Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

Pregnancy is an amazing time in your life- filled with lots of new changes. What exactly is happening to you and your body during your first trimester? How long is this trimester and what stages of growth and development is your new baby experiencing? Plus, how do these changes impact how you feel and how well you function? We're kicking off our new series focused on fetal development with a closer look at the first trimester.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By now, you've probably heard that breast is best. But why? Why is breast milk considered the perfect food for your little one? What are the health benefits short term and long term? And how can it improve the bond your partner has with the baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaining weight during pregnancy is inevitable. Your baby's growth and development depend on it. However, the amount of weight you gain could make the difference between a healthy pregnancy, and one that's more complicated. How much weight should you gain and when? Where does the weight go during pregnancy? And what should you do about your crazy cravings and food aversions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When pregnant, your body may have a more difficult time processing sugar. This condition is known as gestational diabetes and may require a significant change in diet and exercise in order to ensure the health of you and your baby. How are pregnant women tested for gestational diabetes? How do you test your blood sugar? Plus, recommendations for lowering your sugar intake and burning excess sugar through exercise.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body is currently experiencing many changes, and those changes are prompted by hormones. In what ways do these hormones impacting your pregnancy? What are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing as a result? And what determines how your body reacts to these hormones? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having more than one child can make pregnancy a bit more challenging. When and how do you tell your other children that you're pregnant? How involved should they be in your pregnancy? And how do you have enough energy to physically take care of your kids while growing another one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bradley Method. By using this simple and effective technique, couples are taught how to effectively work with their bodies to achieve a successful natural childbirth experience. So, what are the main principles behind The Bradley Method? How does it differ from other childbirth preparation methods? And what can you expect if you sign up for a class? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re giving birth naturally, or planning for an epidural, it’s all starts with having a birth plan. What elements should you include in your plan? How many pages should it be? How should you present it to your healthcare provider? Making these decisions in advance will help you create the best birth experience possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know when labor is "the real thing" and not a false alarm? This is the question many pregnant women ask themselves, whether it's their first baby or their fifth. Since every pregnancy is different, what are some warning signs that indicate you're probably in labor? What do real contractions feel like as opposed to Braxton Hicks? How should you time your contractions? And what the heck is a "mucus plug"?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you choose to birth in a hospital, birth center or home, there are small things you can do to help make your birth experience as calm and comfortable as possible. How can we tame our five senses so we can relax more easily? Can aromatherapy and essential oils help your labor progress faster? Does special lighting help with pain management? And can your favorite music playlist re-energize you for those last few pushes when your baby is crowning?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regardless of how you deliver your baby, you will need to rely on a team of health care providers to help you along the way. This new series explores the various options available to you- starting with a birth doula. What is the doula's role during your childbirth experience? What qualities should you look for in a doula? And where should you start looking for a doula? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your pregnant body is constantly growing. And while we love our beautiful bodies, most of us could probably do without the impending threat of stretch marks. What exactly is a stretch mark? Do they ever go away? And what can we do to help reduce them during pregnancy and postpartum? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's one the biggest questions on your mind after finding out you're pregnant- is it a boy or girl? And sometimes that intense anticipation is met with disappointment if it's not the gender you were hoping for. Is it wrong to feel disappointed after getting the news? How do we handle feelings that seem uncontrollable? And are we causing more problems by finding out the gender in advance?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you didn't get the vaginal birth you wanted, you may be considering a VBAC with your next baby. VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) are becoming a popular childbirth choice, but how do you know if it's right for you? What are some of the risks and benefits of having a VBAC? What are your chances of success? We'll hear from moms who have experienced it firsthand! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnant women usually experience symptoms such a extreme fatigue, body aches, and nausea. You may also be on your feet all day at work or at home running around as you care for your other children. Bottom line: the world isn't going to stop simply because you're pregnant. What can you do to pamper yourself a bit so you can enjoy the experience more? We've got some great ideas to help relieve stress and improve your physical and emotional well being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices