Your Complete Guide to Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks are practice or warmup contractions. They do not lead to childbirth, but they are great for prepping the uterus and body for childbirth. Generally, Braxton Hicks is described as the tightening of the uterus that comes and goes. Some individuals describe it as a tight hug, period-like cramps, others describe it as their stomach feeling heavy, and some do not notice it at all. Braxton Hicks are not a universal experience, some individuals never have Braxton Hicks, and that is no problem!

A common misconception is that labor is imminent if someone has regular Braxton Hicks. Unfortunately, this is not true. Braxton Hicks can occur in the last weeks and months of pregnancy without birth occurring. Most of the time, Braxton Hicks do not dilate the cervix, but they can soften it and work mainly to tone the uterus.

Towards the end of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks might come and go, not triggered by anything other than your birthing day is soon. However, certain events can cause Braxton Hicks, and it is essential to take note of them. One thing that commonly causes Braxton Hicks is dehydration. The first thing I will ask someone if they state that they are having a lot of Braxton Hicks is how much water they have been intaking. Another cause for these practice contractions is sex or vigorous exercise. Another cause of Braxton Hicks is having to pee. Although there are times when you can do something to get your uterus to calm down, other times, it is just part of pregnancy. Allowing and embracing them as a part of the process is one of the best ways to handle them.

How many Braxton Hicks are too many? Most care providers will tell you that having more than four contractions in an hour is an excellent reason to reach out. When you contact your care provider, they will likely want to monitor your baby and your contractions and walk through whether you may have done something to trigger them or irritate the uterus. Then, once things have calmed down or picked up, your care provider will devise a game plan with you.

A common worry is individuals wondering how they will know the difference between Braxton Hicks and labor contractions. There are a few ways that someone might be able to tell the difference. First, labor contractions form a pattern, whereas Braxton Hicks are commonly sporadic. Another good sign that your contractions are labor is if they are getting longer, stronger, and closer together. Braxton Hicks tends to say the same in intensity and length, even if they get closer together. The third thing to do when figuring out if you are in labor or just experiencing some practice contractions is to drink water, take a warm bath, and rest. If your uterus is irritated, these actions can help to calm it down, which might take the contractions with it. Lastly, if you are in actual labor, no matter what position you are in, the contractions will continue versus with Braxton Hicks. Sometimes all it takes is a position change. If you have been lying down, get up and walk around and see whether they continue or peter out. And of course, if after you go through each of these tips and you still are unsure whether this is the real deal or not, give your care provider a call. Even if it is just a warmup, a check-up is never wrong!

Call your care provider immediately if any of these symptoms accompany your Braxton Hicks. Bright red bleeding, pain in the stomach, contractions that you cannot talk through, and if your water breaks. As you move through these sensations, trust your body and the process it is going through to prepare for labor and eventually to birth your child(ren). Braxton Hicks are just one of the many intuitive things your body knows to do, whether to tell you to slow down and take it easy or simply to prepare for the future task at hand, trust the sensations and recognize the powerful way in which your body communicates with you.

Your Baby’s Position in Pregnancy

Pregnant individuals report that babies in the womb move around often and are not wrong! It is perfectly normal for a fetus to move every which way throughout pregnancy, and most babies do not go and stay head down until upwards of thirty-six weeks gestation. When getting an ultrasound or palpation of your belly, your care provider might say something like “LOA position or ROP position” these acronyms describe where your baby is currently in the womb. But let’s dive in. What are some of these positions called, and what do they mean for pregnancy and potential labor?

First, let’s talk about posterior versus anterior positioning. Posterior positioning describes a fetus whose back is hammocked into the birthing parent's back. This position is not optimal for birth as it can make it much more difficult and is the leading cause of back labor, but it is possible for a vaginal birth. Some babies will wait and turn during labor, while others will never turn. If you want to work on turning your posterior baby, Spinning Babies has excellent resources for that. The anterior position is the optimal position for childbirth. The anterior position is when the infant's back is hammocked into the pregnant individual's belly.

Next, let’s discuss the vertex, breech, and transverse presentations. Vertex presentation describes a baby whose head is in the pelvis or head down and whose head will be the first thing born through the birth canal. Vertex presentation is the most optimal presentation for a vaginal birth and also the most common presentation. Breech presentation is when the baby's bottom or feet are in the pelvis and first exit the vaginal canal. There are many doctors and midwives who cannot and will not perform a vaginal breech birth, but it is possible to have a safe breech vaginal birth in the hands of a trained care provider. It is common for care providers to guide pregnant individuals to turn their breech babies to a vertex position. Some of the ways this can be done are through Spinning Babies techniques, chiropractic care, swimming, and a manual version. Transverse is the only of these three presentations that cannot be delivered vaginally. The transverse presentation describes an infant who is lying sideways in the womb. In the case of transverse presentation at or near term, a version can be performed like it is often performed with a breech birth. This procedure attempts to turn the baby into a more optimal vertex presentation. Manual versions often work, and the fetus can be turned more optimally. Still, sometimes it is unsuccessful, and either a breech vaginal birth occurs, or a cesarean section must be performed for breech or transverse presentation.

The most common positions for babies at term are left occiput anterior (LOA) and right occiput anterior (ROA). These positions describe a baby head down or vertex presenting, with their backs hammocked into the pregnant individual’s stomach or anterior positioned on either the left or right side of the uterus. Both of these positions are optimal for vaginal delivery. From there, we have left occiput posterior (LOP) and right occiput posterior (ROP). These positions describe a baby who is head down, or vertex presenting, with their backs hammocked into the pregnant individual’s back or posterior positioned, and either on the left or right side. There are other positions that a baby can take, such as right occiput transverse (ROT), left occiput transverse (LOT), right mentum anterior (RMA), right mentum posterior (RMP), left sacrum anterior (LSA), and left sacrum posterior (LSP) to name a few. If your doctor or midwife describes any of these as positions of the baby, you can ask them to show you a picture or draw out where your baby is located on your abdomen for a better visual.

In some instances, attempting Spinning Babies techniques to acquire more optimal fetal positioning can be beneficial, and your care provider will likely let you know what your options are in doing so. As mentioned above, most babies move around the womb in different positions until thirty-six weeks and sometimes beyond. There have been many pregnant individuals whose babies were breech up until they went into labor or were about to get a manual version performed. Sometimes a baby’s position tells a story about who they are and how they need to enter this world. It could be that baby is breech because they have a tight cord that won’t allow them to head down. Other times, a baby just lets their parent know what kind of child they might be. Whatever the reason, it is vital that we listen to these wise children, and if none of our attempts at achieving optimal position work, trust that they know the way their journey is meant to go.

Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy

Sleeping during pregnancy can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of the entire ordeal. Towards the middle and end of pregnancy, there does not seem to be a "comfortable" sleeping position nor a good night's rest. However, knowing what positions are safe for sleeping can help with some discomfort and worries, and there are some things you can do to find sleeping positions that might be less uncomfortable than others.

Regarding safety, the most common recommendation is to sleep on your left side throughout pregnancy. This can get uncomfortable for individuals who were previously back or stomach sleepers or who do not like to sleep in the same position all night. What happens if you wake up from a good night's rest and have rolled to the right side, your stomach, or your back while sleeping? The good news is that it is likely okay. If your body puts you in that position while unconscious and you're not experiencing discomfort, then it is alright to sleep like that for at least a few hours. Trust your body, and it will show signs that a sleep position is unsafe for your baby. Rolling from side to side is another great option if you feel anxious or uncomfortable about back or belly sleeping. Just because the left side is most preferred does not make the right side unsafe again if your body begins to give you signs that a position is unsafe, like making it hard to breathe, losing feeling in your extremities, etc.

The best recommendation for more comfortable sleeping would be to either get a pregnancy or body pillow or stack up a bunch of pillows you already have to provide support. Areas on the body that often feel better when supported are having a few pillows between the knees, having a pillow underneath the belly, and having pillows supporting the back are all great ways to get support. You know your body best, and you can likely tell if an area needs more support than another. Go with what you know and try different things out. There can never be too many pillows or support.

Another comfort measure some individuals take is ordering a pregnancy belly pillow for sleeping. If you are used to sleeping on your belly, that can make sleeping any other way feel difficult. Specifically designed pillows and support systems allow for safe stomach sleeping all pregnancy long. Even if you don't want to sleep that way all night, getting a pregnancy belly pillow can be a nice splurge to get some extra hours of sleep in.

One position that not only supports positive fetal positioning but is also highly comfortable is the side-lying release position. While in this position, the pregnant person lays on the side of their choice with their head level with the rest of their body. They then move their top leg over so that they are basically laying as far onto their stomach as comfortable. When working on positioning a baby, hanging this leg off of the bed or couch is even better. The best way to do this position is to make sure you sleep this way on both sides to keep the pelvic floor aligned. This position also increases pelvic mobility, releases muscle spasms, and can ease pregnancy pains.

Another suggestion for getting better sleep is to have body work done. Pregnancy massages, chiropractic care, foot zoning, and acupuncture care are somewhat of a splurge but well worth every penny. There are some physical pains in pregnancy that pillows and good positions cannot fix. Simply getting chiropractic care once a week or once a month, depending on your needs, can make a big difference in how well you can sleep and how comfortable you are while sleeping.

If sleep is not coming due to the inability of your body to relax or insomnia, there are some great natural options to try and help encourage rest. The most recommended amongst the birthing community is drinking the CALM Magnesium drink or adding a Magnesium supplement to your daily regimen. Magnesium is excellent for helping with restless-leg syndrome, encouraging relaxation, and regulating stress and anxiety. Another idea would be to take a nice warm bath with Epsom salts or Magnesium flakes to help relax the muscles and prepare for sleep. In addition, meditation programs like Hypnobabies or Hypnobirthing can help with stress and anxiety management and encourage deeper sleep and falling asleep faster. Other suggestions for daily practice would be to avoid too much caffeine, hydrate earlier in the day to prevent excessive bathroom breaks at night, eat a small high-in protein snack right before bed, work out or move your body, and have sex before bed.

If none of these ideas work, sleep can be made up with small naps throughout the day. There is no time for some individuals, but if you are available, naps can be a great way to get your body the sleep it desperately needs. The reminder I always give myself while pregnant and not sleeping is that pregnancy is a preparation for parenthood. Our bodies prepare us in small ways for the lack of sleep that inevitably comes with a newborn. If you are struggling with sleep so much that it impacts your daily life or mental health, reach out to a care provider. Some great over-the-counter medications are safe for pregnancy and can help immensely if nothing else works.

Signs Your Water Has Broken

Knowing whether you peed your pants or your water has broken can be difficult to figure out at the end of pregnancy. Despite what we see on TV when waters break, it is not often a massive gush of fluid. Instead, it is often simply a little trickle. The trickle is what makes telling whether your water has broken or not a difficult thing to do.

In most births, the water does not usually break to signify a start to laboring. Only about 8-10% of birthing individuals experience their water breaking before contractions start. Sometimes waters do not even break until pushing begins, and in some rare cases, a baby is born En Caul, which means they are born within their amniotic sac, meaning the sac never breaks. En Caul means “In Veil,” and these births are rare. They only happen once every 80,000 births. In some cultures, it is believed to be lucky or signifies the birth of a seer or highly spiritual individual.

Water breaking before contractions or premature rupture of membranes (PROM) can happen to anyone, but there are some risk factors to be aware of.

-       Low socioeconomic conditions

-       Sexually transmitted infections

-       Previous preterm birth

-       Vaginal bleeding

-       Cigarette smoking during pregnancy

-       Amniotic fluid infection (chorioamnionitis)

If you are one of the 10% of individuals whose water breaks before contractions begin, here are ways to know that it is your water and not simply a slip of the pelvic floor.

-       Kegel: If you Kegel and fluid flow stops, it is likely urine. If you Kegel and it continues or picks up, it is most likely amniotic fluid.

-       Smell It: Urine has a very…unique smell. Amniotic fluid tends to smell more sweetly or has no smell at all.

-       Color: Amniotic fluid is usually clear with white specks, whereas urine has a yellow tint.

-       Change Your Undies: If you leak amniotic fluid, you will leak more than once. If you change your underwear and find more liquid in them thirty to sixty minutes later, it is more likely that you are leaking amniotic fluid.

Let’s say you have tried all these different ways to tell if your waters are broken, and you are still unsure. First, you are not alone. It can be challenging to tell the difference, especially if you keep up your water intake. At this point, it would be a good idea to call your care provider and let them know what has been happening. Your care provider has a few ways to check whether your waters are broken, or you had a moment of incontinence or a high yield of vaginal discharge.

