Tag Archives: pregnancy
Barefoot and pregnant
I am Cinderella’s ugly stepsister. (The pretty one.) It’s not an easy admission to make, but I can’t escape the truth. Since my sixth month of pregnancy, every time I try on my shoes I feel like an evil stepsister … Continue reading
Week 22: Weigh in
Before I found out I was expecting, I had heard all of the warm and fuzzy things you hear about pregnancy — how you’ll glow and how it will be one of the most beautiful and cherished times in your … Continue reading
Week 20: 20 and counting
Last week, I got to share the oh-so-exciting news that we are expecting a baby girl. (The pink parade? Oh yeah, it’s on.) This week, the fun continues with more good news: I’m now more than halfway through this pregnancy, … Continue reading
Smart snacks
You’ve heard it before: Eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day rather than indulging in three whopping meals is the way to go. It keeps your belly full, which provides your wee one with a steady flow of nutrients—and … Continue reading
Not your grandmama’s pregnancy
The [arguably] good old days If you found yourself expecting a baby in the 19th century, you might view your condition with limited enthusiasm. Of course, you would hope for a healthy child and a happy future, but precedent would … Continue reading
Dermatological drama
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but as your body changes inside and out to accommodate baby, your skin may bear the ugly brunt of it. There are all kinds of epidermal issues affecting the expectant crowd, but with these tips, … Continue reading
Week 18: Smell test
You know that question you used to get as a kid about what power you’d pick if you could be a superhero for a day? Take a moment to walk down memory lane with me, and think about what you … Continue reading
Week 11: I’m thrilled … really!
My husband and I have been telling our friends and family about our little Roo (our nickname for whoever is growing in there) in waves as we get closer to the 12-week mark. Seeing their reactions and feeling their excitement … Continue reading
The postdelivery party favor
The ultimate multitasker The placenta is a pancake-shaped organ that grows alongside your developing baby from the moment of conception. Connected by the umbilical cord, this complex piece of biological equipment is filled with small blood vessels that act as … Continue reading
Babe’s anatomy
My husband always said that when it came time for babies, he’d want to save the big son vs. daughter surprise for delivery day. A planner by nature and a romantic at heart, I could’ve swayed either way. But by … Continue reading
Week 12: (Not so) sweet sleep
During the day, things have been pretty quiet around the Palmer house for the past few weeks. Thanks to morning sickness (a total misnomer if ever there was one), I’ve been tapping into my inner hobo and logging most of … Continue reading
Under pressure: Heart Health Awareness
With all the overwhelming love you already feel for your new child, you may feel like your heart is working overtime. As it turns out, you couldn’t be more right: Your heart is now pumping 30-50% more blood than normal … Continue reading
Knockin’ boots
Bringing a bump into the boudoir can bring a slew of unexpected concerns to the minds of even the most seasoned vixens. If you’re feeling jittery about jumping in the sack, it’s time to calm your worries, find your hot … Continue reading
Positively pregnant
Your entire world is about to switch directions: You’re going to be a mom. Here’s what you need to do to get ready for the next nine months and beyond. Out with the old There are a few habits that … Continue reading
The truth about pregnancy brain
Mental hiccups commonly known as “pregnancy brain” have become an accepted side effect of human gestation, much like swollen feet or heartburn are expected to be par for the course. Ask any current or formerly pregnant woman if she’s had … Continue reading
Around the world in 280 days
Babies are conceived and born each day all over the world. While most of us are familiar with childbirth norms and traditions in ourown country, we often know very little about customs and practices in other countries. Within every culture, … Continue reading
Craving conspiracy
When it comes to eating healthily during pregnancy, a woman’s cravings can sometimes get the best of her. Even the most disciplined moms-to-be find themselves struggling to eat enough folic acid-rich foods, among other prenatal diet recommendations, when all they … Continue reading
Maternity makeover: Six lifestyle changes that should top your list
Pop those prenatals If you’re not already, start taking prenatal vitamins immediately. Ask your doctor which type is best for you, or—if the clock is ticking and your doc is unavailable—pick up an over-the-counter variety at any grocery or drugstore. … Continue reading
Ew, gross
[Scenario 1] You’re in the middle of a weekly staff meeting when the urge to purge strikes … and you only make it as far as the door. How to deal: Vomit is possibly one of the most unpleasant aspects of … Continue reading
The great gender debate
So, do you know what you’re having?” asks the checkout gal as she glances at my beach ball of a belly. “No,” I smile, “we’re not going to find out.” Even before the rehearsed words leave my mouth (this isn’t … Continue reading
Fear not!
