A new baby being introduced to the world is a reason for a celebration. However, the excitement, fear, and anxiety can trigger an unexpected feeling of depression. Postpartum depression is different from the “baby blues,” which is essentially caused by the changing of hormones and lack of sleep. Postpartum depression is a serious illness that can last for months, even if there was a miscarriage or stillbirth. Women who are affected have reported feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness and worthlessness. These feelings can get in between the mother and the baby bonding at an essential time in both their lives. If the depression becomes too severe, the mother may develop postpartum psychosis, a dangerous situation for herself and those around her. It is necessary for everyone involved to understand the symptoms and treatments so that the depression can be treated and healthy relationships can begin to form.
Many women are scared of the changes that pregnancy does to their body, the most common of which is stretch marks. As your belly begins to grow during your pregnancy you may begin to notice scar-like marks across your belly, thighs or breasts. These are the dreaded stretch marks. Causes: Causes and Treatments for Stretch Marks These stretch marks are the physical appearance of scarring on the skin and are typically the result of skin that is stretched with more force than it can handle, due to rapid growth or weight changes. In addition to pregnancy, stretch marks can also be caused by changes in hormones as the result of puberty or bodybuilding. Stretch marks themselves do not pose any health risks. However, some people find them unsightly since they typically appear as red or purple lines. Over time however, they do tend to fade and become a lighter color. Pregnancy stretch marks usually occur during the final trimester and are quite common. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 percent of women will get stretch marks sometime during their pregnancy. While this statistic may seem disheartening, and there are there no treatments that have been proven to be 100 percent effective in preventing or removing stretch marks, there are a variety of treatment options available for those who would like to diminish their appearance. Treatments: Like any physical beauty concern, there are a variety of treatments that may be purchased or performed by doctors or specialists. The most invasive of these treatments are undergone in a doctor’s office. Laser treatments, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are also available and linked to potentially helping the appearance of stretch marks, although these treatments can be expensive and sometimes painful. Prescription retinoids exist, however their safety during pregnancies has yet to be proven. Lotions and creams which contain Retin-A stimulate collagen are a popular treatment no matter what the cause of the stretch marks, as they can be applied at home and typically don’t require a large investment. However, this treatment typically does not work for mature stretch marks that have already turned a lighter gray or white color.
When it comes to pregnancy, the majority of the nine-month journey focuses on the soon-to-be mother. While mom undergoes the physical load of growing a human being inside her, the soon-to-be dad undergoes his own adventure. Fatherhood can be a scary journey, especially if you’ve never taken it before. From the anticipation and often times anxiety of becoming a parent, to the emotional ride of watching your partner withstand the ups and downs associated with pregnancy, there’s a lot on his plate. The good news is that having the right tools can prepare you both physically and mentally for your newest adventure. As you watch mom undergo her pregnancy changes over the course of nine months, there are many ways you can be actively involved, the biggest aspect of which is taking on the physical roles that mom may not feel up to. There’s also a number of ways you can prepare for your new family member’s arrival. Before you welcome your little bundle of joy, be sure to stock up on a few baby essentials to help prepare and feel at ease and included in the process.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day the typical go-to for couples is flowers, chocolates and fancy bottle of wine. But if you’re pregnant, it can be a fun excuse to add a little something more to the holiday, especially if you’re not feeling up to the usual dinner outings. Here’s seven opportunities to get away from the day to day grind and chaos of baby planning to enjoy some quality time with your mate.
