REASONS WHY YOUR BREASTFED BABY IS SPITTING UP

BABY HAS A SMALL TUMMY

The reason why your baby is spitting up is because she has a small tummy. Did you know that your baby’s tummy at birth is the size of a cherry? After 3 days, the tummy is the size of a walnut, which is really not that big! For the first four months, the tummy really can’t hold that much, which is why you need to feed her so often. When the tummy gets filled too fast, the milk come right back up and that’s when the baby spits up.

BABY GETTING TOO MUCH MILK TOO FAST

When the baby gets too much milk too fast, she will spit up. Sometimes, especially in the early days, our breasts can become so full that when the milk comes out, it’s quite forceful. Your baby will then receive a lot of milk all at once and sometimes, she will choke on it. To combat this, you can let the initial spray come out first and then offer baby the breast. That way the baby is not choking on it. Then, you can lean back so that the milk doesn’t pool in the back of the mouth. You can also sit the baby in a more upright position.

BABIES WITH GERD CAN SPIT UP A LOT

What is GERD? GERD stands for Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disease and a small percentage of babies will have this. Usually babies with GERD have a family history of GERD. Also premies and babies with other health problems may have GERD as well. Babies with GERD spit up or vomit frequently and experience discomfort when spitting up. Baby may be gagging, choking, burping or hiccuping frequently. The baby may also have bad breath. Baby may be fussy and have trouble sleeping because of the discomfort.

FOOD SENSITIVITIES

The most common culprit is cow’s milk in mom’s or baby’s diet. When I was breastfeeding my second child, I was often drinking cow’s milk and at the time, my baby was spitting up quite a bit. Then with baby #4, I decided to stop drinking cow’s milk, and he never spat up! It was great! I just wish I had done that with my first and second child. I could have saved my self from doing mountains of laundry.

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WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BABY RIGHT AFTER BIRTH?

After months of waiting (and labor hours!), A mother can finally live at the moment she has been waiting for nine months: meet her baby!

There is no doubt that meeting this precious little one for the first time is an incredible experience. After giving birth, however, new mothers and their babies do not only do their work and routine. Much happens immediately after a baby is born, especially in the first 24 hours.

Later, a newborn baby undergoes a physical examination, followed by plans to prevent serious health problems.

Finally, there is an educational component for the whole family, as well as a different assessment before your baby leaves the hospital. So let’s look at some important things that happen to a newborn baby after birth.

CARE IN THE DELIVERY ROOM IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH

Immediately after delivery, a newborn is dried and a nurse separates secretions from the baby’s airways.

APGAR SCORE

Before the baby is given to the mother for the first time, the Apgar test or Apgar score is performed. This allows doctors to know how the baby goes after birth. This assessment is made one minute after birth and five minutes later. The Apgar score consists of five evaluations, all with a value between 0 and 2. The Apgar score is done based on the following five assessments:

1. Appearance (skin color)
2. Pulse (heart rate)
3. Grimace response (reflexes)
4. Activity (muscle tone)
5. Respiration (breathing rate and effort)

The highest score is 10, babies with lower scores may need additional care, including 1% of newborns who require significant resuscitation support immediately after delivery. Find more information about how the Apgar Score is measured and what it means here.

SKIN ON SKIN

When mother and baby are ready, once the baby is born, this is the best time to start breastfeeding. If the baby is healthy and there is no need for any medical intervention for him or the mother, he will probably be placed on the mother’s breast, directly on her skin, until the first food session or as long as she wants.

Skin to skin is a simple act but very powerful and beneficial for the baby and his mom of dad. A few of these benefits are:

• Helps to calm you and your baby – releases hormones that lower stress
• Creates good connections between you and the baby
• Helps to breastfeed
• Boosts baby’s immune system

WHAT IF THERE WERE PROBLEMS AT BIRTH

If your baby has problems at birth requiring other observation or CPR (or something in between), your baby will be dried and the doctor will cut the cord. Your baby is placed on a heated radiator in your delivery room.

If your baby needs extra care after his stabilization, he/she can be taken to an intensive care day nursery.

IN CASE OF BREASTFEEDING

If you are planning to breastfeed, you are encouraged to breastfeed. You will produce colostrum immediately after birth. Colostrum is the first nutrient-rich, high-antibody milk that ensures the needs of your baby until your milk arrives.

