Are There Risks To Pumping While Pregnant
As Berry-Roberts explained above, there is a risk of miscarriage if you pump during early pregnancy. However, if you are already breastfeeding and pumping when you get pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of continuing to pump with your doctor. Any type of pumping, electric, manual, and hand expressing can cause contractions which could lead to labor, Parker says. For this reason, she recommends that you always check with your healthcare provider before pumping while pregnant.
Additionally, pumping while pregnant can cause sore nipples and dehydration. You already know you should drink lots of water while breastfeeding, but pregnancy itself is extremely taxing, so its even more important to stay aware of your body. Pumping can cause contractions so its important to listen to your body and stay well hydrated, Hamann says. When in doubt, do not hesitate to call your doctor and/or go in to be seen if you have any concern.
Now, lets address the nipple situation. Pregnancy tends to cause nipples to be sore already, pumping can make it worse, Hamann explains. You want to be careful to avoid soreness that may hinder your comfort and ability to nurse your newborn.
But thankfully, Hamann says that being able to get or save any milk does not signify anything in regards to future milk supply. Whew! Now you have one less thing to worry about.
Experts:
What Should I Do If I Think I’m Pregnant
If you think you may be pregnant, you can check using a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are easy to use and you can get them at most supermarkets and pharmacies.
If your home pregnancy test is positive, you should see your doctor to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test, and get information and advice about what comes next.
If your home pregnancy test is negative, but you still think you may be pregnant, you can see your doctor for a blood test to check whether you are pregnant.
To find a GP clinic near you that is open now, use the Service Finder tool.
While you are waiting to confirm whether you are pregnant, its a good idea to behave as you would if you were pregnant. This means you should avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke, and ensure you eat a healthy diet, including a folic acid supplement.
Learn more about the most common signs of early pregnancy.
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What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus. It is recommended for women who have cancer, fibroids, uterine prolapse, and excessive bleeding. The procedure prevents you from menstruating and getting pregnant. The recovery period depends on the complexity of the procedure. According to …
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Moodiness And Mood Swings
Sometime between weeks 6 and 10 you might notice shifts in your mood. This is common in early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, points out Nemours Childrens Health System. Mood shifts are caused by you guessed it! shifting hormones, which can also alter brain chemicals that regulate mood. The fatigue and physical stresses brought on by early pregnancy likely also contribute.
Mood shifts are usually nothing to worry about, but if they drop you into a deep depression, or if you develop thoughts of self-harm, its crucial that you reach out to a professional, the Cleveland Clinic cautions.
What Are Some Less Common Signs Of Early Pregnancy
There are some additional signs of early pregnancy that arent as common. Just like with the most common symptoms, these signs of pregnancy may or may not happen. Its important to remember that everyone is different and experiences signs of pregnancy differently.
Less common signs of early pregnancy can include:
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Craving Or Avoiding Certain Foods
Most women dont actually want that mythical pickles-and-ice cream combo, but food cravings do regularly occur, as does disliking a formerly favorite food.
A review of cravings in pregnancy published in Frontiers in Psychology lamented how little research exists for such a common symptom, which Ross says occurs in more than half of pregnancies. Cravings typically start in the first trimester. In one study the reviewers cited, three-quarters of women reported craving at least one food item by the thirteenth week of pregnancy.
What do women most want in early pregnancy? Mostly sweets, including fruits, juices, dairy, desserts, and, frequently, chocolate. But a small number of women prefer savory or salty fare, the review authors noted.
Its not clear why these cravings happen. Some speculate its due to fluctuating hormones, which can change the sense of taste or smell, but others say it fills specific nutritional needs of the fetus or are brought on by cultural norms or other factors.
Start With The Pregnancy Basics
- Calculate your baby’s due date. Don’t bother with a pencil and paper just use our handy due date calculator. Not only will it tell you the date you’ll be looking forward to all pregnancy long, it’ll give you a personalized calendar that shows when you’ll hear your baby’s heartbeat, find out your baby’s sex, and more.
