Best Humidifier Buying Guide

Best Humidifier Buying Guide

A lot people take air quality for granted. But breathing is one of the most common ways we absorb chemicals, germs, and viruses from the air. In fact, one aspect of air quality called humidity, has the ability to make us susceptible to colds and other respiratory problems. How so? Humidity, or the amount of water vapor in the air, determines what kind of friendly or unfriendly bacteria could proliferate in our homes. You have probably heard that mold grows in damp, humid places.

Experts agree that the ideal humidity level for good health is between 35% to 50%. In this buying guide for humidifiers, we will focus on raising humidity levels for homes with very low humidity. If you live in a dry climate such as in a desert area, you might want to pay more attention to the following signs that you might need to increase the humidity in your home. This might also be for you if you live in a place that experiences very dry summers and winters.

How do you know if you live in a low humidity area?

For one, low humidity can be described as dry air. So if your skin feels constantly parched and you notice that you go through your Chapstick really quickly in order to relieve cracked lips, the chances are high that your air is very dry. The good news is, raising humidity levels in your home can quickly relieve dryness and give you better skin. Here are other signs that you need to increase the humidity in your home.

• Do you notice your wood floors and furniture as well as your leather upholstery crack and warp as they age? The reason for this is that the dry air loves wicking away moisture from wood and leather which are pretty well conditioned while they are new.

• Do you or your children always have a cold even if your home temperature is nice and warm? This is because low humidity could irritate the delicate tissues inside your nose and sinuses and cause the formation of mucus. Using a radiator at home to keep warm only makes matters worse because heat from the radiator further reduces the humidity in the air.

• Do you or your children have frequent nose bleeds? Dryness can make the delicate tissues in your nose tear easily causing a nose bleed. Higher humidity usually solves this problem.

• Do you or your partner snore? Sometimes a lack of water vapor in the air causes the air passages to dry out and it intensifies the snore.

• Finally, do you get jolted by static electricity often, especially in the winter? Static electricity actually increases as humidity in the air decreases.

If you answered yes to the questions above, then you definitely live in an area of low humidity and this is something that you will want to address right away. This means that you should be on the market for a humidifier to improve your air quality. And we at ParentsNeed HQ have prepared his humidifier buying guide for you.​

Two Kinds of Humidifier

So, you’re looking for a humidifier to improve the air quality in your home and relieve any discomfort caused by dryness in your home. But by increasing the humidity in the air, you are doing more than that. You are also protecting your skin and your things from damage, relieving dry sinuses and colds, preventing static in your hair and clothes and reducing your heating costs. You’ll just have to decide if you want a warm mist humidifier or a cool mist humidifier.

Warm mist humidifier

A warm mist humidifier boils water in its reservoir and then disperses the steam in the air. You will like that the water is first boiled because that means that germs are killed in the process and will not be introduced into the air. But there is a marked disadvantage to a warm mist humidifier. Because you will be dealing with boiling water, it carries the risk of burning; either by a child or a pet knocking it over and burning themselves or by drying out and resulting in combustion.​

Cool mist humidifier

A cool mist humidifier adds moisture to the air in one of three ways. The first way is through evaporation. A cool mist evaporative humidifier uses a fan to blow on a wick so that the resulting vapor gets introduced to the air. The second way is through ultrasonic vibrations. It uses a high frequency vibration to create water droplets that it then diffuses into the air. The third way is through a motorized disk that sprays a super fine mist which the machine disburses in the air. This is called an impeller cool mist humidifier.

Alternatively, you can search for model that does both. The latest in humidifier technology allows them to emit both hot and cold vapor to give you the flexibility you need to humidify your home whether it is in the cold of winter or the height of summer.​

What are the features to look out for in a humidifier?

If you have decided on the type of humidifier you need, it is time for you to wade through the many features of the models available in the market. Being familiar with what humidifiers can do (other than introduce water vapor into the air, of course) will help you find the perfect model for your needs. Let’s start with capacity.

● Capacity

As mentioned earlier, ideal humidity level in a household should be about 35% to 50%. And because it takes only about half a cup of moisture to go from 30% humidity to 60% humidity, finding the right sized humidifier is important. So you will want to measure the square footage of your rooms.

If the room you are treating is 300 sq. ft. and below, you want to go with a small humidifier. While a room that is 300 sq. ft. to 500 sq. ft. will need a medium humidifier. Humidifiers this size are normally table top models and will need to be checked often to make sure that the water in the reservoir has not run out. This is especially important if you are using a warm mist model that boils water.

If you have a big room to treat, say above 500 sq. ft., you might want to go for a large humidifier. Some large models are usually too big to put on the table top and are placed on the floor.​

● Portability

Even if you do not intend to transfer your humidifier from room to room, portability is still a good feature to have. You will still have to clean your unit or its surrounding areas, after all. If all you need is a small or medium table top humidifier, then portability won’t be a problem because they will be light enough for you to carry. But if you are getting a large or extra large model, then look for one with wheels so you can easily move it around.

