If you’re currently pregnant, chances are you’ve heard about raspberry leaf tea. Friends, family and strangers may have advised you to consume it by the bucket-load in your final weeks, because they swear it’s what allowed them such a positive birth.

Raspberry leaf tea is made from red raspberry leaves. These leaves contain a whole host of vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin B, calcium, iron and potassium. Red raspberry leaf is used to treat gastrointestinal tract disorders, heart problems and flu.

Pregnant women have taken red raspberry leaf for hundreds of years to prevent miscarriage, boost the immune system and strengthen the uterine muscles for childbirth. Experts believe that red raspberry leaf strengthens the muscles of the uterus and prepares the pelvic floor for childbirth, increasing the strength of labour contractions.

Women who take red raspberry leaf towards the end of the pregnancy are less likely to have cause for birth interventions. Research even suggests that drinking red raspberry leaf tea can shorten the pushing stage of labour.

When to take red raspberry leaf

You can start taking red raspberry leaf when you are 32 weeks pregnant, and can take it daily up until the birth. It takes several weeks for the benefits of raspberry leaf tea to accumulate in the body, so you should try to start taking it a number of weeks before your due date. You should tell your healthcare provider before you begin taking red raspberry leaf.

If you choose to take it in tea form, you should start by drinking one cup a day. You can gradually increase this to three cups a day if you wish. Red raspberry leaf is also available in capsule form, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label if you consume it this way.

Drinking red raspberry leaf tea after the birth can help your uterus to shrink back down and give your immune system a much-needed boost.

Who shouldn’t take raspberry leaf tea?

Red raspberry leaf is not advisable if you have previously had a:

• caesarean section
• short labour
• premature labour / preterm birth

Red raspberry leaf should also be avoided if you:

• have suffered vaginal bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy
• are having a planned caesarean
• suffer from high blood pressure
• are carrying more than one baby
• have personal or family experience of breast or ovarian cancer
• have personal or family experience of fibroids or endometriosis

Potential side effects include nausea, loose stools and Braxton Hicks contractions. Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects from taking red raspberry leaf.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

If twins run in the family, you may be interested to find out if you are pregnant with twins. You may not find out whether you are carrying twins until your dating scan, which usually takes place sometime around weeks nine to 11. If that seems like too long to wait, you can have a look at the questions below to see whether you could be carrying twins.

1. Does your bump look big in this?
At each prenatal appointment, your healthcare provider will measure your bump. This allows them to track your baby’s growth, and detect potential problems early on. If you’re carrying twins, you may be measuring large for your stage of pregnancy. This is because there are two babies inside you, so your uterus will be expanding at an increased rate.

2. Are you headed for the toilet?
Morning sickness is a common complaint of pregnancy, and is caused by the rapidly increasing hormones during early pregnancy. Some, but not all, twin-mums suffer from excessive morning sickness thanks to all those pesky hormones.

3. Are you asleep right now?
Twin-mums often report experiencing fatigue during the first trimester. Fatigue is a common symptom of pregnancy, but you are believed to have an increased risk of it during multiple pregnancies. Your babies go through rapid development during the first trimester, and this is when all of the major organs and placenta are formed, so it’s no wonder you’re exhausted.

4. Are you piling on the pounds?
The days hellof eating for two (or three) are long gone, and you should be sure to monitor your weight during pregnancy. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, and taking regular exercise can help to keep your weight in check. Twin-mums are advised to put on up to 10 lbs more than their single-pregnancy friends. You may find your weight increasing during those early weeks if you are pregnant with multiples.

5. Did your midwife find an extra heartbeat?
At each prenatal check, your healthcare provider will use a doppler to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. Your healthcare provider will be checking the speed and regularity of the heartbeat, to make sure your baby is developing well. You healthcare provider will be able to pick up both yours and your baby’s heartbeat using the doppler. If they locate a third heartbeat, you are having twins. Most heartbeats can be heard towards the end of the first trimester, though some may be located weeks earlier.

Are you pregnant with twins, and if so, what gave it away?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Bleeding while pregnant may be a sign something is wrong, and you should therefore always inform your doctor about this as soon as you can. While you have every right to be worried, bleeding does not always mean you are having a miscarriage. According to experts, 20 to 30 percent of women experience bleeding while pregnant and only one half of those women miscarried. Although you cannot stop bleeding during pregnancy, there are things you can do.

Step 1

If you experience bleeding while pregnant in your second or third trimester, contact your health care provider immediately. If you experience light spotting during your first trimester, discuss it with your doctor on your next visit. However, if the bleeding or cramping is heavy, immediately contact your health care provider. You should also go to the hospital straight away anytime you experience sudden heavy bleeding with cramping or pain.

Step 2

Until you have been diagnosed by your healthcare provider, do not make assumptions. Take it easy! Many mums-to-be who experience bleeding go on to have healthy, happy babies. Stress isn’t good for a pregnancy either, so try to stay calm until you have a diagnosis.

