Pregnancy & Your Vagina

This week, I found myself getting on Google and searching "ugly vagina during pregnancy." Believe it or not, I didn't get a bunch of R rated nonsense.

Surprise! Tons of other women are posting on parenting, pregnancy, and baby forums about this. This is my third pregnancy and I'm kind of wondering why I am having this vagina epiphany right now.

So, obviously most women are expecting some changes during and/or post childbirth. Thanks to me (and Google) you can now be informed that it starts before birth, ladies!

New Scent, Taste, and Extra Discharge

Yes, that smell might actually be you. Thanks to your sensitivity to smells, you'll probably be the first (and maybe only) person to notice this. Your partner might notice a new taste...or maybe not. It's there, but not always as noticeable. To top it all off, you might find yourself changing your panties more often, and not just because you peed yourself after sneezing.

Related Post: Relieving Pregnancy Pains Without Medication

Cheeseburger Crotch

Okay, so I didn't invent this term. The internet informed me that ugly pregnancy vaginas were deemed by some genius, "cheeseburger crotch." This is basically what someone thought their vagina looked like during pregnancy thanks to the swelling/puffiness that may or may not be equal from one side of your vagina to the other.

Varicose veins are not uncommon, even in the vaginal area. You or your partner might also notice a blueish tint, which can also be normal, thanks to pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow. To top it all off, pregnant women typically notice more ingrown hairs.

Higher Risk of UTI/Yeast Infection

Pregnant women are at higher risk of getting a UTI thanks to extra pressure on the bladder and yeast infection because of the pregnancy hormones that change your pH balance.

On the Plus Side

There might be one benefit (other than the baby at the end, of course). Due to increased sensitivity and swelling during pregnancy, you might experience more intense orgasms!

Related Post: Today I was a bad parent

Keep In Mind

Pregnancy and child birth are miracles; that's for sure. The whole process is amazing and unusual and beautiful and crazy. Every pregnancy is different, and your doctor/OB/midwife is your friend! If you're worried or unsure, call them about it!

This is not medical advice, but I hope you've found it informative and maybe a little amusing.

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6 Back Carry Friendly Babywearing Exercises

Recently I told you how babywearing benefits babies, but there are also some benefits for moms, as well!  One of these benefits is that it helps mom lose the "baby weight."  Now, this is just referring to regular ol' babywearing.

However, some of us like to take it a step further and exercise while babywearing.  Whether it's frequent or occasional, babywearing and exercising can be an efficient way to get your exercise in while keeping baby close and happy.  Baby also acts as a natural weight for momma during the workout.

I compiled a list of back wearing friendly workout moves for babywearing moms (or dads) and then scoured YouTube to find some videos on proper form (if you cared to know).  Put these together in whatever combination works for you and you have a Back Carry Babywearing Workout Routine!

I also came up with a quick routine for you, if you didn't want to wing it.  It's at the bottom of the post.

1. Squats

2. Planking

3. Push ups

4. Lunges

5. Chair Dips

6. Lunge Kicks

BONUS!!!

14 Paleo Recipes #Whole30

For April, my family and I are challenging ourselves to do the Whole30 and focus on living a Paleo lifestyle.  If you're not sure what Whole30 or Paleo is and you don't feel like googling it, here's a brief description:

Whole30/Paleo focuses on cutting foods and food groups from your diet that may have negative impacts on your health.  It is inspired by the idea that our Paleolithic ancestors (when humans were mostly nomadic and not settled) who ate solely for nutrition were healthier.  Food groups such as dairy and grains are eliminated.

Now, please don't bash me if I'm not 100% right or if I left out some important details.  I am new to this.  Anyway, the idea of reinventing the way we eat (and I cook!) is a little scary.  So, I've rounded up 14 Paleo/Whole30 friendly recipes to get me (and you!) started.

