The holiday season is drawing near and many of us are looking forward to drinking eggnog. Eggnog is a frothy drink that is made from eggs, sugar, milk, cream and can also have alcohol added to it. This drink is considered to be an irreplaceable part of the holidays and is often enjoyed with friends and family. If you are pregnant during this time you might want to be careful before drinking eggnog because eggnog contains eggs and alcohol, and eggnog lattes can both be dangerous for you and your baby. This does not mean you have to give up the drink completely just because you are pregnant. There are many ways to reduce the risks of eggnog that can threaten you and your baby’s health.

One of the main risks when having eggnog while pregnant is the risk of salmonella. Salmonella has many undesirable effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, muscle pain, headaches, nausea and blood in feces. While all these can be extremely unpleasant, salmonella can even be fatal for a pregnant woman and her child since it puts them both at a risk of meningitis. If you consume an egg that is infected with salmonella bacteria, you will get infected. One of the most common foods that contain bacteria are raw and under-cooked eggs or any product made with using such eggs. Eggnog is usually made from raw eggs.

Eggnog also contains alcohol. Usually eggnog is made using a strong alcohol such as bourbon, brandy, rum or even a mixture of them. When you are pregnant, the alcohol is able to pass through your placenta to the fetus. Excessive drinking can cause the baby to develop FASD or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which causes physical, mental and neural birth defects that are lifelong. The more you drink the more chances there are of your baby developing FASD. There is no specific amount that can be considered dangerous, so pregnant women are told to just avoid alcohol in general.

It is important to remember that even though eggnog contains alcohol this does not mean that salmonella is not present. If the drink has been made from contaminated eggs then the alcohol will not be able to kill all the bacteria.

One popular variation of the drink is an eggnog latte. This is eggnog made with coffee. Pregnant women are told to refrain from consuming caffeine which is a major ingredient of coffee, because caffeine is diuretic and a stimulant. Caffeine makes your blood pressure higher and speeds up your heart rate, both of which can be dangerous during pregnancy and can even cause dehydration. A fetus’ body is still developing and cannot break down caffeine which can pass through the placenta to the baby. No matter the amount, caffeine causes issues with your baby’s sleep and movement when it is in the womb. Studies on animals have also shown caffeine to cause birth defects, premature labor as well as increasing the risk of the baby having low birth weight. This is why when having an eggnog latte when you are pregnant you must first inquire for the amount of espresso in it to make sure that it is a safe amount. You may consult your doctor or midwife to guide you on how much is safe for you

You can drink eggnog while pregnant but some safety measures need to be taken and there are some things you should be cautious of . You must ensure that the eggnog is made from pasteurized eggs and does not contain alcohol. Pasteurization is a process in which the eggs are heated at a low temperature which destroys any salmonella bacteria that may be present in the eggs. The eggnog that is sold in retail is made from pasteurized eggs and is safe to consume. If you are having eggnog in a restaurant or made at home by someone, check to make sure that the eggs are pasteurized. If you are making it yourself, make sure the eggs you use are pasteurized. If you buy eggs from the grocery store check the carton to see if the eggs are pasteurized and if you buy them from a farmer’s market then check if the eggs are chilled and pasteurized. You must keep the eggs refrigerated until you need to use them. To stay on the safe side it is best to make eggnog that is not only made from pasteurized eggs but also cooked eggs.

You can find recipes for eggnog made from cooked eggs online. However, even if you cant find a suitable one then it is pretty easy. Start by combining the eggs and half of the milk you need. After this you may add any other ingredients such as sugar into the mixture. Then you have to set the mixture on the stove and heat it until the temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit and stir it constantly. If you cook it at this temperature then the salmonella bacteria will be killed. You can check the temperature using a clean food thermometer. After it is done cooking you can take the mixture off the stove and put it in the refrigerator to chill. Any additional ingredients can be added later on.

If you have already consumed eggnog and fear that it is making you sick, then contact the doctor immediately. If you have a salmonella infection then you may need to take antibiotics or intravenous fluids if you are dehydrated.

