Try two pillows and looser shoes
Welcome to week 22 of your pregnancy. You’re beyond the halfway point and are easing into the second half of your pregnancy by now, probably feeling better in the process. While some moms might still be experiencing nausea, fatigue and morning sickness (it can happen through all three trimesters, unfortunately), many feel great this week. If you’re not in the latter category – don’t worry. It’ll be over before you know it! So what’s going on with your body this week?

Some things that you may be experiencing that aren’t so great might include heartburn and indigestion, especially at night when you’re lying down. Try eating smaller meals not too close to bedtime and sleep with your head propped up on two pillows instead of one. This can help prevent stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus.

You might also have noticed that your shoes are feeling a little tighter these days and your feet are often sore. Blame it on the relaxin hormone, which loosens up your ligaments and pelvic muscles to prepare for delivery. While it does this, it also has the unfortunate effect of relaxing other joints and tendons in your body – including those in your feet. Wear more comfortable shoes and prop your legs up when you can. Maybe even ask your partner for a foot rub!

YOUR BABY THIS WEEK

From carrot to spaghetti squash
This week, your baby likely weighs almost a pound and is roughly the length of a spaghetti squash, but probably a lot better looking! He or she has eyelashes, eyebrows and maybe some hair on that tiny head, but the fuzz is free of pigment right now and appears white. Your little one is also pretty wrinkly right now, which sounds kind of strange, but it’s completely normal. His or her skin is simply making room for the weight that he or she will gain in the coming weeks.

The pancreas has also started to produce hormones, while his or her first teeth are starting to develop from the hard tissue underneath the gum line. Of course, they won’t break the surface for several months. Your little one’s brain is also fine-tuning and the senses are kicking in. Touch, sound and taste can all be experienced now, so your baby is doing a lot of exploring in there, which you might be feeling.

HOW TO

Maintain intimacy with your partner
You know what else might be awesome about this week? You could be feeling a boost in libido. It’s about time, right? Larger breasts, glowing skin, thicker hair and a baby bump that’s not too big may be making you feel pretty hot – and your partner likely agrees. This might be a nice change of pace from last trimester, when you were too sick or tired to do much of anything.

In addition to the physical changes that are making you feel sexier, your pregnancy hormones might also have something to do with it. They have a lot of impact on your mood, which includes the mood to get intimate with your partner.

Also, you might be feeling a lot better about sex now if you had been trying to conceive for a while. When you’re having sex on a regular basis with such a big goal in mind, things can seem a bit monotonous or like too much of a task to be really sexy. Now that your efforts have paid off, that performance stress is no more!

But what if you’re not feeling that libido boost just yet? Lots of women continue to feel sick or fatigued throughout their entire pregnancies, which can be a total bummer. Sex might also be a bit of a turn off if your breasts and belly feel really tender, not to mention your sore back and aching feet. The thought of getting it on might make you uncomfortable just thinking about it.

Of course, gaining pregnancy weight might also make you feel a little frumpy, but it shouldn’t! Every woman has to gain weight for the health of her baby, so why not feel good about making that sacrifice? Your little one’s health is worth putting on a couple pounds, and your partner totally understands.

If you’re not feeling super sexy, it’s still important to maintain intimacy with your partner, even if it’s not by taking action in between the sheets. Kissing, hugging and cuddling are all ways to remain close and strengthen your bond. Knowing that you’re there for each other can help ease the stresses of pregnancy and bring the two of you even closer. Take advantage of it!

While the Duchess was released from King Edward VII Hospital on December 6 and will continue her recovery at home in Kensington Palace, the condition, which can result in extreme nausea and dehydration, could affect her for the remainder of her pregnancy and has been the subject of scrutiny around the world.

Unsure what HG is and interested in learning more? Consider these tips, which can help you determine if you’re at risk for the condition.

What is HG?
During a pregnancy, many women experience some form of morning sickness. From nausea to vomiting, the symptoms of morning sickness can vary in severity and leave moms-to-be feeling worse for wear.

However, women suffering from HG experience more extreme symptoms. Lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting and fainting are all characteristic of the condition. According to recent statistics, at least 60,000 cases of HG are reported annually in the U.S., but that number could be higher, since many women may choose homeopathy or other treatment for HG.

The differences between morning sickness and HG
Some women may have a difficult time determining the difference between HG and morning sickness. While similar, the two conditions have distinguishing characteristics that, if detected with the help of a healthcare provider, can allow women to receive the proper care and treatment that they need.

