Go with any Colour Palette You Like

On the internet, you can encounter many unique opinions about which colours your baby’s first environment should be. Here is another one. Although contrasting colours are indeed easier for babies to see, do not feel limited. Humans might not arrive with a fully developed vision and it might be easier for babies to see contrasting colours but vision improves very rapidly! By 2 months, babies are able to scan their surroundings roughly, and by 6 months they will see as well as you. As long as the room contains little stimulation, choosing the colour is totally up to your creativity! 

Choose a Good Quality, Firm, Natural Mattress

Your little one will spend more than half of their first year asleep. Even by 3 years old, the time they have spent sleeping will be more than the time they have spent awake, having fun. Every time your baby sleeps, their skin and airways will be in contact with the materials of their mattress. Choosing a firm mattress with a non-toxic core and a natural, breathable fabric cover, and adding a water-resistant wool pad between the mattress and the fitted sheet makes for the best nursery set-up, ensuring their safety and comfort, and your peace of mind. Crib wool pads are natural, hypoallergenic and good for regulating temperature. 

The Best Crib Sets

Crib sets with bumpers, crib skirts, and quilts are so pretty! However, they might not come in handy in every situation. Research recommends babies sleep on a firm surface, covered by a fitted sheet only, to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation. Fitted sheets made of natural fibres like cotton, bamboo or lyocell. When picking and putting on a sheet, make sure no cords, strings, or any loose material are within your baby’s reach. The design is up to you! There are many fun and cute designs for you to match with the rest of the nursery, and make the room a whole. 

Blackout Curtains or Blinds

Blackout curtains or blinds come in quite handy when designing a nursery! Sleep is of utmost importance when it comes to the health of our little ones, and helping them develop their circadian rhythm leads them through a healthy path of sleeping pattern. The circadian rhythm is regulated by the melatonin hormone and babies are born with high levels of melatonin. Though they arrive ready to sleep the whole year, this borrowed melatonin disappears after the first weeks, often bringing in “day-night confusion”, which results in babies sleeping more during the day than at night. By keeping your baby’s space dark at night, you will help establish and maintain their circadian rhythm easily, which will bring more rest to you as well. Using blackout curtains or blinds in your baby’s nursery helps keep the room as dark as possible, helping your baby have a clear distinction between day and night. 

No LEDs or Blue Lights

Anything inhibiting melatonin production can disrupt the circadian rhythm by tricking the brain into thinking that it is daytime in the middle of the night, hindering the process of forming it, and disrupting your baby’s precious sleep. At the earliest stage of life, it is best to keep your baby’s nursery screen-free. If you plan to use a night light during nighttime feedings and nappy changes, dim lights with preferably warm red or yellow lights or anything approved to be suitable for nighttime, rather than blue LED. 

Nappy Changing Stations

Nappy changes are quite frequent, especially during the first months of life. If your main nappy changing station is in a different place like a bathroom, adding another station to the nursery can be a lifesaver since that way you won’t have to look for anything or carry your baby around in the middle of the night, disrupting their sleep. On the nappy changing station, having a waterproof or easy-to-clean pad, nappies, wipes, and a few changes of sleep clothes can make your life even easier. 

Comfy Chairs

You will be spending a loooot of time sitting in a chair, feeding and cuddling your baby. A cosy rocking chair with good back support can make quite a significant difference in your overall comfort and physical health. When picking out a chair, keep in mind that safety is just as important as comfort, and remember that babies can get wedged between cushions or pressed against armrests, which are possible suffocation hazards. Consider how you will keep night feedings and cuddles safe and cosy at the same time. While picking a soft chair with good support can be beneficial to your back, having quiet alarms set to keep you awake can prevent your baby from sliding off your arms into the wedges of the chair, preventing any choking hazards along the way. 

Storage Units are Your Best Companion

Many, many things to have under your hand! When raising a baby, you’ll always need to have many things within your reach, resulting in the need for good storage systems. As they grow up, toys will multiply along with other needs, and storage units will multiply even more. Having storage units with touches of fun will not only add a spark to the nursery but attract the attention of your little one as well. 

Why is Nipple and Breast Care Important During Breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, most women’s nipples go through many changes from becoming larger to more sensitive. And when your newborn starts feeding from them or you start pumping, more pressure and suction are created, which strains the nipple even more. Breastfeeding can take a long time as well, some babies even nurse for up to an hour, and your baby may feed up to 13-14 times a day. This daily strain on your nipples can go on for up to 2 years if your body keeps producing milk, which brings us to the importance of care. With this amount of strain, it is normal for your breasts to hurt or feel sore from time to time, but treating problems swiftly is crucial to prevent further damage, and ensure the comfort of yourself and your baby. The more wet your nipples get, the more dry and damaged they get, just like what happens to our lips when we keep licking them. Like the way we have to moisturise and soothe our lips to keep them healthy and prevent them from hurting, it is the same for our nipples when breastfeeding. Prevention is better than cure and as long as there is not a serious problem present, soreness and pain should not last long after you and your baby become accustomed to breastfeeding. 

