Stress, Anxiety & The Countdown!

In the last few days of pregnancy, which I am currently experiencing, I have come to the realization that all this waiting stuff is one big anxiety attack waiting to happen. I find myself thinking about everything a mile per minute, my thoughts are moving at knots and I seem not to have any control over my thoughts, I get really anxious thinking about certain things, I can't relax at all thus I am always feeling a bit stressed, my thoughts keep me up at night more than anything else these days and I find it really, really, really hard to....... JUST BREATHE!

Luckily for me there is writing... LOL! and yes I am suggesting that all you other expectant mothers find something to do that will ease your mind, whatever it is, trust me, It will do you a world of good.

I am currently in my last week, or my supposed last week as I am due on Sunday, January 22, 2012. This, right now is 2 days away. I don't know what to say, I am excited, worried, overjoyed, sad and a whole bunch of other emotions mixed up into one very chaotic little bundle.

I wonder what she is going to look like when she is born, I wonder who she is going to look like, if her eyes will be brown like mine, if her nose will be straight like his, If she will cry all night or sleep like an angel, If she will be more affectionate towards me or him, If the birthing process will hurt, If I would need to get a C-Section...I guess you pretty much get the picture. My thoughts are getting the better of me. I also wonder about my parenting skills, will I learn as I go along or are some of them innate? Will, I be like my mom and dad as parents or will I be different? Will I go through depression after birth or will I be overjoyed to have the baby? LOL!

However, this is natural, as you are carrying another life in which for the next 18-25 years you will be responsible for. So thinking about how he/she will be or react towards you as a baby and how it will be for you as a first time parent (for the first timers like myself) is all natural. Apparently the closer to birthing some of us get, it's the more anxious we are, all needs to be done is to learn to stay in control of your anxiety.

For the expectant mothers reading this blog post, take a look at this article.

Managing stress and anxiety during pregnancy

Is it common to be anxious a lot during pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings out the worry wart in all of us. And for good reason: You're growing a life inside of you. It's natural to fret about what you eat, drink, think, feel, and do. It's also perfectly normal to worry about whether your baby is healthy, how this new person will change your life and relationships, and whether you're truly up to the task of parenthood. But if your anxiety is becoming all-consuming and regularly interferes with your day-to-day functioning, it's time to find a better way to deal with it.

To start, gently share your fears with your partner — even if they're about him. Chances are he's harbouring concerns of his own. Communicating openly about your anxiety can help you both feel better. Turn to friends or family members for support, too. Other moms-to-be are another source of support, as they're probably experiencing the same worries you are.

If you're extremely anxious or have a specific reason to be concerned about your baby's health, share your concerns with your caregiver. If anxiety still plagues you after you've aired your worries and checked in on your baby's well-being, professional counselling can help you get to the bottom of your troubles.

I have a lot of stress in my life right now. Will it affect my baby?

While everyday pressure is a part of modern life, a high level of chronic stress can boost your odds of preterm labor or of delivering a low-birthweight baby. If you're used to caring for others or giving 110 percent at work, making yourself a priority may seem unnatural or even selfish. But taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby. Cutting down on stress — or learning how to manage it — makes for a healthier pregnancy.

How can I calm down?

Here are a few ways to manage your stress and reduce anxiety at work and at home:

1. Practice saying "no." Now is as good a time as any to get rid of the notion that you can do it all. You can't, so learn to let your superwoman ideals go. Make slowing down a priority, and get used to the idea of asking your friends and loved ones for help.
2. Cut back on chores — and use that time to put your feet up, nap, or read a book.
3. Take advantage of sick days or vacation whenever possible. Spending a day — or even an afternoon — resting at home will help you get through a tough week.
4. Try deep-breathing exercises yoga, or stretching.
5. Get regular exercise such as swimming or walking.
6. Do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet so you have the physical and emotional energy you need.
7. Go to bed early. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby and needs all the sleep it can get.
8. Limit "information overload." Reading pregnancy books, surfing pregnancy Web sites, and listening to your friends' pregnancy stories are fine — but don't delve into all the scary things that might (but probably won't) happen during your pregnancy. Focus instead on how you're feeling and what's happening to you now.\
9. Join (or create!) a support group. If you're coping with a difficult situation, spending time with others in the same boat can ease your burden. Many women create support networks online. Visit the BabyCenter Community to connect with other moms-to-be grappling with similar issues.
10. If you're under unusual stress or feel like you're at your breaking point, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a therapist, who can better assess how strong your anxiety has become and what you may need to do to feel better. Listen openly to what she has to say. Getting help during pregnancy will protect you and your baby from unnecessary risks and reduce your chances of postpartum anxiety and depression.