-       Nitrazine or Litmus paper is a commonly used way to discover whether someone’s waters have broken. This paper will change color when in contact with amniotic fluid. If you’re suspicious your waters have broken, throw on a pad and try to collect more of the amniotic fluid. Your pad can then be swabbed to get a good idea of what is happening.

-       Ferning is a scientific way to check and see if one’s water has broken. The care provider will take a small fluid sample under a microscope. If it looks like a fern plant, it is amniotic fluid.

-       Ultrasounds are another valuable way to check if someone’s water has broken. On ultrasound, the care provider can look for the amount of amniotic fluid present after the water has broken, giving them an idea of what might be happening.

If you are suspicious of your water being broken or leaking, it is essential to let your care provider know. It is also important to note the time that your water breaks. In many birth settings, the broken water begins a countdown to when a baby must be born. So, all in all, your care provider must be informed of your broken water so they can guide you through a safe birth.

Rh Factor Testing

Rh factor can feel extremely confusing, and I will be honest; it took me a long time to get a general idea of what it is and why testing is crucial. The first thing that you need to know is what the Rh factor is and who it affects. Rh factor is a protein that is found on the surface of the red blood cells. Rh factor is inherited, and if your blood type is positive, then your red blood cells have this Rh protein. If your blood type is negative, then you lack the Rh protein, and although having a negative blood type is not usually a problem for an individual’s health, it can cause issues during pregnancy.

 Suppose you are Rh negative, and your baby is Rh positive. In that case, it is called “Rh incompatibility,” although the baby's and parent’s blood usually do not mix during pregnancy, sometimes small amounts of the parent's and baby’s blood occasionally mix. If the blood mixes, then the parent’s body might produce antibodies that would fight against a future baby who is also Rh-positive. So, when the Rh factor is being treated, it is not for the current pregnancy but for any pregnancies after this one.

When are the times a baby's and parent’s blood might mix?

-       Miscarriage

-       Ectopic pregnancy

-       Abortion

-       Removal of a molar pregnancy

-       Amniocentesis

-       Chorionic villus sampling

-       Cordocentesis

-       Any bleeding during pregnancy

-       An injury or trauma to the abdomen during pregnancy

-       An external manual rotation of a baby in a breech position

-       During childbirth itself

If your next baby is Rh positive, these antibodies your body has begun

producing can cross through the placenta and begin to cause damage to the baby’s red blood cells, causing anemia. This condition can be life-threatening to a fetus or newborn, so Rh testing and treatment are highly recommended.

            But what happens if you decide not to do any Rh treatments this pregnancy because you are unsure that your baby has a positive blood type, know that the chances of this occurring are rare or for any other reason? If the antibody screen shows that you are already producing antibodies, then an Rh treatment will not help. At this point, the baby will be monitored more closely during pregnancy and might even require a blood transfusion during pregnancy or immediately after birth to save their life. Rh treatment is one of those things that can only be done before the mixing of blood, which is why many pregnant individuals get the treatment during pregnancy and get their newborn’s blood type tested immediately postpartum so that they can receive the Rh treatment then as well if it is needed.

            So, what are these tests, and what can be expected of them? The Rh factor test is a blood test usually done at the first appointment during your pregnancy. It is very simple and non-invasive but can be traumatic for individuals who struggle with needles or blood draws. Once the lab processes your results, you will either get back that you are Rh positive or Rh negative. If you are Rh positive, you don’t need to do anything. But if you are Rh-negative, then it might be a good idea to get the RhoGAM shot to help prevent your body from making antibodies. The RhoGAM shot is administered via intermuscular injection into the buttock. Most individuals who receive it would give it a solid one-star review, and I have even heard it dotingly referred to as the “peanut butter shot” talk about yikes!

            Like any medication, there are some common side effects to RhoGAM, including:

-       Injection site reactions

-       Fever

-       Itching

-       Joint/muscle pain

-       Dizziness

-       Headaches

-       Weakness

-       Exhaustion

-       Skin rash

-       Nausea/Vomiting

-       Diarrhea

-       Stomach pain

-       Allergic reactions

There are also some more severe side-effects like:

-       Pale or yellowed skin

-       Rapid breathing or heart rate

-       Little to no urination, dark-colored urination, or red or pink urine

-       Rapid weight gain

-       Signs of a blood clot

-       Fever, chills, shaking, back pain, unusual weakness.

-       Confusion or shortness of breath

Contact your care provider immediately if you experience any of these side effects. RhoGAM is also contraindicated if someone has Immune Globulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibody to IgA or if someone has hemolytic anemia. As with any of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum choices, getting tested and treated for Rh factor is a very personal decision that only you and your support team together can make. Weighing out the risks and benefits of any given option is the best way to make sure the true consent is being given to your care provider.

Hospital care providers can always give RhoGAM, and in many areas’ community midwives can also administer the RhoGAM shot. It can provide peace of mind knowing that the testing and treatment for Rh factor are available wherever you choose to give birth.

Prenatal Mindfulness

You will find many articles and books about stress reduction in therapy. Research shows that large amounts of stress can lead to preterm labor, small birth weight, and poor outcomes. This information is helpful because it shows the impacts of racism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, and poverty. These chronic stressors on birthing parents lead to adverse outcomes, and no amount of self-care routines and stress reduction techniques will change the impact of long-term chronic stress on someone’s body. In this article, we will discuss ways to work through and handle the stressors that life gives us while pregnant. Still, it is essential to point out that these immense stressors I have pointed out above require systematic work and cannot be solved with the solutions for day-to-day stress that are shared in this article.

Certain amounts of stress while pregnant are inevitable, and there is no way to be completely mindful every minute of every day. Although we know that stress can have harmful effects on fetuses, we also know that they have quite a bit of resilience and can usually handle the stress levels we encounter. Remember that stress reduction techniques don’t do anything if they are causing more stress. This means that if you read this article and the different ideas and tips provided cause you to feel more pressure when trying to implement them, you can set them down. They do not have to be for you.

A lot of stress in pregnancy comes from long-standing people-pleasing tendencies. So one of the first things you can do to reduce stress while pregnant is to speak your truth. This might mean you need to hire a different care provider, tell your mother-in-law “No” to coming to your birth, or let your aunt know that she needs to stop texting you asking when the baby will be here five times a day. Speaking your truth can feel challenging at first, but when you see the results, it begins to feel more accessible.

