I’ve written about October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it also National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It’s a sad topic, I know, but one that still deserves a little attention and a cause that is near and dear to my heart having lost three pregnancies now.

A miscarriage is defined as a pregnancy loss that usually occurs before twenty weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriages are pretty common, more common than I think many of us realize. About one in four recognized pregnancies results in a miscarriage and there are probably more that actually... more

Part 1

Let’s discuss a few of the myths and facts of breast cancer. Myth: Men do not get breast cancer. Fact: While more women than men get breast cancer, men can and do develop breast cancer. This year approximately 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and only about 1,600 men.

Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. Fact: Eight out of ten lumps... more

First of all, happy October everyone!

I am sure you are all aware that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It might not be crisis pregnancy related, but it is an issue for all women (and men) to be aware of, so I must do my little part.

Until a few years ago, I knew very little about breast cancer myself. I was in my twenties and invincible – I didn’t need to worry about breast cancer. Then I watched a friend battle this disease. I watched her from a far, I wasn’t close enough to be a part of her every day life, but as I listened... more

I haven’t done one of my “healthy pregnancy posts” in awhile so I thought it was time…

Exercise and pregnancy – you’re probably thinking that those are two words that do not sound like they should go together. But with all the cravings and eating for two, a little exercise is a good thing. Don’t forget; I’m not a doctor, so you probably should check with your doctor before beginning any major exercise regimen.

Exercise during pregnancy will help you to have a healthy pregnancy and increase the chances of you having... more

My son’s Sunday School newsletter inspired this post. In it, was a 101 ways to praise a child and reading it I thought that we all need praise and positive affirmations. When you are in an unplanned pregnancy, you are typically feeling down and may feel like life is working against you. It’s very easy to emotionally beat yourself up right now and tell yourself that you are dumb, make poor decisions, have made too many mistakes, etc..

But don’t forget you have good qualities too! You care about your baby and want the best for him or her... more

It’s important to regularly schedule and keep your prenatal checkup appointments with your health care provider. They will help you schedule and keep track of the appointments – you just have to show up!

I know, I remember, it feels like you are spending half your life in doctors’ offices sitting and waiting for what feels like hours all for them to check you and speak with you maybe ten minutes max. But it’s necessary.

Attending regular doctors’ visits can not guarantee a perfect baby – what can? But attending your doctors visits... more

Are you having trouble sleeping during pregnancy? It seems the further along you get, the harder sleeping becomes! You toss and turn looking for just the right position and every way you turn, it seems like the baby turns and lies that way too. And the best part is when your baby has days and nights confused, and just us as you get ready to head to dreamland, your precious one starts practicing field goals or pirouettes for the night.

Sleep is important for you. Extra weight and added hormones make you a bit more tired than usual. Rest is key... more

You are sitting in the doctors office plumply pregnant, when all of the sudden your doctor says, "I think the best course of action at this point would be for you to begin bed rest!"

Bed rest!!!! Those two words that every pregnant woman dreads to hear. Unfortunately, it happens! One in five pregnant women are ordered to bed rest that lasts at least twenty weeks by their doctors.

I suffered through two pregnancies that both required bed rest. With my second son I was lucky and able to serve my bed rest sentence... more

Morning sickness – it’s that dreaded sign of pregnancy. For some, it might be one of the “clues” that leads you to confirming that you are pregnant.

So, what exactly is morning sickness? It’s a feeling of nausea that is sometimes accompanied with actual sickness. Sometimes you may just feel nauseous while other times you may actually get sick.

Morning sickness is caused by the sudden increase or change in hormone levels. It is more common in the first trimester of pregnancy. It can strike any... more

As I was reading the newest posts today, I came across Karianne’s post in the Fertility Blog entitled “When Not to Be Pregnant” and it got me thinking about when I was pregnant. I gave birth in September and October so both times I was big and pregnant during the summer heat. Where I live it’s humid and gets into the high 90’s during the worst part of the summer. This is no fun to deal with when you’re moody, cranky, and carrying around an extra twenty to thirty pounds!

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