A baby shower is a special event held before the birth of a baby to celebrate and honor the expectant mother or parents. It’s an opportunity for friends and family to come together to offer their congratulations and support, as well as to provide gifts and well wishes for the new addition to the family. 

Baby shower games and activities are a common part of the celebration. These can include guessing games, quizzes, and activities related to parenting or baby care.

Baby shower games can add fun and entertainment to the celebration while helping guests bond and celebrate the expectant parents. Here are 57 baby shower game ideas to choose from:

1. Baby Bingo or Simply Bingo

Baby Bingo is a fun game where guests mark off baby-related terms on their bingo cards as they’re called out during gift opening.

Things Needed:

– Bingo cards pre-printed with baby-related terms.

– Markers or pens for guests to mark their cards.

– Prizes for the winners.

How to Play:

– Distribute bingo cards and markers to each guest.

– As the mom-to-be opens her gifts, guests mark off the items on their cards.

– The first guest to complete a row or pattern shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize.

2. Guess the Baby Food

Guests taste different flavors of baby food and try to guess the flavor.

Things Needed:

– Various jars of baby food with labels removed.

– Spoons for tasting.

– Paper and pens for guests to write down their guesses.

– Prizes for the most correct guesses.

How to Play:

– Remove the labels from baby food jars.

– Number the jars and create a key with the correct flavors.

– Have guests taste the baby foods and write down their guesses.

– Reveal the correct answers, and the guest with the most correct guesses wins a prize.

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3. Unique baby names Race

Guests compete to create as many unique baby names as possible in a set time starting with a particular letter.

Things Needed:

– Paper and pens for guests.

– A timer or stopwatch.

– Prizes for the winners.

How to Play:

– Set a timer for a specific duration (e.g., 2 minutes).

– Guests write down as many baby names as they can within the time limit starting form a particular letter.

– The guest with the most unique names wins a prize.

4. Pictionary

A classic game where guests draw and guess words or phrases.

Things Needed:

– Paper and pens or dry-erase boards.

– A timer or stopwatch.

– A list of related words or phrases.

– Prizes for the winning team or individual.

How to Play:

– Divide guests into teams or play individually.

– Use the timer to limit drawing and guessing time.

– One person from a team draws a chosen word or phrase without using any letters or numbers, and their team tries to guess it.

– Set a time limit for each round, and keep score.

– The team or individual with the most correct guesses wins.

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5. Baby Trivia game for Baby shower

Guests answer questions about pregnancy, baby facts, or the parents-to-be in a trivia game.

Things Needed:

– A list of trivia questions.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct answers.

How to Play:

– Read out the trivia questions one by one.

– Guests write down their answers.

– After all questions are asked, go over the correct answers and tally the scores.

– The guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

6. Baby Animal Match-Up with parents Animal

Guests match baby animals with their adult counterparts in a fun and educational game.

Things Needed:

– A list of baby animal names.

– A list of adult animal names.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct matches.

How to Play:

– Guests match the baby animal names to their adult counterparts.

– After everyone has completed their match-ups, go over the answers.

– The guest with the most correct matches wins a prize.

7. Word Scramble

Provide guests with scrambled words that they need to unscramble.

Things Needed:

– A list of scrambled words.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests who unscramble the most words correctly.

How to Play:

– Distribute the scrambled words and answer sheets to guests.

– Guests unscramble the words within a set time limit.

– Review the correct answers, and the guest with the most correct unscrambled words wins a prize.

8. Guess your Guest childhood Photo

Guests bring baby photos of themselves, and others try to guess who’s who in a guessing game.

Things Needed:

– Baby photos of guests (provided in advance).

– Numbered sheets of paper for guests to write their guesses.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct guesses.

How to Play:

– Display the baby photos with corresponding numbers.

– Guests write down their guesses for each photo.

– Reveal the correct answers, and the guest with the most correct guesses wins a prize.

9. Baby Shower Charades games

Overview: Guests act out baby-related words or phrases without speaking, while others guess what they’re miming.

Things Needed:

– A list of baby-related words or phrases to act out.

– A timer or stopwatch.

– Slips of paper or cards with the words/phrases written on them.

– Prizes for the best performers or guessers.

How to Play:

– Divide guests into teams or play individually.

– One person from a team draws a word/phrase from the pile and acts it out silently.

– Set a time limit (e.g., 1-2 minutes) for each round.

– The team or individual with the most correct guesses wins

10. Onesie Decorating

Guests decorate plain onesies or baby T-shirts with fabric markers, paints, or other craft supplies.

Things Needed:

– Plain onesies or baby T-shirts.

– Fabric markers, paints, or craft supplies.

– Aprons or smocks to protect clothing.

– A designated decorating area.

How to Play:

– Provide guests with plain onesies and decorating supplies.

– Encourage them to get creative and decorate the onesies.

– Once the onesies are decorated, the mom-to-be can keep them as keepsakes.

11. Nursery Rhyme Quiz

This is a fun game to play with your guest in baby shower party. Guests are quizzed on their knowledge of nursery rhymes and must finish the lyrics.

Things Needed:

– A list of nursery rhymes with missing lines.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct answers.

How to Play:

– Read out nursery rhymes with missing lines.

– Guests complete the missing lines.

– Review the correct answers, and the guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

12 Don’t Say “Baby” word

This is going to be fun and difficult game for a baby shower party where guest are not allowed to say word baby. Guests are given a clothespin or diaper pin and are not allowed to say the word “baby.” If someone catches them saying it, they can take their pin.

Things Needed:

– Clothespins or diaper pins for guests.

– Prizes for the last guest(s) with pins.

How to Play:

– Give each guest a clothespin or diaper pin when they arrive.

– Instruct them not to say the word “baby.”

– If someone catches another guest saying “baby,” they can take their pin.

– The guest(s) with pins at the end of the shower wins a prize.

13. Guess the Baby Item

Guests feel baby items inside a bag and guess what’s inside without looking.

Things Needed:

– Baby items placed in opaque bags (e.g., a diaper, pacifier, baby bottle).

– Blindfolds or eye masks for guests.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct guesses.

How to Play:

– Blindfold guests one at a time.

– Have them feel the baby item inside a bag and guess what it is.

– They write down their guesses, and you reveal the correct answers later.

– The guest with the most correct guesses wins a prize.

14. Who Knows Mommy Best

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Guests answer questions about the mom-to-be to see who knows her best.

Things Needed:

– A list of questions about the mom-to-be (e.g., her favorite color, food, hobbies).

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct answers.

How to Play:

– Read out the questions about the mom-to-be.

– Guests write down their answers.

– Review the correct answers, and the guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

15. Drink from baby bottle

Guests compete to see who can drink from a baby bottle filled with juice or water the fastest.

Things Needed:

– Baby bottles filled with a beverage (juice, water, or a non-alcoholic drink).

– A timer or stopwatch.

– Prizes for the fastest chuggers.

How to Play:

– Guests gather with their filled baby bottles.

– On “go,” they start chugging the contents as quickly as possible.

– The guest who finishes first wins a prize.

16. Guess the price of various baby items

Guests guess the prices of various baby items, and the closest guesses win.

Things Needed:

– A variety of baby items (diapers, bottles, baby food, etc.).

– Price tags or labels for each item.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the closest guesses.

How to Play:

– Display the baby items with price tags.

– Guests write down their guesses for the prices.

– Reveal the actual prices, and the guest(s) with the closest guesses win prizes.

17. Write Word ABCs Related to Baby

Guests come up with baby-related words for each letter of the alphabet.

Things Needed:

– Paper and pens or pencils for guests.

– Timer or stopwatch.

– Prizes for the most creative or complete list.

How to Play:

– Give guests a set amount of time to come up with a baby-related word for each letter of the alphabet (e.g., A for “Adorable,” B for “Blanket,” etc.).

– After the time is up, have guests read their lists aloud.

– The guest with the most complete list or the most creative answers wins a prize.