SEE ARTICLE: www.babycentre.com

Try them out, one of these techniques was designed for you and do your best to manage your anxiety levels while you have a...

Baby-on-Board

P.S. I'll be sure to let you know how the birthing process goes for me. *winx* Pray for me!

How to Get the Best Sleep While Pregnant

Ahhhhh! It is yet another 3AM that I am wide awake writing my blog post. Sleep deprivation becomes me! I feel like how the woman on the left looks... HORRIBLE!!! If I am totally honest (which I am), I look almost like her right now, sitting around the computer in my pyjamas, minus the facial mask, the cup of tea and the horrid hair (eeew) and add the cutest baby bump... I am her... In over-drive and sleep deprived. 

I know a few of you who follow my blog are in the early stages of your pregnancy and appreciate the advice on what to do while pregnant, Well I am more than happy to give it to you.

As you all may realize, Sleep, or the lack thereof, is a huge issue for me during my pregnancy and is probably the only real issue I have. What position to sleep in, how hot I am at nights, baby's constant movement and an over-active bladder are just a few of the things that bother me at sleep time. Collectively, this means NO SLEEP!!!

What's the best sleep position during pregnancy?

For all you expectant mothers, Donna Arand, Sleep Expert affiliated with www.babycenter.com answers the question.

Sleeping on your side is best while you're pregnant. In particular, sleeping on your left side may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands.

It's a good idea to start training yourself early in pregnancy to sleep on your left side whenever you can. Of course, staying in one position all night isn't likely to be comfortable, so turning from side to side while favouring your left side is probably the best strategy.

As for sleeping on your back, avoid that position throughout pregnancy, especially in the later months. Here's why:

When you're sleeping on your back, the weight of your uterus lies on the spine, back muscles, intestines, and major blood vessels. This can lead to muscle aches and pains, haemorrhoids, and impaired circulation, which is uncomfortable for you and can reduce circulation to your baby.

Back sleeping can make blood pressure drop, causing some expectant moms to experience dizziness. On the other hand, in some moms-to-be it can make blood pressure go up.

Finally, back sleeping can cause snoring and, with increased weight, could lead to sleep apnea.

CLICK THE LINK & READ MORE: www.babycenter.com

10 Pregnancy Sleep Tips Provided by About.com

1. Drink up! Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but cut down before bedtime to minimize frequent night-time urination.
2. Keep moving. Exercise regularly for optimum health, and to improve circulation (thus reducing night-time leg cramps). Avoid exercising late in the day--exercise releases adrenaline into your body which can keep you awake at night.
3. Reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are key culprits in preventing a good night's sleep. Remember that worrying won't help you, but talking about your problems will. Find a friend or a professional who can listen and help you if there are issues in your life that are causing you to worry or feel upset.
4. Get into a routine. If you establish a consistent, soothing, and comforting evening routine you'll be able to relax and drift off to sleep with more ease. As bedtime approaches try a few soothing rituals like drinking a cup of caffeine-free tea or hot milk, reading a chapter of a pleasant book, taking a warm shower using fragrant shower gel, getting a shoulder massage, or having your hair gently brushed.
5. Get into position. During the third trimester, sleep on your left side to allow for the best blood flow to the foetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Avoid lying flat on your back for a long period of time.
6. Keep heartburn at bay. To prevent heartburn, don't recline until 1-2 hours after a meal. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows. Also, avoid spicy, acidic (such as tomato products), or fried foods as they may worsen symptoms.
7. Nap during the day. If you're not getting enough rest at night, take a nap to help reduce fatigue. Find a quiet spot, and relax even if only for a half-hour nap.
8. Support your body. Use a special pregnancy body pillow or a regular pillow to support your body. For comfort, try sleeping on your side with one pillow under your knee and another under your belly.
9. Watch your diet. Completely eliminate caffeine and alcohol to prevent insomnia. If nausea is a problem for you, try eating frequent bland snacks (like crackers) throughout the day. Keeping your stomach slightly full helps keep nausea at bay. Eat a well-balanced diet. Not only is this crucial for you and your baby's health, but getting the necessary nutrients will help keep you feeling satisfied and less prone to major night-time "snack attacks" that may contribute to restlessness and insomnia when you go to sleep.
10. Get help. See your doctor for advice if insomnia persists. Now more than ever it's important to get the rest you need!

