Belly Banter

New Product Scoop: C-Panty, The After-Cesarean Underwear

2008-03-19T15:47:00Z

A high-quality, pull-on and go panty (all we moms have time for!), C-Panty utilizes an incision area support panel as well as an inner silicone layer. Its innovative patent pending design is just the way to control swelling and hold in that little incision "pooch" while providing a compressive, moisture-retaining area for minimizing scar appearance and symptoms.

Designed by a two-time C-section mom with a team of therapists, surgeons and other C-moms, C-Panty incorporates technology from Bio Med Sciences, an award-winning company specializing in wound care and scar management. C-Panty is also made in the USA with a premium, nylon and spandex blend fabric that provides the perfect amount of shaping and compression without feeling like a boa constrictor control panty!

Designed to flatter and fit the post-partum mom, it is not a granny panty, but not too skimpy either. C-Panty is seamless, low-rise, medium cut and washable. Other features include:

Interior silicone scar management panel made with Silon-TEX®
Low-rise fit
Lightweight compression panel
Non-binding waistband
Panty fabric is 92% nylon and 8% spandex
Full-cut rear
Seamless construction
Machine Washable

The key to C-Panty is the combination of silicone and compression. Silicone increases the moisture content of the scar while the compression organizes collagen formation, decreases swelling and provides gentle support to comfort the area while providing that much needed post-baby shaping. Silicone and compression, techniques called scar management, have been used for years by doctors to help patients recover from surgery and skin burns.

C-Panty use can begin as soon as the wound is closed with benefits well past delivery depending on how you heal and your need for holding down that pesky little incision area that is never as flat we C-moms would like it to be! Clinical studies cite the use of scar management for several months and up to a year after surgery.

Although no treatment method can make scars totally disappear, it has been demonstrated that scar management techniques can impact scars.

Along with compression and silicone, other techniques exist to inhibit scar appearance and decrease its sensitivity. A primary one is scar massage. After clearing with your MD that scar massage is ok, try some scar massage three times a day for about 5 minutes.

Use gentle pressure of your index and long finger, just enough to place a little tension on the scar.
Gently massage with mini circles as well as along the scar and perpendicular to it. The glide motion should only be about a centimeter.
Spend more time on ropey or thick areas.
Never do scar massage until the wound is completely closed (no scab remaining).

You need to wait until the surface wound is healed (no scab remaining), about a week or you can cover the silicone panel with a pad or panty liner and begin use as tolerated. As with any post-surgical product, get your doctor's ok.

Check out cpanty.com for more information on the product, caring for your incision site, and expert resources.

New Product Scoop: 3-Stage Infant Seat

2008-03-06T19:42:00Z

In keeping with its commitment to deliver the most innovative products for today’s caregivers, Summer Infant, a leader in premium juvenile products, has developed the 3-Stage Super Seat™, an all-in-one product designed to support and entertain children aged 4 months to 4 years.

The 3-Stage Super Seat defines a new category in infant support and activity by providing three stages of development in one product: an infant support seat, a floor time activity seat, and a booster seat. “Our intention was to create a product that would provide an engaging, secure and comfortable area for your growing infant to learn to sit up and interact with the environment around them,” said Steve Gibree, Executive Vice President of Product Development. “We designed the 3-Stage Super Seat to be versatile enough to grow and develop along with your child for extended use with one well thought-out product.”

With the Summer Infant 3-Stage Super Seat your baby can grow along with one ideal product that keeps baby entertained, secure and happy!

Stage 1 – Infant Support Seat -- In stage 1, the 3-Stage Super Seat acts as an infant support seat to help babies learning to sit up. The infant support stage can accommodate babies as early as 4 months old with a soft, cushioned support seat and three-point safety restraint.

Stage 2 – Floor Time Activity Seat -- In stage 2, it functions as a floor activity seat, for when baby is ready to play. The 360-degree rotating tray is chock full of fun toys and a snack tray. As the baby grows into toddlerhood and becomes more mobile, the rotating tray and soft insert can be easily removed to create the Stage 3 booster seat.

Stage 3 – Booster Seat -- In booster seat mode, there are two separate restraint straps that allow it to be securely mounted to a variety of chairs for dining with family and friends.

