2nd Trimester Q & A

Q: Summer pregnancy?

2008-06-09T20:27:00Z

Q: It's so hot outside already! Are there any specific risks I need to watch out for during the summer? And how can I stay (relatively) comfortable?

A: With your belly getting bigger and bigger just as we head into summer, you may find yourself wondering if you’ll make it out alive. But don’t worry -- while it’s true that a summer pregnancy isn’t always easy, here are a few tricks to ease your hot-weather woes.

Summer Bummer #1: Dehydration
Getting enough fluids is especially tough in the hot summer months. Ordinarily, you should try to drink two liters of clear liquids every day, but in the summer, you need to add eight ounces for every hour you spend in the heat, according to NYC nutritionist Lara Englebardt Metz, MS, RD, CDN. That’s basically the amount you’ll be sweating out.

Cool Fix: Icy concoctions
Since you’ll be constantly sipping, make your drink a fun one. Try out Lara’s favorite mocktail: chilled seltzer with a splash of mango juice and lime. The mango is loaded with vitamin C and iron. Pretend you’re relaxing on a tropical beach by sipping from a super-cute cup like this coconut-shaped one from Target ($16.99 for set of 4, target.com). Or, if you get sick of sipping, go for a homemade Popsicle. Lara suggests blending nonfat yogurt, walnuts, and blueberries and pouring into Popsicle molds for a sweet snack loaded with H2O (not to mention omega 3s, calcium, antioxidants, and fiber). Going further than a step or two from the house? Pack your chilly treats in a Veranda cooler basket ($45, picnicfun.com) to stay comfy, cool and cute.

Summer Bummer #2: Swelling
Edema can be worse in summer, causing your calves, ankles, and feet to become one wide, bloated mass. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Cool Fix: Kick up your heels!
“To help reduce swelling, make an effort to keep your legs up whenever you can -- even in the office,” says Lara. For an extra-relaxing way to lounge, try a comfy hanging seat like the colorful, handmade, Mayan hammock chair (from $38.99, hammocks.com). While you're outside, slather on Burt's Bees DEET-free insect repellent (or their natural bug bite cream, if it's too late for protection) to help avoid future issues ($8 and $6, burtsbees.com). For double relief, grab your partner, hand him a bottle of Mama Mio massage oil ($19, mamamio.com), and let him go to work. If your swelling persists, Lara suggests munching on watercress, celery, citrus fruits, or small bits of parsley, which may act as natural diuretics.

Summer Bummer #3: Extreme heat
Obvious but true: It’s steaming. You’re huge. It stinks.

Cool Fix: Get wet
Water is a mama-to-be’s best friend, so don't shy away from the pool! An afternoon dip will not only lower your body temp, the buoyancy will also ease the stress on your squished organs, and splashing around provides a great low-impact workout. Plus, you’ll have the chance to really show off that belly! Go on -- be brave and bare your bump in a colorful printed suit like the sungarden bikini from Maternal America ($92, blossommaternity.com). No access to a pool? Try the plastic kiddy version. Baby can use it later. Just make sure you've got sunscreen on while you're outside. For your extra-sensitive face, we like Belli's anti-chloasma combo sunscreen/hydrator ($24, belliskincare.com) -- it's specially formulated to fight those dark brown splotchy areas.

Summer Bummer #4: Sticky sweat
Okay, so the summer may have you chafing a bit. But the best thing about a summer pregnancy: lightweight and comfy maternity clothes!

Cool Fix: Breathable maternity wear
For maximum cuteness and comfort, go for loose, light-colored clothes. This helps keep you from overheating and allows sweat -- especially beneath and between your boobs -- to evaporate, preventing nasty rashes. Some cool options to try: Juicy Couture’s floral printed maternity dress ($220, juicycouture.com), A Pea in the Pod’s linen/cotton shift dress in tiki print ($225, apeainthepod.com), or Gap’s smocked tube top ($24.50, gap.com). Plop a floppy Cabana Life hat with built-in SPF 50 ($28, cabanalife.com) on your head, and you're ready to go!

