1. Pregnancy Reveal Mug

Put a secret message at the bottom of a coffee mug! Once dad-to-be finishes his morning cup of joe, he’ll learn the good news with a message “You’re Going to Be a Dad” in these cute pregnancy reveal mugs.

2. Personalized Beer Labels

Hand the expecting dad his favorite bottle of brew from a six-pack with personalized labels and “beer names” like Sleepless Nights and Dirty Diapers. He’ll get the hint!

3. Box of Daddy Essentials

Put together a box with baby swag and include this adorable, customized bib that says “Hi Daddy, See You In _________” where you include baby’s birth month.

4. Pregnancy Test Care Package

Box up your positive pregnancy test with a cute note that says, “Daddy, I Can’t Wait to Meet You” or “Coming Soon.”

5. Accessories

Have a special note engraved on a new keychain or pendant that says “#1 Dad” or other heartfelt message.

6. Baby Sports Jersey

If your partner is a sports fanatic, surprise him with an infant onesie or jersey from his favorite team. Here are some adorable football baby goodies!

7. Puzzle Fun

Suggest a puzzle night with your partner and bring out this personalized pregnancy reveal puzzle to work on together. Once complete, it’ll reveal “You’re Going to Be a Daddy” or whatever message you choose.

8. Book of Tips and Advice

Slip this “New Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy” book in your partner’s newspaper or on his pillow to give him a clue!

Whether you decide to make a big production or keep it simple and intimate, telling your partner can be something special to look forward to.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Fun Ways to Tell Your Partner You’re Pregnant appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Possible Challenges

Women in this demographic are more likely to make healthier, informed, and responsible lifestyle choices compared with younger generations. But there are still some risks to be aware of for women who become pregnant at or after age 35. They include:

Infertility. By age 30, fertility begins to decline, and it becomes more rapid once women reach their mid-30s. This is due to a decrease in the number of healthy eggs women have as they age. By age 45, fertility is declined so much that the statistical chance of conceiving naturally is fairly unlikely for most women.¹

Abnormal Chromosomes. The risk of having a baby with a chromosome abnormality such as Down syndrome is small, but the risk does increase to 1 in 400 births after age 35.²

Miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage increases gradually with age as well, from 8.9% for women ages 20 to 24 to 74.7% for women who are 45 and over.³

Making Healthy Choices

As we age, that finicky metabolism starts to wane, making weight gain, diabetes, thyroid disease, or hypertension riskier for us all. These conditions also can make conception and pregnancy more difficult. But sticking to a healthy lifestyle goes a long way in supporting a healthy pregnancy at any age. Here are some tips to remember before you conceive and during pregnancy:

• Get a preconception checkup to help identify any health conditions that may affect your pregnancy.
• Treat any conditions that your doctor may find.
• Take prenatal vitamins.
• Eat healthy foods with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t smoke, take drugs, or consume alcohol.
• Reduce stress.
• Go to all your prenatal care checkups.
• Keep up with treatments for any condition your doctor may have found.
• Gain the right amount of weight.
• Continue to stay active.

The right time to have a baby is different for every woman. If you’re 35 or older and thinking about a family, now is the time to commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Prenatal Vitamins Can Help

Prenate^® Enhance is an excellent prenatal vitamin option to help meet vitamin D and DHA requirements and is designed specifically for women of advanced maternal age. It has advanced forms of these ingredients, which are more efficient for your body to use and will help ensure you and your baby get the full benefits of taking a prenatal vitamin supplement.^4-5 One of the biggest benefits of Prenate^® Enhance is that it can provide the extra supplementation that diet alone may not provide. Talk to your doctor to find out if Prenate^® Enhance is right for you.

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post How to Support Pregnancy at Age 35 and Beyond appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

How Pregnancy Tests Work

By using a sample of your urine or blood, pregnancy tests look for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. This hormone only develops in the body during pregnancy. The production of hCG doubles every three days and peaks at eight to 11 weeks.¹

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and can detect pregnancy as early as one day after you miss your period. Others can detect pregnancy within a week. There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. Both detect the amount of hCG in the body.

At-Home Pregnancy Test

Urine tests are commonly used as at-home pregnancy tests. You can purchase these at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retail locations and use them in the privacy of your own home. Depending on the type of test you purchase, you could have a result within minutes.

Home pregnancy tests are very accurate – about 97% – when used correctly. Keep in mind that your body needs time to build up the hCG hormone, so if you take the test too early, it is possible to get a negative result when you might really be pregnant. Here are some tips for reducing the chances of a false-negative test:²

• Read the directions completely before taking the test.
• Follow every step exactly as written.
• Test using your first morning urine when hCG levels are most concentrated.
• Make sure your bladder is full for at least four hours if you have to test another time of day.
• Refrain from drinking excessive amounts of fluid before testing because it can dilute your hCG levels.

Medical Office Pregnancy Test

If you get a positive result from your home pregnancy test, the next step is to have your doctor confirm it with either another urine test or a blood test. A blood test is more sensitive than a urine test and can pick up hCG earlier in the pregnancy, about six to eight days after ovulation. Doctors use two types of blood tests: quantitative and qualitative hCG. The first measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood – even the tiniest amounts. The second is as accurate as a urine test and just checks to see if hCG is present.³

There is no shortage of decisions to be made when the pregnancy journey begins. For tips, guidance, and nutritional support, Prenate^® is here for you.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Pregnancy Testing: At-Home vs Professional appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

What’s the Difference Between the Two?

An ovulation calculator estimates how likely you are to release an egg on a particular day in your menstrual cycle, while a fertility monitor lets you know the days that you are more likely to get pregnant during intercourse. Both can help you maximize your chances of getting pregnant.

Ovulation calculators work by taking the first day of your last period and the length of your menstrual cycle to give a range of days when you may release an egg.

Fertility monitors detect the surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH) that typically occurs 24 hours to 48 hours before ovulation. That surge of hormone triggers ovulation, which is the discharge of a mature egg from the ovary.

After an egg is released, it only survives for up to 24 hours if it’s not fertilized, so knowing when you ovulate allows you to try to time conception.

Effectiveness

When it comes to ovulation calculators, there is no accuracy guarantee since the methodology is based on averages and varying cycles. Fortunately, ovulation calculators don’t have to pinpoint an exact date, just a nice healthy range of possibly fertile days.

Fertility monitoring tests, when used correctly, can detect with 99% accuracy the LH surge that paves the way for ovulation. Keep in mind that just detecting the surge of LH doesn’t mean ovulation actually will happen over the next 48 hours.

Finding the Right Fertility Monitor & Ovulation Calculator

Calculating ovulation doesn’t have to be high-tech. The calendar method, or standard days method, is very popular. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health offers a simple-to-use online ovulation calendar that gives you a six-day fertility window as well as an estimation of your likely ovulation date. You can also try those available on the American Pregnancy Association or March of Dimes website.

Staying on top of your ovulation may sound a bit time consuming, but there are several devices and resources to help make tracking easy and maybe a little fun! From wearable trackers to smartphone apps, to strips, to a combined pregnancy test kit, there is a fertility monitor or tracking device to suit any soon-to-be mom’s need.

Keep in mind that fertility monitoring and ovulation calendars are more effective when you can check your chart and cycles every day. Enjoy the journey!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post In the Market for Fertility Monitors and Ovulation Calculators? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Smoking

We already know the reasons you should not smoke: risk of lung cancer, heart disease, premature aging, gum disease … and the list goes on. But if you are trying to conceive, smoking can lead to infertility issues and pregnancy complications. Women who smoke can have difficulty becoming pregnant, and men who smoke can suffer impotence and a low sperm count.¹

Caffeine

Call it a liquid comfort food, a daily habit, or even an addiction, but there is something so practical and yet so gratifying about sipping caffeinated beverages, hot or cold. However, studies have shown that drinking more than five cups of coffee a day is associated with decreased fertility. So while you are trying to conceive, it is wise to limit your caffeine intake. And when you do become pregnant, consuming more than two cups a day could increase your chance of miscarriage.²

