Water Birth: Benefits and Risks

March 5, 2019/1 Comment/in Child birth/by Rachel Mata

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. It is believed that water birth results in a more relaxed, less painful experience for mothers.

During a water birth, you’ll be submerged in water, usually in a stationary or inflatable tub, and you’ll birth your baby in the water. This may be a good option if you want the benefits of hydrotherapy, along with the benefits of delivering in a hospital. The theory behind water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine months, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother. Ask your hospital beforehand if they allow women to labor in water.

It can take place in a hospital, a birthing center, or at home. A doctor or midwife helps you through it. Beyond location, more and more women are choosing water births as the way their babies enter the world.

What are the benefits of water births?

Benefits for Mother:

Warm water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
may help shorten the duration of labor.
Speed up your labor
Laboring in water may also decrease your need for epidurals or other spinal pain relief and more oxygen for the baby.
Labor in water may also have a lower cesarean section rate
The water seems to reduce stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins which serve as pain-inhibitors.
As the laboring woman relaxes physically, she is able to relax mentally with a greater ability to focus on the birth process.
Water provides a greater sense of privacy, it can reduce inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.
Floating in water helps you move around more easily than in bed.

Benefits for Baby:

Provides an environment similar to the amniotic sac.
Eases the stress of birth, thus increasing reassurance and sense of security.

What are the risks to the mother and baby?

You or your baby could get an infection.
chance of umbilical cord damage
trouble regulating the baby’s body temperature
Your baby could breathe in bath water.
Your baby could have seizures or not be able to breathe.
respiratory distress for baby

Water birthing may not be recommended if you have any of the following complications or symptoms:

maternal blood or skin infection
fever of 100.4 F (38°C) or higher
excessive vaginal bleeding
Difficulty tracking fetal heartbeat, or need for continuous tracing
history of shoulder dystocia
Sedation
carrying multiples

What situations are not ideal for water birth?

If your baby is breech: Although water birth has been done with bottom or feet first presentations, you should discuss this risk thoroughly with your healthcare provider.
If you are having multiples: Although water births have been successful around the world with twin births, you should discuss this risk thoroughly with your doctor.
If preterm labor is expected: If a baby is preterm (two weeks or more prior to due date), water birth is not recommended.
If there is severe meconium: Mild to moderate meconium is fairly normal. Since meconium floats to the surface in a tub, your health care provider will watch for it and remove it immediately, or help you out of the tub. Meconium usually washes off the face of the baby and even comes out of the nose and mouth while the baby is still under water. If the water is stained and birth is imminent, the woman can lift her pelvis out of the water to birth the infant.
If you have toxemia or preeclampsia: You should thoroughly discuss this risk with your healthcare provider.

Some science suggests that the water may lower chances of severe vaginal tearing. And it may improve blood flow to the uterus. But study results about these points aren’t clear.

You may also reach out to friends or family who has had previous water births to learn more about their experiences. What’s most important is choosing a birthing plan that’s right for you and your baby.

If you’re planning a water birth, it’s also a good idea to come up with a backup plan in case you have complications as your pregnancy progresses, or during labor.

There isn’t enough formal evidence to support the benefits or risks of labor and delivery while submerged in water. Much of what you will read is anecdotal. More research is needed to assess the benefits for both mother and baby.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Prolonged Labor Management

February 20, 2019/0 Comments/in Child birth/by Rachel Mata

What is Prolonged Labor?

Prolonged labor is also referred to as “failure to progress.” It occurs when labor goes on for about 18 to 24 hours after regular contractions begin. For twins, a labor that goes on for 16 hours is considered prolonged. New mothers, having their first baby, are expected to be in labor for a longer period of time, so prolonged labor may not be declared until 22 to 24 hours, whereas for the second- or third-time mothers may be considered prolonged after 16 to 18 hours. A prolonged latent phase happens during the first stage of labor. It can be exhausting and emotionally draining, but rarely leads to complications.

What Causes Prolonged Labor?

There are many potential causes of experiencing prolonged labor. During the latent phase, slow effacement of the cervix can cause labor time to increase. A baby that is very large may cause labor to take longer because it cannot move through the birth canal. The birthing canal is too small, or the woman’s pelvis is too small, delivery can take longer or fail to progress.

A breech position with the baby’s feet or bottom positioned to emerge first may also cause prolonged labor. Carrying multiples may also lead to prolonged labor, as might weak uterine contractions, or an incorrect position of the baby. Research has also linked prolonged labor or failure to progress to psychological factors, such as worry, stress, or fear. Additionally, certain pain medications can slow or weaken your contractions.

