Postpartum: the “Fourth Trimester” of the Pregnancy Journey
A newborn cry announces the arrival of a new life into the world this side of the uterus. For nine months, the baby has been nestled in the safety of his or her mother’s womb, now to be delivered into the security of his or her mother’s arms. Postpartum, also known as the “fourth trimester,” is sometimes a part of…
Completing the Pregnancy Journey: the Third Trimester
If you’ve been following along over the past several weeks, we’ve been sharing what to expect in each stage of the pregnancy journey. For both your body and your baby’s body, so much happens from the first trimester through labor and delivery (and into postpartum)! Today, we’re breaking down the pregnancy journey in the third trimester, from mom’s symptoms to…
The Pregnancy Journey Continues: the Second Trimester
Although the waters may have been rough during the first trimester, many will find sailing through the second trimester to be a calm and peaceful journey. This is partially due to the slowing down of the rapidly changing river of hormones and changes to a woman’s body. But don’t be fooled, there is still an amazing journey taking place for…
The Amazing Journey of Pregnancy: the First Trimester
The possibility of pregnancy brings a wide variety of emotions, be it planned or unplanned. Despite the complicated feelings surrounding it, there’s no doubt that the process of pregnancy is a miracle. In this post, we’re exploring the amazing journey of pregnancy from conception through the 13th week (also known as the 1st trimester). Before we do, please know that…
How Can I Help My Pregnant Friend?
Pregnancy is a big deal, and whether a woman was hoping to become pregnant or was caught completely off guard, that woman needs support from her friends more than ever. Here are some ways you can help your friend process the news that she is pregnant. 1. LISTEN Honestly, we all need someone to listen when we are coping with…
Early Signs of Pregnancy
It’s not unusual for a woman to contact our office asking a key question: “Am I pregnant?” The signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman, especially in early stages, and well-meant advice from family and friends can add to the confusion. So here is a quick review of some early signs of pregnancy, as well as some ideas…
Pregnancy Series Part 3: Healthy Pregnancy Decisions for You and Your Baby
There’s so much to think about when you find out you are expecting a baby. At Life’s Choices, we work with lots of pregnant mamas throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania and help them navigate all the information they get, be it from medical professionals, excited friends, experienced family members and yes, even the internet. We know that with all of the…
Pregnancy Series Part 2: Body Changes for Expecting Moms
Pregnancy can be exciting, but some moms find it overwhelming. Others may find it a little scary. And, if we’re honest, most pregnant mamas feel a combination of all three. In addition to emotional changes during pregnancy, moms can experience a variety of body changes as well. Most babies spend 280 days in the womb before birth, and this time…
Pregnancy Series Part 1: Your Baby’s Growth Stages
The growth of a baby in utero takes on average 280 days from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP). Although pregnancy takes less than a year in a mother’s life, amazing changes take place for the baby in that time frame. Thanks to modern technology, we know lots more about what’s happening inside mom at each…