18. Guess the Due Date

Guests guess the baby’s due date and possibly other details like the baby’s weight. these can be an interesting games to play with your loved one in baby shower party and see the guesses about your due date.

Things Needed:

– Calendar or due date prediction cards for guests.

– A container for collecting the prediction cards.

– Prizes for the guests with the closest guesses.

How to Play:

– Provide guests with due date prediction cards upon arrival.

– Have guests write their guesses for the baby’s due date and any additional predictions.

– Collect the cards and keep them until the baby is born.

– After the baby’s birth, reveal the actual due date and compare it to the guests’ guesses.

– The guest(s) with the closest guesses wins a prize.

19. Who knows mommy and daddy well.

Guests answer questions about the parents-to-be to see who knows them best.

Things Needed:

– A list of trivia questions about the parents.

– Answer sheets or cards for guests.

– Pens or pencils.

– Prizes for the guests with the most correct answers.

How to Play:

– Read out the trivia questions about the parents-to-be.

– Guests write down their answers.

– Review the correct answers, and the guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

20 Bottle Bowling with a small ball

Set up baby bottles as pins and roll a small ball to knock them down.

Things Needed:

– Empty baby bottles.

– Small ball or soft toy.

– A clear space for bowling.

– Prizes for the best bowlers.

How to Play:

– Set up the empty baby bottles in a triangular formation like bowling pins.

– Each guest takes turns rolling the ball or soft toy to try and knock down the bottles.

– Award prizes to those who knock down the most bottles or get a strike.

21. Sock Matching – who can match the pair of sock quicker

Provide a basket of baby socks, and guests race to match pairs.

Things Needed:

– Baby socks (mixed up in a basket).

– Timer or stopwatch.

– Prizes for the guests who match the most pairs in the shortest time.

How to Play:

– Scatter the baby socks in a basket, ensuring that they are not matched.

– On “go,” guests race to match as many pairs of baby socks as they can within a set time limit.

– The guest who matches the most pairs in the shortest time wins a prize.

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22. Diaper Changing Races

Guests will change the diapers of dolls and baby mannequins in a given time frame.

Things Needed:

– Dolls or baby mannequins.

– Diapers.

– Blindfolds.

– Timer or stopwatch.

– Prizes for the fastest diaper changers.

How to Play:

– Blindfold guests one at a time.

– Provide them with a doll and a diaper.

– Time them as they attempt to change the diaper while blindfolded.

– The guest who completes the task in the shortest time wins a prize.

23. Baby Bottle Piñata, who can break it faster

Fill a baby bottle-shaped piñata with candy or small toys for guests to break open.

Things Needed:

– Baby bottle-shaped piñata.

– Candy or small toys to fill the piñata.

– Blindfold.

– A stick or bat.

– Prizes for guests.

How to Play:

– Hang the baby bottle piñata from a sturdy support.

– Blindfold a guest, spin them around a few times, and give them the stick or bat.

– They take turns trying to break open the piñata to release the goodies.

– Once the piñata breaks, guests collect the treats.

24. Baby Lullaby Karaoke

Sing lullabies or baby songs as a karaoke competition.

Things Needed:

– Karaoke machine or app.

– A list of baby songs or lullabies.

– Prizes for the best karaoke performers.

How to Play:

– Set up a karaoke machine or app with a list of baby songs or lullabies.

– Guests take turns singing their favorite baby songs.

– A panel of judges or the audience can vote for the best karaoke performer, who wins a prize.

25. Baby shower Memory Games

Display baby items for a minute, then have guests list what they remember.

Things Needed:

– A variety of baby items (diapers, bottles, baby food, etc.).

– A tray or table to display the items.

– Paper and pens for guests.

– Timer or stopwatch.

– Prizes for the guests with the best memory.

How to Play:

– Display the baby items on a tray or table.

– Give guests a minute to memorize the items.

– Cover the items or remove them from sight.

– Guests write down as many items as they can remember.

– The guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

26. Set up a Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with props and backdrops for guests to take pictures. This is more on the side of making memories and clicking pictures rather then on a list of baby shower games but surely your guest will enjoy this.

Things Needed:

– Props such as baby bottles, pacifiers, onesies, and baby-themed accessories.

– Backdrops or a backdrop stand.

– A camera or smartphone with a tripod.

– Photo booth props like signs and frames.

– Prizes for the most creative or funniest photos.

How to Play:

– Create a designated area for the photo booth with a backdrop.

– Provide guests with props and encourage them to take photos individually or in groups.

– Offer a variety of props and backdrops to choose from.

– Guests can take printed photos as keepsakes or share digital photos.

27. Pop the balloon of other

Guests will save their own balloon while trying to pop balloons of other people to win a prize.

Things Needed

-Balloons

– Pins or tooth picks

How to play

-Each guest will hold a balloon in one hand and hold a pin in another hand.

-The target is to pop another balloon and save his or her.

-The one whose balloon will survive will be the winner at the end.

28. How old was mum and dad

This is a nice choice if you’re looking for cute baby shower games, and the game works perfectly for both mom and dad.

Things Needed

-Photos of mum and dad at different age

-Pen and papers

How to play

-Given pen and paper to each guest to write their answers.

-Show all of them the picture of mum and dad and ask them to guess their age in that picture.

-The one who will guess nearby age or correct age 

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29. Diaper Notes

Another one in the list of fun games for baby shower is Diaper-themed baby shower activities are always a huge hit, and this one is quite fun for your guests.

Things needed

-Lot of newborn diapers

-Colored markers

How to play

-Give each guest a diaper and a marker and ask them to write a funny quote, joke, words of encouragement, or anything creative on the back of the diaper.

-Give the box of personalized diapers to the parent(s)-to-be for inspiration during a late-night diaper change!

30. Super Parent in Training

For a fun and active co-ed baby shower game, consider this activity, which hilariously tests the skills of parenting. 

Things needed

-Cordless or cell phone

-Approximately eight pairs of unmatched baby socks

-Stack of diapers

-Baby spoon

-Baby doll or plush toy

-Timer

How to play

-Each of your guests will have a turn trying to be a super parent! When you say “Go,” the guests must pick up the phone and cradle it between their ear and shoulder. 

-At the same time, they must correctly sort the socks into matched piles, “feed” the baby, and change the baby’s diaper. 

-They can’t put down the phone while doing this and must be performing all tasks simultaneously. Before the next guest begins their turn, mix up the socks again. Time each guest to see how long it takes to complete the tasks

-Whoever has the fastest time wins!

31. Passing the gift

If you want t play some old school games pass the gift baby shower game is another classic that you may have played at other parties. It’s a great way to give your guests a little token of appreciation; plus, it’s a super easy baby shower game to organize!

Things required

-Music player

– Small gift for the winner

How to play

• All the guest will sit in a circle and pass the gift to each other
• One person will control the music and will stop it in between.
• When the music stops, person holding the gift box will be out of the game
• The person who stays in the race till last will be the winner and will keep that gift.

These baby shower games and activities are sure to add fun and entertainment to the celebration while creating memorable moments for the mom-to-be and guests. Feel free to customize them to fit the theme and preferences of the baby shower.

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The post 31 Baby Shower games ideas for a fun party your Guest will love appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

The period of pregnancy is life changing. You’re about to become a parent to a cute little baby. It is an emotional rollercoaster journey which is why some women feel anxiety during their pregnancy journey.

Some women are amazed by how their bodies change and become excited at every flutter or kick. Pregnancy can be difficult for some women, and they can experience fatigue, mood swings, and anxiety.

You might have noticed that as each month passes, your thought gets out of control, you feel anxious and interfere with your work performance and relationships. But how do you control your anxiety?

Causes of anxiety during pregnancy.

Due to hormonal changes, previous unfortunate miscarriages, and sleep problems, pregnant women may develop anxiety. They typically worry about the health of their unborn child, the labor and delivery procedure, their relationships with friends and family, and how having a baby will affect those connections or the financial burden of growing a family.