Sore Nipples 

Your nipples can feel sore after every feeding, and they can be red and pointy instead of round and smooth. Soreness in the nipples usually happens when your baby is not latched onto your breast properly and can be easily fixed. If your breast is sitting at the very back of your baby’s mouth, your baby will open their mouth very wide and take in a good deal of breast tissue, so there is nothing to get pinched, and it should not cause any nipple soreness at all. However, if your nipple is sitting in front of your baby’s mouth, you will feel the pinch every time your baby’s tongue comes up, and your baby will not have an easy time feeding either. You can insert your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the latch as soon as you feel pain and then try latching on again. Your baby should take at least one inch of areola into the mouth. 

Avoiding using soap, which can be drying and irritating, on your breasts can also ease the pain as well. You can wash with clean water, or use products specifically formulated for your breasts and nipples. You might also want to let some milk dry on your breast after feeding, which can help reduce some soreness, and use lanolin-based creams specifically for nipple inflammation and soreness. Using nipple shields when not breastfeeding can also protect your sensitive nipples from any further pain or damage. 

Infections or Painful Lumps

Your baby might be latched on properly and you might still develop sore or tender spots or painful lumps. These commonly result from a plugged milk duct or the early stages of an infection known as mastitis. 

If the pain is from a blocked milk duct, you might try applying moist or dry heat compresses to your breast three times a day for 10 minutes, and massage your breast when taking a warm shower. As the duct unplugs, you may express some milk, which helps relieve pain. Continuing to feed on that breast is important for breastfeeding and helps further open the milk ducts. 

If you have pain and tenderness and also feel fatigued, are running a fever, and have some flu-like symptoms, you might have a breast infection. The same methods might still help with the infectious ducts but if your fever does not break in 24 hours you might need further medical help. Call your doctor, but in the meantime, experts say do not stop breastfeeding, as your milk is filled with antibodies, it does not harm your baby.

Yeast Infections or Thrush

Yeast infections are less troubling, but still an uncomfortable condition on the surface of the breast skin. This problem can develop anytime, even after months of successful nursing. Thrush is a form of yeast infection that thrives on milk, and this infection will likely affect you and your baby. Signs of thrush include red or pink shiny skin that usually itches, and may flake or peel. To understand whether or not your baby is infected as well, look for white spots on the inside of the cheeks, or sometimes a persistent nappy rash. If you have a yeast infection, you might also have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection with clumpy white discharge and extreme itchiness. 

During this time you do not have to stop breastfeeding but both you and your baby need treatment. In this situation, do not try to heal it with home remedies as they may worsen the situation, and consult your physician for the best treatment both for you and your baby.

Engorged Breasts 

Engorgement can develop when your milk begins to flood your breasts. Once the milk starts to come into the ducts, lymph fluids and blood also fill your breasts which can cause the breast tissue to swell. And since the tissue pushes down on the milk ducts, the ducts sometimes can shut. In conclusion, breast milk builds up inside the breast and engorgement occurs. 

Your best solution might be placing cold packs on the breast, for about 20 minutes. This can help reduce the swelling and allow the ducts to open. Also right before nursing, you can put a warm pack on your nipples for a few minutes to help with the milk flow and provide a better feeding experience. 

Showers can affect engorgement badly, as warm pouring water can dilate blood vessels and increase the swelling and congestion in your breast. During this time, the most important thing is to keep on nursing, as this can prevent accumulation and lessen the chances of engorgement.

If you have any further questions about breastfeeding and breast care, we have a Breastfeeding Guide curated just for you! Make sure to check it out to provide both yourself and your baby with the best. 

What Are Stretch Marks? 

Stretch marks also known as striae gravidarum, are streaks or bands that develop on the skin during pregnancy, or any other abrupt physical change our bodies go through. They tend to form when your skin expands or shrinks rapidly. Itchy, thin and pink at the start, the marks tend to get long, and pink, red or brown in colour. They typically appear around the breasts, abdomen, buttocks and thighs. While these are their most common traits, their appearance can differ from one individual to the next. 

