What are the key developmental milestones for 9-week-old babies. How can parents support their baby’s growth at this stage. When do babies typically start teething. What should parents expect at the two-month check-up.

9-Week-Old Baby Development: Key Milestones and Changes

At nine weeks old, babies are reaching exciting new developmental milestones. While each infant progresses at their own pace, there are several common changes parents may observe around this age.

Physical Development

Many 9-week-old babies are showing increased head control and strength. During tummy time, you may notice your little one lifting their head more steadily or even raising their shoulders slightly off the ground. These seemingly small movements represent significant progress in muscle development and coordination.

Cognitive and Sensory Growth

Your baby’s cognitive abilities are expanding rapidly at this stage. They’re becoming more aware of their surroundings and may show increased interest in faces, objects, and sounds. Many infants at this age can recognize their parents’ faces and voices, responding with coos, smiles, or excited movements.

Social and Emotional Development

Nine-week-old babies are typically becoming more socially engaged. You might observe your little one “conversing” with you through babbles and facial expressions. This back-and-forth interaction is crucial for language development and emotional bonding.

Engaging Activities for Your 9-Week-Old Baby

Stimulating your baby’s senses and encouraging development through play is essential. Here are some age-appropriate activities to try:

• Tummy time sessions to strengthen neck and upper body muscles
• Talking and singing to your baby to promote language skills
• Using high-contrast images or toys to stimulate visual development
• Gentle infant massage to promote bonding and relaxation
• Introducing safe, age-appropriate toys for grasping and exploration

The Second Mental Leap: Understanding Patterns

Around nine weeks, many babies experience what developmental experts call the “second mental leap.” This cognitive growth spurt involves recognizing patterns in their environment and their own bodies.

Signs of the Second Mental Leap

During this phase, you might notice your baby:

• Becoming more aware of their hands and feet
• Attempting to grasp objects intentionally
• Showing increased interest in repeating sounds or movements
• Demonstrating frustration as they try to master new skills

This leap can be challenging for both babies and parents, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns and increased fussiness. However, it’s an important step in your child’s cognitive development.

Early Teething: Can Babies Really Teeth at 9 Weeks?

While it’s uncommon, some babies can indeed begin teething as early as two months old. However, for most infants, the first tooth doesn’t appear until around six months of age.

Early Signs of Teething

Even if teeth aren’t visible yet, you might notice some early signs of teething in your 9-week-old:

• Increased drooling
• Swollen or tender gums
• Increased irritability or fussiness
• A slight rise in body temperature (not to be confused with fever)

If you suspect your baby is teething early, consult with your pediatrician for advice on managing any discomfort.

The Two-Month Check-Up: What to Expect

Around nine weeks, most babies have their two-month wellness check. This important visit allows your pediatrician to assess your baby’s growth and development.

Key Components of the Two-Month Check-Up

1. Physical examination, including weight, length, and head circumference measurements
2. Developmental screening to assess motor skills, reflexes, and social interactions
3. Discussion of feeding patterns and sleep habits
4. Administration of recommended vaccines
5. Opportunity for parents to ask questions and address concerns

Preparing for Vaccinations

The two-month visit typically includes several important vaccinations. To help ease your baby’s discomfort during shots, consider:

• Nursing or bottle-feeding immediately before or after vaccinations
• Using a pacifier dipped in sugar water (with your doctor’s approval)
• Holding your baby close and speaking soothingly
• Applying a cool, damp cloth to the injection site afterward

Establishing Routines for Your 9-Week-Old

As your baby grows, establishing consistent routines can help provide a sense of security and predictability. While every family’s schedule will differ, here are some elements to consider incorporating:

Sleep Routines

At nine weeks, many babies are still waking frequently during the night. However, you can start implementing a bedtime routine to signal that it’s time to sleep. This might include:

• A warm bath
• Gentle massage
• Reading a short book or singing a lullaby
• Dimming lights and reducing noise

Feeding Patterns

While it’s important to feed your baby on demand, you might start noticing more predictable hunger cues and feeding times. Some babies at this age may be stretching out their nighttime sleep, potentially allowing for slightly longer intervals between feedings.

