by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Top Five Amazing Changes in your Body When Pregnant
I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories: shoe size increases; stretch marks; and hair falling out. These are issues that people love to harp on about to newly pregnant mothers. It’s really easy for some people to highlight the negatives of any situation whether legitimate or made up. While these things may occur for some women, they certainly do not occur for all women and these ‘negatives’ certainly don’t outweigh the positives. Here is a short list of the Top Five Amazing Changes that you can expect to find with your pregnant body:
Skin Glow
This is typically the first thing that people who spend a lot of time with you will notice when you become pregnant. They might not ask you if you’re pregnant but they’ll ask things like ‘Are you wearing new make-up?’ Or make really awesome comments like ‘You look fabulous, you’re glowing!”. I used to get a bit of acne on a semi-regular basis but as soon as I became pregnant, all of this went away – and fingers crossed, it seems to have stayed that way.
Best Hair Ever
I don’t think as many people noticed the change in my hair as they did with my skin, but I certainly did. My hair was always dry and stringy. It was pretty crusty throughout the year, but especially in the dry winter air. When I was pregnant, my hair became so awesome that I felt like one of the celebrities in the hair commercials. My husband may have caught me doing the classic hair flick on one or two occasions because of it. My doctor said that part of my new luxurious hair shine came from taking pre-natal vitamins, so I definitely recommend those (as well as for your baby’s health of course).
Boobs, boob, and more boobs.
I’ve been told this doesn’t happen for all women, but my boobs grew three sizes and were suddenly perkier then they had been in years. If there is one thing that I could’ve kept from my pregnancy, this would’ve been it. At least the size and perkiness. No one told me they would also get so sore. That’s the irony here. You get great boobs, but you don’t want anyone to touch them. Enjoy them while you’re pregnant and breast feeding ladies, because unfortunately these won’t last forever.
Nails
My nails became so much better when I was pregnant. Not only were they stronger, but my cuticles started to behave and for whatever reason I didn’t feel like biting them as much. That’s probably more psychological than physical, but it still contributed to awesome nails! Also, because your nails are stronger and harder, they are also way easier to manage and it becomes more of a treat going to the salon to get them done professionally. I used to be embarrassed going to the local sallon and all of a sudden the ladies are telling me how nice my nails are. Bonus!
Confidence
With all of the changes combined, I felt a little bit like a super hero. Skin glowing, great hair, awesome boobs and superstar nails – what more could you ask for? Well, let me tell you. When all of these great changes are occurring, you feel great and that great feeling provided me with a huge boost in confidence. I used to have a slight slouch when I was resting or sitting and that went away completely. Now my shoulders are back and I feel confident and proud of the way I carry myself. I found myself walking taller and being more assertive in public, at work, or with strangers. I include this in the list as a physical change because it was a physical change and people noticed.
I mentioned the super hero feeling associated with all of these changes, and I think that is an apt description because as a pregnant mother, you are a super hero. Your whole life becomes dedicated to this little person growing inside you and they’re doing their part by providing you with all of these physical benefits and making you feel great. This was my experience, and I hope yours was similar.
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by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
By Lisa Barry
Being pregnant can be hard work; from extreme fatigue to swollen ankles it doesn’t always feel like the miracle of life. It’s important to remember that your body is going through some incredible transformations to create a whole new life; here are 5 interesting facts about what happens to a pregnant woman’s body to remind you just how awesome you are.
1. Your pregnant body makes more blood
Your heart is put under a lot of strain supporting both you and your unborn child. Don’t worry though, your body is prepared for it and your heart adapts. Your heart rate rises from 70 beats per minute to 90 beats per minute and the actual volume of blood increases by nearly 50%. So next time you get on the scales you can reassure yourself that some of that extra weight isn’t the second helping of cake you just had, it’s just blood.
2. Your heightened sense of smell protects your baby
From the moment of conception your body becomes instantly protective. Your mama bear job is to protect your baby and your body has developed some clever ways to do it. Having a heightened sense of smell may make you feel nauseous but it’s there to save your baby’s life by keeping you away from foods that may potentially harm your baby.