CLICK THE LINK & READ MORE: www.about.com

Now I really do hope we can all put our sleep issues to bed. Night, Night Mommys-2-Be!

Baby-on-Board

I'm Pregnant and Sleep Deprived!!!

Well, people say that you will have no time to sleep when the baby is born, so it's best you get all the rest you need while you are pregnant. REALLY!!! I don't think those supposedly experienced women, ever had sleep issues like I do during pregnancy. No offence to their vast knowledge and experience but it goes to show that no two pregnancies are exactly the same. 

Before I found out that I was pregnant at 8 weeks, I developed serious sleep issues that now can be explained away by said pregnancy. My sleep patterns changed from effortlessly falling asleep at between 11pm and 12am to being annoyed, fatigued and not being able to fall asleep until...surprise, surprise...DAYBREAK!!! Early in my pregnancy, I was working on a project and found that, as soon as I got to work in the mornings, I want to do nothing else but sleep until lunch. For the volume of work that I had to do, I ended up (on some days) losing my most productive time to sleep that I had been deprived of the night before. 

Sleep Disorders, Insomnia and Pregnancy, provided by TREE.COM 
Pregnancy and sleep problems often go hand-in-hand, with many women experiencing difficulty sleeping while pregnant. When you are pregnant, sleep can be affected by anxiety, physical discomfort and hormonal fluctuations. By the third trimester, sleeping while pregnant can be challenging because of an active baby.

Pregnancy And Sleep Disorders

Pregnant women experience many biological and emotional changes that can compromise their sleep patterns. Insomnia, restless legs syndrome, vivid dreams and sleep apnea can all make sleeping while pregnant difficult.

Sleep, Insomnia And Pregnancy

Insomnia and pregnancy often occur together. Worrying about the outcome of a pregnancy or having to make frequent bathroom trips can affect sleep quality. Nausea, heartburn, backaches and an inability to find a comfortable sleep position can also interfere with sleeping while pregnant.

Sleep And Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which the sufferer's legs twitch, ache or feel uncomfortable. The symptoms of this disorder are often most prevalent at night, making it difficult to fall asleep. Iron and folic acid deficiencies may contribute to RLS. Up to 26 percent of pregnant women report RLS symptoms, according to the National Sleep Foundation (2009). Luckily, RLS usually resolves itself after pregnancy. While prescription RLS medications shouldn't be used while pregnant, your doctor may advise you to get more iron or folic acid in your diet to help reduce symptoms. 

Treating Insomnia And Pregnancy

Most over-the-counter or prescriptions drugs used for sleep disorders shouldn't be used by pregnant women. However, good sleep hygiene can help pregnant women get a quality night's sleep.  Try the following:-

1. Avoid eating a full meal or drinking before bed. 
2. Avoid exercising before bed. Avoid sleeping on your back, which can be uncomfortable.
3. Change sleeping positions. 
4. Try sleeping on your side, with your knees bent. 
5. Some doctors advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side to avoid pressure on the liver. 
6. Cut out caffeinated drinks, such as soda, coffee and tea. 
7. Practice relaxation techniques.
8. Take a warm bath prior to going to bed to relax.

CLICK TO READ MORE: WWW.TREE.COM 

In my first and second trimester (0-6months), my sleep disorder could largely be attributed to physical discomfort, insomnia and my inability to find a comfortable position to sleep in -Man I miss sleeping on my tummy. Now in my last lap, my sleep disorder has taken on new life... LITERALLY!!! Now that my baby is almost ready to come home, her movements are more frequent and by that I mean never ending -it's almost like she doesn't sleep. I also have lots of discomfort in my legs (more frequently the left leg) which in most cases is described as RLS or Restless Legs Syndrome and not to mention an overactive bladder, which I think can single-handedly (if there is such a word) deprive you of sleep for DECADES!!! 


Be sure to know what affects your sleep while you have a...