Another way to lessen stress during pregnancy is to prioritize self-care. Self-care is a word that has been overused and inappropriately tied to things like taking a shower alone or drinking your coffee before it goes cold. But what is the self-care we are talking about? Authentic self-care is preserving and improving your mental, physical, and emotional health by doing things that you genuinely enjoy. This means that showering alone and drinking hot coffee can play into proper self-care, but it is so much more than that. Getting a babysitter for older kids to have some alone time or time with your partner, doing art, playing sports or working out, therapy, massages, eating food that you love, traveling or taking a staycation, and more, are all great ideas for practicing true self-care. The best part about self-care is that only you know what the trick will improve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Sitting down and making a list of things you can do every day, every week, month, and year can help you so that your self-care is prioritized and easier to achieve.

            Suppose your stress is caused by your body physically not feeling right. In that case, you can reduce stress by getting body work done, purchasing a pregnancy pillow, using a bunch of pillows to help with sleep, taking pregnancy-safe medications, having your partner or a professional give you a massage, taking baths, and more. Body aches and discomforts are something that pregnant people often express discomfort with. Although some things cannot be relieved, it is always worth trying to get more comfortable while pregnant to reduce the stress that discomfort can bring.

            Another stressor can be mental health. Whether this is perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, or other mental health disorders, some things can be done to help. Therapy is an excellent option if it is accessible to you. There are even some therapists who take insurance or work pro bono. Different types of therapy work best for every kind of mental illness, so even if therapy hasn’t worked for you in the past, it might work for you now. There are also pregnancy-safe medications that can be prescribed. Taking medication for mental health can feel big and scary, but it can also be life-altering and bring more peace than one could imagine. If you already have these things in play for your mental health, then learning coping mechanisms, mindfulness, and self-care routines can be added to make moving through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum easier.

            Remember that your baby and your body are resilient through all of this. Working to create a less stressful environment is a great thing to do while pregnant, but only if it feels productive and less stressful. If you are experiencing racism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, and/or poverty, you are not the problem, the systems that oppress you are. Reminding yourself that your baby and body are resilient to the long-term stressors in your life can be helpful, you are doing the perfect job at growing your baby, and you will continue to do the ideal job at birthing your baby.

Pregnancy Back Pain

When pregnant, the body is rapidly experiencing immense amounts of change. These changes in the body can lead to discomfort, especially as the fetus and belly grow. The most experienced discomforts in pregnancy are back pain and round ligament pain. These pains are common and, gratefully, are not harmful, but a pregnant individual may wish for some support to help with the discomfort. There are many different styles and options for support systems, and we will discuss a few of them in this article.

The first style is the built-in support belly band. This belly support system is meant to be worn underneath regular pregnancy clothing. It is made of a tight, elastic material that provides comfortable and lightweight support. Most of these designs are over the belly with full coverage, which can lead to overheating if one is prone to that. Many pregnant individuals prefer this style because it is discrete and allows them to feel good while continuing to look good.

Another belly support band that is extremely popular is a belly support belt. This belt is made to redistribute the weight of the pregnant belly, helping with back, sciatica, and round ligament pain. Pregnancy belts cradle the belly providing support above and below, which is why it is so effective. Unlike the first style, this belt is more visible and bulkier. Some pregnancy support belts must be removed while sitting, which can be annoying if you get up and down all day. These belts seem to be the best option for tried-and-true relief of symptoms and for individuals carrying multiples or with a history of disease or surgeries that would increase discomfort while carrying a pregnancy.

The pregnancy belly band is an in-between of the above two styles. It is less conspicuous than a belly support belt but does not offer complete belly coverage, which can help with the overheating factor. These bands are the most common belly support systems found in stores. The biggest complaint about belly bands is that they are often more complex or unable to be tightened for each belly. However, belly bands can be worn underneath or above clothing and are commonly more inexpensive than other options.

For some individuals, belly support tanks or leggings are enough to provide adequate support for the bump. If all you need is a little extra support, grabbing a nice, tight, supportive pair of maternity leggings or a tank top is a great option.

Another support solution that many individuals like is the Kinesiology tape. This is a learned support system and may be difficult for someone to place themselves. However, many bodyworkers utilize this tape to provide stabilization of muscles and joints. Research has shown that using Kinesiology tape can provide lasting relief, even once the tape is removed.

If you are low on cash, another solution can be to utilize a ring sling baby carrier during pregnancy. The ring sling is a baby carrier that can be sinched and tightened to cover and lift the belly during pregnancy. This can be a great solution if you are unsure whether a belly support system would benefit you or need something usable after pregnancy. There are some great videos on utilizing the ring sling during pregnancy on YouTube if you need more guidance.

Remember that as you try out a belly support system, every body and belly are different. What works for others may not work for you, which is okay. Many of these support systems can be found on the marketplace for lower prices, which can be helpful when figuring out which support system will work best for your unique needs.

Pregnancy Back Pain

Back pain can be somewhat common as your body rapidly changes throughout pregnancy. For example, in preparation for childbirth, your body sends out the hormone relaxin giving the joints more flexibility and, in return, causing some back pain and discomfort. In addition, your uterus is also growing rapidly, shifting your center of gravity and stretching and weakening abdominal muscles. All of this and not to mention the extra weight of pregnancy, can cause a strain on muscles as they get stronger to support these changes better.

For the most part, back pain in pregnancy is completely normal, but there are times when it needs to be checked out by a professional. I recommend letting your care provider know you’re having back pain at your next appointment, no matter what, just so they are aware. Still, it is crucial to call your care provider if any of the following occurs: severe back pain or back pain that does not go away for over two weeks. Back pain can be a symptom of premature labor or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Call your care provider immediately if your back pain is accompanied by cramping or bleeding, a fever, burning during urination, or vaginal bleeding.

If your back pain is a normal physiological part of your pregnancy, some different things can help ease the pain. The best recommendation is to visit a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or prenatal massage therapist. Bodywork can be highly impactful on the pregnant body, and it is incredible what a simple adjustment can do for the discomforts that accompany pregnancy.

Pay attention to the positioning of your body. Because of the weight of your uterus, it can be tempting to slouch or hunch over while walking. Keeping in mind your posture can help prevent back pain and provide relief of symptoms as well as encourage better positioning.

If you work a job where you are either sitting or on your feet all day, finding time during the day to mix things up is another way to help with back discomfort. Whether this means standing at your desk for short periods, walking during your lunch break, or finding time to lay down and rest when you have breaks, mixing up what you are doing can provide significant relief.