3. Your uterus grows to the size of a watermelon during pregnancy
The normal uterus is the modest size of an apple, during pregnancy it grows to 500 times its size. By the end of your third trimester it will be roughly the size of a watermelon.
4. Your bones become soft
When you are pregnant your body has to adapt to the growing human inside you. It’s not just your muscles that have to stretch but your bones have to move as well. Your body will release extra doses of the hormones oestrogen and relaxin that relax the ligaments and soften the bones. Relaxin also makes your body more flexible, although a heavily pregnant woman that struggles to get her socks on may argue with that!
5. Indigestion helps your baby get the nutrients it needs
Having indigestion is an unpleasant symptom of pregnancy but like many other symptoms it serves a purpose for your baby. To ensure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs your digestion physically slows down to allow your body the time to transfer them. This may be uncomfortable for you but rest assured your baby is reaping the benefits.
So next time you feel the strain of pregnancy on your body give yourself a pat on the back, you’re doing a great job and one you were designed to do just perfectly.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
So the adventures have begun, you are going to have a baby! You’re alone time with your significant other is about to become limited, interrupted and loud lol Take advantage of the moments alone while you still can and make the most of them!
1. There is nothing that says romance like a romantic picnic. Find a spot in a secluded park after work or under the stars at the end of the day. Pack up a cozy blanket, a portable speaker and some of your favourite snacks and cuddle up with the one you love.
2. Get out and enjoy some fresh air. Find a local walking trail and share some quiet time holding hands and talking with the one you love. You will feel amazing after a leisurely stroll and some intimate conversation. It’s not only good for both of you but it’s wonderful for your baby as well.
3. Plan a night at home with no TV or cellphones. Light some candles, put on some of your favourite romantic music and cozy up with your honey in bed or on the couch. Talk about baby names, activities you would like to do as a family, decorating the nursery or even starting the baby book. It’s a great way to share your dreams for your future together as partners and parents, without distractions.
4. Spend some time relaxing together by having a couple’s massage or a day at a spa. Book a private massage therapist to come to your home. Get changed in to something comfortable and enjoy being pampered together.
5. You may not get out of the house as much as you do now once the baby arrives so book a night out on the town! Get a great reservation for dinner tickets to a show. Book a hotel room for the night, put on a cozy robe and order room service!
6. Get out of town. You will be spending a lot more time at home once your bundle of joy arrives. Hop in to the car and head out on the road. Go somewhere outside of your regular day to day journey. Take an afternoon to explore another town a farmers market or a remote hideaway for lunch.
7. Sometimes it’s great to stay home and get in your coziest pyjamas and relax. Make a list of some movies you have both been wanting to see but just haven’t had the time. Go ahead and order in your favourite take out meal. Get comfortable together on the couch and have a movie marathon night.
8. Think about taking a class together. Something you haven’t had time for and won’t have time for once the baby comes. Talk about something you would both like to do and spend some quality time together learning something new while expanding your horizons.
9. Play hooky and schedule a morning off together. No work, appointments or activities. Sleep in, cuddle and share a romantic breakfast in bed. Soon enough it will be more than just the two of you sharing the bed in the morning!
10. There is nothing more memorable than pictures of the two of you before your baby arrives. Find a photographer and book a pregnancy photo shoot for the two of you. There is something so beautiful about an expectant mother and even more so when she is captured in a photo being held by the father of her child. Hold on to these moments and cherish them always.
Pregnancy is the time in your life when you thrive on unending love and support from your partner. It is important to make time for the two of you “before” and “after” your baby arrives. Schedule some moments and build on the bond you already have by spending quality romantic time now, when it’s just the two of you.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
14 Misconceptions of Pregnancy
There are so many misconceptions floating around about pregnancy these days. From what you should eat to what you shouldn’t, the opinions vary based on whatever the concern of the day is. Here are some common misconceptions, however, always check with your doctor before changing anything.
#1 -When pregnant, mommy-to-be should be eating for two!
One of the greatest myths of pregnancy is that now you should be eating for two. It is true that an increase in calories are needed, but not what you think.
First trimester: there is no increase needed in the amount of calories. But you should eat a healthy balanced diet high in nutrients to help keep up and maintain your energy.
Second trimester: you need to increase your calories by approximately 300 calories/day. This works out to be about 2 glasses of milk and a bowl of oatmeal.