Baby-On-Board

A SICKLE CELL PATIENT'S STORY: IS THIS HOW WE TREAT HOSPITAL PATIENTS IN JAMAICA?!

So i'm here conceptualizing my next couple of blog posts, When this incident happened upon me. Now as a Jamaican, as a human being, as a mother-to-be (AS ANYTHING for that matter), I absolutely cannot imagine this happening to me and someone not losing their job for it.

This was an email message sent to my dear friend and client, Miss Jamaica Universe 2011 Shakira Martin, who just happens to be a Sickler herself.

An Urgent Health and Safety Audit must be conducted at the Mandeville Regional Hospital. 

I have to share with you what took place at the Mandeville Regional Hospital, with the hope that something will be done.

There must have been a sense of dread last at night minutes to 9pm, as hearts must have been thumping hard because of the knowledge of guilt when a sickle cell patient was about to be discharged from the Mandeville hospital on yesterday September 23, 2011 .

My sister who has sickle cell disease had to go in at 8am for treatment yesterday morning at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.  She was put on observation in the wings of the Accident and Emergency area to receive treatment for the pains she normally suffers as a result of having this disease. Over the years my sister has developed a dislike for admittance because of the tardiness, laziness and lack of attention paid to her by hospital staff and doctors alike , so the usual thing is for her to get treatment without being admitted on the wards.

She was put on a gurney, and only at the point of discharge it became clear to her and my parents that the mattress was soaked with blood. This blood was fresh enough to have soaked through the cracked plastic lining to make contact with her hospital clothing. My sister who is 31 and has been going to hospitals and receiving medical care since she was 11 months old; also an advocate for patients with sickle cell disease - coordinating a sickle cell support group in Manchester for people affected by the disease- gave a proper tongue lashing to every one who was within earshot. My father told me that that she cursed them good and proper; doctors, nurses, candy strippers and porters alike saying that they were "nasty and that this should never ever happen, if this is how they treat patients, imagine how they keep their homes"

The gurney was only covered with paper towel. My mother accounts that "the stretcher had blood on it in the early hours of the day and a porter had wiped it off ". She said my sister begged for it to be changed because she kept saying it smelt "raw". Her request was frowned upon, those responsible reacted saying she was giving trouble and was asking for special treatment. 

The mattress was obviously over-used and cracked. People who may have come in with stab or gun shot wounds were placed on this same gurney and the blood soaked into sponge. When my sister was made to receive treatment on this very unhygienic gurney covered over only with paper towel for more than 12 hours, things were becoming strange as my sibling started to tell my mother that she felt sweaty and wet. My parents NEVER use hospital linen because of the frequent visits, we literally have a bag packed for hospital use and on this occasion like many others my sister was simply receiving intravenous treatment and had no open wound. She was clad in her usual red "hospital" pyjamas, my mother continued to smell a funny odour coming from the region of the gurney where my sister laid. Then in a response to the lateness for further treatment my sister decided to leave and it was when my mother started to strip the mattress of sheet and comforter that they saw the saturation of blood from the waist down to the back of the knees of my sisters pyjamas, the fitted sheet and her comforter.

Hospital staff present had nothing to say about this, no apology was made and frankly I believe no one cares. They know it is WRONG !!!. Other family members of patients who were in the vicinity were the only ones who went over to observe the blood that was seeping through. My father was very upset saying "people should not go in for treatment at the risk of leaving with the possibility of picking up other illnesses, just the thought of it is upsetting, imagine if she had a cut on her thighs or even the leg ulcers that sickle cell patients are prone to have " People's lives are at threat if there is no seriousness to the approach from our health care providers.

This is the 21st century and for a hospital that boasts state of the art equipment, facilities and a fancy building these kinds of indecency, negligence, carelessness and disregard  for the human life and safety should never be tolerated. I am disgruntled and upset because people in some countries only need come in contact with an ounce of some one else's blood before they raise hell, or file a law suit against the institution. There is a severe lack of transparency and  accountability in Jamaica, all to often no one can be held accountable and this is wrong, once you start to speak out you get cold shoulders and many have to fear for their lives. Over the phone my sister says "it is obvious that family members cannot leave their sick at Mandeville Regional Hospital because it is not like a day care centre where you would leave your child in good hands, it is not so anymore, you can't trust the safety of their lives". My sister warns that "family members should go in and stay close to their family because they can walk in with a cold and leave in a body bag" She emphasizes " interns should not be placed in control of administering treatment to patients because they dont even take time out to speak with patients properly to know who they are giving medication".