Wearing supportive shoes and clothing, as well as a belly band, is another idea for helping you get relief from back pain. What we wear on our bodies is important and can impact the discomfort we feel daily. Having shoes with good arch support or a belly band that can better distribute the weight of your uterus are two great options for dress.

If the back pain bothers you at night, ensuring you are sleeping in a supported position is crucial. Using a hot or ice pack while lying down can also be helpful. Some individuals find that Magnesium or Epsom Salt baths help with back pains and discomfort. A tens unit is something that many individuals use for labor and find that it provides relief during pregnancy as well. Caring for yourself is crucial for helping with pains and discomforts during pregnancy.

Lifting heavy loads or overstretching muscles is a common way that pregnant individuals cause harm to their backs. However, because of the relaxin flowing through the body, someone might feel more flexible or able when it comes to heavy lifting or stretching. Being mindful of your body and its limits can help you avoid these injuries and know how to lift correctly.

Along the same lines as overexerting or over-stretching, moving your body can be helpful for back pain. It comes down to knowing how much movement is safe and comfortable for your body. Take it slow. Doing only exercises you were doing before getting pregnant is a great place to start. You might notice that even those exercises are insufficient, which is a good sign to slow down and find alternatives. Working out and moving your body during pregnancy should feel good. If it stops feeling good, then it is not a good fit. Listen to your body and what it is telling you. You know your body best and you know if something is wrong. If your back pain does not feel right, then it is a good idea to reach out to your care provider. Your gut knows what is expected and abnormal. Getting checked out while pregnant is never a bad idea. After all, it is better to be safe and get your care provider’s weigh-in on how to help with the discomfort.

Lightning Crotch Pain

You know that sharp and shooting vaginal pain you get that stops you in your tracks during the last month or so of pregnancy? It is lovingly nicknamed “Lightning crotch,” and for a good reason. Experiencing lightning crotch seems to be a very common experience but does not occur in every pregnancy, and scientists are not sure why. Although many experience this uncomfortable sensation, does anybody know what it is or what is causing it?

According to science, lighting crotch is caused by the baby’s head being so low and engaged that it puts pressure on the nerves in the lower parts of your uterus, sending that occasional zing right to your crotch. Often times lightning crotch occurs when the baby has dropped down into the pelvis at the end of pregnancy. Unfortunately, no, it is not a sign that labor is near. In fact, your lightning crotch sensations could continue to occur all the way up until labor. Although there is no way to stop the sensations completely, a few things can be attempted to help with lessening the discomfort or getting through the sensation when it occurs.

The main preventative that can be taken is to wear a belly support band or garment. This can help give support and lessen the pelvic load. There are all types of discrete belly support systems that fit nicely under pregnancy clothing as well as a few types of belly support systems that look like robotic body extensions but likely do even more of the trick. There are even DIY options, like utilizing a ring sling infant carrier, that can help take some of the weight off of your pelvis and cost a lot less. This preventative might not take away lightning crotch sensations completely, but it is worth trying and might provide more relief than you thought possible.

A few other ideas to help prevent lightning crotch are to stay active throughout the day. If you are working a desk job, schedule time for getting up periodically and walking around. Take daily walks or go for a swim if that is available to you. Moving your body can help with so many different pregnancy ailments, and lightning crotch might just be one of them. Another idea is to take a nice warm bath or get a relaxing massage. These two things ease some of the strain on your muscles and help them to release and relax. Again, even if none of these things work for lighting crotch, they will still feel nice, so what is there to lose?

If you are in the middle of a lightning crotch sensation and need it to stop, the best advice is to change positions. Shifting from sitting to standing or from standing to lying down. By changing positions, you quite literally can get your baby off of your nerves.

Although lightning crotch is usually not a concern to see your care provider, there are some moments where it might be the sign of something more. For example, suppose your lighting crotch does not go away after a few moments or is accompanied by lower back pain, nausea, regular contractions, a fever, or vaginal bleeding. In that case, it is time to call your care provider. These things could be signs of early labor or an infection; either way, your care provider will want to know.

Although lightning crotch is not preventable, it is most commonly pretty quick to come and go, never lasting more than a few moments, and it is a pregnancy ailment that goes away when pregnancy is over. So there is relief coming whether these tips above work or not. And although uncomfortable and slightly annoying, knowing that this pain is benign can provide peace of mind as you move forward throughout the remainder of your pregnancy.

Feeling Good About Your Pregnant Body

While pregnant, rapid changes occur in your body and to your body. For some, this experience is positive and exciting. They love how they look and feel while growing life, and it is easy for them to accept the changes occurring at this rapid rate. For others, the changes feel jarring, and there is an overwhelming sense of lack of control. Pregnancy can dredge feelings of body dysmorphia, eating disorders, depression, stress, and anxiety, amongst other things. Neither of these experiences is good or bad, regular or abnormal, positive or negative. They each are simply experiences of pregnancy. Meeting your feelings about your pregnant body with neutrality is an excellent first step.

Rather than feeling the need to love your new body, I propose neutrality. Looking at your body and thanking it for its ability to carry out the regular tasks you perform each day can be an empowering thing to try. These tasks can differ from body to body, dependent on disabilities, lifestyles, and overall feelings toward your pregnancy. Positive affirmations can be another powerful tool, specifically when spoken aloud. If financially possible, paying a professional to capture photographs of you in your pregnant body can help. Cell phone images taken by a friend or partner can also be valuable, even if you cannot hire a professional. Even if you cannot look at these photographs at first or even for a long time, having them taken might help more with acceptance of your pregnant body.

On the opposite end of getting photographs of your pregnant body, how you dress while pregnant can significantly impact how you feel in your body. If you are in a transgender or genderqueer body, finding clothes that fit a pregnant belly and feel like you can be challenging. Purchasing clothes a few sizes bigger than your regular size can work for some, but there are also companies starting to develop more gender-neutral or masculine pregnancy clothes, so keep an eye out for those. If you are struggling with how large your belly is growing, wearing clothes that are less obvious about your bump might be the perfect option for you. On the other hand, sometimes it feels good to accept the growing bump and purchase all the cute clothes to show off your growing belly. Whatever you choose, dressing in a way that gives your confidence and makes you feel good is the goal. Many thrift stores carry great pregnancy clothes that are less expensive than purchasing off the rack. If funds are super tight, asking a friend or family member to borrow their pregnancy clothes could be the solution you are looking for. Again, wear what makes you feel good in your growing body.