Pregnancy Dreams

2008-03-04T14:40:00Z

Are you having crazy, vivid dreams lately? You aren't alone! We constantly hear reports from women who are having intense dreams. Experts say that the dreams are just your brain's way of working through the anxieties of pregnancy. Plus, you are waking up more often now, which means you remember dreams that you otherwise wouldn't.

Here are a few of the dreams our forum members are experiencing:

I was back at my 30 week appointment, except this time my midwife does a vaginal exam... she takes a look, looks up at me and says, "Wow, your baby has long hair!" All of a sudden she turns around, grabs a pair of scissors and goes back in this time with the scissors... and she stands up, holding this 3-4" long lock of red hair, and says, "See what I mean?"
I was out swimming in the ocean trying to relax before the baby gets here, and all of a sudden something (never figured out what) grabbed my foot and started pulling me under. It dove very deep toward the ocean floor with me, it seemed like about 2-300 feet down... Eventually a merman..(not mermaid) came to my rescue and started to swim me back to the surface... except it seemed like the surface would never get there. I could feel my chest on fire. Finally as my head broke the surface of the water, I woke up gasping for air and my heart pounding so hard in my chest. The burning sensation in my chest lasted almost 5 minutes after I woke up. It was so crazy, I was actually holding my breath in my sleep!
I was having an ultrasound, but they couldn't see the gender so they pulled the baby out, looked and put it back in!

If you have a crazy dream you'd like to share, click on the banner to email it in -- I'll publish the craziest dreams here on this blog!

And we have a winner!!

2008-02-29T13:10:00Z

Fab mom Kelli W is the winner of our Celeb Photo contest, posting well over 30 pictures to our Celeb Photo Gallery -- thanks to her, we've been in the know about celebs, their baby bumps and daily strolls with their little ones. Like I promised, she's won a designer diaper bag, filled with all sorts of goodies:

Want to know the details on all this fabulous goodness? Here's what we gave her:

Petunia Picklebottom Cake diaper bag, in Lemon Chiffon
Developmental Giraffe toy by Kids Preferred Asthma-friendly
Butterfly Hand Puppet by renowned children's author Eric Carle
Biome5 Organic Cotton “Urchin” t-shirt
“I have arrived” onesie from Baby&Momma
"Haute Mama" tee from 2 Chix
“Wonderstuff” CD from Recess Monkey
“Nursery Rhymes, Volume 1” CD from BabyJamz
Newborn Baby Tracker journal from Time Too
Hooded bath towel from celeb fave Aden + Anais
Momspit no-rinse hand cleanser in Unscented and Fig & Green Tea
“My First Spa” kit from Natty Baby
Convertible nursing cape from Skoose
BabyChix onesie
Booty Goo diaper rash ointment

Keep your eyes on this blog and the message boards, because there are more contests like this to come, and we have LOTS to giveaway. And, if you haven't already friended us on Facebook, do so now, as we'll be running some exclusive contests that you can only enter by being friends of our page!

Breaking News from the CDC About Your Baby's Health

2008-02-28T15:02:00Z

CDC's Advisory Committee Recommends Influenza Vaccination for Children 6 Months Through 18 Years of Age

A panel of immunization experts advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today to expand the recommended ages for annual influenza vaccination of children to include all children from only 6 months to 59 months of age. The expanded recommendation is to take effect as soon as feasible, but no later than the
2009-2010 influenza season.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on the new recommendation during its February 27-28, 2008 meeting in Atlanta. The new recommendation increases the number of children recommended for vaccination by approximately 30 million.

Studies have shown that healthy children bear a significant burden from influenza disease and are at increased risk of needing influenza-related medical care. In addition, there is evidence showing that reducing influenza transmission among children has the potential to reduce influenza among their household contacts and within the community.

"This new recommendation should reduce the risk of influenza infections among children of all ages, and their consequent need for medical visits and missed time from school," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

Full implementation by Fall 2009 at the latest will allow time to plan for the vaccination of this large group of children. However, immunization providers should begin efforts to offer influenza vaccination to all children aged 6 months through 18 years in the 2008-09 influenza season if feasible, consistent with the current recommendation that all persons who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others should be vaccinated.

"This new recommendation will help parents understand that all children can benefit from vaccination and further encourages providers to start vaccination of children through age 18 next year," said Dr. Schuchat.

