The integumentary system goes through several alterations during pregnancy due to both hormonal and mechanical changes. Some of these may have been blown off as old wives tales, while others you may never have heard of before. Stretch Marks Striae gravidarum or stretch marks are probably the most discussed of the skin changes during pregnancy. Nearly every woman fears them or at least thinks about them. They appear up to 90% of all pregnant women, usually showing up in the latter half of pregnancy....

Yeah…not quite. While you won’t become a totally different person—or parent—with every child you have, your parenting style is definitely going to adapt as your family grows in size. Three kids is not the same as five kids, or eight kids, or gasp ten kids. Since having five or more kids is generally the cutoff point for being considered a “large” family, here are all the ways your parenting will change once you hit that pivotal plus-five milestone....

However, there are typically about 6 days in which you are most likely to conceive. Sperm are quite hardy and can survive in the female reproductive tract for around 72 hours, so you can get pregnant anywhere from five days before you ovulate to a day after you ovulate. This period is known as your fertile window. Timing sex during this six-day fertile window makes you significantly more likely to get pregnant....

One survey of women of childbearing age found that only about 30% knew that smoking could increase their risk of miscarriage. Even fewer (about 10%) knew that smoking could hurt their fertility. Overview Smoking has been linked to an increased risk for many cancers, heart disease, emphysema, and a number of other health problems. The toxins contained in cigarettes take their toll not only on your lungs but on your entire body’s health, including your reproductive system....

Your breast milk is specially made for your child. It consists of all the nutrients and health properties that your child needs to grow and develop. What Carbohydrates Are in Breast Milk? There are over 200 different components found in breast milk. Carbohydrates, especially lactose, are one of the major elements that have been identified. Lactose: Lactose is a type of sugar found only in milk. It is the main carbohydrate that appears in breast milk....

The best way to encourage kids to eat a healthy, well-rounded diet is by using positive discipline. Without a positive and well-planned approach, a child’s eating habits can get worse. Melanie Potock, a pediatric speech language pathologist and owner of My Munch Bug, offers her best strategies for dealing with a fussy eater. Why Are Some Kids Pickier About Food Than Others? Many different factors can impact a child’s willingness to taste new foods and yes, some kids won’t even come near a new food, much less touch it!...

But if you are interested in purchasing a nursing chair, you’ll find a plethora of options on the market. With dozens of styles ranging in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, the process of settling on the best nursing chair for your nursery can be downright intimidating. Focusing on a handful of factors should make the process of settling on—and settling into—a chair much more manageable. While coziness may seem like too obvious a point to mention, you’d be surprised how many soon-to-be parents sacrifice comfort for style....

However, choosing what classes to enroll your toddler in can feel like a minefield when there are so many available. Here, we take a look at what classes are out there and explore how each one could benefit your child. The Importance of Classes An introduction to a wide range of activities and interests at a young age can aid your child’s development in many different ways. For example, participating in an activity within a group setting will strengthen your toddler’s developing social intelligence....

But although these parenting disagreements are normal, it’s important to address them. Differences of opinion can lead to fractures in the relationship and possibly even divorce or separation if they are not handled appropriately. “When parents have different opinions on raising their children, it can create tension or anxiety in the home,” says Jaclyn Gulotta, PhD, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor, parenting coordinator, and Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator....

Your need for iron will just about double over your pre-pregnancy requirements. It is also important that you get adequate iron in pregnancy because towards the end of pregnancy, your baby will also be storing iron for their first six months of life. Anemia Risk Factors Some women are at higher risk for anemia. You may be more likely to be anemic if: You have been dieting to lose weight Your pregnancies are closer than two years apart You bled heavily with your periods You don’t usually eat foods high in iron You have tested low or been told you have anemia You are under 20 years old...

Once again, they must grapple with social distancing questions, mask requirements, and the developmental need for kids to socialize. All of this can feel particularly disorienting for parents, especially because the pandemic seemed to be winding down here in the United States. Add to that the confusion over what precautions vaccinated kids and parents need to take, and it is no wonder parents in the U.S. are scratching their heads about how to go about life in the midst of another upswing in COVID-19 cases....

Sure, it might seem a little cheesy—like something you might see in a made-for-TV movie—but you’d be surprised at what a difference it can make for your clan. Reasons to Hold Family Meetings Although you might eat dinner together as a family or you may all sit around the family room watching TV, your conversation may be more lighthearted and everyone may be a bit distracted. A family meeting is an opportunity to accomplish something specific without any distractions from the outside world....

Party Game Ideas for Kids Here are some awesome party game ideas that kids will love. Active Party Games for Kids From juggling to relay races to buddy tag, these fun party games get kids moving and are always full of surprises. Many of them can be played indoors if you have enough space. Channel their energy into some physical activity that will do their bodies good. Outdoor Party Games Take the fun outside with outdoor games....

Suppose one of your children says, “I don’t want to go to Ollie’s party. I hate football. Can’t I say I’m doing something else?” Instead of agreeing, ask your child how he would feel if Ollie lied to him. Then help him find an alternative that doesn’t involve lying to Ollie. It’s much better to say to Ollie, “I wouldn’t enjoy it because I hate football, but would you like to come and play at my house next weekend instead?...

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of excessive blood loss so that you can seek medical attention right away if needed. Hemorrhage during and after miscarriage is uncommon but is a leading cause of mortality related to miscarriages, especially second-trimester miscarriages. Normal Bleeding Due to Miscarriage Bleeding is normal after a miscarriage, but how can you know how much bleeding is too much? Miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss which occurs before week 20 of gestation and before a fetus would be able to survive outside of the womb....

Peanut Butter Playdough This delicious recipe only takes three-ingredients: a couple scoops of peanut butter, three large melted marshmallows and a little powdered sugar. Your kids will never believe this is playdough they can eat! Allergen Free Playdough For kids with a nut or gluten allergy, this simple recipe works perfect. Grab a tub of whipped topping and add in half a box of cornstarch and two tablespoons of olive oil....

More: 3 Quick and Easy Memorial Day Crafts for Kids Although people will be sticking close to home this holiday, there are many ways to make the most of Memorial Day at home. Here are our favorite ideas for a fun weekend at home with your family: Pin it to save these ideas for later: Camp Out Turn your background into a campground. Kids will love the novelty of sleeping under the stars at home and you’ll love the fact that indoor plumbing is just steps away!...

Hurricanes According to the National Ocean Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, a hurricane originally forms over tropical or subtropical waters as a tropical cyclone. A tropical cyclone doesn’t become a hurricane until it has a sustained maximum wind of 74 mph. If a tropical cyclone has a maximum sustained surface wind less than 39 mph, it’s classified as a tropical depression. If the maximum sustained surface wind is greater than 39 mph, it’s classified as a tropical storm....

Pregnancy can also introduce anxieties that you may have never considered. This is especially true if you have concerns, including how your age, family history, and medical history could affect your unborn child. More: I’m Having a “Geriatric Pregnancy.” Am I Really At Risk? Your doctor will most likely recommend a genetics counseling session for several reasons, especially if you have a family history of genetic disorders or conditions, or if your first trimester screening results tested positive for possible genetic disorders....

Beyond that, the Huangs also did not want to put certain emotional expectations on their child. When baby Juno came into their lives, they decided to refer to them with ‘they’ and ‘them’ pronouns, and not prescribe a specific gender to them. “We want to create a space where they have the safety and the freedom to learn different ways of identifying and expressing gender. We want them to know that we don’t expect them to conform to anything in particular,” says Felix....