Navigating Postpartum Life: Challenges and Self-Care

As you care for your growing baby, it’s crucial to also focus on your own well-being. The postpartum period can present unique challenges for new parents.

Combating Isolation

Many new parents experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, especially if they’re far from family and friends. To combat these feelings:

• Join local parent groups or online communities
• Attend baby-friendly classes or events
• Schedule regular video calls with loved ones
• Consider seeking support from a postpartum doula or counselor

Managing Your Health

Taking care of yourself is crucial for your ability to care for your baby. This includes:

• Getting adequate rest when possible
• Maintaining a balanced diet
• Engaging in gentle postpartum exercise (with your doctor’s approval)
• Addressing any physical or emotional concerns with your healthcare provider

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Accepting support from partners, family members, or professionals can make a significant difference in your postpartum experience.

Common Concerns and Questions at 9 Weeks

As your baby reaches new milestones, you may find yourself with a growing list of questions. Here are some common concerns parents have around this age:

Sleep Regression

Some babies experience sleep disruptions around this time due to developmental leaps or changes in routine. While challenging, these regressions are typically temporary. Maintaining consistent bedtime routines and responding to your baby’s needs can help navigate this phase.

Feeding Changes

You might notice changes in your baby’s feeding patterns at this stage. Some infants become more efficient at nursing or bottle-feeding, while others may seem more distracted during feeds. These variations are often normal, but consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about weight gain or overall feeding habits.

Motor Skill Development

Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you’re worried about your 9-week-old’s motor skills, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s progress and provide guidance on supporting their development.

Remember, while guidelines and milestones can be helpful, each baby is unique. Trust your instincts as a parent and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. The journey of watching your little one grow and develop is filled with wonder, challenges, and countless precious moments.

Your baby: 9 weeks old

Photography by Nicole Duplantis/Clothing provided by babyGap and Joe Fresh

 The two-month milestone is a big one! Baby’s first shots, another “mental leap,” and the sense that you’ve come a long way from labour and delivery. While you’re agonizing over upcoming immunizations, baby’s mind is on other things, from recognizing the patterns of their little lives to learning to self-soothe to even—yawn—getting bored. With a couple of months under your belt, you may also be heading into a stage of more confident parenting, including getting out more. Or are you just—another yawn—getting a little bored yourself? It’s a week for milestones and honest reflection about this mamahood and mat-leave business.

Nine-week-old development & milestones

Head and shoulders

Babies develop at their own pace, so milestones aren’t must-haves but rather ideas of what baby may be capable of now—or soon. Talk to your baby’s doctor at their two-month appointment if you’re worried about any lagging development, but be assured that there’s a wide range of normal. At this age, you may see your baby lifting their head in response to stimulation or raising their shoulders during tummy time, adding to their growing mobility. They can also recognize your face and be comforted by your touch. The Nipissing checklist of milestones for the first two months is a good one.

Oleksandra Troian / Getty Images

Baby games for 2-month-olds

There are many activities that baby enjoys now, including babbling in conversation with you and playing with mirrors, mobiles and toys they can kick, hit and grab. While lots of babies still don’t like tummy time at this age, yours might be starting to really get into it. High-contrast imagery, like on this play mat or these art cards can really help baby focus before their vision is fully developed. They also still like to be held close enough to gaze at your face and now begin to reach out to touch your eyes, mouth and nose (ow!). If they’re grabby (and still scratching themselves), it’s a good reminder to make sure their little talons are kept short.

Cavan Images / Getty Images

The mental leap

Your baby is starting to recognize patterns in the world around them using all of their senses and figuring out how their arms and legs can (sometimes) respond to command. But it takes lots of practice and work, and you’ll find baby engrossed in their own body and movements as they take their second mental leap, as described by The Wonder Weeks here.