You know the feeling: It’s 3 a.m. and your partner is snoring beside you, but you’re wide awake, playing out 100 different scenarios of what motherhood is going to be like … Will my baby be healthy? What if I … Continue reading
Documenting your pregnancy
You’re about to grow in amazing ways, both physically and emotionally. And although every detail of your evolution may be extraordinarily vivid as you experience it, the changes you undergo and the feelings that overwhelm you will become less lucid … Continue reading
Prebaby paperwork
Pick out crib bedding, enroll in childbirth classes, choose a name … preparing for baby’s arrival includes a lengthy to-do list of all sorts of exciting hustle and bustle. But laying the groundwork for successful parenthood isn’t all fun and … Continue reading
Pregnancy jealousy
The word “green” can imply a host of meanings. Perhaps you correlate green with the eco-lifestyle you’ve recently adopted. Maybe you associate the hue with the gender-neutral scheme you’ve selected for the nursery. Shoot, green could even describe the shade … Continue reading
Good to go: Traveling while pregnant
When it comes to making travel plans, being knocked up doesn’t have to keep you down. Let your doctor know your itinerary and be patient with your preggo self (your trips might need to be a tad less action-packed than … Continue reading
Passport to pregnancy: Traditions from around the world
There are almost 7,000 recognized languages throughout the world—and each and every one of them has a word to describe dear ol’ mom. Across many of these languages, the quests toward motherhood are as different as the cultures that speak … Continue reading
Office politics and pregnancy
Breaking the big (and getting bigger!) news to the boss can be a frightening prospect. Believe me, I’ve been there! While there is no perfect time to announce your pregnancy, your body might just make the decision for you. Like … Continue reading
Thank you note 101
We’re here to help you turn your note-writing skills from rusty and reluctant to expert and earnest. New babies often elicit kind gestures from friends, family and co-workers, whether in the form of a be-ribboned teddy bear, a home-cooked meal … Continue reading
Aphrodisiacs
These days, your libido is probably like a light switch, as you’re constantly turned on and off again at a moment’s notice. Between the raging hormones and sensitive stomach, it can be difficult to obtain the right mix of sexiness … Continue reading
Incorporate your partner into your pregnancy
Check out these tips on how to share your pregnancy with your special someone. Creating a role for your guy in your pregnancy (outside of conception, of course!) may seem like a no-brainer, but many couples have a difficult time … Continue reading
Keeping the spark alive in your relationship
What can you and your partner can do to maintain intimacy when you just don’t feel like doing the deed? “Maintaining intimacy during pregnancy is incredibly important, because after that baby is born you won’t have time to breathe, let … Continue reading
The benefits of sex for mom, dad and baby
Being pregnant brings about lots of changes, and one of the most unexpected alterations happens in the bedroom. As your morning sickness and woozy tummy subside, you’ll probably find your hormones raging and your libido rising. Don’t be shy about … Continue reading
Love, with a side of bump
If you’re having trouble focusing on your love life now that you’ve achieved your mom-to-be status, check out these tips on how to make your relationship rock for the next nine months. Pregnancy is full of diversions—not nearly as many … Continue reading
All about insurance
We’re here to help you put together the pieces of the insurance puzzle, so you have more time to shop for the fun stuff. One thing is certain: you need insurance. However, knowing how much and what kind can be … Continue reading
10 things a preggo gal doesn’t want to hear
10. You must be due any day now! (Actually, no, I have six weeks left.) 9. It’s OK, I know you’re just moody because you’re pregnant. 8. The restroom is closed. Why don’t you try the one upstairs? 7. Just … Continue reading
Solutions for sticky situations
Surprised when strangers in the supermarket have no inhibitions about feeling your bump—without even asking if you mind first? Believe it or not, feeling up your bump is just the first of many liberties that folks will take when there’s … Continue reading
Shower power
Whether you plan your theme around the sex of your baby, the nursery, the food you serve or your favorite color, it makes no difference to us. What we do care about, however, is that you have a theme that … Continue reading
Baby shower Q&A
Here’s everything you need to know regarding proper protocol, so you can focus on simply celebrating. Who receives a baby shower? How many does one get? Baby showers are traditionally held for first-time moms. However, it is perfectly acceptable to … Continue reading
Advice from real moms, Part 2
Every person you know (and some you don’t) has an opinion to share. Real moms dish to our editors on the best advice. Plan everything ahead. I’m one of those people who puts everything off until the last minute, but … Continue reading
The top 9 things to add to your to-do list before the stork arrives
Panic! In five short belly-expanding months my life will be forever turned upside down (and inside out). It’s a big change, according to my “been there, done that” friends. Beyond getting the nursery ready and finding a pediatrician, I want … Continue reading
Surviving the slump: Perinatal depression
But armed with an understanding of its causes, symptoms and treatments, things will start looking up before you know it. For some women, pregnancy and the weeks following the birth of their child are the happiest, most exciting times of … Continue reading
Moody Blues
The word “hormones” gets tossed around a lot during pregnancy, but what exactly is the reason behind the tears at the Kleenex commercial or the flash of anger you feel when your hubby brings home chocolate chip ice cream when … Continue reading
How to replenish your spirit
Many new mothers find it difficult to maintain their own identities once the baby arrives. We explore ways to fulfill your spritual needs, both as a mother and a person. As most new mamas know all too well, taking care … Continue reading
Perfecting pregnancy: How to have a happy pregnancy
Here’s how to have a happy pregnancy. Most expecting moms know the basics of a healthy pregnancy, like regular doctor visits, a nutritious diet and plenty of rest. But there’s more to a healthy pregnancy than snoozing and taking prenatal … Continue reading
How to cope with pregnancy stresses
We can’t take your worries away, but with a little luck we can help you figure out how to relax, unwind and enjoy the miracle of growing life. For some women, pregnancy can end up being more stressful than enjoyable. … Continue reading
Stress during pregnancy
We’re here to let you know why you should leave your negativity in the dust and pick up a fresh, positive perspective. You’ve prepared for the arrival of your baby in every way imaginable. You’ve taken your prenatal vitamins, baby-proofed … Continue reading
5 reasons to meditate today
Many moms-to-be swear by the benefits of the age-old art of meditation. Meditation seriously reduces stress levels, which goes beyond good mental and emotional health—stress can cause your body to deteriorate physically, too. It brings about a sense of peace. … Continue reading
