Why Walking is Good For Your Fit Pregnancy

Posted on March 22, 2018

Just because you have a bun in the oven doesn’t mean your daily walks or exercise routine have to cease to exist. In fact, exercise during pregnancy can be beneficial to both you and your baby. There are necessary precautions you’ll need to take, especially as your body continues to grow, but before you cut back on keeping your body fit, consider the benefits of a healthy exercise routine.

Low-Impact Exercise

Low impact exercise carries little risk of injury for pregnant women, says Dr. Gia Fruscione, doctor of physical therapy and founder of DLVR Maternity. “Low impact exercises benefits your entire body and can be continued until birth,” she says. “Low impact exercise, such as walking, is especially beneficial if you are having joint problems.”

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should participate in 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week during pregnancy as long as there are no medical complications.

Exercising during pregnancy can help keep you at an optimal weight, says Fruscione. “Gaining too many pounds puts you at risk for a tougher delivery and gestational diabetes,” she says. “But, gaining too little can affect your baby’s growth.”

For women at a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, the target weight gain is usually 25 to 35 pounds, says Fruscione.

Walk to Wellness

Walking is an excellent form of non-impact exercise, especially for women who have not previously exercised prior to pregnancy, says Birgitta Lauren, pre and postnatal fitness and nutrition specialist and founder of Expecting Fitness, a resource for expectant moms.

“Walking or exercise in general makes your body and all organs more efficient at doing everything, including getting pregnant, staying pregnant and making a healthier baby,” says Lauren. “Exercise improves circulation and therefore blood and oxygen and nutrient flow to the baby, making the baby healthier than if mom didn’t exercise.”

Not only does walking help decrease weight gain by burning calories and keeping the heart healthy, but the act of exercise and moving your body produces proteins that create metabolites, which decrease risks for all diseases, including gestational issues or diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia and premature delivery, says Lauren.

Debunking the Myths

Many pregnant women fear that exercise or too much walking can cause preterm labor, but according to Lauren, this is just a myth. “It actually prevents preterm labor,” she says. “A healthier mom has a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby.”

Too much walking, though, can lead to uterine contractions if you have a pre-existing medical condition, says Fruscione. She advises checking with your physician before engaging in exercise if you have an existing medical condition before or during pregnancy. “If this is the case, too much exercise can lead to other complications such as bleeding, dizziness, chest pain, muscle weakness, calf pain and decreased fetal movement,” says Fruscione. “Call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms.”

Another myth that exists is that walking during pregnancy makes you dilate more. Consistent exercise during pregnancy can help tone and prepare your muscles for labor and makes for an easier birthing process, says Fruscione.

In general, if you are engaging in walking or low-impact exercise, your entire pregnancy process will be much smoother, says Lauren. “Exercise improves the likeliness of ‘on-time’ dilation and a more efficient dilation,” she says.

When in doubt, always consult your physician, but know that the more you move your body, the healthier it may be for your baby. According to a study by Dr. James F. Clapp III at the Cleveland Health Center, exercise during pregnancy produces children that are healthier physically and mentally. As babies, they learn to do everything faster – from speaking to walking – than children from moms who exercised less or not at all, says Clapp. The study also concluded that these babies are happier and better behaved.

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Pregnancy

The 20+ Comfort Foods You Crave When You’re Preggers

Posted on March 20, 2018

When you’re pregnant, you get so much advice about what to eat, how to exercise and what to do to stay healthy, but sometimes, you just want to vege and chill out and engage in some good old comfort foods. You’re back is achy, your ankles are swollen, your face has broken out, you have heartburn and your sciatica is acting up and you might just want to forget it all and indulge in some comfort treats.

1. Ice

Pregnant women love to chew on ice. Seems strange, since it’s not really a food and doesn’t seem in any way satisfying to those of us not with child, but for some reason pregnant women just can’t get enough. Those with anemia are more likely to be seen chewing on ice, since it can relieve inflammation of the mouth and tongue (a common symptom of anemia).

2. Chocolate

Chocolate — or any sweet, for that matter — is something pregnant women can’t get enough of. This could be because chocolate makes you happy, and since there’s no drinking for pregnant women, chocolate is literally the next best thing. An old wives’ tale states that if you crave sweets, it means you’re carrying a girl.

Tip: If you’re worried about indulging too much, satisfy your chocolate craving by drizzling low-fat chocolate syrup onto fresh fruit.

