The Verywell Family Review Board is a team of board-certified physicians and recognized health, wellness, and finance experts who ensure our content is high-quality, judgment-free, and here to support you through all the stages of parenthood. They join us in our mission to be a modern resource for reliable and realistic pregnancy and parenting advice. Learn more about the experts who review our articles to make sure they are accurate and trustworthy....
While it is natural to have some protein in your urine—even during pregnancy— there are times when elevated levels of protein in your urine can signal an issue. For instance, having high levels of protein in your urine later in pregnancy could be a sign of preeclampsia—a serious blood pressure condition affecting pregnant people. Below our experts explain what it means when you have protein in your urine during pregnancy, when protein in urine may be a problem, and how conditions related to protein in urine during pregnancy are treated....
Zinc is a nutrient that can be found in several foods. It’s also an essential mineral your body and mind need to function optimally. It is a trace mineral meaning you only need a small amount, but it is vital for many chemical reactions in the body involving cell growth, healing, and immune function. This article will look at what zinc does for the body and mind and why you need to include the recommended daily requirement in your diet....
What Is Infantilization? Oftentimes, parents are guilty of this to some degree as their children are growing up, particularly when they are teenagers and trying to forge their own path. Infantilization is when an adult is being treated like a child, even though nothing about their mental, physical, social, or intellectual wellbeing requires such treatment. That said, infantilization can also happen in both friendships and romantic relationships, especially if someone is trying to demonstrate superiority....
What Is Mindful Eating? Mindful eating is the act of being present while eating or drinking. You probably eat while working, watching TV, talking on the phone, or doing any number of tasks throughout your day. You may not notice when you’ve eaten a few pieces of candy, poured yourself another cup of coffee, or finished the crust from your child’s breakfast, because eating is second nature to you. If you’re food secure, you’re eating numerous times throughout the day....
If you’ve found yourself concerned that everyone hates you, know that this is a common feeling especially when you’re entering a new social scene for the first time. This could mean a new job, college, or even meeting friends of friends. This can also be a feeling that pops up if you’re dealing with lots of stressors and, in those moments, you notice that your friends were at an event without you....
Many people with an anxiety disorder wake up feeling so worried and full of dread that they just want to curl up under the covers and not face the day ahead. Even if you don’t have clinical anxiety, you may often find yourself waking up anxious. Try not to get discouraged, as there are a host of ways to minimize morning anxiety and wake up excited to start the new day....
The United States has a long history of white supremacy—the idea that White people are superior to people with other skin colors and ethnic backgrounds. White supremacy is also perpetuated by systems in society that fail to reflect the diversity of BIPOC people and therefore fail to meet their needs equitably. Given the American history of Indigenous genocide and enslavement of Black folks, white supremacy tends to be ingrained in the DNA of this country....
As if middle school wasn’t difficult enough, these years also see a peak in bullying behavior. Both girls and boys are likely to encounter bullying behavior. In fact, girls may even be more likely to experience stressful encounters with obnoxious and aggressive peers. Educate your child about bullies and other tormentors by understanding the bullying culture. What Is a Mean Girl? The label “mean girls” is an expression used to describe girls who exhibit anti-social behavior known as relational aggression....
Dealing with stress from work and your social life can do more than just give you a headache—it may also increase your risk of coronary heart disease, new research shows. Key Takeaways A long-term study on more than 80,000 women found that a combination of stress from work and relationships can increase the risk of heart disease by 21%.Earlier research shows that prolonged stress can damage blood vessels and cause inflammation, which can harm your health....
Being in the NICU—the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital—can be a frightening thing for parents. Seeing a tiny baby hooked up to all those monitors is not something you can ever be emotionally prepared for. Thinking about things like how long the stay will be, whether or not they are being fed, what the diagnosis is, and more can overwhelm parents. For our Perspectives series, we are interviewing diverse parents from around the country on how they dealt with the emotional rollercoaster that is the neonatal intensive care unit....
We hear a lot about what’s bad in relationships, or about the so-called red flags. But what’s important to have in relationships that go the distance? This article will explore the positive indicators, or green flags, to look for that tell us that we are in a safe and healthy relationship. What Are Green Flags? While it’s smart to notice any signs of toxic behavior in someone you are dating (like ghosting, gaslighting and love bombing behaviors), it’s also important to pay attention to the good quality aspects of the relationship....
Quintuplets are a set of five babies born in one birth. A baby that is part of such a set is called a quintuplet and sometimes referred to as a “quint.” Though quintuplets and other higher-order multiple births (also known as super twins) are rare, the increased use of fertility drugs and assisted reproduction techniques has also brought an increase in these types of pregnancies. Here’s all you need to know about quintuplets....
In the United States, more than 50 million people experience allergy symptoms each year. From seasonal to food allergies, symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from a runny nose or tiny rash to more severe and even life-threatening health complications. Key Takeaways Millions of Americans deal with allergy symptoms every year.The impact on mental health is often overlooked, but managing food and seasonal allergies can increase feelings of anxiety and depression....
What Is Antepartum Depression? Pregnancy is typically characterized as a joyful time; however, it is not always easy. In addition to physical symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue, pregnant people may also experience emotional symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and worry. Antepartum depression, also known as prenatal depression, is an episode of depression that occurs during pregnancy, says Ariadna Forray, MD, director of the Center for Wellbeing of Women and Mothers at the Yale School of Medicine—Department of Psychiatry....
Psychedelics are hallucinogenic substances that lead to changes in perceptions, sensations, moods, and cognitions. These drugs can have various effects, including feelings of euphoria, changes in perception and cognition, and visual hallucinations. Evidence suggests that psychedelics are generally not addictive. However, some psychedelics may lead to tolerance. They can also have other health risks. This article discusses whether any psychedelics pose the risk for addiction, how these substances work, and why they may have some potential in treating mental health conditions....
What Is Attachment Therapy? Attachment therapy is based on attachment theory and explores how one’s childhood experiences might impact their ability to form meaningful bonds as adults. Though attachment therapy is often recommended for those who had negative childhood experiences, anyone struggling to foster deep connections with others might benefit therapy. “In attachment-based therapy, therapists work with people who need help rebuilding trust in relationships, especially because people with dysregulation of attachment tend to fall into difficult interpersonal relationships,” notes Dr....
Once you or your teen have decided that there is a need for birth control, it is time to research the options that are available. When you or your teen are ready, learn as much as possible about the various options available for teen birth control. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider or OB-GYN for further information. Abstinence Pros: No physical side effects; nothing to purchase; excellent protection against sexually transmitted diseases Cons: Both partners have to commit to this option; often no protection is used when abstinence ends Effectiveness: The only method that is 100% effective Implant (Nexplanon) Pros: Continuous but reversible protection against pregnancy for three years; one-time insertion procedure with nothing to apply or insert at the time of intercourse; menstruation can become lighter or stop; no obvious visible sign that person is using it once the incision heals (although the implant can occasionally be seen, and can be recognized easily if touched) Cons: Requires small incision in the arm for placement of implant; occasionally temporary pain at the insertion site; side effects include irregular bleeding, headaches or change in appetite (but these usually resolve within three months); no protection against sexually transmitted diseases Effectiveness: 99....
Your baby is a week away from turning 6 months old and has been eyeing your plate at the dinner table with increasing interest. Last night they reached towards your plate of baked beans while salivating. Your partner and you can both see that it’s time for your baby to start solids, and now it’s time to decide what their first food will be. After your little one goes down for the night, you list out some foods that you know are healthy....
Co-sleeping is the practice of parents and children sleeping in the same room, often with one’s baby in arm’s reach. There are multiple ways to co-sleep, including having your baby’s crib in your room (room-sharing), using a co-sleeper or sidecar attached to your bed, or sleeping with your baby in your bed (bed-sharing or family bed). Many parents like co-sleeping because it keeps their baby close, making nighttime care and breastfeeding more efficient and offering intimacy, togetherness, and attachment....