Breakfast

Chocolate Beet Pancakes by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Paleo Overnight Breakfast Casserole by Just Us Four
Paleo Egg Cups by Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Lunch/Dinner

Easy Paleo Spaghetti by Jenn's Raq
Gluten Free Meatballs by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Mashed Cauliflower by WholeFoods Market
Wild Mushroom Soup by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Broccoli Cream Sauce by Primal Palate

Desserts & Snacks

Delicata Squash Brownies by Fearless Dining
11 Paleo Approved Snacks by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Pear and Cinnamon Muffins by Fearless Dining
Paleo Ice Cream by Three Different Directions
Pumpkin Bars with Coconut Flower by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Paleo Balls of Fire by Just us Four

Have you tried the Whole30 challenge?  What do you or would you miss most following the Paleo diet?

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4 Ways to Treat Adult Cradle Cap (Scalp Psoriasis)

A few summers ago, I was suffering from nasty, greasy hair.  I had terrible dandruff.  It was like nothing that's ever happened to me before!  I've never had any of those issues with my hair!
A relative said something to me about adult cradle cap, which is really just psoriasis of the scalp.  The last straw for me was when the build up at my scalp was so thick that I tried combing it out with a metal lice comb and my hair literally broke off at the roots!

It was awful!

Related Post: What is Group B Strep?

My doctor decided that I did, in fact, have psoriasis on my scalp.  She prescribed the typical topical steroid treatment.  That sounds great, except it was going to be at least $80! Also, while it might make my symptoms go away, I would always have psoriasis on my scalp. 

Sometimes it might take weeks or months to reappear.  However, it could come back in as little as just a few days. I can't afford to fork over $80 all the time!

1. T-Sal Shampoo

I started looking for alternative options for treating my psoriasis, and the first thing I did was change shampoos.  I no longer use some pretty, lovely smelling shampoo.  I now use T-Sal, though T-Gel or Coal Tar shampoos have also shown positive results. 

T-Sal was what my doctor recommended and what I typically use. If you're trying to find these shampoos at your local store, look near head lice shampoos and/or near anti-dandruff shampoos.  They're frequently located at the bottom shelf, by your feet, too.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse/Spray

Treating adult cradle cap with apple cider vinegar has also proven to be effective for me, if you don’t mind the lingering scent of it.  It does go away a little while after you shower.

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar per 1 cup water

Spray.  You can put it in a spray bottle or something similar.  Spray it throughout scalp, focusing especially on affected areas to relieve itching or irritation.  If you refrigerate the solution, the solution can offer even more relief to burning or itching.

Rinse.  Alternative you can rinse your hair after washing with the same solution, which is my preferred method. Do not use if you have cracked skin or open/bleeding sores on scalp or it will irritate the skin and cause a burning sensation.

3. DIY Soothing Salve

I have not tried this method personally, but it’s been recommended to me as an alternative homeopathic treatment.

Blend 1 tsp each:

• Neem oil
  
• Tea tree oil
  
• Rosemary oil
  
• Lavender oil

Then add them to an oil base made of 3 tsp of any of the following:

• Olive oil
  
• Almond oil
  
• Wheat germ
  
• Coconut oil

Gently massage into affected areas.

First Aid Shot Review #FASTRelief

I received this item complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received. #FASTrelief #SurfsUpVoxBox.

A few weeks ago I attended a bachelorette party.  I rarely go out, have girls nights, etc.  I'm more of a stay-at-home-and-read kind of person.  If I get a night to myself, I spend it catching up on TV shows, reading a book, surfing the internet, or...sleeping.

Anyway, I cracked open my first alcoholic beverage in nearly a year; a fruity wine cooler, I knew I'd love from past experience.  Not even halfway through the wine cooler and I have the worse head ache imaginable.  I feel like the side of my face is being smashed in.

Unfortunately, on that night, I did have any First Aid Shot Therapy (FAST) pain reliever.  I was forced to drown my pain in jello shots and amaretto sour.  It was either that or call the hubby to come get me and scrap my whole night of fun.

So, it took a bachelorette party and a wine cooler to discover I have a tooth that for sure needs pulled, if not two.  However, lack of health coverage has me dentist shopping and, therefore, suffering a little while longer (and skipping the wine coolers until further notice).

