Wedding Season: 5 Things to Consider Before You Agree to Be a Pregnant Bridesmaid

Posted on July 5, 2016

Given that we are smack dab in the middle of Wedding Season, here is an oldie but goodie post for all you moms-to-be out there who have been asked to be a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding:

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every bride-to-be shall be in want of a good bridesmaid…or three. And chances are that when a friend comes to you basking in that newly engaged glow and asks you to be one those bridesmaids, you’ll jump at the chance to support her on her big day:

The dancing! The shoes! The dresses! The CAKE!. Before you can say “yellow organza chiffon,” you’ve committed to being a bridesmaid and all that the honor entails. But what if you are expecting to have a big (and getting bigger) event of your own sometime in the next nine months?

1.THE COST

While the costs associated with being a bridesmaid can vary from wedding to wedding, one thing is certain: a baby on the way means unexpected expenses will be particularly unwelcome. After all, your priorities are changing, and whether it’s saving for diapers or a college fund, you want to make sure being a bridesmaid won’t mean being expected to pony up for expenses you soon won’t be able to afford. Accordingly, it’s important to clarify just what kinds of expenses will be expected of you ahead of time. A few to inquire after:

A. Will you be responsible for your dress, or will the bride pick up the tab? The same goes for those dyed shoes and your fabulous wedding day up-do and manicure.

B. If travel is involved, how costly will that be? Airfare, cab fare, hotel and eating out should all be considered.

C. How much (if any) will you be expected to contribute to a shower or bachelorette activities?

2. THE DRESS

Since bridesmaids dresses are known for being so lovely and flattering, finding a dress that will work while you are pregnant should be no problem at all! Um, yeah… Back on planet earth, bridesmaids dresses can be itchy, lumpy, scratchy, and pinchy (yes, you know pinchy is a word). But this is not to say that you cannot totally rock the pregnant bridesmaid look as long as you keep a few things in mind.

A. Comfort and Fit: Ultimately, you want a dress that flatters your figure and that you’ll feel great wearing. Look for a flowing empire-waisted gown, or a dress that can be ‘enhanced’ with an extra panel to accommodate that lovely baby bump of yours!

B. Alterations: Make sure you’ve got a good tailor who will be able to make last minute alterations a little bit in advance of the wedding date. As you know, all of those measurements are going to change. And then change some more.

C. Support: Speaking of those changing measurements, the right maternity bra can do wonders for a girl’s mood at a wedding, not to mention her back! Once you reach your third trimester, you will likely need to trade in those lacy bras and reach for something more substantial. Just don’t forget to make sure that your maternity bra works with your dress as the date nears.

3. YOUR DUE DATE

Let’s put this right out there: Going into labor at your friend’s wedding is not ideal. If your due date falls very close to the wedding date (or even within a month), you should feel free to humbly decline being in the wedding. Consulting with your doctor is also a good idea, as he or she will have likely dealt with this issue in the past and can make an individualized recommendation. However, if your due date is farther afield from the wedding date, then the most important factor to consider is likely to be travel. While most airlines will allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month, you need to consider what your own personal comfort level will be.

Tips for safe air travel while pregnant include walking the aisles on your flight to prevent blood clots, drinking lots of water, and wearing your seatbelt under your belly rather than across it. Travelling during pregnancy can be challenging, but if you and your doctor think you are up for it, then you’re a go.

Just one thing though: You know those teeny tiny airplane bathrooms? Need we say more?

4. THE TIME COMMITMENT

She’s the friend who consoled you that time you broke up with that jerk during freshman year…and then consoled you again when you broke up with that other jerk that next year. She’s been with you through thick and thin and late night pizza runs. So of course you want to be the absolute best bridesmaid possible. But take a moment to consider what that might mean: stuffing invitations, licking stamps, shopping for wedding favors, liking her Facebook posts, and talking. Lots and lots of talking. You owe it to yourself and to your friend to think realistically about what you can handle during your pregnancy. No friend wants you to overtax yourself while you should be focusing on your health and the health of your baby. Let her know your concerns and ask in the gentlest way possible what will be expected of you so that you can both make an educated decision.

Going to a Wedding Soon? Need A Dress?

5. THE FRIENDSHIP STYLE

Before you say yes, think about the type of friendship/relationship that you have with the bride. Is it filled with drama or is it mostly peaceful?Communication will be key to making this situation work. She needs to understand that there will be times during this pregnancy that you will be tired, anxious, or painting adorable ducks on a nursery wall, and therefore will be unable to check out her Pinterest board right this moment. And you will have to understand that this is one of the most exciting times in her life, and that she will need your support throughout, even if your feet are swollen and throbbing, and the ducks need painting. If you two have that covered, the rest of the stuff will be a breeze.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is an honor, for sure, and it’s no wonder you might be tempted to fill such a position for a friend you care about so dearly. But true friendship means knowing your limitations — something your friend should likewise honor and respect. And don’t worry: if you can’t participate as a bridesmaid, there are plenty of other ways to show your friend you care throughout this process. So, consider your next steps carefully and you’re sure to make the decision that will best balance your friendship and your own needs. And by the way, congratulations!

