Pregnancy - Coastal Perinatal Center

Posts

7 Secrets For Pregnancy!

May 22, 2014/in Pregnancy Channel/by coastal

These are 7 great tips for pregnancy written by Dr. V Sachar.Dr. Sachar is a high risk pregnancy specialist, who has created the world’s first cosmetic line devoted toward safe, non-toxic products for pregnancy. Toxin exposure during pregnancy may be associated with the development of adult diseases later in life.These diseases may have origins early in life from toxin exposure even in utero.

1. Continue to exercise!

Continuing to exercise during pregnancy, better prepares you for your delivery, and regular exercise helps keep your weight gain in check. 30 minutes of exercise on most, if not every day of the week is recommended. Keeping your intensity to a level such that you can easily talk while exercising, will not cause any risk to the baby. Note, during pregnancy, low impact exercise, that does not expose you to injury is only recommended (no rollerblading!); always discuss your exercise regimen with your obstetrician.For more information refer here at Acog.

Safe exercise is recommended, skateboarding is NOT!

2. Don’t eat for the baby!

For the longest time, it was believed that you have to gain 35-40lbs for every pregnancy, regardless of your pre-pregnancy weight. What happened though, is that women who were already obese to start with, were becoming morbidly obese because they thought they had to. The World Health Organization and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recognized this and recently recommended tailoring women’s pregnancy associated weight gain to their pre pregnancy weight.

Make Healthy Choices During Your Pregnancy

For more information refer here at Acog. Always discuss recommended weight gain with your obstetrician.

3. Limit Your Exposure to Toxins!

Air-pollution, second hand smoke, radiation, and even your makeup are sources of fetal toxins. Your makeup may contain parabens, lead, bismuth chloride, phthalates, and other chemicals which may be toxic to your baby, and/or your skin. Parabens are associated with endocrine disruption and future impaired fertility in the baby, and breast cancer in the mother. The surge of hormones and changes in your immune system can make your skin very sensitive to chemicals commonly found in makeup. Makeup you always used, may now cause acne, rashes, and other inflammatory eruptions. Try to use safe cosmetics that are non-toxic during pregnancy. Refer to www.VSACHARMD.com for more information and to purchase the world’s only non-toxic safe makeup created exclusively for pregnant women!

4. Caffeine Can Be Your Friend!

Many women suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy. This causes numbness and tinging in the hands, and can be very uncomfortable. Generalized pregnancy induced edema occurs around the nerves near your writs and causes compression, and numbness. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and can often control this problem. 1-2 cups a day can benefit those suffering from carpal tunnel, as well as alleviate many headaches and migraines in pregnancy! We recommend discussing this with your obstetrician before using caffeine to treat these 2 conditions.

5. Take Your Prenatal Vitamin at Night!

I have had thousands of women complain of nausea in the morning after taking their prenatal vitamin. They did not have morning sickness type of nausea. Personally, I have tried a prenatal pill too, and had severe nausea 1 hour later! To avoid this, take your prenatal vitamin with your dinner. By the time it starts to get dissolved, you will be asleep, and won’t experience all of the side effects.

6. Heartburn in Pregnancy!

Almost everybody experiences heartburn during their pregnancy. The cause is relaxation of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach AND slowed gastric emptying. These are secondary to the hormones of pregnancy, specifically Progesterone. Avoiding some of the triggers may be the easiest way to treat this condition. Caffeine, tea, tomato sauce (pizza, spaghetti), orange juice, big meals…these may all trigger the symptoms of heartburn. This occurs because the acid from the stomach rises into the lower part of the food pipe, and gives a very uncomfortable burning sensation. If avoiding these foods doesn’t help, try over the counter medications such as Tums. This is a simple fix, but doesn’t always work. If you continue to have persistent heartburn, discuss it with your obstetrician, and they can prescribe effective medical treatment. Note, heartburn, also known as gastric reflux is a major cause of nocturnal asthma. For patients with asthma, with worsening symptoms, treatment of your acid reflux may control your symptoms!

7. Varicose Veins!

Pregnancy is a major risk factor for varicose veins. They can range in severity from a cosmetic irritation, to severe pain. They occur as the pregnancy progresses because the pregnant uterus prevents blood from returning from your legs to your pelvis. It is similar to stepping on a hose; the water backs up, and the hose dilates. The hormones of pregnancy also contribute to varicose veins. Unfortunately, these veins aren’t limited to just your legs, and can occur in the vulva, and be very large and disfiguring. Hemorrhoids are another version of varicose veins! Fortunately there are a few solutions. Elevating your legs whenever possible will help eliminate the force of gravity. The most effective however is medical grade support hose. If you are at risk for varicose veins, be proactive; get support TED hose earlier, go prevent their formation, vs after they have formed. 4For those with painful varicose veins in the vulva, there are support hose for this as well. Discuss this with your obstetrician, and they can give you a prescription. They may be a little expensive, but using these will prevent further varicose veins from developing and alleviate some of the discomfort. For hemorrhoids, a stool softener, high fiber, and lots of water will also help.