Cinnamon is one of the many substances that supposedly have an effect on inducing a miscarriage. It is a known fact that cinnamon contains all sorts of powerful attributes and there has been quite a significant amount of research conducted to gain an understanding of the usage of cinnamon for several health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and pregnancy. However, no study so far that has been carried out has been able to prove or reject the claim that a miscarriage can occur if a pregnant woman consumes cinnamon. The existing claims and information were based on the possibility that this would happen if you consumed cinnamon in large quantities, but there is no fixed or agreed amount that could be considered a large amount by everyone.

There is however, some evidence that can provide you with all sides of the argument as to whether cinnamon should or should not be eaten during pregnancy and how much is considered dangerous so that you can be assured when you make a decision to remove it from your diet or whether you choose to continue eating it.

Many wonder how much cinnamon should be consumed in general when you are not pregnant. This tends to depend on the type of cinnamon that you will be eating. Cinnamon is usually divided into two types, Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon has a higher quantity of coumarin, a flavouring compound as compared to Ceylon cinnamon. While coumarin has many health advantages, it can be responsible for several issues as well. For women who are no pregnant, the safe amount of Cassia cinnamon to be consumed is around 1-4 grams in a day. There is research that has shown that if more than 4 grams is consumed per day, it can lead to several health issues such as liver damage, respiratory issues and can also increase the risk of cancer. However, this information is only relevant to anyone who is not pregnant.

There is no knowledge of whether the placenta is able to remove the possibly toxic substances that are present in cinnamon and we do not have any confirmed idea of how much a developing fetus can handle. However, it is a known fact that while fetuses have the ability to remove toxic compounds from their systems, this ability has its limits.

As to whether cinnamon is harmful during pregnancy, there is no proper answer and the available information is sparse and there is no confirmation. Many medical websites that are widely popular do not provide any information or advice on whether pregnant women should avoid cinnamon or not, except WebMD , which advises pregnant and breastfeeding women to refrain from consuming cinnamon. The available information on the matter is very conflicting and can lead to confusion.

A study was published that claimed cinnamon has emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Emmenagogue means that it stimulates blood flow during menstruation while abortifacient means that it can cause spontaneous miscarriage. Another study stated that cinnamon should not be consumed by pregnant women since the available data was not sufficient and it is not considered safe to be eaten since there is a possibility that it may have abortifacient effects. However, this statement does not have enough information to support it and there is no clear amount that would cause those effects to occur.

If you truly wish to understand and know whether cinnamon is compatible with pregnancy, then it would be best to do some personal research and read through the information present and decide for yourself whether it would be safe to consume or not. If you wish to stay on the safe side, which is always best for pregnant women, then you should not consume cinnamon.

However, keep in mind that a minimal amount of cinnamon can be consumed every now and then without worry. This amount refers to mild seasoning or lightly sprinkling the cinnamon on top of desserts or snacks. Since cinnamon is used around the world for many different types of dishes, it is unrealistic and difficult to completely remove it from your diet. It is fine to eat foods that contain a sparse amount of cinnamon such as Thai or Indian food. However, one must definitely stay away from foods that are cinnamon based and have high quantities or be taking any supplements that contain cinnamon. If you consume large amounts of cinnamon or eat it regularly then it could definitely put you at risk.

As you know there is no study that can provide sufficient information on the effects of consuming high quantities of cinnamon, it is agreed on that pregnant women should not use cinnamon essential oil since it may cause uterine contractions. Since cinnamon is a prevalent ingredient used in herbal medicine and teas it is important to be careful when using them and to consult a doctor before consuming them.

Excluding pregnant women, cinnamon is a healthy and useful spice that is good to use and can even be taken for supplementary purposes. Some recommend cinnamon to be used after giving birth to cleanse the uterus, but you should consult a doctor before using it for this purpose. The safest way to consume cinnamon during pregnancy is to remain cautious of it while not completely restricting yourself from it. Do not worry if you consume it in small amounts every now and then, just make sure you do not eat it regularly and in large amounts.

Late pregnancy is a time of anticipation, excitement, and challenges. One of these challenges is that as the third trimester advances and baby grows larger, many pregnant women find it more and more difficult to sleep comfortably. There are several reasons for this, including the following:

• inability to find a comfortable sleeping position
• nasal congestion
• the need to urinate frequently

These problems may in fact begin earlier than the third trimester for some women, while others may never suffer from them all. However, for moms-to-be at any stage of their pregnancy, there are natural solutions to these problems that can aid in achieving more restful sleep.

