Dr.Moore: My rule-of thumb is
that 90% of mothers will have some type of back pain for
six weeks to six months. During pregnancy, your placenta secretes
hormones, which cause laxity of the ligaments in your back.
This allows lordosis, that big arch in the small
of your back, which helps you support the weight of a sack of
concrete of the front of your belly. After delivery, it takes
time to re-tighten and strengthen them. Unfortunately, instead
of resting, you now spend 24/7 bending over to lift a 10-pound
baby out of cribs and car seats. Take care of your back; you
only get one.
Jealous Pets
Q: We are having a baby soon, and I’m
worried about our dog and if he might get jealous of this new
family member?
Dr.Moore: Our pet pig “Muffin”
was not jealous, but we didn’t take any chances with our
rottweiler “Cody”. Mark and Melanie Greene of Country
Hill Vet in Prestonsburg, KY recommend "baby training",
at mid-pregnancy and then for the last six weeks prior to birth.
Your baby’s room and changing table are already setup
and stocked. Buy a life-size baby doll; apply lotion then dress
it in a diaper and baby tee. Carry it around as you would your
future baby. Lay it in the crib and close off the room for nap
time. Man's best friend will learn that there is no threat from
this tiny helpless bundle. It will imprint the fragrances of
the baby to its memory in a good way. Even still, any pets can
be unpredictable, some more than others and close observation
should be kept on them at all times. Unsupervised babies and
pets do not mix. Check with your pediatrician and vet.
* * *
Readers may send questions to this
email address. This column is for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice.
* * *