Treating Prolonged Labor

If labor is taking an unusually long time, a woman’s doctor or nurses will monitor her carefully for the timing of contractions and their strength. They will also monitor the fetal heart rate and the mother’s vital signs. If the prolonged labor continues, contractions seem too weak, or the health of the mother or baby is at risk, there are steps that can be taken to speed delivery.

If the baby is already in the birth canal, the doctor or midwife may use special tools called forceps or a vacuum device to help pull the baby out through the vagina. If the baby has not progressed that far, the mother may need to take a medication, called Pitocin, to speed up and strengthen contractions. This medicine speeds up contractions and makes them stronger. If after your doctor feels like you are contracting enough and the labor is still stalled, you may need a C-section or if the baby is too big, or the medicine does not speed up delivery, you will also need a C-section. The Cesarean section may be the answer to several of the issues that cause prolonged labor. Nearly a third of C-sections are performed due to failure to progress. A Cesarean birth might be the best choice to avoid further complications.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Pregnancy After 35: Things You Need to Know

February 6, 2019/1 Comment/in Pregnancy/by Rachel Mata

Age matters in pregnancy. The older you are, the more challenges you may face. Many women over 35 have normal pregnancies and normal deliveries, but statistics show that more problems arise when you’re an older mother.

Older mothers are usually offered more tests during pregnancy, including amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Age makes a difference in the delivery room too. Cesarean delivery rates go up in the over-35 set for a variety of reasons.

Getting Pregnant After 35 Is Not Impossible

Age ain’t nothing but a number. But whenever the topic of conceiving after 35 comes up, having a healthy pregnancy, it can matter. It can’t be that difficult. No expert claims it’s impossible. It’s just more likely you may have trouble conceiving. But rest assured, most healthy women who get pregnant after age 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies.

Your Partner’s Age Matters More if You’re Older Than 35

If your partner is five years older than you, and you’re over 35, your odds for conception are lower. In that same study cited above, the one that looked at conception rates on a woman’s most fertile days, women ages 35 to 39 with similarly aged partners had a conception rate of 29 percent. But, if their male partner was five years older, their success rate dropped to 18 percent.

Again, these rates don’t take into consideration miscarriage rates, and miscarriage and birth defect rates do increase with male and female age. Male age does matter.

If You Don’t Get Pregnant Within Six Months

If you have not conceived after 6 months, contact your health care provider to discuss the possibility of fertility testing. You may decide to consult a fertility specialist at this time.

It’s better to get fertility testing done after just six months of trying if you’re 35 or older. If there is a fertility problem found, you will be more likely to have success in treating it sooner than later. If there are no obvious fertility problems, your doctor may suggest you continue trying to conceive naturally for another few months and come back if you still don’t succeed. Consider a supplement containing myo-inositol to help improve egg quality.

Healthy Living Can Help Boost Your Odds of Conception

Though tempting, don’t assume your age is the only reason you’re not conceiving quickly. When you’re over 35, you already have your age possibly working against you. It just makes good sense to be sure the factors you can control are working for you.

Eating healthier, dropping fertility-busting habits, and maintaining a healthy weight may not only help you conceive faster than someone who doesn’t live a healthy lifestyle but can also boost your odds for fertility treatment success if you do need treatments.

Don’t forget about mind-body therapies as well. While research hasn’t yet found a strong link between mind-body therapies like yoga and fertility, there’s a possibility these stress-reducing activities may help.

This applies to men and women, by the way. It takes two to make a baby. And yes, diet and lifestyle habits can impact male and female fertility.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?

Preconception checkups and counseling. You and your health care provider can review your medical history, current medications and overall lifestyle. This gives you the opportunity to address any concerns about trying to conceive after age 35.
Get early and regular prenatal care. The first 8 weeks of your pregnancy are very important to your baby’s development. Early and regular prenatal care can increase your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Prenatal care includes screenings, regular exams, pregnancy and childbirth education, and counseling and support.
Take prenatal vitamins. All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy can help prevent defects involving a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds an important level of protection for older women, who have a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects. Some prenatal vitamins have 800-1,000 mcg of folic acid. This is still safe in pregnancy. As a matter of fact, some women need more than 400 mcg for protection against birth defects. Do not take more than 1,000 mcg (1 milligram) of folic acid without asking your doctor. Women with a history of a child with neural tube defects need 4000 mcg.
Physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine can negatively affect fertility. Being overweight or underweight can also affect fertility by interfering with hormone function. Manage to have a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy.

