Is gas a sign of pregnancy?

Bloating and gas can be early signs of pregnancy. If you don’t usually have gas and suddenly you’re constantly chewing, pay attention (or at least take a pregnancy test). And be prepared: gas can last throughout pregnancy.

What causes gas and bloating in early pregnancy?

Chances are you’ve noticed bloating early in your pregnancy. You can thank the gas that enters your digestive tract when you swallow air or makes its presence known when bacteria in your colon break down undigested carbohydrates. (That’s why some foods and drinks can make you gassier than others.)

“This is going to be our fourth and I swear I’m so high by the end of the day I feel way further than I am,” he says BabyCenter Community member Kirstenmarie23. “I’ve already started wearing super baggy clothes because the shirts just hug my stomach now.”

Some people get a lot of gas from foods that others don’t bother at all. For example, people with lactose intolerance become bloated and gassy after eating dairy products such as milk or ice cream. This is because they do not produce enough lactase – the enzyme that breaks down the sugar (lactose) in dairy products.

The balance of bacteria in your colon, which varies from person to person, can also affect the amount of gas you produce.

Certain carbohydrates are the main culprits of gas. Protein and fat directly produce little gas, although fat can contribute to bloating by slowing down digestion.

Why do I have so much bloating and gas during pregnancy?

Gas during pregnancy is very common. When you’re pregnant, your body produces progesterone, a hormone that relaxes all your muscles, including those in your digestive tract. These relaxed muscles slow down digestion, which can lead to more gas than usual, bloating, belching and bloating, especially after a large meal.

People usually release gas by belching or farting about ten times a day. But when you’re pregnant, you might do it a lot more often. You may need to unbutton your pants during the day to relieve bloating, even weeks before the pregnancy shows.

After first trimester bloating, your expanding uterus begins to crowd your abdominal cavity, which can also slow down digestion and put pressure on your stomach, making you feel even more bloated after eating. This is why you may experience heartburn or constipation during pregnancy, even if you have never had these conditions before.

“With all this third-trimester gas, some nights I chase my husband right out of bed,” BabyCenter Community member KatNel. “At least I got a few nights with the bed to myself while he’s in the guest room!”

Foods to avoid to relieve bloating and gas during pregnancy

Some bloating and gas in pregnancy may be unavoidable, but cutting back on foods that are more likely to cause gas can be an effective way to reduce some of it. It is said that you cannot eliminate everything it could cause gas (like every single carb in the world, for example), otherwise you wouldn’t have a balanced pregnancy diet.

Start by cutting out some of the foods most likely to cause gas and bloating. If you notice relief, start adding these foods back into your diet one at a time, so you can try to determine what’s causing the problem. Keeping a food diary can help you figure out if certain foods make you more gassy than others.

Some common causes of gas include:

• Beans, whole grains and certain vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus. They all contain the sugar raffinose, which causes gas in many people.
• Fructose. This sugar is found naturally in certain foods, including leeks, onions, artichokes, dried fruit, ketchup, pears, apples, honey, wheat and fruit juice. High fructose corn syrup is fructose that is often added to processed foods and many sodas and fruit drinks. (Carbonation also contributes to bloating.)
• Certain starches like wheat and corn, but not rice. This is because many of us lack the enzyme needed to digest these complex carbohydrates. As a result, when they reach the large intestine, the bacteria living there feed on them, which leads to the formation of gas.
• Some foods rich in fiber such as oat bran, beans, peas and many fruits. These foods are normally broken down in the large intestine, leading to gas. Wheat bran, however, basically passes through your digestive system without breaking down, so it’s a good choice if you’re constipated and want to add fiber without the risk of bloating.
• Dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant get gas, diarrhea and stomach pains from eating dairy products. If you’re only mildly lactose intolerant, you may not have noticed any symptoms—until you increased your dairy consumption during pregnancy. If you suspect dairy is the problem, try lactose-free milk or calcium-fortified soy milk. (If you don’t drink any kind of milk, you’ll probably need to take a calcium supplement. Also, ask your doctor if you’re getting enough vitamin D from your prenatal vitamin.)
• Foods with a high fat content and fried foods. This type of card takes longer to digest, which means it’s more likely to stay in your colon and produce gas.

With all this gas in the third trimester, some nights I chase my husband right out of bed. At least I got a few nights with the bed to myself while he’s in the guest room!

– BabyCenter community member KatNel

Other ways to relieve gas during pregnancy

In addition to adjusting your diet, here are other ways to relieve gas during pregnancy:

If these tips don’t help, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter gas medicine that contains simethicone. (Do not take activated charcoal tablets without first talking to your doctor as they may not be safe during pregnancy.)

When to call your doctor about gas in pregnancy

Most gas is just a standard part of pregnancy, but call your doctor if:

• Your discomfort is more like abdominal pain or cramping.
• You have blood in your stool.
• You have severe diarrhea or constipation.

“It can be difficult to distinguish between severe bloating and uterine cramps or other warning signs of pregnancy,” says Kristin Cohen, DNP, WHNP-BC, a certified nurse-midwife and member of BabyCenter’s medical advisory board. “If you’re not sure what’s causing your discomfort, try changing positions and make sure you’re well hydrated. If your pain gets more intense or comes and goes more often, or if the quality of the pain changes (it starts to feel like pain, for example, or radiating), be sure to call your doctor or midwife.”

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may notice that your symptoms become more intense during pregnancy. This is likely due to changes in the production of estrogen and progesterone, as well as the physical pressure your growing baby puts on the bowel wall. Non-drug therapies – including relaxation techniques and dietary changes such as adding more fiber to your diet while reducing gas-causing foods – can help.

While we can all agree that taste is subjective, some decor decisions will almost always land you on the list of naughty home designers. Often, many of them are born out of a love of current trends – but it’s important to know when you’ve taken the aesthetic of the day a little too far.

As we look ahead to the home trends of 2025 and keep track of what’s on the rise, we thought it might be fun to take a peek at what’s officially out of style as well.

With that in mind, we reached out to a few of our favorite designers to ask what they think should never come back—and it’s a downright awkward read.

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When my first baby was a few days old, my best friend from college called to congratulate me. I always remember the advice she gave me during that phone call, despite the newborns I was in. She told me that one of the best things I can do as a mom is to keep a baby journal. I remember her saying, “You think you’ll remember everything, but you won’t,” she said. I immediately thought of the journals my mom kept for my brother and me, so I knew the idea of ​​a baby journal was a good one.

The next day I went to the local bookstore with my newborn son in his stroller and bought a journal. It has a soft fabric cover with pale blue patterns and a thin red ribbon sewn into the binding. I started writing in it that same afternoon.

I described how quickly my son changed in the first week. His tiny hand held my finger tighter and his gaze seemed more focused on me after nursing. I wrote down the details I remembered about my birth, which was a bit of a blur, but I remembered the doctor telling me “It’s a boy!” and seeing the tears in my husband’s eyes when he held our son. I wrote about those first few days at home when I was mesmerized by my baby’s face. I also wrote about how completely exhausted I was from the birth experience, even mentioning that my body felt like I had run a marathon.

It was such an easy way to record my baby’s milestones and didn’t take up much time in my days, which seemed like an endless cycle of feedings, pumping, nappy changes, pram walks and late night feedings. Even in my newborn haze, I enjoyed taking a break to write in my journal for a few minutes. It allowed me to stop my daily routine and think about my son and my experience as a new mom.

Now that my kids are older, they love reading excerpts from their baby diaries and hearing about their milestones.

– Erin Leigh

I was writing down the simplest things

When my baby was just born, I wrote something short in his journal almost every day. Often it was as simple as “he smiled today!” or “he finally took a long nap!” Another time I wrote about his battle with acid reflux when he was two months old. I described how he started screaming with his tiny hands balled into fists after just a few minutes of nursing. I wondered if she was getting enough milk and doubted that the medicine the doctor prescribed was working at all. When he was six months old, I often wrote short lists of foods he liked and disliked. As he grew, I made lists of his first words. My son’s first time in the pool, first steps, first laugh and first clap all made it into his diary along with his disastrous first haircut and first trip to the emergency room.

At first I asked mom when she thought he would start rolling from back to front. “I’ll look in your baby diary to see how old you were when you rolled,” she suggested. Genius! I was thrilled to be able to refer to the notes she kept for me to help me with my own baby. Sure enough, mom had an answer for me the next day. I rolled from my back to my stomach at about 4 1/2 months. Fast forward a few weeks, and my son met this milestone around the same time I did.

As my baby grew and became a toddler, my writing slowed to once or twice a week, then once or twice a month as she grew and we had three more children. I bought journals for each of my other children when they were also newborns, and followed a similar daily writing schedule. I made it a priority to write often during my children’s first year, even though my entries were often short. Now, with four children between the ages of 8 and 13, I still make time to write in their journals a few times a month, usually on Sunday evenings after my kids are in bed. This quiet time allows me to reflect uninterrupted on the past week and record some of the highlights in their journals.

Now I am able to think about my younger years with to them

Now that my kids are older, they love reading excerpts from their baby diaries and hearing about their milestones. They delight in humorous stories, especially those involving diaper explosions or potty training. A few weeks ago, I was driving my daughter home from school. She asked me out of the blue, “Mom, what was my first word?” I was silent for a few seconds, embarrassed that I couldn’t remember her first words. I told her, “I’ll take a look at your baby journal as soon as we get home.” Sure enough, we found her first word (“hi”) and some funny stories about food waste. She thought the stories were hilarious!

How I Implemented a Journaling Practice

When a mom-to-be or new mom asks me for advice, I always recommend getting a baby journal. As a mom of four, my journals were (and still are) an invaluable parenting tool. As an author, my baby diaries were instrumental in writing my first book, Moving through the newborn months and beyondin which I give advice for new mothers on the topics of routine, sleep, nervousness and self-care. I treasure my baby journals and hope that my children will look back on their baby journals when they become parents.