Another way to feel better about your pregnant body is by taking care of it. I am not talking about eating certain foods in a specific way or even working out. What I am talking about is finding ways to provide comfort to your body during this pregnancy. For some, this might look like eating the things they crave without guilt or stress, going on daily walks, or doing daily yoga. But for others, this can look like purchasing a pregnancy pillow to help achieve better sleep results, getting body work like chiropractic, craniosacral, or massages, taking naps and resting radically, journaling, daily baths with Epsom salts, etc. Caring for your pregnant body can look different for each individual and their personal needs on this journey. Only you can know your needs, but there is power in honoring those needs.

For those who find it accessible, therapy is another excellent way to work on feeling good about your pregnant body, especially if you have a history of body dysmorphia or eating disorders or are experiencing depression or anxiety about your pregnant body. There are some things that positive affirmations, bodywork, and nutritious foods will not help with. Therapy is for anyone and everyone who can access it and can be profoundly influential. Needing extra mental health support during pregnancy is a regular occurrence, and not enough pregnant individuals receive the help they need.

Ultimately you will have to decide what will work for you. It might be something in this article, or it might be something completely unrelated. Whatever you find to help work on body neutrality, self-acceptance, and feeling better about being in your pregnant body is the right tool for you. Remembering that growth is sustaining the rapidly developing baby in your uterus and that pregnancy is only a 9-10 month temporary phase are two perspective changers that can sometimes help shift up the way you are viewing this pregnancy. And lastly, it is okay that you are struggling with these changes in your body. It does not make you a bad person or parent. It makes you a normal person and a normal parent. So, deep breaths through the discomforts of pregnancy. You are doing an incredible job. If you never get to a place of feeling better in your pregnant body, that is okay too. Give yourself compassion and recognize that sometimes the best thing you can do is continue forward one step at a time.

High Cholesterol During Pregnancy

There are a few different types of fats that we intake regularly. The first type of fat is called trans fats. These fats are also known as the “bad” fats and are often found in fried food, processed food, some meats, shortening, and margarine. These fats raise the levels of bad cholesterol and lower the levels of good cholesterol, which can cause clogging of arteries, leading to strokes, heart disease, and can cause weight gain, and diabetes. The second type of fat is known as saturated fat. Saturated fats can be “bad” if someone intakes too much of them. They are fats that are solid at room temperature and affect the body in similar ways that trans fats do. Saturated fats are found in animal protein, dairy, coconut, palm, and fried foods. The last kind of fat is called monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat. This type of fat is known as “good” fat. It does the opposite in the body as saturated and trans fats do. It increases the amount of good cholesterol and lowers the amount of bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of strokes, heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes. These fats are usually liquid at room temperature and can be found in avocados, olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, nuts, and fish.

When eating during pregnancy, you must get enough fats into your diet because fats impact hormones, fertility, energy levels, and cell function. Pregnant individuals must get a good balance of Omega-6 fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids while pregnant so that they are intaking not only “bad” fats but “good” fats too. Unlike labeling them as good and bad fats would seem, both are important for a pregnant body and need to be consumed.

There are not usually many outward signs of high cholesterol, but cholesterol can be measured by getting a blood test. Eating a balanced diet is the best way to prevent high cholesterol during pregnancy. It is okay to have some of those trans and saturated fats, but making sure you are balancing it out with unsaturated fats is vital. I always tell my clients to play the addition game rather than the subtraction game. If you are craving something like ice cream, pair it with something with good fats or proteins, like peanut butter, nuts, etc. You do not need to subtract because dieting while pregnant is not recommended. Instead, just add something to the foods you are eating and craving.

Another great way to balance the intake of good and bad fats is to add a fish oil supplement to your daily regimen. Not only will this give your body balance, but it can also help with perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. Fish oil is an excellent addition to someone’s daily fat intake, and sometimes the best way to guarantee you get it is through a supplement.

Remember that your cholesterol rising during pregnancy and nursing can be within the realm of normal. It is normal for cholesterol to increase for most pregnant individuals because you are making more cholesterol while nursing and pregnant. Therefore, seeing elevated cholesterol levels on a test would not be surprising. Levels between 60-100mg/dL are normal for pregnancy and nursing. Cholesterol is crucial for a baby’s development as it plays a role in brain, limb, and cellular development, as well as healthy human milk.

 If your cholesterol levels are higher and you are looking for a way to reduce them without taking medications, a few tips would be to first up your intake of healthy fats, second, up your intake of fibrous foods like oats, chia seeds, whole grains, berries, fruits, dark green veggies, sweet potatoes, and beans. And lastly, get some exercise and movement in. Exercise does not have to be rigorous to do the trick. Simply walking or light jogging, swimming, yoga, or light weightlifting are enough to help fight high cholesterol. Talk to your care provider before starting a new workout routine.

Remember, if your care provider has not mentioned your cholesterol levels, you likely have nothing to worry about. Intuitive eating emphasizing balance and whole foods is the best and most efficient way to support a normal pregnancy. Listen to your body; trust it will tell you what nutrients you need. On the other hand, if your care provider raises cholesterol levels, you can make changes accordingly.

A Guide to Working While Pregnant

A Guide to Working While Pregnant

Depending on the job, working while pregnant can be completely doable. Certain working situations and pregnancies will require alterations to make them safe, but it can be done in most cases. It is important to remember that you are the expert on your body and pregnancy and are the best person to say if working your job is an excellent move to make while pregnant. If you continue working, here are some good guideposts to doing so safely and efficiently.

Although it may feel scary, it is best to let your boss and co-workers know that you are pregnant in most work environments. Letting them know can allow them to alter your work schedule, load, and prepare for your upcoming parental leave. In addition, in the early days of pregnancy, many individuals experience intense morning sickness and may need to miss work. If your boss and co-workers know the reason for your absence, it can increase their empathy and understanding.

Working over forty hours a week during pregnancy is not ideal, especially in high-stress jobs. However, this is one of the scenarios where talking to your boss could be the best thing for both you and your baby as you continue working while pregnant. Whether you are working at a desk job or on your feet, it is a good idea to take frequent short breaks where you do the opposite of what you are usually doing. These breaks are mainly physically helpful but can also be emotionally and mentally beneficial.
            While at work, it is crucial to eat and drink well and often. This might look like having high-protein snacks available at your desk or in your bag if you are on the go. Bringing whole food protein-rich meals is another great idea to give you stamina for your day and encourage the healthy growth of the fetus. Bringing a large refillable water bottle can be inspiring for adequate water intake. My best advice for water intake is to make sure your water bottle is cute and one you love, it sounds silly, but something about loving your water bottle is highly motivational for hydration.