SeventyFour / Getty Images

Not too early for teething

It’s rare, but some babies can start teething as young as two months—just when you were starting to figure out those night-time woes. For most, the first tooth won’t appear before six months of age, but you may start to notice more drooling in the weeks ahead as baby gets ready for chompers. What does this mean for sleep? Nothing good, right? Actually, some babies sail through teething without much trouble, while others will have you crying along with them as you try every recommended remedy.

Schedule for a 2-month-old

Baby’s leap of development may mean that routines and schedules take a rough turn at two months as they fight to stay alert to all the cool things going on in their world. Stick to a routine for baby’s naptimes and night-time—whether it’s storytime, a relaxing infant massage or a bath—to signal to them that it’s time to get some shut-eye and let mama escape to pee, eat, drink, scroll or sleep. Keep any stimulus to a minimum when your baby’s getting drowsy and watch for signs of tiredness so you can wind them down for a nap before they get overtired.

Wavebreakmedia / Getty Images

Two-month check-up

Perhaps the most exciting (and slightly scary) milestones this month are baby’s first shots and two-month check-up, where the doctor will be looking to see how baby is eating, sleeping, growing and developing. Many moms swear by sugar water to ease baby’s pain during vaccinations, while others find that nursing during the needle can help soothe and distract baby. In addition to weighing and measuring, the doctor will check that baby’s hip joints are not unusually loose, a condition known as hip dysplasia.

FatCamera / Getty Images

Your life after baby

Cold medicine while breastfeeding?

If you’re not exhausted enough, suffering from a cold while raising an infant can sap your will to live. But there is some good news: A lot of medications that you couldn’t take while pregnant are compatible with breastfeeding.

A lonely road

While your mat leave may feel like a dream vacation from work in the company of a bundle of love, even those who are enjoying new motherhood can find it terribly isolating. And woe to mamas who are far from family and close friends. Leah McLaren writes about the excruciating loneliness of being a new mother.

dragana991 / Getty Images

Stuff no one tells you

How to treat baby’s cold

If you’ve got a cold, chances are, your baby will catch it, too, and vice versa. While a stuffy nose makes it hard for baby to nurse and may wreak havoc on sleep, the snot sucker—excuse me, nasal aspirator—is a gift from the gods of mucus. Read more on how to deal with baby’s first cold and how to become an expert snot sucker yourself.

Flat head syndrome

By about two months, you may begin to notice that your baby’s head is flatter on one side—typically at the back, given our generation of back-to-sleep babies. It’s fairly common—as many as half of Canadian babies have at least mild flatness. Babies may also develop bald spots where their heads rub against their beds and car seats. While a mild case of flat head syndrome will often resolve on its own as baby gets more mobile, there are ways to prevent and treat the problem.

Tutye / Getty Images

Just for fun- Genius baby products

Snot suckers, milk savers, blowout blockers, oh my! Check out these absolutely genius baby inventions that will save the day.

Milkies Milk Saver

“I was too exhausted to pump but didn’t need to because the “milk savers” caught all the milk I leaked while nursing and I was able to save up enough for so, so many bottles…lifesaver!” – Naureen M.A.

$35, mymilkies.com

Blowout Blocker

“These things have saved my baby’s outfits SO many times! No stains and no need to change his outfit! They’re easy to clean and rarely stain.” – Sara C.S.

$15 USD each, bumbibs.com

Keekaroo Peanut Changer

“Wipes clean no matter how much puke or poop—Keekaroo Peanut Changer> never stains!” (Also check out the lower-cost Bumbo version.) – Fran W.

$180, keekaroo.com

Doddle and Co. The Pop Pacifier

“It’s the only pacifier that my baby will take! She LOVES it and it has been a lifesaver living with a dog. (It “pops” back into its protective bubble when it drops.)” – Talia W.

$15, westcoastkids.ca

Nasal Aspirator

“The Hydrasense snot sucker! I’m sure the babies thought their brains were getting sucked out but boy did it help clear their little noses.” (This is meant to be used with saline nasal drops. Also check out the Nose Frida.) – Candice W.

$21, well.ca

Puj Infant Tub

“Especially useful with my first when I was in a small condo. Puj turns any sink into a bathtub, and cradles the baby as if she was being held. It’s mildew resistant and so easy to clean. Plus stores completely flat and takes up almost no space. When not in use we kept it against our shower wall with suction hooks. There’s a reason Ellen featured it on her show!” – Linda S.

$50, amazon.ca

The Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor

“This product has given me so much peace of mind! I don’t need to get up multiple times to see if my little one is still breathing I can just check my phone!” – Chantale M.

$400, owletcare.ca

Kiinde Breastfeeding Starter Kit

“The [Kiinde] bags screw right on to almost all breast pumps. You can pump directly into the bag, put a cap on, store in fridge/freezer, pop the lid off and stick a nipple on top and feed directly from the bag! It eliminates washing extra parts and transferring from a bottle to storage bag, limiting chances of spilling precious milk.” – Karen P.

$60, amazon.ca

Boogie Wipes

“Saves little runny noses from getting raw and cracked.” – Karen P.

$5, well.ca

Peapod Mats

“I was given a Peapod Mat when I was pregnant and it was the most useful gift I never knew I needed. So great for the messy days immediately postpartum (I slept on a rotation of two for weeks), protecting your sheets when baby’s in bed with you, naked baby time anywhere in the house, protecting furniture if you don’t want to buy a change table (we have one permanently on a futon in the baby’s room), and it will be great for potty-training. So worth the investment.” – Yvonne H.

$50, amazon

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

“My Brest Friend is the best nursing pillow, hands down. Especially for larger women, or women with larger breasts. I work in labour and delivery and I am always recommending this. The strap around the back keeps it from popping off like the half-ring ones do. It’s FLAT and goes out far enough for a large-chested woman to feed comfortably with the baby ON the pillow.” – Julia L.

$60, amazon

Sock ons

“OMG they’re like little saddles for baby’s socks. Keeps socks on all day! I buy them for everyone as gifts now. A total lifesaver.” – Melanie T

$7, sockons.com

WubbaNub

“We loved the WubbaNub! But it wasn’t useful till about 6 months. Then, it was the best product ever!” – Nicole Y.

$25, well. ca 

Healthy Planet Solutions Reusable Food Pouches (or similar brands)

“I really love these reusable pouches for pureed snacks. Easy to clean and so much more environmentally friendly!” – Julia F.

$9 each, amazon.ca

OXO Tot Bib (or similar brands)

“I love my silicone tray bib. It wipes clean with a baby wipe, it’s waterproof and it stays in the stroller so it’s always with us.” –Katie L.

$20, snugglebugz.ca

Oogiebear Infant Nose and Ear Cleaner

“I have all of the snot suckers which are great, but when there’s a crusty boogie beyond your reach in a tiny nostril… This has like a tiny lasso to grab and pull it out, and a little scoop to catch wax out of their ear canal. It has a bear shaped ball on each end to keep you from cramming either end too far into baby’s ear or nose.” – Amy V.

$18, amazon

NumNum GOOtensils

“Even wee babes can feed themselves! Especially handy when it’s not baby #1!” – Michele C.

$17, snugglebugz.ca

Milk Snob Cover

“It’s a scarf-style nursing cover that doubles as a carseat/stroller cover. Ideal to shelter baby from wind/dust and noise: instant cocoon. I loved it!” – Sonja R.

$65, amazon.ca

Medela Quick Clean Bags

“You just pop these sterilizing bags in the microwave—a huge lifesaver for cleaning bottles and pump parts!” –Laura R.

$14, amazon.ca 

Mally bibs

“A leather bib! It’s amazing—wipes clean and immediately dry, magnets snap it shut for putting it on and taking it off easily AND it hangs on the fridge! ONE bib forever! And they have the cutest and customizable designs! ” – Jen L. 

$50, mallydesigns.com

Lollaland Welcome Baby Kit

This set comes complete with acute cactus fruit feeder teether, perfect for little ones to start introducing solids. It also comes with Lollaland’s beloved Panda Sippy and our must have, space saving, incredibly versatile drying rack.