Newborn babies tend to sleep a lot especially the first 24 hours. You should know that your baby may sleep for up to 18 hours over the course of 24 hours. It is normal since he or she will be tired after the efforts of being born. Therefore, not all babies will want to feed as soon as they are born. Hence, you should not be worried if your newborn baby is not eating much in the first 24 hours.

IN CASE OF C-SECTION

If you undergo a cesarean section, your baby will be given to a nurse or doctor as soon as it is delivered and taken to a radiator. She will be dried, her mouth and nasal cavities will be sucked up, an Apgar rating will be made and she will have any other attention she needs.

BATH AND EXAMINATION IN THE HOSPITAL

If the temperature of your baby has been stable for at least a few hours, a nurse will give her or him a sponge bath and wash her hair if necessary. Bathing usually takes place in the nursery, where the baby is exposed to radiant heat to warm up later, but you can ask your child to bathe in your room, then make contact with you and cover it with a towel. Blanket to stay warm.

Your baby will receive a complete pediatric examination. The same as the bath, this is usually done in the nursery but can be done in your room instead.

Some mothers prefer that their babies spend time in the nursery to rest. Others do not want to be separated for a while, not even for exams and procedures.

ARE YOU RECEIVING A HEPATITIS B SHOT?

Your baby must receive his first dose of hepatitis B vaccine before he leaves the hospital. If you have hepatitis B or if your status is unknown, your baby must be vaccinated within 12 hours of birth.

DOES THE BABY HAVE A CIRCUMCISION?

If you have decided to circumcise your little boy (and later not plan a ritual circumcision), this is usually done a day or two after birth.

WHEN CAN WE GO HOME?

Finally! The moment when all new mothers were waiting – taking their babies home!

Once the hospital has confirmed that their mother and baby are healthy, they may return home. Before they leave, new parents may need to follow an exit class. An employee looks at all forms that new parents must take care of, such as collecting a social security card a birth certificate as well as any insurance questions. Once the green light has been given, the new family can go home!

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Uncommon Ways To Tell If You’re Having A Girl Or A Boy

12 Weird Ways To Tell If You’re Having A Girl Or A Boy

One of the most exciting times during pregnancy is finding out the gender of the baby.

Once you learn the gender, it’s a blast to have a reveal party and share the experience with family and friends. Although most people find out about gender during an ultrasound appointment, there are several wives’ tales that claim you can tell your baby’s gender without an ultrasound.

There is a handful we’re sure you’ve heard of before, but some of these will come as a complete surprise to you.

#1 Skin Changes

Girl: oily skin
Boy: dry skin

#2 Acne

Girl: extra oil causes breakouts
Boy: no change to normal acne

#3 The ‘Glow

Girl: no change
Boy: the stereotypical pregnancy glow

#4 Linea Nigra

Girl: dark line stops below the belly button
Boy: dark line continues above the belly button

#5 Baking Soda Test

mix two tablespoons of baking soda with your urine.
*this method is said to be 80% accurate!*

Girl: nothing happens
Boy: it fizzes

#6 Hair Texture

Girl: hair becomes limp and dull
Boy: hair gets thick and glossy

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Simple Steps to Having a Healthy Pregnancy

If you've decided to have a baby, the most important thing is that you care a lot, so that both you and the baby are healthy in the future. Girls who receive proper care and take the right decisions are highly likely to have healthy babies.

Prenatal Care
If you discover you are pregnant, see a doctor as soon as possible to begin receiving prenatal care (care during pregnancy). The sooner you begin receiving medical care, the better the chances that both you and your baby are healthy in the future.

If you can not afford to visit a doctor or pay for the consultation in a clinic for prenatal care, social service organizations exist that can help. Ask your parents, school counselor or another trusted adult to help you find resources in your community.

During the first consultation, the doctor will make a lot of questions, such as date of your last period. In this way, you can calculate how long have you been pregnant and what date you expect your baby.

Doctors estimate the duration of pregnancy in weeks. The due date is estimated, but the majority of babies born between 38 and 42 weeks after the first day of last menstrual period of women, or between 36 and 38 weeks after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg). Only a small percentage of women giving birth at the estimated delivery date.

The pregnancy is divided into three phases, or quarters. The first quarter runs from conception to end of week 13. The second is from week 14 to 26. The third, from week 27 until the end of pregnancy.