Part of surviving working while pregnant is caring for yourself at home. Getting adequate exercise or movement and sleeping enough are two key contributors to energy levels throughout the day. Another thing to remember is to keep up the protein-rich meals and snacks while at home and on hydration. Our at-home habits impact our day-to-day in more ways than one. If we cannot care for ourselves at home, it could cause more stress than good in a work environment.

Balancing pregnancy appointments, adjustments, childbirth preparation courses, and doula interviews with working can feel like a lot. Scheduling things out is a great way to save your sanity while juggling all these things simultaneously. The more you can schedule your appointments around your work schedule, the less you will have to miss and the less stress you will feel. If there is an appointment you absolutely cannot schedule around work hours, talking to your boss is a great way to find a solution that works for everyone.

We all know that with work and pregnancy alike, there are both good and bad days. As much as we hope every day of pregnancy will be good, it is essential to plan what you will do if you hit a bad day and still must go to work. Planning might look like getting extra work done on your good days so you can take it easier on your worst days.

Prepare for your postpartum leave and look at your different options. It could be that your company offers an incredible parental leave for postpartum. In the United States, this may not be as likely of a case. Suppose you get very little parental leave postpartum. In that case, it might be a good idea to consider changing positions at your work, leaving work together if financially possible, returning part-time, or using paid vacation leave to supplement the income. Only you know what is best for your family and postpartum needs, but if your work life is no longer a good fit, trust your intuition and move on to what is coming next. If you feel like the best plan of action is to take parental leave from work early, prepare ahead of the time. For some parents, taking a break before provides them more time for nesting and birth preparation but is not always feasible. If It works for you, taking leave can provide great timing for nursing and bonding with the baby. Remember again. Only you will know what is best for your needs this peripartum.

All About Pre-Eclampsia

All About Pre-eclampsia/ Having Preeclampsia During Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is something that we have likely all heard of. We know that taking blood pressure every appointment and discussing whether you are swelling or having headaches are all screening for it, but what is Pre-eclampsia, and how does it impact pregnancy and childbirth?

Pre-eclampsia is the warning your body gives before developing eclampsia which can be deadly. Frequently pre-eclampsia becomes known with a sudden spike in blood pressure with readings higher than 140/90, protein in the urine, headaches that do not go away with treatment, changes in vision, nausea, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. The one thing that all these symptoms are trying to say is that the liver and kidney body systems are not doing well. Pre-eclampsia impacts about 2-8% of all pregnancies and can occur as early as 20 weeks gestation, but more commonly occurs in the last few months of pregnancy.

Although there are no guaranteed ways to control whether someone develops pre-eclampsia, some things put specific individuals at a higher risk of it. Some risk factors include being a first-time parent, having a history of hypertension or pre-eclampsia, a family history of pre-eclampsia, multiple gestation pregnancy, being young or older, individuals with a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease, and obesity.

Even though there are no sure-fire ways to avoid pre-eclampsia, there are some things that individuals can do that might be correlated to avoiding it. There are many ways to prevent pre-eclampsia and give yourself more self-care during pregnancy. One of the things that might help is getting a good amount of sleep. Eating whole foods high in protein and low in salt and drinking about 6-8 cups of water daily are other excellent tips. Regular exercise (nothing strenuous) is another thing that can sometimes help with prevention. One thing that many care providers recommend is taking a daily baby aspirin. Antidotally, care providers have seen baby aspirin lessen the occurrence of pre-eclampsia by up to 15%.

If you develop symptoms of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, your care providers will want to monitor you closely. This could look like extra blood work, monitoring blood pressure more often, urine tests, additional prenatal appointments, and more ultrasounds. In cases where someone develops pre-eclampsia early in pregnancy, they could be hospitalized until it is safe enough to induce labor. Care providers will also give you things you can do at home, like eating less salt, eating more protein, stopping caffeine consumption, exercising daily, and more. If you develop pre-eclampsia in the last few weeks of pregnancy, induction is likely, as it is often safer for a baby to be delivered than for pregnancy to continue. The only true way to treat pre-eclampsia is by having a baby. Routinely individuals with pre-eclampsia will be on a magnesium drip during labor and postpartum to help prevent eclampsia from developing.

Pre-eclampsia can have an impact not just on the birthing parent but also on the fetus. Some of these impacts are early labor and delivery, small gestation size, and the placenta not getting enough blood flow. There are also more long-term risks, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, deafness, and in some cases, blindness. The good news is that, in most cases, infants born to parents with pre-eclampsia go on to lead regular lives.

The best way to ensure you are not developing symptoms of pre-eclampsia is to be monitored regularly by your care provider. Going to regular prenatal appointments during pregnancy and getting under a care provider early on can give birthing parents more options for pre-eclampsia prevention and proper monitoring to enhance the safety of the birthing parent and unborn child(ren). Remember that anyone can develop pre-eclampsia, and it does not impact a parent's worth. It is just a condition that can affect pregnancy and is important to know about.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a procedure that removes amniotic fluid and cells from the uterus while pregnant to test or treat. Amniotic fluid is what surrounds the baby during pregnancy. Although Amniocentesis can be a handy tool for providing information about a fetus's health, it has risks, and birthing individuals need to weigh out the risks versus benefits if this procedure is brought to them.

The main reasons that Amniocentesis is done are first for genetic testing. Genetic Amniocentesis takes a sample of amniotic fluid and tests the cells' DNA to diagnose conditions such as Down Syndrome. Usually, this type of genetic testing is not done until after another genetic test or screen shows a high risk of a condition. Another way that Amniocentesis is used is for the diagnosis of fetal infections or illnesses. This is less commonly a reason to do an amniocentesis, but it can still be helpful. If a birthing person has a condition called Polyhydramnios or excess amniotic fluid in the uterus, Amniocentesis could be done to drain some of that fluid to help with the condition. And lastly, if delivery needs to occur sooner than 39 weeks, amniotic fluid can be tested to see if a fetus's lungs are mature enough to handle birth. This is rarely done, but interestingly, an amniocentesis can provide that information.

