Top parenting stories this week
Lower Back Pain after Baby
Here's why your back may hurt after delivery and how to get some relief
by: Nancy Ripton
Lower Back Pain
- Increased relaxin is the number one cause of lower back pain after giving birth.
- Epidural and spinal anesthesia have no effect on post-partum lower back pain.
- How you sit is one of the most important factors in eliminating the pain.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories that can help ease your discomfort.
f you suffer from lower back pain after giving birth, you’re not alone. Almost 50 percent of women will suffer from lower back pain in the first few months after having a baby. Here’s why: To view the full story click here.
Coping with Pregnancy at Work
From hiding morning sickness to breaking the news to your boss, here's how to survive pregnancy on the job.
by: Sydney Loney
Work and Pregnancy
- It's best to wait to share your pregnancy news until after your first trimester when your risk of miscarriage decreases.
- To help keep your pregnancy a secret, move the buttons on your pants so you can wear your old clothes for longer.
- Make sure your boss finds out first–and make it a formal meeting when you finally break the news.
- Remember, you have the right to keep working during your pregnancy for as long as you are able to perform the essential duties of your job.
- If you’re afraid of getting left out while on mat leave, get a coworker to copy you on important emails that you can check on your own time.
eing a working mom-to-be can be tough, especially when you’re fighting exhaustion and juggling prenatal appointments. Here’s how to keep things “business as usual” at the office throughout your pregnancy. To view the full story click here.
Morning Sickness Survival Guide
When morning sickness starts and what you can do to feel better.
by: Sydney Loney
Morning Sickness
- Morning sickness affects up to 80 percent of pregnant women.
- Morning sickness usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and ends around the 12th or 16th week.
- Treat symptoms as soon as possible and you'll have a better chance of controlling the condition.
- One percent of women suffer from a severe form known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which can result in hospitalization.
- Try eating small portions of whatever makes you feel better every one to two hours and make sure you drink two liters of liquid a day.
- Some common morning sickness cures include: eating bland food (such as dry cereal), eating cold food (such as popsicles), wearing an acupressure band, taking vitamin B6, smelling citrus and rinsing with mouthwash.
hose first few months of pregnancy can be tough, especially when you suddenly can't stand the sight (or smell) of food. Morning sickness, or Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP), is the most common medical condition facing moms-to-be. It affects up to 80 percent of pregnant women, says Caroline Maltepe, coordinator of Motherisk's NVP Hotline at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Here's what you need to know to get through it. To view the full story click here.
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
From morning sickness to breech babies, acupuncture may be the answer to your pregnancy problems.
by: Sydney Loney
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
- Look for a TCM practitioner or acupuncturist who has specialized training in obstetrical care.
- Acupuncture during pregnancy can help relieve everything from mild cases of morning sickness to severe nausea and vomiting.
- In the third trimester, research shows acupuncture can encourage babies to move so they're no longer in a breech position.
- Acupuncture pregnancy treatments can help prepare your body for labor and delivery and can also be used to induce labor once you've reached your due date.
hether you're vomiting your way through your first trimester or are plagued by pregnancy-related aches and pains in your second and third, acupuncture may be the key to relieving your discomfort. Here's how it can help you have a happier, healthier pregnancy in each trimester: To view the full story click here.
Your Guide to Prenatal Appointments
From blood tests to glucose screening, here’s what you need to know to prep for your next prenatal appointment.
by: Sydney Loney
Prenatal Care
- Pregnancy is a good time to put together a file of your family medical history.
- If blood tests reveal that you’re Rh-negative, your blood may be incompatible with your baby’s.
- Being pregnant makes you more susceptible to urinary tract infections that can increase the risk of premature labor.
- At around 18 weeks, you may be able to find out your baby’s sex during your anatomy scan ultrasound.
- Around 36 weeks, you’ll be given a group B streptococci test. If you test positive, you’ll need antibiotics during labor to protect your baby from infection.
ver the course of your pregnancy, you’ll routinely find yourself being poked, prodded and pricked with needles, but you may not always know why. Because it’s easy to lose track of what you’re being tested for, here’s what to expect from prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy. To view the full story click here.