How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems?

Keep up with other doctor appointments. Managing your condition before you get pregnant will keep both you and your baby healthy.
Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods will help you get all the nutrients you need.
Gain the recommended amount of weight. Talk with your doctor about how much weight you should gain.
Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will help you stay at a healthy pregnancy weight, keep your strength up, and ease stress. Just be sure you review your exercise program with your doctor.

Finally, older mothers are more likely than younger mothers to have conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technology because fertility rates fall as women age. These pregnancies are more likely to require close monitoring and cesarean delivery than naturally conceived babies.

This gray cloud does have a silver lining, however. Mothers over 35 have accumulated more life experience and are often more financially secure than younger women, both of which come in handy when you’re raising a child.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Importance and Benefits of Folic Acid before and during Pregnancy

January 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Pregnancy/by Rachel Mata

Taking a folic acid supplement is one of the most important things a woman can do during the early stages of her pregnancy because it can help prevent birth defects of your baby’s brain and spinal cord.

Folic Acid is a pregnancy superhero!

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a type of B-vitamin also sometimes referred to as B9. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the parts of your body. If your body does not make enough red blood cells, you can develop anemia. Anemia happens when your blood cannot carry enough oxygen to your body, which makes you pale, tired, or weak. Also, if you do not get enough folic acid, you could develop a type of anemia called folate-deficiency anemia

For pregnant women, Folate plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the neural tube, brain and spinal cord of the fetus.

The best food sources of folic acid are from vitamins and fortified foods, such as bread, pasta and cereals. Folate is found naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, oranges, and beans.

How much folic acid do pregnant women need?

The general recommended dose for a normal, low-risk pregnancy is 400 micrograms (MCGs) a day for pregnant women. However, some women may want or need to take more. It’s a water-soluble vitamin, so there’s usually no harm in taking extra.

All women need 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Women who can get pregnant should get 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid from a vitamin or from food that has added folic acid, such as breakfast cereal. This is in addition to the folate you get naturally from food.

Here’s how much folic acid is recommended each day in terms of pregnancy:

While you’re trying to conceive: 400 mcg
For the first three months of pregnancy: 400 mcg
For months four to nine of pregnancy: 600 mcg
While breastfeeding: 500 mcg

Reasons, why some women may need to take higher doses of folic acid, include:

If either parent has a medical history of neural tube defects
If the mother already has a child with a neural tube defect
If the mother is on certain medications, such as anticonvulsants
If the mother has diabetes
If the mother has impaired gastrointestinal absorption, such as with Celiac disease

When Should I Start Taking Folic Acid?

Ideally, a woman should be taking folic acid about a month prior to conception and at least through the first trimester of pregnancy. Birth defects occur within the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy. So it’s important to have folate in your system during those early stages when your baby’s brain and spinal cord are developing.

All women who can get pregnant need to take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every. You need to take folic acid every day because it is a water-soluble B-vitamin. Water soluble means that it does not stay in the body for a long time. Your body metabolizes (uses) folic acid quickly, so your body needs folic acid each day to work properly.

If you do not get enough folic acid before and during pregnancy, your baby is at higher risk for neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the spine, spinal cord, or brain and may cause death.

These include:

Spina bifida. This condition happens when an unborn baby’s spinal column does not fully close during development in the womb, leaving the spinal cord exposed. As a result, the nerves that control the legs and other organs do not work. Children with spina bifida often have lifelong disabilities. They may also need many surgeries.
Anencephaly. This means that most or all of the brain and skull does not develop in the womb. Almost all babies with this condition die before or soon after birth.

Babies with anencephaly usually do not live long, and those with spina bifida may be permanently disabled. These are scary problems, to say the least. But the good news is that getting enough folic acid may protect your baby from neural tube defects by at least 50%. If you’ve already had a baby with a neural tube defect, getting enough folic acid may reduce your risk of having another child with a neural tube defect by as much as 70%. If you have had a previous child with a neural tube defect, it is recommended that you increase your daily amount of folic acid to 4000 mcg (same as 4 mg) each day. Check with your doctor about how much you should take.

When taken before and during pregnancy, folic acid may also protect your baby against:

Cleft lip and palate
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Miscarriage
Poor growth in the womb

What Happens to Your Body After Giving Birth

January 14, 2019/0 Comments/in Child birth/by Rachel Mata

Many things are happening in your body right after you have a baby. During pregnancy, your body changed a lot. It worked hard to keep your baby safe and healthy. Now that your baby is here, your body is changing again. Some of these changes are physical, like your breasts getting full of milk. Others are emotional, like feeling extra stress.

