms

Ironically, many women experience period-like symptoms very early on in pregnancy. After conception, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus, which can cause cramping that closely resembles menstrual cramps. It can also cause spotting, which can mimic a regular (or maybe lighter-than-usual) period. This is called implantation bleeding and can happen anywhere from six to 12 days after fertilization.

Some women may also notice white, milky discharge, which is a result of the vagina walls thickening after fertilization. This usually starts immediately after conception. The discharge will continue throughout pregnancy, but shouldn’t be any concern. If this discharge is accompanied by burning or itching, definitely consult you doctor because this could be a sign of bacterial infection.

Breast Changes

You may notice that your breasts are swollen, tender, or tingly a week or so after conception. They may feel fuller, heavier, or sore in general due to hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy. The area around your nipples, or your areolas, may darken in color too. It may take a few weeks, but your breast pain should ease with time.

Fatigue

Feeling exhausted is really common throughout pregnancy, even at the very beginning. You could start feeling fatigued in as little as one week after conception due to the high level of progesterone, or the pregnancy hormone. This is, of course, a symptom that could be linked to all sorts of different things—low blood pressure, low blood sugar, or an increase in blood production could all contribute to feeling extra tired. Whatever the cause, make sure you’re getting plenty of rest and that you’re eating foods rich in protein and iron.

Morning Sickness

Probably the most famous symptom of pregnancy, morning sickness can start almost immediately, although not every woman will experience it. The actual cause of morning sickness isn’t known, but it’s believed to be a result, like most symptoms, of all the hormone changes your body is going through.

You may find yourself gagging at food you used to love, or craving foods you hated before! Pay attention to your cravings and aversions, as even just smelling something could be enough to turn your stomach. Though the name implies that it just happens in the morning, women can experience this for their entire pregnancies. For most women, it subsides around the 13 or 14 week mark. Eating carefully and thoughtfully is the best cure for this symptom.

Missed Period

One of the most obvious early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. However, nothing is certain when it comes to your body—not all missed periods are a sign of pregnancy, and not all women stop bleeding when they’re pregnant. Talk to your doctor about bleeding during pregnancy, so you know how much to expect and when to be concerned.

Other, very common reasons for a missed period include:

• Gaining or losing weight
• Unrelated hormonal issues
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Quitting birth control

If you missed your last period, consider these options before jumping to any conclusions. Take a test or talk to your doctor to ease your mind!

Other Symptoms

Around six to eight weeks after conception, you could start urinating more frequently. This could be caused by a myriad of things, but it’s common in pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels.

That pesky pregnancy hormone progesterone could also make you constipated, because it causes food to pass more slowly through your digestive tract. Eating plenty of foods that are high in fiber will help! You can also talk to your doctor about laxative options, if necessary.

Because hormones cause nearly every symptom in pregnancy, you may notice some intense mood swings. These are the most common during the first trimester.

You may also find that, in addition to feeling fatigued, you’re feeling dizzy. Again, make sure you’re getting plenty of rest and that you aren’t doing too much—your body is going through a lot!

If you’re worried or anxious that you might be pregnant, the best thing you can do is to talk to your doctor or take a pregnancy test.

After Detecting the Early Signs

For expert maternity care, contact Regional Medical Center today!

At the very least, your mom is the reason you exist! While she probably deserves her own private island, what she probably wants more than anything is quality time with you. You can get her a scented candle, or you can plan something fun for you to do on Mother’s Day!

Retail Therapy

Take your mom shopping! You can go to her favorite stores and encourage her to treat herself! You could also visit some local thrift stores—it’ll be easier on your wallet, and you’re sure to find some vintage styles you can both appreciate.

Weekend Getaway

If you have the time, plan a full weekend getaway for you and your mom. Pick a theme you know she’ll love—maybe she’d enjoy a spa package at a fancy hotel, or an eclectic airbnb with lots of fun dinner options. Tailor it to her and she’ll have a great time no matter where you go!

Make Her Favorite Dish

She spent years taking care of you—it’s time to return the favor! Treat her to a homemade dinner or a dessert she really loves, and make sure she doesn’t lift a finger. The cherry on top? Do the dishes afterward!

Mother-Daughter Yoga

As a grown-up take on mommy and me, spend Mother’s Day in a fun class together. She’ll feel relaxed and energized, not to mention there are usually great deals and discounts for moms on Mother’s Day.

The Great Outdoors

If your mom’s the adventurous type, plan something fun to do outdoors together. It could be an afternoon hike, or a full-on camping trip! There’s even glamping for moms who like to see the great outdoors, but don’t necessarily want to be up close and personal with them.

Sports Games

If your mom likes sports even a little bit, going to a game is always fun. It will give you something interesting to watch (and yell at), but you can still chat, eat, drink, and have a great time.