3. Spicy foods

Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it’s because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you’re currently expecting, then you know it’s almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you down.

4. Pickles

Women who crave pickles could be low in sodium, but there’s no real proof of this. Some like the crunch, some like the vinegar, and some like the refreshing taste. Whatever it is, pickle cravings are nothing to be too concerned about. They’re low in calories, easy to get and inexpensive.

5. Potato chips

Potato chips, like pickles, are loaded with salt. Again, you could be low in sodium, but more than likely you’re just desiring something salty and crunchy, and potato chips are what comes to mind. Since they’re high in fat and calories, try reaching for these alternatives instead.

6. Fruit

Pregnant women don’t crave just junk food (surprisingly!) — they crave fruit as well. You (and your body) want a healthy baby, so sometimes it needs extra-healthy foods to make sure that happens. Fruits, such as watermelons and grapes, are cool and refreshing, all while providing your body and baby with a boost of vitamin C.

7. Lemon

It’s not unheard of to see a pregnant woman eating a straight lemon or adding a ton of it to their water. Pregnant women crave sour foods. The reason? Your taste buds change, and typically you like to “shock” them with super-sour or super-spicy foods.

8. Ice cream

Ice cream is sweet, it cools you off, and it’s rich and creamy. With so many flavors to choose from, a pregnant woman could literally spend hours in the ice cream aisle. For a healthier version, buy low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt, and top with fresh fruit. You might kill two cravings in one sitting.

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Pregnancy

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 17, 2018

Want to what to wear today to show your Irish spirit? You’re preggers and going to miss out on all the celebrations that involve libations or may be stuck drinking O’Doul’s, you could have had some fun by dressing in one of these humorous t’shirts I spotted over at Cafe Press.

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Study: Probiotics Taken During Pregnancy Reduces Complications

Posted on January 29, 2018

A new study shows probiotics may prevent preeclampsia and premature birth if taken at the right time in pregnancy.

Here’s another reason to load up on yogurt when you’re expecting: A recent study published in the journal BMJ Open found that drinking probiotic milk was linked with a lower risk of preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure) as well as a lesser chance of preterm birth—but only if consumed at certain points in pregnancy.

Norwegian and Swedish researchers looked at data gathered from more than 70,000 pregnancies as part of the Norwegian and Child Cohort Study. “We observed an association between probiotic milk intake in early pregnancy and a 21 percent lower risk of preterm delivery, and probiotic milk intake in late pregnancy—the second half—and a 20 percent lower risk of preeclampsia,” study author Dr. Mahsa Nordqvist, an OBGYN at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, tells Parents.com.

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Daddy Makeover Trend: All You Need to Know

Posted on January 26, 2018

By now, a lot of people have heard of the term “mommy makeover” which refers to the plastic surgery that some women get after completing their family to get their pre-pregnancy body back, but did you know that Daddy Makeovers are a trending now too?

They are the surgical procedures that more and more men around 40-55 years old (usually already married and fathers) get to restyle and correct small imperfections of their body and face .

Why Are More Men Getting Daddy Makeovers?

It is commonly known that most women gain weight while pregnant, usually from increased calorie intake and a growing fetus. It is very common for dads to join in the extra snacking and to thus pack on excess pounds during their partner’s pregnancy. It is called “sympathy” weight gain.

Also, those men who are middle age and are experiencing empty nests, have more times to refocus on themselves, take exotic vacations, entertain more, get out more regularly, and with that, they want to regain their youthful body.

Male Plastic Surgery Is More Common Than You’d Think

Nationally, men account for 18 percent of cosmetic surgery procedures. A lot of professionals between the age of 45 and 55 who do sedentary desk jobs, spend less time in the gym. They now have kids to come home to and shows to binge watch. They’re not taking care of themselves as often and find they’ve accumulated a few extra pounds around the abs, hips and notice their skin sag around the chin.

They look in the mirror and see themselves aged and realize they can afford to get a nip and tuck and the stigma that was once associated with plastic surgery is not there that much anymore.

Common Daddy Makeover Procedures

We talked to Dr. Paul G. Ruff, the Medial Director at West End Plastic Surgery in Washington DC, who said he has seen a significant increase in interest in daddy makoevers during the last five to eight years.

He gave us some insight into this trend. The common procedures that men seeking a daddy makeover get include:

VASER Liposuction: high definition body contouring which involves sculpting the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body
Gynecomastia (Man Boobs): correcting and reducing breasts tissue
Eyelid surgery
Neck Contouring
Pectorial Implants: adding pecs to create the appearance of a more buff chest.

