Your body goes through so many incredible changes throughout the course of your pregnancy. Because of this, you may experience things that you don't normally experience. Two of these experiences may include stuffy and bloody noses. Thankfully, these things are completely normal during pregnancy. However, this doesn't mean that you can't understand why they are happening and how you can best treat them. This article will discuss the causes and treatment options in more detail. 

Causes Of Stuffy Noses 

About 30% of women have stuffy noses during their pregnancy, which is also referred to as rhinitis. When you become pregnant, there are elevated levels of certain hormones that accumulate in your body. Two of these hormones that contribute to increased blood flow are estrogen and progesterone. The increased blood flow causes you to have stuffy noses. This is because the blood flow that goes to your mucous membranes makes it thicken, thus increasing the flow of your mucus and effectively stuffing up your nose. The stuffy noses generally begin around 16 weeks when the hormones in your body really begin to increase, thus increasing blood flow.

Treatment For Stuffy Noses 

Treating stuffy noses during pregnancy can be somewhat tricky because you can't take traditional cold medicines, such as decongestants. However, you can use a humidifier to help clear your sinuses a bit. This is especially effective to use at night when you are sleeping. You can also safely use a saline spray in your nose to help loosen the mucus, thus allowing you to blow it out. If your nose is feeling raw from constant blowing, petroleum jelly is a safe and effective way to moisturize it. If these methods are not effective enough for you, then you may want to ask your OBGYN for further assistance.

Causes Of Bloody Noses 

Only 6% of women have bloody noses on a regular basis, however, this number rises to 20% when they become pregnant. As stated previously, the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy, causing increased blood flow. This increased blood flow makes the blood vessels in your nose, and in your entire body, expand with blood. This can make them more likely to rupture, especially when they are under pressure. Because you are constantly blowing your stuffy nose during pregnancy, you put pressure on these blood vessels. When one of these vessels rupture, this causes you to have a bloody nose. Thankfully, these bloody noses aren't anything to worry about, if you get a few of them throughout the course of your pregnancy. 

Treatment For Bloody Noses 

There are a couple things that you can do to treat your bloody noses during pregnancy. For one thing, you can try to be more careful when you are blowing your nose. Try to do things to thin the mucus in your nose before you blow it, such as using a saline solution or a humidifier. Also, when you do blow your nose, try your best to blow softly. Some doctors may even recommend that you increase your Vitamin C intake during pregnancy because this can help to strengthen your capillaries, thus helping them to resist rupturing when blowing your nose. If you find that you are having a lot of bloody noses, then this is a sign to contact your OBGYN for further treatment options. 

While stuffy and bloody noses are a common part of pregnancy for many women, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to understand why they happen and treat them effectively using pregnancy-safe methods. 

If you'd like to learn more about pregnancy, breastfeeding, or motherhood in general, you can visit us here.

Imagine your butt hole just taking on a whole alien personality of it's own.  That's right. Maybe it starts to feel like it's turning inside out. Not to mention a little itching. Maybe your starfish has started to bleed a bit when you go number two. So. Not. Cute. 

Just keeping it real! Sometimes...we NEED to hear the truth and reality of not pretty stuff in pregnancy.

Take this as a public service announcement because you, yes you mommy to be, can possibly avoid this, or at least help it out if you've already started to become a "victim" of hemorrhoids. 

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the rectum that flair up under pressure. When women begin getting hemorrhoids during pregnancy, they may be confused as to why they are occurring, what they could've done to avoid them, and how they can treat them. Thankfully, there are answers to all of these questions.

Why Do Pregnant Women Get Hemorrhoids?

Pregnant women are more prone to getting hemorrhoids for a few different reasons. The main reason is constipation, but there are several reasons why you may become constipated.

One of the reasons for constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy may be the increased levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. This hormone helps to soften your cartilage, joints, and ligaments to prepare for the birth of your baby.

However, another side effect of increased progesterone levels is the relaxing of your vein walls. This can make it harder for you to push out your stools, because everything is so "relaxed" down there, causing you to strain more and create hemorrhoids.