But if the thought of keeping a baby diary seems overwhelming, my routine might help make it easier:

1. I chose a magazine that worked for me. I knew I liked the old-school pen and paper method, so I wrote in bound journals. However, if you prefer to dictate, you can use a diary app on your phone or create a “baby diary” file on your computer and type everything out.
2. I use a reminder system. I’m a whiteboard kind of girl, so I put all kinds of “journaling” reminders on my whiteboards. You can also set reminders on your phone if that works better for you.
3. I put the journal somewhere I know I’ll see it. When my babies were newborns, I kept my baby journal and pen on the little table next to the nursing pillow so I would remember to write after I nursed my baby. Now I keep my journals on my desk in my office where I see them every day and have a convenient space to write.
4. I date each journal entry. When I read the baby’s diaries years later, I want to know when my baby said “mommy” for the first time or how old she was when she lost her first tooth.
5. I write down what I want to remember. I’ve found it helpful to document milestones, birthdays, transitions (like naps, sleeping through the night), as well as challenges and struggles (things that make you laugh or cry). How much you write and what you write about your baby is entirely up to you.

If your child is already 6 months old or even a toddler, don’t worry: you haven’t missed the opportunity to start a journal. Whether you start the day your baby is born or when he is 9 months old, there will always be something meaningful to write about your child. Keeping a baby journal has been one of the best gifts for me and my children – and our whole family cherishes these journals filled with our children’s milestones, struggles, birthdays and special moments.

We’ve all been there: receiving gifts from well-meaning family members or friends that we know we’ll just never use. We are faced with the dilemma of whether to keep it and clutter up our homes – or throw it away, give it away or give it away.

We tapped professional organizers for their thoughts on the most common gifts they usually give to keep clutter at home to a minimum.

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances are a gift that most organizing experts say they tend to get rid of. In a world where counter space is limited, it makes sense that these are often the first to go despite the price.

“Bulky appliances take up valuable counter or storage space and often go unused,” says Barbara E. Tanaka, strategic home design and organization consultant at Real Estate Bees. “It’s hard to let them go because they seem too valuable to donate, but not practical to keep.”

Not to mention, most people are gifted with kitchen appliances that they don’t yet know how to use or have limited use for.

“If it only serves a few purposes or doesn’t have a significant impact on the cooking process, then it’s clear that such a tool will not be in use for long,” says Brian Davis, professional organizer and owner of Handy Rubbish.

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Candles

Aside from kitchen appliances, candles are another common gift that professionals tend to give.

Candles seem like the easiest gift to give this holiday season: they’re cozy and they add a nice scent to your home—but there’s such a thing as also many candles. And if everyone is giving them away, you’re bound to get too many, and ones with scents you don’t like.

Home Decor

If you’re gifting decor, make sure you really know the recipient’s style, otherwise this could be a gift that ends up being passed on to someone else.

“The decor rarely matches the recipient’s style and often becomes visual clutter,” says Tanaka. “Yet many keep it, hoping to find a place for it one day or because they feel sentimental.”

Books

Unless the book is requested by an avid reader in your life, chances are you’ll skip giving it as a gift—physical books add visual clutter (especially if they’re not on a shelf) and once the person reads it, they may never pick it up again.

“It’s nice to get a book as a gift, but if the title doesn’t work for me in any way, it’s just going to be a decorative piece,” says Davis.

Promotional items

If you’ve ever received a t-shirt or mug and wondered where your giftee got it, chances are it was a promotional item they got for free.

“Free promotional items shouldn’t be kept because they’re free—most of the time they’re unnecessary and just add to our clutter,” says Meghan Cocchiaro, home organizing expert and owner of Organized by Meg LLC, Cocchiaro.

Instead of keeping these items out of sentimentality, you can donate them to people in need.

For many expectant parents, working with a doula can make labor easier; it can make it less likely that you’ll need a C-section and even shorten labor. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover doula services in many cases, and hiring a doula is not in everyone’s budget.

As I welcome my second baby in just 10 weeks, I feel incredibly lucky that my own sister is a certified birth and postpartum doula. He lives too far away for that officially attend my birth, but she says having a strong support person with you in labor, even if it’s not a trained doula, can make all the difference. In addition to answering my messages about all the weird pregnancy symptoms (because doulas can be great for prenatal support too), she helped prepare my partner, who would be with me in the delivery room. We are also scheduled for a partner support clinic she does on Zoom for all her clients when I hit 34 weeks. (Seriously, have I mentioned how happy I am?)

In some ways, having someone you know and love in the room is even more important than a doula, adds Brandie Bishop, founder and chief executive officer National Association of Black DoulasOpens a new window. “While a doula can bring a certain level of expertise and skill, we don’t have special stories and intimate moments together,” says Bishop. “Those people who love you and know you are important during this super transformative moment because it helps keep the good labor-inducing hormones (like oxytocin) flowing.”

No matter who you choose as your birth partner, preparing them with some essential tips from the doula handbook can be the key to a more fulfilling and supported birth experience. Here are six doula-approved tips to support moms during labor.

1. Learn about the job so you can make informed decisions

A basic understanding of what happens at each stage of labor can help partners prepare for what is often an unpredictable process. When partners know what to expect, they can better advocate for the birth.

“When I work with families, I always ask dads, ‘What is extension and deletion?’ And I ask them to explain it to me as a practice,” says Bishop. “If you’re in the hospital room, can you help make a decision if you don’t know what the cervix is? You need to know the basics of labor and delivery.”