Summer Bummer #5: Boredom
The simplest way to keep your body temp on track? “Stay indoors in an air-conditioned home,” says Lara. But how’s a girl to keep her sanity when she’s hanging out on the couch in the living room all day?

Cool Fix: Fun summer rentals
Beat the heat with a few belly laughs courtesy of some baby-focused DVD favorites. Your, er, “condition” might have you looking at a couple of ’80s and ’90s classics in a whole new light. Remember Junior? How about Father of the Bride Part II? Look Who’s Talking and Nine Months are great for a chuckle too. Renting (rather than hitting the theaters) will give you the freedom to pause the flick and walk around to ease your aches (or pee every 10 minutes).

-- Erin Walters

Tanning while pregnant >>

<< Fun mocktails

QA Index

Q: Nontraditional showers?

2008-05-13T00:59:00Z

Q: I want to have a fun, modern shower. Any ideas for nontraditional themes or activities?

A: Baby showers once meant awkward small talk and and tiny sandwiches, but times are changing. From backyard BBQs to wedding-scale blowouts, today's baby shower is a whole new animal. "People are starting to get a lot more snazzy," says Tina La Morte, owner of New Jersey's Oh So Fabulous! Divine Wedding. "They're doing linen rentals and napkin treatments, and really stepping it up." Now, why is a wedding planner talking about baby showers? Aside from recently delivering her second child, Tina has been getting more and more calls for baby showers these days. That's right -- baby shower planners! (Try explaining that one to grandma.)

If you're planning a shower for a friend, don't worry -- she's probably not expecting 200 guests or a $90 centerpiece. Don't be afraid to step it up in terms of breaking a few traditions, though! Here are a few modern shower trends to get you started.

Gifts for Mama
Exciting trend #1: Gifts for mom! "We're seeing lots of gifts for mothers," says Tina. "They're giving baskets of goodies, bottles of champagne, massages..." Baby still comes first, but grownup indulgences are always appreciated -- especially at a time when the mom may be feeling pretty uncomfortable (a.k.a. all of late pregnancy). To pamper both mom and baby, consider a shareable treat like the Honey Child gift set from Noodle & Boo.

Daddies on board
Men? At a baby shower? That's right. While daddy-to-be might not be into unwrapping breast pumps and bibs, why shouldn't he (and his buddies) join in the celebration? Tina isn't crazy about the idea, but some moms take a different stance. "I think that more women would come to showers if their husbands were invited," says one mom-to-be on our message boards. Another mom agrees, "It'll be like a last little get-together with our friends before we're super busy with the new baby." If you decide on a couples' party, just be sure the boys have something (food/beer/guitar hero) to bond over. One couple even held a poker tournament, with $10 and a pack of diapers as a buy-in!

Kids at the party
Not only are men joining the ranks, but now tots are tagging along, too. the downside of this addition? "It's one of the last times you have when it's all about you," stressed Tina. "It's your last time to shine." True, kids can steal a bit of focus, but some moms claim all-inclusive get-togethers are best. "It was baby's first party! I wanted everyone to be there!" exclaims one Oklahoma mom. To keep things under control, definitely provide fun distractions and places to play. (Kids are better suited to a big backyard than a nice restaurant or reception hall.)

Cocktails
No alcohol for the expectant mom, but does that mean the shower has to stay dry? More and more showers are including fun adult drinks. "Mix it into a brunch, with bellinis or mimosas," suggests Tina. One Minnesota mom is prepping for a backyard baby-q, which will include beer, mocktails and mimosas. "I can have fun mocktails; no need for everyone else to suffer just because I can't drink!" she insists.

Sprinkles
More in baby news: Showers aren't all about firsts anymore. Second- (and third-, and fourth-) borns are getting more recognition lately, thanks to the "sprinkle" (as in a sprinkling of gifts, rather than a full-on shower). Second-time moms are usually well set up with gear, but there's still reason to celebrate! At a baby sprinkle, the new addition is honored with a get-together including small gifts like diapers, wipes or books.