Maintain a Comfortable Sleeping Position in Late Pregnancy

Finding – and maintaining – a comfortable sleeping position during the third trimester is often one of the biggest challenges for expectant moms in late pregnancy. Women who prefer to sleep on their stomachs will quickly find that this is simply not an option, for obvious reasons. According to Heidi Murkoff of What to Expect, sleeping on the back is also not recommended, because as the baby grows, the weight of it will put pressure on Mom’s internal organs and interfere with optimal blood circulation. Pregnant women will likely find that once the fetus is a certain size, sleeping on the back is no longer comfortable anyway.

This of course leaves only one option: sleeping on the side. Murkoff and other experts recommend favouring the left side as much as possible during the second and third trimesters, as this position is ideal for blood flow. However, it is not likely that a woman will be able to stay in the same position all night (doing so can lead to muscle aches and hip pain), and it will not harm the baby to sleep on the right side for at least part of the night.

Women who are not used to sleeping on their side may find that they need pillows to support their weight during the night. A regular pillow placed between the legs can reduce hip pain and the discomfort of having the knees rub together; some women may opt to place a regular or wedge-shaped pillow beneath their tummies for more support. Another choice is a full body pillow such as the Snoogle, which provides head-to-toe support during sleep. One issue that may arise when using a full body pillow, however, is that it is difficult to change positions in the night.

Minimize Third Trimester Congestion Without Drugs

A somewhat surprising but common discomfort during pregnancy is nasal congestion (also known as “pregnancy rhinitis”). According to Baby Center, it is caused by increased levels of estrogen and increased blood flow, which swells the nasal membranes. About 20 to 30% of pregnant women suffer from this condition, and it too can interfere with a good night’s sleep.

While some decongestants may be safe to use during late pregnancy, they are not recommended during the first trimester, and, of course, a pregnant woman should always consult her health care provider before taking any medication at any time during her pregnancy. Drug-free remedies for nasal congestion include saline drops or nasal spray (readily available at most pharmacies), nasal strips such as Breathe Right strips, steam, or the use of a humidifier.

If nasal congestion during pregnancy is due to a cold or allergies (which can worsen during pregnancy), women should consult their physicians for the best course of action. The above-mentioned drug-free remedies will also help.

Frequent Bathroom Trips During Late Pregnancy: Is There a Solution?

You know you’ve reached your third trimester when you are making frequent trips to the bathroom at night (although for many women, this issue can arise much earlier in pregnancy due to increased blood production, only to be exacerbated in the third trimester as the weight of the baby places pressure on the uterus). While it has been suggested that this is nature’s way of preparing a woman for the frequent wakenings she will experience during the first few months of her baby’s life, many women would rather have the sleep than the early training in parenthood.

Is there a solution to this common pregnancy problem? While it cannot be entirely solved, according to Baby Centre, it might help for pregnant women to drink the majority of their fluids during the day and less in the evening (a few hours before bedtime); however, it is essential that pregnant women stay hydrated and reducing overall fluid intake is not a good idea. Water is the best choice for hydration. Tea and coffee (and of course, alcohol), which have a diuretic effect, should be avoided.

While it may not be reasonable to expect to sleep perfectly peacefully every night during late pregnancy, conditions can be optimized for the best sleep possible. The third trimester should be a time when moms-to-be can focus on taking care of themselves, resting, and preparing for the big day. Women who experience more serious symptoms at any time during their pregnancy, such as severe anxiety or depression or extreme physical symptoms such as pain or bleeding, should consult their health care providers immediately.

Environmental experts have known that many chemicals used in agriculture today are harmful to adults, not to mention even greater potential harm for growing babies during pregnancy. Unfortunately studies on the short and long-term effects of pesticides on pregnancy and later in childhood are scant.

If you are expecting a baby, what do you need to know about the effect of pesticides on your baby and how to reduce your exposure?

Effects of Pesticides on Pregnancy and Baby's Health

A 2017 study in North Carolina found that wives of farmers who were mixing or applying pesticides or repairing equipment during their pregnancies had a greater than two fold increase in developing gestational diabetes during their pregnancy.

Other research shows that even indirect exposure from pesticides can be harmful to growing babies. One UNC study showed that mothers who lived within a one mile radius of an agricultural area that utilized certain pesticides had twice the risk of having a stillbirth. Another study showed a 70% increase in congenital defects if the mother lived within 1/4 mile of an agricultural area during the month before conception through the first trimester.