Another cause of constipation, and therefore hemorrhoids, is the increased pressure on the lower half of your body, and specifically your rectum, from your enlarged uterus and fetus. This pressure can increase your risk of getting hemorrhoids when trying to have a bowel movement because the veins swell. 

Iron supplements that are recommended by some doctors during pregnancy can also add to problems with constipation and hemorrhoids.

Iron is notorious, like crazy infamous for causing this so not cute side effect of being preggo! This is because your body may not be used to the higher doses of iron, causing the excess iron to go from your small intestine to your large intense, where it mixes with bad bacteria to cause bloating, gas, and constipation. It creates hard, dry, dark, and tarry stools. 

So, How Can I Avoid Hemorrhoids?

If you haven't already received the gift of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, but are worried about getting them, thankfully there are things that you can do to avoid them altogether.

One thing that you can do to avoid hemorrhoids is to keep your stools as soft as possible. This can be done by eating a diet that is high in fiber.

Drinking a lot of fluids throughout each day can also help to keep your stool soft and loose. At least two liters of water a day. If need be, you may even want to talk with your doctor about using a stool softener to help soften your stool as well.

Metamucil, or some fiber supplement, is great for keeping the flow flowing. Ask your physician what they recommend for you.

Another way to avoid hemorrhoids is to gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy and avoid excess weight gain.

The more weight you gain during pregnancy, the more pressure you are putting on your rectum. A great way to keep your weight gain on track, and also stop stool from becoming hardened, is to exercise regularly throughout the course of your pregnancy.

Walking greatly helps move everything downward and keeps you regular.  You should be walking and exercising into your third trimester anyways, unless instructed otherwise. 

Lastly, get a foot stool for the potty.  This is not new to lots of people, but seems like in the Latvia it's becoming more known. 

A popular brand is Squatty Potty, but you can get any generic kind from Amazon, or even Target.  Having a foot stool when going to the bathroom helps move things along faster and easier because it positions you in a natural squat position and eliminates straining and decreases pressure on the veins. 

in summary...

• drink lots of water
• avoid constipation by increasing fiber
• eat fiber full foods like dried apricots, prunes, vegetables, brussels sprouts, lentils, etc. 
• walk and exercise as advised by your doctor
• get a foot stool for the potty

How Do I Treat Hemorrhoids Once I Have Them?

If you already have hemorrhoids and would like to reduce the pain and irritation that they are causing you, then there are a few different things that you can try. One main thing that you need to do is start all the above asap. 

Water, walking, and fiber up!  

Now if the water and fiber isn't helping and you feel like you're at the point of no return, try a few things such as an ointment and keep the area clean and soothed.

One way to do this is after your go to the bathroom, take a shower, and let very warm water soothe your soreness. Wash with a mild no-fragrance soap and let that warm water calm things down for you.

After drying, apply witch hazel astringent.  It is mild, alcohol free, and soothes. 

Tucks brand makes witch hazel pads and they are amazing. 

Apply ointment after, such as Preparation H, or something similar. 

Use only cotton undies.

Ointment, witch hazel, and a butt washer are a mom's best friend to keep hemorrhoids at bay.  Put some witch hazel and warm water in the peri bottle.  This one by Fridababy is awesome. All ordered from Amazon so you don't even need to walk in a store.

If you are experiencing prolonged irritation more than seven days you can switch from the ointment to coconut oil, or go back and forth from the ointment to coconut oil.

If you are really having issues, try a Sitz bath where you can soak your bum. 

You may also want to talk to your doctor if it has really become worse or you have thrombosed (clotted) hemorrhoids. A little bright red blood is common with hemorrhoids, but you still should talk to your doctor if it is more, extended for a long time, and especially if you are older than 40. 

If none of these methods seem to help, then talk with your OBGYN about pregnancy safe options. 

To learn more about our tips and more about pregnancy, you can visit us here. 

Feel good and look good during pregnancy and well after. Shop bump to beyond clothing here.