Those with morning sickness suffer from nausea, but may not always experience vomiting. Usually, the condition lasts during the first trimester, yet some women experience it beyond the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy. Women who do vomit are unlikely to become dehydrated.

In contrast, HG results in severe vomiting and, for some women, constant nausea. The condition can last for the entirety of pregnancy and can lead to extreme dehydration. It can also result in the loss of 5 percent or more of a woman’s pre-pregnancy weight and aversions to certain foods.

What are the treatments available for HG?
Similar to morning sickness, HG may be linked to rising levels of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is released by the placenta. Some healthcare professionals believe that HG may be caused by multiple birth pregnancies, like in women carrying twins. In these instances, women are exposed to higher levels of HCG, potentially resulting in a more severe type of morning sickness.

Once women are diagnosed with HG, a healthcare provider may recommend a variety of treatments. Bed rest is commonly prescribed to women with the condition and can help them regain strength. Herbs like ginger and peppermint can be a source of relief from nausea. In severe cases, a woman may require hospitalization, including tube feeding and the administration of intravenous fluids to restore lost nutrients and hydration.

Avoiding the triggers of HG
In addition to bed rest and all-natural solutions, avoiding certain triggers may ease the symptoms of HG and prevent risks from developing. Blinking or bright lights, certain smells, foods, noises and motions can bring on the symptoms of HG. In addition, toothpaste, riding in a car, standing or even sitting upright can cause women to experience nausea and vomiting.

While only a doctor or medical professional can formally diagnose HG, by understanding more about it, women who are carrying an unborn child can be vigilant about monitoring certain signs and symptoms of the condition. HG can be a source of stress for expectant mothers and their loved ones, but by gaining a better sense of HG’s causes and impact, women can have happier and healthier pregnancies.

1. Bump band. These soft, wide fabric bands are a real lifesaver for women who are struggling to fit into pants, whether they’re too small or too large. You can wear your pants (any type) unbuttoned and unzipped underneath the band, opening up your clothing choices. It also helps hold up maternity pants that are still too loose or keep your pants from sliding down too far underneath your belly. A band can even help support your lower back!

2. Maternity bras. You’ll have to keep your old bras in your lingerie drawer for now, but maternity bras can be just as sexy. Arrange a fitting with a professional to ensure that you choose styles that fit just right. You might want to steer clear of underwire bras, which can become uncomfortable above a growing bump.

3. Wrapped tops. Whether it’s a sweater, tunic or blouse, a wrapped detail can make it easy to adjust the fit to your burgeoning belly. They feature adjustable ties that can be cinched or loosened depending on your size. The slim-fitting top portion is flattering to your figure and the bottom won’t feel restrictive.

4. Underwear. Some of your favorite pairs of underwear might not fit during a pregnancy, so you may need to stock up on maternity underwear. They come in a variety of styles, from boy shorts to thongs to bikinis. Try to stick with options that are 100-percent cotton, as this material is more breathable and can help prevent vaginal infections. Also, be aware that extra discharge may mean you’ll have to change your underwear more often.

5. Yoga pants. There’s really nothing more comfortable than a pair of yoga pants, and the bonus is that they’re fitted, so you can show off your figure. Many brands make their pants with waistbands that fold over, which means you’ll have plenty of room for your bump.

6. A little black dress. Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you won’t need sexy attire when attending fancy events. Whether it’s a date with your partner or your best friend’s wedding, an LBD is always a chic, dependable choice. Look for details like an empire waist or ruching, which are both flattering for pregnant tummies.

7. Skirts and dresses. Dresses and skirts can both be extremely comfortable, and they’re breezy in the summer when you might feel sweltering. As an added bonus, the right styles can also make you feel pretty when you’re less-than-confident about your body. Wrap dresses, empire waists and maxi dresses are all good options.

8. Cardigans. Layering is often essential, as you never know when you’ll be feeling hot or cold. Also, these garments can add a tailored look to outfits that are otherwise loose. If you don’t want to tie or button them over your bump, buy your regular size so you can add them to your permanent wardrobe.

9. Flats. There’s no reason why you can’t wear heels, but during your pregnancy you’ll likely appreciate the comfort of flat shoes. There are a variety of chic styles, from ballet flats to sandals to sneakers, that won’t kill your feet.

10. Accessories. You may already have some accessories in your wardrobe, but since you’re shopping, you might as well pick up a few more! Scarves, jewelry, hair accessories and belts can all add flair to your ensembles and make you feel good about how you look.