There are other nonsurgical and surgical options aside from these more common ones. Each practice has its own and each year, the industry comes out with new and unique options.

And of course, non-surgical procedures like Botox are common and even more popular than ever. A quick review of the latest stats from 2016 put out by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that nonsurgical procedure accounted for 44 percent of expenditures in this area. These include nonsurgical skin tightening, injectables like Botox and chemical peels.

The Ryan Gosling Effect is Real

“Mostly men, just like women, want to look like a refreshed, more vital version of themselves,” says Ruff.

And just like with women, men too have a celebrity muse they want to emulate.

“On occasion we have people reference current stars like Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, and Zach Efron,” Ruff shares. “I am always leery when someone is requesting to look like a specific star.”

Certainly, we’ve seen controversial media stories of people who go overboard trying hard to change their natural appearance to look like a celebrity. The Iranian Angelina Jolie fan comes to mind as does actor Nicholas Ryan who got a load of plastic surgery done to look like Ryan Gosling.

Dr. Ruff explained that among the considerations that are discussed during a consultation is whether the patient can emotionally, financially and physically handle surgery so we imagine that they’d weed out those with unhealthy expectations out during this process.

Among the issues to discuss is whether there will be someone at home to help a patient through recovery. But not all do so they may elect to stay nearby. Ruff says his office, which conducts in-office procedures and surgery, has a relationship with a nearby hotel so that those who come from out of town who do not want to travel far to return home can stay there for a day or two before returning home.

You’ll Never Believe How Short Recovery Can Be

In short, there really is no need for a hospital stay. These procedures are generally outpatient surgeries or treatments and the recovery depends on the amount of work to be done or the combination being performed.

“For simple VASER Liposuction, the recovery to return to work and routine daily activity can be as little as two to three days,” Ruff shares. Larger and combination procedures may have a recovery that can be up to two weeks.

This information should always be part of thorough consultation.

(Speaking of CONSULTATIONS, mention you saw this post when you call the West End Plastic Surgery center, and get a no cost consultation, a Saving of $150. IMPORTANT NOTE: if you cancel your appointment, you’ll be billed a no-show fee)

It’s A World Wide Thing

We asked if the male or daddy makeover is a phenomenon just in the United States or are European, Asia, Australia or other parts of the world experiencing it as well.

In this generation of rapid transit of information, Ruff explains, people all over the world are in contact with information. Also, the US is fourth worldwide in plastic surgery, and thus, areas of the world like South East Asia and South America have high rates of male plastic surgery patients as well.

“Statistically men are an increasingly higher percent of the cosmetic practice,” Ruff adds. “Still nowhere near the percent of women in most plastic surgery practices.”

But more practices are adjusting their office spaces even to make them more accomodating to male clientele.

This shift “is underscored by the modifications of offices to be more inviting to men based on color schemes, seating choices ,art and the availability of men only office hours and events,” sates Dr. Ruff, adding, “the daddy makeover is definitely a more specific interest and one that we see regularly rather than a couple of times a year.”

We are not surprised to note that in America, the Mid-Atlantic region which includes New York City, one of the fashion capitals of the world, and the West coast, home of Hollywood, tie for the region of the country getting the most plastic surgery (17.8%) compared to the rest of the country, according to American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Average Daddy Make Over Cost and Can You Afford It?

The cost of a Daddy Makeover will depend on region, combination of procedures and surgeon experience. The range can be as low as $2500 to over $20,000, says Ruff.

A chart of data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reveals that an average practitioner’s charge for liposuction is about $3300, $2700 for a chin lift, and about $5,000 for male boob reduction and for non surgical procedure, Botox is about $375 per treatment, and sclerotheraphy cost close to $360. Of course, prices are different per region of the country.

While those who are professionals and from middle to upper income levels are more likely to get plastic surgery, there are financing and creative funding options available at practices nationwide and world wide.

“If you want to get more than one surgery done, you can also save money by getting them done simultaneously,” suggests Dr. Gregory H. Croll is one of the top plastic surgeons Columbia, Missouri has. “Doing this not only saves you and the surgeon money, but it can really work better for you as well. That way if you have to ask off work for recuperating time, you are recuperating from both surgeries instead of having to ask off for days for two separate surgeries. It can also save money and time for both you and the surgeon because

you only have to go under the knife once.”