For more helpful pregnancy hints, instructional pregnancy videos, upcoming podcasts and to get more information about the world’s first non-toxic makeup exclusively for pregnant women, please go to www.VSACHARMD.com.

Note: Before making any medical decisions in your pregnancy, discuss them with your obstetrician. The views in this blog are for information and entertainment only, not to be taken as medical advice.

Why is Non-toxic, Safe Makeup in Pregnancy Important?

May 15, 2014/in Pregnancy Channel/by coastal

Congratulations!! You are pregnant! This is one of the most exciting and special times in a woman’s life. Now it’s time to plan for a safe pregnancy.

Everybody is concerned about toxins. Pesticides, cigarette smoke, pollution, bisphenol A (BPA), organic, gluten-free…these phrases are thrown at us countless times per day in magazine ads, news reports and commercials.

What about in pregnancy? What should you do? Does it matter?

In 2004, and 2009, two different studies from the Environmental Working Group examined newborn’s blood, and found over 200+ toxins in newborn’s blood! Some of these toxins were pesticides, Bisphenol A, mercury, some are known to cause cancer, and some are known to be neurotoxic. The babies were exposed in utero to these chemicals directly from the mother’s exposure.

Some of these toxins can have an immediate affect, such as low birth weight. But some cause problems later in the child’s life. There is a phenomenon called bioaccumulation,where small amounts of toxin are absorbed, but as the baby grows, these small amounts build up and become toxic to the child.

These toxins can come from multiple sources; food, air, and even makeup.

A healthy environment is important during pregnancy. In a recent study released in February 2013, it was found that pregnant women who were living in cities with higher pollution were more likely to give birth to underweight babies. Clearly, exposure to a high toxin burden, can adversely affect your babies growth.

What about toxin exposure through skin? Is your makeup safe for your pregnancy?

In March 2013 the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act was introduced in the US Congress. It aims to ensure that all personal care products are safe by establishing a system to assess the safety of makeup and cosmetic ingredients and to phase out the most harmful substances that are suspected of causing cancer, reproductive harm or other adverse health effects. Toxin exposure in makeup has got the attention of the US Government!

Did you know that there is lead in many brands of makeup in the USA today!The lead content comes from the use of dyes to give color. The FDA tested commonly used lipsticks and reported their findings in this detailed report:
http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/productinformation/ucm137224.htm

This report will surprise you!! There is no safe level of lead. Lead should not be in any of our products. Even though the individual amounts in each lipstick maybe small, a phenomenon of bioaccumulation occurs. This is when repeated levels of low amounts,build up over time, and can become toxic levels. In pregnancy, lead can be transferred to the fetus as early as the first trimester, and is associated with neurodevelopment delay.

We carefully choose every ingredient to ensure that there is no lead in any of our products.

How can a fetus get exposed to toxins in makeup? This is described as transdermal absorption or across the skin absorption.

Figure 1: Chemical Absorption by Fetus

After the chemicals pass through the skin, they get absorbed into the bloodstream. The mothers blood directly goes to the baby along with nourishment, oxygen etc. The mother’s blood goes to the placenta which is the interface between the mom and the baby. Nourishment, oxygen and other substances get transferred to the placenta, and then from the placenta to the baby via the umbilical cord.

Figure 2: Fetal blood circulation

Chemicals found in cosmetics have been found to affect both the mother and the baby in a number of ways. Most commonly, they interfere with hormonal balance amounting to what is commonly known as endocrine disruption. This can occur in the mother, and the baby. For instance, in pregnancy, exposure to parabens, and phthalates may be associated with reproductive anomalies in the baby later in life. For the mother, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals such as parabens may be associated with breast cancer. The European Union classifies pthalates as a suspected endocrine disruptor on the basis of evidence that it interferes with hormone function, and as toxic to reproduction on the basis that it may cause harm to the unborn child and impair fertility. As well, Health Canada notes evidence suggesting that exposure to phthalates may cause health effects such as liver and kidney failure in young children when products containing phthalates are sucked or chewed for extended periods. Parabens can mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. They have been detected in human breast cancer tissues, suggesting a possible association between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. Parabens may also interfere with male reproductive functions.

You probably have parabens and a number of other toxins in your makeup, and aren’t even aware! Check the labels of your cosmetic products.

Pregnancy is the most important time to protect yourself agains toxin exposure. Limit yourself from pesticides by washing all produce, don’t expose yourself to pollution and cigarette smoke, and try to choose safe makeup.

Now there is a safe makeup alternative for pregnant women. To give women a choice in their makeup, I have created the world’s only safe, non-toxic makeup exclusively for pregnancy. I have removed potential toxins, lead,allergens, and irritants from our ingredients. This is the world’s safest makeup for the mother AND the baby. We feel that our makeup is the best natural, and toxin free makeup that is safe in pregnancy. Go to www.VSACHARMD.com to get more information.

Perfect Gift for a Baby Shower

May 14, 2014/in Pregnancy Channel/by coastal

A baby shower is a time of joy and celebration for every expectant mother. The original intent for a baby shower was for women to share wisdom and lessons on the art of becoming a mother. It has now become a festive occasion celebrating the pending arrival of the new baby. Mothers and friends get together to give gifts to the expectant mother, tell stories and have fun. Traditional gifts include diapers, maternity clothes, blankets, baby bottles, clothes, and toys.

