YEAST INFECTIONS WHILE PREGNANT

It is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge whenever you are pregnant, however, if you have vaginal itching, vaginal redness, feel sore and have burning, you probably have thrush (candida or monilia).  The OTC remedies (suppositories/creams) are perfectly safe throughout pregnancy, but as I always say, please make sure to speak with your health care provider first.

Try to cut down on sugar and white flour until your infection is gone; perhaps even after it is gone.  It is said that natural plain yogurt (not flavored) is very good at keeping yeast infections at bay.  It helps to restore the natural balance of organisms.

If you do get a yeast infection, don't worry.  It is very normal to get more yeast infections while pregnant.  Many women don't experience their first yeast infection until they become pregnant for the first time.  Just think....our vaginas are the perfect place for bacteria to grow.  All bacteria needs, in order to grow, is a warm, dark, damp place.  And that makes the perfect environment for a yeast infection.

Please also be aware that antibiotics can also help cause yeast infections.  Antibiotics are meant to kill bacteria but they can sometimes kill the good bacteria (that help fight off the bad bacteria) as well.

Some suggestions that might help:

• Eat plain yogurt (as mentioned above).
• Wear cotton (breathable) underwear.
• Try to take a 2nd bath each day (even if only to rinse off "down there").
• Don't use any deodorant soaps, sprays, or wipes in the vaginal area.
• Try to shower right after sexual intercourse, if at all possible.

CROCK POT RECIPE FOR BEEF POT ROAST

I have been covering a lot of pregnancy related topics but I wanted to share this simple recipe with all of you.  It is super easy and very tasty and everyone likes it in my house.  We all have to eat right?  And my blog is about mommies, and family and everything that falls under that umbrella.  Food certainly falls under that category.  I hope you will try it and I hope you like it.

You will need:
6 Large Potatoes
1 Onion
3 Cloves of Garlic
5 Beef Bouillon Cubes (plus 5 cups of water)
Liquid Smoke
Worcestershire Sauce
1 3-4lb Beef Roast

Directions for Cooking:
Measure 5 cups of water and add the bouillon cubes to that.  (You should add 1 Bouillon cube per 8 ounces of water)  Next add about 3 shakes worth of liquid smoke to this. (Be careful.  Liquid Smoke is very concentrated and a little bit goes a long way).  To this, add a few shakes of Worcestershire Sauce (to taste).  Bring all of this to a boil.  Once it is to a boil, give it a good stir and turn off the heat.

Cut your vegetables to a bite size.  I cut my onions much smaller so the kids can't taste them!  Choose what seasoning you want to use for your roast.  (I use season salt and lemon pepper).  Season the outside of your roast and rub it in on all sides of the roast.  Peel your cloves of garlic.  Cut 3 deep slits in the roast.  Push the cloves of garlic deep into the slits on the roast.  Put your roast into your crock pot.  Add your vegetables around the sides of the roast.  Add your liquid Bouillon broth.  Cook on high for approx. 8 hours.  When it is done, it should be fork tender and fall apart.  Salt to taste.  You probably won't need additional salt since you already seasoned the roast and the broth also has salt.

Please note that you can certainly tweak this and/or add other vegetables if you would like, such as, carrots, celery, etc.

PREGNANCY, WEEK BY WEEK - WEEK 9

What your baby is doing:
Your baby is nearly an inch long.  (This is roughly the size of a grape)  He/she weighs just a fraction of an ounce.  The baby is beginning to look more human every day.  The essential body parts are all there, but they will continue to grow and mature in the coming months.  Your baby's heart will finish dividing into four chambers and the valves will start to form, as well as the little teeth.  The tail is completely gone.  The organs, muscles and nerves are beginning to start working.  The external sex organs are in place but won't be distinguishable for another few weeks.  The eyes are completely formed but they are fused shut.  They will stay shut until week twenty seven.  The earlobes, mouth, nose and nostrils are now more distinct.  The placenta has now developed enough to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones.  Now that your baby's basic physiology/development is in place, he/she is ready for rapid weight gain!

What is happening in your uterus:
Your waistline may be thickening some but you very well may not look pregnant yet.  BUT you probably feel pregnant.  By this time, morning sickness and other symptoms are in full force for the majority of women. 

You may also still be feeling like you are on an emotional roller coaster.  Don't worry.  This will normally ease up in the 2nd trimester.

HOW DO YOU STAY COMFORTABLE WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT?