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All these thoughts are valid. Everybody need a certain amount of worry to function; otherwise, how would we push ourselves to complete our duties or run away from a bear?

How Stress and anxiety affects Pregnancy.

High level of stress can cause high blood pressure, which raises the risk of preterm labor or having an underweight baby at delivery. Emotional stress during pregnancy may impact a child’s cognitive development and cause attention issues, behavioural issues, or a rise in negative emotions.

Additionally, researchers have discovered that prenatal stress or anxiety might influence adolescent and childhood development. Anxiety disorders in mothers may make it more likely for their children to experience anxiety.

The Effects of Anxiety on the Foetus.

It’s vital to consider both the risks of treatment and the adverse effects of untreated anxiety when planning your approach to anxiety management.

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Anxiety may have detrimental effects on both the mother and the fetus, although being less well understood than depression. Preterm birth, low birth weight, early gestational age, and a smaller head circumference (connected to brain size) are all risks that anxiety raises.

How Much Anxiety is Normal Throughout Pregnancy?

Being anxious is a normal human emotion and not just a side effect of pregnancy. We all worry, and being pregnant frequently makes those fears worse.

Some women, particularly those who have experienced previous miscarriages or fertility issues, are concerned about the health of their unborn children. Others may be worried about their ability to be good parents, how their partnerships will alter, how their siblings will respond to a new child or the financial implications of having a child.

However, there is a distinction between common worry and prenatal anxiety, a constant worry during pregnancy. Suppose your anxiety makes it difficult for you to focus, making you feel highly panicky or creating some physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. In that case, it’s time to speak with a healthcare professional.

The Symptoms of Anxiety During Pregnancy.

Although worrying about your baby’s health is normal, there are times when this worry becomes crippling and necessitates further care.

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Physical signs of anxiety can also include a quick heartbeat, trouble breathing, or panic attacks.

Anxiety may manifest itself after birth or at any point during a pregnancy. The first trimester appears to have the highest rates of generalized anxiety, probably because of hormonal changes.

Constant worrying, restlessness, muscle tightness, impatience, a sense of dread, an inability to concentrate, and trouble falling asleep owing to anxiety are some of the most typical anxiety symptoms during this time.

Some women may experience significantly worse symptoms from a combination of anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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How to Reduce Anxiety During Pregnancy. 11 ways to manage it

Anyone can experience anxiety during pregnancy. Accordingly, depending on the level of stress you experience, therapeutic techniques, as well as dietary and lifestyle adjustments, may be able to offer some relief. Below are some of the ways to ease anxiety during one’s pregnancy.

1.     Ask for a hand

If you’re feeling overburdened, ask friends or relatives for assistance with diaper shopping, nursery set up, or picking up the bag of gently used pregnancy clothing your friend is giving you.

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In other words, feel free to ask for assistance if there is work you can delegate. People will probably be happy to help you, making you feel less anxious throughout your pregnancy.

2.     Journaling

You might only sometimes feel like speaking. All those ideas require a place to go. Consider keeping a notebook to express your emotions without worrying about being judged.

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Writing your ideas and emotions will help you prioritize or arrange your concerns. You can keep track of several triggers and share them with your doctor.

3.     Explore Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to stop negative cycles such as these by breaking down things that make you feel bad, anxious or scared. By making your problems more manageable, CBT can help you change your negative thought patterns and improve the way you feel.

4.    Employ Relaxation Techniques

Some relaxation techniques like prenatal yoga, acupuncture, and meditation are beneficial techniques for easing anxiety symptoms throughout pregnancy.

5.   Make Dietary Changes

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is what you should strive for because it has been shown to help with anxiety symptoms. To maintain healthy brain function, doctors advise including omega-3-rich foods like salmon (a form of seafood low in mercury) in your meals.

Additionally, consume sugar and coffee in moderation, as these may cause or exacerbate feelings of stress.

6.     Find a Daily Release

Exercise is safe if your obstetrician-gynaecologist approves because the hormones you release when you exercise are excellent for reducing tension and anxiety. Try low-impact exercises like daily walks, yoga, or meditation to help slow your thoughts and feel rooted in your body.

7.     Prioritize Rest.

When you’re anxious or stressed, you need more sleep to help your body and brain recover. Doctors typically advise getting a solid eight to ten hours of sleep during pregnancy.

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You might need to set aside some time for a nap throughout the day because pregnancy might make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep owing to increased urination frequency, pain, acid reflux, and restless leg syndrome.

It’s also advised to use a pregnancy pillow while you sleep to ease back pain and follow a screen-free evening wind-down regimen that includes activities like yoga, reading, and journaling.

8.     Try to control what you can

The adrenaline rush will subside if you engage in any activity that makes you feel more in control. Try organizing your wallet or paying bills, cleaning your desk or closet, or balancing what you can manage with what you don’t.

9. Talk it Out

While it may seem like you’re the only pregnant person to feel freaked out about-facing labor, you’re far from alone. Many pregnant women undoubtedly have the same ideas as you do. So be supportive of ladies who are expecting or recently became parents.

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You can manage your stress throughout pregnancy by discussing your feelings with others and selecting compatible partners.

10.     Try a Rhythmic Activity.

Because you know what to expect next, these activities can help you centre yourself and relax your mind. One can feel calmer by engaging in activities like listening to slow music—particularly, music slower than your heartbeat, approximately 72 beats per minute, jogging, or rewatching a favourite film or television show.

11.     Empower Yourself

Anxiety during pregnancy can be significantly reduced by being gentle with oneself.  Try to take pauses or naps during the day. Affirmations help you relax. Additionally, strive to recognize perfectionism and avoid having too high expectations for your family or yourself. Also, If your anxiety is related to giving birth, you might want to enrol in a birth class. The process may seem less mysterious if you know the various phases of labor.

When Should You  See My Doctor For Anxiety During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, let your doctor know if you encounter any anxiety symptoms, no matter how minor they may be. They can advise you on managing those feelings and watch for any signals that your anxiety worsens as your pregnancy progresses.

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Call your doctor immediately if your anxiety is interfering with your everyday activities or if you are experiencing frequent panic episodes.

The best thing you can do to keep yourself and your child safe and healthy is to ask for help.

Can anxiety during pregnancy affect the baby?

Getting help and effectively managing anxiety during pregnancy is crucial because it can impact the baby’s development and raise the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.

What can I take naturally for anxiety while pregnant?

Practice relaxation methods like deep breathing, exercise regularly, make dietary changes and investigate alternative treatments like prenatal yoga with a qualified practitioner for anxiety during pregnancy.

Conclusion

During pregnancy and after, stress management is beneficial to both your health and that of your unborn child. If you can control your stress, you can lower your risk of giving birth too soon and your baby’s risk of developing childhood allergies and asthma.

Additionally, your pregnancy will probably be a more enjoyable experience overall when you manage your stress. Having stress management techniques and managing your life’s stresses well throughout pregnancy may also help you with new strains that arise after giving birth.

The post Do you feel anxiety during pregnancy? 11 ways to deal with it appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

In order to get pregnant, all the factors need to be just right. For many women it’s an easy process and they get pregnant without any effort. But for some women, they try so hard, but there are no positive results.

There are some factors and tips to consider, when trying to conceive. You can check below to avoid some of these mistakes that are made commonly by the people, when trying to conceive.

1.   Not keeping track of your cycle

Almost every woman has a cycle, but most of them not know about how it works.  This is the biggest mistake woman do and best tip is to keep track of your cycle when trying to conceive. There is no use of any plan, if you don’t know about your fertile days and when you ovulate. That is why you should start tracking your cycle as soon as you start planning for pregnancy.

2.   You are not having enough sex

 Some people may think that they should have sex only between fertile windows. But it’s easy to miss the fertile period if you limit sex only when you’re ovulating because many women think they’re ovulating but sometimes they are not. The another tip is to try to have sex every other day or every third day and having sex every other day during fertile days is a good plan, and it will increase the chances of getting pregnant when you are trying to get pregnant.

