Early Motherhood

Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, often called gestational hypertension, affects a small number of expectant mothers. The condition differs from chronic hypertension in that it is occurs only during pregnancy and is usually caused by it. In most cases it’s not dangerous but around 1 in 4 women with gestational hypertension go on to develop a much more dangerous condition called preeclampsia. So it’s very important to deal with gestational hypertension, though options are limited when powerful medications are the last thing an expectant mother wants!

Many people believe that they only get acne when they are growing up, as teenagers, but you may be surprised to know that it can also happen during pregnancy. Most of your pregnancy symptoms are a result of an increase in your hormones (similar to going through puberty).

As your hormone levels rise, your production of oil in your pores increase, leading to oily skin. Oily skin leads to acne acne, spots, pimples or whatever you want to call them. You may find that those pimples are also on your body, not just your face.

Expecting mothers really should take a quality prenatal vitamin. A doctor will often prescribe a prenatal vitamin to a pregnant patient, but some assert that the vitamins are beneficial for women who are planning to conceive as well. Using the supplements, such as a prenatal vitamin, before getting pregnant helps prevent certain birth defects. Some mothers choose to continue taking prenatal vitamins throughout their pregnancies and while they are breastfeeding.

For centuries giving birth was strictly an affair between the pregnant woman and a midwife. Though not always present, a mid-wife would frequently aid in the birthing process. The role was often performed by an older woman who had previously experienced birth herself. She gave comfort, medical knowledge based on real experience and a second pair of hands at a critical time.

With the rise of obstetrics in the 19th century, midwifery became much less common, almost disappearing from birthing practice in the U.S., except in circumstances of deep poverty or geographic isolation. In recent decades, it has risen again in a new form in which midwives are often licensed nurses with considerable traditional medical experience.

Your baby’s finally here, and you’re thrilled – but you’re also exhausted, uncomfortable, on an emotional roller coaster, and wondering whether you’ll ever fit into your jeans again. Childbirth classes helped prepare you for giving birth, but not for this.

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
After your baby arrives, you’ll notice some changes – both physically and emotionally. Physically, you might experience the following: