Pregnancy and Birth
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Anemia – How to Naturally Replenish Iron, B12, and Folate
Anemia is one of the most common conditions affecting pregnant women. It typically develops during the second trimester when the body rapidly increases red blood cell production to supply the baby with sufficient oxygen. During this period, the demand for iron rises significantly, as it is essential for the proper development of both the baby and the placenta. However, anemia during pregnancy is not always due to iron deficiency. It can also result from a lack of vitamin B12 or folate. All three nutrients play vital roles in producing healthy red blood cells. Deficiencies caused by poor diet or malabsorption issues can lead to anemia, posing serious health risks to…
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Multitasking Soothing Perineal Spray with Witch Hazel and Lavender
As you probably know, childbirth is quite an experience, and recovery takes time. For my first birth, I prepared myself very well in terms of skincare, and today I want to share with you my recipe for the best postpartum spray for intimate areas (and beyond) you’ll ever have. Why make the spray yourself? Isn’t it better to buy a ready-made one? Well, no! When it comes to healing wounds, the simpler, the better. The spray I’m going to show you contains only two ingredients: Be cautious with the ingredients in intimate area sprays! When choosing sprays for intimate areas, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. I found…
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Aromatherapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum
If you read my blog regularly, you know how important it is to avoid artificial fragrances at home, especially during pregnancy. If this is your first time here, I invite you to check out my previous post, where I discuss this topic in detail. Aromatherapy, which uses concentrated plant essential oils, can be quite controversial during pregnancy. The main reason for this is that conducting medical experiments on pregnant women is considered unethical. Consequently, most research relies on observations made on animals. While essential oils can offer numerous benefits, some studies indicate that certain oils may have toxic effects on the reproductive system. Therefore, it is essential to use essential…
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DHA in Pregnancy: Essential for Baby’s Brain Development
Did you know that there are key nutrients essential for your baby’s brain development? Many expecting mothers are not aware of these nutrients, and doctors often overlook this important topic. I only learned about them during the sixth month of my first pregnancy. That’s when I decided to research the information myself. I read books by top American doctors and reviewed scientific studies, finding strong evidence for the benefits of DHA. One could write an entire book on this topic. Today, I want to share with you what I’ve learned over the past few years. My goal is to make your pregnancy as informed and joyful an experience as possible.…
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Paracetamol in Pregnancy: Are We Aware of the Risks?
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in the United States, is one of the most commonly used pain relievers worldwide. Often referred to as APAP or Tylenol, it is versatile and can be found in over 600 products designed to alleviate pain and reduce fever. In particular, paracetamol is commonly used by pregnant women. Studies show that more than 50% of pregnant women use this medication during pregnancy. Recommendations about the use of paracetamol during pregnancy come from reputable health institutions like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. Recognized as Safe, But Is It Really? According to information…
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Choline in Pregnancy – How to Give Birth to a Genius
Pregnancy is a time when many women strive to make the best choices for their developing babies. This often means avoiding raw eggs due to the risk of listeria. Many women remove them entirely, particularly during the first trimester when food aversions often occur. However, it’s important to recognize that eggs are one of the most significant sources of a key nutrient vital for your baby’s brain development: choline. Choline is often underestimated, yet a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to serious issues. Understanding the role of choline during pregnancy is essential for both maternal and fetal health. Why Is Choline So Important During Pregnancy? Choline plays a crucial…
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Caffeine in Pregnancy: How Much Is “One Coffee”? Shocking Findings.
As a devoted coffee lover, I often found myself asking an important question during my pregnancy: how much coffee can I safely drink each day? Many sources suggested that “one coffee a day” was fine, but I began to wonder—what exactly does “one coffee” mean? Is a small latte equivalent to a large flat white? Does a double espresso count as one coffee or two? How many teaspoons of ground coffee can I brew at home? It turned out that caffeine during pregnancy is more complicated than I had initially thought! The Impact of Caffeine on Pregnancy: What the Latest Research Says Caffeine is a beloved staple for many, boosting…
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DHA in Pregnancy – Choose the Best Supplement
If you’ve read my previous post about the essential role of DHA during pregnancy, you may be wondering which supplement to choose. This decision can be challenging due to the overwhelming number of products available on the market. It’s important to note that while many multivitamins claim to contain DHA, the doses are often insufficient. For instance, a popular supplement in the UK, PregnaCare Max (which is the more expensive version), contains 600 mg of omega-3, but only 300 mg of that is DHA. Research indicates that the optimal daily dose of DHA is at least 500 mg, with a preference for 1000 mg. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to…
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8 Effective Oils for Reducing Stretch Marks
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it often comes with the challenge of stretch marks appearing on the belly, breasts, thighs, or buttocks. Many believe that if their mother struggled with stretch marks, they are destined for the same fate. However, my experience reveals that fate is not set in stone—especially when you have the right knowledge and research-backed solutions at your disposal. The beauty market is overflowing with products that promise miraculous results, and many of us are eager to spend significant money in hopes of achieving smooth skin. But what does science really say? Let’s explore the research and uncover the remarkable role oils can play in pregnancy…
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Nutrition and Stretch Marks: Care for Your Skin from Within!
Welcome Back! If you haven’t read my previous article on external methods for preventing stretch marks yet, I highly encourage you to do so! Today, we’ll explore a topic that perfectly complements that post: how to care for your skin from within, giving stretch marks no chance to develop. A proper nutrition during pregnancy is just as crucial as the oils and creams we apply to our bodies. Vitamin C: Your Skin’s Superhero Vitamin C plays a fundamental role in collagen production, which is a protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Research has shown that fibroblasts, the cells responsible for synthesizing collagen, require vitamin C to function properly. Moreover,…