Alcohol

You don’t have to skip the Girl’s Night Out soirees while trying to conceive, but do practice moderation when it comes to alcohol. Some research suggests that drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day is associated with an increased risk of ovulation disorders.³

Exercising Too Much

If you exercise, you’ll have a better chance of conceiving quickly than someone who isn’t active. However, just like everything else, exercise should be done in moderation. Strenuous, high-intensity routines can increase the time it takes to become pregnant. Vigorous exercise and weight loss also can lead to missed periods.⁴

Junk food

Enjoying junk food or fast food every once in a while isn’t necessarily a fertility deal breaker, but some studies show that eating fast food frequently or regularly before you become pregnant can lead to obesity. It also can increase the time it takes to conceive. Healthy foods like fruits have been linked to improved fertility.⁵

With a little pre-planning and simple lifestyle changes, such as watching what you eat, exercising, and taking prenatal vitamins, you can create the optimal scenario for improving your chances of conceiving.

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Things to Avoid When Trying to Conceive appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Start with Your Insurance Provider

The cost of having a baby is an obvious consideration for most expecting parents. There are prenatal visits, the delivery, and postpartum visits to think about. Not to mention any tests or procedures that may be necessary. So that you are not surprised by unexpected medical bills, create a list of potential providers who are in your insurance network. And check with your insurance company to see what out-of-pocket expenses you can expect during pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period.

Get Recommendations from Other Moms

Once you have the answers you need from your insurance provider, and have narrowed the list of in-network doctors, reach out to family and friends for their recommendations. Keep in mind that choosing an OB-GYN is a very personal decision, and someone else’s choice may not be the right fit for you.

Assess Your Needs

Choosing an OB-GYN is a decision that ultimately depends on your specific needs – prenatal, during delivery, and post-delivery. Do you want a natural birth, or do you want an epidermal? Do you have underlying health conditions or a chronic illness that may require a specialist?

Look for a Partner

From the right vitamins to the right treatments to the right medical options, you want an OB-GYN who makes healthcare decisions with you, not for you. When you have a reciprocal relationship with your doctor, you’ll be able to talk openly and honestly about your health and your pregnancy care and never have to worry about having your questions answered.

Meet Your List of Potential OB-GYNs

Now that you have an idea of what you want in an OB-GYN, and a list of prospective doctors, make an appointment with each. Think of these meet-and-greets as a job interview. To narrow the field, be prepared to go in with a list of questions, such as:

• How much experience do you have?
• How many babies have you delivered?
• What hospital are you associated with?
• Will I see you every time I come in for an office visit?
• Who will deliver my baby, you or another physician on-call?
• How much time do you allow for each office visit?
• Are you available to answer questions outside of office visits?
• What is the likelihood I will need a cesarean section?
• How many C-sections have you performed?
• What are your thoughts on pain management during delivery?

Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, when it comes to choosing an OB-GYN to deliver your baby, listen to your own intuition. Which doctors answered your questions to your expectations during your meet-and-greets? Which ones made you feel relaxed? Did any of them make you feel rushed during a visit? Did they listen to you? Did they interrupt you? How did their personality fit with yours? These are just some of the questions to ask yourself after each interview. Trust your instincts, and you will make the right decision.

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Tips for Choosing an OBGYN appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Baby Boy Names

First, it was Michael. Then it was Jacob. For more than five decades, those two names topped the popularity charts for baby boy names. And then, a shift took hold. Beginning in 2019, the most-chosen boys’ names were Liam, Noah, Oliver, William, Elijah, James, Benjamin, Lucas, Mason, and Ethan. In 2020, names ending in -ias and -iel, names inspired by cities and countries, and names from the Bible also were popular. Unique baby boy names such as Sekani, Ermias, Amias, Kyro, and Ambrose are trending for 2021, while Chad, Bowie, Jaxen, Payton, and other names that end in -en or -on, are on their way out.