● Ease of Cleaning

You have your own reasons for wanting to purchase a humidifier, that’s for sure. But whatever those reasons are, you want to make sure that your unit is easy to keep clean. Your humidifier will be dispersing water vapor into the air which you will consequently breathe in. If it is not kept clean, you could be allowing harmful germs into the air and this will simply cancel out your efforts for treating your room. Everyone needs clean air, true, but this is especially important if someone at home is suffering from a respiratory problem.

● Ease of Use

Who isn’t busy these days? You probably do not have time to fiddle with parts and assembly instructions and we at ParentsNeed HQ feel you, we really do. So look for a model that is easy and simple to use.

● Humidistat

Ask many doctors and they will tell you that skin dryness, respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, snoring, and a host of other symptoms can be relieved simply by keeping humidity levels at the ideal range. But is it easier said than done? Fortunately, the answer is no. You can monitor your room’s humidity level very easily if your humidifier has a build in humidistat. A humidistat reads the level of moisture in the air and allows you to adjust your unit accordingly.

● Timer

Increasing humidity when necessary is a great thing, but sometimes leaving your humidifier on all night long could make your room stuffy and overly humid. A timer is a good feature to have in your humidifier so that it could automatically turn off at the time you set. This saves you the effort of having to interrupt your sleep in the middle of the night just to turn off your unit.

● Minimal Mineral Dust

Depending on the source, water can contain a number of certain minerals. When you wash your windows, for example, do you sometimes notice white residue once the water has dried out? Those are actually mineral stains. When you disperse water vapor in the air, you might see a similar white film on the walls and furniture surrounding your humidifier. One way to keep this from happening is to use distilled water instead of tap water in your humidifier’s reservoir. Another way is to look for a humidifier that has a filter that traps any impurities from the water. This will keep annoying mineral dust at a minimum.

● UV Water Purification

If you have little children or pets that could knock off a warm mist humidifier with boiling water in it, you might decide to go with a cool mist humidifier instead. But look for one that purifies the water in the reservoir with UV light. This is a good way to make up for the germ killing benefit of an evaporative warm mist humidifier.

● Noise Level

Some units are definitely noisier than others. But these days, you should not have to suffer needlessly. Find a humidifier that is nice and quiet so that it is pleasant to use at night as it is in the day time.

● Cost

Humidifiers range from the very simple to the sophisticated. If you have an immediate need for a humidifier but lack the budget for it, a simple low cost unit will still be a great help towards improving the air quality of your home.

Tips for Using Your Humidifier

• Make sure you place your humidifier on a level tabletop and that there is nothing underneath it that could get damaged. Likewise, keep it away from curtains, carpets, and paper because these are things that can absorb moisture and can easily get damp. Avoiding these objects will protect your home from getting overly humid and encouraging mold growth on them.
• Clean your humidifier often. Since it is an appliance that is always filled with water, not cleaning it can encourage the growth of germs and other undesirables that love moisture. As a rule, you want to change the water in your humidifier daily and then wash all washable parts at least twice a week. Wipe down the parts of your unit that cannot be drenched in water.
• Anything that you put into your humidifier can be breathed in and travel to your lungs. This includes the cleaning chemicals and dishwashing soap that you use to maintain your unit. So it is important to clean your unit with natural cleansers to minimize inhalation of chemicals into your lungs. There are a lot of ideas on the internet on using natural cleaners.

Our Recommendation

Congratulations on making a conscious effort towards improving the humidity levels in your home. We are sure that pretty soon, you will be saying goodbye to annoying static, persistent colds, and uncomfortable dry skin while you welcome your new humidifier home. But before you go out and make your purchase, you might want to have a look at the Top 5 Best Humidifiers for Your Family that we have tested here at ParentsNeed HQ. While finding the perfect humidifier may take a compromise between two or more features, we believe that each one is a hard working machine that will do their job beautifully. Among the five, though, we absolutely love the Honeywell Humidifier, HCM 350. It is a cool mist humidifier with a large capacity that requires little maintenance. Read more about why it is our top pick among the best humidifiers.

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Originally posted 2016-09-13 03:18:08.

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Top Tips for Travelling with a Baby

Top Tips for Travelling with a Baby

Many parents wouldn’t want to go anywhere except home with their new baby. Babies need a lot of attention and feeds, thus making long distance travel and going on holiday difficult to handle. And you could be feeling tired too. But enjoyable travel is possible with a baby- infant or a toddler.

Do you ever think that taking a vacation with your baby along with you would be simple? Why not venture on road trips or beach getaways or cruises with kids and get to know how great family travel can be! But you must know that vacations with a baby now will not be what they were pre-baby. There are so many tips on how to get there, you may not find much on what to do and how to pack. A few smooth and easy tricks can save some of your family’s trips while travelling with baby.

You would be surprised but our young travelers need a whole lot of stuff! We’ve put up a few things together that we hope will make traveling much easier, followed by tips for efficient packing.

