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What the Heck is the Kegel?

Kegel exercises are among those recommended for women to perform before, during and after their pregnancy. The first time I heard this referred to, I remember my expression made the doctor laugh. I explained to her that I had no idea what a kegel was. So What is a Kegel? Kegels were a recommended exercise by an urologist named Doctor Kegel. As an urologist, he noticed that weak pelvic floor muscles were a result of childbirth. These weakened muscles cause you to leak urine whenever you cough or sneeze. Urinary incontinence is a difficult thing to live with for women … Continue reading →

Five Weird Pregnancy Symptoms

There are a number of weird, though perfectly normal, side effects to pregnancy that no one tells you about.  You might get all or none of these, and it could vary from one of your pregnancies to another. 1. Bloody Gums.  Early in the second trimester I began noticing a bit more blood than normal when I flossed.  I went to my routine dentist appointment, and the hygienist confirmed that yup, that’s just something that can happen when you’re pregnant.  Chalk this one down to hormones; they’re making your gums (and other parts) more inflamed than usual.  Pregnant women are … Continue reading →

It Happens To More Women Than You Think

I used to snicker whenever those bladder control commercials would come on, thinking only elderly women suffered from urinary incontinence. Then I gave birth, and in the days and weeks following, I discovered that older women are not the only ones who run to the bathroom if they laugh too hard. As embarrassing as it is, it’s completely normal. Did you really think you could push a human being through “that” and not suffer any kind of side effects afterward? If you did, you are in for a shocker! Childbirth really does a number on your body, especially when it … Continue reading →

Five Basic Exercises for Successful Labor

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Delivering a baby requires a little flexibility. I’m not talking about compromising your birth plan, either. When you’re trying to squeeze a seven or eight pound baby through a space that is pretty small to begin with, you’re kidding yourself if you think you won’t have to contort into a number of rather awkward positions to make it happen. If you don’t stretch and limber up your muscles beforehand, you can expect quite a bit of extra soreness after you deliver. Who wants extra pain? Getting your body ready for delivery is not difficult, it just takes a little planning … Continue reading →

Routine Screening for a Shortened Cervix

You’ve heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Ben Franklin said those wise words and they still hold true today, especially when it comes to pregnancy. For example, we all know the importance of taking our prenatal vitamins, doing Kegels in the checkout line (or anywhere you remember), getting good prenatal care and taking childbirth classes. It’s always better to catch something before it becomes a problem. Preparation is key in pregnancy. Prevention is the driving force behind screening. We screen for gestational diabetes. We screen for anemia. We screen for blood type. If … Continue reading →

Preventing Incontinence

Incontinence is no laughing matter — especially if laughing, sneezing, or coughing makes you leak urine! That’s known as stress incontinence, and is one of several types of incontinence. I don’t think there’s anyone out there who really wants to have trouble controlling their bladder! Here are some tips to help prevent the problem before it starts. Maintain a healthy weight for your height and frame. Extra pounds can put extra pressure on the bladder. Exercise regularly — all over. Exercise can help prevent weight from becoming a problem… and it can help keep your muscles toned. Muscle weakness is … Continue reading →

Incontinence

It’s an embarrassing thing to talk about, but if you have occasional or ongoing trouble controlling your bladder, you’re not alone. There are different types of incontinence, including: Stress incontinence: when pressure on the bladder — like from a sneeze, or laughing — makes you leak a little. This type is common in women, especially those who have had children. Urge incontinence: when spasms in the bladder create the urge to piddle. Overflow incontinence: when the bladder fills up without signaling a need to use the bathroom. Mixed incontinence: when a combination of factors are at play. So what causes … Continue reading →

Five Potentially Embarrassing Habits of a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy

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Pregnancy is one of those seasons in a woman’s life when many social norms are set aside and grace is extended often. Pass gas in public? Don’t expect anyone to laugh at you. Waddle much? It’s cute, not awkward! Take a third trip to the buffet? You’re eating for two! Take advantage of this social leniency and do five things that will keep you safe and comfortable. Disregard that little voice that says, “but I feel stupid.” 1. Wear those winter boots. Don’t worry, the fashion police will avert their eyes while you sport winter boots with extra tread while … Continue reading →

New Year’s Resolutions

Enjoy these New Year’s Resolutions for pregnant woman and feel free to add your own! I will take my prenatal vitamin every day. I will not forget. I will enjoy that single bowl of Rocky Road ice cream. I will maintain good posture. I will do my kegels every day. I will take the epidural if I need it and not feel guilty. I will quit smoking, for good. I will go to bed early and take naps often, because I can. I will not be ashamed of my pregnant body. I will exercise lightly. I will drink 8-10 glasses … Continue reading →

Dealing With Frequent Urination

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There are two times during your pregnancy you will have to deal with frequent urination. Early in your pregnancy, hormones send you to the ladies room constantly. It’s one of the early signs that cause you to ask yourself, could I be pregnant? It makes a comeback in late pregnancy when the weight of the baby presses down on your bladder, making it difficult to hold it for long. Ironically, sometimes this pressure also makes it difficult to let it out. Don’t feel bad if you relieve yourself, only to find yourself with a little “leak issue” a few moments … Continue reading →