Can I Take Sleep Medication During Pregnancy? Get those zzzz’s.

By Babe | Photo by Stocksy

Sleeping during pregnancy can be hard, like really hard. There’s the constant night sweats, the endless baby kicks, the hourly bathroom runs and just the added pounds of weight that makes any experience an uncomfortable one. So you might want to look into a sleep-aid or two, just to get you through. We get it. 

If you want to get some rest the old fashioned way, we can recommend that you get moderate exercise during your pregnancy, practice some mindful downtime rituals and basically stop checking Instagram right before bed. If you require some type of pharmacologic intervention, sadly the research on common drugs like Ambien and other sedative-hypnotic agents, including Lunesta and Sonata is limited and generally doctors try to avoid their use during pregnancy.

But, according to Marra Francis, M.D., an Ob-Gyn in San Antonio, Texas, certain sleep aids are safe during pregnancy. For example, “Tylenol PM is simply acetaminophen mixed with Benadryl, and both drugs alone are generally fine,” Dr. Francis told Parents.com. Other sleep aids considered safe by the FDA include Unisom and Nytol. 

In regards to more natural sleep aids, it’s unclear whether Melatonin is safe during pregnancy. Because your body produces melatonin in order to control your circadian rhythm, it’s also produced by the ovaries and placenta during pregnancy—especially in the second and third trimesters—and it’s present in the amniotic fluid. Therefore, it makes sense that extra melatonin in the form of a supplement could affect the mother-to-be and babe, doctors just aren’t sure how. 

According to Parents.com, there have been a few studies conducted on melatonin during pregnancy—but most were done on animals, and the results are conflicted. For example, an October 2018 study found that melatonin has the potential to help pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. An April 2013 study, however, concluded that melatonin had negative effects on pregnant rats. Specifically, it contributed to less weight gain in pregnancy, smaller litters, and babies with lower birth weights and increased mortality rates.  

That being said, many OB’s will condone melatonin for the short-term but given the absence of information, you should avoid taking melatonin for an extended period of time while pregnant.

If you’re experiencing a severe lack of sleep, speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action. If your insomnia is anxiety-related, it might be worth looking into the source of your anxiousness and fixing the root of that problem as well. Pregnancy and impending parenthood can conjure up all the feels, and we feel you. Speak to a professional so that you can get the help you need to make it out the other side. 

Beauty Expert Carly Cardellino On introducing her newborn to her toddler

By Ruthie Friedlander

Former beauty director of Cosmopolitan, beauty influencer, and wife to founding member of GlamSquad, is as real as they come with a sparkling personality to match. Accustomed to saying it like it is, here she shares all things birth & recovery, adjusting to life with two and raising good humans.

Path to pregnancy?

Gio always wanted five kids – he’s a dreamer in that sense – but we were planning to wait a bit longer to have more. However, when the pandemic hit and the world started shutting down, our daughter had just turned one, and we decided why not try to make good use of the time and go for it! So, that’s what we did.

Pregnancy feels?

With both pregnancies, I was sick, not super sick, but just enough to make me annoying and unpleasant to be around. With Sandro, I was diagnosed with UGR (Uterine Growth Restriction) in the third trimester, which meant he wasn’t growing as well as he should be and as a result, I had to be induced at 38 weeks. Similarly, Delfina came 3 weeks early so I’ve never known what it’s like to go full term to 40 weeks. 

Birth story?

On Friday morning, March 19, I went in at 9 am, and they started inducing me by 11 am. I had been induced with Delfina, so I knew the drill. They gave me an epidural at four centimeters and at that point, I wasn’t feeling the contractions so I was able to take a nap. Then at 6:30 pm, the nurse came in to check and I was fully dilated! I did three rounds of 10-second pushes, and he was out by 7 pm fully healthy and we got right to breastfeeding and skin on skin. Of course, I was starving afterward since I was not allowed to eat before being induced and all I could think of post-birth was Italian food.

Bringing the baby home?