No Longer a Secret

We asked if men are keeping quiet about it or are they open about having work done and were surprised by the response: both.

“Men are usually quiet about the inquiry but more talkative about the experience, especially if the result is excellent,” Ruff shares. “Talking about expectations and maintenance is part of the satisfaction level and ultimate transparency about having something fixed.

“Men have that hunter mentality engrained either socially and genetically and then the celebration of the kill. The same goes with these procedures.”

Couples Do It Better Together

Also, more and more, mom and dad and other types of couples are coming in together for consultations.

This is true at Dr. Ruff’s practice as well.

“Having support in the decision making and perioperative phase if tremendous and leads to better outcomes and satisfaction” adds Dr. Ruff. “This tends to bring couples together because it is another journey in which they can share. When couples decide to do these makeovers together, we find there is more empathy between them.”

Now that you’ve gotten some comprehensive insight into daddy makeovers, the next step is to talk to a doctor, if you are so inclined. As mentioned above, if you mention you saw this post when you call the West End Plastic Surgery center, and get a no cost consultation, a Saving of $150.

[IMPORTANT NOTE: if you cancel your appointment, you’ll be billed a no-show fee]

Our Editor in chief, JJ, visited the offices this week and expressed satisfaction and excitement over the quality of professionals, doctors and practioners there, the proximity of the office to area hospitals, George Washington, Georgetown University and Sibley Memorial in DC; the top-notch quality of the office space and friendliness of the staff, overall. And she was gifted a generous $100 gift certificate to use for services but that gift does not impact the opinions shared in this post which are hers and honest.

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5 Exercises You Can Do With Your Baby at Home; No Gym Required

Posted on January 8, 2018

It’s a New Year and a new opportunity to get in shape, even if you just had a baby.

After getting the A-OK from your doctor, there are certain exercises that you can safely to with your baby in tow! These exercises are great for the woman who cannot get to the gym.

I also highly recommend doing Gaiam‘s Pilates for Weightloss ($11.99) which I did relreligiously every day while breastfeeding and lost an average of 2 lbs per week steadily. I was really shocked that the weight peeled off like that without me really altering my eating. Great stuff!

Finally, for not-so-new moms, check out these older fitness-related posts that are still relevant and can be used to help you get in shape from home, today and beyond!

http://bellyitchblog.com/2013/01/10-tips-for-exercising-when-you-have.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2013/01/new-year-new-you-10-free-iphone-health_11.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2012/04/4-best-ways-to-lose-weight-after.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2013/10/zumba-and-9-other-free-ways-to-exercise.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2013/05/10-iphone-apps-to-help-you-lose-your.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2014/07/moms-try-these-3-workout-moves-fro.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2014/09/national-yoga-month-pre-post-natal-yoga.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2017/12/all-the-ways-to-get-your-pre-baby-tummy-back.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2016/12/heres-how-to-boost-your-babys-brain-with-a-healthy-prenatal-lifestyle.html

http://bellyitchblog.com/2013/06/3-exercises-to-help-you-get-your-pos.html

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How to Prepare Your Pet for Baby On the Way

Posted on January 5, 2018

by Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

With a baby on the way, there’s a lot to prepare including how to get your pup ready for a new family member. It’s easy to be distracted, and your fur baby may feel displaced. Rover.com has a few suggestions for how to include your dog during this exciting time with your family.

Snuggle time. Your pup will know something is happening with the changes in your body, behavior, and mood. You may find him becoming more protective or more cuddly. This is an important time to snuggle in close and enjoy a quiet morning with your pup in bed or take the time to relax on the couch together.

Long walks. Taking a walk during your pregnancy is not only good for your body, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the company of your dog. As you get closer to your due date, walking is an important part of preparing your body, and now your dog has a vital role in helping you get ready. After the baby has arrived and you’ve recovered, get out the stroller for a walk with the baby and take the dog along too!

Dog Sitter. As you make plans for the first 6-8 weeks with your newborn, include who will help take care of the dog. If you have a dog sitter already, this is the time to discuss how often you’ll utilize them. Plan for regular support feeding and walking the dog. If you don’t have a dog sitter, now is the time to find one who will support the family as you adjust to your new schedule.

Early labor. If you’re staying home in the early stages of labor or if you’re having a homebirth, your pets may want to be involved in soothing you before and after contractions. As you’re writing out your birth plan, determine if you’ll want your pets involved in any part of the labor or if you’ll want someone to care for your pup during this time.