So what is the best way to stay comfortable when you are pregnant??  Well, it can be difficult, at times no matter what you do.  But there are things/products out there that can help!
I highly recommend this Comfort-U (CU 9000) Total Body Pillow.  This pillow will support you completely, from front to back and from top to bottom.  I cannot tell you how important it is to have a pillow that gives you great support, while you are pregnant.  It can be the difference between a great nights sleep, or a night with very little sleep at all.  It may also help keep you from rolling over on your back during the night.  At some point during your pregnancy, you may experience lower back pain.  It is suggested that you lay on your side with a pillow between your legs, to help alleviate that back pain.  You can see, this pillow will also accommodate that.

Product Description:  Includes one white 50/50 (cotton/poly) pillowcase.  Each "leg" is approx. 64" long and 10.5" wide (10 lbs.).



I love a great body pillow whether I am pregnant or not, so just remember that this pillow can be used anytime for a great night's sleep!

HAVE YOUR EVER THOUGHT ABOUT MAKING YOUR OWN BABY FOOD???

You know, I had never really thought about making my own baby food before.  The thought just never really crossed my mind to tell you the truth.  Sure, I had heard of people doing it, but never really knew anyone who had done it.  But after I had this last baby (she was born Sept. 10th of 2009), I was talking to a friend of mine, who had a baby just the month before me.  She was making her own baby food as well, for the very first time.  And as we started talking about it, I decided I would give it a try.  It is much simpler than I thought it was, probably much better for your baby, and soooooo much cheaper than buying the already prepared jar foods.

The very first food I did for Mary (my 7 month old) was sweet potatoes.  Now, I don't eat sweet potatoes myself, so I didn't know the first thing about how to cook one.  But I learned it is no different than cooking a regular potato.  I bought a couple of organic sweet potatoes.  I put them in the microwave and then scooped out the insides.  I put it in my food processor with a little bit of water.  (I recommend a food processor rather than a blender because the blender may not get the strings out) The sweet potato might be a little bit pasty, but if you just add a little bit of water, it is fine.  Once you have it at your desired consistency, you put it in ice trays and freeze it.  Once it is frozen, you put into ziploc snack bags and voila!  You have baby food!!!  You simply defrost when you are ready to serve.  You can do that just by setting the food out or putting it in hot water; depending on how quickly you plan on feeding your baby.  I ended up making 16 servings for $1 my first go round.  Yes, I said a dollar!!!  Sixteen servings in the regular small jars would have cost approximately $5.00; actually probably a little bit more.  Those jars run about $.33 a piece.

How to make:

You certainly can just feed your baby the food just as it is.  But I chose to start Mary out by mixing a little bit of organic baby cereal along with some of my breast milk.  I gave that to her for a couple of weeks.  Once I knew she could tolerate that okay, I then mixed the sweet potatoes with that and fed it all to her. 

Bananas-  Of course, there isn't any cooking involved with bananas.  You simply peel, puree and freeze in the ice trays, etc.  I did add just a touch of lemon juice to it to keep them from getting too brown.

Avacado-  You just buy them really ripe and again put them in the food processor and repeat the above process.  (I also added a touch of lemon juice to this as I did to the bananas)

Apples and Pears-  For those, you would peel them first.  I use a special apple cutter that slices the apple and then also takes out the core.  You can use this tool with the pears as well.  You then boil them.  (I boiled them separately but you don't have to).  Once they are fork tender, I puree them in the food processor.  These fruits hold a lot of water just from the boiling process, but if it seems a bit thick, I just add a little bit of the water I boiled the fruit in until I get the desired consistency.

Tips:

• If you are unsure about a fruit or vegetable, simply look at the first foods that are in jars down the baby food isle.  That is where I got my ideas from as far as what to prepare for Mary's age.
• Use a food processor instead of a blender (if you have one).  I think the food processor does a better job of pureeing the food.
• Only introduce one fruit or vegetable per week.  The reason for this, is so that if your baby has an allergic reaction to something you have fed him/her, you can pin point exactly which fruit/vegetable it was.

Making your own baby food is so much better for your baby and so much more cost effective.  You can make tons of baby food in advance also.  So, this isn't something you have to do every day.  The more ice trays you have, the more food you can prepare at once.  I only have to make food about once a month!  I never dreamed it would be this easy and it has been said that making your own food and exposing them to more foods, will help your child to not be such a picky eater; as many children often are.  There are lots of benefits to both mom and baby!

