Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health
Life Balance Hub is your guide to a harmonious life. Discover inspiration and practical tips on family, health, fitness, and achieving everyday balance.
Stretch marks are a common concern for many pregnant individuals, appearing as visible streaks on the skin’s surface. While they are a natural part of pregnancy for some, understanding their causes, prevention methods, and treatment options can help manage their appearance and support skin health during this time.
Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida, which often affects the vagina and vulva. If you’re breastfeeding, it can also affect your breasts or nipples and your baby’s mouth or bottom. Symptoms include itching, soreness, and a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. Thrush is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that create a more favorable environment for yeast growth.
Indigestion and heartburn are prevalent symptoms during pregnancy, with about 8 in 10 expectant mothers experiencing them at some point. Indigestion, also known as ‘dyspepsia’, manifests as discomfort or pain in the stomach, typically occurring after eating or drinking.
Headaches are a common experience during pregnancy, often triggered by hormonal changes, especially in the early months. If you usually experience migraines, you might find relief after the first trimester as estrogen levels stabilize, though experiences vary. However, some individuals may find their migraines worsen during pregnancy, and symptoms can differ between pregnancies. It’s essential to note that headaches during pregnancy can stem from various causes beyond hormonal shifts.
Frequent urination during pregnancy is the need to urinate more often than usual. This is a common symptom caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the pelvic area. As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus also puts pressure on the bladder, further increasing the frequency of urination.
Fluctuations in hormones throughout pregnancy can lead to various changes in your hair, including alterations in thickness and texture. Understanding these potential transformations can help you navigate decisions regarding hair treatments and coloring (dye) during pregnancy.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a vital B-group vitamin essential for healthy growth and development, particularly during pregnancy. When naturally occurring in food sources like leafy green vegetables, fruits, and legumes, it is referred to as ‘folate.’ However, when added to processed foods such as bread and breakfast cereals, or incorporated into dietary supplements, it is known as ‘folic acid.’
The term ‘baby blues’ refers to a brief period of mood swings and other emotional changes that many new mothers experience within the first week after giving birth. This phenomenon is very common, affecting about 4 in every 5 new mothers, typically occurring 3 to 5 days postpartum.
Experiencing some level of anxiety during pregnancy is common, but for some individuals, anxiety can escalate into a significant concern. Recognizing the signs of antenatal anxiety is essential as support and resources are available to help manage these symptoms effectively.
Anemia occurs when your blood lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, impairing its ability to effectively transport oxygen throughout your body and to your developing baby during pregnancy. Red blood cells play a crucial role in oxygen transport, ferrying oxygen from the heart to various tissues and organs, including the brain, muscles, skin, and kidneys. Produced in the bone marrow, these cells are packed with hemoglobin, a protein essential for oxygen carriage.
Preparing for parenthood is a thrilling journey, yet it comes with its own set of challenges. Expect some emotional turbulence as you embark on this transformative phase. It’s perfectly normal to harbor concerns and anxieties about the impending arrival during pregnancy. The realization of impending parenthood often triggers stress, especially since it entails significant changes beyond complete anticipation or control.
Antenatal depression, also known as prenatal depression, is a mood disorder that affects women during pregnancy, often characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, or fatigue. Recognizing its symptoms and understanding the associated risk factors is essential for providing timely support and improving maternal and fetal well-being. This condition highlights the importance of emotional and psychological care during pregnancy.
