You have survived morning sickness (or more like all-day sickness). You have gained weight and outgrown your clothes. You are preparing the nursery and choosing a car seat. You are now on the final stretch. Now you have to deal with all sorts of problems, from strange pains to trouble sleeping, and aren't sure if it's possible. We are here to help! Here are some tips to help with the pains of the last months of pregnancy. Check out our list with must-have items to help you cope with the last month.
Prurigo of Pregnancy
Prurigo of pregnancy is a common condition that can be difficult to identify. Itchy, itchy skin occurs in 1 in 300 pregnant women during their second and third trimesters. Itchy red bumps and pustules can develop and become crusty. This rash is most common on the limbs and abdomen. It can last for weeks, or even months, after which it may not go away. There are many treatments available and it is not dangerous for either the mother or the child. Prurigo can be treated using benzoyl peroxide or topical steroid creams, oral antihistamines, and phototherapy. For treatment, consult your doctor if you think you might have the condition.
Pregnancy Hip Pain
Hip pain is a common problem for women in their second and third trimesters. Your body releases relaxin, which is a hormone that relaxes connective tissues, like the hip joints. Poor posture and heavy lifting can put additional strain on your joints. If you have to lift heavy objects while pregnant, you should always seek help. It is not worth the risk to you or your baby. Side sleeping can strain your hips. However, if you have a large belly and doctors advise against sleeping on your stomach while pregnant, side sleeping may be the best option. To reduce strain on your hips, you can sleep with a pillow between the knees. Warm baths and Tylenol can help ease the pain. Yoga poses like the pigeon, cat/cow and child's pose can help to stretch your hips. You can also find prenatal yoga.
Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), is a condition that causes pain and numbness in your wrist and hand due to the compression of a major nervous. The carpal tunnel, a narrow part of the wrist, houses nine tendons that control movement of your fingers and the median nerve. This nerve controls feeling on the palm side of your fingers and palm side of all your fingers except your pinkie. Pregnancy increases your blood volume by twofolds. This causes swelling in many places. The carpal tunnel area may cause swelling and sometimes weakness. CTS affects approximately 4% of adults. However, pregnant women experience CTS between 30-60% and 80% of the time. CTS is treated with a hard splint that immobilizes the wrist and allows the nerve to heal. You can also try stretches. If the pain is severe, consult a doctor who might recommend occupational therapy or injections. Sometimes, surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome may be necessary. However, it would not be done while you are pregnant.
Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy
Relaxin can loosen all your ligaments and cause the muscles in the pelvic floor to pull harder, which can lead to pain in your tailbone. As your baby grows, you may find that your tailbone is gaining weight. This pain is considered debilitating by 10% of pregnant women. Avoid asymmetrical movements, such as crossing your legs or getting up on one side of the bed if you are experiencing tailbone pain. If the pain is severe, consult your doctor. She may recommend topical numbing creams or a physical therapist. Constipation can worsen tailbone pain, so make sure you get enough water and fiber.
Pregnancy Rib Pain
Many pregnant women suffer from rib pains. There are many reasons for this. Your baby's uterus will expand and eventually press against your ribs. Your rib muscles are also put under pressure by the baby's weight. Your ribcage can be impacted if your baby's head is turned down between 20 and 39 weeks. This pain is often felt under the breast. Round ligament pain can also feel in the ribs and back. Round ligaments are the connection between the front of your uterus and the groin. They can become stretched as your baby grows. Sometimes, rib pain may be a sign of heartburn. This is due to relaxin in the esophagus which allows stomach acid rise too high. Sometimes, constipation can be felt in your ribs.
Rib pain may be a sign of something more serious. Gallstones can occur in about 12% of pregnant women. This is due to increased estrogen levels making it harder to empty the gallbladder. The pain can radiate from the ribs to the right. If you think you might have gallbladder problems, consult a doctor. You may need surgery after giving birth. Urinary tract infections can also be common, especially in the third trimester. This is because the baby places pressure on the bladder making it more difficult to empty. You may experience frequent urination and burning sensations during urination. An UTI must first be diagnosed by a doctor. Then, antibiotics should be administered. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that causes pain in the liver near the ribs. It can lead to serious complications such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, difficulty urinating and swelling of the hands and face. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
If you suspect you may have rib pain, you should consult a doctor. You can also try heat, Tylenol and yoga to ease the pain. Heating pads for pregnant women are safe when used for less than 10 minutes. Research has shown that heating your core temperature during pregnancy can cause harm to your baby. You should not use a sauna, hot tub, hot shower, or bath. However, you can safely take a warm bath. You might want to consider a chiropractor for your pregnancy.
