Avoiding Embarrassment

Moms-to-be sometimes feel like someone else has taken over their body, and that can lead to some very embarrassing public mishaps. Tricia O'Brien, Features Editor for American Baby Magazine, has some advice for saving face.

Swelling is a huge problem for moms-to-be. To get a little relief, many will slip off their shoes only to find that they can't get them back on again. "Elevate your feet. That helps bring the blood down," says O'Brien. "If you're going to buy new shoes, opt for a half size up." If you're pregnant during the spring and summer, try wearing sandals instead.

Some women are also prone to fainting during pregnancy. "This is something that can happen often from dehydration or hypoglycemia," says O'Brien. She suggests staying hydrated. Keep bottles of water or juice handy so that you'll always have a beverage nearby. If you find yourself hating the taste of water, try a sports drink instead. The electrolytes are an added bonus and will help keep you hydrated.

If you're constantly tired, small snacks can help with drops in energy.Doing so stabilizes your blood sugar. O'Brien suggests eating high-protein snacks like cheese and crackers. If your boss finds you asleep at your keyboard, O'Brien says it's important to laugh it off and apologize calmly.

Overheating can also be an issue during pregnancy. "You are supporting two metabolisms," says O'Brien. "You can experience what might feel like hot flashes that you might get in menopause." She suggests investing in a good deodorant and staying hydrated by keeping water around at all times.

Other women feel like they're losing their mind during pregnancy - they are always forgetting things! "Mommy brain" is a true phenomenon and studies have been done to prove it, so don't fret. If you're out somewhere and forget someone's name, pull a trusted friend aside and ask for help. Or, "jot things down," says O'Brien. Keep a notebook or pad of paper with you at all times and write notes to yourself.

Overall, keep your cool. While these situations can be embarrassing, most people understand that being pregnant changes everything from your sense of smell to your endurance. Go with the flow and if someone offers you a seat on the bus, accept it with a smile.

For more information on embarrassing pregnancy blunders, visit www.AmericanBaby.com.

By Erin Petrun