Amniocentesis is not a more commonly used test because it carries risks that occur in approximately 1 out of 900 tests. One risk that is frequently discussed is miscarriage. When performed by a skilled provider, the risk of miscarriage is about .1%-.3%. Research shows that the risk of miscarriage is higher if Amniocentesis is done before 15 weeks. Another risk is that of an injury to the fetus. During Amniocentesis, the baby might move their arm or leg, and the needle could cause an injury. Although serious injuries are rare, they can occur and should be weighed out in the decision-making. Rh sensitization can occur because the baby's blood cells can access the pregnant person's bloodstream. There are ways to prevent sensitization; if someone has Rh-negative blood, it might be a good idea to consider these precautions. Of the rare risks is the risk of leaking amniotic fluid, uterine infection, and infection transmissions such as hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS.

Knowing more about what to expect is reasonable if you have weighed out the risks versus benefits and feel that Amniocentesis is the best plan for your pregnancy. The procedure is outpatient and often takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The needle is only inside your uterus for a minute or two. The only pain you might feel is a slight stinging when the needle punctures your skin and minor menstrual cramping during and following the procedure. Once complete, the amniotic fluid will be tested, and three to four days later, your care provider will discuss the results with you. People choose to move forward with Amniocentesis because it is about 99% accurate at detecting abnormalities. After an amniocentesis test, you must go home and rest for the day, avoiding physically demanding activities, including sex. Most individuals report feeling themselves one to two days after the procedure.

In the medical field, there is great debate on whether or not Amniocentesis is worth the risk, but ultimately, you are the only one who can decide that. It is a very personal decision that is based on each situation. The best way to decide is to discuss your risks with your care provider and do as much research as possible. If the test results do not change any decision about your pregnancy, an amniocentesis might not be worth the risk for you. However, for other individuals who have the need and desire to make plans for caring for a special needs child or are undetermined on whether or not they can care for a special needs child, this test might very well be worth the risks. Whatever you choose will be the right decision for your situation and pregnancy. Trust your inner knowing that you are the professional of your body and this pregnancy.

Everything to Know About Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is defined as regular contractions resulting in an opening of the cervix after twenty weeks of pregnancy but before thirty-seven weeks. Not all premature labor results in premature birth, but it can if it does not stop. The most significant health risk of premature labor is premature birth, and the earlier the premature birth, the greater the chances of health risks.

Premature labor is not always controllable. Sometimes, it just happens, and there are no objective reasons. However, even though we do not always know the cause of premature labor, some things put someone at higher risk for premature labor.

-       Previous preterm labors or births, especially in more than one previous pregnancy.

-       Pregnancy of multiples.

-       Shortened cervix.

-       Problems with the uterus or placenta.

-       Smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs.

-       Infections of the amniotic fluid or urinary tract.

-       High blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression.

-       Living in a Black or Brown body with everyday exposure to racism.

-       Stressful events.

-       IVF pregnancies.

-       Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes.

-       Domestic violence including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

-       Polyhydramnios or too much amniotic fluid.

-       Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

-       Fetal congenital disabilities.

-       Less than twelve months between pregnancies or greater than fifty-nine months between pregnancies.

-       Young or older birthing parents.

Some of these risk factors are unavoidable and things that birthing induvial cannot

change, and others are things that we can control. Doing one's best to avoid risk factors

is a great way to prevent preterm labor.

How do you know if you are experiencing regular Braxton Hicks warmup contractions or

If you are experiencing preterm labor? The most common symptoms reported with preterm labor are:

-       More than four contractions in one hour with or without menstrual-like cramping.

-       Pressure in the lower belly or a constant dull backache.

-       Diarrhea accompanies other symptoms.

-       Watery, blood-tinged, or mucous-like discharge.

-       A gush or trickle of fluid from the vagina.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to contact your care provider immediately and let them know. If your provider has you come in, different things may occur to confirm that you are indeed in preterm labor. Some of those things are:

-       Monitoring contractions. At a hospital, a device called a Tocodynamometer attaches to one's belly to monitor the frequency of contractions. This can give a good idea of the timing of each contraction visually.

-       Urine test. UTIs can cause premature labor or a lot of premature labor symptoms. Because of this, a urine test will be taken. When a UTI is treated, the signs of preterm labor often go with it.

-       Fetal Fibronectin Screening. This screening is often done if premature labor occurs before thirty-four weeks of pregnancy. This swab tests the cervical secretions for Fetal Fibronectin, a protein that helps the amniotic sac. The lack of Fetal Fibronectin in the vagina is a good sign that premature labor is unlikely.

-       Transvaginal Ultrasound. This ultrasound can measure the length of the cervix, check the placenta, and check the baby.

-       Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam may be considered to check for uterine firmness or softness, baby positioning, cervical ripening and opening, and amniotic fluid.

After confirming preterm labor, different options might be given to you for keeping labor at bay and your baby in the womb. Some of these options might be:

-       Bed rest. Some individuals need to do bed rest for a few weeks, and others need to practice it for the rest of their pregnancy. This can either be done at home or in the hospital setting.

-       Tocolytic Medications. These medications can work with the body to stop labor and contractions. However, each medication has a list of risks and benefits that should be weighed before administration.

-       Corticosteroids. These are steroids that aid in rapidly growing the fetal lungs. This can be a reasonable precaution or a great option if preterm birth is imminent.

-       Antibiotics. If an infection is causing preterm labor, antibiotics treating the infection can cause the preterm labor to stop.

If nothing works to stop the preterm labor, birthing the baby is the last option.

Because of modern-day technology, infants as young as twenty-four weeks gestation have a 60-70% chance of survival. These survival rates increase weekly, and a person can continue with pregnancy. Unfortunately, about 40% of preterm infants will suffer from life-long health complications due to being born early. Some of these complications look like this:

-       Trouble maintaining body temperature.

-       Breathing problems.

-       Heart problems.

-       Blood problems.

-       Kidney problems.

-       Digestive problems.

-       Nervous system problems.

-       Infections.

Although preterm birth only occurs in one in ten pregnancies in the United States, it is essential to know what it is and what it might look like. Catching early preterm labor can be an effective way to stop it. However, premature labor can be an extremely stressful event that puts birthing individuals in impossible situations. Although, for the most part, statistical survival rates are good, premature birth is a scary thing that can lead to infant mortality rates and should be taken seriously.