Mother hamsters do it. Mama cats do it. Expectant birds do it. And if youre like many human moms-to-be and some dads too! youre doing it as well: preparing your “nest” for your soon-to-arrive baby. The nesting instinct during pregnancy can be just as powerful in humans as it is for our animal friends. Its nature’s way of getting you ready to nurture a child. What is nesting during pregnancy? But don’t be upset if the nesting urge doesn’t strike you at all....
Major update for additional information about nose injury causes and treatments. Whats one of the most vulnerable spots on your toddlers sweet face? If your toddler took a tumble that included a hit to the nose, youre not alone. Nose injuries rank pretty high on the list of common childhood boo-boos, just belowhead bumpsand split lips. Whats the best way to handle a blow to the nose? Stay calm and then treat the nose injury right away....
Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Here’s when and why nuchal translucency is recommended and what you could expect from this common screening. What is a nuchal translucency test and what does it measure? It helps doctors determine if a baby is statistically more likely to have a chromosomal abnormality. Experts have found that this spot tends to accumulate fluid in babies with chromosomal abnormalities. They can cause intellectual disabilities and mild to severe birth defects....
Medically reviewed for accuracy. Do your hands look like youve been touching hot stuff all the time? This redness and itchiness of the palms is called palmar erythema. Rest assured: Though it might seem alarming, palmar erythema isnt harmful to you or your baby. What is palmar erythema? The skin in these areas might also itch. How can you prevent palmar erythema during pregnancy? Your best bet is to wear gloves when doing those activities....
Medically reviewed for accuracy. By now, youre probably used to the good old Pap smear. Your age and history will determine how often you should have a Pap smear test. In general, women ages 21 to 29 should get one every three years. Talk to your doctor about when and how often youll be getting a Pap test if youre not sure. They may require it as part of your routineprenatal tests and screeningsregardless of when youve last had one....
Just because she’s pint-sized doesn’t mean your baby or toddler is too little for the playground! And a visit to the playground can mean you both might make some new friends, too. Always supervise your baby or toddler and check each play area for safety before your child uses it. For safety tips by the ages, heres how to cruise the grounds with your little cruiser. Why is playground safety so important?...
Dark patches across your forehead, nose and cheeks? Its called melasma and its really common. That can happen too. What causes postpartum skin changes? Your skin your bodys largest organ stretched and morphed to accommodate your newborn (or multiples). Is it any wonder that your skin is acting up? Top postpartum skin issues Dont worry too much about your skins texture or appearance after childbirth. In many cases, your skin issues will resolve with the passage of time and some TLC!...
Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. You don’t have to wait until you’re pregnant to start eating well. Shoring up what you eat now makes for a smoother transition once a baby is on board. Use this nutrition guide to plan out your meals. Keep in mind that your body absorbs iron better from food.
Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Rh factor testing likely wasnt on your radar before you had a baby on the way. But part of having a healthy pregnancy means getting screened. The Rh factor is a protein carried by red blood cells in some people and not in others. What does Rh factor mean? But not everyone has it. If you carry the protein, youre Rh positive. What is Rh incompatibility?...
When can you start sleep training twins and putting them on a schedule? Sleep trainingtwins isnt very different from that of single babies, as long as your little ones are healthy. you’re free to start getting them on something of a schedule around 3 months. Should you sleep train twins in the same room? Create a solid bedtime routine.Consistent bedtime routinesare important for all babies, but especially so for twins....
What is considered a fever during pregnancy? When it comes to fever, the numbers on your thermometer indicate the severity of your symptoms. What can cause a fever during pregnancy? What can I take for a fever while pregnant? While you’re waiting to speak to your doctor, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce your fever. Is it risky to get a fever in early pregnancy? you’re free to get a fever at any time during pregnancy....
Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Worrying that you might miss one of your sweeties symptoms can be nerve-wracking, of course. The good news is that babies and toddlers under 2 dont tend to complain about sore throats. So if your little one seems uncomfortable, a different symptom may be the culprit. Most, but not all, sore throats are sparked by an underlying condition. In some cases, they can also be triggered by environmental factors....
Medically reviewed for accuracy. Youre going about your business applying moisturizer to your legs or getting dressed. Then you see it: Spidery purplish lines on your thighs or the back of your legs. If you do develop spider veins, the good news is theyre mostly harmless. What are spider veins? Spider veins are simply swollen veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin. Spider veins can also occur on the face or other areas of the body....