- Choose a doctor or midwife. You’ll be seeing a lot of your obstetrician, family physician, or midwife over the coming months, so it’s important to find a good match. Once you’ve made your decision, help get your pregnancy off to a healthy start by scheduling your first prenatal appointment.
- . Some women wait until after the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage drops, while others announce it right away. Some wait to tell their co-workers or boss to avoid being treated differently at work, while others want their workplace buds to understand why they’re a little green around the gills. Also consider how you’ll make the news public in person, by phone, in writing, or by picture or video . Of course, this should be a joint decision you don’t want to opt for secrecy only to discover that your partner’s already announced the news to 400 Facebook friends.
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Discuss Medications With Your Doctor
Let your pregnancy care professional know about any medications or supplements youre taking. Not all of them are safe to take during pregnancy because they can pass through the placenta.
However, you should never discontinue a medication before talking with your doctor either. Many medications, like antidepressants, can cause severe side effects if you stop them cold turkey.
A healthcare professional can help you make a plan for safely tapering any medications that arent recommended during pregnancy.
Some pain medications, such as ibuprofen are not safe to take during pregnancy. Your provider can also tell you which OTC medications you can take.
For example, if you have a headache or run a fever while youre pregnant, you can take acetaminophen . If you have allergies, you can take certain OTC medications, according to ACOG.
Your best bet, though, is asking your doctor what they recommend for your specific situation, so you can make sure its safe for both you and baby.
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While pregnancy tests are the sought after option, there are a few ways by which you can know with reasonable certainty that you are pregnant. In this article, we will look at how to confirm your pregnancy without a test, for the benefit of expecting parents.
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Are There Benefits To Pumping While Pregnant
During late pregnancy, pumping while pregnant can potentially help prepare your body for labor. Pumping while pregnant can be considered later in the pregnancy when term at 37+ weeks to see if contractions can be generated, Dr. Berry-Roberts explains. This could bring about some cervical change and may have a positive impact on labor. This could be especially helpful if you want to have a non-medicated birth, as it can stimulate contractions without medical intervention.
So, it can help your body get ready to give birth, but does pumping while pregnant have any impact on your milk supply? There is a common misconception that pumping while pregnant can help increase milk supply, Hamann explains. Unless youre already nursing another child, Hamann says that milk supply does not begin to be established until after a hormone surge when the placenta separates.
If you do pump while pregnant and are able to store breast milk for future use, it can help ease the pressure you may experience after birth to formula feed especially if you have your heart set on nursing. Many women are not given appropriate education on breastfeeding and are pressured for various reasons to give supplements, Hamann explains. Having stored milk can provide that nutrition without having to use formula. Though as always, fed is best, so do whatever works for your family.
Do Baby Shopping Beforehand:
Image: Shutterstock
Another thing you need to know about pregnancy is to avoid last minute rush, keep all things required post delivery, ready. A few clothes, baby mats, blankets, warm clothes , and feeding equipment should be bought in advance. Moreover, you enjoy such shopping, and it enhances your connect with the baby.
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Slightly Elevated Waking Body Temperature
Fluctuations in body temperature during a womans cycle are extremely subtle with resting, or basal body temperature typically rising just ½ degree F at the time of ovulation. To catch a body temperature that might indicate early pregnancy, then, you have to be taking it every day.
There is no specific temperature that indicates an early pregnancy, states the period-tracking company Clearblue. However, basal body temperature is highest during ovulation and soon starts falling if an egg is not fertilized. If your basal body temperature has risen and stays up for the next 18 days, thats a sign you may be pregnant, the company says.
To track basal body temperature, keep a thermometer on your nightstand because this temperature must be taken every morning, ideally at the same time, before getting out of bed. Record the temperature on a paper chart or a tracking app for easy comparison with prior days.
Choose A Healthcare Professional
If you have a doctor or midwife in mind already, give them a call as soon as possible. Theyll most likely want to schedule a visit, do some blood work, prescribe prenatal vitamins, and make sure you have everything you need.
If you dont have a preferred healthcare professional, look into getting one ASAP. Ask friends or family for recommendations, or look for a healthcare office near you.