Everyone learns differently, but keep your partner up to date by taking childbirth education classes, reading a book, or learning key terms you’re likely to hear in the delivery room.

2. Prepare before birth for postpartum

While preparing for the big day, preparing for what comes next – the immediate postpartum period – is often overlooked. Partners can really help in this area by being prepared for the amount of healing that happens in the first few weeks.

“Think about how you’re going to be that support person, especially in those first 15 days after the birth when you really shouldn’t be awake and doing a lot,” says Bishop. “Your job is to make sure she eats, drinks and feels good.”

Focus on what’s important to the birthing mother and give them a voice.

– Princess Mckinney-Kirk, certified educator and doula

Also: When partners help line up friends, family, or professionals to help with cooking, cleaning, and laundry in those first weeks after birth, it allows both parents to focus on recovery and bonding instead of feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.

This may not seem important for labor support, but it’s because “the less stress a mother feels about what’s to come after birth, the easier it is for her to be present and less stressed during labor,” Bishop explains.

3. Record what the nursing staff does

Birth is an unpredictable process. Even the healthiest moms can experience deviations from their birth plans. Bishop recommends that partners help keep track of events by recording the actions the medical team takes, including medications given, when cervical checks are performed, and so on.

“This is really helpful to look back on, especially when you’re experiencing your ‘plan B’ or some kind of complication,” says Bishop. “The birth mother can’t follow up, but as a support person you can, so when other medications are given or measures are taken, you can ask the right questions and be engaged on her behalf.”

4. Ask questions

“Partners can help align the experience with the birth plan by asking specific questions,” says Princess Mckinney-Kirk, a certified DONA international childbirth educator and doula based in Arizona. “These questions can bring focus back to what’s important to the birthing mother and give them a voice, especially when things get intense.”

Some good ones include:

• Can we have a moment to discuss?

• Are there alternatives?

• How will it affect her and the baby?

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It’s not about monitoring trained health workers, but about creating a break for shared decision-making and open communication, Bishop adds.

5. Be present and calm

Birth happens on its own timeline. It can take hours of waiting, but it’s best for partners to stay focused even in quiet moments. “Birth is all about reading the room and tuning in,” says Mckinney-Kirk. “When the partner is fully there and not distracted, it’s like an anchor for the person giving birth.”

Attendance is even more important when contractions are intense. It can be hard to see someone you love in pain, but staying calm will help everyone else stay calm. “You are not there to save her from a difficult or painful experience, but to witness her journey and to help and encourage her when she doubts herself along the way,” my sister Amanda SaxonOpens a new windowadds the ICBD.

6. Provide physical support

There are also physical ways partners can help. These doula-approved moves can ease discomfort during labor, especially in an unmedicated birth.

• Press into your lower back: For those with lower back pain or pressure, the birth partner can apply gentle, steady pressure with the heel of their hand on the lower back. This technique can provide significant relief, especially during contractions.

• Put your hands together: While holding the mom-to-be’s hand, the birthing partner can place his thumb over the space between her thumb and forefinger, where the webbed skin meets the thicker part of the hand. During contractions, especially inducing contractions, press firmly on this point to relieve pain.

• Squeeze your hips: A family partner can relieve pressure in the pelvis by placing their hands on either side of your hips. As the contraction peaks, have them press inward with firm, steady pressure, which can be grounding and soothing.

• Do a sit-up while breathing: Have your birth partner gently lift your belly during contractions to provide physical relief. Combined with rhythmic breathing – where you both breathe in sync – this technique not only reduces discomfort but also promotes emotional connection and support.

• Try the “rump-shaker:” Between contractions, have your birth partner wrap a long piece of cloth, such as a rug, sheet, or scarf, around your hips while you are on all fours. He will then shake the ends of the cloth back and forth. This technique is an excellent way to bring the baby into a more optimal position, and it also helps to loosen the muscles and tendons a little. “It can be a comedic moment, and laughter is also a great tool,” adds Bishop.

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The main lesson I learned from my first birth is that no amount of practice or preparation can guarantee a flawless experience. After all, birth is unpredictable.

But knowing that I won’t be alone as I experience the pain of labor and the drama of birth, and that I will have someone I love ready to support me in the room, is truly priceless. It reminds me of something my sister said in early pregnancy: “Often we want absolute control, and labor just doesn’t work. The more you follow the tide, the smoother the sailing will be – and every good adventure is best attempted with someone who you already believe.”

Often referred to by designers as the fifth wall in a room, the ceiling is a great place to experiment with color, pattern, design and more. Consider redoing your own ceilings in the new year to bring more life into your home.

To learn more about the types of ceiling design styles that will be important in 2025, we spoke to a few interior designers who share their best predictions, below.

High gloss paint

Don’t let your ceiling go unnoticed—draw attention to it by painting it with a high-gloss paint, says Gray Joyner, founder of Gray Joyner Interiors. Joyner explains how it’s a great way to add a touch of color and drama to a space. While the ceiling could technically be painted with any type of finish, Joyner notes that high gloss is the best choice because of its reflective nature and ability to bounce light around the room.

When choosing a paint color, the direction you go in is entirely up to you. Joyner says you can go for matching looks or even mix and match finishes if you want.

“A shop with semi-gloss walls would look very chic with the same high-gloss color on the ceiling,” adds the designer.

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Background

According to Joyner, the popularity of wallpaper on the ceiling has increased in recent years and will continue to remain in fashion in 2025. The color and pattern you choose is entirely up to you; go subtle or bold depending on your personal design style.

Besides looking chic, sticking wallpaper on the ceiling and then painting the remaining four walls of the room can be an inexpensive design tactic, says Joyner, noting that many wallpaper images are quite expensive.

Jennifer Laouari, co-founder of Morgan Madison Designs, likes to cover an entire room with wallpaper when possible, even when square footage is lacking.

“In smaller spaces like foyers, bold wall-to-ceiling wallpaper creates a completely immersive experience,” she says. “No surface is left untouched, ensuring that every angle feels considered.”

Hand painted murals

Hand-painted murals and frescoes, although by no means a new technique, continue to be a favorite of designers well into the 21st century.

“The timeless elegance they offer brings a breath of European grandeur to even the most contemporary spaces,” explains Kara Childress, founder of Kara Childress Interior Atelier. “These intricate designs allow for a highly personalized statement that transforms a room into something truly extraordinary.”

Sculptural plaster works

Another classic option is sculptural plaster, which will add plenty of ornate detail to any ceiling in the home and is experiencing a resurgence in the design world, according to Childress.

“These classic, handcrafted elements add a level of artistry and depth that elevates the ceiling to be just as stunning as the rest of the room,” she says. “It’s a perfect nod to the past while embracing the present.”

Tiled Ceilings

Laouari says tiled ceilings will soon take the design world by storm. Laouari explains that coffered ceilings are a common trick that’s quickly gaining popularity, so it won’t be long before it becomes a signature feature in homes everywhere.

Natural materials

Consider bringing the outdoors in as it relates to your ceilings, says Childress.

“Natural materials, especially stone and reclaimed wood, have long been favorites of mine for their underlying, organic qualities,” she says, adding that incorporating these features into the ceiling will result in a warm, timeless environment.

Joyner is all about wood ceilings and predicts they will grow in popularity in the coming years. She explains how wooden ceilings instantly bring warmth and richness to a space.

“It’s a great way to give texture and interest to a room that’s designed to feel more neutral,” Joyner explains.

Can pregnant women drink coffee?

The short answer is yes, pregnant women can drink coffee. However, it is important to watch out for coffee and caffeine consumption in general during pregnancy. Caffeine can affect your pregnancy and baby in ways that aren’t entirely clear.

“The biggest misconception I see about caffeine is that people think they can’t have it during pregnancy at all,” says Layan Alrahmani, MD, OB/GYN, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and member of BabyCenter Medical. Advisory Board. “Remember, a little caffeine is acceptable and unlikely to be harmful.”

The American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsOpens a new window (ACOG) advises pregnant women to limit caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which could be as little as one 8-ounce cup of coffee, depending on the brand. (See the chart at the bottom of this article to get an idea of ​​how much caffeine is in different foods and drinks.)

I drink one coffee every morning. … It seems pretty low risk, and that brings me joy!

– BabyCenter Community Member KateCopeland24

How much caffeine is safe during pregnancy?

Although the official recommendation is 200 mg or less per day, some experts believe that even moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy can lead to risks.

Previous studies have linked high caffeine consumption (more than 200 mg per day) with small-for-gestational-age babies or risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). But researchers at the National Institutes of HealthOpens a new window found that women who drank less than 200 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy—just half a cup of coffee a day—had slightly smaller babies than women who didn’t drink any caffeine.

The researchers noted that caffeine is believed to cause blood vessels in the uterus and placenta to constrict, which could reduce blood supply to the fetus and inhibit growth. They also said caffeine could potentially disrupt fetal stress hormones, putting infants at risk of rapid weight gain after birth and obesity, heart disease and diabetes later in life.

However, other studies have found no link between moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy (less than 200 mg per day) and problems such as low birth weight, IUGR, miscarriage, or preterm birth. This is why most gynecologists and midwives approve moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy.

However, since the research is not complete, it is a good idea to limit caffeine consumption as much as possible during pregnancy and stay within the recommended limit of 200 mg per day.

Effects of caffeine during pregnancy

When you drink a cup of coffee, the caffeine passes through the placenta into the amniotic fluid and your baby’s bloodstream. While your body is busy metabolizing and releasing caffeine, your baby’s body is still developing and takes much longer to process the caffeine. As a result, your baby is exposed to caffeine for much longer than you are.

Even if caffeine doesn’t usually cause you problems, you may find that it doesn’t agree with you during pregnancy. It is a stimulant, so it can increase heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, it can cause nervousness and cause insomnia. Caffeine can also worsen pregnancy problems such as heartburn and frequent urination.

The effects of caffeine may be more noticeable as your pregnancy progresses. This is because your body’s ability to break down caffeine slows down, so you end up with higher levels of that caffeine in your bloodstream.

During the second trimester, it takes almost twice as long to clear caffeine from the body than it does when you’re not pregnant. During the third trimester, it lasts almost three times longer.

This can also mean that more caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches your baby, who cannot process it effectively.

