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 Girls

Liam Amelia Elijah Ava Noah Olivia James Emma John Harper Levi Charlotte William Ella Oliver Nova Henry Sophia Wyatt 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

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

MOM 2 MOM SUPPORT

If you’re feeling irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed; are crying frequently; or have a history of depression, you’re not alone. However, having support during this time is crucial. Through the Mom 2 Mom Support Group, Woman’s Hospital offers moms a safe, supportive environment where they can come together to discuss what they’re experiencing. The group meets virtually each month at 10 a.m., and registration is required. ■ womans.org

POSTPARTUM PERIODS EXPLAINED When it comes to menstrual cycles, they are often unpredictable. The uncertainty is quite common due to hormones and changes in age. However, periods post-baby can be even more complicated. After birth, new moms experience a discharge called lochia. Lochia begins as a dark red color but lightens over time; however, this is not your period. This discharge ends after four-six weeks. Breastfeeding can play a role in when your period returns to “normal.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, you likely won’t have a period while you’re breastfeeding. However, if you stop breastfeeding or choose not to breastfeed, you will likely resume periods shortly after birth. The Clinic also shares that most postpartum women will have a “normal” menstrual cycle of 21-35 days with bleeding that lasts two-seven days. ■ clevelandclinic.org

PREGNANCY AND SKIN CARE Our skin experiences various changes during pregnancy. In order to keep our skin healthy, our skin care routine could require some changes of its own. While most over-the-counter products are safe during pregnancy, it is a good idea to avoid certain ingredients, such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and phthalates. Always check labels, and as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends, talk with your provider before applying anything to your skin. Some products still contain these harmful ingredients. ■ acog.org