Help out your stretch marks. Find some DIY recipes here.

7 Things Mom to Be should NOT feel Pressured into Doing.

You're almost there!

After months of morning sickness, swollen feet, and outgrowing all of your regular and anekantsquick clothes, you've finally reached your third trimester. It's almost time to meet your new baby. 

That said, the third trimester is definitely a time when moms-to-be start feeling some pregnancy burnout. The end is still just far enough out of reach to make it feel like your pregnancy will never be over. 

No need to fear, though. We're here to provide you our pregnancy care tips. 

With the help of this third trimester guide, you'll cruise through your final weeks till the big day in no time!

Read our tips below, and pin our list here for a mom to be!

Prepare for changes to your body 

Each phase of pregnancy brings additional changes and challenges. Knowing what to expect from the third trimester will help you know whether your preggo symptoms are normal, or cause for concern. 

Many of the most common mom-to-be symptoms you'll experience in the third trimester are caused by your uterus expanding. These include back pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Other symptoms, like heartburn, are the result of hormonal changes in your body.  Some say it means your baby will be born with lots of hair on it's head! 

Additionally, while vaginal discharge during the third trimester is normal, bleeding or spotting may be a cause for concern. If you begin to experience vaginal bleeding, you should contact your doctor right away. 

If you ever experience itching skin and itchiness all over your body in a way that is very uncomfortable you should also check with your doctor immediately, and we mean today.   

So listen to your body...if you need to rest, then rest.  If you feel good to get out, then get outside.  If you feel really awful in an unusual way, then reach out to your physician. 

Some simple ways to combat these changes are walking, cleaning the diet to alleviate heartburn, and prenatal yoga to help with back pain and overall elevating your mood. Also, if you don't have one already, get a body pillow right away to help you with a more comfortable sleep position. 

Have realistic expectations

In addition to preparing for difficult symptoms, another key to surviving this time is having realistic expectations. 

You've probably heard since you were a child that "pregnancy lasts nine months". In reality, however, most full-term pregnancies last closer to ten months because, pregnancy is 40 weeks. 

Since the third trimester begins in the 28th week of pregnancy, this means that this phase can last anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks.  Some moms may be surprised when it seems like this home stretch is feeling longer by the day. 

Try your best to lower any anxiety and anxiousness with going with the flow, day by day, while in waiting for your new love bug to arrive.  No need to stare at the calendar and feel any disappointment if your due date has come and no baby yet.  It's said via many statistics, that only 5% of babies are born on the due date.  

So now you know to count by weeks (not months), and once it has become past your due date, continue to keep emotions at bay by having your doctor check everything out.  He/she will most likely be more vigilant in monitoring the baby.  

Stay active

As you may be feeling more uncomfortable, it's natural to want to just sit with your feet up in front your TV. 

Regular exercise, however, is one of the best pregnancy care tips for the final trimester.  

Staying active will manage nausea and heart burn by helping you digest. It will also help you to sleep better at night, and will even help prepare your body for labor. 

There are plenty of great exercises you can do in your third trimester. Swimming is a particularly good choice for pregnant women because it doesn't require balance and it also cools your body, yay!  Walking is a big favorite as well.  Walking in a park, oceanside, lake side, or a flat hike will perk up your spirits, lift your endorphins, and keep your pregnancy healthy by balancing hormones and energizing your body. 

Additionally, when you work out, remember to stay hydrated. Proper water intake is essential to maintaining good circulation and blood supply to your baby.  Drink coconut water if you feel you need to switch it up.

It can be tough to get outside and moving, so even if you have to park in the furthest spot of the parking lot, or make five laps walking through the mall, that counts too!  Once you do it, you'll be thanking yourself. 

Maintain a good diet

Towards the end of your pregnancy, you've likely started experiencing cravings if you haven't already.  Pickles, ice cream, chips, chilies, and you name it!

You might feel like curling up with a pint of Ben & Jerry's is the key to surviving the third trimester.  In the end, however, making a habit out this could do more harm than good. 