She is very unhappy with the way this situation has turned out. The feeling is strange because she keeps on smelling that weird smell on her body even after being washed and disinfected. She is very upset at the way all the staff present did nothing to show remorse and were very unapologetic.

My parents are very upset and feel that something must be done, I have taken the time out to write this because if it was to happen to any one that holds a publicly recognized position in the country in any sector there would be a lot of pots and pans flying in the kitchen and many cooks would be fired. But let it happen to a layperson, just a few looks and no documentation, and a sweep under the carpet is what you get. I will not rest until I hear that there is an investigation or a Health and Safety audit is conducted at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.

Thank you for your time

From a very Concerned Citizen.

NOW: If you are Human, Jamaican, Sickler, Family member of a sickler, friend of a sickler, Sickle Cell Advocate, Wife, Mother, Husband or Father of a Sickler or you are just plain outraged like I am, Share this story, as this slackness must not be allowed to continue. 

Stay true to our motto and work together because "Out of Many, We are One"

Baby-on-Board

TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT?

Being pregnant is sooooooo much fun!!! You get to consume anything and blame it on the other person growing inside you, the baby (I wonder if women pregnant with twins eat twice as much). 

Anyway, since I've been pregnant my appetite has done a complete 360. I now eat things that I have never had or liked in my entire life. Case in point...

THE BURGER KING WHOPPER

One day I walked into Burger King to order my usual chicken sandwich and the strangest thing happened. I beheld a WHOPPER. Now, being that I, Toni-Ann Nicole Kelly is not a beef eater, I found it extremely strange that this hunk of beef was beckoning to me. So I answered the call (What was I to do?) 

*As the beef on the menu board stared at me and I shyly stared back*

Toni-Ann: (Pointing at the WHOPPER) Can I try that?

Attendant: Try it, I'm sorry miss we do not do sampling here.

Toni-Ann: (Sarcastically) Really! I never knew that. I meant can I have that, a number 2 with bacon.

Attendant: (Looking strangely at me) Extra Bacon? Miss bacon is already in there.

*Hands over cash and collects meal*

For the first time in my life, I unwrapped a Burger King WHOPPER. I took a bite and it was like heaven. The way the beef tasted, the way it smelt, the bacon, the sesame seed buns, everything on the sandwich was a gift from God. So much so, that I ate a Burger King WHOPPER everyday for 2 weeks. Now I eat in moderation, once or twice  a week is good enough. 

How Pregnancy Changes Eating Habits, provided by LIVESTRONG.COM

Nutrition during pregnancy goes far beyond just the notion of "eating for two." Changes in diet, both intentional and unintentional, affect pregnant women. Some women experience cravings and changes in tastes and smells, while others experience food aversions. Some lucky women go through pregnancy without noticing any significant changes to their appetites or diets. Physicians and dietitians can provide you with a list of foods to include and avoid during pregnancy, as this exciting stage of life comes with special nutritional considerations.

Diet Obstacles During Pregnancy – For many women, eating during early pregnancy becomes a chore when battling bouts of nausea and morning sickness that can last all day long. Heightened sensitivities to smells and tastes can affect your overall diet. Common changes during this stage of pregnancy involve not only what foods are eaten, but when they are eaten. For some, nibbling on dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning helps start the day on a better note. For others, switching from eating three large meals to several smaller ones throughout the day helps. Smelling or sucking on lemons and eating ginger are other additions to your diet that may help fight morning sickness.

Cravings and Aversions – An old woman once told me while I was pregnant that if I did not eat the food I was craving, my baby would be born with a birthmark in the shape of that food. I am happy to announce that the old wives tale proved to be false since my son was born without any lobster-shaped birthmarks. Nonetheless, food cravings are a common occurrence during pregnancy. Indulging in some cravings, as long as they are on your doctor's approved list of foods, is generally safe. Although, like all other times, exhibiting moderation with treats should be followed. On the other hand, cravings for nonfood items, called pica, can be harmful to both you and your baby and you should talk to your healthcare provider. Food aversions are another common complaint during pregnancy. Avoiding the food is usually safe, although if it contains a certain nutrient important during pregnancy, check with your doctor to find more appealing alternatives to get it.