The doctor will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. The doctor will also order blood tests, urine tests and tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases (STD by its acronym in English), including an HIV test, an increasingly common condition in adolescents. (Because some STDs can cause serious health problems in newborns, it is important to get appropriate treatment to protect the baby.)

The doctor will explain what are the physical and emotional changes that are likely to experience during pregnancy. We also learn to recognize the symptoms of possible problems (complications) during pregnancy. This is essential, because teenagers are at greater risk of crossing certain complications such as anemia or hypertension, and give birth before the expected date (premature labor).

Your doctor will want to start taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, calcium and iron away. Your doctor may prescribe vitamins or can recommend a brand you can buy without a prescription. These minerals and vitamins help to ensure the good health of baby and mother, and avoid certain birth defects.

Ideally, you should visit your doctor once a month during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. Then you should visit every 2 weeks until week 36 and weekly thereafter until delivery. If you have a disease like diabetes, which requires careful monitoring during pregnancy, it is likely that your doctor wants to see you more often.

During consultations, your doctor will monitor your weight, blood pressure and urine, in addition to measuring your belly to go record the baby's growth. When the baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device, the doctor will listen to every time you visit. It is likely that your doctor will also indicate other tests during pregnancy, such as an ultrasound to make sure the baby is in perfect condition.

Also part of prenatal care to attend classes where women who are expecting a baby learning how to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery, as well as what are the basic care for the newborn. It is likely that these classes are conducted in hospitals, medical centers, schools and universities in your area.

If adults can be difficult to talk to your doctor about your own body, this is even more difficult for adolescents. The role of your doctor is to help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby... and it is likely that there is nothing that a pregnant woman has not told. So do not be afraid to ask about everything you need to know.

Always be honest when your doctor will ask questions, even if they are embarrassing. Many of the issues that your doctor wants you to cover could affect the health of your baby. Think of your doctor as someone who is not only a resource but also a friend you can trust to talk about what is happening to you.

What changes can you expect in your body
Pregnancy creates many physical changes. Here are some of the most common:

Growth of breasts
The increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy and the breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. It is possible to increase several sizes of support during the course of pregnancy.

Skin changes
Do not be surprised if people's comments that your skin looks "glowing" when you're pregnant: pregnancy produces an increased blood volume, which can make your cheeks are a little more pink than usual. In addition, hormonal changes increase the secretion of the sebaceous glands, so that your skin may look brighter. For the same reason, acne is also common during pregnancy.

Among other changes that pregnancy hormones generated in the skin are yellowish or brownish spots that appear on the face, which are called melasma, and a dark stripe running from the navel to the pubis, which known as linea nigra.

Also, moles or freckles that you had before pregnancy may increase in size or become darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipple becomes darker. Stretch marks may also occur (thin lines of pink or purple) in the abdomen, breasts or thighs.

Except for the darkening of the areola, which is usually permanent, these skin changes will disappear after delivery.

Mood swings
It is very common to experience mood swings during pregnancy. Some girls may suffer from depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. If you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, changes in sleep patterns, desires to hurt yourself or negative feelings about yourself or your life, ask your doctor for advice about starting your treatment.

Pregnancy Discomforts
Pregnancy can cause some unpleasant side effects. Among such disorders, include the following:

• nausea and vomiting, especially during the first months of pregnancy;
• leg swelling;
• varicose veins in the legs and the area around the vaginal opening;
• hemorrhoids;
• heartburn and constipation;
• back pain;
• fatigue and
• sleeping problems.

If you suffer from one or more of these side effects, remember that you are not alone. Ask your doctor for advice on how to handle these common problems.

If you are pregnant and have bleeding or pain, contact your doctor right away, even if you decided to terminate your pregnancy.

What you should avoid
If you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs during pregnancy, both you and your baby are at risk for serious problems.

Alcohol
At present, doctors believe it is not advisable to drink a drop of alcohol during pregnancy. If you drink alcoholic beverages can damage the developing fetus and the baby is at risk for birth defects and mental problems.

Smoke
Smoking during pregnancy carries some of the following risks: the birth of a dead fetus (when a baby dies inside the womb), low birth weight (which increases the possibility that the baby has health problems), infants infants (babies born before 37 weeks) syndrome and sudden infant death (SIDS for its acronym in English). SIDS is the sudden death for no apparent reason, a baby under one year.

Drugs
Illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana during pregnancy may cause abortions, premature births and other health problems. In addition, babies can be born with an addiction to certain drugs.