3.   Having too much sex

Yes, that’s also true. This can also be mistake. Some people say, having sex daily will improve your chances of getting pregnant, but in fact that’s not true. Having sex daily can decrease sperm quality. So try to have sex only every other day when trying to conceive during the fertile days also.

4.   Neglecting Healthy lifestyle and Routine visit to the doctor

Are you on a healthy lifestyle and having your routine checkup done on time? If no, then you should do this as soon as you decide to conceive. When people are trying to conceive, they only focus on their reproductive health and they neglect their overall health. But it’s important to pay attention to your overall health in general because issues like weight, smoking, stress, and medications can affect fertility in a way. Before trying to conceive, it’s a good tip for both the partner to have a medical checkup to discuss any issues that may affect your chances of getting pregnant.

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5.   Neglecting age related issues

Age is a big factor when planning for pregnancy. When you turn 35, you enter in a age which can cause many problems. As your age increases, there is a risk of having trouble-conceiving- and having-a healthy pregnancy. According to doctors, a woman’s ability to conceive decreases by about 50 percent between the ages of 20 and 40.

6.   Not involving your man and thinking only women is the problem

When you plan for pregnancy, both partner’s health matters. Both man and woman should be fertile, and healthy enough for conceiving. A lot of couples focus their fertility checkup on the woman only. But research shows, there are 40% chance of a man having fertility problem. So, if you haven’t conceived after a year of trying and are under 35, you should both go to the doctor. Your partner should do a semen analysis to rule out any issues on his side.

7.   Going to the doctor so soon before even trying

Sometime people are so stressed about pregnancy; they visit to doctors so soon. When you’re under 35, it’s very common for it to take up to a year to conceive when trying for baby. It’s also completely normal to feel stressed after a few months—but if you don’t have any health problems, you should wait for sometime before taking the help of a fertility specialist. But if you’re over 35, you should go to a specialist if you are not conceiving after trying for 6 months.

8.   Consider Expert opinion too late

It’s completely normal for a healthy and under 35 woman to take a whole year to get pregnant. but there are some exceptions also. If your periods are irregular, having problematic cycle, heavy bleeding and any other underline health issue, then it’s important to visit your health care specialist as soon as possible.  If you have any medical history and history of miscarriages then early is better.

Know about symptoms of infertility in men and women and know whether you are fertile enough or not

9.   Thinking about sex position a lot

Many people give you tips that few positions are more suitable when trying to conceiving. Some people even say that women need to keep their hip elevated to allow the movement of sperm. But the fact is after ejaculation; sperm swims into cervical mucus and enters the fallopian tubes. And this is just a process of few minutes and position is not so important. So, just go ahead with your favorite position and don’t take any stress of position when trying to conceive.

10.   Using lubricants

Some women use lubricants for vaginal dryness and to improve pleasure during sex. But all lubricants are not sperm friendly; they can sometimes cause delay when trying to conceiving. Many lubricants are not sperm friendly and can reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Woman’s vagina produces a natural lubricant that works as a pathway for the sperms to reach the target. External lubricants are not so safe when trying to conceive.

11.   Too much stress about fertility

Stress is the root cause of many other problems. You have heard it many times that you should reduce stress to live a healthy life. Stress is also an important factor in fertility. It can reduce the chances of conceiving. You should be relaxed and try to make it easy and less complicated for both partners. You can also try some kind of yoga, meditation, and light exercise. A simple tip is to stay stress free when trying to conceive.

12.   Taking too much medicines

Some medicines can make an impact on fertility pregnancy. When you are trying to conceive, it is always advised that you should avoid taking unnecessary medicines. Always ask your health care specialist for the medicines that you are taking. If you have any underline health issue, for which you are taking any medication, check with your doctor about the possible side effects they can cause while trying to get pregnant.

Read here to know about most frequently asked question about getting pregnant with irregular period

13.   Irregular cycle

Ideally woman monthly cycle is 28 day, with plus or minus 5 days. Irregular cycle can cause delay in pregnancy and can be caused by any hormonal issues or any medical problem. Women with irregular periods are more likely to have a medical condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects hormone levels of women, which can cause fertility problems. In such situation, it is always a good idea to take advice from your doctor.

The post 13 Mistakes you should avoid and tips for trying to conceive appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

A healthy sperm count is necessary for fertility. A low sperm count is considered to be anything between 10 and 20 million sperm per milliliter. Twenty million sperm per milliliter may be adequate for pregnancy if the sperm are healthy.

If you’ve been trying to have a baby and it’s just not happening then you might have a low sperm count. It’s actually one of the most common causes of male infertility. While infertility is not always treatable, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of conceiving. Fertility can sometimes be improved with a healthy diet, supplements, and other lifestyle strategies.

Causes of low sperm count

Any number of things can lead to low sperm count, including previous medical problems, age, and your environment. Your lifestyle factors in, too, so if you smoke or use recreational drugs, they can affect your fertility.

What causes low sperm count? Read to know about male fertility and infertility.

14 things to increase sperm count

Here are my top 14 recommendation in order to increase sperm count and boost male fertility. Sometime small changes in lifestyle can do wonders for you.

1.    Exercise

Staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle can help to increase your sperm count. Exercising regularly can boost testosterone levels and improve fertility. Studies show that men who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels and better semen quality than inactive men.

In the study, regular exercise increased sperm count and motility in 45 men with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

2.    Lose weight if you are overweight

Losing weight if you’re overweight is one of the single-most effective things you can do to increase sperm count. Studies have shown that weight loss can significantly increase semen volume, concentration, and mobility, as well as the overall health of sperm.

3.    Eat well

Like any other organ in the human body, the reproductive system relies on the nutrients and vitamins supplied to it. Foods can influence the reproductive health of a person positively. It can increase the production of testosterone, thereby increasing sperm count as well as sperm motility and quality. Some of the foods that can help in increasing sperm count are:

• Eggs
• Spinach
• Bananas
• Dark chocolate
• Maca root
• Fenugreek seeds
• Walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Zinc rich food
• Asparagus

4.    Take your vitamins and supplements

Some types of vitamins, including vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10, are important for sperm health. You can talk to your doctor regarding blood tests to check your vitamins levels and include supplements in your lifestyle to improve overall health and sperm quality.

11 best fertility supplements to consider for improving fertility in men and women

5.    Take enough sleep

Sleep quality can affect overall health as well as sperm health. It is always a good idea to take enough and proper sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours daily.

6.    Wear lose clothes

Keeping your sperm at an adequate temperature and allowing lots of air flow to the scrotum can help cultivate the right environment for healthy sperm. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing boxers, choose cotton briefs instead of synthetic ones. That will still help control air flow and temperature.

7.    Quit smoking

The researchers found that people who smoked moderate or heavy amounts of tobacco had a lower sperm quality than people who smoked tobacco less heavily.

8.    Avoid alcohol and drug use

Consumption of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine is directly related to decreased sperm count. Even excessive alcohol lowers the testosterone levels and sperm quality and quantity in men. It can even cause low libido and even impotency.

9.    Reduce stress

Stress causes your body to take defensive action and conserve energy. Because of that the body becomes less concerned with reproduction and focuses more on surviving, in times of distress. Have a healthy diet, exercise regularly and do something that you enjoy doing. All of this will help in managing stress.

10.    Avoid some prescription medications

Some prescription medications can potentially decrease healthy sperm production. Once the male stops taking the medication, however, their sperm count should return to normal or increase.

Medications that may temporarily reduce the production and development of sperm include:

• Some antibiotics
• anti-androgens
• anti-inflammatory
• antipsychotics
• opiates
• Antidepressants
• anabolic steroids, which may continue to affect sperm count for up to 1 year after stopping the medication
• exogenous or supplementary testosterone
• methadone

11.    Take vitamin D

Lower levels of Vitamin D have been directly linked with low sperm count. Taking Vitamin D and calcium supplements have shown to improve the sperm count. You can ask your doctor and buy these from anywhere without even prescription.