We made an effort to prepare our daughter really well for her brother to come into the world. Our feeling was that it must be jarring to wonder where this new person came from and then realize they’re staying. In fact we took a $95 course with Dr. Becky Kennedy called How To Introduce A Sibling To Your Newborn. A psychologist and graduate from Columbia University, she provides sound methods on how to do this with care. For example, something as minor as not calling her a “big sister” removes the stigma and pressure of having to fill the role of being a “big sister” and the sudden need to “know everything.” Instead, she’s just a “sister,” and being older is not what defines her. Plus, we asked that family and friends make a point of engaging with her and not just her brother when they come over so as not to make her feel suddenly left out. Dr. Becky Kennedy gave an example of imagining if your husband or partner suddenly said they were going to bring home a new wife, you’re going to be split everything and she’s going to stay forever. I found that was relatable because you would be like, “Yeah, I don’t want this wife around; I thought I was the number one.” Therefore, the conversation we kept having with Delfina was that she was getting a brother, she would have just as much love and that she would still be getting her own special time with us. Many people told me that when they brought a new baby home, the older child would say, “Take this baby away; I hate it,” and she hasn’t done anything jealous like that. Honestly, I have that course to thank for her behavior. I would recommend it to anybody who is introducing a sibling into their family.

Breastfeeding?

I breastfed from the beginning, but started pumping earlier with Sandro than I had with Delfina. I used The Haakaa, which is genius. It’s a silicone bottle that suctions to the non-feeding boob while breastfeeding and initiates the other side to start leaking, so as not to waste the other boob’s milk. It’s not motorized and pulls out the equal amount of milk he ate from the feeding breast. It’s brilliant because it allowed me to gauge how much milk he was getting, plus I wasn’t wasting. Then with all that fresh milk, Gio would feed him the other half which freed up so much of my time instead of having to nurse on both sides. I can’t express how helpful this was and something I wish I would have done with Delphina. I was not worried about nipple confusion and totally comfortable with giving him a bottle. Plus, I chose a bottle with an orthodontic-approved nipple from MAM, that simulates a woman’s nipple. 

Recovery?

I was hoping my recovery with Sandro would be similar to Delfina’s and it was. Early on, a friend recommended Always Discreet postpartum underwear instead of the hospital ones for recovery. They are excellent if you have a vaginal birth, but I believe you can wear them if you have a C-section as well. They’re pink and very “fashionable,” but mostly, they’re tight, unlike the hospital underwear, which are loose and your pad sags. I was bleeding for a month and those saved me. Plus, I cleansed with the Frida Mom peri bottle filled with warm water every time I went to the restroom which helped with healing. And, lastly, I used the ice packs in the hospital and then Frida Mom’s at home. I don’t think you need the ice packs too long after you leave the hospital, and instead I lined my pos-birth underwear with Tucks pads. With the Always Discreet underwear being so tight they hug the pads up against your vagina and is such a relief. More or less, I healed within a month, and feel like that combo helped me. 

Mother of two?

Having another baby and adjusting to a whole new human again has been wild. I’ve learned that you cannot compare anything. You can’t compare pregnancies or births or how much your baby eats to the one before. They are different humans, and the experience is entirely different. But, as a mom, I’ve also learned that I need to have moments to myself for my sanity in order to show up as the best version of myself for my babies.

On raising good humans?

Gio and I talk about this a lot. We want to raise well-rounded humans who can have conversations with adults and be respectful of other people, regardless of what they look like or where they come from. We are humble ourselves and want them to be humble. It’s hard being a kid raised in the city, and it’s hard being a kid raised in a privileged neighborhood; either way, we want them to understand they’re blessed, we are all blessed, and we can’t take that for granted. 

I recently read this book called The Collapse of Parenting, and it talks about how important family is when raising children as family is the primary influence in children’s lives. When you’re not around family, friends become the direct influence which is an unknown variable. Therefore, it’s important for us to be our children’s significant influence and foster healthy relationships with them.

Mama As Muse These female creators are taking on the pregnant body.