When we say that almost every woman experiences stretch marks when pregnant, we are not exaggerating. Roughly 90% of women form stretch marks in their bodies when pregnant. Research suggests that women with a higher abdominal circumference, higher body mass before pregnancy and greater weight gain are particularly susceptible. Your genes and age can also be a contributing factor.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Many factors contribute to stretch mark formation on your body from your family history to your physical traits. Causes are a bottomless ocean, but we have prepared a list of the most common causes of stretch marks for you. Let’s explore:

• Rapid weight gain: As the most common cause of stretch marks during pregnancy, rapid weight gain takes the prize. Sudden expansion of the skin and weight fluctuations can abruptly happen during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester and affect the skin around the breasts, thighs, abdomen and buttocks as it does not have adequate time to adjust. 

• Genetic factors: Some individuals are genetically more inclined to develop stretch marks. If your mother, or sister have experienced them during pregnancy, it is highly possible that you will develop them as well. 

• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can affect the elasticity and structure of your skin, making you more susceptible to stretch marks. 

• Changes in your cortisone levels: When cortisone levels increase in your body, it becomes a hormone that weakens the skin’s elasticity. Cortisone levels rise during pregnancy which is another issue that can contribute to the development of stretch marks. 

• Carrying multiple babies: Carrying more than one baby, and having double or more the amount of responsibility in your body, can put more pressure on your skin, causing you to develop stretch marks.

• Your age: If you are a younger expecting woman, your chances of getting stretch marks are a bit higher than the women who get pregnant older. If you are in your early 20s or younger than that, since your skin is still open to development, you are more open to stretch marks. Women older than 35 also have a high chance of getting stretch marks when pregnant, since their skin has gradually aged till now. 

Are Stretch Marks Dangerous?

No! They might be a symptom of a few specific medical conditions, but they are not threatening or harmful, and do not cause any known medical problems. 

Do Stretch Marks Fade After Pregnancy?

Since it is a form of skin scarring, stretch marks may not completely fade on their own. However, while they tend to be very apparent in the final trimester, they can slowly begin to fade after you get to hold your baby in your arms. They might even start to turn a bit lighter in colour on their own. 

How to Prevent Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are caused by abrupt physical changes, so sometimes preventing them can be a hassle. But by taking certain precautions, we might be able to lessen the effects on your body and ease yourself a bit during a chaotic time in your life if, though we hope it is not, stretch marks are a cause of stress for you. Here is a small but extensive list of things we can do to prevent stretch marks:

• Natural topical creams: Applying specially formulated creams containing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera could prevent the formation of stretch marks. Using them daily starting around the third month of your pregnancy, can help with maintaining your skin’s elasticity, drastically decreasing the sight of stretch marks.

• Hydration: Hydration is essential during pregnancy to keep up with the increased blood volume in your body and help build the water sack for your baby. Keeping yourself hydrated also contributes to the elasticity, making it less prone to the damage caused by the stretch. 

• Balanced diet: Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet and not skipping foods rich in collagen and gelatine can help you maintain your weight at a steady rate and help your skin stay elastic, keeping up with your bodily changes. 

• Increasing your vitamin C intake: Vitamin C-rich foods and vegetables contain antioxidants that help repair skin and tissue damage, which helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and prevent stretch marks. When preparing your meals, try to incorporate vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and other leafy greens into it. 

• Massaging your skin: Gently massaging the areas where pregnancy stretch marks are likely to pop up like the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks with anti-stretch mark creams can also be highly beneficial to your skin’s elasticity, helping you prevent stretch marks.

• Light exercise: Staying active during pregnancy helps you avoid huge fluctuations in your body weight, helping your skin keep up with the changes in your body. Regular exercise helps boost circulation and blood flow to your skin, making it less vulnerable to any possible damage, thus stretch marks are less likely to happen. 

How To Treat Stretch Marks 

Your stretch marks are a badge of your journey of bringing a life into this world, and trust us when we say you are just as beautiful with or without them. Even so, if you want to get rid of them for many reasons, it is an option. They might be a hassle to prevent, or almost impossible to get rid of, but there are many ways that serve as a remedy, reducing their effects to as little as possible. While exploring our list below, keep in mind that some of these methods should be practised after pregnancy, not while breastfeeding, and not without getting approval from your doctor. Here is our extensive list for treating stretch marks, created just for you:

• Anti-stretch-mark creams and lotions: There are various creams to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. When shopping, look for products containing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C which may help improve collagen production and maintain skin elasticity. 

• Laser therapy: Laser treatments on stretch marks can stimulate collagen production and improve their appearance. This is a non-invasive procedure which is done by using laser beams to target the affected areas and promote skin generation. Procedures like this may require multiple sessions for best results. 

• Microdermabrasion: This procedure is done by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin to promote the growth of new and healthier skin cells. This procedure can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. 

• Chemical peels: This procedure is done by applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the outer layer to peel off, which stimulates skin generation and can improve the appearance of stretch marks.

