10 Must HAVE'S/ DO's During Pregnancy

10 Tips, Tricks, and Products I Believe Kept Me Fit and Looking Good During Pregnancy

Fit pregnancy, reduce stretch marks, nice skin.

Mio Skin Care

Halfway through my pregnancy I discovered Mio Skin Care that another fit prego mommy recommended. I bought the gift set with belly cream, nipple balm, yoga mat spray, and leg lotion. Out of all my favorite is the nipple balm. It helps ease pain with swelling, as well as firms and hydrates your skin.

Vitamin E oil mixed with Coconut Oil

I mixed these together in my hands and rubbed the oils all over my body. It really kept my skin feeling more hydrated and healthy. In fact I got to the point where I would add all kinds of oils that are good for the skin and mix them all together. I’m convinced that all this things I added on my skin religiously is what reduced / prevented stretch marks.

Raw Shea Butter by Hobo

The best shea butter EVER! I rubbed this all over my body and even on my face when I would get really dry, or break out with acne. Believe it or not the Shea butter fixed it all and my skin thanked me for it. I also love how it smells. I will say the downside to this is its pricey especially with shipping. www.genuinehobo.com

Homemade Coffee Scrub

Coffee scrubs are known to exfoliate the skin as well as hydrate. This scrub helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, and makes your skin feel as soft as your newborn baby will feel. Check out my recipe page for the ingredients! I promise you will thank me later.

Foam Rolling and Stretching

When pregnant I had on and off days. Some days you feel great and have energy, and even more days I felt lethargic, unmotivated, and very tired. When your pregnant it’s never a good idea to push yourself, and add any unnecessary stress to your body. So, if I was tired I relaxed, and if I had energy, I’d do something. But on days that I didn't want to workout but still wanted to do something for myself, I would stretch!

Stretching is great, and even more enjoyable when pregnant. I helped reduce any aches and pains I had and helped with a better night of sleep. I recommend 10-20 minutes of stretching 1-3 times a week. It helps you get your blood going, release any tension in your muscles, and foam rolling helps with myofascial release. Not to mention it makes you feel good about yourself if you at least did something active for your body!

Frequent Light Healthy Meals

I noticed having smaller and more frequent healthy meals as opposed to unhealthy or larger meals throughout the day made huge difference. Not only did it help fight being nauseated in my first trimester, it reduced pregnancy food craving for me, and kept my metabolism and energy up. I noticed eating like this I was able to gain the necessary weight for my BMI and not a pound more. I was worried of gaining excess weight while pregnant so I made a goal to only gain what was recommended for my BMI. Smaller frequent healthy meals and of course exercise helped me reach my goal.

Exercise

Keeping up on an exercise routine is important. It helps keep your body moving, your metabolism working, it reduce aches and pains, and helps prevent massive weight gain along with high risks. Below I have added a leg workout that is short and effective to get your blood flowing and mood elevated! This 8 minute workout can be done anytime of the day and even a busy mom can fit it in and feel good about it.

These workouts are designed to be quick and effective for days you aren’t really feeling it but you have 8 minutes to spare! Make sure you give it your all and try to complete as many reps of the exercise as you can in one minute!

8 Minute Legs

1 min of Squats

1 min of Lunges

1 min of Sumo Squats

1 min of SD to SD Lunges

-30 sec break-

REPEAT

Hanes Cotton Sport Bra

During pregnancy my boobs doubled in size, they ached and hurt, and wearing my normal bras was very uncomfortable . I went to Walmart and bought myself some Hanes Cotton Sports bras in a size larger than I normal wear. I wore them every single day. They were comfortable, not too tight, but gave me the support I needed. What was even better they were cheap!

Blanqi Leggings

The only leggings I could wear! Check out their Instagram page @blanqigirls. The legging I got are the pregnancy leggings that come up over your growing belly to give it the support it needs. They were awesome and I wore them almost every day. The only recommendation on these is they need to be washed inside out and DO NOT DRY THEM IN THE DRYER! Hang them up to air dry. If you dry them they start getting little balls of lint on them that don't come off. 

Starting the Morning with 16 oz of Warm Lemon Water

Sometimes drinking enough water can be hard for some during pregnancy. It sure was for me! I made a pact with myself to wake up and immediately warm up 16oz of water and squeeze a lemon in it. This started my morning ahead on drinking enough water, I could feel my metabolism kick start, and it gave me the energy I needed. It’s crazy because chugging water in the morning really does give you a mood boost, and that's your body thanking you. Being hydrated is very important, it helps everything in your body work better, and lets not forget to mention keeps your skin hydrated and glowing.