By Babe | Photo by Abbey Drucker

Mothers and mother-to-be have long been a source of artistic expression for men, but now a new crop of female artists are taking back our bods for their own form of artistic interpretation. These aren’t some holier-than-thou “Madonna and Child” portraits, either. Rather, these women are shining a light on the reality, rawness and intimacy of pregnancy and postpartum through their own lens. Check them out, below.

We The Mamas by Meg Stackerking

This series by @megstackerking features motherhood in the year 2020, with portraits shot entirely over FaceTime.

Mother by Abbey Drucker

A new series by the artist showcases the pregnant female body in all its rad glory as well as intimate moments of motherhood.

@Moonandcheeze

The artist known as Bri only shoots herself, but shows the reality of pregnancy, parenting and relationships.

Mothers by Mayan Toledano

The Israeli-Moroccan photographer shoots women in the various stages of pregnancy, with work that’s at once intimate yet empowering.

9 Things To Consider When Planning For Your New Home Because that second babe's coming FAST.

By Babe | Photo by Stocksy

Whether due to Covid-19 or your growing family, odds are you’re cruising Zillow like it’s Tinder. Who wouldn’t want that Jack and Jill bathroom once the second babe comes around? Or a spa tub for those moments when you need to get far from your family? But if deciding where and how to live is a bit overwhelming, leave it to Katya Suh, licensed real estate agent, founder of Kalon Media #twinmom, AND wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ndamukong Suh to guide you. We polled her on the nine things every family must think about when planning for a new home.

1. Stage of Life

The first component to consider when purchasing a home is whether it is intended to be a starter, mid-way or forever home. The priorities for a starter home will likely focus on staying comfortably within a budget and building a foundation full of “firsts” which provides valuable lessons surrounding home ownership. In contrast, a forever home provides the ability to tailor your home to your particular needs and allows the space for less compromise.  

2. Space for Extras 

Are you planning on having more children? Will you be taking care of elderly family members? For us, we want to balance room for a growing family and maintain a warm and cozy space to gather with friends and family. 

3. Possible Renovations 

My family fell in love with a historical home, which denied any possibility of large renovations or additions. Although this was not a problem for our family, it is important to consider prematurely when making such a large investment in order to save time, energy and possible frustration. 

4. Room Assignments 

In our home, there were two rooms available for our babies – one that was more centrally located and one that had a lager bathroom, including a tub. While the better location was tempting, we ultimately decided on the bedroom with the bathroom that had more amenities and longevity as our children get older, we will not need to move their room. 

5. Organizing the Space

As any parent knows, clutter and messes can grow quickly with toys and general “kid stuff”. For us, it was important to identify and maintain a few areas of the home that would remain free of toys and kid clutter. This is a great preventative so we’re not scrambling for guests and we can maintain some peace and organization. When choosing spaces determined a designated play space and a chose to keep toys and clutter away from the main floor. 

6. Pets 

Not only was it important to find space for our babies, but we also wanted a designated area for our Dutch Shepherd, Añejo. Although you may not have a pet at the time of move-in, it is beneficial to consider a potential family addition in the future and how that may impact the home layout. 

7. Location

While the actual home may be a fit, is the location right for your family? I recommend thinking through work and school commutes, school districts, yard space and privacy, neighborhood safety and values, and whether you are close to family-friendly outdoor spaces.

8. Your Family’s Lifestyle 

Do you value privacy or prefer having neighbors in close proximity? Is a fenced-in outdoor space wanted for small children or pets? Thinking about your family’s lifestyle and cultural preferences can make for an easy transition to life in a new space.  

9. That Warm and Fuzzy Feeling

For us, the home means family. It is a space where we can all gather and create memories throughout the various uncertainties and excitements of life’s adventures. On top of all the practical considerations, the key to the “right home” is the love within the home. 

Melissa Conner's Making It Work How the publicist and soon-to-be mama of three keeps it all moving.