The wonderful event of bringing a life to the world comes with its own special challenges and false alarms, and experiencing them is just as normal as experiencing the excitement of the first kick inside your belly. One of the false alarms of pregnancy is Braxton Hicks contractions, and knowing what they are and what to do about them can free you from a lot of stress during this special process. Trust us when we say that it only takes a couple of minutes of reading to put yourself at ease, and together let’s explore the extent of this false alarm and how to control the situation.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

A contraction is when your uterus tightens and then relaxes. Also known as prodromal or false labour pains, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions of the uterus that are normal, and typically not felt until the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions can be depicted as your body’s way of preparing for your actual labour, but they do not imply that the labour has begun.

What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?

Braxton hicks contractions are mild, irregular contractions in your belly that come and go. In most cases, they feel like tightness in your abdomen. These contractions do not get closer together and do not increase in their duration, frequency or intensity. These contractions can feel like mild menstrual cramps and though they can be quite uncomfortable, they usually do not affect your daily life. You can walk, talk and go on with your daily activities during Braxton Hicks contractions. They tend to last less than 30 seconds and they are rarely painful. And while some women may feel a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, some women do not feel them at all. 

Where Do You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions The Most?

Braxton Hicks contractions can feel quite similar to menstrual cramps. When it happens, you usually feel them in the front of your belly, but not in your back or lower part of your uterus. We are sure that when we liken them to menstrual cramps they do not sound nice but uncomfortable, but they are not as painful as menstrual cramps possibly can get. 

What Causes Braxton Hicks?

It is still not known why some get these false contractions and others do not. But rest assured that getting them is absolutely normal, as it is your uterine muscles preparing you and themselves for childbirth. Some professionals on the issue say that Braxton Hicks contractions help to soften and thin your cervix, which is also referred to as effacement.

While the actual reason behind Braxton Hicks is still unknown, it is guessed that some of these things might contribute to you getting them:

• Dehydration reduces the blood flow to the uterus, which might lead to cramping and contractions.
• Being very active, movement after being still for a while, exercising, and lifting heavy objects can lead your uterus to have contractions as well.
• Your bladder activity can affect the pressure on your uterus and cause Braxton Hicks as well. Having a full bladder, or emptying it changes the pressure on your uterus and can possibly cause contractions.
• Sexual intercourse during pregnancy could induce Braxton Hicks contractions as well, as your muscles contract during intercourse this can affect your uterus along the way. 

How Can We Differentiate Between Braxton Hicks and Real Cramps?

During pregnancy, false alarms like this can be an extreme cause of stress, which is not good for both you and your baby. With simple questions, we can easily differentiate between real labour cramps and Braxton Hicks contractions, and put your mind at ease. During pregnancy, it is important to remember that one of the first things we have to maintain is our calmness. Let’s discover what can we ask to ourselves when experiencing cramps to understand if it is a false alarm or if we are going into labour.

• How often are we experiencing contractions? While Braxton hicks contractions are irregular and do not get close together, real labour cramps are stronger and are regular. It can be helpful to write down how much time it takes from the start of one contraction to the other and pay attention to how much pain you feel during them.
• How long do contractions last? Real labour cramps can last up to 90 seconds, while Braxton Hicks contractions tend to last shorter though they are unpredictable.
• Do contractions change when we move? When experiencing Braxton Hicks, walking or changing positions could make them stop while real labour cramps do not change or worsen when you walk or shift positions.
• How intense are the contractions? Do they get stronger with time? Braxton Hicks contractions vary from weak to strong and if they start strong, they get weaker over time. On the other hand, labour cramps get stronger and more intense. Talking or walking can get difficult.
• Where do we feel the pain? During Braxton Hicks cramps, you feel the contractions in the front of your lower belly. Real labour cramps hit your cervix, belly or lower back. Pain can be felt throughout your whole body.
• Are there any other symptoms present at the same time? Braxton Hicks are usually present on their own, and no other labour symptoms are present. During real labour cramps your water might break, you might have a bloody show or lose your mucus plug. It might be helpful to time your contractions. 

What To Do When You Feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?

These contractions can come unexpectedly and be a quick source of stress. After being sure that they are really a false alarm, with small and easy actions, we can lighten their effects or make them completely go away.  Let’s check what can be done to ease the cramps:

• If you have been sitting for a long time, taking a walk or simply moving around a bit can ease the pressure.
• On the opposite, if you get cramps while moving around, lying down and resting can ease the cramps.
• Staying hydrated can prevent any possible cramps of dehydration.
• Having a regular meal schedule and snacking when necessary can also prevent the pressure on your abdomen. 
• Having regular bathroom breaks can help prevent tension in your bladder, which can prevent accumulating tension in your muscles and uterus.
• Relaxing activities like taking a bath or getting a prenatal massage can ease your muscles, set your mind at ease and prevent any possible false alarms. 