There’s one more reason to cut down on coffee and tea, whether or not they contain caffeine. These drinks contain compounds that make it harder for your body to absorb iron. This is important because many pregnant women are already low in iron. If you drink coffee or tea, drink it between meals to reduce the absorption of iron.

Wondering when you can go back to enjoying your regular caffeine habit? It depends. Some caffeine can pass to your baby in breast milk, so it’s also a good idea to limit caffeine if you’re breastfeeding, especially for the first few months.

Ways to reduce caffeine during pregnancy

While there are good reasons to cut back on caffeine during pregnancy, it’s not always easy. Your desire for your morning cup of joe may fade during the first trimester when morning sickness sets in, only to return in full force later in your pregnancy. Or, maybe you’ll always have a craving for your usual caffeinated pick-me-ups.

Consider some of these tips to help you have a low-caffeine pregnancy:

• Ease up gradually. If you’re a devoted coffee, tea, or soda drinker, weaning yourself off caffeine probably won’t be easy. To reduce symptoms – which can include headaches, irritability and lethargy – taper off gradually (but get below that 200mg per day limit as soon as possible).
• Try blends for less caffeine. You may want to start by mixing decaffeinated coffee with your regular coffee, gradually increasing the ratio of decaffeinated to caffeinated. Or use more milk and less coffee. At home, try using a smaller amount of ground coffee (or tea leaves) or cooking for a shorter time. Leaving a tea bag to steep for just one minute instead of five cuts the caffeine by as much as half.
• Switch to decaf. Consider making a change, at least for another cup of coffee or tea. (Caffeinated drinks may contain some caffeine, but it’s usually a small amount.)
• Look for other sources of energy. Do your best to get enough sleep at night, go to bed early, and rest during the day when you can. Eat well and exercise – even mild exercise can give you energy.

Although herbal teas are often caffeine-free, check with your doctor before drinking them. A cup of mint or ginger tea is fine, but some herbal teas are not safe for pregnancy.

“I found that drinking decaffeinated kind of gave me a placebo effect,” he says BabyCenter Community member of rusalka96. “Instead of one medium cup of regular coffee in the morning, I can drink several cups of decaf throughout the day.”

What foods and drinks contain caffeine?

Caffeine is found in many more things than just coffee, and the amount of caffeine varies widely among products and even among brands. Pay attention to the type of food and drink you eat throughout the day (and how much) so you’re aware of how much caffeine you’re actually consuming.

To manage your caffeine intake, you need to be aware of all sources, such as tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, energy bars, chocolate and coffee ice cream. Caffeine also appears in herbal products and over-the-counter medications, including some headache, cold, and allergy medications. Read labels carefully.

The amount of caffeine in a single serving of coffee varies widely, depending on the type of bean, the roasting method, the brewing method – and, obviously, the size of the cup.

(Even though espresso contains more caffeine per ounce, it’s served in a small cup. So a full cup of brewed coffee will actually deliver more caffeine.)

“I drink one coffee every morning,” he says BabyCenter Community member KateCopeland24. “I calculated it to be about 65 to 100 mg of caffeine, and it’s something I look forward to every morning. It seems pretty low risk, and it brings me joy!”

Amount of caffeine in common foods and drinks

Coffee	Amount	Caffeine
coffee, generic	8 oz	95-200 mg
coffee, McDonalds	16 oz	145 mg
coffee, Peets	16 oz	260 mg
coffee, starbucks	16 oz	260-360 mg
coffee, Dunkin’	14 oz	210 mg
coffee Americano, Starbucks	16 oz	225 mg
coffee, Dunkin’ cold brew	14 oz	260 mg
coffee, Starbucks iced	16 oz	165 mg
coffee latte, Starbucks	16 oz	150 mg
espresso, starbucks	1.5 oz (1 serving)	150 mg
plain white, starbucks	12 oz	130 mg
espresso, generic	1 oz (1 serving)	64 mg
Nespresso capsules	1	60 mg
coffee, generic instant	8 oz	75 mg
coffee, Starbucks decaffeinated	16 oz	25 mg
coffee, generic decaffeinated	8 oz	2-15 mg

Tea	Amount	Caffeine
chai latte, Starbucks	16 oz	95 mg
black tea, brewed	1 bag	55-95 mg
green tea, brewed	1 bag	45-95 mg
decaffeinated black tea	1 bag
Tazo iced black tea	14 oz	31-45 mg
Honest T Organic Just Black T	17 oz	86 mg
Snapple Lemon Tea	16 oz	37 mg
Lipton Lemon Lemon Tea	17 oz	21 mg

Soft drinks	Amount	Caffeine
Pepsi Zero Sugar	12 oz	69 mg
Mountain Dew	12 oz	54 mg
Diet Coke	12 oz	46 mg
dr. Pepper	12 oz.	41 mg
Pepsi	12 oz	38 mg
Diet Pepsi	12 oz	36 mg
Coca-Cola Classic	12 oz	34 mg
Cherry Coke	12 oz.	34 mg
Barq’s Root Beer	12 oz	22 mg
7- Cf	12 oz	0 mg
Sierra Mist	12 oz	0 mg
Sprite	12 oz	0 mg