By Babe | Photos Courtesy of Melissa Duren

Can we just give it up for Melissa Conner? This mother of two girls under three (with another gal on the way) is something of a scheduling wunderkind. Between the daily laundry, the meditation AND working as a highly in-demand publicist all from the comfort of her bedroom, she is hustling every second of the day and we love to see it. Here, in our first-ever Making It Work is Melissa’s take on her day. Who’s doing what, when they’re doing it and how they’re making it all happen.

5:00 am: My husband’s alarm goes off. It’s the only time he can work out so as much as it interrupts my sleep, I know it’s his form of self-care and I encourage it. 

6:30 am: I hear my one-year-old daughter rising on the Nanit app on my phone, so that’s wake up number two. My husband does her wake-up so I usually roll over to get 20 more minutes. I worship sleep and need as much as I can to survive – this is not news to anyone. If I am feeling ambitious, I get up and likely start checking my email immediately. 

6:45 am: My husband and youngest daughter come in. This is our morning 1:1 time with her and it’s so fun. Hearing her say “Hi!” all bright-eyed is adorable. We spend about 30 minutes just cuddling and hanging in our room. My husband usually grabs a shower during this time because he starts his day right at 8:30 while I start a little later and wait for the shower until we hand the girls off to our nanny. 

7:00 am: Our oldest daughter wakes up and I take our one-year-old in to greet her and get the day started. I usually get them dressed at this time and ALWAYS try to coordinate them. I remember making fun of my mom for matching my sister and I and I definitely have become my mothers daughter. 

Until 8am is purely family time. I don’t allow myself to get caught up in email or Instagram. I don’t even bother changing out of PJs. I am typically hyper efficient and productive but decided that this time didnt need to be that. So YEP, my nanny arrives at 8 am and then I hand them off while in my PJs. What I am not great at is getting myself a balanced breakfast but luckily my husband is obsessed with food and making sure we are eating well so he usually makes me something to take upstairs to my bedroom/office/sanctuary to start my day. 

Most people hate working in their bedroom all day but I LOVE it. Mostly because we are SO lucky to have a proper master bedroom so I have a seating area and a desk area where I spend most of my day. I’ve really created a space that is calming, bright, and peaceful to work in and also to wind down to sleep. The bed is reserved for later. 

8:00am: I move into hyper efficiency mode. I quickly eat my breakfast, take a walk for 25 minutes and then come home to get my day started. I usually throw in laundry in the morning, switch it at lunch and put it away at night. One load a day, ladies. You do what you can. I shower, get dressed and log on to work. Soon I will be heading into the city once or twice a week once our office is open again so my morning routine will be a lot shorter so I can be in the office by 10ish. But for now my commute is about 10 seconds to my desk. 

8:00 am- 8:45 am: I try to get my workout in after my walk. I do light weights and some barre work. 

9:30 am: I log on to work.

11:45 am: I try to go out 2-3 times a week to grab lunch just to get out of the house. I did the same when I was in the office everyday so I wanted to make sure I wasn’t inside for 10 straight hours. 

5:00 pm: I start to wind down work so I can decompress for an hour before my other job starts again. MOM. Here I tend to just rest, meditate a bit, catch up with my own mom so I am reset mentally and refreshed for the evening routine with the girls. They are high energy all day every day so getting that extra mental boost really makes a difference. 

6:00 pm: I grab the girls from my nanny and we do puzzles and I give them a post dinner snack.

6:30 pm: Bath time! We used to bathe them separately because Grace, my baby, was too little and Reese, our toddler, is quite energetic in the bath. But now that she’s a year, they love to bathe together in our master bathroom. They’ve completely taken over the bathroom and I love it. One day I’ll get it back and actually take a proper spa bath. Having them bathe together also cuts down on the time so we are more efficient. My husband and I divide and conquer with moisturizing and PJs and then it’s time for baby #2 to go to sleep. After I put her down, our oldest gets 2:1 time with just my husband and I. This is REALLY important for her to feel a sense of connection and focused attention from us since she is still adjusting to having a sibling. We read books in our bed for 20 minutes or so and then she is off to bed. 