Organizations such as Planned Parenthood also offer affordable access to healthcare, including prenatal care if youre not sure where to start. Check with your local Planned Parenthood health center to see what services they offer, as not all centers offer prenatal care.
Just make sure you pick a doctor or midwife that you feel comfortable with and that you trust. Not only could this person deliver your baby, but youll also be seeing them a lot over the next 9 or so months. Most offices operate as a group, so its also a good idea to get to know as many health professionals there as you can.
During your pregnancy, you should generally expect to see your OB or midwife:
- once per month until week 28
- twice per month from weeks 28 to 36
- weekly from week 36 to birth
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any complications, you might need additional appointments.
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There Can Be Discomforts During Pregnancy:
Being pregnant is not easy. There will be discomforts throughout the period. Activities such as standing or sitting for long durations that you could indulge in earlier, would either be forbidden now or you find them too difficult to do. Issues such as constipation and vomiting could drain your energy. Eating healthy and getting the required amount of rest, can help you reduce the discomforts .
How Do I Work Out My Due Date
Most babies are born about 38 weeks after conception. Since many women ovulate and conceive about 2 weeks after their last period, this is often about 40 weeks since the beginning of their last period. Thats why people often talk about pregnancy lasting for 40 weeks.
Women with a regular 28-day cycle can calculate an estimated due date for their baby by counting 40 weeks from the first day of their last period. This may not be so simple or accurate in other situations, such as if you have long or irregular cycles, dont remember when you had your last period, or if you became pregnant while taking contraception that affected your cycle.
Use the due date calculator to calculate your estimated due date.
If youre not sure when you conceived, your doctor or midwife may refer you for a dating scan that uses ultrasound to estimate your due date based on your babys size.
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Can You Breast Pump While Pregnant
You can pump breast milk while pregnant, but its important to understand that doing so has risks and should be cleared with your doctor first.
Pumping while pregnant is generally not advised unless you are pumping to feed a little one who is still nursing, Dr. Crystal Berry-Roberts, a board-certified OB-GYN at Austin Regional Clinic explains. Berry-Roberts stresses that there are risks involved if you choose to pump while pregnant. Pumping while pregnant can stimulate the release of oxytocin which can cause the uterus to contract, she explains. If done early on in the pregnancy, this could increase the risk of miscarriage.
However, these possible risks should also be weighed against your nursing childs nutritional needs. If you are nursing a particularly young baby and need to pump to provide them with optimal nutrition, the benefits of pumping for them may outweigh the potential for complications during a healthy pregnancy. As long as there arent any significant risk factors and the doctor doesnt order pelvic rest aka, no sex then there is no reason to restrict pumping or nursing, registered nurse and board-certified lactation consultant Tera Hamann says.
Light Spotting And Cramping
Light spotting, also known as implantation bleeding, can occur when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This can happen about 10 to 14 days after conception, around the same time that you are supposed to have your period. Light spotting may also be accompanied by cramping, which can feel similar to menstrual cramps.
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Can My Due Date Change
Due dates are only an estimate. Providers consider a pregnancy to be full term after 37 weeks. So, keep in mind that you may very well deliver your baby before or after your due date.
When you see your provider for an ultrasound, they may tell you that your due date has changed. Sometimes fetal measurements show that you arent as far along as you thought. Or, if the fetus is bigger than expected based on your due date, your provider may adjust your due date to make it a few days earlier. This is all perfectly normal.
Morning Sickness Nausea And Vomiting During Early Pregnancy
Nausea and morning sickness usually develop around weeks 4 to 6 and peak around week 9.
Although its called morning sickness, it can occur anytime during the day or night. Its unclear exactly what causes nausea and morning sickness, but hormones may play a role.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience mild to severe morning sickness. It may become more intense toward the end of the first trimester, but often becomes less severe as you enter the second trimester.
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When To See A Health Care Provider About Your Early Pregnancy
Everyones experience of pregnancy is different, and every pregnancy is different even in the same person. Be aware of this when looking for signs of early pregnancy. Learn about common signs and symptoms and be alert to your own body and the signals it sends you.
Make sure you see a health care provider as soon as possible after conception. This may contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
Taking The Next Steps
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