What to Pack Before You Travel with Baby

• Diapers
• Changing Pads
• Blanket
• Plastic bag
• Rash cream, Wipes, Tissues
• Baby lotion and baby wash
• A few toys
• Clothes, socks, and booties or shoes
• Bibs
• Toddler toothbrush and toothpaste
• First-aid kit 
• Feeding Set with Utensils
• Snacks
• Breast pump (if ever you use it)
• Sling or front carrier
• Baby Changing Bag
• Car seat 
• Collapsible stroller 
• Travel Cot

While travel will not be the same for you, it has its upside as well. You’ll soon find out that the world is a welcoming place than you ever knew. There can be no simple way to find and make new friends with people than with a baby with you. And if can create a home away from home for your baby wherever possible — it could become a journey you will all enjoy.

Tips for Travelling with a Baby

Headed out for a vacation with the baby and wondering how to travel with a baby? Here are some strategies and some vacation tips that we have put together for making your travel with children a success.

• Begin your preparation to pack a couple of days in advance your intended travel. Have a handy list of things to pack, or lay them out on a bed or a table as and when they cross your mind
• Be prepared for a situation where the diapers could leak - it’ll be wise to pack an extra pair for the baby and yourself
• One way to prevent leaks is to pack medicines and other make up items in plastic bags
• Carry your camera, battery charger, and an extra memory card
• Pack all baby items separately in a bag of their own so it’s easy to locate them
• Here’s a great tip- using a clip-on light to read that’ll not disturb the baby while you read

Air Travel with an Infant

Are you stressing over the thought of travelling with an infant in air? Don’t! Most parents begin air travel starting at ten weeks old. Let’s help you out with the reality of the flights. They won’t always be easy or vomit-free, but you won’t regret any of them. And here’s some relief- it does get easier as they get older.

Pack smart - Don’t over pack but at the same time don’t miss out on basics or absolutely must-have stuff! Try allotting a diaper for every hour of travel time. Babies could also have pain in their ears from cabin pressure; to avoid it, use a pacifier or bottle while takeoff and descent

Arrive early - it would be a good idea to allow yourself extra time to get to your gate, especially when you have an infant

Dressing your baby in layers would help a great deal and you can take them off or keep them based on the weather

If the baby is awake, take them for a walk up and down the plane so they get a chance to look about and relax. If they become distressed later, a walk about may completely change the mood

Don’t feel shy or awkward to ask for help from your partner, the cabin crew, or any other passengers when you need it

Infant Beach Gear

If you’re headed to the beach, why leave your baby behind? A beach day is a beautiful thing. And should it now be altered by your little one’s presence? You’ll probably track your baby like a hawk, making sure they don’t get sun- burned or eat a gallon of sand, or crawl away to play with the dolphins. Nevertheless, the beach can still be a blast and who knows, maybe even more fun than ever.

• Babies need sun protection all the time. Babies that are six months and below should be kept out of the direct sun, either in their buggy or a UV tent
• Toddlers would move around independently and it would be task to keep them under shade. Ensure they have the sunscreen on along with a top that’s lightweight providing an extra layer of sun protection. You could also get them a UV suit. And not to forget that sun hat.
• For footwear consider beach shoes for your baby. These do great while protecting the feet from the heat in the sand as well as any sharp rocks or stones

Road Trip with a Baby

How can you possible make the trip enjoyable with a baby along? Get out there and enjoy your journey- A happy baby makes a happy trip!

• Plan and Prepare Well - You’ll need to relax, calm down and plan the trip well in advance to ensure you’re not missing out on anything. Babies have their own gear. Be organized!
• Safety - Rules could change, so make sure the baby’s car seat meets all the safety requirements and regulations.
• Keep important stuff out of the trunk and with you - Put away all the bulky stuff in the trunk like the stroller and keep with you the essentials for travel - like toys, pacifiers, snacks bottles, sippy cups and the like. Make sure to keep what you need handy as well (like snacks and drinks!)
• Pack in loads of patience - The goal of taking a road trip is to have some fun and chill time with your family. But for babies, extended hours in a car seat could be an extremely stressful ordeal. This means you need to take frequent breaks along the way, or maybe a longer trip that has an overnight stop- this saves you some time and also gives your baby some respite that much sooner

Now that we’re prepped with tips, let’s also look at some easy travel products and ideas that will help get you and the kids through a long flight.

Travelling Crib Bag

This is a changing bag, a changing station and a carry cot all put together in one! These new models will take up lesser space than a hotel crib, could be much safer than your relative’s hand-me-down, and may have uses back home as well! The lightweight and clever design of the travel crib is perfect for your small and great adventures. This is ideal to carry all your baby’s stuff- for the baby to sleep in and for changing the baby.

Best Toddler Travel Beds

Wonder no more where to put your toddler to sleep while you bring them along on your travels! Although you could book hotel rooms with enough beds for everyone, this would be an expensive option- to travel with your own portable toddler bed. It saves money and gives you more choices when you are booking accommodation.

• Leachco BumpZZZ Travel Bed - makes a great play area and couch
• The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed - has a portable inflatable air mattress bed
• Intex Kidz Travel Bed - comes with a hand pump and is compact and perfect for travel

Best Travel Snacks

Whatever is your mode of travel- plane, train or the automobile, these simple and healthy snacks are easy to store and carry, plus they’re packed with healthy nutrients and tempting even for those picky eaters.