— Alyssa Ennis

Photos: Starcast, Pinterest

Low Heeled Shoes for Pregnant Women

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Pregnancy

Take a Look at These 12 Amazing Underwater Maternity Portraits

Posted on June 30, 2016

In 2007, photographer Kevin Beasley started taking underwater bridal photography. Naturally, Beasley ventured into underwater maternity photography and his career has taken off ever since. Also, many other photographers have copied his style and technique and have done their own attempts at snapping moms-to-be in wrapped in fluid and flowing cloth.

Some have even thrown kids and dads in the mix to make it even more interesting. I spotted a collection of Beasley’s and others’ photos on Ideas Hours Tips’ Facebook Page. I tried to source them all but could not although some of the photographers have their watermark on their photos. Ping me if you identify a one so I can properly source. In the meantime, enjoy!

Great Job, Kevin and others!

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Pregnancy

A New Blood Test Can Predict PreTerm Delivery

Posted on June 27, 2016

A blood test developed by a team at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, part of Sinai Health System, and the University of Calgary has been shown to predict if a pregnant woman is at risk of delivering her baby prematurely, before full 37 weeks of gestation.

The test is the most accurate one to date and provides the earliest detection of premature birth, with 86 per cent accuracy in determining mothers at risk of early delivery.

Mitigating risk for preterm birth is important because premature birth remains the main cause of child-related mortality in the developed world. Preterm birth occurs in five to 10 per cent of all pregnancies, but is associated with 70% of all newborn deaths (excluding genetic anomalies) and up to 75% of newborn disease including cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, respiratory illness and complications of neonatal intensive care.

The study was published today, June 22, 2016 in PLOS one , and was led by Dr. Jan Heng (former post-doc at Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and currently at Harvard Medical School), and recently named Scotiabank Scientist in Child and Adolescent Development Health Research, Professor Stephen Lye (Senior Investigator, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and University of Toronto) as well as Professor Suzanne Tough ( University of Calgary).

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The 6 Things to Do if You Think You Might be Pregnant

Posted on June 27, 2016

So you just found out you are likely “knocked up” and it may or may not have been planned. Whether you were expecting and hoping for this news or not, there are several things you will have to do immediately as you deal with a surge of emotions and feelings.

Here is a list of 6 things to do right after discovering you are expecting:

1) Write Down the Dates: There’s a chance you’ve miscounted days and you’re actually not late, but if you are, it’s important to have accurate information about your missed period. According to a NEW survey from e.p.t, 45 percent of women said their pregnancy was unplanned … so you need to make sure you’re tracking correctly.

2) Don’t Wait Too Long to Find Out the Truth: If you are pregnant, there are certain things you should / should not be doing (i.e. taking prenatal vitamins, not drinking alcohol) so it’s important to find out as soon as possible. The e.p.t survey found that nearly half of women (47 percent) learn that they are pregnant within the first 4 weeks of their pregnancy. Only a small number (two percent) find out in their second trimester.

3) Take a Home Pregnancy Test: You don’t need to wait anxiously to find out the truth – you can pick-up a home pregnancy test at your local drug store. In fact, 8 out of 10 women first learned they were pregnant from a home pregnancy test, and nearly half said they took the test immediately after buying it.

4) Tell Your Significant Other: While 47 percent of women have discovered they were pregnant while with their significant other, 42 percent of women found out they were pregnant alone. So, you’ll want to share the news with that you’re special someone for support.

5) Call Your Doctor: Believe it or not, four out of 10 women call their doctor before telling their significant other. You’ll need schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm your pregnancy, determine your due date, do an exam, and determine if you have any pregnancy risk factors based on your age, health and/or personal and family history.

6) Get a Handle on Your Emotions: Whether you’re pregnant or not, you’re emotions are in rare form, and not everyone reacts the same way …. According to the e.p.t survey, nearly 4 in 10 women (37 percent) taking a home pregnancy admitted to feeling more scared than excited (28 percent) about finding out whether they were pregnant. While 55 percent were relieved to find out they weren’t pregnant (false alarm!)

Good luck to you moms-to-be!

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Study: A Third of Women are Depressed while Pregnant

Posted on June 25, 2016

While pregnant, most women expect to feel the impending joy of motherhood. But for many that’s replaced by depression.

Although awareness of postpartum depression has increased in recent years, and doctors usually gauge new mothers for symptoms, depression at other points around pregnancy has been less studied.

