Happy Mother's Day!

Mom's, you are amazing!  One day a year isn't enough to celebrate all you do.  We hope your day is full of love, relaxation and unforgettable memories.  So, to all of our mom's who make up the Biotegrity team and those who we have the pleasure of serving each day, Happy Mother's Day!!!

Surviving Bed Rest

It's not uncommon for a doctor to prescribe bed rest to help prevent complications in pregnancy.  At first, the thought of putting the business of life on hold doesn't sound so bad.  In fact, it may even be a welcomed break from real life. You get to relax while someone else takes care you — but then bed rest reality sets in. You can't go to work, shop, cook or even have a simple night out.   If you're on complete bed rest, you may not even be able to shower or eat sitting up.  So how does one prepare and cope with laying flat for weeks or even months on end? 

Guest blogger and mom-to-be Melissa Hinnant shares her experiences firsthand and some helpful tips on surviving bed rest.

"After suddenly spending 2 weeks in strict hospital bed rest with my last pregnancy,  I was *slightly* prepared when we received the news that I would be on strict home bed rest starting "now" this pregnancy.  However, what I wasn't prepared for is,  2 months...yes 60 days, 8 weeks and 4 days or 1,440 hrs later I'm still here, horizontal.

Here are some tips that I have found a huge help with surviving bed rest:

1) Get a calendar, one you can hang on your wall next to you and each night cross off a day.  It truly helps to see the time progressing and knowing that baby is still growing in there safe and sound.

2) ASK for help!  Do not try to do things on your own.  Try to find someone to cook/bring meals or set up a meal rotation, help with groceries, laundry, cleaning, etc.  Friends and family are generally willing to help, but they need to know what you need help with.  Do not be afraid to ask.

3) Schedule your days.  I have found it very helpful to have a routine that breaks up your day and helps it to go by faster. For example, 8am-11:30am wake up, get ready, eat breakfast, read, send emails and browse the internet.  12pm-3pm eat lunch, lay outside (if your doctor allows) and do some crafting. 3pm-5pm (this often feels the longest stretch) more internet, crafting again and see some visitors.  6pm-10pm - eat dinner, watch television or a movie, shower, read and go to bed.

4)  Take up a hobby.  Some examples are crafting, scrapbooking, knitting or crocheting.  I've learned to crochet - I've made baby girl a blanket, and now I'm making little teeny bows and headbands.  I've also made an online recipe book by entering all of my recipes at www.tastebook.com.  Photobooks are another great idea as they make the time pass quickly too.  As soon as I can sit up I'll be working on a quilt for my little one.

5)  Be mindful of what you are eating.  Remember, your body is not moving so your metabolism and digestion are very slow.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and make sure to have some "healthy" snacks throughout the day.  Drink a lot of water!  I drink about 80-90oz a day (which is more than I ever have in my life), but it's very beneficial during pregnancy.

Bed rest, especially a lengthy one, is not easy.  A HUGE revelation that came to me (one that will make or break your bed rest) is, it's all about how you set your perspective.  You can mope, stress and dredge your way through it or you can choose to make the most of it.  The Italians have a popular phrase "La Dolcezza di Fare Niente", which means "the sweetness of doing nothing".  They have really grasped this concept, and it's time us Americans do too!  Remember, this bed rest season will not last forever, and the next time you have a chance to rest like this will probably be in 21 years from now."

Follow Melissa's story on Rick and Melissa Plus 1.

Changes in Skin

It's not uncommon for expecting moms to have changes in their skin.  Of course every woman's experience is different, but here is some information to help you prepare for, and even prevent, some of the changes from occurring.   

One of the most common skin changes occurs on the face.  The "Mask of Pregnancy", also referred to as melasma, causes dark splotchy spots to appear on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks.  Women with darker complexions seem to be more prone to this condition than women with lighter skin.  You may also notice that areas with dark pigmentation, such as freckles and moles, may become even darker. Hormonal changes during pregnancy stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin, the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. So what's a girl to do to prevent the "mask of pregnancy"?  When you are planning to be outside, be sure to always wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15, or wear your favorite hat or ball cap to protect your face from the sun.  A good concealer can also be your new BFF if the spots really bother you. 