$64.99, peeka.co

GroVia Magic Stick Diaper Balm

“With this diaper stick you don’t have to touch baby’s bum to apply cream.” – Jodi S.S.

$20, grovia.ca

Indestructibles Books

“After someone gifted me one, I now give one to every new mom. Babies love them and they are lightweight and easy to carry as a toy on the go. Plus it gets babies into books at such an early age. Love them!” – Janis P.G.

$9, indigo.ca

Zoli Chubby Gummy massaging teethers

“These are the best for when baby is cutting molars.” – Teri S.J.

$16, well.ca

ChooMe Sip’n

“It’s a (smooth, chewy) top that goes on food pouches so that baby has to bite to get food out. Prevents spills and lets them eat on their own.” – Tanya S.

$9, amazon.ca

Bellyfit Jacket Extender

“So necessary for getting out with the little ones on cold winter days.” – Kristina M.

$70, clement.ca

The breastfeeding struggle is real

This article was originally published on Oct 01, 2018

When Do Puppies Stop Teething? Everything to Know About Puppy Teething

Puppies do a lot of growing and changing from birth to their 6-month birthday, and their teeth play a large role in that. Facial sensation and taste are some of the first senses puppies develop, and it’s normal for dogs to explore the world and seek attention with their mouth—especially during teething.

Just like with human babies, teething is a normal but sometimes painful process all puppies go through. Teething puppies are more mouthy than usual as their baby teeth fall out and their adult dog teeth replace them. But when does teething start (and when does that mouthiness stop)? Here’s what pet parents need to know about puppy teething.

How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?

Puppies are born without teeth; because they’re feeding on their mother’s milk, they don’t need them! But even though they’re initially toothless, their baby teeth and adult teeth are already developing within their jaws at birth.

The baby (deciduous) teeth start erupting when puppies are around 3 weeks old. This is also when puppies can start eating solid food in addition to nursing.

The incisors (the little teeth in the front of the mouth) and canines (the bigger “fang” teeth) erupt first. The premolars—the teeth used for chewing—follow. Puppies continue to erupt teeth over the next 3-5 weeks until they’re about 6-8 weeks old, when their mouth is filled with 28 pearly white baby teeth.

When Do Puppies Stop Teething?

Puppy baby teeth don’t last long. Most start to lose their teeth when they’re around 3-and-a-half months old, though some don’t start until they’re 4 or 5 months old. Typically, large- or giant-breed dogs erupt their adult teeth sooner than small dogs.

The baby incisors are the first to fall out, and adult teeth push through the gums to take their place. Don’t be shocked when you find a little white tooth on your living room floor—this is completely normal. (But also, don’t worry if you never find any baby teeth, as they are often swallowed.)

Puppies continue to lose baby teeth and erupt adult teeth until they’re about 6 months old.

The incisors and canines erupt first, around 3-5 months. The premolars follow when a puppy is 4-6 months old. The adult molars grow in last, at 5-7 months of age. While puppies only have 28 baby teeth, adult dogs have 42 teeth.

Signs of Teething in Puppies

It’s normal for puppies to start exploring the world with their mouth (mostly by chewing) when they’re 3-7 months old. Because this developmental stage lines up with their teething timeline, it can be difficult to know whether your puppy is gnawing on things because he’s in pain or because he’s just curious.

That said, teething pain may cause your puppy to become more mouthy or more destructive at home. This is a temporary period, and puppies need to be redirected to appropriate chewing opportunities, like toys.

How to Care for a Teething Puppy

Taking care of a teething puppy involves offering lots of options for chewing—particularly soft toys, rubber toys, and chilled or frozen toys. Your puppy may prefer harder or softer items, depending on his teething pain. Cold items can help soothe any pain and inflammation, so try giving your pup chilled or frozen treats, like blueberries, green beans, or carrots.