• Granola Bars- High fibre and low in sugar
• Whole Wheat Wraps- filling and finger-friendly
• Plain pasta- Not messy and no utensils required!
• Dried fruit
• Homemade Trail Mix
• Rice cakes
• Cheese fingers

Conclusion

Now, don’t stress but go and enjoy! Throw away all the old ideas about what a trip has to be and go ahead, cling to the new idea that is travelling with a baby. Regard the entire baby gear and baby carrying around as a vacation exercise. And then you’ll relish going back home to your mundane life all the more! Life is a journey and make the most of it, don’t let “I have a kid now” get in your way of getting all that life has to offer! You wouldn’t want to look back and think “If only I would..!”

Originally posted 2016-06-26 15:06:55.

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32 Weeks Pregnant – What Should You Feel?

32 Weeks Pregnant – What Should You Feel?

Pregnancy is perceived by many as a life-changing experience. Think about the significant role of giving life to another being. Some say this is a woman’s ultimate purpose in her existence. As from a woman’s perspective, women look at motherhood as the best expression of selfless love. It is like giving saving the best piece of the cake for someone special instead of eating it.

However, pregnancy is not an easy feat. An expectant mom will be challenged in every aspect of her being. It is important for a mom-to-be to be supported by her family and friends through this journey.

Can you actually prepare yourself for motherhood? Of course! Even nature has its own way of preparing a woman’s body to motherhood. Remember the day you had your period and puberty rolled out? As time passes, you learned the ins and out of life. Soon after, you make the decisions for your future.

Then, one day, you confirmed the news about your pregnancy. Symptoms will hit you hard during the first trimester. You will wake up in the morning feeling nauseous and running to the bathroom to vomit. The cells that consist the fertilized ovum inside your body will rapidly multiply. Pregnancy hormones will make an appearance and will cause the many changes in your body. See that changing color of your nipples plus the sensitivity of your breasts? These signs are part of the masterplan to prep your body to become the sole producer of milk for your baby.

The first trimester lasts until the 13th week of pregnancy. Next in line is the second trimester. Your little one is called a fetus at this stage. Some of the symptoms mellowed a bit but there will be more back pains as the muscles are stretched to give room to the growing baby. Baby’s vital organs like the heart, kidney, and lungs are fast developing. Facial features plus the limbs are also becoming distinct.​

At week 29, you are on your way to your third trimester. You will just have to count a few more months until your due date. This part of your pregnancy can be considered remarkable especially at around 32 weeks. What are the important events that take place at week 32? Read on and know the things to expect.​

The baby at 32 weeks is almost 4 pounds heavy and 17 inches long. This means the child is occupying a lot of space inside your belly. As week 32 arrives, you will feel the baby squirming instead of the usual rocking movements. It is between weeks 32 and 38 that your baby will “drop” and settle head down near your pubic bone.

The term “drop” or “lightening” is one of the signs that due date is just around the corner. You will not be able to clearly see this but you will hear the people around you comment about this occurrence. It is impossible to accurately point out the day when the baby descend down the mother’s pelvis.

It is easier during vaginal delivery if the baby’s head comes out of the birth canal first. But this is not always the case, if the baby is positioned bottom down, the condition is referred to as ‘breech’. Breech babies are often delivered via cesarean section in the event that baby does not flip down days before the delivery.

You will notice by week 32 that you are gaining more weight. Half of this pregnancy weight goes to the baby as he or she doubles in size in time for completing the full term.

To support the growing baby inside of you, the body has pushed to blood volume up by 40 to 50 percent. Your expanding uterus is colliding with the other organs which causes frequent heartburn and shortness of breath.

The stretching of the ligaments and muscles on your lower body can lead to back aches. The added weight also contributes to this muscle strain. These backaches can make difficult for you to bend plus sit and stand for long hours. Lower back pains are normal but be sure to notify your doctor for severe pains as it may be a sign of preterm labor.​

Have you heard about Braxton Hicks contractions? These are intermittent and mild contractions that often take place during the third trimester. This condition was first reported by an English physician named Braxton Hicks. Let’s look into the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions.​

Braxton Hicks contractions:​

• Are not very frequent
• Are not intense
• Will stop once you change position
• Last for less than a minute
• Unpredictable

True labor contractions:

• More intense
• Happen in regular and rhythmic pattern
• Induce more pain
• More frequent and can happen at least four times in an hour

The third trimester is a crucial period as you are near yet so far from due date. If you encounter any of these symptoms, immediately let your doctor know as these situations raise red flags to a pregnancy:

• Severe abdominal cramps
• Severe bleeding
• Rapid vomiting
• Frequent dizziness
• Extreme pain during urination

Nevertheless, if possible, you will need to move and stay active for the remaining three months into your pregnancy. Morning walks are highly recommended for expectant moms. If you have more time and resources to spare, you can enroll to a birthing class, prenatal yoga, aqua yoga and pilates.