READ MORE: LIVESTRONG.COM

Truth is being pregnant, changes a lot about us women and our eating habits are no exception. The changes in our diet can be attributed to a lot of things, including nutrients that we may lack in our regular diet. For me that is iron, I have always had an iron deficiency and for my body to produce enough blood to sustain this little one and I, I need lots and lots of it. Beef is rich in iron, hence my craving for it (NO, I don't only eat Whoppers). The changes can also be attributed to morning sickness the heightened sensitivity of our senses among other things. 

Worst cases, I have heard of women eating dirt (ewww) and small chunks of red bricks...LOL! That especially makes me thankful that I am pushed to eat normal stuff, this baby has taught me that Beef is not that bad. As a matter of fact baby loves beef!

If you can be sure to check out these books on eating during pregnancy:-















Baby-On-Board

SURPRISE: LITTLE THINGS YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOU

I live in Jamaica, you know, island in the sun, white sandy beaches, land of wood and water, home of the famed RASTA, birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley, Reggae Music & Dancehall  and how could I forget famous for the slogan "Jamaica No Problem...Mon" (Hate that line). Being an island girl and living in Jamaica all my life, I would like to say that i'm used to a certain warm climate or acclimatised to certain levels of heat that cold weather people may find disturbing (no offense).

Jamaica = Heat and Right now, it's summer time in Jamaica and that means sweltering heat (Heat++)... OMG! I AM PREGNANT and that means Heat +++++. Shall we do the math?

I am a girl that really doesn't sweat, always calm, cool and collected. I let nothing bother me, try not to ever get flustered, but this Heat Wave I'm experiencing throughout my pregnancy has got me really miserable. I was told that most pregnant women don't wear much clothes around the house. Really? Who would? especially in this heat that I experience daily and the further along I am is the hotter I seem to get. I am seriously expecting to get some serious heat rash. I am sweating in places that you would never imagine!!! I can't let my hair down. I have to shower at least three (3) times a day. I cannot wear perfume because it adds to the heat. I can't wear anything that is close fitting because it makes me uncomfortable or sticks to my skin because I'm hot and sweaty. Everything I seem to do somehow contributes to the HEAT+++++++ that I'm experiencing. 

Ummmmmmm.......... (Centering my Chi and only thinking happy thoughts)

As with everything else in life, I though to myself, there must be a logical explanation for all of this. Me and my big fat mouth. Apparently there are lots of unsavory things  that happen to pregnant women that we are brainwashed to believe will all be worth it when we are holding this new life. (the jury is still out on that one, at least wait until I have the baby)

FACT: Fluid Retention may cause you to go up one (1) or two (2) shoe sizes while pregnant and your feet may remain a size larger even after you give birth.

Check Out these unexpected effects of pregnancy, provide by

1. 

   Inability to Concentrate - In the first trimester, fatigue and morning sickness can make many women feel worn out and mentally fuzzy. But even well-rested pregnant women may experience an inability to concentrate and periods of forgetfulness. A preoccupation with the baby is partially the cause, as are hormonal changes. Everything — including work, bills, and doctor appointments — may seem less important than the baby and the impending birth. You can combat this forgetfulness by making lists to help you remember dates and appointments.

2. Mood Swings - Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy are alike in many ways. Your breasts swell and become tender, your hormones fluctuate, and you may feel moody. If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, you're likely to have more severe mood swings during pregnancy. They can make you go from feeling happy one minute to feeling like crying the next. You may be irrationally angry with your partner one day, then a coworker may inexplicably irritate you the next.

3. Shoe Size - Even though you can't fit into any of your pre-pregnancy clothes, you still have your shoes, right? Maybe — but maybe not. Because of the extra fluid in their pregnant bodies, many women experience swelling in their feet and may even have to start wearing a larger shoe size. Wearing slip-on shoes in a larger size will be more comfortable for many pregnant women, especially in the summer months.

4. Joint Mobility - During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone known as relaxin, which is believed to help prepare the pubic area and the cervix for the birth. The relaxin loosens the ligaments in your body, making you less stable and more prone to injury. It's easy to overstretch or strain yourself, especially the joints in your pelvis, lower back, and knees. When exercising or lifting objects, go slowly and avoid sudden, jerky movements.