The Best Teething Toys for Puppies

To keep your puppy from chewing your furniture, give him a few toys that are great for teething, such as:

• KONG Puppy Binkie

• Petstages rubber chew toys

• Nylabone Puppy Teething X

• Nylabone Puppy Teething Dinosaur Chew Toy

• Nylabone Teething Pacifier

Another hack: Freeze your puppy’s kibble in a Classic KONG or other puzzle toy. The cold toy will soothe his gums while providing your pup with enrichment.

Featured Image: iStock/ti-ja

WRITTEN BY

Mallory Kanwal, DVM, DAVDC

Veterinarian

 Dr. Mallory Kanwal is from Ohio and went to The Ohio State University for her undergraduate degree and then to attend veterinary school….

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How to understand that a newborn has colic

Colic in newborns is quite common, according to statistics, about 70% of children suffer from them. But doctors are well aware that colic will definitely pass, you just need a little time and patience. But how to explain this to parents who cannot calm a crying child for hours and are constantly in search of an effective solution to this problem.

Colic – a sharp, cramping pain caused by the accumulation of gases in various parts of the intestine. The causes of colic are not yet fully understood, but most pediatricians agree that it is due to the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract. While in the womb, the baby was fed through the umbilical cord, and after birth, all the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are already involved in the process of digesting food.

Colic usually begins at 2-3 weeks of age and ends closer to 4 months. The problem disappears as suddenly as it appeared. Remember that everything is temporary, you just need to be a little patient.

How do you know if a baby has colic?

Pediatricians use the “rule of three” to diagnose this problem:

• Seizure lasts about 3 hours a day;
• Seizures recur more than 3 days a week.

Also during colic, you will notice changes in the behavior of the child:

• The child cries piercingly, arches his back and presses his hands to his stomach
• With severe spasms, the baby’s face turns red
• Legs bent at the knees and pulled up to the stomach
• Baby’s tummy bulges and becomes hard
• Difficulty with stool

Fortunately, there is a quick solution to this problem – Windi® vent tubes. This device will help to quickly rid the baby of accumulated gas and relieve pain. Unlike a traditional rectal catheter, the Windi® gas outlet tube has an atraumatic tip and insertion limiter, which makes the procedure absolutely safe for the baby and convenient for the mother. The straw is designed for single use, which ensures maximum hygiene. As a bonus, the mother has much more free time to shine on her baby, as there is no need to wash or sterilize anything after the procedure. 1 pack of Windi® contains 10 straws ready to use. Thank you pediatricians from Sweden for this super product.

Teething schedule for children

The appearance of the first teeth is another important stage for both the baby and his parents. Often this period is another challenge for the family – the baby is hurt, he does not understand what is happening, becomes capricious.

The first harbinger of the imminent appearance of teeth is profuse salivation. If you look into the baby’s mouth, you can see that the gums are swollen and reddened. Also, teething is accompanied by restless sleep, poor appetite, sometimes fever and possibly indigestion.

It is quite difficult to accurately determine the timing of teething, since this process for each child proceeds according to an individual scenario. It is worth noting that the rudiments of milk teeth are formed even in the prenatal period, at about 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.

In most cases, the first tooth in a child appears at 6-7 months, but this can happen even earlier – at 4-5 months. Cases have been recorded when a baby is born already having several teeth. Sometimes the baby pleases the parents with the first tooth later – at 8–9months.
There is also an approximate order of teething in children, which determine which teeth will appear first.

Central incisors – 6-9 months;
Lateral incisors – 9-13 months;
Fangs – 18-20 months;
Molars – 12-30 months.

It is important to note that any other teething sequence is not a pathology.

Usually the teeth are cut in pairs. If the baby cut through one incisor, then most likely a second one will appear in a few days.
Teething usually begins in the lower jaw. If the central incisors appeared from below, then “mirror” will appear from above. Similarly with fangs, molars.
How to help a baby with teething?