A new study from Northwestern University is one of the first, its authors say, to evaluate depression related to motherhood at three times: pre-pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum.

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Court: Woman Can Sue for Emotional Distress of Carrying an Unwanted Down Syndrome Baby

Posted on June 23, 2016

A Michigan appeals court ruled that a woman who got pregnant after having her Fallopian tubes blocked can get financial damages in a medical malpractice claim to compensate her for the emotional distress of knowing she would deliver a child with Down Syndrome.

The Appellate Court denied Lori Cichewicz‘s claim for the costs of raising a child with Down Syndrome but said she can seek compensation for the stress associated with the unplanned pregnancy like any medical malpractice claim.

Cichewicz said her doctor assured by her that her Fallopian tubes were blocked and she didn’t need to use birth control. But she became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter in 2011. It is another of those rare cases of of so-called wrongful conception.

The court ruled 3-0 in her favor. The lawsuit now returns to Oakland County Circuit Court.

h/t Detroit News

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When Your Friends Don’t Get What You’re Going Thru, There’s Online Mom-to-Be Communities Like BrightBod.com

Posted on June 23, 2016

When I was expecting my first child, I did what a lot of anxious first time soon-to-be first-time moms did. I searched and found an online community of women who were also expecting. I felt comfortable being able to commiserate with other women in my same position. At the time, none of my friends were on the mommy and kids route yet. An online community was the next best thing to IRL (in real life) friends. That was over 14 years ago. Since then, several other online communities have sprouted up.

One new one, BrightBod.com, stands out because it is trying to position itself as more than an online community but also a potential alternative to folks to who do not have healthcare. A reader reviewer, Sharon, checked out the absolutely FREE service and here is her testimonial about her experience:

I wasn’t sure what to expect for my first prenatal checkup. I knew I was going to have lab work done and a complete physical. I was told by a friend that the hormones present in a blood test would confirm I was pregnant, but I wondered why they would be drawing blood to confirm I was pregnant (when any simple urine test could determine that). Actually, it wasn’t until I went to BrightBod.com that I was able to speak with another woman in a video chat about the emotional aspects of some of the tests my Doctor will be conducting.
BrightBod is where pregnant women go to connect with other pregnant women in a free video conference. You can video conference with another pregnant woman one-on-one or video conference with a Pregnancy Support Group. (All of the Support Groups at BrightBod.com are also free. BrightBod is paying people to lead their 30-minute Pregnancy Support Group video conference each week. Their email is [email protected].)
BrightBod.com has become one of my favorite sites. One of the first things I discovered about BrightBod is that I was able to select my Avatar from a big group of Avatars, which were in Yoga poses, Dance poses or Kung Fu poses. Then, I selected a hair color for my Avatar. Next, I selected a hair length. Last, I uploaded a pic I took of Central Park in NYC as a background photo.

Frequently, I like to use BrightBod’s custom 3-D backgrounds (Disco lights, Zero gravity, Magical forest, etc.), which move with my Avatar. Do I need a 3-D background to learn about Pregnancy? Definitely not, but it makes it so much more fun!After you sign up at BrightBod.com, select “My Avatar” (on the left-side navigation) and then, just select “Pregnancy” as your medical condition. When you click on the “Pregnancy” symbol on your Avatar, you can connect with everyone else, who also designated “Pregnancy” for their medical condition.

When I clicked on the “Pregnancy” symbol and was presented with everyone else on BrightBod.com who was also Pregnant, I selected Lucy P. I chose her because she was young and looked approachable. I sent her a video request and she was very, very helpful. By the way, this was free, as is 99% of BrightBod.com.
Evidently, Lucy explained the blood test that I was so concerned about is done primarily to check for STD’s and to rule out genetic disorders. I also found out from Lucy in a video chat on BrightBod.com that a urine test will be necessary to make sure I don’t have any infections. She also said a pap smear will be done to test for Cervical Cancer and a vaginal infection. Of course, they will check my blood pressure, weight and a number of other metrics. Basically, they want to establish a baseline, so they can measure various concerns throughout my pregnancy, should they arise.

The Pregnancy Support Group on BrightBod.com will be a weekly event for me. For a half hour each week, sometimes, up to 20 of us will talk in a video conference (like Skype, but for 10 to 20 people at the same time, in the same video conference). I really like that because it’s so helpful to hear from a group of women, as opposed to just 1 other pregnant woman. Sometimes one-on-one is best, but other times, listening to different responses to the same question is immensely helpful.
Sometimes, you have to trust and go with the wisdom of the group!Of course, in the past, I referred to WebMD, but it is completely ridiculous for me to try and self-diagnose. I, for one, can’t ascertain any of the emotional content from reading a random anonymous person’s opinion. Further, I’m not a doctor; I don’t understand a lot of what I have read there. In my opinion, there is no longer any reason to refer to any other site because BrightBod.com is free and makes life so much easier and better.

