Articles by Nurse Wendy
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I am so excited that summer is upon us! Time to slow down our hectic lifestyles and enjoy the beautiful summer weather with a little getaway! In planning for your summer vacation, we want to make certain your baby travels safely along the way. This m.... read more |
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Happy Mother’s Day! While you have likely celebrated Mother’s Day your entire life, this year represents a new chapter…YOU are the one being celebrated! Whether your .... read more |
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Did you know that April is “Green Awareness Month”? This month we are going to celebrate by exploring some of the ways you can go green and protect your body, your baby, and your planet all at the same time! Together we can make a difference for gene.... read more |
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I can hardly believe it is already March! This year is flying by, and the spring is already upon us. For those of you with summer due dates, that “to do” list is becoming a mile long. As you start to check things off your “preparing for baby” list, o.... read more |
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Can you feel it? Love is in the air! Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovely pregnant ladies and new mommies. To celebrate we will explore just how to love yourself and your body through one of the most exciting years of your life. So grab a cup of t.... read more |
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Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season. As we welcome in 2010 and reflect back on the highs and lows of 2009, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation with all the hope and promise that a new year holds. This is also a gr.... read more |
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September is National Preparedness Month, so to celebrate, we will discuss some of the more practical aspects and transitions brought on by pregnancy, as well as parenting.read more |
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In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, I will be discussing breastfeeding from A-Z! Topics include preparation for breastfeeding while pregnant, getting your breastfeeding relationship off to a great start, breastfeeding af.... read more |
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The lazy days of summer are finally upon us! To celebrate National Recreation Month and the busy summer t.... read more |
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June is National Safety Month! In celebration, this month I will be.... read more |
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In honor of National Physical Fitness Month (and with swimsuit season just around the corner), we are dedicating this month’s ne.... read more |
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A good night’s sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Sleep affects your feelings, mood, relationships, productivity and quality of life. Sleep researchers have found that the ave.... read more |
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Health and nutrition has never been more important than when you are growing a baby. Not only are you preparing for the marathon of childbirth and paren.... read more |
Great Expectations & Pregnancy Myth Busters
By Nurse Wendy Spry, LVN, CPSS
Pregnancy and parenthood is all about hope and expectations. From the moment the plus sign appears, your mind begins to wander and your body begins to change. Of course you are prepared for the growing belly and the obvious changes that come with pregnancy, but there may be many changes you may not expect. This month we will discuss some of the more unexpected parts of growing, birthing and raising a baby.
First Trimester
The most common complaint in the first trimester is "morning sickness"... or for some, all day sickness. If morning sickness gets the better of you, be sure to keep something in your tummy at all times. An empty stomach tends to correlate with increased nausea. High protein snacks like raw almonds, sliced turkey or cheese are slower to digest and help combat the waves of nausea. Fatigue and mood swings are also common in the first trimester. Both can be addressed by keeping a regular schedule including 8-9 hours of sleep each night and a short nap each afternoon. If you feel mood swings coming on, don't be afraid to take a time out for yourself. Your hormones are rising to levels your body has never seen before, a little quiet time or a warm bath can go a long way towards calming yourself down. Growing a baby takes a toll on your body and you need your rest to keep both healthy and happy!
Second Trimester
It's amazing how a tiny person the size of your fist can cause so many changes in your body. The good news is that the second trimester has come and you begin to feel more energy and excitement about the pregnancy. It is common to begin to feel those flutters of fetal movement around 20 weeks. This movement can be irregular in the beginning, you might feel it a lot one day, and nothing the next. If you are concerned, drink a glass of juice and lay down. Chances are that will stimulate the baby to kick away. By 28 weeks the movement becomes more regular and predictable.
Some of the less pleasant sides of the second trimester include heartburn, hemorrhoids and constipation. Heartburn is caused by the increased pressure of the growing uterus which pushes stomach acid up into the esophagus. The result is an acidy, burning feeling in the throat. This can be treated with small, frequent, non-spicy meals, drinking liquids at room temperature (separate from meals), as well as remaining upright for a couple hours after your meals. Additionally, you can take papaya enzymes (found in most health food stores) when bouts of heartburn are really bothersome. As for the hemorrhoids and constipation, it is important to take in plenty of water and high fiber foods and never strain on the toilet. To make life a little easier, elevate your feet on a shoebox when using the bathroom...it really does work!
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Great Expectations & Pregnancy Myth Busters | Wendy Spry, LVN, CPSS
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