Just add a proven tool to your baby’s first aid kit – Dentinale® natura baby teething gel from the well-known pharmaceutical company Montefarmaco (Italy). The main components of the gel are natural extracts: chamomile, aloe vera and boswellia, which have an antiseptic and wound healing effect. This gel does not contain lidocaine, but has an analgesic effect due to Boswellia extract, a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Dentinale® natura gel is harmless when swallowed and tastes good. An important plus is the double volume of the gel (20 ml), so one tube is enough for the entire period of teething.

Dental treatment during pregnancy – is it possible to treat teeth in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester

It is possible and even necessary to treat teeth during pregnancy. Tolerate a toothache is not worth it, it is stressful for the expectant mother and baby. In addition, sanitation of the oral cavity is also indicated for other reasons: to remove foci of chronic infections and reduce the risk of complications. There is no need to postpone a visit to the doctor, and an examination by a dentist during pregnancy is included in the examination plan.

Visiting the dentist in good oral health is necessary twice – in the first trimester at registration and immediately before childbirth. If a disease requiring treatment is identified, the doctor will tell you about further actions.

Features of dental treatment during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not a contraindication to dental procedures. However, it is important to take into account both the duration of pregnancy and the characteristics of its course, as well as the general health of the woman. There are several features of the treatment:

• Caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, inflammatory diseases of the gums and soft tissues are subject to urgent treatment: stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, glossitis, cheilitis. Also, urgent care is indicated for injuries such as a fracture of the tooth root, chips, cracks, and the need for surgical intervention for abscesses, periostitis, etc. In some cases, orthodontic, orthopedic treatment, as well as whitening, can be postponed. For example, the installation of braces or one dental implant can be postponed to a more favorable time, after the birth of the baby. In the absence of a large number of teeth, you can resort to removable dentures, they do not provide for preparation in the form of tooth preparation and other difficulties.

• When filling, the doctor can use any materials according to indications. The lamps that are used for curing are not harmful to the fetus.
• Dental treatment during pregnancy can be accompanied by high-quality anesthesia. The expectant mother should not endure discomfort, there are drugs approved for use. The only limitation is anesthesia.

Contraindications and restrictions

A contraindication to any dental intervention may be the threat of termination of pregnancy or premature birth. Of course, if a woman is in a hospital and is being treated to maintain her pregnancy, oral problems may recede into the background. But if the condition allows you to visit the dentist, it is better to do so and discuss the appropriateness of treatment.

Some procedures will have to be postponed until the end of pregnancy:

• Implantation: the surgical stage may be contraindicated due to the use of drugs during the recovery period, the need for several x-rays. However, in some cases, for example, when installing a permanent prosthesis on already implanted implants, it is allowed to carry out the procedure in agreement with the gynecologist leading the pregnancy.

Implantation requires serious preparation. During pregnancy, all the forces of the body are directed to the development of the baby. The work of immune forces, the features of the blood supply to organs and tissues, and metabolic processes are changing. This can lead to unpredictable results of the engraftment of the artificial root. In addition, the recovery period after installation may include taking medications that are contraindicated when carrying a child.

• Professional whitening: Pregnancy is a contraindication for whitening as teeth enamel can be weakened due to pregnancy and the result is more difficult to predict.
• Installation of fixed prostheses: in the absence of a large number of teeth, it is better to prefer removable prosthetics, it provides for a smaller amount of interventions.

In all cases where the extraction of a tooth can be delayed, it must be done. We are talking about the removal of impacted, dystopic teeth that do not cause severe pain and do not carry the risk of serious consequences in the near future. If the tooth cannot be restored and causes severe pain, is a potentially dangerous focus of infection, extraction is recommended.

Antibacterial therapy, as well as X-rays, are undesirable during pregnancy, but they can be prescribed by a doctor if there are strict indications. When taking an x-ray, it is important to protect the abdomen with a lead apron. The specialist selects antibiotics taking into account the duration of pregnancy, carefully weighing the potential danger in the absence of treatment and possible harm to the fetus. There are antibacterial agents that are allowed during pregnancy and do not have a teratogenic effect.

Treatment in different trimesters of pregnancy

Treatment options may depend on the specific stage of pregnancy.