Things that happen to your body after birth:

Afterbirth pains:

Afterbirth pains are belly cramps you feel as your uterus (womb) shrinks back to its regular size after pregnancy. The cramps should go away in a few days. Right after you give birth, your uterus is round and hard and weighs about 2½ pounds. By about 6 weeks after birth, it weighs only 2 ounces.

Some women have pains for a few days after birth. After-birth pains can feel like labour pains or mild to moderate period pain. This pain comes from your uterus contracting towards its pre-pregnancy size. They are more common in women who have had other babies than in women who have just had their first baby.

You may also experience Shivering or getting the shakes. This can happen right after delivery and it can also happen during the transition stage of labour.

What you can do about this is ask your provider about over-the-counter-medicine you can take for pain. Over-the-counter medicine is the medicine you can buy without a prescription from your provider.

Perineum soreness:

The perineum is the area between your vagina and rectum. It stretches and may tear during labor and vaginal birth. It’s often sore after giving birth, and it may get even sore if you have an episiotomy. This is a cut made at the opening of the vagina to help let your baby out.

What you can do:

Do Kegel exercises. These exercises strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area. To do Kegel exercises, squeeze the muscles that you use to stop yourself from passing urine (peeing). Hold the muscles tight for 10 seconds and then release. Try to do this at least 10 times in a row, three times a day.
Put a Swelling on ice. Put a cold pack on your perineum. Use ice wrapped in a towel. Or you can buy cold packs that you freeze in your freezer.
Sit on a pillow or a donut-shaped cushion.
Soak your Bottom. Just fill the tub with a few inches of tepid water and hang out there for about 20 minutes, three to four times a day. It decreases swelling, cleans the area so there’s less risk of infection and generally soothes discomfort,
Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This can help prevent infection as your episiotomy heals.
Witch Hazel up. Another way to find sweet relief from uncomfortable hemorrhoids? Witch hazel, an herbal remedy with tannins and oils that can help reduce inflammation.

Vaginal discharge:

After your baby is born, your body gets rid of the blood and tissue that was inside your uterus. In the week or so after birth, you’ll bleed from your vagina. The blood is called ‘lochia’. It is bright red and heavy and might have clots. This is normal, but if you pass a clot bigger than a 50 cent piece or notice a bad smell, tell your midwife. You can expect to see lochia for 4 to 6 weeks. Over time, the flow gets less and lighter in color. You may have discharge for a few weeks or even for a month or more.

Breast engorgement:

This is when your breasts swell and are painfully overfull of milk. It usually happens a few days after giving birth. Your breasts may feel tender and sore. The discomfort usually goes away once you start breastfeeding regularly. If you’re not breastfeeding, it may last until your breasts stop making milk, usually within a few days.

Breast engorgement usually occurs when a mother makes more milk than her baby uses. Your breasts may become firm and swollen, which can make it hard for your baby to breastfeed. When your baby suddenly starts breastfeeding less than usual.

Nipple pain:

If you’re breastfeeding, you may have nipple pain during the first few days, especially if your nipples crack. During pregnancy, nipple pain is generally caused by hormones. Although nipple pain in the early days (usually peaking at 3-7 days postpartum) is common, it is not necessarily normal. A common problem leading to sore nipples is an ineffective latch.

Urinary problems can happen after giving birth:

In the first few days after giving birth, you may feel pain or burning when you urinate (pee). Or you may try to urinate but find that you can’t. Sometimes you may not be able to stop urinating. This is called incontinence. It usually goes away as your pelvic muscles become stronger again.

Urine may leak out of the bladder when there is additional pressure exerted, for example, when a pregnant woman coughs or sneezes. After pregnancy, incontinence problems may continue, because childbirth weakens the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause an overactive bladder.

Emotional changes:

You might find that you go up and down a lot, from being happy to feeling very down. That’s normal.

Your baby didn’t come with a set of instructions. You may feel overwhelmed trying to take care of her. Taking care of a baby is a lot to think about.

Many women feel teary, irritable or more emotionally sensitive than usual a few days after giving birth. These feelings are known as the baby blues, and they’re normal, too. It’s a physically and emotionally challenging time. Most women feel better a few days after birth with support and understanding from those around them. If you don’t feel better after 2 weeks, please seek help.

You might find a lot of people want to come to see you, and especially to see your baby. That’s great, but it can be tiring for you both. It’s up to you how many visitors you have, and when. If you’re feeling exhausted, you can always avoid visitors for a while so that you can rest.

“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”

—Barbara Katz Rothman

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Health Benefits and Risks of Eating Pickles During Pregnancy

January 9, 2019/0 Comments/in Pregnancy/by Rachel Mata

Pickle is one of the most craved foods during pregnancy and pregnant women are notorious for having weird cravings for foods like pickles and ice cream. While pickles aren’t the healthiest food you could eat during pregnancy, indulging in a pickle or two every once in a while isn’t likely to cause harm. Pickles have very less nutritional value. One ounce of pickle contains no amount of protein, fat or cholesterol and less than one gram of carbohydrates. This is less than 0.1 percent of the amount of carbohydrates you should ideally have on a daily basis while you are pregnant. Pickle juice does contain high amounts of vitamin C and sodium. It also contains very small amounts of potassium

Is Consuming Pickles in Pregnancy Safe?

Consuming pickles in limited measures when pregnant may not be harmful. But it is not advisable to make pickles a part of your everyday diet while pregnant. Overindulgence in pickles during pregnancy can lead to certain health issues. Moderation should be the guiding factor whenever you are tempted to reach for that jar of pickles.

Moreover, during pregnancy, it is crucial to pay special attention to your dietary intake for your health along with that of your growing fetus. Pickles don’t include much nutritional value. So, their consumption is best kept to the minimum. Further, you may also like to avoid consuming very spicy pickles.

Benefits you eating pickles in moderation:

Helps Maintain Proper Balance Of Electrolytes In Your Body: Potassium and sodium are the two main electrolytes in your body. These are minerals that help in conducting electrical transmissions in your body. When you are pregnant, your body starts retaining more amount of fluid. During these months, your baby’s needs from your body also increase. This causes an increase in your body’s need for an electrolyte.

Calories, Macronutrients, and Boosts Digestion: Pickles are thought to improve digestion and even the immune function to some extent. Pickles may contain healthy bacteria which prevents it from getting spoiled. So eating pickles can aid in multiplying the good bacteria in your digestive system which can help in combating a lot of digestive issues. Eating pickles isn’t likely to cause you to exceed your daily recommended calories during pregnancy and gain too much weight. Dill pickles are low in both calories and fat.

Vitamins and Minerals: Having fresh pickles of various vegetables and fruits may provide important vitamins like vitamin A, C, K and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium which can lower your risk of falling prey to diseases during pregnancy by strengthening your immune system. Each pickle has about 25.4 micrograms of, or 32 percent of the daily value for, this essential vitamin. Dill pickles provide trace amounts of other essential micronutrients as well, such as calcium, potassium, manganese and vitamin A.

Risk To Your Unborn Baby And You From Excess Sodium Content In Pickles:

Sodium Considerations: The main problem caused by eating dill pickles during pregnancy comes from their high sodium content. This can negate any benefits that eating pickles may have during pregnancy. The high quantity of sodium can actually be very dangerous for both your unborn baby and you if taken regularly over a period of time. Each pickle has 595 milligrams of sodium, which is about one-third of your daily sodium need during pregnancy. Getting too much sodium can increase your risk for high blood pressure, and during pregnancy, it can make you more likely to suffer from swelling. Drinking plenty of water can help minimize this effect. Another option is to eat a low-sodium version of dill pickles instead because these pickles have only about 12 milligrams of sodium each.

Potential for Heartburn: Refrain from eating very spicy pickles as it can trigger dysentery and digestive problems like heartburn and acidity. Pregnant women sometimes have problems with heartburn because pregnancy causes your body to produce more of the hormone progesterone. This hormone relaxes the valve that helps keep stomach acid and partially digested food from backing up into the esophagus.

Food Safety Considerations: Eating pickle during pregnancy which is homemade may have traces of listeria bacteria that can be potentially dangerous for the pregnancy. While store-bought dill pickles are generally safe during pregnancy, you may want to stay away from homemade refrigerator pickles during pregnancy. The listeria bacteria can survive the process used to make this type of pickle and this type of food poisoning is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. It can cause premature delivery, stillbirth, health problems for the baby or miscarriage.

Having a little pickle is alright, as long as you are not overdoing it and it is not turning into a regular habit. Speak to your doctor when pregnant before consuming pickles and discuss how much and how frequently you can have pickles if you really crave for it, as well as your concerns regarding safety and likely allergic reactions.