Energy drinks	Amount	Caffeine
Red Bull	8.5 oz	80 mg
Mountain Dew amp Original	16 oz	142 mg
5-hour energy regular	1.9 oz	200 mg
Monster Energy	16 oz	160 mg
Rockstar Energy Original	16 oz	160 mg
Starbucks Doubleshot Energy	15 oz	135 mg
Vitaminwater Energy Tropical Citrus	20 oz	50 mg

Desserts	Amount	Caffeine
Hershey’s Special dark chocolate	1 bar	20 mg
Hershey’s milk chocolate	1 bar	9 mg
Ben & Jerry’s coffee ice cream	2/3 cup	65 mg
Dreyer’s or Edy’s coffee ice cream	2/3 cup	14 mg
hot cocoa mix	8 oz	1-3 mg
chocolate milk	8 oz	5-8 mg

Gift wrapping season is upon us, and with it comes those awkward bits of wrapping paper you’re not quite sure what to do with. But if you’ve got a pile of wrapping paper that doesn’t fit any gifts, there’s a solution that’s so adorable you might end up wanting to save every bit of wrapping paper you have: turn it into ribbon for your gifts.

How to turn scraps of wrapping paper into ribbon

1. Cut the paper strips. First, cut the wrapping paper into thin strips (cut longer if you’re working with a rectangle).
2. Twist each strip. When you are done cutting the paper, curl it using scissors. This can be done the same way you would twist a ribbon – gently run the edge of a pair of scissors from one end of the wrapping paper to the other. Be sure to scrape the inside of the wrapping paper, not the design on the outside. This will cause the wrapping paper to curl; the more pressure you apply, the more you twist. For this hack, the paper should be curled along its entire length, but you can vary the types of coils you create.
3. Arrange the curls. After each strip of paper is curled, you can grab a section in the middle and start stacking the other pieces on top of it. Stack the twisted strips so that they lie one over the other in the very center of each strip; this should create a full curl on both sides of the pile.
4. Paste it. Take your bundle and attach it to the wrapped gift by sticking a piece of tape across the middle where they cross. Don’t worry about the tape being visible – the tape should fold over it.

You are looking to mimic the same design you would get from a curly bow. Instagram user @kelleynan demonstrates this hack from cutting to layers. She also advises DIYers to layer curled pieces of wrapping paper in different directions to help create a fuller, layered effect.

If you use up your scraps every year, that means your homemade wrapping paper will be the perfect match for your gifts. If you’re someone who likes to go all out with matching wrapping paper designs and color schemes, this trend is definitely for you, although @kelleynan shows off this hack using complementary wrapping papers.

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Other ways to use wrapping paper

wooden bows: If you’re looking for even more ways to reuse these ribbons, you might want to check out the Christmas tree bow trend that’s taking over the holiday scene this year. Twisted ribbon can make a cute, unique decoration – and using Christmas wrapping paper means it’s already on theme.

Holiday Streamers: Use larger pieces that will leave you with plenty of extra length to make holiday ribbons. Twist them gently, then join several pieces of paper at the ends.

bunting: Bunting is a simple decoration that will give a similar festive effect – just cut leftover wrapping paper into triangles and hang them from a garland, a length of twine or more wrapping paper.

Gift bags: When you have a piece of wrapping paper that is close to the gift you are trying to wrap, you can try making a gift bag out of it instead of wrapping it the traditional way. All you have to do is fold the paper over the gift and tape it as you normally would, leaving both sides open. Pull out the gift and push both sides of the paper at one end, creating a diamond shape. Fold it straight down and tape to create the bottom of your bag. All you have to do is insert your gift and fold the top.

It’s officially peak guest season, and if you’re like us, you want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the moment guests enter. Whatever the occasion—whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression.

On the other hand, the entryway is the last space you see when you leave the house and the first space to welcome you home – so you can make it work for you. The trade-off: let it tell a story that would interest others, but also let it feel like a warm hug you’ll be happy to come into after a hard day.

If you’ve been dying to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight essentials that make an entryway look like a pro.

Statement Lighting

Statement lighting is often reserved for the living room and dining room, but not for Isabel Runsewe, founder of Isy’s Interior. According to her, the entryway is a great place to update your lighting and make the space more upscale.

“It can be as simple as swapping out light bulbs for a more appropriate shade, to replacing lights and adding medallions,” she says. “Choosing the right shades of lighting for your space adds a level of warmth and sophistication and sets a relaxed atmosphere.”

Depending on your style, you can go all out with sculptural lighting fixtures, make a subtle statement with some vintage lamps, or maybe even invest in elegant table lamps that serve as conversation starters.

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Any mirror, plain or non-pointing

For interior designer Laura of Laura Solensky Design, no entryway is complete without a mirror.

“Any size entry can accommodate some sort of mirror so you can check your appearance before you leave the house,” she notes.

What’s more, mirrors help brighten up the space, making it a must-have for any gloomy pint-sized entryway.

Curated Artwork

Besides instantly elevating a space from bland to advanced design, the artwork creates a welcoming mood that would make anyone feel at ease.

And if you think that decorating the walls of the entrance has to be a huge investment, you are wrong. Simply frame your existing family photos or print out some snaps from your phone to make the area feel more personal without breaking the bank.

