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Ask the Experts

If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.

Q. I’m 4 months pregnant and having difficulty sleeping. What can I do to help me get more rest?

Sleep during pregnancy can be affected by changes in hormones, physical discomfort, excitement, and anxiety. It’s important to have a bedtime routine that includes relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, stretching, taking a bath, reading, and drinking caffeine-free tea. A pregnancy pillow can help relieve the pressure on your growing belly. Practice good sleep hygiene by limiting screen time at night, keeping the room cool, keeping pets off your bed, and avoiding caffeine late in the day. Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications like melatonin or doxylamine. Short naps during the day can help make up for lost sleep. It won’t be long before your baby will be setting the sleep rules in your house!

-Christine Khong, MDFamily PhysicianAdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Prairie Village

AdventHealth

Every day, the AdventHealth ShawneeMission Birth Center provides the compassionate, expert and exceptional care families expect from Johnson County’sleader in mother and baby care. AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

Q. What are some tips for getting a dog when we have a toddler?

I recommend having a conversation with children of all ages about your pet’s needs. Explain to them that their dog has feelings just like they do and discuss what the dog will look like when it is happy, sad or scared. We must teach our young children to give animals the space they need and how to play with them in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable. That said, young children often forget how to behave around dogs,so it is an absolute must that young children and animals be supervised for their mutual safety.

-Ashely FloresGreat Plains SPCA

Great Plains SPCA

Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area, serving Johnson County, KS, and Kansas and the surrounding area.913.831.7722, GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Are you an expert in your field with advice for our readers, contact editor@kcparent.com and we may consider adding you to our panel.

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