What About Cosmetics??

Traditionally this is not a common gift, but now there is a new product on the market that every pregnant woman will need: safe, non-toxic makeup for use during pregnancy. Dr. Vik Sachar is a double board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and High Risk Pregnancy Specialist who has created the world’s first makeup exclusively for pregnancy. Traditional makeup has many chemicals which are known to be toxic. Many of these chemicals are called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. The World Health Organization and the United States Congress are addressing toxins in many products including cosmetics. They are concerned about the short term and long term effects on people. Many diseases such as obesity, breast and prostate cancer, infertility and others may be associated with toxin exposure. The concern is that these exposures start early, maybe even during pregnancy, and over time the levels accumulate and may cause disease; this phenomenon is known as bio accumulation.

One of the most susceptible populations to these toxins are women who are pregnant.

“Whatever a woman is exposed to during pregnancy, it gets absorbed, and travels to the baby through the bloodstream and can affect the baby later in life” says Dr. Sachar. “Today it is known that babies are born with over 200+ toxins in their blood. I created this line to give pregnant women a choice for safe, non-toxic makeup during pregnancy.”

You can find more information about Dr. Sachar’s line V.Sachar MD at his website, www.VSACHARMD.com, www.facebook.com/VSACHARMD, and follow him @VSACHARMD.

Choosing Your Hospital for Labor & Delivery

March 24, 2014/in Pregnancy Channel/by coastal

You have many decisions to make during your pregnancy: choosing your doctor, choosing your baby name, and of course choosing your hospital. It is quite common that your physician may deliver at different hospitals. You should find out if they have admitting privileges at other hospitals and assess all of your options.

Quite often, patients want to deliver at a particular hospital because of convenient location, a NICU, or personal preference. Insurance plans often have defined plans with which hospital they are contracted; check with your insurance plan early in your pregnancy to see which hospitals you are restricted to, if any.

If you are set on a particular hospital, then call your insurance company for a list of doctors that are in your plan that deliver at that particular hospital. Although these decisions seem trivial, find out early about these details, as it will affect you later.

Labor and Delivery
Some hospitals have Labor and Delivery Recovery and Postpartum suites, or LDRP. These are the most convenient for the patient and the family. You labor in the same room that you deliver in, then you stay there for the postpartum and recovery period (2-3 days depending on route of delivery).
The other more common option is Labor and Delivery and Recovery suite. With this type of room, you labor and delivery and recover in the same room, then you get transported to a different ward for postpartum period.
Both options are available, but obviously the LDRP are the most convenient.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Pregnancy is a critical time for your babies’ development. During pregnancy, your baby depends on you for nourishment, oxygen, getting rid of waste, and protection from harm. After the baby is born, it no longer has that protection that you gave. Immediately after birth, your child has to learn how to breathe, take its first breath, has to process food and waste, and their immune system has to start working to protect against bacteria and viruses. Most babies can make this transition fairly easily, but occasionally some babies have difficulty making the transition and need special attention. Babies that are born prematurely, often need assistance in some, or all of these areas as well. Other babies that often need the specialized care that a NICU offers include those with congenital birth defects; for instance cardiac, or spinal.
A NICU offers highly specialized nursing and medical care by a staff that is trained for this special group of patients.
Only about 9% of all newborns need NICU care, so most babies do not need their services, but some patients want the assurance if something comes up unexpected for their newborn, that a NICU is available. If your hospital does not have a NICU, as most don’t, they may need to be transferred to a facility with a NICU after birth.

Next, set up tours to visit all of the hospital birthing units. Most hospitals will have tours available a few times a month. Many will not only give you a tour of the unit, but will also answer questions, and even give you a goodie bag at the end. This tour will allow you to view the facilities first hand, visit with some of the nursing staff, and get a first hand look at the security features the hospital offers. Pay attention to details and ask many questions. Take detailed notes about your visit. After touring several hospitals you may start to get them mixed up. Not only will touring the birthing centers help you to make the wisest decision, knowing exactly where to enter the hospital upon arrival when you are actually in labor is a great thing to know.

While visiting the hospitals you should also ask for a list of any prenatal classes that are offered. If a hospital offers a large number of classes, such as labor and delivery, infant CPR, breastfeeding, etc, it is more likely that their birthing unit is of higher importance in the overall scheme of the hospital.

If you have a lot of trust in the doctor who is seeing you for your prenatal visits, you may ask him or her for a recommendation. Your doctor may even only perform deliveries at certain hospitals. If you really want to make sure your doctor is there with you for labor and delivery, make sure you know ahead of time what hospitals he or she will deliver in.

Having a baby is a frightening, wonderful, and completely exhausting experience. Dealing with negative nurses, a cramped delivery room, and less-than-secure facilities only adds to your already overwhelmed state. Doing a little research ahead of time, and choosing the best hospital for you and your baby, will allow you to have the best experience with your labor and delivery as possible.

Tag Archive for: Pregnancy

Posts