First and foremost, I cannot believe that Erica Ziel has had 3 children! Wow, her body is amazing and her videos helped me feel like I was on the track to getting a great workout while pregnant.

I started with the Pilates-Infused Fitness video. The video has an easy to use menu that guides you through the 5 separate workouts of the video. Each workout is between 8-12 minutes long, which allows you to target specific areas and mix and match for the length and type of workout that you want. I personally loved this, because each workout was short yet effective and allowed me to do 3-4 workouts in a row on days when I was feeling energized and 1-2 on days when I felt zapped of all energy.

You only need resistance bands, light hand-weights and an exercise ball to do these workouts. Erica guides you through a series of movements that feel easy at first, but after a few repetitions you can feel the burn. Ziel is a good instructor, easy to follow, with a just the right amount of pep without being hyper. I will say that sometimes on the videos it can be a bit hard to hear what Erica is saying (sound quality varies segment to segment) but you can easily follow along by watching and by reading the tips and modifications that appear at the bottom of the screen. I wasn’t a fan of the cheesy 80s graphics at the beginning of each segment, but that is easily overlooked by the quality of the workout on the DVD.

The Core Pilates Workouts video also by Erica Ziel was fantastic and I ended up using this video the most. Again the video is divided into workouts however this video only had 2 workouts, Core Cardio and Pilates Yoga. Both of these workouts 12-20 min helped me feel energized throughout the day and helped me target my core so that I could support the weight of my growing belly. Again, Ziel was easy to follow and watch. Don’t let the ‘core’ title scare you; you won’t be doing any crunches in this video. Rather it is a mix of exercises that help you feel strong enough to carry your growing baby and regain a taut midsection once you have delivered.

These are great videos for any woman who wants to stay fit, active and healthy during her pregnancy.

The simple pattern doesn’t scream “Hey I’m Breastfeeding under here.” Rather it looks a cool, draped top. Some of my friends have other nursing covers and theirs look like smocks or giant aprons. Very not cool for a young mother like me, who tries to look hip and stylish when leaving the house. Before I found OhBabyChic, I searched all over the internet for nursing covers and hated the patterns available. OhBabyChic has beautiful, eye catching patterns that are made out of 100% breathable, easily washable cotton fabric.

Thanks for making a great nursing cover OhBabyChic.

Most bouncy chairs don’t really bounce, rather they vibrate. This chair bounces naturally and seems to be getting more bouncy as the weeks go by. I’m not sure if that has to do with breaking-in of the chair or if my daughter weighs more now and her weight affects the bouncing.

The Ingenuity Automatic Bouncer is great to keep our baby upright right after she eats and falls asleep and we find that it helps her burp too. There is great padding in the chair, it’s soft and cozy. Plus it offers great support for our newborn’s head and body. The fabric in the area where my daughter’s bottom is easy to clean in case we have any accidents or explosions while using the chair. The strap is well padded too, so that it doesn’t pinch her legs and I like that it straps around the top of the belly.

The toy bar is good, not great, but I really enjoy that it is easy to move. It easily moves down into your baby’s line of sight and then all back when I want to take my baby out of the chair. I think she gets older I’ll look into changing the toys on the bar to add something new and different for her to look at.

I don’t like any products that make noise – so I don’t like the musical tunes, however the nature/white noise setting isn’t bad and my daughter seems to be soothed by it.

Overall a great product that we plan on using for many months to come.

$49.99 Target, Amazon, Babies R Us

This week we started her pre-school. It is three times a week. And coupled with the two days of childcare, that means I no longer have my Sam. Like, ever. There is not a single day in the week that we have to plan.

Both of us are adjusting. This morning, as she left the house, she refused to kiss me. I think she feels betrayed.

This is just our first week and I know it will get easier. Maybe. But if it doesn’t, I will be pulling her out of one day a week of the childcare. I need a day with my two-year-old who is still my baby.

Maybe I am just feeling emotional today because of this:

The Simplisse pump works differently than most other styles of pumps. The large silicone cups (we’re talking the size of a tea-cup saucer) actually they are more like domes, fit around your breast. The gently rest a few inches away from your nipple and you can barely feel the domes as the pumping begins.  The pumping mechanism on this breast pump uses compression technology which gently extracts the milk from the breasts. The breast domes (or cups as the company refers to them) are double layered which creates a unique type of suction. This suction mimics the way a baby uses it tounge to suck and bring down ‘high milk’.