12.    Try supplementing with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not only necessary for boosting your immunity, but it is good for your health in many ways. One of them is to increase your sperm count. Increasing the intake of Vitamin C can help to improve blood flow in the body and the ability to maintain an erection.

13.                Include ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, also called Indian ginseng has been used as a traditional remedy for several forms of sexual dysfunction. A 2013 study found that 46 men with low sperm count who took 675 milligrams of ashwagandha daily for 90 days increased their sperm count by 167 per cent.

14.    Take fenugreek seeds or supplement

Fenugreek seeds are not only packed with healthy nutrients, and these tiny seeds can also increase testosterone level and sperm count. The seeds can increase overall semen quality and sperm count. Add some fenugreek seeds in a glass of water and leave it overnight. Remove the seeds and drink the water first thing in the morning or you can try fenugreek seeds supplements.

The post How to increase sperm count? 14 things to boost male fertility appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Combination birth control pills, also known as the pill, are oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin. Combination birth control pills keep your ovaries from releasing an egg. They also cause changes in the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (endometrial) to keep sperm from joining the egg.

Different types of combination birth control pills contain different doses of estrogen and progestin. Continuous-dosing or extended-cycle pills allow you to reduce the number of periods you have each year. You can check with your health care provider about the correct dosage of birth control pill for you.

15 most common Side effect of birth control pill

Even though birth control pills are very safe, using the combination pill can slightly increase your risk of health problems. Complications are very rare but it does depend on individual body and their lifestyle. The specific side effects vary widely among individuals, and different pills cause different side effects. Some of the most common side effects of birth control pills are:

1.    Spotting between period

During the first few months of using birth control pills, you may have some minor bleeding between periods. This is called breakthrough bleeding or spotting which is one of the most common side effect of birth control pill. It’s more common if you’re taking progestin-only pills.  It typically stops on its own, but report it to your healthcare provider if it happens, along with any other side effects.

2.    Changes in period

When you start taking birth control pills, you can feel some of the changes in your period as a side effect like light periods or missed period. This is because of the hormones they contain. Depending on the type of birth control, people can use the pill to safely skip a period.

Click here if you are looking for natural methods of birth control to avoid possible side effects of pills

3.    Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is another very common side effect of birth control pill. You can feel increase or decrease in vaginal discharge or a change in the nature of the discharge. For some women pills can cause vaginal dryness also and all these changes can be because of hormone containing in pills.

These changes are not usually harmful, but alterations in color or odor could point to an infection. Check with your doctor if you feel like you are having an infection.

4.    Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of birth control pill. Birth control pills could lead to increases in fluid retention or water weight. They could also lead to increases in fat or muscle mass. However, some people may instead report weight loss when taking the pill. But there has not been enough research to confirm whether the hormones in birth control pills lead to weight gain or weight loss.

5.    Headache and Migraine

The hormone in birth control pill can cause you headache more frequently as a side effect. Birth control pill creates changes in hormone estrogen and progesterone which can trigger migraine in some women. However symptom depends on the dosage, type of pill and individual body.

6.    Breast tenderness

Taking birth control pills often causes the breasts to feel tender as a side effect, especially soon after a person starts taking them. Hormonal pills can also cause your breast to grow bigger. Wearing a supportive bra can help reduce breast tenderness.

4 stages of menstrual cycle, what is the normal cycle and what’s not

7.    Mood swings

Our hormones are responsible for changes related to mood. Hormonal pills are also a type of hormone which are given orally and can affect a person’s mood. These pill make changes in hormone which can affect a person’s mood and emotions.

8.    Melasma (Darkening of skin)

Some people can fell the darkening of skin due to these pills which is called melasma. Hormones are the primary cause of melasma – especially estrogen. Elevated levels of estrogen in the body increase pigment production, and hormonal birth control works by increasing the levels of estrogen in the body. That’s why melasma is commonly seen side effect with birth control pill.

9.    Low sex drive

These hormonal pills can affect your sex drive which is because of change in hormones due to the pill. Some people reported low sex drive and decreased libido while on birth control pill. It’s always a good idea to consult with your health care provider if you have any concern regarding this.

10.    Eye changes

The estrogen hormone in your birth control can cause eye inflammation. This can interfere with the eye’s oil-producing glands, resulting in dryness and blurred vision. Estrogen can also cause corneal thickening. This does not suggest a higher risk of eye disease, but it may mean that contact lenses no longer fit comfortably.

11.    Acne

Some forms of birth control pills can also cause or worsen acne, specially the pills which only contain progesterone. Even with the combination pills also you can notice an initial flare up as your body gets used to the new hormones.

10 reasons of late period if you are not pregnant

12.    Inflammations

Birth control pills can increase your risk of inflammation which can cause some health problems over time. Inflammations can also affect your body in the long run and can eventually lead to disease or conditions including certain cancers or arthritis. Increasing your cardiovascular health risk is also a side effect of birth control pills in long run. Always talk to your doctor who prescribes you these pills regarding all the side effects.

13.    Gallstones

Birth control pills in general could increase the risk of gallstones by increasing cholesterol levels in the bile and decreasing gallbladder movements. Some studies also found an increase in the development of gallbladder disease among women who were using oral contraceptives compared with those not taking these drugs. Both estrogen and progesterone have been shown to increase the risk of gallstones.

14.    Increased blood pressure

Birth control pills can increase your blood pressure from slightly to potentially dangerous. Birth control pill can also increase your risk of developing blood clot. Sometimes, if your blood pressure becomes too high while using the pill, you may need to switch to a new birth control method. If you feel any symptom of high blood pressure, it’s always better to consult with the doctor and check suitable option for you.

15.    Decreased testosterone

Mostly birth control pills contain the female hormone estrogen and progestin. They are often called combination pills. Many combined pills lower your testosterone. That’s the hormone that makes you want to have sex. Having less testosterone can decrease acne, but can also lower your libido. If you use non-hormonal contraception options, you won’t notice this effect.

Some of the serious side effects of birth control pill

Combination birth control pills increase the risk of certain conditions, which can be serious. Although these side effects are rare but there is always a possibility. They include:

• Liver disorder
• Heart-attacks
• Stroke
• Blood clot
• Severe headache
• Chest pain
• Blurred Vision or loss of vision
• Elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis
• Severe stomach pain

Birth control pills can lead to a higher risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in women who smoke, especially if older than 35 years of age. Birth control pills should NOT be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. The birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Only a condom can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Who should not use birth control pills

It is always better to avoid birth control pill to avoid serious side effect if you have following conditions or check with your doctor about the best option for you.

• If you smoke or have heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, you may not be an ideal candidate for birth control pills.
• Birth control pills can sometimes be slightly less effective for women with obesity.
• Known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina or certain hormonally-sensitive cancers.
• Pregnant or think you are pregnant.
• Blood clots
• Liver disease or tumor
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes affecting your circulation.
• Mental depression
• If you are over 35 and smoke

When to see a doctor

If you are taking birth control pills and having any of the following side effect, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

• Fainting
• Severe leg pain or swelling
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Chest pain
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty speaking
• Two or more missed period and symptoms of pregnancy.
• Severe headache or migraine
• Severe mood swings or depression
• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure

The post 15 side effect of birth control pills that you should know appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

What does contraction feel like?

If you’re a first-time mom, you might be having some anxiety near to your delivery day. It’s normal to think when labor might start and how contractions will feel like.

 When you have a contraction, your womb tightens and then relaxes. For some people, contractions may feel like extreme period pains. You may have had contractions throughout your pregnancy, particularly towards the end. During pregnancy, these painless tightening is called ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions.

As labor progress your contractions tend to become longer, stronger and more frequent. During a contraction, the muscles in your womb contract and the pain increases. If you put your hand on your abdomen, you can feel it getting harder. When the muscles relax, the pain fades and your hand will feel the hardness ease. The contractions are pushing your baby down and opening your cervix (entrance to the womb) ready for your baby to go through.