I really dig the fact that BrightBod is working to position itself as America’s FREE Alternative Healthcare for women who cannot afford the real cost of Healthcare — Deductibles, Premiums, co-pays, and the like! Very cool!

I’m going to have to check them out myself. Consider signing up too! Do it Here!

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Awww! Among the 72 New Emojis Released today is a Pregnant Lady Emoji

Posted on June 21, 2016

Last May, Yahoo news reports that the Unicode Consortium — a little-known Mountain View, California-based organization that standardizes characters and emoji across all the different operating systems — voted to release a batch of 74 brand new pictographs, including a wilted flower, bacon, and a symbol for the word “selfie.”

People who are trying to conceive and planning families will now have a pregnant woman emoji option now too! Woo hoo! It made the cut.

Though, to be fair, current 2nd time mom-to-be to the newest Kardashian, Blac Chyna released it first as part of her Chymoji Emoji app options.

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The new Unicode Emojis were released today and people are most excited about all the new food options including bacon!

!!!!!they’re releasing a bacon emoji today!!!!!
— Lauren Lux (@laurennleighh) June 21, 2016

FINALLY THERE WILL BE A #BACONEMOJI! ? https://t.co/LVZwwpTGbp #emojis #yas #JimmyFallon pic.twitter.com/MpzwEgelUR — Cherry Ocean (@CherryOcean_) June 21, 2016

Sadly, to make room for more, we lost some.

The taco is no more. Why? I don’t know. I’m sad because what will I use to express Taco Tuesday now? No fair!

We suppose because of the recent mass shooting violence, they removed the rifle. Though, the pistol is still there so…. shrug

And as an avid selfie taker, I thought it was so cool to see the Selfie emjoi make its debut. Finally!

Sadly, still no red hair emoji! Sorry gingers. 🙁

Are redheads considered just as dangerous as rifles or is there another reason we still don’t have our emojis?
— Rachel Schallom (@rschallom) June 21, 2016

Are you excited for the new emojis too?

Here’s the complete list:

Rolling On The Floor Laughing

Face With Cowboy Hat

Clown Face

Lying Face

Drooling Face

Nauseated Face

Sneezing Face

Prince

Mother Christmas

Man In Tuxedo

Shrug

Face Palm

Pregnant Woman

Man Dancing

Selfie

Hand With Index And Middle Fingers Crossed

Call Me Hand

Left-Facing Fist

Right-Facing Fist

Raised Back Of Hand

Handshake

Black Heart

Gorilla

Fox Face

Deer

Rhinoceros

Bat

Eagle

Duck

Owl

Lizard

Shark

Shrimp

Squid

Butterfly

Wilted Flower

Kiwifruit

Avocado

Potato

Carrot

Cucumber

Peanuts

Croissant

Baguette Bread

Pancakes

Bacon

Stuffed Flatbread

Egg

Shallow Pan Of Food

Green Salad

Glass of Milk

Clinking Glasses

Tumbler Glass

Spoon

Octagonal

Scooter

Motor Scooter

Canoe

First Place Medal

Second Place Medal

Third Place Medal

Boxing Glove

Martial Arts Uniform

Person Doing Cartwheel

Wrestlers

Water Polo

Handball

Fencer

Goal Net

Juggling

Drum With Drumsticks

Shopping Trolley

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STUDY: Folic Acid Taken During Pregnancy Lower’s Baby Childhood Obesity Risk

Posted on June 16, 2016

Pregnant women should take folic acid, a B vitamin, during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in their babies. Now a new study, in JAMA Pediatrics, has found that sufficient folic acid during pregnancy may reduce the risk for obesity in children.

Researchers studied 1,517 mother-child pairs, measuring the mothers’ folic acid blood levels at delivery and following the children through average age 6. After controlling for other variables in both mother and child, they found that compared with those mothers who had folic acid levels in the highest three-quarters, those with levels in the lowest one-quarter had a 45 percent higher risk for obesity in their children.

Continue reading

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Pregnancy

These Easy-to-Make Breast Milk Popsicles Are Healthy & Great for Teething Babies

Posted on May 29, 2016

We love what Facebook user Latifa Trina shared with the MixedRace Babies Facebook group recently: a Breast Milk Popsicle for her teething 5 1/2 year old.

She mixed one organic banana with an ounce and a half of breast milk that she blended in her Baby Magic Bullet then poured the mixture in Popsicle molds and froze them.

It’s cool and the hard texture makes them great for a teething baby. The bonus is that they are also nutritious and good for baby!

Latifa’s daughter Charleigh loves it! Good job, mom!

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