The first trimester is the period up to the 12th week. At this time, the laying of the child’s organs occurs, and the unformed placenta does not yet provide reliable protection for the fetus from negative factors. In addition, before the 8-9th week, the probability of spontaneous interruption is higher. It is also important to remember that many women experience toxicosis in the first trimester, characterized by nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, and dizziness. Therefore, they try to avoid interventions in this period, and if treatment can be postponed, the doctor will recommend doing so. Remineralizing therapy, professional teeth cleaning without ultrasonic exposure are allowed.

Dental treatment in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy – from the 13th to the 24th week – is the safest. The formed placenta acts as a reliable protection for the child. The periods of high interruption risks are over, and the mother’s well-being allows her to spend a lot of time in the dental chair. All planned procedures are recommended to be carried out at this time. These include professional cleaning, treatment of diseases that can worsen over time.

Dental treatment during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester – from the 25th week until the end of the term – also has several limitations. A woman’s body may be weakened by the end of gestation. Shortness of breath, tachycardia, low blood pressure may be observed. In addition, in a reclining position, symptoms may be aggravated due to compression of the inferior vena cava by the uterus. Slightly on the left side is allowed to reduce the load on the aorta and inferior vena cava.

The uterus becomes more sensitive to adverse factors, including medications. The woman herself may become more anxious, get tired faster. Therefore, treatment is carried out only according to strict indications, if it is impossible to wait for delivery and the woman’s condition may deteriorate sharply.

Features of diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis determines the results of treatment, so it should not be neglected. A targeted x-ray of a tooth may be contraindicated, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy when the cells are susceptible to radiation. But if other diagnostic methods are not available, and without a picture it is impossible to correctly develop a treatment regimen, you can resort to it. The safest method is digital radiovisiography. In comparison with a film image, the load is several times less, so you can resort to such a diagnosis. During the examination, radiological protection is observed.

Safe pain relief

Dental care during pregnancy provides quality pain relief. For this, local anesthetics of the latest generation are used, which do not cross the placental barrier. Many formulations include a vasoconstrictor component, which increases the effectiveness of the anesthetic. In preparations for pregnant women, the concentration of such a component is slightly lower. It does not affect blood flow in the placenta and uterus.

There are several local anesthetics approved for use in pregnant women:

• ultracain,
• Lidocaine
• Mepivacaine (Scandonest)

They do not have a systemic effect and are harmless to the baby and the pregnant woman.

Features of procedures

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure. It is accompanied by a small blood loss, as well as stress. Increased psycho-emotional stress is undesirable during pregnancy, so there must be strict indications for tooth extraction. Extreme cases where intervention is indispensable include the following:

1. fracture of the crown, root;
2. root caries,
3. pulpitis of the third molars, which are the cause of acute purulent inflammation,
4. periodontitis with the formation of cysts;
5. tooth decay accompanied by acute pain.

Wisdom teeth are not scheduled. This is due to high risks of alveolitis and other possible complications, which require repeated intervention and powerful antibiotic therapy.

How to treat teeth during pregnancy, the doctor will tell you in detail. If the therapy of superficial and medium caries during this period practically does not differ from the standard procedure, then the treatment of pulpitis will require a special approach. The doctor will select an agent without arsenic for pulp devitalization. There is a need to conduct at least two radiographic images – before the procedure to determine the structure, number and size of the root canals and after it to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, the method of digital radiovisiography is used.

Treatment of periodontal diseases is mandatory. In addition, pregnancy significantly increases the risk of their development. For example, pregnancy gingivitis is relatively common. The doctor will choose the tactics of treatment, taking into account individual characteristics, prescribe drug therapy that is approved for use.

Doctors of “STOMA” clinics successfully treat teeth during pregnancy. We have everything you need to provide urgent assistance and carry out planned activities. In the clinics of the network, you can undergo regular dental examinations or apply for the treatment of caries, gingivitis of pregnant women, periodontitis, pulpitis, etc. We guarantee the use of only approved anesthetics and high-quality equipment, safe diagnostics.