Sign of labor to check before going to the hospital

When you are near to due date, your body gives you some signals and signs of labor. The process of labor is different for each woman and you can feel your sign differently than other women or even different then your previous pregnancies also. Usually, the signs of labor are much more subtle and gradual.

Labor progresses in three stages: Early and active labor, childbirth stage and delivery of placenta. The early stage is the longest one where your cervix dilates from 1cm to 10cm and you can feel contraction in uterus which increases as the labor progress.

Here are some signs of labor to look for before going to the hospital.

• Bloody discharge from vagina which is also called as a SHOW
• Your contractions start coming more frequently maybe like a minute or two apart.
• Your contractions is longer in duration and more painful
• You have a lots of  back pain
• Your water breaks
• Your baby is not moving

What is the difference between true labor vs. false labor

Sometimes you may think you’re starting labor, but it’s just a false alarm. You might feel contractions, but your cervix is not dilating or effacing. Sometime false contractions come near to your due date which can be very confusing. False labor contractions are also called Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Here are some of the difference between true contractions and false contractions which you should check before going to the hospital.

9 Signs that will tell you labor is near by or coming soon

• False contraction feels better after walking but true contractions don’t feel better after walking
• False contractions don’t increase over the time but true contractions get intense as the labor progress.
• When you are having false contractions, the interval between each contraction is almost same but if you are in true labor, interval between each contraction keeps decreasing as the labor progress.
• During true labor contractions you can have bloody discharge from vagina. In false contractions there is no blood.
• False contractions are generally only at the front. True contractions begin at the back and move to the front.

What is the 511 rule of labor?

A simple rule to check when you should go to the hospital is 511 rule of labor. According to that you may be in active labor if your contractions happen at least every 5 minutes, last for 1 minute each, and have been happening consistently for at least 1 hour. Timing is the best way to check whether you are in true labor or not. You keep track of how often your contractions are coming, how long each one lasts, and how long they have been following the defined pattern.

Hospital bag checklist for dad: 19 essential things to check for

Timing your contractions before going to the hospital while labor

Timing your contractions will help you to know whether you are in labor or not. You can time your contraction before going to the hospital to check whether it’s true labor or false. Start timing your contractions when they get stronger or closer together. You can use a watch with a second hand or a mobile phone app. Your midwife will probably tell you to stay at home until your contractions are frequent.

When to go to the hospital for labor?

Your doctor/midwife will provide you specific information about when to come to the hospital. This will depend on the distance you have to travel, your previous deliveries, your health, and the state of your cervix.

You should go to the hospital if you are not sure whether you are in false labor or true labor. It is always to be cautious and it’s good for you and your baby both. Once you are at hospital, your doctor will tell you whether you are in true labor or false labor.

Timing is everything and starts timing your contractions once you feel a few in a row. Count the time between contractions from the start of one to the start of the next.

How can you prepare for labor? 20 tips to prepare for labor and childbirth

If this is your first baby, go to the hospital when you are in true labor and contractions comes every 3 to 5 minutes over an hour-long period and Last at least 45 to 60 seconds. If you are comfortable at home, stay at home. This stage may last for several hours. You can go back to the hospital when you aren’t comfortable any more.

If you’ve given birth before, go the hospital when your contractions come every 5 to 7 minute and last at least 45 to 60 seconds. If you had a fast labor the last time, go as soon as your contractions are regular or you aren’t comfortable any more.

Signs of labor you should not ignore and go to the hospital immediately

Labor progress in stages but there are still some signs that you should look for and never ignore. If you experience any of the below symptoms of labor than you should not wait and go to hospital immediately.

• Your water breaks down
• You have bloody vaginal discharge
• You feel the urge to bear down and push
• If you are having contractions according to 511 rule and this is not your first pregnancy.
• You no longer feel your baby movement.

The post When to go to the hospital for labor: signs that labor has begun appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Morning sickness is when you have nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It can happen any time of the day but most of the time its worst in the morning that is why it’s called morning sickness. Morning sickness can start anytime even before a pregnancy test also. It varies from women to women and pregnancy to pregnancy. Up to 70% or more women experience nausea and vomiting in their first trimester.

Morning sickness can start very early for some women. Morning sickness can start as early as a few weeks after conception and be the first sign of pregnancy. It usually starts at about 6 weeks of pregnancy and is at its worst at about 9 weeks. Most women feel better in their second trimester, but some have morning sickness throughout pregnancy. At least 7 in 10 pregnant women have morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy.

In rare cases, people can develop severe morning sickness, or hyperemesis gravidarum (HE), which occurs in roughly 0.3–3%. HE can last throughout pregnancy and may get worse during the second trimester. Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting that needs treatment (sometimes in a hospital) to help you get better.

Symptoms of Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is different for every women so the symptoms. Some of the symptoms a women can notice are:

• Stomach pain
• Cramping
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dizziness and low energy
• De-hydration and feeling thirsty always
• Sensitivity to smell
• Enhance sense of smell
• Fatigue and tiredness

For some women morning sickness can triggered by certain food and smell. When morning sickness is severe, a women can experience regular vomiting and unable to keep liquid down which can cause severe dehydration including dark urine, infrequent urination, thirst, and feeling dizzy or faint. If these symptoms occur, it is important to call doctor immediately because without treatment dehydration can be serious.

21 foods to avoid during pregnancy- What not to eat

Causes of morning sickness

There is no certain cause of morning sickness; it can be causes by increased pregnancy hormone, low blood sugar, due to stress or tiredness, due to certain food or smell, because of hot weather, genetics, if you are first time pregnant and in some people due to travelling also.

Is morning sickness harmful for unborn baby?

Morning sickness can make you feel miserable but it is a good sign. It means that the levels of hormones in your body are high and protecting your pregnancy. Morning sickness is not a sign of a problem with the pregnancy, and it does not mean that the baby is unwell. According to some studies morning sickness can be a positive sign while pregnancy.

How to prevent morning sickness before it starts?

There are some things that you can do to feel better and prevent it but there is no guaranteed way to prevent all morning sickness. Some of the recommendations are:

• Take a Prenatal vitamin before and during pregnancy and ask your health care provider which one will be safe for you to take because some of the multivitamins can also cause symptoms like morning sickness
• Eat regular and small meals instead to large meals
• Avoid the food that trigger your morning sickness
• Keep yourself hydrated always and drink water regularly.
• Take Vitamin B6 after consulting with your healthcare provider
• Increase protein intake
• Have healthy and small snacks between meals
• Eat easy to digest food and don’t eat spicy foods
• Ask doctor about doxylamine, which is an antihistamine that is safe for use during pregnancy
• Try acupuncture or acupressure but always check about the safety with doctor before trying this

15 Tips to deal with morning sickness

Here are some to the ways to help with morning sickness which are worth to try and to feel better.

1.     Stop working and take a nap

Sometime stress is the reason of your morning sickness so it’s better to ditch your work and take a nap. Sometime this small tip can make you feel so better that you can’t think. Give yourself a break your body is already working a lot to grow a healthy baby inside your womb. Keep yourself free form any hectic task physically and mentally both.

2.     Exercise

Exercise is a medicine for all the health problems so never stop that. Continue walking, swimming or any prenatal exercise in which you are comfortable. Keep moving will help you with your morning sickness too so keep your body moving and in check.

How can you prepare for labor and childbirth: 20 tips to prepare yourself your for labor

3.     Lemon juice

Lemon is a great way to deal with morning sickness. Take lemon juice many times in day in meals or snacks to feel better. You can even have lemonade few times in a day to keep yourself hydrated and to get relief from morning sickness.

4.     Avoid triggers of morning sickness

Sometime for some women morning sickness is associated with certain food, certain smell or time. Try to avoid that food or smell for some time until your morning sickness ends. For example when I was pregnant my trigger was onion and I didn’t even look at onion for 9 months. So basically a simple rule here is to avoid as much as possible because any trigger can start your morning sickness.

5.     Keep yourself hydrated

Water is an important part of our body and staying hydrated is always must. Keep your water bottle with you always and sip water thought-out the day to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can also be a reason of morning sickness and for some women regular vomiting can make them dehydrated. So it is important to keep your water intake in check.