Effects of Pesticides on Child's Development

A ground-breaking study in the 2019 issue of Epidemiology also looked at women who were exposed to pesticides during their pregnancies. The women participating in the study all worked in the cut flower industry so they had exposure to pesticides in their workplace every day. The study was conducted in Equador on about 120 children from 3-23 months of age. When the children whose mothers were exposed to pesticides during pregnancy were compared to children who mothers were not exposed, there were marked differences in their learning abilities development.

The children whose mothers worked in the cut flower industry during their pregnancies scored lower in communication skills, fine motor skills and had poorer visual acuity. Researchers concluded that the exposure to pesticides, long hours and job stress were likely factors in the delayed neurobehavioral development of the children.

Pesticides Found in Produce

Pesticides and other pollutants can be found both on the outside and the inside of many traditional (non-organic) fruits and vegetables today. Even though consumers, especially pregnant women, are advised to wash produce before eating, the process of washing cannot remove the pesticides that have penetrated the food. It is obvious that if the mother is eating fruits and vegetables that contain pesticides, the baby is also exposed to those same pesticides. However, to date, there are few if any studies on the effects of pesticides on the baby from the mother's consumption of non-organic fruits and vegetables.

Reducing Exposure to Pesticides and Insecticides

The greatest harm to a growing baby will be during the first trimester of pregnancy, specifically the first 8 weeks. This period of time is when the baby's major organs are developing. Pregnant women should avoid any exposure to pesticides during this time. Some of these harmful pesticides and insecticides can be found in common products used both inside and outside the home as well as on household pets. Expectant mothers should avoid any exposure to these products during pregnancy.

One reason why women should be eating as much organic foods during pregnancy as possible is to reduce their exposure to pesticides. Traditional, non-organic fruits and vegetables can contain high amounts of pesticides. An environmental consumer organization has suggested that the following fruits and vegetables should be purchased in the organic variety since the traditional variety is likely to contain higher amounts of pesticides:

• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Imported Grapes
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Peaches
• Red Rasberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Are you concerned about the amount of pesticides you may be exposed to? Leave a comment here. For more information on pesticides and avoiding additional chemicals in dairy and meat products, see organic foods during pregnancy,

One of pregnancies more nagging problems has little to do with the baby’s growth but more to do with the problems caused by its weight, that of varicose veins.

Here are a few points to remember which would to help keep this problem a little more under control, even if we are not able to eliminate it completely.

Varicose veins are those heavier looking lines that run just below the surface of the skin in your legs; they can be quite lumpy and protrude beneath the skin. Although the veins have always been there they have been unnoticeable because of the taughtness of the vein’s walls. When these walls become weak, the veins become stretched and less effective in moving the blood along as they should. This causes the veins to become more visible and creates a build-up of blood in certain areas.

During pregnancy, the change in hormones can cause muscles around your body to become weak and lazy. This affects even the muscles in the walls of your veins – which is why during pregnancy you are more prone to the problem. The situation can worsen if you restrict your blood flow by wearing tight clothing, standing still for long periods or sitting cross-legged.

You may be surprised to know that eating the right foods can be effective in relieving the symptoms. A healthy intake of high-fibre foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables and lots of fluid will keep constipation at bay. This will reduce blood pressure and assist the blood flow, putting less of a stress on the veins in your legs. Also foods that are high in vitamin C can help in the toning of your veins.

Although there are many treatments available for this condition, after childbirth the situation can lessen significantly, however it is not always wise to wait until then. If the problem is severe you must speak to your doctor about it. For immediate relief where the problem is less severe, creams that contain Vitamin K are particularly effective. These creams can strengthen the walls of the veins and get them to tighten up. You can also get special support tights that are available over the counter.

Larger veins, and those that are deeper in, may need more specific medical treatment, perhaps surgery or a course of injections. A common method is in using a series of injections containing sclerosant. This is injected directly into the problem veins causing them to close up, thereby becoming non-functional and invisible to the eye.

Whatever the case, if you are pregnant and you do notice varicose veins developing it is important to make sure that you speak to your doctor about it because varicose veins can lead to blood clots and painful skin conditions.