Why I Chose a Midwife

Choosing to have a midwife at a home birth isn’t for everyone. It can come with some great advantages as well as risks. When I chose a midwife I knew I could do it, and I knew it was for me. No one should be convinced on where or who births their child, you will know if it is right for you. Below are all the reasons I chose to have a home birth with a midwife.

Family history

One of the initial reasons for wanting a natural birth (whether in a hospital or not) was my family. My mother, though she was induced, pushed me out with no pain medication. That led me to ask about my grandmother, all 5 children she pushed out vaginally without pain medication during the 1950-1960’s. Both of which said they felt very empowered and strong by the experience. As hearing this when I was a kid, I wanted to be strong like them and do the same.

As I got older that point of view changed when I asked my mother why she chose to not have an epidural. Her reason was, simply, that she wanted to know what if felt like. I went on to take that reasoning as my own.

Fear of the unknown or Uncontrolled

Once I was pregnant the fear of not being able to control my own pregnancy started to build up. I wanted to have more choices then laying on a hospital bed in a room that is always too hot or too cold. Pregnancies are unpredictable, therefor I wanted to be able to be in a setting that I could control to help ease that. What if I want to go for a walk outside, or be in a birthing pool? What if laying on my back in a bed is too painful and I want to squat this baby out? I decided I want more control. I didn't want to go to a hospital in a setting (to me) that was treated like my Aunts knee surgery or an emergency.

I wanted to celebrate this experience and new life in a setting that I control and create. To be in my house I don't have to wait to be released, I could control the setting of the room (and temperature) as well as the energy created in that room. I wouldn't be stuck in one room, with nurses and doctors dictating the progression of my pregnancy as if I was a puppet along for the ride. I wanted to use my body for what it is made for to learn to trust its process and dictate the progression of my birth by the instincts of my own body and the comfort of the baby working with my body.

Fate or Destiny

I originally started my doctor visits in an amazing hospital in Colorado. I loved the doctor, the nurses, and everyone was very customer service based. Once we moved closer to family every hospital I called had an energy that just never felt right, they made my transfer very difficult, they didn't offer any help and everything I had asked they declined. I decided that I didn't trust them (Initial experience is very important for me).

That is when I decided that I was going to look into midwifery. Initially I chose my midwife based off her About video and picture, and initial visit with her. She stood for everything I wanted, I loved her demeanor, she was calm, and very educated with confidence that was very reassuring. Because I am a health nut, I like all natural things in the most organic form, that's when I decided that I was going to go with a midwife and to have my birth experience in the comfort of my home.

My body

I was born a female, given the amazing ability to create life and birth a human. How crazy is that?! From a sperm and egg, to billions of cells, to a fully functioning unique human body. With the help of a partner I get to create life! As a woman, that is a gift that only women get to experience and I want to experience it 100%. I want to know the capabilities, the pain, the stress, the emotion, and the gift itself that you go through during labor.

Another reason for choosing to have an at home birth with a midwife was I have no health risks, I exercise regularly, I have a healthy starting BMI, good family history with birth, and I sustain a good diet. It was also something I wanted and knew I could do.

The Mysteries of Midwifery and Home Birth-The Questions I Had

The Mysteries of Midwifery and Home Birth

Having a home birth with a midwife can be very scary, and most people are scared because they haven't looked into it much. When I would tell people I was having a home birth I would get a lot of worried looks and a billion questions. Below I have provided those questions as well as some of my own that I had asked in my decision of having a home birth.

What does the midwife’s care provide you with?

The midwife cares for you from the moment you find out your pregnant until a few weeks after birth, as well as will provide you with resources and support after birth including emotional support. This includes all monitoring, preparation, ultrasounds (done at a proper facility), and testing needed/required (such as, Glucose test, ect.) The midwife will also be there to help birth your child making sure you and your bundle are safe.

What can you expect during a midwife appointment?

The midwife will have you take any necessary tests (usually a pee test), listen to your baby’s heartbeat, measure your belly, take your blood pressure, and go over any questions you have. The midwife will also go over any material you should be aware of at that time, or educate you on certain parts of pregnancy. What’s awesome is she will stay with you until she has answered all your questions. Usually appointments go from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Do midwifes work with high risk mothers?

This is determined by the scope of the midwifes comfort and abilities/certifications, as well as what risk category you are in. The first appointment with a midwife, she determines how many risk factors you have, and if a home birth is the right option for you and the safety of the baby. If you are of high risk, the midwife may decline care and recommend you to a hospital. Every birth is different and a home birth might not be the safest option for you.