7:45 pm: We are child-free. My husband has become the chef of the house so usually during our puzzle time, he gets dinner started so we can eat at a normal time after the girls go down. 

8:00 pm: It’s just us. We have dinner together and have recently started watching past seasons of Survivor, which has been really fun. In my first trimester I wasn’t feeling great so I was going to bed super early, but now in my second trimester I have more energy and can stay up a little later, like 9:45 hahaha. Getting a good night’s sleep is my number one self-care priority. It is so important to be a good mom and wife, to be productive at work and to make sure I’m taking care of my pregnancy. 

Blue's Clues Joins the Pride Parade Featuring drag queen Nina West.

As if you needed more of a reason to love “Blue’s Clues & You” on Nickelodeon, the show’s star Josh Dela Cruz is celebrating Pride month with a special all inclusive video and message that’s aimed to educate the younger generations on all the ways families can look. 

In honor of LGBTQIA and Pride Month, “Blue’s Clues & You” published a video to its YouTube channel showcasing the “Blue’s Clues Pride Parade Sing-Along.” The sing-along features an animated version of drag queen Nina West, a beloved “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant from season 11, singing to the melody of “The Ants Go Marching.” However here, the lyrics have been changed to be very LGBTQ inclusive. Check it out, below.

More:

Never Not Crushing On Dads (especially today)

By Babe

We’ve got a thing for dads, it’s true. So, whether you are one, have one, are about to be one, or are doing life with one, this is for you. Here to give the men in our lives some love, a few of our favorite dads weigh in on fatherhood. 

Robert McKinley

Creative director, designer, hotelier, father of Marella and husband to @katenauta

“I love spending time with my daughter and watching her experience life. I am amazed to see her discover who she is and who we are. I get lost imagining who she’s going to be and knowing that I will love her forever.” –@robertdmckinley

Jon Sellerz-Jackson

Grammy-nominated producer, father of Jax, Jupiter, Jedi + life partner to @bstereo

“The journey of fatherhood requires yet provides the greatest life opportunity of responsibility & reward. By raising three boys, I am able to raise a kinder and gentler future.” – @jstereogram

Read Brandi’s Story

Gray Malin

Photographer, father to twins Dove and Max, husband to Jeff Richardson.

“All we can do is our best, show them as much love as possible and enjoy the real “life” moments, in the moment, that occur every day.” – @graymalin

Read Gray’s Story

Ryan Lory

Chef, father to Joie & Jett, husband to @sexdoccarli

“I get joy in watching my daughter and son interact together because I know when we are gone, that will be the family they have and their bond is very important to me. I also love seeing my wife’s personality in my daughter, as I continue to fall in love with her every day.” – @chefrylo

Read Carli’s Story

Pelvic Floor HealthPelvic Floor Health

WATCH: Pelvic Health 101 Everything you never knew you needed to know.

By Babe | Photo courtesy of Origin

Being a new mom is hard. Period. But bringing in a 2nd with a toddler running around can present you with a whole new slew of challenges.

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Earlier this week, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, founder of Little House Calls, Clinical psychologist and parenting coach, talked with new 2nd-time mom Lindsay Bressler, COO of HATCH, and new almost parents to their 2nd child, Michael and Alex Perry, currently transitioning from one baby to two.

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She discussed how to manage the transition for the children AND the parents.
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Watch to learn the answers to questions like:

How do you make your child feel part of the journey of bringing in a new baby? How do you balance it all? And so much more…

This article was written in partnership with Origin. Click here for a free ten-minute intro call to learn more about what they offer!

Baby Shower Styles for Every Kind of Celebration Because you're going to need something to wear.

By Babe | All photos courtesy of HATCH

The baby shower. A time-honored tradition of your closest pals toasting your impending life as a new mother. Whether you prefer the traditional Sunday brunch, complete with chevron decals, mocktails, and baby guessing games, or the more nouveau wine and cheese cocktail parties, you’re going to need something cute to wear. 