Oversized pieces

If there’s one guaranteed way to make a lasting impression on your guests, it’s by adding large pieces.

“I like to add large pieces of decor around the entryway because it allows for style in this space without cluttering it,” explains interior designer and lifestyle influencer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. Think large lanterns, candles and vases.

Her rule, however, is to avoid cluttering the space with a bunch of little things. Doing so will only make your entryway look cluttered and cramped. Instead, she suggests keeping this space open to create flow throughout your home.

Storage Solutions

In addition to looking beautiful and harmonious, the entrance to your home should, most importantly, serve the needs of your family on a daily basis.

Malarkey swears by a stylish entryway table or console. Not only is it a great place to add decorative items that make a good first impression of your style choices, but you can also use it to store grab-and-go items.

Prints and textures

For a dose of fun, you can’t go wrong with textured walls and wallpaper – just ask Malarkey.

“I love a good print and a good texture! Anything that will make the space pop and immediately grab your guest’s attention,” says Malarkey.

Runsewe is also a very team wallpaper, but advises that the overall aesthetic should match the rest of your home.

“Depending on the client, it can be fun to use a bright and bold background, but I also enjoy using more muted tones to accommodate seasonal changes in decor,” says Runsewe.

Stylish floor treatments

Just like your walls, your entryway floor also deserves attention. If your floorboards are looking a little old and tired, give them a nice refresh with a coat of varnish – or maybe floor paint if you’re feeling brave.

Of course, a runner or rug is always a welcome addition to an entryway for two specific reasons, according to Solenski. First, it’s functional for wiping feet and keeping messes at bay. Second, it aesthetically brings color, pattern and personality to the space.

And if you have the budget to replace your floors, why not turn them into a dramatic feature? Malarkey’s suggestion: fun graphics tiles.

“I like to add something unexpected to add drama to the space and really make a great first impression with guests,” she says.

Personal items

After all, what is home if not personal? Let’s say you like to read. You can line your long hallway with a built-in bookshelf.

Or maybe you’re an aspiring plant parent. In this case, add trees, flowers and plants – and maybe even drape some vines around the mirror for a jungle look.

“Customizing the space with something unique about you or your family is always a great way to start a conversation when guests arrive,” says Malarkey. “This can be honoring your heritage by displaying family heirlooms such as pictures and crockery, or even displaying something you love and are passionate about!”

When the nausea subsides in the second trimester and your appetite starts to pick up, you might be amazed at the long list of foods you shouldn’t eat during pregnancy. One food that’s particularly bad, but shouldn’t be: cheese.

The reality is that most—but not all—cheese sold in the US is perfectly fine to eat during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know to be safe.

Can pregnant women eat cheese?

Yes! Pregnant women can eat hard cheese as well as soft cheese with a clear “pasteurized” label. Pasteurization involves heating milk to a certain temperature to kill potentially dangerous bacteria. In fact, pasteurized cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which promote strong bones and healthy growth for your baby.

Just try not to overdo it, as cheese is also high in sodium and saturated fat. One serving of cheese is 1 ½ ounces (about the size of your thumb). The USDA recommends that women aim for a total of three servings of (ideally low-fat) dairy products per day, which in addition to cheese includes milk and yogurt.

Which cheese is best during pregnancy?

Hard cheese (such as cheddar or parmesan) is your safest choice during pregnancy. Hard cheese contains less moisture than soft cheese, making it less likely that potentially dangerous bacteria will grow even if it’s made from unpasteurized milk.

Pasteurized cheese during pregnancy is another safe bet. Almost all cheeses produced in the United States are pasteurized as standard, but you may come across unpasteurized cheese at the market or if you buy imported cheese at the grocery store. This means that most soft cheeses are also safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as the label states that they are made from “pasteurized” milk.

The following soft commercial cheeses are almost always made from pasteurized milk and are considered safe:

• Cream cheese

• Fresh cheese

• Processed mozzarella

These common soft cheeses are sometimes raw, so look for the “pasteurized” label on:

• Goat cheese

• Blue cheese

• Feta cheese

• Camembert

• Brie

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• Ricotta cheese

If you’re at a restaurant and can’t check the label, know that it’s safe to eat any cheese that’s been heated until it’s steaming hot—for example, cheese on a pizza or in a grilled cheese sandwich.

Cheese to avoid during pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding unpasteurized soft cheese, raw milk, unpasteurized yogurt, and unpasteurized ice cream. This is because these products may rarely contain the bacteria listeria, which can cause listeriosis. Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to contract listeriosis than the general population. This infection can be passed on to the unborn baby and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or infant death.

Pasteurized cheese can still be contaminated with listeria if it is produced in an unsanitary facility. If you want to be extra careful, you may want to avoid Latin American cheeses, even if pasteurized, since they have been linked to listeriosis outbreaks in the US. Examples of Latin American cheeses you might want to avoid include:

• fresh cheese

• white cheese

• soft cheese

• cotija cheese

• panela cheese

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• ranch cheese

• Lump curd

Bottom Line: Hard cheeses and pasteurized soft cheeses are safe (even healthy!) to consume in moderation during pregnancy. If you’re not sure if the soft cheese is pasteurized and not steaming hot, skip it.