Does a midwife have alternatives worked out with a hospital?

The percentage of home births that end up having to go to a hospital for a serious risk is 7%. Whilst home births bring up the worry of if something goes wrong that a hospital could easily manage.  Home births with the ability to move around and have a more active labor reduced the risks of problems occurring during labor. To answer this question, you could set up an appointment to meet with a doctor at the closest hospital you choose, the likelihood of you actually going is slim. That doctor you would meet probably wouldn't be the doctor you deliver with in a case of an emergency transfer. Therefor would be a waste of your time, as well as that doctors time. In the case of an emergency transfer, the midwife would call the hospital of your choosing (usually the closest) or if you had time a doctor of her choice that she has worked with before. The midwife would then have all of your medical records and would update the doctor on duty of the situation at hand. This gives the doctors confidence and understanding of the situation to perform what is necessary for the safety of the mother and baby. These doctors for emergency pregnancies in the ER are certified OBGYN’s, their job is strictly delivering babies whose mothers are brought into the ER.

What complications can the midwife not handle?

C-Sections, and epidural are the main ones.

Does the midwife have fetal monitoring available?

YES! Her monitoring is a little different, it is the same technology used in hospitals, but its not the kind that straps to you making it hard to move around. The fetal monitoring she uses is handheld making it easier to use when the mother is in other positions or moving around to ease pain and discomfort. This is great because when in labor, if you're in a position that the babies heart rate isn’t responding properly to contractions or the stress is too much, it gives the mother the ability to change positions comfortably to ease the stress of the baby. With the handheld monitoring system, it makes it easier to adjust instead of being held in one position or area.

Can the midwife perform an episiotomy?

Yes! The advantage of home birth gives more movement so the pelvis can actually fully expand, therefor reduces the chance of tearing. But in the case of the situation if an episiotomy is necessary the midwife can perform one. With that being said, there are ways to help prevent tearing, most minor tears don't need to be sutured and heal better naturally. But in the case of a major tear, the midwife does have the medicine and tools needed to suture.

Post birth medication and testing?

Post birth there are 3 main medications given to newborns.

-Antibiotics given in the eyes.

-Vitamin K injection

-Hepatitis B Shot

Antibiotics in eyes are given to newborns in the case that the mother may have chlamydia or Gonorrhea. These aren’t necessary if the mother has been tested negative for these. In the case the mother wasn't tested or is unsure these antibiotics are highly recommended and the Midwife does carry this medication with her.

Vitamin K injection, after a baby is born every baby has a vitamin K deficiency this is 100% normal. Within 7-8 days after birth this deficiency levels out to the normal amount. Vitamin K is given and is especially important if the baby has any bruising, a traumatic birth, a C-section was performed, or if the baby is male and will be having a circumcision done. The vitamin K helps the blood to clot and can prevent a rare bleeding disorder and/or hemorrhaging. The midwife is also equipped with this injection.

The Hepatitis B shot, however, in not carried by the midwife. This shot is most crucial in a hospital setting. Being born in a hospital babies can be exposed to many different things. When a newborn is taken to have all testing done, is cleaned, and all medications given that are necessary they can be exposed to Hepatitis B. Therefor is crucial to be given to your newborn.

If you are having a home birth this isn’t a risk and the shot is not provided by the midwife. If you still would like this shot, a good time to get it is at your 8 week pediatric appointment.

There are 3 State required tests that must be given/offered by the midwife:

1.     Congenital Heart Defect Test- the baby is hooked up with a monitor in their finger and toe to measure blood flow and test for heart defects, this is very non-invasive.

2.     Blood Metabolic Screening- This is the most invasive test (done within 48 hours), blood is drawn and tested. This tests for rare but potentially serious disorders.

3.     Hearing screening- this test can be done up to 6 weeks old, and is done to make sure your baby is hearing.

After birth midwife care?

After birth, the midwife will make sure the baby and mom are healthy and doing good, as well as clean up the pool and anything else that needs cleaning. The midwife will also not leave until the baby has latched and has gotten a good first meal, as well as if you are formula feeding. The midwife will then come back 12 hours later to check on mom and baby, and make sure the baby is getting enough food. The midwife will then plan additional appointments as needed to make sure mother is doing good, baby is getting enough food, and to provide support when needed. Midwife also wants to make sure mother isn’t affected by postpartum depression. In my case where I was transported for C-section, the midwife continued to check on me every day for 3 days after birth, and then we planned additional appointments to make sure baby was doing well with nursing, and I was happy and my scar was healing.