If you have trouble quitting smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs, ask your doctor to help you. Consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. This includes medicines sold over the counter, prepared herbal supplements and vitamins.

Unsafe Sex
Talk to your doctor about sex during pregnancy. If your doctor allows you to have sex during pregnancy, you should use a condom to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD in English). Because some STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia or meningitis in the newborn, it is important for you to protect yourself and protect the baby.

How to take care during pregnancy
Feeding
Many young people are concerned by the appearance of your body and fear of weight gain during pregnancy. But this is not the time to cut calories or go on a diet because you are feeding two people. Both you and your baby need certain nutrients for the baby to grow properly. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, drink enough water and you reduce the junk food, high fat, help to both you and the baby are healthy and growing.

Doctors generally recommend adding about 300 calories a day to the diet, so as to provide the baby with adequate nutrition growth. According to the weight you had before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 11 and 15 kilos (25 to 35 pounds) during pregnancy, mostly during the last 6 months. Your doctor will advise you about this depending on your particular situation.

Eat more fiber from -25 to 30 grams daily, and drinking enough water can help prevent common problems such as constipation. Fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads, cereals or whole wheat muffins are good sources of fiber.

It is necessary that you avoid some foods and beverages during pregnancy, such as:

• some types of fish such as swordfish, canned tuna and other fish that may have a high content of mercury (your doctor can help you decide which fish to eat);
• foods containing raw eggs, such as mousse or salad type "Caesar";
• raw meat, fish or just cooked;
• processed meats such as sausages or cold cuts;
• Unpasteurized soft cheeses such as feta, brie, blue or goat, and
• milk, unpasteurized juice or cider.

It is also desirable to limit the consumption of artificial sweeteners and caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

Exercise
Exercising during pregnancy is good for your health when you have no complications with the pregnancy and choose appropriate activities. Doctors generally recommend low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and yoga. In general, you should avoid contact sports and high impact aerobic activities that pose a higher risk of injury. It is also not recommended to do a job that involves heavy lifting for women during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about what kind of exercises are safe for you and your baby.

Sleep
It is important to get plenty of rest during pregnancy. During the first months of pregnancy, trying to acquire the habit of sleeping on your side. As pregnancy progresses, lying on your side, knees bent, will be the most comfortable position. It will facilitate the functioning of the heart, since the baby's weight will not exert any pressure on the vein that carries blood from the feet and legs back to the heart.

Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant girls should sleep on his left side. Because some of the major blood vessels are in the right side of the abdomen, lying on the left side helps keep the uterus puts pressure on them. Ask your doctor what your recommendation. In most cases, the trick is to lie on either side, to reduce pressure on the back.

Throughout the pregnancy, but particularly in the later stages, it is likely that you wake up frequently at night to go to the bathroom. While it is important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy, try to drink more during the day instead of night. Go to the bathroom before bed. As the pregnancy progresses, you might be hard to find a comfortable position in bed. You can try placing pillows around and under the stomach, back or legs to feel more comfortable.

Stress can also affect sleep. Perhaps you're concerned about the health of the baby, birth, or how it will play this new role of mother. All these feelings are normal, but can produce insomnia. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping during pregnancy.

Emotional Health
It is common for pregnant adolescents experience a variety of emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, confusion and sadness. Maybe you take some time to adjust to the fact that you are having a baby. It means a huge change and it is natural for pregnant teens wonder if they are ready for the responsibilities involved in becoming mothers.

The feelings of a young often depend on how much support received by the baby's father, his family (and family of the baby's father) and his friends. The situation of each youth is different. Depending on your situation, you may need to seek more support for people who are not part of your family. It is important to talk with people who can support you, guide you and help you share and sort out your feelings. Your school counselor or nurse can guide you to find the resources offered to help your community.

In some cases, teenage pregnancies and spontaneous abortions have lost the baby. This can be very sad and difficult to overcome for some, but to others it causes a feeling of relief. It is important to talk about these feelings and receive support from friends and family, if this is not possible, go to counselors or teachers.

The school and the future
Some girls plan to raise her baby by themselves. Sometimes grandparents or other family members help them. Some young people choose to deliver her baby for adoption. These difficult decisions involve a great deal of courage and concern for the baby.

Young women who have completed high school will have greater chances of getting a good job and enjoy a more successful life. As far as possible, you should finish high school now instead of trying to go back to school later. Ask your school counselor or a trusted adult that you provide information about what programs and classes offered in the community for pregnant teens.