You may have also noticed a dark line on your pretty baby bump.  This is called linea nigra and may have always been there, but not as noticeable because it was a lighter color. During pregnancy this line darkens. It usually appears around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and will begin to fade after delivery. Stretch marks may also appear on a mom's growing belly, but using a stretch mark cream high in vitamin E can help strengthen the skins elasticity and even prevent them from appearing.

The "pregnancy glow" is a welcomed change to a woman's skin.  The glow is often from the knowledge and anticipation of the life growing inside, as well as eating right and taking a daily prenatal vitamin.  It can also be linked to an increase in blood volume. Women typically see an increase of 40-50% in blood volume during pregnancy, which can give a mom-to-be a nice healthy look.

After delivery your skin may take a few months to return to it's "pre-pregnancy" state.  It's crucial to continue protecting yourself from the sun during this time.  If your skin is still blotchy after a few months and it's bothering you, talk to your practitioner or a dermatologist about treatment options.

Caffeine and Pregnancy

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What better way to get going in the morning than with a delicious cup of Joe!  However, if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you may need to find a new drink that doesn't contain the glorious stimulant we all know and love - caffeine!


Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby.  While we can usually handle the effects of this stimulant, our little one on board can't.  Your baby's metabolism is still maturing and cannot fully process the caffeine.  Even small amounts of caffeine can cause changes in your baby's sleep pattern and normal movement patterns in the later stages of pregnancy.  It also increases your heart rate and blood pressure, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy.  Many women find it hard to sleep during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, so adding a stimulant may make getting much-needed sleep even harder.

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We know that caffeine is not recommended during preconception and pregnancy, but decaffeinated coffees and teas should be avoided as well.  These beverages contain compounds called phenols that can make it hard for your body to absorb iron.  Many pregnant women are already low in iron and this can add to your deficiency.  If you do drink coffee or tea, it's best to have between meals and not with your prenatal vitamin.

The jury is still out on the amount of caffeine that is acceptable.  Some say 150 mg per day, others say 300 mg per day.  The best choice is to cut back on your intake as much as possible.  
Common sources of caffeine include:
* Starbucks House Blend Coffee (16 oz) 259 mg
* Dr. Pepper (12 oz) 37 mg
* Diet Coke (12 oz) 47 mg
* Coca-Cola (12 oz) 35 mg
* Green tea (6 oz) 40 mg
* Black tea (6 oz) 45 mg
* Decaffeinated brewed coffee (8oz) 8-13mg (depending on brand)
Your doctor and/or midwife will offer additional advice on foods to avoid when trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy.


Decaffeinated drinks (hot chocolate, cider, etc.) are a great option especially during these cold winter months.  Ask your local brew house for some decaf ideas too, you may be surprised at the wonderful yummy drinks that are available!

Folic Acid- The Wonder Vitamin!

--> Getting enough folate is crucial in preventing birth defects and now new research shows it may help prevent premature delivery. Here's what you need to know to give your baby the best possible start.

Spina bifida is the most common form of Myelomeningocele, a neural tube defect in which the bones of the spine do not completely form, resulting in an incomplete spinal canal.  This condition causes the spinal cord and the tissues covering the spinal cord to be exposed.  Myelomeningocele may affect as many as 1 out of every 800 infants, however, getting enough folate (or folic acid) in your daily diet and through a prenatal supplement, before and during pregnancy, can reduce your baby's risk up to 70%.  Recent research also has found that getting the recommended amount of folate can reduce baby's risk of being born with a cleft lip or cleft palate by one-third.

And as if that's not reason enough to take this amazing B Vitamin, there's more,

The latest research shows a link between folate and the prevention of preterm-birth. In a study of 38,000 women (sponsored by the National Institutes of Health), folate supplementation for at least one year before conception was linked to a 70% decrease in very early preterm deliveries at weeks 20 to 28 and a 50% decline in deliveries at 28 to 32 weeks.