FAST pain relief is a liquid, single does shot made with FDA compliant active ingredients.  When another tooth ache assaulted me the other day, I quickly downed FAST instead of my usual acetaminophen.

FAST claims to be berry flavored, but I don't really know.  I tipped my head back, dumped it in, a pretty much swallowed before I had to taste too much.  It's fairly bland if taken quickly, though I did get a quick bitter taste before I swallowed.

Bottoms up!  #FASTRelief

When I sniffed it before pouring it down my throat (yes, I did that), it was odorless.  Therefore, I wasn't sure what to expect when swallowing it.  Hence my decision to down it ASAP.

I'm not really sure when the pain relief came (between a crying baby and an only partially potty trained pup), but it was within the hour and it lasted over four hours.  I ended up going to sleep before it wore off or at least I went to sleep without my toothache returning.

Success!

FAST pain relief combines caffeine (a pain relief aid) and Choline Salicylate (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - NSAID) for a fast acting, convenient pain relief solution!

Find F.A.S.T. at a location near you!

I was really impressed with FAST.  As the acronym suggests and the product promises, pain relief is quick and lasting.  And the single dosage shot is super convenient!

Have you ever tried FAST or something like it?  What's your go to pain reliever?

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Pull & Pray Might Actually Work

So, while stumbling around on the internet searching for resources for making printables, I somehow came across LiveStrong.com's 16 Things You Probably Don't Know About Birth Control and was quite surprised when I came to Fact #16:

The “Pull Out Method” Is Fairly Effective, But Not Foolproof.

My first reaction is simply to laugh. However, a little Google search informed me that pulling out (AKA: the withdrawal method) is no longer holding the bad rap it used to. Okay, so, I'm still laughing even if there was a study published in Contraception magazine.

I'm on board with Dr. Melissa Gilliam who reportedly told the New York Times:

In terms of a reliable method used over and over again, the risk of failure is quite high.

The biggest concern among medical professionals and especially teachers (and I'm sure parents, too) is that this sort of information and data doesn't translate the message we want to send our youth, especially teenagers. Even if only 4% (4 out of every 100) of couples who do it right every single time will get pregnant, which puts pulling out close the the effectiveness of a condom, it does not protect against STDs and requires great self control and experience.

So, I'm still pegging this birth control method as risky and relatively irresponsible, especially for casual sex.

Do you think this method of birth control is viable? How do you feel about these facts?

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Photo courtesy of Wixphoto.com via freerangestock.com.

B Strep: What It Is & Why It Matters

Today for the A to Z blogging challenge, we're on letter B, and I'm discussing B Strep. If you don't know what B Strep, sometimes referred to as vaginal strep, is then don't be surprised: you're not alone. Actually, I'm pretty sure B Strep is the reason my last labor was prolonged for an extra few hours while I took an antibiotic to protect my baby. However, I didn't ask enough questions last pregnancy, so I'm trying to change that this time.

Anyway, here are some quick facts about B Strep.

What is B Strep?

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium that can be found in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and genital area of adults. ^{- University of Rochester Medical Center.}

• A normal bacteria, naturally found in the digestive tract and birth canal in up to 1 in 4 pregnant women.^{Group B Strep International}
  
• Not sexually transmitted ^{North Carolina Women's Hospital}
  
• For every 1000 GBS positive mothers, one or two babies will become infected and need treatment. ^{Group B Strep International}
  
• Typically causes no symptoms for adults, but may cause urinary tract infections.
  
• No vaccine, treatment options (outside of antibiotics during labor), or way to avoid contracting this widespread bacteria. ^{University of Maryland Medical Center}
  
• Once you test positive, you will be considered positive for life, even though it can come and go.

B Strep & Pregnancy

Although 99% of infants who come in contact with GBS during the birth process do not become ill, those who do can develop severe, life-threatening complications. Fortunately, treatment is available.^{University of Maryland Medical Center.}

B Strep can be life threatening to infant during prenatal development up to about 6 months of age, though most (if infected by GBS) develop symptoms by three weeks of age. Some of the more serious effects of an infant contracting GBS are meningitis or pneumonia. Infants who become infected with meningitis can have other long-term health effects, so it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms for GBS infection in infants and to take all precautions (such as receiving your GBS test around 35 weeks pregnant and getting Penicillin during labor, prior to delivery).

Symptoms of GBS in Infants

• High-pitched cry, shrill moaning, whimpering
  
• Marked irritability, inconsolable crying
  
• Constant grunting as if constipated
  
• Projectile vomiting
  
• High or low or unstable temperature; hands and feet may still feel cold even with a fever
  
• Blotchy, red, or tender skin
  
• Blue, gray, or pale skin due to lack of oxygen
  
• Lower picture is of the same baby with cardiovascular shock-induced pallor due to late-onset GBS disease
  
• Fast, slow, or difficult breathing
  
• Body stiffening, uncontrollable jerking
  
• Listless, floppy, or not moving an arm or leg
  
• Tense or bulgy spot on top of head
  
• Blank stare
  
• Infection at base of umbilical cord or in puncture on head from internal fetal monitor
  
• Excessive sleepiness
  
• Trouble breathing
  
• Refuses two feedings in a row

Symptom information taken from Group B Strep International and the North Carolina Women's Hospital, because I lack knowledge or experience to inform your properly.

I hope that, after reading this, you feel more informed about GBS and can be aware of the importance of prenatal testing and treatment during labor. I have no intention of causing panic or of claiming expertise in the matter, but I think it's always better to be informed!

You can click the orange links to read more about GBS or to see where I got my information from. Once again, I'm not an expert on the subject. If you know someone this might affect, please share!

Relieving Pregnancy Pains Without Medications

While my first pregnancy was a breeze with practically zero side effects or symptoms, I haven't been so lucky the second time around. Now I know why all the women I know hated me a little throughout and after my first pregnancy. Anyway, I've been fortunate enough to experience all those nasty negative symptoms that can come with pregnancy during my past 34 weeks of baby cooking.

Of course, there are still many much worse off than me, but I definitely don't envy them. So, while doing my own research, I realized how lovely it would be to share with others all the natural ways to relieve those common pregnancy pains.

Migraines

According to the American Pregnancy Association and the experience of other mothers, an important tool for coping with and treating pregnancy migraines is tracking your migraines and triggers. To do this properly, you may want to simply keep a journal of what you ate, when you were stressed, etc and see how that relates to when you get migraines. The point is, you're discovering what is triggering these migraines, which could help you prevent them.

Common Home Remedies

• Cool down (cold compress to the head, cold shower, etc)
  
• Sleep and relaxation
  
• Meditation or yoga
  
• Exercise
  
• Climaxing (orgasms)

Back Pain

Because of the weight women typically gain during pregnancy, NYU Langone Medical Center estimates that around half of all pregnant women will experience some discomfort or pain in their back during pregnancy. Therefore, back pain can be considered a rather common pregnancy symptom. Knowing how to relieve back pain is beneficial whether you're pregnant or not. Here are some basics:

Treating Back Pain

• Wear compression garments
  
• Chiropractor
  
• Exercises & stretching (typically swimming and stationary bikes)
  
• Massages
  
• Good posture
  
• Hot or cold therapy

General Physical Pain

Every pregnancy is different, whether we're talking about one mother and her six different pregnancies or we're talking about ten different women who are pregnant at the same time. No two pregnancies are alike. Therefore, the pain experienced (or not experienced) during pregnancy varies and so do treatment options. Northland Family Planning has some great suggestions for pain relief.

General Pain Relief

• Getting a massage, including back, uterus, and thighs
  
• Utilizing a heating pad or taking a hot shower or bubble bath
  
• Distraction (whether it be via conversation, an activity, etc)
  
• Deep breathing exercises

Muscle Cramping or Spasms

This has been my least favorite side effect of this pregnancy, period! The first time I woke up in the middle of the night with an excruciating, painfully knotted calf muscle, I thought it was a fluke. Who knew that, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (also here) and NYU Langone Medical Center, pregnancy is actually a common cause of muscle cramps or spasms? I certainly had no idea, but those suckers are the worse! So, after complaining to some friends, family, and coworkers, I was able to glean a little light on my problem. Then a google search and some testing on myself led me discover the best ways to treat these horrid cramps/spasms.

Preventing Muscle Cramps or Spasms

• Stretch (I typically did this before bed)
  
• Stay hydrated (water, water, water...not pop)
  
• More potassium (bananas or orange juice)
  
• Calcium or Vitamin D supplements, under doctor's supervision
  
• Stay active
  
• Sleep on your side, preferably left side
  
• Massages or hot/cold treatments
  
• Walk it out (in the case that it's a foot/leg cramp or spasm)

Disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be, a medical professional. Sources of information are linked or from my own personal experiences. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements, radically changing your lifestyle (including exercise and eating habits) or if you have other concerns. This is just meant as a guide.

What were your worse pregnancy symptoms? Have you tried any of these non-medicated methods? Do you have any to add?

Sour Cream and Plain Yogurt: Substitutions

I attend weekly parenting/parenting skills classes at a local nonprofit. Sometimes it's a lot like group discussions and other times it's more of a demonstration. Well, this week we had a nutrition class focusing on dairy. The presenter claimed that plain yogurt is akin to sour cream. I had to test this theory out and, as it turns out, tonight was taco night.

I was so nervous because I, personally, don't particularly like yogurt. Actually, I just started eating sour cream a few years ago. Well, tacos and similar dishes have a very distinctive taste and I figured it was the best place to risk this substitution. I was absolutely stunned that, plain yogurt does, in fact, taste like sour cream and work as a substitute.

OK, that's great and all, but that doesn't mean that you're going to switch, right? Well, switching to fat free plain yogurt is way better for you. This is how the nutritional facts line up.

Fat Free Sour Cream vs Fat Free Yogurt Nutritional Facts

• Calories: 120 vs 70
• Fat & Cholesterol: 0 for both
• Sodium: 180mg vs 90mg
• Potassium: 390mg vs 70mg
• Carbs: 18g vs 11g
• Protein: 6g vs 7g

Other Good Points

Fat Free Plain Yogurt

• No saturated fat
  
• No cholesterol
  
• Very high in calcium
  
• High in magnesium
  
• Very high in phosphorus
  
• Very high in riboflavin
  
• High in vitamin A
  
• Very high in vitamin B12

Fat Free Sour Cream

• No saturated fat
  
• No cholesterol
  
• Very high in calcium
  
• High in vitamin A

So, go ahead, give it a try! And thanks to Calorie Count for providing me (and anyone else who wanted to look it up) all this information.

DIY Facemask from Unflavored Gelatin

I've actually done this face mask many times in the past, but I had yet to share it. I never had bad skin until my first pregnancy. Of course, I had some acne as a teenager. However, I was mostly blessed with little to none. Anyway, my skin was terrible during my first pregnancy.

No glow here, unless you count when my skin was oily. I had break outs galore!

Post-pregnancy my skin improved somewhat, but it's never returned to it's prior glory. Well this pregnancy has brought on another onslaught of adult acne and terrible skin, leaving me feeling very self-conscious and generally yucky. I just happened to remember this little trick and found that I still had to packages of gelatin left!

In order to make your own face mask or pore strips, you only need a few simple supplies:

Supplies

• 1 pack or ~1 Tbsp unflavored gelatin
  
• 1 Tbsp milk or water
  
• Container to mix/heat in
  
• Spoon to apply to face

Instructions

1. Add 1 package or approximately 1 Tbsp of unflavored gelatin to microwavable cup/bowl/container
   
2. Add ~1 Tbsp water OR milk to gelatin and stir. Milk will help soften skin, but is not necessary.
   
3. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds and stir again.
   
4. Apply mixture to your face with spoon. WARNING: Container and mixture may be hot!
   
5. Allow 10-15 minutes for the mixture to dry. The thicker the mixture the longer it takes.
   
6. Peel off dried mix.