Some communities have support groups especially devoted to teen parents. In some schools, no childcare. Perhaps a member of your family or a friend can take the baby while you're at school.

You can learn more about what happens when you mother if you read books, attend classes or consultations reliable websites on parenting. Your pediatrician, your parents, your family members and other adults can guide you when you're pregnant and when you become a mother.

Early Pregnancy - The First Trimester - Understanding Bleeding And Spotting - A Definitive Guide

Bleeding Or Spotting In Early Pregnancy-Some Statistics And Facts

Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy can be very worrying, although it is often not a signal of a problem. However bleeding can be the sign of a miscarriage, yet on the other hand it doesn't mean that one is imminent.

20% to 30% of women do experience some type of spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy, of which approximately 50% result in miscarriages and the other 50% don't. These facts and stats have been proven in studies.

The two other potential reasons for bleeding during the first trimester are ectopic pregnancies or molar pregnancies. More detailed information is included in the sections below about miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.

What You Should Do If You Experience Bleeding Or Spotting

• Use a pad or panty liner so that you can be aware of the level and type of bleeding you are experiencing

• Do not use a tampon, or have intercourse, have a douche, or introduce anything into the vagina while bleeding

• Contact your health care provider immediately.

Possible Reasons For Bleeding Or Spotting In Early Pregnancy/First Trimester

Apart from the possible complications mentioned previously, other reasons for bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy are:

Breakthrough bleeding - happens when the pregnancy hormones cover up the menstrual cycle but the cycle still continues for a short while. So it could be that you do get what appears to be your period around the same time it was due but it could be breakthrough bleeding.

Implantation bleeding - this can happen between six and twelve days after a potential conception. Different women will have different variations of implantation bleeding; some will have light spotting for a few hours whereas others will have this for up to a few days.

After intercourse - bleeding may be experienced by some women as the cervix can be sensitive and tender. Do not have intercourse until you have seen your doctor.

Infection in the pelvic cavity or urinary tract - can cause bleeding.

Early Pregnancy/First Trimester Possible Complications Signalled By Bleeding

MISCARRIAGE

Miscarriage - is experience by 50% of the women who have spotting or bleeding during the first trimester.

Why Does A Miscarriage Occur?

Miscarriage is nature's way or your body's way of dealing with a pregnancy which was not continuing as it should. The majority of miscarriages occur during the first 12 gestational weeks of pregnancy. (Gestational weeks date from the first day of your last period.) There is normally nothing that can be done to prevent a miscarriage. Somewhere between 15% and 20% of pregnancies will result in miscarriage.

Miscarriage Signs/Miscarriage Symptoms

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

• Passing tissue via the vagina

• Cramps which are generally stronger than menstrual cramps, felt in the lower stomach area

Miscarriage Support

Experiencing miscarriage can be extremely distressing for many women and can bring up undeserved feelings of being a failure and this mixed with grief, as well as dealing with a possible flux of hormones can make this a difficult time. Do get support if you ever experience a miscarriage.

For support in Ireland go to The Miscarriage Association of Ireland and in the UK it is the Miscarriage Assocation.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

An Ectopic Pregnancy - is when the pregnancy implants somewhere outside the uterus, such as one of the fallopian tubes. In rare cases it can occur in the ovary, cervix or stomach area. Approximately one in sixty pregnancies will be an ectopic pregnancy.

Why Does An Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?

Ectopic pregnancies can occur due to a condition that blocks or slows down the fertilised egg moving through the fallopian tube to the uterus; such as a previous ectopic pregnancy, previous pelvic surgery or an infection in the tubes. Sometimes the cause is not known.

Ectopic Pregnancy Signs/Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

• Sharp pain in the abdominal area

• Cramps which are usually stronger than menstrual cramps, felt in the lower stomach area

• Low levels of hCG (pregnancy hormone)

• Shoulder tip pain

• Collapse

• Bladder or bower problems

Ectopic Pregnancy Support

An ectopic pregnancy is not only a very tough physical condition to experience but it affects our emotions hugely. It is good to get support if you are either going through the experience or after you have had an ectopic pregnancy.

Search for the term Ectopic Pregnancy Support and in whichever country you are in the organisation should show up.

MOLAR PREGNANCY

Molar Pregnancies - are a very rare reason for early pregnancy spotting or bleeding and the "mole" or molar pregnancy is when abnormal tissue has grown instead of an embryo. A molar pregnancy occurs 1 in 1000 pregnancies.

This is also known as GTD - gestational trophoblastic disease.

Why Does A Molar Pregnancy Occur?

It is the result of a genetic error; an abnormality of the placenta which occurs when the egg and sperm joined during fertilisation.

Molar Pregnancy Signs/ Molar Pregnancy Symptoms

• Spotting or bleeding

• Increased hCG (pregnancy hormone)

• Vomiting and nausea

• High blood pressure

• No heart tone or fetal movement can be detected

• Sometimes a rare complication such as thyroid disease can occur

Molar Pregnancy Support

At the time of writing there does not appear to be an Irish support organisation.

In the UK the name of the website is simply Molar Pregnancy, just search for this.

There is a website called My Molar Pregnancy. I mention this one as it is quite a personal website set up by someone called Jennifer Wood that has experienced a molar pregnancy. On this website there is also a link to a Facebook Group.

This information is meant only as a guideline and always be sure to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you have any concerns.

If you experience spotting in early pregnancy, your healthcare provider may in some instances recommend an early pregnancy scan which could help determine the situation. This article has been written for a Dublin consultant led ultrasound pregnancy scan clinic, called Merrion Fetal Health. If you need an appointment there you can call (01) 663 5060. They are located at No.60 @ National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, which is a National Maternity Hospital facility delivering prenatal ultrasound, private consultant and fertility services.

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Signs That Your Unborn Baby Is Not Doing So Well

You provide your baby with all the protection it needs for those crucial nine months before s/he finally comes out. However, if there really is a problem, it could be difficult to figure out as you can’t obviously examine the baby when it’s inside you. But there are some signs that give away a problem straight away. Read on to find out.

1. No Heartbeat

This one is a no-brainer. You should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat from the 10th week of pregnancy. The heart actually starts beating from the fifth week but you can’t hear it until five weeks later (1). No heartbeat means either stress or an inhospitable environment. You should consult your OB/GYN straight away.

2. Cramps

It’s not unusual to get cramps during pregnancy, just like the ones you get when you’re on your period. However, if it lasts for too long or becomes unbearable, that means there is definitely a problem. Cramps during pregnancy are likely due to the rapid changes your bodyis going through and usually, shouldn’t be a cause for worry. Cramps may also occur in the second or third trimester, and may indicate an early labour, illness or even a miscarriage (2). Don’t be afraid to express any pain you’re feeling to your doctor.


3. Bleeding

Blood at any time during pregnancy is a bad sign – especially bleeding down there (3). Sometimes it could indicate a miscarriage, which is one of the worst news to get. Sometimes it’s just because of a hormonal imbalance. It could also be a placenta-related problem, which means the baby will have to be delivered earlier than the due date. A premature baby might have some serious problems during those crucial first few months.

4. Severe Back Pain

When you’re pregnant, your centre of gravity shifts because of the excessive weight in front. Hence, every pregnant woman has experienced back pain at some point or other (4). However, if it is uncontrollable or it’s long lasting, it could indicate a problem with your kidneys or your bladder. An infection during pregnancy is the worst timing possible.

5. Unusual Discharge

A usual discharge lacks odour and colour, or is slightly white. If you notice anything else, especially blood, it could mean that the baby has some problem. If you have too much pain, it might indicate that the cervix has opened earlier than it should have. It could mean other things too (5). You should see your doctor straight away for your baby’s sake.

6. IUGR

IUGR stands for Intrauterine Growth Resistance. As the name indicates, it’s a problem where the baby is resistant to growing in the uterus. It is a test that is done to check if the baby is the size it’s supposed to be at that time of your pregnancy (6). If they are too small, they might have problems with breathing, body temperature or even blood pressure just after being born. Get this test done at regular intervals.

7. No Movement

Your baby should be kicking like a martial artist, well, not exactly. Around 20 weeks into your pregnancy, you should experience ten kicks every two hours (7). If the baby isn’t kicking as much, maybe s/he is under distress. Again, this is something you should get checked up.

A variety of things could go wrong when you’re pregnant. But that doesn’t mean they will. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to your doctor immediately to get it checked up. Regular check-ups during gestation are the pinnacles of preventing anything from going awry. For all we know, the baby is fine and you’re doing well. But why take a chance with your baby’s health?