THE NEWBORN ROCK 'N PLAY SLEEPER

The Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper is a nighttime sleeper and playtime seat all in one!  And it's the only infant seat that meets industry safety standards for bassinets.  So besides using it as a perfect place for baby to rock (with a gentle push from you!) and play during the day, you can also use it as a place for baby to sleep at night.  It has an inclined seat, which makes sleeping more comfortable for babies who need their head elevated.  Other features include three-point restraint to keep baby secure, a toy bunny for soothing and entertaining, and a washable insert for comfort and support.  Plus it's very lightweight, so it's easy to move around the house.

Maximum weight:  25 lbs. (11.3 kg)



 Better for baby:

•   Comfortable incline for babies who need it. 

Better for Mom:

• Goes anywhere - folds flat for storage and portability! 
• So convenient - take it from room to room! 
• Versatile - baby can even sleep overnight in it.

I am promoting this product, even though I have never used it.  But I do have a lot of faith in Fisher Price Products and I have done a lot of research on this product.  It has great reviews!  I wish I had known about it with my last baby.  It does everything that you need!  There are so many of the baby products that are so big and bulky.  Then add a baby to the mix and it can be very difficult just to get around easily.  So I am all about making life for a new mom easier!

As mentioned above, this product does recline comfortably for the baby.  This can help for babies with Acid Reflux issues.  All babies have Acid Reflux to some degree; thus the spitting up.  But for some, it bothers them more than others.  And some even require medication (like 2 of mine).  The doctors will specifically tell you to elevate their bed, if this is the case.  So with this product, you already have that.  And it also helps to have that incline if your baby has a cold or stuffy nose.  And of course, the "back to sleep" position is what is recommended for infants as well.

Most babies also like to be swaddled or feel as if they are being cradled.  Newborns have very jerky movements due to their central nervous system not being fully developed at birth.  So they like the feel of being held.  Just think....your baby has been in very close quarters for nine months, so this sleeper also caters to that need.

The versatility of this product is just endless.  It would make a great addition to your own baby collection; or even a great gift!

PREGNANCY - WEEK BY WEEK, WEEK 8

What's New with the Baby:
Your baby now has webbed fingers and toes poking out from its hands and feet.  The eyelids almost cover his eyes.  He/she has tubes that extend from his throat to the branches of the developing lungs.  The tail is just about gone.  In the brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another and forming primitive neural pathways.  The genitals haven't quite developed enough to tell whether you are having a boy or a girl.  Your baby is about the size of a kidney bean.  And your baby is moving all about, even though you can't feel it yet.

How Your Body is Changing:
You may notice that your bra isn't quite fitting the way it once did.  You may need to go ahead and get that bigger bra.  Make sure that it offers plenty of support.  Also keep in mind that you may go up a couple of cup sizes; maybe even more if you plan to breastfeed.  Your chest will expand throughout your pregnancy.  Make sure to buy a bra that will support all of these upcoming changes, so that you won't constantly have to buy new ones.  That can get expensive!!   Please take a look at the Medela bra I have posted.  This is a really good price and it is a very supportive bra.  It is best to have at least 3 bras.  The one you are wearing, one that may be dirty, and one that is clean you can quickly put on if you need to.

If you are feeling unusually tired, that is very normal.  This is all due to all of the hormonal changes that are rapidly taking place right now.  If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, this will also add to your fatigue.  You may even be having a hard time sleeping right now.  Again, very normal as your body is preparing for your growing baby.  Hang in there!!  The nausea should subside along with some of the fatigue shortly after you enter that second trimester.  There is an end in sight, even if it doesn't seem like it right now!

SEXUAL RELATIONS DURING PREGNANCY

There is so much misinformation out there, regarding sex during pregnancy.  Here are some facts about this important area of your life.

Sexual relations during a normal pregnancy are not harmful in any way.  As long as there is no bleeding and your membranes are in tact, intercourse anytime during your pregnancy is permissible and safe. 

Rules for the frequency of intercourse can't be set by any book.  It is up to your own physical desires on how often you are sexually active.  For some women sexual desire is heightened during pregnancy due to the increase of female hormones.  Knowing you don't fear becoming pregnant, often times, makes sexual enjoyment great at this time.  Orgasms are also in no way harmful.  Please know that it is normal to have some cramping after an orgasm, as this does make the uterus contract.  It shouldn't be uncomfortable or last for very long.  For some women however, your sexual desire may decrease.  Don't be alarmed if you are in the "decrease" category.  That too is normal.  It is different for everyone.