6.     Choose right food to eat

There is no certain definition of what to eat and what to not. It’s just depend on your body because certain food can be right for me but not right for you. So always do experiment and try to find what suits you best and try to eat according for your body always. I know, it takes lots of hard work to find out what works and what not but it is very important to eat right food to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness.

What are the healthy meals for pregnancy (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

7.     Keep snacking regularly

Snacking on small and healthy things is a wonderful way to prevent morning sickness. Sometime morning sickness comes with a hunger feeling and if you stay hungry for long time, it will only make your symptoms worse. Try to keep some snacks near to your bed and keep snacking between meals, thought out the day or as you get up in the morning.

8. Try adding ginger in food

Ginger is an excellent anti-oxidant and a great herb for many problems. It can help in your morning sickness too. You can add a slice of ginger in food or sip on ginger tea few times a day to feel better. You can add ginger in water, food, tea or snack on some ginger candies and so on. Find the way that suits you best to include it in your diet.

9.     Oral health

Some time morning sickness can cause you regular vomiting which can cause bad smell in your mouth very often. That bad smell and poor oral health can also be a reason of your on-going morning sickness. Try to keep your teeth clean every time after vomiting and use a good mouth freshener to keep that bad smell away from your mouth.

10.     Wear comfortable cloths

Wear loose and comfortable clothes, restrictive and tight clothing may worsen the symptoms of nausea and morning sickness.

11.     Try alternative treatment for morning sickness

There are many alternative treatments available to deal with morning sickness. Check with your doctor always before trying any of them and find the one that suits you best. Acupressure wristbands are available without a prescription in most pharmacies. Studies on acupressure wristbands have had mixed results, but some women seem to find the wristbands helpful. You can also try Acupuncture, hypnosis and Aromatherapy.

12. Don’t forget your vitamins and supplement

Don’t forget your vitamins and supplement if you are taking and try to take them only with food because that can also upset you stomach. Supplements should be only taken after consulting with doctor and find the best supplement that suits you. Vitamin B6 may help reduce nausea but iron supplement can sometime lead to morning sickness. So always try to take your iron supplement with vitamin c rich foods.

13.     Breath in fresh air

Sometime fresh air can do wonders for you. If weather permits, go for a walk, sit in balconies and open the windows in your house.

14.     Ask for help

Morning sickness can make it difficult for you to go about daily tasks, such as work or looking after other children and many more. You can ask for help with relative and friends or check for any domestic help to support you in daily routine tasks.

15.     Distract yourself

Morning sickness is not easy to ignore but sometime there is no other option rather than avoiding. Try to distract yourself from this and do some activities that can take your mind off. You can watch movies, read books, do puzzles, go out with friends or anything that can distract you from the situation.

The post When do you start getting morning sickness and how to deal with it? appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Pregnancy is wonderful experience with full of emotions and happy moments for all the women including me. I have also experienced this. Having a feeling of a new life inside you is something different. It feels like miracle. And you can start feeling some early pregnancy symptoms even before missed period.

It can be different from woman to woman, and even for the same mother from one pregnancy to the next. By god grace only women can experience this.

Pregnancy is a long journey and memorable too. It’s a long 10 month journey. A normal pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period, which is about two weeks before conception actually occurs. 

Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg after it’s released from the ovary during ovulation. The fertilized egg then travels down into the uterus, where implantation occurs. That results in pregnancy.

There are many factors that can affect a pregnancy. If you are planning for a baby, early diagnosis and care is better.

If you are trying to conceive there are some early signs and symptoms before a pregnancy test to look for.

Symptoms of Early pregnancy even before missed period.

Here are some early symptoms of pregnancy before a missed period that you can check for.

1.    Missed period

It’s very obvious symptom of pregnancy and one of the earliest symptom. Missed period doesn’t means you are pregnant, especially if you are having irregular period.

2.    Loss of appetite:

You must have heard from many women that they feel lots of craving but during early pregnancy it’s not true. You can actually lose an interest in some of the foods and drinks, maybe some of them you were eating daily. Changes in the taste and sensitivity to smell is very common and for some women it can persist through out their journey.

You can also experience loss of appetite because your body is preparing for the pressure of pregnancy and this will come on track when you will feel relaxed.

3.    Frequent trips to toilet is a very common symptom of pregnancy

It is possible that in the early stages you might feel an increased need to pee, feeling like you’re forever making trips to the toilet. You could notice this feeling especially at night time.

4.    Spotting or bleeding is sometime a symptom of early pregnancy

Some women can experience light bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy which can be a result of implantation that usually occur after one to two weeks after fertilization.

Bleeding can also sometimes signal a serious pregnancy complication, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, so it’s always best to discuss with your doctor.

5.    Diarrhea:

Pregnancy can cause you diarrhea and frequent digestive problems. This is because of hormonal changes that are happening to prepare your body for pregnancy.

6.    Bloating:

During pregnancy, progesterone hormone can make your stomach full and can make you feel bloated. Bloating can be a symptom of early pregnancy before missed period.

Early miscarriage symptoms: how do you know if you had early miscarriage

7.    Sore and tender breast is also a symptom of pregnancy

During pregnancy your breast changes and this is one of most noticeable sign of pregnancy.  your breasts may begin to feel tender, swollen, and generally heavy or full. Your nipples may also become larger and more sensitive, and the areola may darken.

8.    Morning sickness:

Morning sickness includes vomiting and nausea. Some women feel morning sickness throughout their pregnancy and some feel more during early pregnancy. This symptom can show as early as 2 week into your pregnancy. Hormonal changes are most common reason of this.

9.    Abdominal cramps are a common symptom of early pregnancy

During pregnancy the muscles in your uterus begin to stretch and expand, you may feel a pulling sensation that resembles menstrual cramps. You can get pains that resemble to your period around the same time that you are expecting your period.

Read here to know about 15 changes in body post-pregnancy

10.    Back pain:

Backache is a common symptom throughout your pregnancy due to the extra weight you’re carrying, but it can also be an early sign of pregnancy too. Hormones and stress on the muscles are the biggest causes of back pain in early pregnancy.

11.    Constipation

Some women feel constipated during early week of pregnancy and some experience diarrhea. Hormonal changes can slow down the digestive system that can cause constipation.

12.    Leg cramps:

Leg cramps are very common during pregnancy and it can start during early pregnancy also. This is due to less calcium in bones during this time because now all your minerals, vitamins and calcium is divided with your baby.

13.    Headache:

Headache is another common symptom of pregnancy before missed period and this is again due to changes in hormonal levels.

14.    Shortness of breath:

In early stages of pregnancy, an increase of progesterone in your body causes you to breathe more often as a result you can feel shortness of breath.

15.    Low sex drive:

Your sex drive can decrease during early weeks of pregnancy. Your breast may be sensitive, and you can also feel nausea, tiredness, and fatigue. All these can reduce your sex drive.

How do you feel while pregnant

There are so many thoughts come in mind when you are pregnant. Each woman is different and each pregnancy is different. Physically it is very tiring process. You can feel tired all the time, shortness of breath, nausea, morning sickness, back pain, and many other symptoms. Emotionally some women are stressed about their pregnancy, feels like stressed and depressed, or felling like crying, in short there are lots of mood swings due to hormonal changes.

Some women experience feelings inside their stomachs in the early stages of pregnancy that replicate the sensation of their muscles being pulled and stretched. Sometimes referred to as abdominal twinges.

Abdominal twinges and mild pains are very common during pregnancy and usually nothing to worry about.  Twinges and abdominal pain is usually caused by constipation, ligament pain, or trapped wind – all of which are a normal. These pains can be reduced by doing regular exercise, having small and frequent meals, increasing your water intake and having lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

How to confirm that you are pregnant

The most effective way to confirm you’re pregnant is via a pregnancy test. You can do the test by home pregnancy test kit or can do a blood test at your doctor’s clinic. These kits check for the presence of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), in your urine. During pregnancy, HCG hormone increase in your urine and an increase HCG in urine can confirm about pregnancy test.