Fun themes and favors
As if boys, babies and booze aren't enough, showers are taking on a whole new look. Forget your average pink and blue pastels -- today's hot shower hues include bold yellows and cool combos like blue/brown, paisley/pink and periwinkle/cream. Favors are getting a makeover, too, straying from the typical candles or candy. One of Tina's recent faves: old-fashioned milk bottles filled with different kinds of milk and served, along with cute cupcakes, as guests headed out the door. "Edible stuff is a real favorite," she laughs.

-- Erin Walters

Second shower >>

<< Baby shower basics

QA Index

Q: Soothing soreness?

2008-05-08T22:42:00Z

Q: My body is so sore these days! Any tips for staying comfortable?

A: As you've surely learned by now, pregnancy comes with lots of aches, pains and strange symptoms. The good news? All that soreness means your body is getting ready for delivery! As you get further into pregnancy, your ligaments loosen up to give baby more room to break out of your womb... which unfortunately leads to feelings of wobbliness and pressure for you, especially around your hips and pelvis. You might not feel total relief until baby is out of your belly and in your arms, but here are a few ways to ease the aches... at least a little.

Take a hike
Okay, not up Pike's Peak, but at least a nice stroll. Keeping light exercise in your routine can energize your body and help you cope with the sore spots.

Eat right
Managing your nutrition increases energy levels, keep your weight gain in check and gives your body (and baby!) an overall advantage.

Kick back
Don't be ashamed to just lay back and kick your feet up when you feel like it. (You definitely deserve it!) Propping up your heels helps blood flow and reduces the risk of clots and swelling.

Take a dip
The soothing weightlessness of swimming (or just goofing around in the pool) can help ease some of the pressure on your body and provides a bit of low-impact exercise.

Heat it up
Try placing a heating pad at the small of your back to soothe the soreness. To make your own heating pad, fill a cotton tube sock with plain white rice, tie up the loose end, and pop it in the microwave until it's nice and warm (about one and a half to two minutes).

Get a rubdown
Ask your partner to give you a nice massage to help relax your muscles. His handiwork will also help your body release pain-blocking chemicals (endorphins) and get your mind off the aches by increasing feelings of intimacy. Ask him to try different things like pressing firmly on your lower back or working his knuckles up and down the sides of your spine. Be sure to let him know what feels good!

Cushion while you snooze
If you haven't invested in a body pillow yet, now's the time! Sleep is often comfier with a pillow between your legs or under your back. Some women like to place one under the small of their backs, too.

Go alternative
If you still aren't getting relief, consider alternative therapies like yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology or meditation.

-- Erin Walters

Aches, pains, and sore spots >>

<< Exercise do's & don'ts

QA Index

Q: Who hosts shower?

2008-05-01T02:50:00Z

Q: Who traditionally throws a baby shower? Is it really not okay for a family member to host it for me?

The Baby Planners: Tradition states that when it comes to throwing a baby shower, those who love you should do the honors. This person could be your best friend from college, a colleague from work, the next-door neighbor... or your sister, sister-in-law, mother, aunt, etc. (In other words -- if a family member offers to throw you a bash, it's more than okay to accept.) A group of friends and/or family may also host your shower. This makes the planning and budget more manageable... and lets more people who love you join in the fun!

From us: While tradition says that relatives shouldn't host your shower, we (and most people we know) think this is pretty outdated. Your aunt or mother may not agree, but this is one "rule" you should be safe to ignore.

Second showers >>

<< Baby shower basics

QA Index

Q: Change sleep position when?

2008-04-27T02:49:00Z

Q: When should I stop sleeping on my stomach and back? I find that I wake up in those positions often, but I know it can be dangerous as my belly grows.

Dr. Ashley Roman: You should stop sleeping on your stomach or back by around 20 weeks of pregnancy. By this point, you may notice that sleeping either way -- especially on your stomach -- is pretty uncomfortable. The concern with sleeping on your back is that the enlarging uterus can compress the large veins in the back of your abdomen, which can in turn decrease the amount of blood returning to your heart. As a result, your blood pressure can drop, and you may feel lightheaded or nauseated. If your blood pressure drops, the blood flow to your uterus and baby may decrease. So, in general, after 20 weeks I recommend sleeping on your side.