Results from a vaccine efficacy study among children 6 months to 23 months of age were presented at the meeting. The study findings indicated vaccine efficacy of about 75 percent in preventing influenza hospitalizations among fully vaccinated children in this age group during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. In contrast, the study found that children who received only one dose of vaccine did not receive statistically significant protection. This study underscores the importance of existing ACIP recommendation that children younger than nine years of age who will be receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses.

The 2008-09 influenza vaccine for the United States will include three new strains: an A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus, a B/Florida/4/2006-like virus and A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus strain. The H3N2 and B virus vaccine components in the U.S. vaccine are included in the 2008 vaccine for the Southern Hemisphere. Influenza vaccine manufacturers produced as many as 130 million doses of influenza vaccine for the 2007-08 influenza season and have discussed expanding current production capacity in the coming years.

Recommendations of the ACIP become recommendations of CDC once they are accepted by the director of CDC and the Secretary of Health and Human Services and are published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Belly Up to the Massage Table, Mamas!

2008-02-20T20:48:00Z

In February of 2007 Sarah Tidwell and Reneé Kimes adopted The Pregnancy Massage Center (Atlanta, GA) from their good friend and mentor Julie Howell. Reneé Kimes is a nationally certified massage therapist entertaining the idea of a world gone massage. Her ultimate goal is to change people’s perception of touch back to the loving, caring, beneficial experience it truly is. Sarah has been an integrative massage therapist since 1998. Her certifications include 620 hours of Integrated Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy from the Atlanta School of Massage, 24 hours of Thai Massage from Dr. Camden Clay, and 32 hours Pre and Perinatal Massage from Carole Osborne-Sheets, the premier pregnancy massage educator in the nation.

Sarah and Renee were kind enough to sit down and answer a few of my questions about prenatal massage:

Q: I heard you shouldn't have your feet massaged when you are pregnant. Is that true?

A: Not true. Now more than ever your feet need relief from joint pressure and swelling. But there are acupressure points around the ankles and feet that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. This is handy during labor, but those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable, pregnancy-certified therapist.

Q: Do I have to stop receiving massages close to my due date?

A: You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massages up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.

Q: Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged?

A: With proper technique and pressure levels, absolutely. By policy we do not massage abdomens in the first trimester. It is completely safe, as your uterus is still the size of a plum and protected by the bony structure of the pelvis. However, due to the high incident of miscarriage in the first trimester we avoid it because it tends to cause some anxiety, and the object of the massage is to reduce stress. After 12 weeks it is your option to request massage on your belly with light, circular strokes. This promotes skin elasticity and circulation to the general area. Especially in the third trimester, we like to think of it as baby's first massage. According to the mothers, they seem to like it very much!

Q: How often should I receive massages when I am pregnant?

A: Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard answer for this question. If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care we suggest once a month in the first trimester, twice a month in the second and third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hours or coming once a week in the last trimester.

Do you have a question for our two massage therapists? Email me or leave it in the comments and I’ll get the answer for you!

ePregnancy is now on Facebook!

2008-02-19T15:58:00Z

Yes, it's happened.

We've finally made the leap to Facebook!

Becoming a fan of our Facebook page means you are instantly in the loop with new developments here at ePregnancy. In addition, you'll be eligible for fun things that ONLY Facebook members are eligible for -- special discounts, giveaways, and contests!

Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glen-Allen-VA/ePregnancycom/8884734841

Go ahead, add us. We'll become BFFs over Facebook. :)

New Product Scoop: BellyBar Nutritional Chews

2008-02-15T19:46:00Z

NutraBella – a company dedicated to the nutritional well-being of today’s active women – has introduced Bellybar Chews, a delicious new way to get critical Omega-3 DHA. Each Bellybar chew contains 50 mg of vegetarian Omega-3 DHA – a fatty acid that serves as the primary building block for brain, eye, and nervous system development, and has been shown to play a role in maternal well-being.

“Following the success of our Bellybar snack bars, we set out to develop a complete nutritional line for women during her various stages of pregnancy and motherhood,” said Meredith Lincoln, Co-Founder of NutraBella. “By having two to three chews per day, as well as one of our Bellybar snack bars, you can meet your daily requirement for DHA while also enjoying convenient, tasty and satisfying treats.”