There's nothing wrong with treating yourself every so often. That said, following a healthy, clean diet is one of the most important pregnancy care tips.  It is also a way to keep your weight steady instead of filling up on fatty foods that cause spikes in blood pressure, sugar, and triglycerides.  

For one, a healthy diet is important for your baby.  He/she is going at an insane speed evolving in your belly. So make sure you are eating brain boosting foods that will deliver the most nutrients to your baby.  Also, eating well will help reduce symptoms for yourself like heartburn, being bloated, constipation, and feeling inflamed. 

If you find yourself experiencing a lot of heart burn, try eating several smaller meals throughout the day. This will be easier for your body to digest than a few big ones. Stick to whole, nutrient dense foods, and especially reduce refined sugars and carbs.  Stay away from acidic foods.  Those are the culprits that make your body tissues have inflammation. Plus they do not have much nutritional value.  

Finalize your birth plan

In addition to taking care of your body, additional pregnancy care tips for the third trimester include preparing for it to be over. 

The last thing you want to deal with, when you go into labor, is to start packing a hospital bag and figuring out where the hospital is. To avoid this situation, start putting a checklist and birth plan together. 

Getting a birth plan together early on will help you investigate all of the options you have. It also frees you from having to make decisions about pain medicine, or who to have in the room while you're actually in labor.

That said, your birth plan should also include factors that will ensure your comfort. These may be some items that go into your overnight hospital bag.  What nursing clothes do you want to be taken to the hospital? What music will you want access to? Do you have chargers and cameras ready to go?  Are all your toiletries ready to go?  Did you pack disposable underwear and pads?  You will be needing them. 

These kinds of small details, already prepared ahead of time, can help make your labor process more comfortable for you.

Get your house in order

You'll have your hands full after the delivery. Bonding with the baby, adjusting to its schedule, and getting whatever sleep you can will monopolize your time.

For these reasons, you want to make sure that your home is ready before you bring the baby home. Take this "nesting" phase to prep what you can within the household to ensure a more relaxed space.   

That said, "ready" means different things for different parents. 

Some parents like to get the every detail in the nursery prepared. This is great if this is your style. But don't feel like you need to do all of this in order to be ready for the baby. 

In reality, babies don't need a whole lot. To start, a bassinet, diapers, and some basic baby clothes will probably do the trick.  

Things like laundry, dishes, and overfilled closets may be agreed that these are more of a priority.  Having a space cleared and ready for nursing, if you plan to do so, may also be a very important element for when you arrive home.  Having your breast pump ordered and ready, baby clothes pre washed, the bassinet positioned properly, and a diaper genie ready to go may be a few things that are a must for you so you feel less stressed after giving birth. 

The best pregnancy care tips for surviving the third trimester involve doing what's right for you. So, if you need to get everything in order to be ready for the baby, then do that. If that's not your style, then make a list of your top 3-5 main priorities and handle those first. 

Follow the right pregnancy care tips 

Rather than simply focusing on getting through to the end of your pregnancy in an obligatory way, make sure you're enjoying the moments and also taking the time to take care of yourself. Once the baby comes, you'll have far less time for this. 

So remember to take the time to cut yourself a break. Self care during pregnancy is a real thing and you should be doing some things that make you feel good. 

Put your feet up. Take a bath. Say "no" to things. Say "no" to people if you have to. 

You may even want to treat yourself to some pampering. A prenatal massage or a spa day can be a great way to help you relax at this stage of your pregnancy. Maybe a bath at home with music will do it for you.  Babies can hear the music too so this could be the perfect special moment. 

Treating yourself well is essential to being a mother. You won't be able to care for your baby if you're not taking care of yourself. 

We hope that following this basic third trimester checklist will start to make things a bit easier. Remember, it isn't easy, but it will be worth it.

Keep going mama!  You're doing great!  

Check out our nursing clothes for packing your hospital bag.

Read our 5 Tips to Prepare you for Being a First Time Mom.