For this wonder vitamin to give you the greatest benefits, you need to start supplementing before conception. Birth defects of the spine and brain occur in the first weeks of pregnancy.  If you are already pregnant, it's ok, don't fret- getting the folate you need is still important.  Both diet and supplementation is necessary.  Most prenatal vitamins contain 800-1,000 micrograms, which is perfect for moms to be and those already pregnant. But don't skimp out on the foods containing folate, like fortified cereals, beans and leafy greens.  Food is the easiest way for your body to absorb folic acid.

For more information, be sure to ask your OBGYN if you're doing all you can do to give your baby the best possible start!

Morning Sickness and the 411 on B6

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--> One of the "not so joyous" parts of pregnancy is morning sickness.  The name is kind of deceiving since morning sickness isn't limited to just the morning.  About half of all pregnant women experience it  around week 6.  Many women start feeling relief at week 14 but there is a small percentage who experience nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy (big hug for those moms).  Of course, just because morning sickness is common and likely to last "only" a few months doesn't mean it's not a challenge. Even a mild case of nausea can wear you down and leave you exhausted and miserable.

So, here's some good news!  Women who experience morning sickness during pregnancy often find relief in taking a B6 supplement. No one knows for sure why this works, but the supplementation of B6 has stood the test of time for effectiveness. Doctors first started prescribing B6 as a morning sickness remedy in the 1940s. Numerous studies since then have shown that taking a higher dose of B6 does have a lessening effect on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

A study performed in China also proved that higher levels of B6 can increase the chance of conception and lower the risk of early term miscarriage. The results were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.  The study found that women with B6 levels above 30 had a 40% greater chance of conception and lowered their early miscarriage rate by 30%. Women with lower levels of B6 were negatively impacted by their deficiency. Alayne Ronnenberg, author of the study explains, "We found that poor preconception vitamin B6 status was associated with increased risk of early pregnancy loss and reduced probabilities of conception and clinical pregnancy in a prospective cohort of young Chinese women."

Many prenatal vitamins contain B6. Look for a vitamin that contains a high dose of B6.  Also, talk with your doctor or midwife about your symptoms and the possibilities for relief.  

Get Your Glow On!

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What causes that “pregnancy glow” so many women have while pregnant? Poetically speaking, the glow is from the knowledge and anticipation of the life growing inside, as well as healthier eating and living. However, technically it can be linked to an increase in blood volume. Women typically see a gain of 40-50% in blood levels during pregnancy.

This increased blood volume boosts blood flow to the uterus and kidneys and compensates for the blood lost during delivery. Anemia (which is too few red blood cells) can develop during pregnancy from dilution of red blood cells  as a result of the increased volume. The fetus uses the mother’s red blood cells to aid in development, especially during the third trimester.  We moms are, of course, happy to share, but it's important that we take care of ourselves as well. 

How do you know if you have anemia? Some of the signs are: fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. Visit your OBGYN for blood testing to know for sure.

The best prevention for anemia is taking an iron supplement or a prenatal vitamin containing the correct Daily Recommended Intake (DRI) of iron (9mg ).  Sounds easy enough.  Another way to prevent anemia is to start storing iron before you become pregnant. Since iron is stored in bone marrow, a prenatal vitamin used during preconception is helpful.  Any iron stored up before pregnancy can be used during pregnancy to aid in fetal development.

Unfortunately, many women have a hard time tolerating iron during pregnancy, so it is important to try different products until you find one that works for you.  If you have a hard time tolerating the iron in your prenatal vitamin, try another brand that might be better tolerated. Look for a prenatal vitamin containing micro-encapsulated iron, which tends to be gentler on the stomach. The iron is released over time, which alleviates the number one cause of iron-related nausea, iron hitting the stomach all at once.


So get your glow on girls!  Your body and your baby will thank you.