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an Omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes, and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. Although there is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages benefit from an adequate supply of DHA in their diets, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA in the world. Bellybar Chews contain 50 mg of life’s DHA, a vegetarian form of Omega-3 DHA.

While everyone can benefit from meeting the daily requirement of Omega-3 DHA, it is especially important for pre-natal, pregnant and nursing women as this nutrient supports the development of a baby’s brain and eye function. Omega-3 DHA is also found in many fish, but with mercury concerns and delicate stomachs, many women are limiting fish intake during pregnancy, making the need for a convenient and tasty alternative that much more critical.

Bellybar Chews are delicious bites of sweet chocolate and tangy citrus to satisfy a pregnant or new mom’s varied cravings, while also delivering DHA, calcium and folic acid. Each Chew contains 100 mg of calcium (plus Vitamins D & K to help with absorption), 100mcg of folic acid, and 50mg of DHA. They are sold in a pouch of 30 chews and are available in two delicious flavors: Chocolate Cuddles and Citrus on Board. Retailing for $8.99-10.99 per pouch, they are now available at select stores and online at www.BellybarProducts.com.

New Product Scoop: Graco Sweetpeace

2008-02-07T18:00:00Z

In the first three months of life, soothing a newborn can be a challenge for new parents as the baby leaves the security of the womb for the often over stimulating outside world. To develop a solution to this challenge, researchers at Newell Rubbermaid's Graco brand -- a leading manufacturer and marketer of infant and juvenile products -- looked beyond conventional wisdom. By studying how new parents calm their children, as well as incorporating new findings in infant neurosciences and sensory processing, Graco realized that the key to soothing a newborn is creating a nurturing environment utilizing unique combinations that simulate the womb experience.

The result: Graco Sweetpeace, the first-ever Newborn Soothing Center, which mimics the sensations babies first experienced in the womb in order to foster an easier transition from womb to world. It offers the ultimate in comfort and security for newborns, providing a peaceful multi-sensory experience that soothes a baby's senses:

Motion -- one of the constant sensations in the womb, motion, is the primary tool parents use to soothe babies. Sweetpeace offers a unique, adjustable swaying motion which mirrors swaying in a parent's arms;
Touch -- following birth, babies crave being held and embraced, as it offers the similar comforts of a mother's womb. Soft padding and an integrated swaddle blanket create a cozy, hug-like environment;
Scent -- newborns recognize their mothers through the sense of smell. A removable swaddle blanket allows a mother to infuse her familiar, comforting scent, which can calm a baby;
Sound -- Sweetpeace is equipped with low-frequency sounds that replicate what is heard inside the womb, a proven soother for infants. It also has an MP3 plug-in connection to make it easy to play calming music;
Sight -- visual complexity can over-stimulate newborns. An adjustable canopy limits distracting visual stimulation, while a mirror helps baby feel focused and settled by seeing his or her own reflection.

To educate new parents about the benefits of Sweetpeace and introduce them to the new category of infant soothing, Graco has launched a multimedia marketing campaign including online, in-store and direct mail components. A dedicated website, http://www.mysweetpeace.com/, enables consumers to become better soothers, learn about Sweetpeace by viewing an interactive video and initially encouraged parents to add Sweetpeace to their gift registry by offering a free swaddle blanket with pre-registration.

New Product Scoop: Carseat Innovation

2008-02-05T14:19:00Z

Deriving its primary form from an egg -- the ultimate safe enclosure -- nestt is designed for the ultimate comfort and ease of use.

The geometry of the seat and the base form a "nested sphere" type of connection -- and extremely sturdy and simple rotational mechanism. Utilizing a total of just six moving parts, it is able to tilt and swivel to face the open door of a car with one graceful, single-handed move.

A safety feature prevents the mechanism from disengaging the seat from the base during normal operation.

An embedded steel safety cage provides side impact protection.

An air suspension mechanism; a breathable, washable seating surface with air channels; removeable, interchangeable cushions of memory foam; retractable, indexed seatbelts... this is one hot carseat!

The nestt is still just a concept -- but it's one I think we should keep an eye on!

Product Scoop: Stylish Hospital Gowns for the Hip Mama-to-Be

2008-02-01T19:30:00Z

What are Girlie Gowns you ask?

Why, Girlie Gowns are a line of maternity hospital gowns for stylish mommies to be. But they are also designed to be functional -- your doctors will have access they need but you'll have the privacy and style that you want (no more showing your butt to the orderly!).

The gowns' wrap- around design secures in front with velcro and a cute grosgrain ribbon tie. The back is open halfway down the back and the top opening is secured with three grosgrain ribbon ties. Each gown is constructed of designer cotton fabric -- no more of those faded, worn cotton things we're all used to! These make a wonderful baby shower gift or a way for you to to pamper yourself as you head into the hospital for your big day.

The gowns come in the fashionable blue and cocoa combo you see in the picture, as well as a pink and black polkadot and a navy with tiny blue polkas.You can even have the Girlie Gown monogrammed with your initials! Now that's bedside manner.

Bundle Up! Our Five Fave Blankets for Your Babe

2008-01-02T18:34:00Z

With flurries in the air, talk here in the office has turned from favorite sunscreens for baby to cozier, warmer things – specifically, baby blankets! I did an informal poll of all the new moms and here are the blankets they picked as their personal faves (in no certain order):

Vegan mama Melissa is currently smitten with her daughter Carmen's Soy Vey blanket, made by BabySoy. It's 50% soybean, 50% cotton and 100% good to the environment! The double layering means it's not only reversible, but has just enough heft to protect Carmen on some of our chillier days.

Although practical choices abound, Traci chose this luxe silk charmeuse coverlet for her daughter Micah. Made by Kookoon, it's a favorite of celebs all over the world. And now, it's a favorite here at ePregnancy headquarters! (I nearly stole Micah's last week when she came in with it -- it is the ultimate in softness!)

Cashmere and babies don't mix. Or do they? In the case of these bubble blankies by Angel Cashmere, they absolutely do! Made of 100% cashmere, these minkies are actually two cashmere blankets hand-stitched together, creating one luxurious cascade of cozy.

This cuddly cloud comes to us from Little Giraffe and was actually picked by Traci as her second favorite (and more reasonably priced) blanket for Micah. It's Micah's "every day" blanket, if you will. Bordered in a silky satin, the lush faux fur fabric provides not only comfort, but warmth. (It's one of Suri's faves, too!)

Rachel, mom to newborn Jack, has a slightly different take on her favorite blanket: she chose a swaddling blanket -- from Barney's no less! She tried the celeb fave, by Aden + Anais, but says she actually prefers this one. "The shape of my Bonkie makes swaddling much easier from my end -- especially when he's thrashing about!" The uber-soft chenille lining keeps his toes toasty and soothes him right into dreamland.

Do you have a blankie picked out for your bump? Leave a comment for me so I can check it out!

Scrub-a-Dub, Mom's in the Tub!

2007-10-25T17:38:00Z

I'm just going to come right out with it.

The bathroom is my sanctuary.

There. I said it. I don't mean sanctuary in the way guys do -- when they go in with their cell phones and newspapers and Maxims.... I mean that whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or overly stressed -- overloaded in any way -- I escape to the depths of my bathtub. It's easy for me -- I'm not pregnant, so there's no limit to how hot my water can be or what essential oils I can use. But when you are pregnant, you don't want to put anything on your body that might harm your baby -- and likewise, you don't want to put your body in anything that might do the same.

So I've scoped out a few of my favorite products for you mamas-to-be who love the bathroom (and tub) as much as I do:

Blooming Body Soothing Sitz Bath

It's true, pregnancy often triggers the hemmies (er, hemorrhoids). But a sitz bath can help, and this one by Blooming Body's calendula and comfrey leaf soaks provide the healing power you need to calm that booty down.

Belli Cosmetics Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash

Like all body washes, this one can be used as a bubble bath as well. The lavender will soothe and calm your nerves while green tea and cucumber work their anti-inflammatory magic.

Bod Stretchmark Oil

Obviously, this one isn't for soaking in -- but it falls within the bathroom realm, so here it is. The frankincense and rosewood oils actually help your skin to grow with your body, instead of stretching over it. I haven't been able to find it in the States, so if anyone has a source State-side, let me know and I'll post it.

Noodle & Boo Sugar Mama Honey bar

Everyone needs a little sugar now and then -- and the honey in this body bar provides an ultra-moisturizing treatment that also rebalances your skin's natural pH levels.