Trouble sleeping >>

<< Comfy sleep positions

QA Index

Q: Need childbirth class?

2008-04-27T01:47:00Z

Q: Do I really need to attend childbirth class? What will I get out of it, and will it really help?

A: Hey, it can't hurt! Ultimately, it's your call whether or not you decide to take a birthing class, but you certainly don't have anything to lose from trying it. If you're on the fence about it, consider what a class might provide and then think about whether it's right for you.

Practice makes perfect
Some moms don't want any surprises when it comes to delivery time, so they find comfort in taking a birthing class that will walk them through the process step by step. If you're the nervous type, taking a class might help ease some of your fears.

Grab a partner
In addition to preparing you for the big day, a class will ensure your partner is also a part of the process. It's a great way to get both of you pumped up for baby's arrivals... and to make sure that significant other doesn't freak out when your water breaks!

Know the warning signs
In class, you'll learn to identify various signs and symptoms of labor, which will help you know when it's truly time and make it easier to plan for the hospital. If this is your first run as a parent, you may benefit from some childbirth 101.

-- Erin Walters

Childbirth class curriculum? >>

<< Need a birth plan?

QA Index

Q: Fetus in second trimester?

2008-04-24T01:31:00Z

Q: What basic changes does my baby go through in the second trimester?

A: In the second trimester (weeks 14 to 28), baby goes through major development, forming more detail and getting all of those brand new body parts into working order. His organs further develop and start functioning, getting ready for life in the outside world. He also grows eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails (aww!), and his wrinkly skin becomes covered with fine hair (called lanugo) and a waxy protective coating (called vernix). In the second trimester you'll have the option of finding out baby's gender, as the genitals develop and can be viewed during an ultrasound (usually at your 20 week appointment). You'll start to feel baby too, as the little acrobat starts flipping and kicking around. In addition, by the end of trimester two baby will be able to swallow, hear, pee and suck his thumb.

-- Erin Walters

Nestpert: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Your pregnancy and birth. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2005.

Second trimester tests >>

<< Mid-pregnancy ultrasound

QA Index

Q: Maternity photographer?

2008-04-22T21:46:00Z

Q: How should I go about choosing a maternity photographer?

Jennifer Loomis: Most pregnancy photo shoots happen six to eight weeks from your due date, so there's almost no room for error if you don't like the results or the photographer makes a mistake. Scheduling a re-shoot before baby's born can be tough or even impossible. Here are a few tips on choosing the perfect maternity photographer.

Find a specialist
Look for someone with extensive experience or -- even better -- someone who specializes in pregnancy photographer. Experienced shooters will be familiar with the most flattering angles for your pregnant body, and know how to focus on your belly while deemphasizing other (also expanding!) body parts like your hips, arms and legs.

Ask about editing
Make sure the photographer is thoroughly involved in the editing and photo selection process -- this is an important step towards the finished product and represents about half of your cost. The photographer should be able to expertly guide you to the best and most unique photos, and give suggestions for cropping and finishes. Check the photographer's website and portfolio for similar or redundant images (which indicates a lack of creative artistry) to evaluate his or her expertise.

Go for film
Ask whether the photographer uses film or digital. I recommend film, because dark room prints have superior quality to digital. Film prints are also archival, whereas digital prints will likely fade over time. Though film is more expensive than digital, the quality and longevity is worth it.

Check referrals
If you weren't personally referred by someone who already used the photographer and has a positive recommendation, ask for several referrals to contact. These might be posted on the website.

Consider it all
Think about both artistry and personality when selecting your photographer. Finding someone whose work you love and who you love to work with is the key to capturing a beautiful keepsake image.

Jennifer Loomis is a nationally recognized fine-art maternity photographer who has photographed nearly 2,000 pregnant women during her career. Get more info at www.jenniferloomis.com.

Maternity clothes >>

<< Bump watching

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