Some habits may require some alteration because of the changing shape of your body.  This is a great time to experiment with new intercourse positions.  The male above female position will require some modification.  Many couples find it more comfortable for the female to assume the position above the male.  Side or rear entry can be tried to satisfy your own unique desires.  Many women experience vaginal dryness at some point of the pregnancy.  If this occurs, you can use a lubricant.  As I always say, check with your health care provider first, but it should be just fine.

If you have any questions about the practice of sexual relations during your pregnancy, don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask your health care provider. 

Also remember that toward the end, intercourse can become very uncomfortable.  Just listen to your body and communicate with your partner about what you are feeling.   

STRETCH MARKS

About 90 percent of women experience stretch marks, to some degree, during pregnancy.  Stretch marks are a type of scar tissue that forms when the skin's normal elasticity is not sufficient to accommodate the stretching required during pregnancy.  The most common place for stretch marks to occur is on the abdomen.  Some women do experience stretch marks on the breasts, buttocks, or thighs as well; sometimes even on the arms.

Things you can try:

• Make sure that your diet contains the adequate amounts of essential sources of nutrients needed for healthy skin.  The most important vitamins are Vitamin C and Vitamin E.  Protein is also very important.
• Remember that stretch marks are caused from within, and external creams won't prevent them.
• Even though keeping your skin soft and moisturized won't prevent stretch marks, it might help minimize them.  There are MANY creams out there to help keep your skin nice and soft throughout pregnancy; or anytime.
• Stretch marks don't normally disappear after delivery, but over time, they will tend to fade.

Although there is not cure for stretch marks, I find that the best form of action to keep them to a minimum, is to keep your skin moisturized and to try not to gain your weight too quickly.  If you gain weight at a slower rate, it can help minimize the stretch marks.  DON'T STARVE YOURSELF!!  I am just pointing out that those big and quick growth spurts can possibly make those stretch marks a little bit worse.

Please also remember that stretch marks can also be hereditary.  By that I mean, that a lot also has to do with how elastic your skin is and genetics has a lot to do with that.  So a lot of it is out of your control.  Again, keep that skin moist and try not to gain the weight too quickly.  Outside of that, there is not much you can do.

I know I spoke about these products before, but since I have commented on keeping that skin moist, I wanted to mention this product again.  I love it and think it bares repeating.


Please, please try this product!!  You won't regret it and these products are anywhere from 94 to 97 percent natural.  I highly recommend it during pregnancy or ANYTIME.  They also have a Baby Carrots line that is ALL natural.  It is good stuff and I will promote it often.  I just found it myself a couple of months ago.  I wish I had tried it sooner.

NOSEBLEEDS DURING PREGNANCY

As you may already know, during pregnancy, hormone levels increase.  This increases the amount of blood your body makes to meet the needs of your growing baby.  The mucous membranes inside your nose may swell and become dry, and can bleed easily as a result of the increase in your hormone levels. 

Try this to help:

• Increase your fluid intake.
• Use a cold mist humidifier to moisten the air in your home.  (Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly.)
• You can also use saline nose drops to help open your nasal passages.  Saline drops are safe for even the newest of babies so don't worry about using them if you need to.
• I also would put Vaseline on a q-tip and rub it on the inside of my nose.  It really helped with the rawness and the bleeding.  And it is perfectly safe.  I did mention it to my doctor and he said it was fine.

My doctor told me that all Tylenol products are safe throughout pregnancy.  I used Tylenol Sinus, but as I always say, please speak with your health care provider before using any medications.

BLEEDING AND SWELLING GUMS WHILE PREGNANT

When you are pregnant, the increase in your volume of circulation and supply of certain hormones may cause tenderness, swelling, and bleeding of gums.  You may also have a lack of Vitamins C, which can also be a cause.

Things to try:

• Be sure to not neglect proper care of your teeth and gums, even though discomfort may tempt you to ignore regular brushing and flossing.
• Be sure to use an antiseptic mouthwash.  My personal favorite is Listerine.  This will help reduce the chance for infection and other gum disease.
• Getting your teeth professionally cleaned may also help.  Just be sure to let your Dentist know that you are pregnant, although most routine procedures are safe while you are pregnant.
• Try getting some Vitamin C into your regular diet.  Vitamin C also helps tooth and gum tissues to be stronger.