Basq Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Blend

One of my favorite things to do is drizzle a little sweet almond oil into my bath, along with a few drops of essential oil. Basq makes it easy on you by picking the perfect essential oils for bump-safe bathing. (I'd avoid adding the oil to your bath, however, unless you are really keen on a slippery tub bottom!)

Bliss Foot Patrol

I've been pushing this stuff on everyone I meet lately, that's how much I love it! I've actually thrown out all my pumice stones thanks to this gem of a product. I soak in the bath for a while, then get out and take a few minutes to slather the lotion onto my feet -- my callouses are diminishing as we speak!

LBBDs (Little Black Belly Dresses)

2007-10-19T21:55:00Z

I can hardly believe it, but the holiday season is looming. Kind of like a Goodyear blimp, just circling the stadium, endlessly, loooooooming. That means party season is also looming. (Is there something bigger than a blimp? That's how large it looms!) Don't get me wrong, I love the fall and winter holidays -- it's my favorite time of year, a time during which I feel exhilirated, excited and full of hope. And, okay, the parties are fun, too.

I usually take party season as an excuse to buy myself one really fabulous new outfit -- and failing that, I at least treat myself to a piece of jewelry I've been coveting or shoes after which I've been lusting (usually a fab pair of boots, this time of year). However, when you are pregnant, finding that fabulous new outfit can sometimes be a bit of a challenge -- and for so long, your only bump-covering options looked like black pillowcases. Stretchy pillowcases, but bed linens all the same. If you lucked out, you could find a swingy tablecloth with which to adorn your blossoming belly.

So, thank goodness designers have finally started realizing that preggos have to party, too! And honestly, I'd wear most of these dresses in my current un-pregnant form (especially that gorgeous Isabella Oliver column dress on the left). I've rounded up a few of my fave dresses for the season -- they are all dressy enough for an evening mocktail party, but would work just as well for an office function or family dinner. If you have found any others that you love, leave a link for me in the comments -- I'm always looking for great new clothes!

Blossom Maternity's Metallic Galate Dress
It's grey, it's delightfully metallic -- it meets all the requirements of the season!

Isabella Oliver's Satin Bow Dress
The satin bow dresses up a classic silk charmeuse, making this one a perfect multi-tasking dress

Cadeau Maternity Silk Babydoll Dress
The split v-neck maximizes your new "endowments" while the classic empire waist provides a smooth-flowing form.

Childish Maternity Silk Dress
Smocking, fluttery sleeves and a sumptuous shimmer -- what else could you ask for?

Get Your Daily Dose of D -- Vitamin D, That Is!

2007-10-11T18:54:00Z

I have to digress from the Vegas blogocoaster for a bit, because I've recently seen this study popping up in a bunch of places.

Scientists have found what appears to be a pretty definite link between a lack of Vitamin D early in pregnancy and an increased risk for pre-eclampsia. Women who developed pre-eclampsia had Vitamin D concentrations that were significantly lower early in pregnancy compared to those with normal pregnancies.

So what does this mean for you?

Make sure you get your daily dose of Vitamin D!

There are some super simple ways to boost your dose -- though you should always check with your doctor before beginning any sort of supplementation.

Take your prenatal vitamin. Your doctor has probably already prescribed one for you -- and it's for a good reason, so make sure you take it faithfully. If you are having trouble swallowing the pills or they make you nauseous, simply ask your doctor for an alternative. There are lots of great vitamins out there, so there's bound to be one that's right for everybody!
Put on the sunscreen and take a walk. (Come on, you know you need to exercise anyway!) Believe it or not, your body can synthesize one type of Vitamin D just from exposing your skin to the sun for a few minutes a day. This does not give you carte blanche to tan, so put the baby oil and reflector away.
Watch your diet. While you can't possibly consume enough of the foods you would need to in order to meet your daily recommended dose of the D, you can help your body along by incorporating things like eggs (yolks included), salmon, and milk or fortified soymilk. (If you are a vegan, check your soymilk -- not all brands use a vegan form of Vitamin D.)
Ask about further supplementation. Your doctor may want you to take a bit extra Vitamin D, especially if you are already at risk for pre-eclampsia.

The bottom line is that at your next appointment, you should ask your doctor or midwife about Vitamin D. Your prenatal vitamin may be covering all the bases, but your doctor may have other suggestions that can help you have the safest pregnancy possible!