Baby Girl Names

In 2020, baby girl names varied from the traditional, such as Dorothy and Rosie, to the imaginative, including Delilah and Aurelia. While some parents-to-be search out names like Althea that suggest strength, others go for softer identities like Penelope. The top 10 baby girl names for 2019-2020 were Olivia, Emma, Ava, Sophia, Isabella, Charlotte, Amelia, Mia, Harper, and Evelyn. Another fun trend for girl names is choosing names typically associated with boys, including Charlie, Max, Ryan, or Stevie. What other unique names are climbing the charts for 2021? Amoura, Theodora, Navy, Emani, and Yaritza. What’s out? The “A’s:” Aislinn, Aiyana, Avalyn, Avah, and Ansley.

Gender-Neutral Names

Looking for names suitable for both baby boys and girls? Since 1985, interest in gender-neutral names has been on the rise. For parents who want to look past the pink and blue naming norms, the top 10 unisex baby names in 2020 were Bellamy, Charlie, Dakota, Denver, Emerson, Finley, Justice, River, Skyler, and Tatum. Those names seem to be sticking around for 2021, but more uncommon names such as Salem, Presley, and Rowan are gaining traction. Here are some other ideas for baby names that do not reference gender.

• Places like Paris, Rome, Phoenix, Zealand, or Brooklyn.
• Last names like Smith, Parker, Carson, Lincoln, or Monroe.
• Nature-inspired names like River, Summer, Sage, Clover, Wren, Bay, or Sky.
• Incidental names inspired by everyday language like Umber, Justice, Royal, Sterling, Arrow, Ever, Jazz, or Bleu.

Start Your Own Trending Baby Name

Of course, there is no rule that says you have to choose a baby name that’s popular with the masses! Come up with your own unique name. You can draw inspiration from so many different ideas that are singularly significant to you and your family to find one that is the perfect fit for your baby. Maybe name your baby after a location or destination special to you, like the name of the city you were married or born in. Or a favorite country you visited. You might also choose your mother’s maiden name or the last name of a special family member. The possibilities are endless!

Keep in mind that a name’s popularity or uniqueness is only one consideration. You’ll also want to consider how easy it is to spell or pronounce, how it fits together with the last name, how it fits with the names of your other children, and what it rhymes with (keep in mind, other children can be mean when making up nicknames).

No matter how you go about choosing your baby’s name, enjoy the process, and have fun with it!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Popular Baby Names for 2021 appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Accuracy

Most home pregnancy tests claim to be about 99% accurate when used correctly. However, human error, the time of day at which a test is taken, medications, and other factors can contribute to a home pregnancy test producing an inaccurate result.

Fertility medications that contain human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the hormone that home pregnancy tests find, may alter the results of a pregnancy test.^1-2 Other prescription medications such as antibiotics, birth control pills, etc., should not interfere with the test results.² Diluted urine may produce a false negative result. This is why it’s recommended that you test your urine first thing in the morning when your urine is more concentrated.² Several other factors can affect home pregnancy test accuracy, including²:

• Taking the test too early
• Checking the test results too soon
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Menopause

How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test

Most women find home pregnancy tests very easy to use. You can buy them from any drug or grocery store. For best results, always follow the instructions on the package. Although home pregnancy test products have some variations, most of them require you to unwrap the individual pregnancy test, expose the absorbent tab or window (most have a removable plastic cover), point the absorbent tip directly into your urine stream for 7 seconds to 10 seconds, replace the cover, lay the test on a flat surface and wait the required amount of time to see the results.³

You also need to make sure the home pregnancy test you’re using has not been tampered with or damaged. Discard any pregnancy test products that have been opened or are missing the control strip (usually a colored line that appears on one side of the result window.)³

Next Steps

If your home pregnancy test produced a positive result, you should contact your doctor right away to schedule an appointment. Your doctor may do a blood test or ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy.²

If your home pregnancy test produced a negative result, wait a week and re-test if you have not gotten your period. Sometimes taking a home pregnancy test too soon after a missed period produces a false negative result.²