You can also devote some of your time to write your to-do list. Here are a few reminders you can include in your notes:​

• Think about your birth plan and strategize how will you execute your plans on the actual day of delivery. Indicate the items you want to pack in your hospital bag and how would your travel from your home to the hospital. You can also identify the people you want to be with as you give birth.
• At 32 to 36 weeks, you should see your obstetrician every two weeks and adjust this schedule to once a week until you deliver your baby.
• Familiarize yourself with the techniques of proper latching as you can already breastfeed your baby a few hours after birth.
• Set up baby’s bed a few days before your due date. There must be no obstruction in places near you and the baby especially when you need to breastfeed your child at night.
• Always practice safe co-sleeping. It is advisable to let baby sleep in a crib or a bassinet that is within your arm’s reach than on the bed where his or her parents sleep. This will reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Choose wisely the pediatrician who will check on your baby’s health. Seek the advice of family, friends, or even co-workers. Pick a doctor that has a clinic that is easily accessible and accepts the terms of your health insurance.

A baby is almost full term when you are 32 weeks pregnant. The baby is practically perfect, he has grown eyebrows, lashes and hair. The full languors hair begins to fall off and the babies weight should be around 4 pounds or 1800 grams. Even if born at this time, the baby’s chances of survival are much higher than at any other previous time. In fact some babies are already in their birthing position with their head down and chin placed on their chest.

High Blood Pressure

At 32 weeks pregnant you may be getting tired of being pregnant. It is normal for you to constantly feel fatigued and some women can experience high blood pressure. At this point your prenatal doctor will constantly check your blood pressure. Still you should take note of headaches, any swelling of the hands and face or large weight gains. All of these can indicate problems with blood pressure. Keep track of any changes in your body which might indicate preeclamsia, the condition that triggers high blood pressure. Preeclampsia could endanger both the mother and baby’s life.

Lower Back Pain

Back pain is another symptom that occurs at 32 weeks pregnant. It is common to experience strong lower back pain which can extend to the buttocks. At this point the mother´s center of gravity changes, so she must be extremely cautious of falls or accidents.

Constipation

Constipation and hemorrhoids may be a real problem at 32 weeks pregnant. As the uterus presses up against the intestines causing problems. To prevent constipation from causing severe hemorrhoids you should eat fruits and vegetables high in fiber and drink lots of nourishing liquids.

Frequent Urination

If you did not experience frequent urination during early pregnancy you will experience it at this point. In fact, there will be moments when you must run to the nearest restroom. At times you may even feel this symptom and realize you don’t need to urinate. This is another symptom at 32 weeks pregnant which occurs from the baby pressing on the bladder.

Anemia

Many women experience anemia or a low iron content in their blood. This causes extreme fatigue and a constant feeling of being tired. Even lots of rest may not relieve the feelings of tiredness.

At 32 weeks pregnant a woman’s uterus is almost full size and may even be full size, especially if she is expecting twins. This increase in uterus size may also cause heartburn and indigestion. You may also feel moment of breathlessness. To reduce these feelings you should drink large amounts of water and foods high in fiber.

Being 32 weeks pregnant is going to be tiring and uncomfortable. But just think, you only have a few more weeks to go. In just a few more weeks you will have a beautiful new addition to your family.

Originally posted 2012-04-24 13:27:01.

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Late Pregnancy Symptoms – What You Should Expect

It is very common nowadays for women to experience a late pregnancy. But just because you get pregnant well after you reach your 30s and experience late pregnancy symptoms, doesn’t mean you are any more familiar with late pregnancy symptoms. Read up on all your late pregnancy symptoms to find out what they are and why they occur.

Medical experts suggest that the perfect biological age for pregnancy is between the ages of 20 and 24. However there are many advances in medical science which allow women to get pregnant at a much older age. In fact the number of women who have given birth when they are between the age of 30 to 39 has doubled. In fact, many women are even getting pregnant after the age of 40.

Women seem to be delaying pregnancy until they finish their education, start their career and more. Women are also getting married later in life which is just another reason for delayed motherhood.

Risks

Still a late pregnancy can imply some risks as reproductive capacity reduces after the age of 35. The biggest of these risks include the occurrence of fibroid related problems or the rest of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome. There can also be complications caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

One of the earliest late pregnancy symptoms is a frequent upset stomach. You may think at first it is acid indigestion or a virus but this can be an indication of pregnancy and is caused by the higher progesterone your body starts to produce.

What are the late pregnancy symptoms?

Pregnancy is truly a life-altering experience. It will affect the different aspects in your being, both physical and emotional. Signs and symptoms will be present from start until latter part of your gestation and this can change the way you deal with everyday activities. The fast shifting of your hormones is the reason behind these symptoms. Early indications of pregnancy are sometimes vague and can be mistaken for other health conditions. It is only until a period is delayed or pregnancy test kit comes back positive can you only confirm the pregnancy.

Later signs and symptoms are more pronounced. This means these are your supporting evidence that you will carry a child in the next nine months.​

Regardless if symptoms appear early or later on, a mom-to-be is faced with many challenges ahead. But in the end, it’s maternal instinct that will push the mother to be brave in overcoming all these hardships.​

Food Cravings and Aversions

This symptom may develop later on as the sense of smell gradually becomes heightened. Most women who are pregnant complain that they weird cravings at unexpected times. There are also food they once like but they seem to dislike during pregnancy. Expectant moms also become sensitive to smell and may feel sick after exposure to perfume, dishes with garlic and onions, or coffee aroma.