Do They Mean Labour is Near?

No, it does not. Experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions means your body is preparing for labour, but it doesn’t mean labour is starting or getting close. Braxton Hicks cramps can occur weeks or months before real labour begins, and are harmless.

The effect of medications on pregnancy is often not studied due to the risk of harming the pregnancy. However, it is generally known that using medication during the first months of pregnancy is unlikely to harm the baby. But it cannot be guaranteed that there is no risk at all. Understanding the effects of the medication until birth is difficult, and its effects may manifest years later.

You should always consult a doctor regarding medications used during pregnancy. Unfortunately, some expectant mothers make decisions to use medication without consulting a doctor, which can lead to the termination of the pregnancy.

The medications used can have different effects depending on the individual’s genetic makeup, meaning that side effects may vary for each person using the medication. Whether the pregnant person has another illness and the other medications they are taking also affects the risk of side effects. Pregnant individuals with other illnesses (such as heart, kidney, or liver disease) may have a longer duration of the medication in their bodies when they use it, leading to a higher risk of side effects.

Medication Use During Pregnancy

The most commonly used medications during pregnancy are anti-nausea drugs, antacids (medications that reduce stomach acid), antihistamines (medications used for allergy symptoms), analgesics (pain relievers), antibiotics, tranquillisers, and sleeping pills. Although almost 100% of medications used during pregnancy pass from the placenta to the baby, it is stated that only a very small portion of the medication causes unwanted conditions in the baby.

Medications that should never be used during pregnancy include:

• ACE inhibitors
• Danazol
• DES (Diethylstilbestrol)
• Tetracycline (antibiotic)
• Androgen hormones
• Etretinate
• Thalidomide (No longer produced)
• Medications used in cancer treatment
• Isotretinoin
• Rubella
• Epilepsy medications such as Carbamazepine, Trimethadione, Phenytoin, Valproic acid
• Lithium (A medication used in psychiatry)
• Coumarin and its derivatives
• Methimazole
• Radioactive iodine
• Avoid CT (Computerised Tomography) scans and radiation exposure.

Organ formation is completed in the first three months of pregnancy. The subsequent periods are periods of growth and development and cover a period with a slightly lower risk for medication use. Therefore, unless necessary, medication use should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy.

Medications that can be used during pregnancy include:

• Aspirin
• Pain relievers
• Anti-rheumatic drugs
• Antifungal medications
• Antiviral drugs
• Parasitic medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Asthma medications
• Epilepsy medications
• Diabetes medications

With the rapid developments in biochemical and cytogenetic methods and advances in ultrasound technology, many anomalies during pregnancy can be diagnosed early. If a healthy pregnancy is desired, you should do some tests before pregnancy, and if appropriate timing can be done, various vitamins should be started before pregnancy. After that, as soon as a menstrual delay occurs, you should consult a doctor, and the doctor should clarify the shape, location and number of pregnancies. At this stage, it should be revealed whether everything is in order with some blood tests.

After that, a vital process begins for both the family and the doctor. All families want the first thing, be it a girl or a boy, is that their babies are completely healthy. The most crucial point to be noted here is that, unfortunately, there is no blood test, imaging method or person showing that a baby in the womb is 100% healthy. With our current knowledge and the technology we have come to, we can only say that 60-70% of babies are healthy, and 30-40% of babies may face various problems.

Anomaly Detections Are More Accessible

With the approach in the centre followed, the sensitivity of the tests used, and the people’s experience, anomalies are minimised as much as possible. With the widespread use of ultrasound and the accumulation of experience in medical education, pregnancy follow-up has become more trouble-free. From 4-5 weeks of pregnancy, babies begin to be seen in the mother’s womb. In recent years, the approach has been 11-14. It is the application of the test, which is called double scanning between weeks and includes the measurement of nuchal thickness.

With this test, if the nape thickness of the baby is measured correctly and the information is entered into the computer correctly, several chromosomal diseases, especially Down syndrome, can be diagnosed at a rate of 85%. But here is the point that should not be forgotten; The 15% group and the cases where the test is a false positive or false negative. In addition, these tests are screening tests applied to the whole society. It should never be expected to show 100% accuracy. This dual screening test is routinely performed if the baby’s nuchal translucency can be evaluated.