Let’s get back to the first time I used the pump. It felt super comfortable and I had to check and double check to see if it was working. There was no pinching or tugging, it was compeltely painless. However, I only pumped 20 mls of milk. This was a far cry from the 3 oz that my old suction style pump pummels out of me. During my first day with the Simplisse pump, I kept pumping between feeds and through the night and still had only 20 mls per pump to show for it. The next day I pumped 50 mls. each time I pumped. An increase, but not much. I was a bit frustrated with the transition to this new style of pump, but the company assured me that transitioning from suction type pump to Simplisse can take time, so I decided to stick with it. I really wanted to be able to have a comfortable pumping experience for the next 6-8 months and was willing to put up with a few days of “transition time’. After the 6th day my breasts adjusted and I started pumping my usual 3 ounces.

I’m now using the Simplisse Pump every day on a regular basis. And have come to be quite familiar with the ins & outs.

PROS:

• Comfort: AMAZING! So comfortable to use. No pinching, no tugging, no scarily stretched out nipples after pumping. No more having to massage and push the milk out of each breast while pumping.
• Control: The two dials on the Simplisse pump allow for customized levels of milk expression. I use the highest settings on both dials to expedite the process.
• Cup: The cup is made of double layered silicone which is soft, supple, flexible and gentle on the breast while pumping. The inside of the cup contours to your nipple and doesn’t chafe, pull or tug.
• Fit: Fits almost everyone! No need to order special cups like with other pumps.
• Bag: Comes in a cute, black bag that looks like a purse.

CONS:

• Time: It takes me double the length of time to pump the same quantity of milk. It now takes me 25 minutes to pump, whereas before it took me 7-10 minutes. However it is a comfortable 25 minutes.
• Noise: All breast pumps make noise and this one is equally as loud and as annoying as other breast pumps.
• Cleaning: There are many parts in this breast pump. Each breast pump has 6+ pieces that need to be taken apart after every pumping session and cleaned. It doesn’t take long, but keeping track of all the pieces to make sure each one is cleaned properly and then reassembling the pumps takes time.

I’d recommend this breast pump to all my friends and to all nursing women looking to add pumping to their regime. I would especially to women that are have not started pumping yet, as transitioning from a suction style pump was frustrating, but well worth it in the end. I’d also recommend this pump to women that have very sensitive, raw or sore nipples. The comfort of the Simplisse Pump cannot be found in any other breast pump.

"This is actually the best pregnancy I've had so far out of all of them," she told the news outlet. "Knock on wood. [I have] no morning sickness and I have energy. [It's the] total opposite than other three."

As if to prove her point, Tori was recently out and about with her son Liam running errands, and CelebrityBabyScoop.com published photos of their outing. The former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress looked chic and comfortable in a strapless striped sundress, accessorizing with a pair of brown cowboy boots, a matching fringed shoulder bag and a chunky, colorful necklace. She definitely knows how to make pregnancy clothes work to her advantage!

Along with her numerous responsibilities and activities, Tori celebrated her 39th birthday last week by spending some quality time with the family, according to the news source. She deserves a break every now and then!

I received the Lucky Coin Necklace from Isabelle Grace Jewelry yesterday and immediately I felt not only beautiful, but also lucky (I got a compliment on it right away as well!) The necklace is even more stunning and elegant in person that it appears on the website. The three dainty charms on the 18” silver chain hang together really nicely and have just enough weight to them so that the chain lies perfectly on my chest. The length of the chain makes it great to wear either with a v-neck or a crew neck shirt, so it’s very versatile. The freshwater pearl coin makes a perfect centerpiece and is accented by a wafer thin sterling silver disc on one side and a sparkly green Peridot gemstone on the other. The chain can be clasped from several places at the end, so that gives you even more flexibility in terms of how long or short you’d like the end of the charms to hang. This lucky charm necklace can easily be dressed up or down—as a new mom I’m choosing to wear it as a chic and shiny complement to jeans and T-shirt or even with my yoga clothes, but I could also easily see wearing it with a dress or suit. An added bonus is that my baby loves to play with it while she nurses, something about the shininess and the colors keeps her attention focused which is actually really helpful at this stage when things around the room get more interesting than feeding.  I love the color of the green gemstone, and I can’t wait to wear this on St. Patrick’s Day so I can’t get pinched!  It’s a great gift for yourself or any lucky Irish woman this Spring!