Soothing heat therapy during pregnancy

Being pregnant takes a toll on a woman’s body. Hormone production, weight gain, physical appearance, difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position, and being awakened by a physically active fetus are just a few of the effects of pregnancy.

Being pregnant is a workout, but being in shape through it can help. When it comes time for delivery a body that is in good shape is more able to deal with the rigors of childbirth. According to the National Institutes of Health, joints loosen during pregnancy, and therefore it is important not to do exercises that require fast movements. Of course, activities that can cause injury should be avoided also. For a list of activities to avoid and other information about what to do and what not to do during pregnancy go to the NIH Web site.

To help relieve joint pain especially in the hips and lower back pain from the weight of the baby during the Maine Warmers carries a variety of heating pads that can also be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. Dads also have stresses and muscle aches and can benefit from a heating pad to relax tense muscles in the neck. A variety of Comforting Creatures and other Warmers make perfect baby shower gifts for use before birth and after.
third trimester of pregnancy, try using heat therapy from a microwave heating pad.

For more information about dealing with some of the discomforts of pregnancy check out this article on WebMD.

How much weight should you gain during pregnancy?

Eating for two? That's okay as long as eating for 3 or 4 during pregnancy doesn't become the norm. Too much weight can result in complications and not gaining enough weight also has its health risks. The Mayo Clinic has some weight charts for those who are normal weight during pregnancy, those who are overweight, and those underweight.

Weight gain in pregnancy isn't just due to the weight of the baby. A woman's body changes dramatically to accommodate and house the fetus for nine months with added weight to the placenta, extra blood in the circulatory system, amniotic fluid, developing breasts, and more.

Too much weight gain can make it hard to lose the weight once the baby is born. It can lead to gestational diabetes and other health related issues. Plus, it is harder to lose the weight once the baby is born. Too little weight can result in having a smaller baby and may have a long lasting impact on the mother's health.

A first pregnancy can be very stressful. What will it be like? How will you cope with labor and then a newborn and all of the changes birth will bring to your lives.

To avoid overeating to deal with stress, try some relaxation techniques during pregnancy. This March of Dimes article on pregnancy may help give you some insights on how to deal with stress and to avoid weight gain.

Maine Warmers heating pads and gentle ice packs may help you relax tense muscles the natural way.

What is a doula?

A doula is a person who is experienced with helping women prepare for and give birth and continues to be supportive after the birth process. The services of a doula are non-medical, but she can be the communicator among the birth team and a type of advocate or coach for the mother.

The birth process is challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having someone experienced by your side offers reassurance to both the mother and father. The father may be the support person, but he is apt to have no experience with the birth process (unless he is a medical professional).

Some things that a doula might do is help with relaxation techniques, massage, pushing, positioning, and visualization. After the birth she may help with getting the baby to breast feed.

For more information about the role of a doula see his article in What to Expect When You're Expecting.

Doulas will sometimes use heating pads or ice packs to help mothers during late stages of pregnancy when hip and lower back pain can be an issue. In a blog post from the same publication above a mother explains how a heating pad helped her deal with a variety of pains during pregnancy.

Dachshund shaped heating pad

Microwave heating pads are portable and safe, can be frozen and used as ice packs, and are available at Maine Warmers. They are washable, portable (no wires), perfume-free, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and make functional and fun gifts for baby showers. Fathers-to-be use them to help relieve tension and relax stiff muscles. Check out the Cozy Sheep Heating Pad and the Dachshund Neck Wrap -- not just for stiff necks.