PREGNANCY WEEK BY WEEK - WEEK 7

What is happening with the baby:
The hands and feet are emerging from the developing arms and legs.  They may look more like paddles at this point.  You baby is still considered an embryo and has something like a small tail.  This is an extension of the tailbone.  The tail will disappear within a few weeks.  That will be the only thing getting smaller.  Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long.  That would be about the size of a blueberry.
If you could see inside your womb, you'd see spot eyelid folds partially covering her eyes, which already have some color.  You would also see the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment thin skin.  Both sides of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until the bone marrow forms and takes over this role.  The baby also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the the hormone insulin to aid in digestion.  A loop in the baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.

Changes in your body:
Your uterus has doubled in size in the past five weeks.  Eating may be very difficult right now; especially if you are experiencing nausea.  If you are feeling sick, hang in there!  For most, it does get better within a few weeks.  You may also need to urinate more frequently.  This is due to the increase in blood volume and the extra fluid being processed through your kidneys.  By now, you already have about 10 percent more blood than you did before you were pregnant.  By the end of your pregnancy, you will have 40 to 45 percent more blood running through your veins to meet the demands of a full term baby.  And as your uterus grows, pressure on your bladder will send you to the restroom more.

BABY MONITORS

A baby monitor is just another one of those must have baby products, in my opinion.  You can buy baby monitors super inexpensive (that only make sound), but I really prefer to have a baby monitor that has a screen to where you can actually see the baby; not just hear the baby.  I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the baby cry, or what I think is a cry, just to find out she was just making a noise.  There have been times, where she was simply stirring and I actually woke her up just by checking on her.  You can always check on their well being just at a glance, with a monitor that allows you to see the baby.  They come in a variety of styles.  The price can vary greatly as well, depending on what you want.  Do you want color or black and white?  Do you want only one screen or two?  Whatever you decide, it is well worth the investment to have that extra peace of mine.

This is a picture of the one that I bought with my last baby.  It has been just wonderful.  I can look at her anytime I want.  And now that she is turning over, I like to check often, and make sure she doesn't get tangled up in the blankets, etc.



Here is small description, care of Google/Summer Infant Day/Night:
An affordable video monitor that allows you to see and hear your baby day and night on a 5" black and white screen.  Stylish aesthetics fit with today's home decor.  Large, 5" B&W picture display with night vision 900 MHz technology for superior clarity and 350' range Video on/off button for nighttime channel selection to minimize interference.

THE UMBILICAL CORD

Most people have an idea of what the umbilical cord is but I thought I would just post a little bit more about it.

The umbilical cord is developing tissue of sorts.  This is a long, semi-transparent jelly-like rope.  The cord, attached at the fetus' navel, is a continuation of blood vessels seeking nourishment by extending into and probing the placenta.  The cord is cut after delivery.  It has served it's purpose in the uterus and is of no further use.  Research has found that blood from the umbilical cord can be banked (saved) to treat a number of life-threatening diseases.  Your health care provider will probably give you some information on this but if you would like more information on saving your baby's cord blood call:  1-800-588-6377, ext. 233.

HOW IS THE FETUS NOURISHED?

The uterus does much more than simply housing your fetus for nine months.  Its lining has grown thick with small and active cells called "trophoblasts" that come from the fertilized egg.  These foraging like cells grow in size to form the placenta, which are often referred to as the "afterbirth".  These cells form tiny projections similar to the roots of a plant, and their function is very similar as well.  They reach out to tap the mother's blood supply and bring necessary nourishment to the fetus.  The efficient placenta also carries off the fetus' waste.

The placenta transfers almost every intake of the mother to the fetus, food, air, liquids, etc.  This also applies to most drugs/medicines which should only be taken under the advice of your health care provider.

While the placenta is carrying nourishment and waste to and from the fetus, amniotic fluid is being produced in the uterus.  This is retained in an "amniotic bag", which surrounds the embryo.  The bag maintains a constant temperature and cushions the fetus against possible injury.  It also provides a substance in which the fetus can easily move around, as well as, supplying some of the fetus' fluids.

BABY SWINGS - ANOTHER MUST HAVE IN MY OPINION!

I know many moms live without baby swings, but for me, it is a must have item!  Much like a baby bouncer, it is like having an extra set of hands.  I use mine daily, several times a day.

I LOVE my Fisher Price Rain Forest Cradle Swing.  I used to use the regular battery operated baby swings, but when I saw this one, I had to have it.  As much as I love the battery operated baby swings, they do tend to eat up batteries like crazy.  You will go through many and that can get very expensive.  So I decided that buying a more expensive swing, would save me money in the long run, with all the money I would be saving in batteries.  What I mean, is that this one has a plug option!!!  So you can plug it in and let it go on forever if you choose!  I also love the side-to-side or front-to-back option that it has.  And this is great deal here on Amazon.  I spent about $35 dollars more on mine!