Applied Tests 

Generally, controls are done monthly as long as no problems are observed during pregnancy. 11-14. In the baby whose nuchal translucency values ​​between 16th and 18th weeks are average and between 16-18 weeks, a triple screening test can be applied, or the third component, AFP protein, which is different from the double screening test, can be checked. This hormone is an essential indicator for neural tube defect, a disease with the open back of babies. If all these tests are within normal limits, the following method is a detailed ultrasound examination performed between 21-22 weeks and primarily trying to detect cardiac anomalies.

Detailed ultrasound is usually performed in many centres by people who do this job professionally and have a perinatology specialisation. If no anomaly is detected in this examination, things typically go well. However, in the following weeks of pregnancy, in parallel with the growth of babies, new problems may occur in various systems such as kidneys, brain and heart. These, too, can be detected during routine ultrasound examinations.

If an Anomaly Is Detected

All the information mentioned so far includes non-invasive procedures to keep things running. Some interventional procedures are applied if an anomaly is detected at or after the 10th week and thought to belong to a chromosomal disorder. These are 9-11, respectively. Chorionic villus sampling between weeks 16-18. week-to-week amniocentesis. The primary basis in all of these processes is the determination of chromosomes by taking the cells belonging to the baby and multiplying them in unique environments. In this way, some chromosomal diseases that can be detected can be revealed in the early period.

If a problem is incompatible with life, the babies can be evacuated. However, this diagnosis and evacuation are not always easy. Ethical and medical problems sometimes arise here. Generally, medical evacuation is possible by delivering a baby with an abnormality up to 24 weeks if approved by the appropriate board. After this week, things get a little more complicated for recognised problems.

In many clinics, pregnancies with problems incompatible with life are terminated if particular medical councils approve. It is not easy to make decisions here. Because as the gestational week progresses, terminating the pregnancy is difficult for both the family and the doctor. At the same time, the likelihood of complications increases rapidly. Considering all these, early diagnosis of anomalies becomes even more critical. 

Unnecessary Actions Taken

Unnecessary invasive procedures may be done on babies who grow in an average developmental period. All attempts have a particular risk of miscarriage, even if the baby looks healthy. For this reason, when a problem is encountered, the risk should be fully explained to the patient, and the procedure should be done after the joint decision. Otherwise, problems will arise in the family, the doctor and the laboratory.

When all these are taken into account, it becomes clear how important and challenging it is to closely follow up on the pregnancy. In addition, even today, there is no diagnostic method that shows 100% of all anomalies. For this reason, both the pregnant and the doctor should offer the utmost care for the healthy progress of the pregnancy. The basis of healthy individuals is a healthy pregnancy. 

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Have a nice and healthy day!

You may experience some problems due to environmental or genetic factors and hormonal changes. High blood pressure, diabetes, urinary system diseases and various infections are the leading problems you may encounter. Preeclampsia is also a disease in this list, and it can pose a life-threatening risk to the health of both the mother and the baby. In this article, we are going to talk about what is preeclampsia and what causes it.

What Is Preeclampsia?

This disease, known as “poisoning in pregnancy” among the people, but has nothing to do with normal poisoning, is referred to as “preeclampsia” in the medical language. After the 20th week of pregnancy, the excessive narrowing of the capillaries in the uterus or the deterioration in the structure of the vessels causes the baby to be in the uterine bed. As a result of insufficient blood and nutrients being transmitted to the baby, a coagulation problem occurs, and premature separation of the placenta occurs.

The most distinctive features of preeclampsia are the increase in blood pressure of the pregnant woman and the increase in the amount of protein in the urine.

Types of Preeclampsia

Mild Preeclampsia 

In mild preeclampsia, the mother’s blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg and above. The daily amount of protein in the urine is 300 milligrams or more. If the disease is diagnosed as mild, blood pressure is tried to be controlled with some drugs and kept under control. Most of pregnant women with mild preeclampsia can complete their pregnancy by having a healthy birth.

Severe Preeclampsia 

In severe preeclampsia, the mother’s blood pressure is measured above 160/110 mmHg. The amount of protein in the urine is 2 grams or more per day. Apart from these symptoms, different severe symptoms may also occur. Conditions such as loss of consciousness and epileptic seizures may occur. The probability of experiencing this type of poisoning is quite rare. However, in case of occurrence, urgent intervention is required to prevent the mother and baby’s life from being endangered. 75% of preeclampsia that occurs during pregnancy is mild, and 25% is severe.

What Are the Symptoms of Preeclampsia? 

Pregnancy poisoning may not be detectable because there are no apparent symptoms of this disease. Many of the symptoms it shows are like pregnancy, and it can be difficult to tell the differences. It is possible that the disease can be diagnosed during a routine check-up without showing any symptoms. 

In the light of all this information, pregnancy poisoning symptoms show themselves with some differences. 