Cue our assortment of festive day dresses, jumpsuits, and the sweetest styles for your big moment in the preggo spotlight.

How To Pick an Outfit for Your Baby Shower

Choosing a baby shower outfit can feel overwhelming. You have to consider the season, the dress code, and possibly even the baby shower theme; oh my!

But the truth is that dressing for a baby shower should be fun — it’s a celebration, after all. And long gone are the days of frumpy maternity dresses. These days, you’ve got options.

When choosing your baby shower outfit, consider the following factors:

  • Season and weather: Is the baby shower taking place outside in the middle of the hot summer? In that case, go with something loose or sleeveless. Or will you be chilling in the A/C? Maybe a long-sleeve maxi dress is the better option.
  • What pregnancy symptoms are you experiencing? (Helpful hint: If you’re reached the stage of needing to pee every 30 minutes, maybe a jumpsuit isn’t your best choice).
  • Is there a dress code? How casual or dressy do you want to be?

Once you’ve spent some time thinking about these factors, you’ll be ready to choose your outfit.

Or, you can take inspiration from your style — boho-chic moms can rock that ankle-length floral dress and tasseled ankle boots. Sporty moms might prefer an oh-so-soft T-shirt and boyfriend maternity jeans. 

Breezy Dresses

Here’s the first rule: You’re allowed to wear whatever you want at your own baby shower. In our minds, that means fun, fun, fun — like the bright colors and summery silhouettes. 

Another strikingly fun look: the flowy Jaden Dress, now in jaw-droppingly vivid Fuschia. This midi gown elevates the shirt dress to the next level with a lightweight and luxe material, elegant silhouette, and sarong-like back panel that you can tie in the front or the back, whichever you prefer. (Things we love: A dress with options.)

Plus, it unbuttons allllll the way down, making nursing a breeze — this is a dress you’ll want to keep postpartum. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for it again and again and again.

A super popular baby shower dress trend (and guest outfit trend) is to dress in pink or blue, according to the gender of the incoming bundle of joy. Whether you’re having a baby boy or simply love to look like a twilight sky, the Vivian Dress won’t let you down. 

With carefully-woven elastic in the back, this dress grows (and shrinks) with you. This made-in-NYC sundress is effortlessly chic and remarkably comfortable. Now you’re ready to play baby shower games well into the night (or until 4 PM when you’re exhausted and go to sleep).

Dramatic Dresses

If you want drama (not the kind that comes with picking a guest list), it doesn’t get much more va-va-voom than the Easy Slip Dress, the classic swing dress updated for moms-to-be.

The cowl neckline, bias cut, and swingy silhouette keep things loose and comfortable (exactly how we want when expecting!) while barely-there straps and slinky material in Rosewood add a bit of spice. Dress it up with a pair of heels, or keep things cool and casual in sneakers — it’s your world, and we’re living in it.

And for the ultimate baby shower look, check out the maxi Gala Dress, equal parts sophisticated and sassy. The high neckline, empire waist, and sleeveless top will have you feeling like a Greek goddess, while the Fuschia colorway and drapey fit adds a bit of fun. Featuring a removable sash and the stretchiness you need to wear this number for all nine months and beyond.

Pair this midi dress with a denim jacket for casual events. But then, add a blazer or cashmere cardigan, and it’s the perfect best-dressed wedding guest outfit too.

Jumpsuits and Matching Sets

Dresses might be the go-to baby shower fit, but that doesn’t mean they’re required, especially during a summer baby shower when the options are nearly endless. Don’t be afraid to try a romper, jumpsuit, skirt set, or plain ol’ pants and a tee. Your tummy is the star here, and the point is to show it off however you feel most comfortable.

Skirt and Top Sets

For one of our all-time favorite baby shower looks, try pairing the Body Midi Skirt with the Body Cropped Tee in a matching shade. The cropped look fits and flatters your bump in exactly the right place, providing just a peek of skin at the midriff.