 READ MORE AT: KidsHealth.ORG

10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant

Don't let me scare you! There are  wonderful things that happen to you while you are pregnant, your skin and your hair will glow, your nails will grow, your bra size will increase (for those of you who have that small breast problem...lol), you will go through that clean phase before the baby arrives (Nesting) and last but not least you give birth to a life. 

All in all, I'm just alerting you to all that you should expect when you have a...

Baby-On-Board

I'm Having A Baby?! (Finding Out)

AA Meeting Intro: Hi I'm Toni-Ann and I'm addicted to coffee, sex (to a greater extent) and cigarettes.

The introduction above would have been mine if I was attending any support group for any of my three addictions, prior to being pregnant. That would not have been the ideal introduction to someone who would be looked at as a mother, caregiver, etc. Life, however, doesn't work that way. Life and God has a nice way of throwing you a curve ball so great that it literally knocks you off your feet and you fall flat on your face, looking up asking what did I do wrong? (LOL)

MAY 2011 - (Pregnant... Having No Idea)

There  I was going about my business, keeping up with my daily routine. 

- Work at 9...ish

- Coffee (maybe 4 cups/day)

- Work all day (leave at 9...ish)

- Go home... sleep and do it! do it! (LOL)

Throughout this whole time, I had between 10 & 20 cigarettes per day as per usual.

Somewhere around the second week in May, I started staying up all night, Coffee could not keep me awake at work anymore, cigarettes lost it's nicotine driven luster and I had to take 2 hour naps because I could not for the life of me STAY AWAKE! Really frustrating when you are apart of the organizing team for a national pageant that was less than 2 months away and you can't stay awake to get a damn thing done.

One week later... I realised my menses were noticeably late, never panicked (because there is no way in hell, I could be pregnant) but bought a Home Pregnancy Test anyway. Peed on the stick and...

POSITIVE!!! Still no panic... there has to be a perfectly logical explanation for this. 

Made an appointment to see my Gy/Ob and that's when it really hit the fan. 

Dr: Yes Toni-Ann you are pregnant... this feels like about 8-10 weeks.

TK: WHAT?!!!! Dr. G u seem to be getting old, i had my period last month so it cannot be that far along.

Dr: Yes Toni-Ann your pregnancy is that far gone.

TK: *HEAVY SIGH*

(Notice how calm the good Doctor is through my freaking out)

FACT: Some women have a period in the first month of pregnancy. Doctors call it a pink period, because it isn't usually the same time or intensity of a regular period and for some is a symptom and early sign of pregnancy.

Check out these early signs of pregnancy, provided by

Early Symptom of Pregnancy: Spotting and Cramping

A few days after conception, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. This can cause one of the earliest signs of pregnancy -- spotting and, sometimes, cramping. Known as implantation bleeding, this early symptom occurs anywhere from six to 12 days after the egg is fertilized.

The cramps resemble menstrual cramps, and some women mistake them and the bleeding for the start of their period. The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight. Other things that can cause this symptom include the actual start of menstruation, altered menstruation, using a different birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Early Symptom of Pregnancy: Breast Changes

Changes in your breasts are another very early sign of pregnancy. When you conceive, your body undergoes a rapid change in hormone levels. Because of the changes in hormones, you may notice in one to two weeks that your breasts have become swollen, sore, or tingly. Or they may feel heavier or fuller or feel tender to the touch. In addition, the area around the nipples, called the areola, may darken.

Early Symptom of Pregnancy: Fatigue

Feeling unusually fatigued is an early pregnancy symptom that can occur as soon as one week after you conceive. The excessive tiredness is often related to a high level of progesterone in your system, although other things such as lower levels of blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and increased blood production can all contribute.

Early Symptom of Pregnancy: Nausea (Morning Sickness)

The elevated levels of estrogen in your system can slow the emptying of your stomach. This contributes to another early symptom of pregnancy, nausea, or what many women call morning sickness. Not every woman gets morning sickness, and for many that do, morning sickness is a misnomer. The nauseous feeling can and often does occur at any time during the day.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: Pregnancy Symptoms: Early Signs

To tell you the truth, the only symptom I experienced was the first one and reading the article will show you that those 2 symptoms are easily mistaken for something else.

Help yourself to find out earlier, when you have a...

Baby-On-Board