• Hypertension 
• Less urination 
• A high amount of protein in the urine 
• Prolonged and severe headache 
• Stomach-ache 
• Sudden visual disturbances 
• Decrease and slowdown in baby’s movements 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Epileptic seizures 
• Oedema in the body 

Oedema is a common problem that can be experienced in the last stages of pregnancy. However, in preeclampsia, the fluid in the veins goes out and starts to accumulate in the body. Therefore, swelling is seen especially in the hands, feet and face. Excessive water retention in the area between the ankle and knee, finger pressure on the skin when finger pressure is applied to the skin. Scarring and not returning to its original state immediately may indicate preeclampsia.

The expectant mother may experience one or more of these symptoms or have the disease without any complaints. For this reason, importance should be given to normal controls, and blood pressure should be measured regularly. 

Loss of consciousness or seizure is a sign that pregnancy poisoning has progressed, and it is necessary to go to a health institution without wasting time. 

What Causes Preeclampsia? 

Experts could not obtain precise information about why preeclampsia occurs. However, problems in the placenta and the vessels feeding it are the main reasons for developing this disease. As the pregnancy progresses and the baby begins to grow, the amount of blood and nutrients the placenta needs increases. 

Depending on this requirement, the vessels feeding the placenta begin to expand. However, when pregnancy poisoning occurs, it is impossible to provide the necessary blood and nutrients for the placenta since the structure of these vessels is deteriorated and is narrowed. While the baby’s development in the mother’s womb is negatively affected by this situation, various complications occur in the expectant mother. 

The causes of pregnancy poisoning can be the following: 

• Narrowing in the vessels feeding the placenta 
• Deterioration and damage to the structure of blood vessels 
• Diseases originating from the mother’s immune system (thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases) 

Who Are at Risk Group? 

Pregnancy poisoning is a condition that occurs in approximately 6-8% of all pregnant women. However, certain groups are at greater risk for preeclampsia. 

• Those who had hypertension (high blood pressure) before pregnancy 
• Those with gestational diabetes 
• Those with overweight problems (obese) 
• Those with diabetes 
• Those who are pregnant before the age of 20 (early pregnancies) 
• Those who are pregnant after the age of 40 (late pregnancies) 
• Those who have had their first pregnancy 
• Those who have given birth four times or more 
• Those who have multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) 
• Those with chronic kidney disease 
• Those who had preeclampsia in their previous pregnancy 
• Those who have had preeclampsia in their family 
• Those with blood clotting problems 
• Those with a lupus-like autoimmune disease 

How Is Preeclampsia Treated? 

Expectant mothers who have been diagnosed with pregnancy poisoning may experience curiosity and anxiety about the treatment of the disease. There is no clear cure for preeclampsia, and different methods can be applied depending on the type of disease.

In mild preeclampsia, high blood pressure is tried to be controlled by giving blood pressure-lowering drugs to the mother. Mother and baby are examined regularly. If there is no severe development that will adversely affect the baby’s development, the pregnancy is continued. In the meantime, some supplements such as magnesium can be given to the mother.

In severe preeclampsia, serious conditions can occur that can result in the death of the mother or the baby. When the baby stops feeding through the placenta, blood and oxygen transport stops, leading to sudden infant death.
Coagulation problems may occur in the mother due to damage to the platelets, and this may cause the mother to die. To avoid such events, the treatment that should be done when severe preeclampsia symptoms are seen is to ensure that the baby is born. If the baby can live outside the womb, delivery is performed without losing time, and the symptoms are eliminated.

Does Preeclampsia Recur? 

The expectant mother should lose weight so that the poisoning does not recur. Twin pregnancies and weight gain in the first weeks of pregnancy are also effective in recurrence. A balanced and adequate diet, avoiding stress as much as possible, a healthy sleep pattern and weight gain within normal limits are essential in preventing pregnancy poisoning. Pregnant women who have experienced poisoning in their previous pregnancy should have blood pressure monitoring and blood tests done regularly.

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Let’s examine together the causes of stomach problems during pregnancy, how they can be prevented and what is good for them. 

What Causes Nausea During Pregnancy? 

Nausea (morning sickness) is known as an early sign of pregnancy. Therefore, someone who thinks she may be pregnant will first suspect when she experiences missed menstrual period or morning sickness. The same goes for after you find out you’re going to have a baby. 

The reason for nausea and vomiting, which can negatively affect the quality of life of expectant mothers, is a matter of curiosity. The causes of nausea in pregnancy can be listed as follows. 

• Increase in hormone levels      

Sudden increases in the levels of progesterone and oestrogen, which are among the pregnancy hormones, can cause nausea in women. 

• Being the first pregnancy of the mother-to-be                        

Women’s bodies will have already experienced a pregnancy, and begin a process of adaptation against this situation. As a result of this adaptation, nausea can be seen. 