Strange Pregnancy Cravings
Some cravings during pregnancy are personal preferences. I remember eating a whole tub of hummus and a whole box full of wheat crackers. They may also have a deeper meaning for others. Pica is a desire to eat nonfood items. It often affects pregnant women. Some doctors believe that some women crave foods like dirt, chalk, or ash. This could indicate a deficiency of iron or zinc. Others disagree, but nobody knows for certain. Although you won't be hurt by eating freshly-purchased chalk, it is best to avoid dirt, which can contain harmful bacteria. It is better to see a doctor than to eat whatever you want.
Others cravings could have different meanings. You may need salt if you crave pickles, but chocolate cravings (which are perfectly understandable) could indicate that you need serotonin. A craving for fruits could indicate that you need vitamin C. Red meat cravings could be a sign of anemia. Calcium may be needed if you are craving ice cream. It could be that you just love ice cream. You can have anything you like, including something spicy, sweet, or unusual. As long as it's safe, it's okay to eat it. You don't have to suffer so that others won't see you as odd. You don't have to eat the whole lemon or dip your banana in salsa to satisfy your cravings. Avoid sushi and other lunch meats that can be harmful to pregnant women. Hang in there! You have a few weeks to go before your next dragon roll if you are in your last month!
Don't worry if you are having difficulty with any of these symptoms. Although the last month of pregnancy can be hard, it is also a time when you are so close to your baby. Keep your eyes on the positive and consult a doctor if necessary. In the meantime, take a warm bath. You can do it! You are almost there! All the best!
Since every baby grows at his/her own pace, measure the baby's height for the best fit. It is much more accurate than going off of the baby's age. Call us with any questions and we will be happy to help you determine the best fit for your baby.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
Newborn (NB) | 5-8 Ibs. / 2.3-3.6 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
0-3M | 6-12 Ibs. / 3.6-5.4 kg | 21-24 in. / 53.3-61 cm |
0-6M | Up to 16 Ibs. / Up to 7.3 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
3-6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-26 in. / 61-66 cm |
3-9M | 12-20 Ibs. / 5.4-9.1 kg | 24-28 in. / 61-71.1 cm |
6-9M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 26-28 in. / 66-71.1 cm |
12M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 28-30 in. / 71.1-76.2 cm |
18M | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 30-32 in. / 76.2-81.3 cm |
24M / 2T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 32-34 in. / 81.3-86.4 cm |
3T | 32-35 Ibs. / 14.5-15.9 kg | 34-38 in. / 86.4-96.5 cm |
4T | 35-39 lbs. / 15.9-17.7 kg | 38-40 in. / 96.5-101.6 cm |
5T | 39-43 lbs. / 17.7-19.5 kg | 40-44 in. / 101.6-111.8 cm |
Garments are designed to fit snug for child's safety.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-27 in. / 61-68.6 cm |
12M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 27-30 in. / 68.6-76.2 cm |
18M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 30-33 in. / 76.2-83.8 cm |
24M / 2T | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 33-35 in. / 83.8-88.9 cm |
3T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 35-39 in. / 88.9-99.1 cm |
4T | 32-36 Ibs. / 14.5-16.3 kg | 39-42 in. / 99.1-106.7 cm |
5T | 36-42 Ibs. / 16.3-19.1 kg | 42-44 in. / 106.7-111.8 cm |
Size
|
Waist
|
Height
|
---|---|---|
4
|
17-19 inches
|
39-41 inches
|
5
|
19-20 inches
|
41-45 inches
|
6
|
20-22 inches
|
45-46 inches
|
7
|
22-23 inches
|
47-50 inches
|
8
|
23-24 inches
|
50-54 inches
|
10/12
|
24-25 inches
|
54-58 inches
|
14/16
|
25-27 inches
|
58-62 inches
|
18/20
|
27-28 inches
|
62-67 inches
|
Size | Waist | Height |
---|---|---|
4 | 17-19 inches | 39-41 inches |
5 | 19-20 inches | 41-45 inches |
6 | 20-21 inches | 45-46 inches |
6x | 21-22 inches | 46-48 inches |
7/8 | 22-23 inches | 48-52 inches |
10/12 | 23-25 inches | 52-58 inches |
14 | 25-27 inches | 58-61 inches |
16 | 27-29 inches | 61-63 inches |