LITTLE BITS
“
You don’t ever balance it completely [motherhood] is a constant struggle of a little more time there, a little more time here, and feeling a little bit guilty all the time.”
—Halle Berry
POPULAR LOUISIANA BABY NAME PREDICTIONS When it comes to baby names, the most popular names have been reigning for several years. However, when you add a Louisiana flair, the ranks sometimes shift. Here are the 2022 predictions of popular baby names, as predicted by Names.org.
Boys
Liam Elijah Noah James John Levi William Oliver Henry Wyatt
Girls
Amelia Ava Olivia Emma Harper Charlotte Ella Nova Sophia Mila
SOME SCREENING TESTS MAY HAVE FALSE RESULTS You are probably well aware of the prenatal tests that occur during pregnancy. While they are extensive, they keep your healthcare provider in the loop on how you and your baby are doing. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised awareness regarding the risks of false results with genetic non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) tests. Results from these tests can provide information about the possibility of a fetus having certain genetic abnormalities that could result in a child being born with a health condition. The accuracy of NIPS tests have not been evaluated by the FDA, and they can give false results. The FDA recommends that patients discuss the benefits and risks of the tests, as well as the results, with a genetic counselor or other healthcare provider. ■ fda.gov 10
P IN K & B LUE | S P R ING 2022
MEN CAN HAVE PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS, TOO Bloating, irritability, heartburn, weight gain, and nausea are all common symptoms of pregnancy. However, mom-to-be isn’t the only one who may be experiencing them during those nine months. Couvade Syndrome, also known as sympathetic pregnancy, occurs when a pregnant woman’s partner begins experiencing the same symptoms of pregnancy. While the symptoms are temporary, they are usually caused by stress or hormonal changes in dad. It’s important to note that Couvade Syndrome is not a recognized condition, and there isn’t a cure for it. Luckily, the symptoms will resolve themselves on their own. However, if they don’t, dad-to-be should always reach out to his doctor for medical advice. ■ pubmed.gov
YOUR AND YOUR BABY’S EMOTIONAL CONNECTION It’s true, your baby can feel what you’re feeling. A study from the University of California-Irvine found that the emotional state of a mother influences the development of her baby both before and after birth. So, if you’re happy, sad, stressed, or anxious, your baby can feel those emotions, too, and it will affect them. It’s important to protect your mental health throughout your pregnancy, so seeking help from a medical professional is a crucial step. Along with that, doing your best to maintain balance in your life will prove to be beneficial for you and your baby. ■ uci.edu