If you have taken multiple tests and gotten mixed results, call your healthcare provider to make an appointment. Remember, even with a 99% accuracy rating, home pregnancy tests are not perfect. Only a qualified medical professional can confirm a pregnancy with 100% accuracy.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Home Pregnancy Tests: What You Need to Know appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Do Keep it Simple

It can be tempting to pull out all the stops and spare no expense when celebrating your new baby, especially when it comes to hosting a gender reveal party. Social media has certainly played a role in providing parents-to-be with lots of Instagram-worthy inspiration, and moms and dads who spend a lot of time online may feel pressured to host something equally “extra.” But don’t let your urge to share your party with the world tempt you to go over budget. Remember, you’ve got a baby on the way – and babies are expensive. Here are a few ideas to keep your gender reveal party simple and affordable without skimping on the fun:

• Host a gender reveal potluck and encourage guests to bring a baby-themed dish or appetizer. That way, you don’t have the added expense of catering or providing all the food yourself.
• Combine your gender reveal party with your baby shower so you (or your friends and family) don’t feel pressured to spend money on another gift or decorations.
• Want to capture the big reveal in a beautiful keepsake photograph? Instead of spending hundreds of dollars hiring a professional photographer, politely ask that one friend or relative who’s always posting great Instagram photos to snap some shots and share them with you.
• Instead of elaborate, explosive (literally) gender reveal kits, browse the Internet for affordable (and potentially safer) alternatives. Balloon bags, like this one from Walmart for $12.99, are relatively inexpensive. And these biodegradable confetti cannons from Etsy are only a little over $3.00 each.

Do Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If you’re using a gender reveal kit with any explosive element, make sure you read the instructions and safety guidelines carefully. Be sure to activate the gender reveal device in an area that is open and clear of structures, trees, shrubs, debris, animals, pets, and other people (especially children). If you are using a gender reveal item that makes a loud noise, be mindful of your neighbors and any wildlife in the area.

Do Be Mindful of Local Ordinances

Make sure you are following the recommended protocol for COVID-19 in your area. Protocols can vary from state to state and even from municipality to municipality, so check your local government’s website for the latest information. Some states have lifted restrictions on social gatherings or have modified them to allow more people; however, some states are still restricting large gatherings due to increases in COVID-19 cases. You should also make sure you are not violating any local ordinances, particularly noise or parking ordinances, for parties in general.

Don’t Forget to Thank Your Guests

It’s always nice to offer a little something to your guests, especially if any of them have traveled a long distance to celebrate with you! You don’t have to go all out, but a simple party favor or memento will be appreciated. If you don’t want to do the party-favor thing, a simple handwritten “thank you” note can mean a lot to your guests.

Don’t Forget Your Virtual Guests

Since the coronavirus made its way into our lives, more and more families are choosing to host virtual parties. Some people are doing both in-person and virtual celebrations and giving their guests the option to choose which they feel most comfortable with. If you’re hosting a party with both in-person and virtual guests, be sure to take time to acknowledge your virtual guests and thank them for attending. It can be easy to get wrapped up in conversations and events happening physically in front of you, so make a conscious effort to include those who are tuning in through Skype, Facebook Live, or another type of virtual communication program.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post Gender Reveal Parties: The Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

One: Acne

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes in your body, which can lead to the appearance of acne. If you already have trouble with acne as an adult, pregnancy can sometimes make it worse.¹ This can be a frustrating side effect of pregnancy, but it isn’t abnormal or dangerous. Acne is typically associated with adolescence (another time when hormones are raging), but adult women can experience acne, even if they are not pregnant. Try washing your face twice a day with lukewarm water and a gentle facial soap to manage acne.²

Two: Headaches

Although usually not a sign of pregnancy, headaches can be an early indicator that you’re expecting. Again, the changes in hormones are generally the culprit behind pregnancy-associated headaches. However, if your headaches are severe and are difficult to manage, talk to your doctor. Headaches could be a sign of another issue that needs attention. Also, if you think you could be pregnant, avoid taking any medication (even over-the-counter pain reliever) unless your doctor tells you it’s OK.¹

Three: Nasal Congestion and Nosebleeds

Many women experience nosebleeds during pregnancy, and some even experience a higher frequency of nasal congestion.³ Like other pregnancy symptoms, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion can be caused by hormonal changes. These symptoms aren’t anything to worry about unless you lose a significantly large amount of blood or become so congested that it’s difficult to breathe. If these symptoms become extreme, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor.