Introductions. Before you bring the baby home, plan out the first encounter with your fur family members. First, have someone bring home the baby’s first blanket or hat so the dog can smell the baby’s scent. The day you bring the baby home, have someone take the dog for a long walk or playtime at the park. If you have an energetic dog, make sure she’s tired before she comes home to meet the baby. When your dog enters the house, hold the baby up high and begin training your dog with the commands you’ll use around the baby. Slowly bring the dog closer and allow him to smell the baby from a distance.

Be sure to organize regular time to spend with your pup without the baby so your dog doesn’t feel disconnected from you. Your pup may be excited or worried about the new addition. You don’t want an unhappy dog during this big transition, so take the time learn what he needs to be included.

Take this $25 to Use toward your First Booking with Rover! Use our Affiliate link HERE!

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The 2 Basic Things To Do Before Telling Your Boss You’re Expecting

Posted on January 3, 2018

LaShonda Brown

For many women, especially those who work in high pressure, productivity-related jobs, telling their boss and department heads they are pregnant can be stressful. It doesn’t have to be if you prepare. American Pregnancy put up a great post sharing excellent tips on how to prepare to do just that.

Of the tips that stood out, as an attorney, I highly endorse the following two:

Read your company’s maternity leave policy in their handbook and do some online research as well to get to know your state’s laws concerning pregnancy, maternity leave, and pay for when you’re on leave.
Put a plan into place that you can present to your boss. Think of who can cover on short notice if nausea sets in unexpectedly or you need to schedule a doctor’s visit during lunch.

Also, as the post notes, you don’t have to wait until you are 12 weeks to make your announcement, but since your chances of miscarrying reduce by 80% by then, it would be a good time to wait until you are at least that far along.

Certainly, you are free to wait longer but you may start to show at 20 weeks and you want to make sure you give your job adequate time to plan for your maternity leave and departure.

I know that some women elect to put it off as long as possible because they fear they will lose out on plum projects and opportunities if their office realizes they will be away from the job in the coming months. It’s a fragile thing, but planning is the best remedy to alleviate some of that anxiety.

Once an employer realizes you know your rights, they may be less likely to do something stupid like try to fire you or take away key responsibilities that you can handle perfectly fine until you deliver!

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How to Cover Up Your Tattoos For New Year’s Eve or A Maternity Photo Shoot (Video Tutorials)

Posted on December 30, 2017

Some women love their tattoos but when they have to attend an upscale event they may not want to expose them and have them distract from the dress.

Same for those wanting to capture their pregnant belly for a maternity portrait but want to conceal a stretched out tattoo on the belly. Finally, there are some who want to wear midriff-bearing tops but want to conceal stretchmarks from pregnancy.

Fortunately, there are lots of beauty product manufacturers that produce quality and top notch body make up and cover up. Here is a great tutorial for light skin and another

HERE for darker skin.

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The One Pregnancy Hack to Get Your Baby to Calm Down AFTER its Born

Posted on December 30, 2017

If you are expecting, you may know by now that there is no way to tell what type of temperament your baby will have when born. Ideally, you’d want a calm baby, with a warm temperament, who is easy-going and doesn’t suffer from colic or shows anxiety when held by anyone other than mom. Of course, there is no guarantee and you roll the dice and get what you get, and hopefully, you will have equipped yourself with skills and tools to soothe and calm your baby down when she or he is irritable and inconsolable.

But did you know there is a trick that you can try while pregnant to get your baby to calm down after she or he is born?

I did it with my first kid, sort of by accident, and it worked! Here is how it went down:

When I was expecting, I played one song and one song only while driving about, running errands, as I read. For me, it was the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Faeries” from the Nutcracker Ballet. (That may not be everyone’s cup of tea so for you, pick one song that is palatable to you and whomever you are living with as they too must be able to stand listening to that one song on repeat.)

When my son was born, whenever he would wail uncontrollably because, perhaps, he was in the back seat away from any familiar face and strapped in because we were traveling somewhere, I would put that song on in the car and he would immediately calm down, turn his cheek toward the music and stop crying. It worked every.single. time and I continue to use that song until he could communicate better and got used to those uncomfortable situations and didn’t cry anymore when in them.

It may not work on every baby but it’s worth the try! It could save you stress, anxiety and calm your nerves too when the baby is out! Good luck!

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