Pregnancy often brings a surprising and unwelcome companion: heartburn. This burning feeling, a common sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects about 30% to 80% of pregnant people. The good news is that for most, it’s harmless, though uncomfortable. When simple lifestyle steps don’t calm symptoms, antacids are usually the first choice. But which ones...
Dealing with the many discomforts of pregnancy is common, and constipation is near the top of the list. So, what is the best stool softener during pregnancy? The best choice depends on your health and symptoms. In general, docusate sodium (Colace) and bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium (Metamucil) or polycarbophil (FiberCon) are often suggested because they...
Starting the path to parenthood is exciting and full of planning. One very important step, often delayed until a positive test, is starting prenatal vitamins. Why begin before you’re pregnant? Because early growth happens in the first weeks, sometimes before you know you’re expecting. Taking prenatal vitamins ahead of time helps make your body a...
Pregnancy brings change every week, plus lots of new questions. A pregnancy tracker app can be a steady helper through it all. So what is the “best” pregnancy tracker app? It’s a tool that gives expecting parents a clear look at their baby’s growth and the changes in their own body. These apps aim to...
Many parents ask about the best position to give birth to avoid tearing. There is no single answer, and some tears cannot be avoided because of things like the baby’s size or head position. Still, research shows some birth positions can lower the chance and severity of perineal tears. The goal is to know how...
If you’re pregnant and feeling worried, nervous, or even scared about what’s coming, you’re not alone. Many people have fears or worries about giving birth. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about labor and delivery. The good news is, by learning what these fears are and how to manage them, you can shift from feeling...
Many pregnant women wonder if lifting weights or doing strength training is safe while they’re expecting. For most healthy pregnancies, the answer is yes! Staying active, including doing strength exercises, is usually safe and can be very good for both mother and baby. However, every pregnancy is different-so you will need to make some changes...
Cardio workouts are usually safe for every trimester of a healthy pregnancy. In fact, staying active with cardio exercises can help both pregnant women and their babies. Pregnancy is not a sickness where you need to stop all physical activity. Instead, keeping up with regular exercise-including cardio-can help your body handle physical, mental, and hormonal...
Hip and leg cramps can show up suddenly and cause sharp pain that interrupts your day or sleep. The good news is that a regular stretching routine can help relieve and prevent these cramps. Proper stretching improves how your muscles move, increases blood flow, and helps you relax, which all work together to lessen how...
Pregnancy is an incredible time, but it often brings its own challenges. For many pregnant women, lower back pain is very common. In fact, about two-thirds of pregnant women deal with this type of discomfort. The pain might be a dull ache in the lower back, or it can feel sharper and sometimes even reach...