Doctor can also perform blood test to confirm the presence of HCG hormone in blood that can tell whether you are pregnant or not.

Home pregnancy tests are affordable, convenient and reliable as well. They are reliable as long as you follow the instructions properly. Negative tests are not always reliable if you have taken it too early, as level of HCG might not be enough. It is also recommended to avoid drinking too much fluid before taking test as it can dilute the level of HCG.

Healthy meals during pregnancy and how to plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Three Stages of pregnancy

A normal pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period, which is about two weeks before conception actually occurs. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each of these periods lasts between 12 and 13 weeks. 

During each trimester, so many changes happen in woman’s body as well as in the developing baby.

At first conception and implantation happen. On an average two weeks before next period ovulation occur and ovaries release an egg. The egg can be fertilize for 12 to 24 hours after it’s released as it travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If an egg meets up with a sperm cell that has made its way into the fallopian tube, it combines into one cell, a process that’s known as fertilization or conception. 

It takes about three to four days for the fertilized egg (or embryo) to move to the lining of the uterus, where it attaches or implants to the uterine wall.

1.    First trimester (week 1 to week 12)

During the first trimester your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy however missed period is a clear sign that you are pregnant.

A baby grows rapidly during the first trimester. The fetus begins developing their brain, spinal cord, and organs. You can also see your baby’s heart beat during ultrasound scan.

There are so many changes happen in mother’s body also. Women can feel

• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Morning sickness
• Headache
• Frequent urge to urine
• Breast sensitivity
• Mood swings

During this time a lots of changes happen in the body so you should take care like taking proper rest, having frequent meals. According to research during first trimester changes of miscarriage are relatively high.

2.    Second trimester (week 13 to week 28)

Second trimester is easier than first trimester. During this time you might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away. But many more changes are waiting for you. Your abdomen will expand as the baby continues to grow. You’ll probably begin to feel your baby move, kick, and punch inside uterus.

Some of the changes that you can feel

• Body pain, back pain
• Stretch marks on abdomen, breast and thighs
• A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
• Dark skin around nipples
• Itching on abdomen, thighs and can be on other areas on body 

3.    Third trimester (week 28 to week 40)

During the third trimester your weight gain will accelerate, and you may feel more tired. Some of the changes that you can feel

• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort while sleeping
• Leaky breast
• Swelling in feet
• Contractions that can feel like labor
• Baby movements
• Frequent urination

Your baby can now sense light as well as open and close their eyes. Their bones are also formed. At 39 weeks, your baby is considered full-term. Your baby’s organs are ready to function on their own.

As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies “present” head down. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. 

Remember that each and every pregnancy is different. Some women faces complications and some experience very smooth pregnancy in short Its completely depends on your body behavior. All you can do is just eat healthy, do some light exercise, have plenty of rest, keep visiting to the doctor for health checkups.  A doctor can help ensure the growing baby is meeting their developmental milestones, and that the woman is in good health.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and the first few months with a newborn are unlike any other time in life. This time will not come back. Each child is different and they are full of new experiences, great uncertainty, and many new emotions.

The post 15 Early pregnancy symptoms, feelings, tests, and stages appeared first on YourHealthyMom.

Are you thinking about a baby and Trying to get pregnant? This information will help you to know about the things that you should know and in increasing chances of getting pregnant.

When I was trying to have a baby. I try to do everything that I can do to get pregnant. But as you know, nothing is easy in this world and its not like making 2 minutes noodle. It takes time.

Sometime it takes just few months and sometime it can take a whole year, mine was almost 6 to 7 months. On an average a healthy couple take around 6 to 12 months in conceiving. I know that’s a long time but all you can do is to follow some steps to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

What happen in a female body every month?

Female body is very complicated. Every month a lots of things happen there.

1. Each month a Series of hormones changes happen.
2. Each month an egg Is released by ovary that is called Ovulation. Here is will not go in the details of Ovulation. if you want to know about the ovulation in detail, click here .
3. After that egg travels to the fallopian tube and stay there for almost 24 hours.
4. Then sperm fertilize the egg and pregnancy happens.

Things to check for increasing the chances of getting pregnant

Here I am describing few tips that you can keep in mind and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

13 tips that everyone should avoid and some important tips when trying to conceive

1. Timing, Timing and Timing

The main key or can say first step in this journey is to keep track of your timing. The key is to have sex in the days before or during ovulation. The sperm can only survive in female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. Keep track of your cycle and check for your ovulation timing. 

There are so many methods by which you can keep track of your ovulation date.

1. Ovulation kits

Ovulation kits are similar to the Home Pregnancy test kits and can tell your ovulation days by urine test. I also used some ovulation kits during my time they are very effective in telling you the correct timing. You can find these kits online or any nearby pharmacy. Once the result is positive you can have sex during that time and that’s how u can check your most fertile days. Having sex on most fertile days will automatically increase your chances of getting pregnant.

FAQs about irregular period and trying to conceive

2. Keep track of Basal body Temperature

Basal body temperature is the temperature that is stable in the morning during normal days. When you are ovulating or you can say during most fertile days there is slight increase in your basal body temperature. You can keep track of your basal body temperature for few months early in the morning and check for your most fertile days. This is also a good option to keep track of ovulation and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Generally basal body temperature during normal days is 96 to 97 degree Fahrenheit and during fertile days, it is between 97 to 98 degree Fahrenheit. To measure this slight change, you will need special basal body temperature thermometer. These types of thermometer are very sensitive to temperature and can measure slight change in your temperature. These also can be found online or any pharmacy.

3. Cervical mucus checking

This is also an ovulation tracking method. For this you should be aware of the changes in your cervical mucus throughout the month.  As hormones changes in your body, the consistency of cervical mucus also changes before and after ovulation.  As you have noticed in daily life that sometime there are dry days and sometime there is great amount of mucus. 

During initial days after periods are like dry days and as the egg starts to mature, mucus increases in the vagina, and is white or yellow and cloudy and sticky. There is great amount of mucus during ovulation. During these wet days it becomes clear and slippery, like raw egg whites. Sometimes it can be stretched apart. This is when you are most fertile. So that’s how u can calculate your most fertile days and utilize them to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

14 natural ways to increase fertility and get pregnant fast

4. Periods tracking apps or Calendars

You can also use any period tracking app or maintain a calendar to keep the track of your cycle. These types of apps also tell you about your most fertile days based on your previous cycle. 

5. Follicular method

If you are not able to find your ovulation days by any of the above methods then you can go to your doctor and doctor will do some blood test and can perform a series of ultrasound to check your most fertile day. This method is basically called follicular method. your doctor will tell you about your most fertile days so that you can have sex on right time and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

15 things to consider to increase your chances of pregnancy

For the best result you can use above methods in combination and accurately calculate your fertile days.

2. Eat well and Exercise

As you know, eating healthy means healthy body and healthy body means chances of getting pregnant are high. Here are few tips for that…

• Improve your diet
• Include some exercise to your daily routine.
• Quit smoking and alcohol
• Cut some sort of caffeine if you are taking too much
• Try meditation and Yoga

When to take some Medical professional advice

Some time it is very frustrating when you are trying for something and its taking too long. But I will advise you to try to be relax and enjoy this time.

On an average it can take up to 6 to 12 months.

1. Check with your doctor if you are trying from more than 12 months and your age is less than 35. But if your age is more than 35 then it is advised to wait only for 6 months. But still it’s not a standard time lines and don’t be stressed about these also because stress can also delay the process.
2. If you think that u can have some fertility issues then go to the doctor and check for fertility tests.
3. If you have any genetic or medical condition.
4. Having a history of miscarriages.

Hope Following these advices you will be able to increase your chances of getting pregnant and have positive results soon.

The post Are you Trying to get Pregnant? Increase the Chances of getting pregnant naturally appeared first on YourHealthyMom.