Four: Dizziness or Fainting

The medical term for fainting is called syncope. There are a lot of medical conditions that can cause syncope, and pregnancy is one of them. Pregnant women may also feel dizzy for no apparent reason or feel more sensitive to dizziness or motion sickness. Although fainting once or twice may not be dangerous, there is some evidence that suggests syncope during the first trimester may be linked to a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as a higher risk of cardiac arrhythmia and postpartum syncope.⁴ Always let your doctor know if you begin to experience fainting or dizziness.

Five: Vaginal Discharge

Most women experience vaginal discharge from time to time. During pregnancy, especially in the early stages, vaginal discharge can be quite common.¹ As long as the discharge is clear or white, odorless or mild in odor, and does not occur alongside vaginal discomfort, it is likely nothing to be concerned about. Always talk to your doctor if you experience vaginal discharge that is abnormal, has a strong or foul odor, or occurs along with pain, swelling, redness, itching, or burning. These can be signs of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or a pregnancy-induced yeast infection. They may also be signs of a sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection.⁵

Six: Constipation

Elevated levels of progesterone can relax the bowel walls, making it more difficult to pass stool.1 Progesterone is an important hormone related to ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy, so it’s not surprising that pregnancy and constipation are often linked.⁶ To help manage constipation, try to drink more fluids (water is best), incorporate more fiber in your diet, and try to get some exercise.⁷ If these methods aren’t effective, you may try taking a stool softener, as they are generally considered safe during pregnancy; however, you should always consult your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter products.⁷

Seven: Shortness of Breath

This might seem strange, but sometimes women experience shortness of breath during the early stages of pregnancy due to higher levels of progesterone.¹ Progesterone helps your lung capacity increase so that your body can send more oxygen to the baby. This can cause pregnant women to breathe more rapidly, giving them the feeling of being short of breath.⁸ If this symptom becomes severe, be sure to speak with your doctor.

Eight: Aversions

Sure, strange or very strong cravings are a well-known sign of pregnancy. But some women experience aversions more than cravings. An aversion is when you feel repulsed or nauseated by something. It could be certain smells, certain foods, or even the sight of some things. This is usually nothing to worry about, but if it becomes so extreme that if affects your health, it can become dangerous to you and your baby. If you suffer from extreme food aversion to the point where you don’t want to eat anything, or if you begin to crave nonfood items (a condition known as pica), contact a healthcare provider right away.

Nine: Weird Dreams

This is another one of those pesky hormone-induced side effects. Higher hormone levels can have a big impact on your overall sleep quality, including your dreams. Many women experience more vivid dreams, nightmares, or dreams involving feelings of anxiety while they are pregnant. This can be an early sign of pregnancy, but some women continue to have strange dreams during all three trimesters.⁹

Ten: Changes in Your Dog’s Behavior

OK, we admit, this one’s super weird! But the truth is that many dogs can be highly sensitive to subtle changes in their owners, especially if they have a strong bond with them. This can mean your dog may pick up on changes in your behavior and mood, sometimes even before you do! Dogs also can have incredibly acute senses of smell, to the point where they can actually smell changes in human body chemistry. Your signature scent may change during pregnancy – again, because of hormones – and believe it or not, your dog may respond to this change in surprising ways.¹⁰ Some expecting moms say they’ve noticed their dog following them around more, sleeping next to them more, or being more protective of them while they were pregnant. It makes you wonder if they should change the saying to “mom’s best friend.”

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

The post 10 Weird (but Natural) Early Pregnancy Signs appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.