Karaoke

If she’s not like other moms—she’s a cool mom—take her to a karaoke bar! You can do a duet together, belt out your old favorite songs, or she can watch you embarrass yourself alone!

Game Night

If your mom likes to play card games or board games, invite some people over for a game night! You can have all her favorite games, snacks, and drinks set up. Make sure all she has to do is show up, and have fun!

Homemade Spa Night

You can pamper yourself without going to an expensive spa. Make bath bombs, face masks, lip balms, etc. together and put on a fun chick flick. You can paint your nails fun colors, put in some hair rollers, and pig out on junk food.

Road Trip

Pick a place—not too far away—and hop in the car! Make a playlist together of all your favorite road trip songs, stock up on your favorite snacks, and enjoy the journey before you enjoy the destination.

Her Hobby

If your mom has a serious hobby, like bowling or gardening, dedicate a day or an evening to that thing! Immersing yourself in something important to her, and spending quality time, will make her Mother’s Day.

Whatever you end up doing for Mother’s Day, make sure you celebrate her! And for all things motherhood, contact Regional Medical Center today.

Your baby needs all the care and nourishment you can offer while they’re growing inside of you—but they also need that same level of care from the outside. Read on to learn why your sleeping position is so important.

Normal mattresses aren’t designed to provide the comfort or support you need while pregnant, not to mention it’s pretty difficult to control your sleeping positions while you’re asleep. With all of the pains and aches that accompany pregnancy, along with the constant responsibility, you need a good night’s sleep more than anyone. That’s where a pregnancy pillow comes in.

What is a Pregnancy Pillow?

A maternity or pregnancy pillow is specifically designed to support the changing curves of your body throughout your pregnancy, and it offers support for various safe sleeping positions. They can make sleeping more comfortable, help you stay asleep longer, and are extremely useful later in pregnancy when finding a comfortable position is almost impossible.

The Benefits

Using a pregnancy pillow to help you sleep can significantly ease body aches and pains. As your body weight increases during your pregnancy (fairly quickly!) it puts a lot of pressure on your legs, hips, and back. These body parts need to be rested after supporting you all day, but this is hard to do if you can’t sleep well. A pillow will provide specific support and comfort to these body parts all night long so you sleep better and feel better during the day.

Sleeping on your side promotes blood circulation, something that’s extremely important for pregnant women. Even if you’re used to sleeping on your side, it can become uncomfortable with your growing belly. A pregnancy pillow will give you more cushioning to contour to your changing body.

We can’t stress this enough—you need sleep! Your body is going through so many changes, and so is your emotional state. Not getting the rest you’ve earned will only enhance every ailment you’re feeling. For the strongest and safest pregnancy possible, you need plenty of rest. A pregnancy pillow can help you fall asleep, and stay asleep for longer.

A pregnancy pillow can help you sleep even after you’ve had the baby, because unfortunately you probably won’t just snap back to your normal sleeping habits. Your body will continue to need rest long after you’ve delivered, and a pregnancy pillow will help with that! They’re also great for helping you get your baby into a comfortable position, as well as making breastfeeding easier. Especially if you had a particularly difficult delivery, or you have injuries from delivery, a pregnancy pillow will help you tremendously.

When Should You Start Using One?

There’s no set time when you need to, or have to, start using a pregnancy pillow. To put it simply, you should start using one whenever you start finding it difficult to change positions during sleep. For most women, this is around week 20, when your belly starts to expand. This expansion can cause pain in your ligaments as they stretch out, so this is an ideal time to use extra support when trying to sleep.

Types of Pregnancy Pillows

Wedge pillows, also known as maternity cushions, are the smallest kind of pregnancy pillow you can buy. They come in a round wedge or a triangular wedge, and can be great for post pregnancy too. Because they’re smaller, you can choose to place them wherever you need the most support, and they can be used as a standard pillow, reducing heartburn and acid reflux.

A full-length pillow is exactly how it sounds—the length of your body. These pillows focus on cushioning your arms, legs, and belly, but don’t give you much in the way of back support. You have the option of a straight full-length pillow, or a flexible one that you can manipulate to lay exactly how you want.

A total body pillow will support pretty much everything. These are large pillows designed to fit a woman of any height and are most ideal during the second trimester. It will support your back and reduce any back or hip pain you may be feeling. This kind of pregnancy pillow has two shapes to choose from: c-shaped, and u-shaped. A c-shaped pillow will support your head, belly, legs, and back. If you generally sleep on your back, the u-shaped version is ideal because your back will be fully supported.

Picking the Right One

Different types of pregnancy pillows will provide support and comfort to different areas of your body, so analyze your specific needs when choosing. Also consider things like cleaning—you sweat a lot while pregnant, so look for one that has a removable cover you can wash regularly. There are also a variety of different materials that can be used to fill these pillows, so do some research and figure out how firm you want your support.

For more expert advice, support, and information on all things maternity, contact Regional Medical Center today!