What was different about my glucose test?

Instead of drinking that nasty drink they usually have you drink. I was told to eat 2 eggs, 2 pieces of toast, and a large glass of juice 1 hour before my appointment. When the midwife arrived, I had my blood drawn, and that was it!

Can midwife check for elevated bilirubin levels?

Yes, she uses a trans-cutaneous method (meaning she doesn't draw a bunch of blood from the baby) I’m sure you wonder if this method is accurate? Well because I was transported to the hospital for an emergency C-section they did have to check bilirubin levels by drawing blood. We compared the lab results with the trans-cutaneous method, and they were accurate!

Pregnancy, What Helped Me

Morning Sickness, Temperature Flashes, Body Aches, and more.

I’ve created this list, because these are tips/tricks that helped me through the tough times of pregnancy and maybe they will will help you too!

Cucumber Water

Drinking water is very important, especially during pregnancy. But why add the cucumber? When pregnant I began having a hard time regulating my body temperature. One second I was over heating, and the next I was freezing cold! Turns out that cucumber is a natural body coolant. Eating or adding cucumber to your ice water helps your body lower its core temperature. This is my go to, now that I’m 34 weeks in the dead of summer! I like to add a few slices of cucumber and a half squeeze of lemon to my ice water.

Lemon and Ginger Tea

This is a “kill two birds with one stone" kind of deal, not only does lemon ginger tea warm the body (ginger naturally raises core body temperature) when your chilly, ginger also helps when you feel nauseous or sick! It was a game changer for me battling morning sickness while freezing my bum up in the cold snowy mountains of Colorado. When I felt sick, and was having a hard time eating, sipping on this was the only thing that saved me. I enjoyed adding local honey to my tea.

Eucalyptus oil

A friend actually told me about this tip and I am forever thankful. During my first trimester, I didn't just have morning sickness, I had midday sickness, afternoon sickness, and night sickness! I luckily never vomited, but gagging throughout the day over anything slightly gross was a REAL thing.  I asked a friend if they did anything that helped with morning sickness and her response was adding a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in a cloth or tissue and then holding that up to your nose and taking deep breaths. I couldn't believe it, this worked so well for me. Though, I probably looked like a goof holding cloth to my face every time I walked passed a puddle, or smelled anything slightly gross. Try this and see if it works for you!

Foam Rolling and Stretching

Once your belly starts growing, the aches and pains make headway in your everyday life. You may start to lose your balance more, and your feet and back might start hurting.  I found that foam rolling and stretching every morning or every few days made a HUGE difference in managing my balance, and body aches. I also found that foam rolling helped with circulation as well as helped reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks on my legs. There are many benefits of foam rolling or stretching, and it definitely has helped me.  GET the Foam roller Below on Amazon!

 

Get a Massage

If you can spare the extra cash, I recommend getting a prenatal massage! Once I was getting into week 30 my entire body ached all day, every day. But one thing that my partner couldn't fix was my painful hip. The baby just enjoyed her awkward position in my uterus that caused my muscles to be pulled on weird.  My midwife and chiropractor suggested seeing a message therapist and I’m so glad I did. Not only did my aches and pains disappear for a while. I left that massage feeling very energized, in a good, and patient mood the rest of the day!

 

Take that Nap!

It’s hard to give into so many naps while pregnant. I felt useless, unmotivated, and lazy, every time I spent my day napping. But you know what I finally realized? I’m tired not because I’m lazy, it is because my body NEEDS it. I am making a HUMAN! All of your energy stores are going to making your perfect little baby, and it’s exhausting! But avoiding naps isn’t healthy, once that baby comes your sleep schedule will be put on the back burner. So, if you’re tired, girl, take that nap enjoy them while you can! You deserve it, and your body and baby with thank you for it.

 

Eat Smaller Meals Frequently

MORNING SICKNESS SUCKS! It seemed like I could never win. I would feel so sick, I couldn't eat. But if I didn't eat, I would feel even more sick. If I gave in and ate a big meal, I also felt sick from eating so much. I COULD NEVER WIN! So, what did I learn? I learned that eating very small meals more frequently helped fight morning sickness. If I ate a small amount first thing before I started to feel sick in the morning I wouldn't get so nauseous. Then every few hours I would eat a small snack to fight the dizzies. Sometimes I would make it the entire day without feeling horrid. Eating small healthy meals more frequently also helps keep up your metabolism. This in turn helps your body stay energized and feel good throughout the day, as well as kick pregnancy craving to the curb.