Missed Period

The most notable of the late pregnancy symptoms is the missed period. But this alone does not indicate pregnancy. It is a combination of this symptom along with others that is a better indication of a late pregnancy.

Frequent Urination

Another early late pregnancy symptom is frequent urinating. You may think you are simply drinking a lot of fluids or have a slight urinary infection, but in reality the cause of the problem is pregnancy.

You may feel dizzy for a few moments during the day. This is an unusual dizzy feeling that occurs out of the blue. It can be one of the late pregnancy symptoms, but can also be an indication of some other health related issue.

Breast Swelling

It is also normal to experience breast tenderness and swelling. You may think this is caused by your clothing or by sleeping on the wrong side of the bed. But it is often a frequent pregnancy symptoms, and caused by your body getting prepared for breast feeding.

Sleep Deprivation

Not being able to get adequate sleep is a common problem for pregnant women. The body is exhibiting symptoms similar to insomnia wherein the body feels exhausted but cannot settle to sleep or sometimes the body feels fine but still not able to doze off. There are also instances that you will feel the urge to declutter closets or clean the entire house in the middle of the night. This is called “nesting syndrome”. The body reacts to the stimuli that you need to prepare the house for the upcoming baby. To bring yourself to sleep, consume a glass of warm milk, light a scented candle, and try to relax.

Back Pain

The pains on your lower back are due to the added weight you carry in your belly. There are maternity belly support belts available in the market that can help ease these pains. You can also try using warm compress or fill a small bottle with warm water and press it to the affected area. Another alternative is to bath on hand and knees so the water from the shower hit and massage your back.

Imbalance

Balance problems are experienced by many expectant moms. It is bothersome but you don’t have to worry much as the amniotic sac is keeping the baby safe in case of accidents. It will be a struggle to move, get off when you sit, or pick up something at your foot since you are balancing your own weight and your growing bump. Make sure to call your doctor when you accidentally fell or stumble.

Expanding Belly

Obviously, your bump will grow bigger as the months pass by as the baby inside of you increase in size. After the first trimester, you belly will be stretched and you will notice cracks form across on your skin. These stretch marks can be minimized with the use of over-the-counter retinoid creams, aloe vera gels, lotions, or moisturizers.

Intermittent Contractions

The is a huge difference between Braxton Hicks contractions to real labor contractions. But wait, who is Braxton Hicks and what does he know about this? These sporadic contractions is usually felt during mid-pregnancy. It was English doctor John Braxton Hicks who first discovered it in 1872. It comes around 6 weeks into pregnancy and not earlier than that. These contractions don’t normally hurt and if it lasts more than 4 times in an hour during the latter part of pregnancy, better call the doctor as it may be a symptom of preterm labor.

Frequent Leg Cramps

Similar to back pains, you will also experience a lot of cramping in the leg muscles. This may be due to the double weight you are carrying and the changes in the circulation of the blood in the limbs. You will also notice the swollen feet and ankles as the result of water retention in the body.To reduce the tension in your legs, you can do simple stretching after getting up in the morning and before going to bed. Use a book, place it on the floor, and then step on the edge while you drop your heels. This will stretch your calf a little. Do the same to your other leg.

Fetal Kicks

Fetal movements specifically kicks occur during the second trimester. The baby’s limbs are more developed at this stage. The fetus may be moving early on but it is not that recognizable by the mother. According to research, these gentle motions are noticed sooner by a woman who has been pregnant before than a first-time mother.

Change in the Baby’s Position

By third trimester particularly by 30 to 34 weeks, the baby will move and turn head down. This is the position the baby will maintain until full term is reached, that is, at 39 weeks. If the baby has not move to this position, he or she will considered breech. There will be great chance that you will deliver via cesarean section in this circumstance because it is safer than vaginal delivery.

Baby is Engaged

Nature has its way of making baby ready for the big day. At around 2-4 weeks before labor, the baby will slowly descend into your lower pelvis and just adjacent to the pubic bone. This event is called baby dropping or lightening. You may not see this happen but people around you will definitely spot the sign that the baby has dropped. You will only feel this when it becomes easier for you to breathe because there is less pressure in your diaphragm.

Recurring Bathroom Breaks

When the baby has dropped, its head collides with your bladder and so you will find yourself getting up a lot to urinate. Sitting for a long time will also put in a lot of pressure to your pelvic area which means you will need to take a leak many times in a span of an hour.

Leaky Breasts

As your due date approaches, you will see discharge from your bosom. This is normal at around 30 weeks into the pregnancy. There are some women who start to have leaky breasts only after giving birth. Breast leaking is normal and does not mean preterm labor. You will also not need to express the colostrum and should be done after the baby is born.