• Environmental factors such as stress and malnutrition  

Anxiety about pregnancy can trigger stress, while sensitivity to smell can lead to disruptions in eating patterns. Long-term fasting and inadequate and unbalanced nutrition can increase the feeling of nausea during this period. 

• Multiple pregnancies      

Vomiting and nausea can be seen much more intensely in twin and triplet pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies exist, depending on hormone levels rise and this can lead to nausea, much more intense. 

When Does Nausea Start in Pregnant Women and When Does It End? 

The complaint of nausea and vomiting is not an expected situation in every expectant mother. While some pregnant women experience these complaints intensely and heavily, some pregnant women may not experience any symptoms. General as occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy causes nausea interests. Nausea may begin between the 5th and 8th week. Usually, complaints decrease with the end of the first 3 months of pregnancy.

What Is Good for Nausea? 

Nausea and vomiting can negatively affect your daily life. Especially working pregnant women and those who experience morning sickness can have trouble starting the day. You can try the following methods to alleviate and reduce nausea. 

• First, if you are constantly experiencing nausea during the day, you should be prepared for every situation. Do not forget to take your emergency supplies such as bags, napkins and salty snacks with you, especially when leaving the house. Keep these items in your bag when you’re out and about. 
• Do not leave your stomach empty for a long time. Long-term fasting increases nausea. Try to eat a little and often during the day. 
• When you wake up in the morning, have snacks such as saltine crackers with you to relieve your stomach. 
• Night’s sleep in offering your stomach for a long time before bed will remain empty, so try to eat light snacks. 
• Consume foods that you think relax your stomach. 
• Eliminate the factors that trigger your nausea. For example, your sensitivity to smells can increase your nausea. Find solutions to odours that increase nausea. 
• Be mindful of your fluid consumption. Consume enough water every day. 
• Try to get lots of fresh air. 

By applying these methods, you can alleviate your nausea complaints during pregnancy. 

For more: How to Reduce Nausea During Pregnancy?

What Is Reflux (Heartburn)? 

Heartburn is a stomach problem, also known as reflux. It occurs when stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the oesophagus. It is the case that the acid irritates the inner surface of the oesophagus. You may feel a burning sensation in your chest area because of the irritation. Some situations can trigger reflux. 

What Causes Reflux (Heartburn) During Pregnancy? 

Pregnancy is one of the conditions that cause stomach burning problems. The biggest cause of heartburn during pregnancy is hormonal changes. 

Progesterone is one of the main hormones that are effective during pregnancy. This hormone is responsible for relaxing the muscles in the body, especially the uterus muscles. This also affects the stomach negatively. Progesterone, which slows down digestion, also relaxes the oesophagus valve, causing the acid in the stomach to come back. 

Which Foods Trigger Reflux (Heartburn)? 

During this period, you can limit the consumption of certain foods. Thanks to this, you can significantly reduce the state of heartburn. Foods that cause heartburn are mentioned below:

• Frying 
• Spicy, spicy food s 
• Fizzy drinks s 
• Sugary foods 
• Fatty foods 
• Foods containing vinegar, lemon, chocolate and coffee 

Many of these foods can cause heartburn. On the other hand, each person’s body is different, and some pregnant women may also have sensitivity to different foods. It may be more helpful to take your own prevention by keeping track of what food bothers you. 

During Which Pregnancy Does Reflux (Heartburn) Occur? 

Reflux can occur at any time during pregnancy. This problem can show itself among the early signs of pregnancy and can continue until the last months of pregnancy. Especially in the last weeks, the pressure of the baby on the internal organs and stomach increases. For this reason, there may be an increase in heartburn complaints during these weeks. 

How to Deal with Reflux (Heartburn) During Pregnancy? 

You can find a solution to the problem of heartburn by paying attention to small points to have a pleasant pregnancy period. 

• Eating little and often is the most effective method for burning problems as well as nausea problems. In this way, during pregnancy days when digestion slows down, you will shorten the time for food to be present in your stomach and prevent acid production. 
• Having a light snack before going to bed helps to prevent an empty stomach from producing acid. 
• Take care to consume plenty of fluids and water to aid digestion. 
• The posture of your body is of great importance in terms of pressure on the stomach. Do not lie down immediately after eating. You prepare the environment for the food you eat to return to the oesophagus. 

Nausea or heartburn during pregnancy is a common problem for many pregnant women. Sometimes struggling with these problems can force you and make you very uncomfortable. However, no matter what, you should not use any medicine without consulting your doctor. If you want to apply medication for nausea and burns, first you should consult a specialist doctor and use the medications that they recommend.