Doctor Recommended — Pregnancy Changes

by: Sean Daneshmand, MD - Perinatal ObGyn, San Diego CA and founder of Miracle Babies   Congratulations on your pregnancy! Your body will spend nine months adapting to accommodate the little one growing inside you. But all that growing triggers changes in your body—some you’re familiar with and some that may surprise you. This guide will share 7 major body changes you can expect and a few pregnancy support options you might consider:   Weight Gain- For most women this is the most noticeable, and often the most unwanted, effect of bearing a child. And while gaining weight is a...

  Knowing about Rectus Diastasis and your postpartum recovery by: Robert Kessler, MD - Plastic Surgeon, Newport Beach CA The main muscles in the abdominal wall are called the Rectus Abdominus muscles. These muscles run from the rib cage to the pubic bone and define the contour of the abdomen. The muscles are segmental and in thin, athletic individuals they are seen through the skin as the classic “six pack”. These muscles run together in the center of the abdominal wall and are surrounded by a tissue layer called the Rectus Fascia. This is a fibrous structure which holds the muscles in...

  by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT - Women's Health Physical Therapy, Los Angeles CA During pregnancy, the focus is often on doing the right things to deliver a healthy newborn. But what do moms do during pregnancy to prevent and relieve pain and complications after the birth? The fact is that the way you support your body during pregnancy can have a surprisingly big impact on how the body recovers during post-pregnancy healing.   Pregnancy Problems That Trigger Post-Pregnancy Healing Pain & Complications Back: The lumbar spine and associated muscles (the lower back) is a common source of discomfort for pregnant...

    by: Heather Jeffcoat, DPT - Women's Health Physical Therapy, Los Angeles CAPregnancy is a period of significant change in a women’s body. The growing fetus leads to an altered posture and over-stretched abdominal muscles.  Due to the growing fetus, the belly is pulled forward, creating increased sway (Lordosis) in the lower back. The hip flexor and lower back muscles tighten as they are placed in a shortened position due to postural changes that are occurring. Postural changes may also lead to pain in the neck, shoulders, back, hips and elsewhere. In order for pregnant women to maintain their...