The mother and the child is required to undergo postpartum care until eight weeks after birth. This is to ensure mother is recovering well especially if baby was delivered through cesarean section as well as to check on baby’s overall health. Postpartum care may involve the following subjects:

Proper Nutrition

You will need to regain the energy you lost during delivery as well as generate more for breastfeeding. Even though the mother’s diet does not influence the substances present in the milk, a nutritious meal can help boost your vigor that will help you endure the sleepless nights often experienced by new parents.​

Correct Latching

Teaching your baby to latch on your breast may take a lot of practice. You can seek advice from your OB or midwife on how to position your nipple so that feeding time is less stressful. You will know that the baby is latched on properly when there is no milk leaking on the side of the baby’s mouth and you hear the baby swallow little by little.

Vaginal Care

Your vagina will be through major strain during childbirth and it should be monitored after the procedure. You will need to wear pads if minimal bleeding happens and try to observe any uneasy feeling when you urinate. If you were stitched down there, you will need at least 6 weeks before things become normal again.

Late pregnancy symptoms do not differ much from those of younger women. However, it is easier to mis-identify them for some other problem, especially if you are not expecting a pregnancy.

Originally posted 2012-04-24 12:23:34.

The post Late Pregnancy Symptoms – What You Should Expect appeared first on ParentsNeed.

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What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy

What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy

Pregnancy or gestation is the process of developing an offspring inside the mother’s womb. Fertilization occurs once a sperm cell attached itself to a mature egg cell. This event take place inside the fallopian tube after the egg cell was released from the one of the ovaries.

Once the sperm and egg cells fused, the by product is called a zygote. The cells that make-up the zygote will divide rapidly. This zygote will grow more and more inside the fallopian tube. Around 12 weeks, the zygote attaches itself onto the uterine wall and becomes what is called a fetus. The fine veins tagged as villi that the zygote grew will eventually develop into the placenta, the organ that protects and provides nutrition to the growing fetus through the umbilical cord.

Pregnancy lasts for about 37 to 40 weeks and these weeks are grouped from first to third trimester. Each trimester is characterized by different signs and symptoms which will be discussed below. The fetus will grow immensely in the course of the nine months. The vital organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys will develop swiftly at around the 2nd trimester. Physical features like the nose, mouth, eyes, ears and limbs will start to grow at the same time. All these developments happen as the fetus swim inside the uterus filled with amniotic fluid. Let’s look further into each trimester and see the events that both mother and baby will go through:​

First trimester

The first trimester covers week 1 to week 13 of pregnancy. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) or pregnancy hormone is on a hype at these weeks. This hormone is produced by the placenta and production of this begins upon the settlement of the fertilized ovum on the uterus. The shift in the hormones will physically manifest thus the occurrence of the signs and symptoms. After the first 13 weeks, the baby almost carries most of human-like features. The baby’s heartbeat is detectable at this stage. You will be able to hear the heartbeat during a visit to an obstetrician with the use of the tool called fetal doppler. We will talk about these symptoms in full later on.

Second trimester

The second trimester kicks off from week 14. A few but not all of the exhausting symptoms of the first trimester is slowly subsiding. The baby’s fingers and toes are fully grown at this stage. The fine hair called lanugo is starting to appear all over the baby’s body. This offers warmth and comfort to the fetus. The uterus is also expanding to accommodate the added weight of the baby. There will be occasional aches on the lower parts of the body as the muscles stretch to be able to keep up with the changes.

Third trimester

The third trimester begins at week 27 until delivery. The baby’s brain and lungs are functioning at this point and the child inside your belly can already recognize sounds. The baby will reach full term by week 39. You will experience difficulty in sleeping at this time since it will be harder to position yourself on the bed because of your large bump. Swelling of foot and ankles is also common. You will also notice stretch marks on your abdomen and there are regular backaches. Intermittent contractions called Braxton Hicks are also felt during the third trimester. These are irregular tightening of the muscles of the abdomen as the body prepares for the coming birth of the newborn. Urination is also rampant as the bladder collides with the growing uterus. The uterus has expanded to a thousand times by the 36th to 39th weeks.

Pregnancy Symptoms

One of the biggest questions you will ever ask yourself is: “Am I pregnant?” One of the early most definitive symptoms of pregnancy is a missed period, but there are many other symptoms of pregnancy that may even appear before this one.

All women are different, so while some women may experience all of the symptoms of pregnancy, others will only experience some of them. Some women may not even feel pregnant in the beginning. In fact, some signs can be confused with other illness symptoms, especially in the beginning.

Pregnancy is indeed not an easy feat. You have to prepare yourself in all aspects. Now that you have an overview on what to expect in the next nine months, let’s discuss further the symptoms that goes with it. Bear in mind that expectant moms have different stories to tell when it comes to experiencing pregnancy symptoms. The list below indicates the most common ones that appear starting 1st to 3rd weeks of pregnancy:

1. Missed period

Another of the common symptoms of pregnancy is a missed period. However, you should not let this be your only indication. There are other causes of a missed period like, stress, weight fluctuation, illness, travel or coming off the pill that can cause a missed period. Irregular periods are also a symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is where periods occur several months apart.

In the event that you had an unprotected intercourse during the time of your ovulation, you have a greater chance to become pregnant. There are a number of symptoms that shows before a missed period but a delayed menstruation is a significant symptom to confirm pregnancy especially when you have regular menstrual cycle.

