Posts Tagged ‘backache’

I apologize for telling you all about how to recognize stress and why it is important to deal with your stress, without providing you with some healthy ways to cope. Hopefully, you had a relaxing holiday weekend.  Below you will find a few simple ways to cope with your stress; however, if you feel overwhelmed by stress, you should consult your health care provider ASAP!

1. Eat regularly and nutritiously and drink lots of water.
2. Rest when you can and when your body needs it.
3. Exercise (with your health care provider’s OK).  Exercise helps keep pregnant you fit, helps prevent some common discomforts of pregnancy (such as backache, fatigue and constipation) and relieves stress.
4. Resist any urges to drink alcohol, smoke or take herbal products or drugs (except those prescribed by your health care provider).
5. Stay away from stressful people and stressful situations, when possible.
6. Consider cutting back on unnecessary activities when you are uncomfortable.
7. Ask for and accept help from people who are close to you. Having a good support network, including your partner, extended family and friends can help relieve stress.
8. Go to all your prenatal care appointments. This will give you the reassurance that everything is okay with your baby or let your health care provider know about a problem while there is still time to do something about it. You’ll feel less stressed because you know you are doing the best for your baby.
9. Relax by meditating, listening to music, writing in a journal, or taking a prenatal yoga class.
10. Take a Childbirth Education class. Some classes teach relaxation techniques and help reduce anxiety by educating parents-to-be about what to expect during labor and delivery.

For a Healthy Pregnancy Class, Childbirth Preparation or Breastfeeding Class, call one of the following locations:

Canton-Potsdam Hospital: (315) 261-5965

Carthage Area Hospital: (315) 493-1005 ext. 2445

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center: (315) 393-5998

E.J. Noble Hospital: (315) 287-1000 ext. 273

Lewis County General Hospital: (315) 376-5602

Massena Memorial Hospital: (315) 769-4349

Samaritan Medical Center: (315) 785-4050

Do you have any healthy pregnancy tips for other moms-to- be? What worked, what didn’t, how did you make it through?

Source: “Stress,” March of Dimes, 2008  “Stress and Pregnancy,” March of Dimes, 2010

Are you pregnant or do you know someone who is pregnant? Then listen up! I’m, giving another one of those “teachable moments.” I don’t want to scare anyone, but the truth is preterm labor can happen to anyone. Yes, there are some risk factors that may increase your chances for having a premature baby, but, I’m not going to tell you them right now because I don’t want you to write this off. Sometimes you can do everything right and still have a preterm labor, so I want you to be prepared. First of all, make sure you have your healthcare provider’s number in a place that is easy to find. I would store his or her number in your cell phone and have it written down in case someone else needs to call. 

 Here are the signs of preterm labor:

• Contractions that make your belly tighten up like a fist every 10 minutes or more often.
• Changes in the color of your vaginal discharge, or bleeding from your vagina.
• The feeling that your baby is pushing down. This is called pelvic pressure.
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like your period
• Belly cramps with or without diarrhea

 Call your provider even if you have only one of these signs. They may tell you to come into the office or go to the hospital. They may also recommend that you stop what you’re doing, rest on your left side for an hour, and drink 2-3 glasses of water. If these signs get worse or don’t go away, call your provider again or go to the hospital. If the signs do go away, take it easy for the rest of the day.

 If you’re pregnant, memorize these signs. If you’re not pregnant share these signs with someone who is.

 Learn the signs, act early, help your baby.