I will give a brief description (courtesy of Fisher Price) of any other features that you might find on this swing. 

Baby takes a relaxing swing (side-to-side or front-to-back) as she watches plush rainforest friends in the mobile above play "peek-a-boo" among the leaves.  While baby reclines in cradle comfort, one of twelve different songs play, along with sooting nature sounds.  And when baby's trip to the rainforest is over, the mobile swings away until another day.  The fisher Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing features six soothing swing speeds, with a plug-in option that can save you money on batteries.  Two-position reclining seat and 3-point restraint.  Folds easily for storage.

The Fisher Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing requires 4 "D" alkaline batteries (not included).         Weight Limit:  25 lbs. (11.3 kg)

Developmental Guidelines:  Use cradle swing from birth until a child becomes active and can climb out of seat.


Better for Baby...
Promotes Comfort & Security:  Comfortable cradle seat with leafy rainforest canopy, calming music & sound effects, and gentle swinging motion offer baby a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Stimulates Senses
Watching leaves open and close and the rainforest animals move in and out of baby's sight fosters visual tracking skills.  Rainforest music and sound effects stimulate baby's auditory skills.

Better for Mom...
Plug- in Fisher Price cradle swing saves money on batteries!  But you do have the option to use batteries when an outlet is not available.  Swing-away rainforest mobile for easy access to baby.  Variety of 2 swinging motions.
 

There are many baby swings out there.  Many have followed this side-to-side or front-to-back concept.  It's great!  But I have used this Fisher Price model for 2 babies now and have loved it.  And as I said, this is a great price.  I paid a lot more.  It is still selling for as much, if not, more than what I paid for it 2 1/2 years ago.

PREGNANCY - WEEK BY WEEK, WEEK 6

This weeks developments for your baby:
The nose, mouth and the ears are beginning to form.  If your could see inside your uterus, you'd see an over sized head and dark spots where the baby's eyes and nostrils are beginning to take shape.  The ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head and the arms and legs are protruding buds.  His/her heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute (almost twice as fast as yours) and blood is beginning to course through its body.  The intestines are developing and the bud of tissue that will help the lungs to rise, has appeared.  The pituitary gland is forming, as well as the rest of the brain, muscles, and bones.  Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long.

This weeks developments for your body:
You may find yourself on an emotional roller coaster.  You may feel great one minute and not so great the next.  Remember this is normal.  It can be very difficult if you are one to normally have your emotions in check.  But again, this is very normal so don't worry.  This does tend to taper off later on in the pregnancy.  You will still have your emotional periods, but it probably won't seem nearly as bad as it does now.  And your life is about to change dramatically so that, in and of itself, can be very emotional.

Remember that spotting CAN be normal in early pregnancy, but you should still call your health care provider if you see any of this as it can also be related to other complications as well.

IS IT SAFE TO TAKE A BATH INSTEAD OF A SHOWER, DURING PREGNANCY??

May sound like a silly question, but lots of first time moms don't know!

A daily shower or bath, whichever you prefer, will keep you fresh and clean.  Tub baths are not harmful at any time during pregnancy.  However research indicates that soaking in very hot baths (hot tubs, sitz baths, saunas) for prolonged periods of time, capable of raising the body temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or or 38 degrees Celsius, especially during the first 3 months can increase your risk for birth defects.  So limit your time in the tub to less than 10 minutes OR take only luke-warm bathes.  This warning applies to saunas as well.  As your get bigger and heavier, get someone to help you in and out of the tub.  The possibility of falling on a wet slipper floor/tub becomes increasingly more likely. 

When I am pregnant, I like to shower in the morning and then take a short bath at night.  It helps me to stay feeling fresh.  (You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge throughout your pregnancy)  The nightly bath can also help relax you and help you sleep if you are having trouble with that.

Be sure to only use gentle soap and use them with care.  Vaginal deodorant sprays are not recommended and the same goes for douching unless your health care provider suggests it. 

If you notice that your nipples are becoming caked from the exudation of colostrum you should wash them gently with soft cotton and warm water 2 or 3 times a day.  NO SOAP!!!  Soap tends to dry out your nipples as our skin produces our own natural oils and the soap will take that away.  Try avoiding nipple stimulation by patting them dry instead of rubbing them.  That too, will help keep you from rubbing away those natural oils.