2. Sensitive breasts

Once a surge in the hCG happens, the blood vessels of the breast kicks in to prep the bosom for the their future roles as milk manufacturers. The breasts will double in size plus the areolas will start to darken. You will also observe that the nipples will become tingly and sore to touch.

Your breasts can feel tenderer as soon as two weeks after inception. You may also start to note a darkening of the aereola, which is an indication of a pregnancy. This is the beginning of breast enlargement as your breasts get ready for breast feeding. Sharp and sensitive breasts are one of the early signs of pregnancy.

3. Nausea and vomiting

The combination of these two symptoms is referred to as “morning sickness”. These two are the usual pregnancy symptoms and can afflict weeks before the missed period. The nauseated feeling can continue the whole day but during the mornings are the worse situations.

This the biggest and best of the pregnancy symptoms. Morning sickness can present itself as early as two weeks after conception. But there are women that either don’t get morning sickness or experience a very mild form of the sickness.

Nausea is another typical sign of pregnancy and often appears about the same time you miss your period. However, many women can experience nausea as early as two weeks after inception. Most women at about 5 to 6 weeks of inception begin to feel sick in the morning.

Often women who are pregnant will feel intense urges to urinate. This symptom of pregnancy can occur as early as two weeks after being pregnant. However, urination frequency may also be an indication of another problem like infection. When caused by pregnancy it is caused by the rising levels of the progesterone hormones.

4. Elevated sense of smell

You may start to feel more intensely about odors or certain tastes. Foods you may have liked before suddenly don’t seem to be as good. Some women even experience strange metallic taste as one of the signs of pregnancy.

In connection to nausea, one of the most common pregnancy symptoms that causes this is the strong sense of smell. Most expectant mothers complain that odors that don’t normally affect them before pregnancy can suddenly ruin their day. Enclosed spaces like kitchens and restaurants filled with scent of garlic or spices can lead to dizziness and gagging.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is also a strong indication of a pregnancy. Fatigue differs from being tired in that you do not feel rested after taking a nap or sleeping for a while.

When you are likely to be pregnant, you will tend to feel tired more often. This symptom exhibits even before a missed period. The heightened hormones during the early weeks of pregnancy causes women to feel exhausted and sleepy many times throughout the day. Remember that the body is doing two tasks of supporting you and and your growing child.

6. Mood swings

Finding out that you are expecting can bring a rollercoaster of emotions. There will come a time that you will feel empty, angry, and sometimes hyper. It is completely normal to go through a lot of moods as your hormones are very active. Add to that the physical changes that the body goes through, it can affect how you react to the stimuli present in the surroundings.

7. Frequent peeing and constipation

Another early symptom of pregnancy is the frequent need to take a leak. The additional blood production causes the kidney to work double time which fills up the bladder quickly from day to night.

The high levels of progesterone makes a mom-to-be constipated more often. This change in the body hinders the smooth passage of the food through the digestive tract. To reduce constipation while pregnant, drink plenty of water and eat small portions of food throughout the day.​

8. Bloated feeling

You will also have the heavy feeling on your abdomen with some burps and farts as the elevated progesterone is causing the smooth muscles inside the stomach to slow down. This leads to added inches on your waistline as more air and liquid are retained in your body.

9. Spotting

As mentioned earlier, there is phase after fertilization where the zygote adheres to the uterine lining. This process is called implantation. The mass of cell has an outer portion which will develop as the placenta while the inner mass emerge as the embryo. Implantation is accompanied by spotting. This is the few drops of blood you will notice on your underwear. Spotting can last for some days with occasional cramping. This should be observed since its opposite, heavy bleeding, is a red flag for miscarriage.

These are just a few of the early symptoms of pregnancy. But not all women experience the same symptoms. Some women may experience some of them, while others will experience all of the symptoms.

Pregnancy Test

To confirm the symptoms above, you will need to buy a home pregnancy test kit. These kits detect pregnancy by the presence of hCG in the woman’s urine. HCG comes into the scene six days after the successful union of the sperm and egg cells and the amount increase as the pregnancy continues . The perfect timing to administer this test is a week after the delayed period. This way, the amount of hCG is high enough to be detected by the pregnancy test kit. Most of these kits are cheap and easy to use. Make sure to follow closely the instructions on the labels to obtain accurate results.

When home pregnancy test comes back with a positive result, you must visit your doctor or your health provider as soon as possible. Upon consultation, the doctor can perform a blood test to also check traces of hCG in the blood. The blood test gives out a 100% confirmation than home test kits but may take time to get the results.

There is a handful of women who just settle on home pregnancy kits, instincts, and symptoms to confirm their pregnancies. The logic of this practice may vary - some might be cultural, religious, or personal reasons. However, according to most obstetrician, the first appointment to the doctor should happen within the first trimester. The OB or the midwife can talk to the mother about her pregnancy or any health issues that may affect the whole process. This is essential not only to first time moms but also to all the mothers since no two pregnancies is the same.​

Originally posted 2012-04-24 12:03:20.

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