Both the Body Cropped Tee and Body Midi Skirt are made of an uber-comfy bamboo blend (bonus points: it’s Oeko-Tex Certified, AKA safe for you and baby). The tee — a scooped neck cap sleeve situation — goes with basically everything, so don’t blame us if you put it on and literally never take it off.

The skirt, meanwhile, features an all-around elastic waist guaranteed to stretch without any of the digging and poking of zippers or hardware. Wear them together, separate, color-matched, or mixed. With this set, it’s a win either way.

Jumpsuits

Maybe a maternity jumpsuit is more your style. 

In that case, check out the Heidi Jumpsuit, crafted from our bestselling Tencel linen fabric. The wide-leg style and elastic waist keep things nice and comfy all pregnancy long, while the crossback straps and a pleated top add a bit of oomph to the look. This jumpsuit comes in neutral Sandstone and Black and pairs perfectly with a pair of comfy heels or sandals for an easy summer baby shower look. 

No need to spend time agonizing over your outfit when you have this in the closet. It’s your one-stop shop that’s guaranteed to turn heads. PS: This would also be fab for fall or winter baby showers.

The Best Outfits for the Best Mom (aka You)

When you have a new baby on the way, you deserve the best of the best. 

Be it pastels, floral prints, or moody jewel tones, maternity styles should be authentic to you as a person first. Of course, you’re about to be a mom, but that doesn’t mean you need to do away with mini dresses and statement pieces. You simply need to add a lil bit of extra fabric for that Instagram-worthy bump of yours. 

So celebrate in style and celebrate you: We certainly are!

Sources:

When Do You Start to Show? Baby Bump Progression | Healthline

3rd trimester pregnancy: What to expect | Mayo Clinic

What OEKO-TEX® Labels Mean and Why They Matter | Oeko-Tex

Tips to Stay Comfortable During Your Pregnancy | UPMC HealthBeat

Why Is There A Flood Between My Legs? I'm. Always. Wet.

By Babe | Illustration by Ana Hard

Pregnancy symptoms can be as confusing as they are grotesque. Sure, your boobs are sore, your stomach is growing practically tenfold overnight, your sense of smell is beyond insane. But one thing you probably didn’t anticipate is having a veritable swamp of fluid between your legs at all times. Welcome to discharging during pregnancy!

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One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is increased discharge, and like or not, this will continue throughout pregnancy. It will often vary in thickness or frequency. Just know what to expect, so you’re not stressin.’

Normally vaginal discharge (aka leukorrhea) takes on a thin, clear or milky white consistency, which rarely smells. Changes in your vaginal discharge can begin as early as one to two weeks after conception. As your pregnancy goes on, it becomes more noticeable and will continue this way throughout the duration of your pregnancy. This is due to changes in your hormone levels as well as changes to the cervix. As the cervix and vagnial walls soften, your body will produce more discharge to help prevent infection. Additionally, your baby’s head might also be pushing up against your cervix, which leads to increased vaginal discharge.

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It’s important to let your healthcare provider know about any abnormal discharge, as it could signal an infection or problem with your pregnancy. like a yeast infection, which is super common.

Here are some signs of abnormal discharge:

  • yellow, green, or gray color
  • strong and foul odor
  • accompanied by redness or itching, or vulvar swelling

If you develop a yeast infection during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a vaginal cream or suppository. To avoid a yeast infection, remember to wear loose, breathable clothing, easy cotton undies (bc are we really wearing anything else right now? Lacey thongs, we’re looking at you), dry your genitals after showering, swimming, or exercising and add yogurt and other fermented foods to your diet to promote healthy bacteria.

Abnormal discharge could also signal a complication in your pregnancy. Call your medical provider ASAP if you see bright red discharge that exceeds an ounce. This could be a sign of placenta previa or placental abruption.

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If you do call your doctor, just remember when the changes to your vaginal discharge began as well as any defining characteristics. This will help your doctor determine if your discharge is cause for concern.

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