Third trimester: you need to increase your daily calories by approx. 450 calories
If you are carrying multiplies, then you need to increase calories by approx. 300 calories per baby
#2 -While pregnant, you cannot eat cheese!
Thankfully this is a myth. For the most part all hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Mozzarella and Swiss are considered safe to eat. But you should be cautious with soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert and mold ripened cheeses. Soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk can be infected with a bacteria called listeria. Listeria bacteria causes an illness called listeriosis, a flu-like illness that can be very harmful to your unborn baby. This infection can cause serious health problems, miscarriage or even death of the baby during birth. So make sure it says made with pasteurized milk ingredients to be on the safe side.
#3 – It is not safe to have sex during pregnancy!
False false false! As long as you have a normal pregnancy and your doctor says it is safe for you to have sex while you are pregnant, then go ahead. First make sure to talk to your doctor that you are having a normal pregnancy and there is no risk to continue to have sex during your pregnancy.
#4-Spicy foods cause labor!
There is no scientific evidence that spicy foods can cause you to go into labor. There is speculation that eating spicy foods can cause your digestion system to become irritated and cause your uterus to contract, but it is just speculation. Many women eat spicy foods every day and have full term pregnancies.
#5-Eating soft ice cream is completely safe!
This misconception is both true and false. Eating soft ice cream is safe as long as is it made with pasteurized milk. The concern comes from the dispensing machines where the soft ice cream is stored and dispensed. If they are not properly cleaned, listeria bacteria can grow in the machine being transferred to your ice cream. Listeria bacteria can be very harmful to your baby, even causing death. Be on the safe side and avoid soft ice cream until after your pregnancy.
#6-Absolutely no caffeine during pregnancy!
This misconception is false. You can still enjoy your coffee, tea, chocolate and so on, but you need to watch the amount of caffeine you are consuming. It is recommended not to consume more than 200mg of caffeine per day. Studies have shown consuming more than 200mg per day increases your chances of miscarriage.
#7-Having a hot bath or shower is a relaxing idea!
It is fine to have a warm shower or bath, but you want to avoid anything that will raise your body temperature above 102 degrees. This includes hot tubs, saunas, or anything that increases your body temperature. Increasing your body temperature above 102 degrees also increases the fluid that surrounds your baby causing damage to cells and can increase the chances of birth defects.
#8-You can’t fly while you are pregnant!
This is false. You are able to fly during your first and second trimester of pregnancy. You are also able to fly during your third trimester but many airlines will not allow a pregnant woman to fly in their third trimester in case you go into labor on the plane. This avoids unnecessary emergency landing or ruining the airline seats.
#9-It’s not safe to color your hair during pregnancy!
It is completely safe to color your hair while you are pregnant. No one has to know that you are not a true blonde. It is suggested that the fumes from the chemicals in the hair dye can cause nausea, so it is recommended that you be in a well-ventilated room while getting your hair coloured. In addition, chemicals found in hair dye are not highly toxic and only small amounts would be absorbed into the skin reaching your baby. Feel free to color your hair.
#10 -Can you tell the sex of your baby If you carry high or low?
They say carrying low is a sign that you are pregnant with a boy, or if you get acne you are pregnant with a girl. Its been said “a baby girl steals mothers beauty”. These are urban myths. How a pregnant woman carries depends on her body structure. A taller, thinner woman usually carries higher, as a shorter, fuller woman usually will carry lower. How you carry has no bearing on the sex of your baby. As well, acne is caused by hormonal chances in the body, not that your baby is a girl stealing your beauty.
#11-It is ok for a pregnant woman to change cat litter!
It is best not to change cat litter while you are pregnant because cat feces can contain a virus called toxoplasmosis. The virus can be transmitted to the fetus threw the placenta. This virus can cause birth defects, learning disabilities, visual disabilities and hearing disabilities later on in life. As don’t forget, the cat steps in the litter box transmitting the virus everywhere he/she walks.
#12-Using a home Doppler is not safe for the baby
It is completely safe to use a home Doppler to hear your baby’s heart beat at home, as long as you follow the guidelines. Experts suggest waiting till at least 14 weeks pregnant so it is easier to find the babies heartbeat. The only concern with using home Doppler’s is the unnecessary stress it may cause if you are not able to find the heartbeat, when everything is fine and normal.
#13-Having heartburn means your baby will be hairy when born!
This is one of the most talked about and widespread misconceptions of all times. Having heartburn does not mean that your baby will have a full head of hair when they are born. The amount of hair depends of genetic factors of both parents. Heartburn during pregnancy is caused by the hormone progesterone. This hormone causes the relaxation of the muscles, including the esophagus. When the baby grows, it starts to crowd the stomach causing acid to come up to the esophagus causing heartburn. Take some tums and you’ll be fine.
#14-Heart rate can determine the sex of the baby!
It is suggested that a heart rate above 140bpm that you will have a girl, and if it is under 140bpm you will have a boy. The truth of the matter is that a normal range for a baby’s heart beat is anywhere between 120 and 160bpm. The heart beat rate does not have any barring on the sex of the baby.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Holistic pregnancy has many benefits for you and your baby. A holistic approach focuses on the whole person and considers not only the mother’s physical health, but her mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well.
Here we present the ultimate go-to guide to help you navigate through your holistic pregnancy, incorporating all the key elements needed for a safe, healthy, natural experience.
1. Eat to Nourish
In order to properly nourish your baby and replenish your lost nutrients it’s important to eat mostly whole foods. You need plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens, along with protein and fats including meat, eggs, legumes, olive oil, and dairy. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and eat fiber to prevent constipation. A good prenatal vitamin can supplement important nutrients that you cannot fully obtain from a healthy diet – including folate, which prevents neural tube defects.
2. Exercise to Prepare Your Body
Pregnancy has been compared to training for a marathon, and it’s true! You need strength and endurance for what lies ahead. Walking, yoga, swimming, nature hikes, dancing…exercise can be fun! Avoid exercises that strain your abdomen and be sure to check with your doctor or midwife to make sure your regimen is safe.
Pregnant Pauses is an excellent scientifically proven way to reduce pain and prepare your body for the immense changes that are coming.
3. Know the Process
Knowledge is power! Learning about your body’s changes and your baby’s development will help reduce anxiety about the process. Prenatal classes are a useful resource and can teach you helpful breathing techniques for both pregnancy and labour. Research your options for childbirth including labouring methods, types of pain relief, and potential interventions so you can feel empowered and better equipped to make your own choices. Trust that your body was built to do this.
4. Use Natural Remedies and Alternative Therapies
Lower the baby’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals and help soothe aches and pains using natural, alternative remedies and therapies. Regular massages by a licensed therapist can relieve backaches and tense muscles, and acupuncture can reduce swelling, sciatica, nausea, heartburn, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Fight colds and flu with chamomile tea, and combat nausea with ginger, crackers, seasickness bands, or essential oils. You might also consider visiting an osteopath who can help you maintain proper pelvic alignment.
5. Avoid Environmental Toxins
You can limit your exposure to dangerous toxins to protect your baby. Avoid alcohol and high mercury fish, and limit caffeine intake. Avoid soft cheeses and processed meats to prevent listeria infection, and use gloves while gardening and give someone else litter box duty to protect against toxoplasmosis. Gloves, good ventilation when cleaning, and switching your cleaners to natural alternatives when possible will also help.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Lower Your Stress
Being mindful means living in the moment, being aware of yourself and your surroundings and how you interact with the world. Pregnancy can be stressful, and it’s important to devote time each day to center yourself and connect spiritually with your growing baby. Meditation can help you relax and calm your inner core, lowering anxiety and blood pressure and promoting a sense of well-being.
7. Build a Support Network
Having a child is a huge transition and can be overwhelming at times – that’s why it is so important to build a good support network to help you sort through the emotional aspects of pregnancy. Share your feelings of anxiety and doubt with your significant other, family and friends so they can reassure you. Accept assistance when it’s offered – people want to help and be there for you and your baby.
Enjoying a holistic pregnancy means connecting the mind, body, and spirit together for the optimal health of mother and baby. Use holistic care to embrace a calm, natural pregnancy, and begin the life-changing journey of motherhood knowing you’ve made the best decisions for you and your baby.