Step 3

Until you have been evaluated by your health care provider, avoid sexual intercourse as it increases the blood flow to your cervix and causes bleeding or spotting. If you experience light spotting after sexual contact, do not worry! It can be normal and does not necessarily indicate a problem with your pregnancy.

Step 4

To tell how much you are bleeding, use maternity pads or napkins. Do not attempt to use tampons or any other internal device to catch or stop the bleeding.

Step 5 

Lastly, follow your health care provider’s instruction. Bleeding can in some cases indicate conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, a detaching or ruptured placenta, cervical changes, or an infection. If your health care provider prescribes bed rest, stay in bed. Even if you feel good, get plenty of rest.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterised by excessive vomiting in pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to as extreme morning sickness. Although, like morning sickness, it doesn’t just happen in the morning. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects less than two per cent of pregnant women. For those affected, it is a pretty miserable experience.

Is this hyperemesis gravidarum?

This condition can be tricky to diagnose, because there is no clear cut medical definition of what hyperemesis gravidarum is. Symptoms include:

• Weight loss – losing five percent of your pre-pregnancy weight
• Dehydration
• Excessive saliva production
• Inability to eat or drink without vomiting
• Low blood pressure when standing up

Being correctly diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum can be tough. If you feel your doctor is dismissing your concerns, ask for a second opinion.

The exact causes of hyperemesis gravidarum are unknown, but researchers have found some women are more likely to develop the condition than others. Women who suffer from migraines or travel sickness have an increased risk. As do women carrying twins or triplets. If your mum or sister had hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy, you will also be more likely to suffer from this condition.

Coping with hyperemesis gravidarum:

• Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-sickness drugs to help prevent vomiting.
• Some women have found acupuncture has reduced vomiting.
• Try to rest as much as you can, because tiredness can make vomiting and nausea worse.
• Ask your friends and family for support. You’ll need help with everyday activities, and you’ll need a friendly ear every now and again.
• Stay hydrated by taking frequent small sips.
• Eat whatever you can keep down.
• Avoid foods and smells that trigger vomiting.

A minority of hyperemesis gravidarum sufferers will be admitted to hospital to receive IV fluids and medication. A hospital stay allows the doctors to fully assess and, hopefully, treat your condition.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is unlikely to harm your baby. The baby will take nutrition from your body’s stores, so do not worry too much about your diet. Focus instead on keeping things down. Women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum for the full forty weeks, may find that their babies have lower than average birth weights.

When will it end?

Some women find that the hyperemesis gravidarum starts to ease at around the fourteenth week of pregnancy. For most women, it will be over by week 20, and the second half of the pregnancy will be a much more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, for up to 20 per cent of sufferers, the hyperemesis gravidarum will last right until the end of the pregnancy.

Support

Hyperemesis gravidarum can be a relentless condition that can leave women feeling drained. Simple everyday tasks can become seemingly impossible. It can lead to depression or stress because of the frustration and isolation that come hand in hand with this condition. If your moods are being affected, speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you of local and national support groups to contact.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Your breasts may be one of the first clues you are pregnant. Breast tenderness is a common early sign of pregnancy that can start as early as week four. By week six, you may notice your breasts starting to get bigger. Over the course of the pregnancy, your breasts could increase by as many as four cup sizes. You may find that your band size increases too as your ribcage expands to make room for the growing baby. With all these changes afoot, you may be wondering how to buy a maternity bra that fits.

By the time you reach the end of the first trimester, you are likely to ready for your first maternity bra. Here are some helpful tips to help you find the right bra for you:

• Get measured professionally – although you can try to do this yourself, it is much easier to be measured by a professional. You can pop into a high street store lingerie department, or use a specialist maternity bra fitting home visit service.
• Double up – you’ll need to have at least two bras in circulation at any time. This allows you to wash one and wear the other. Many stores sell maternity bras in packs of two, often containing one black and one white bra.
• Choose nursing bras – if you’re only twelve weeks pregnant, breastfeeding can seem a long distance away. You may not even have decided whether you want to breastfeed. It’s worth investing in nursing bras just in case, because it will avoid any further costs in the future if you do decide to breastfeed. Nursing bras offer the same support as maternity bras. Your breasts will continue to grow throughout the pregnancy, but these early nursing bras should fit you post-pregnancy as your body starts to return to normal.
• Room to grow – by opting for maternity bras with adjustable hooks at the back, you will increase the length of time the bra will fit for. Many maternity bras now have at least four rows of fasteners at the back to provide value for money.
• Sport support – if you have a pregnancy exercise regime, it is worth investing in a maternity sports bra. These offer extra support that will best suit your body’s needs during pregnancy. If you choose a non-padded bra, you may also find these useful during the early days of breastfeeding when comfort will be key.
• Bra budget – you will probably need two shopping trips to buy maternity bras. As you enter the second trimester, you will probably need to invest in your first maternity bras. As the pregnancy progresses, your breasts will continue to grow. By the time you reach the final month of pregnancy, you will probably need to invest in some bigger bras. Although it may feel like an unnecessary expense to buy bras close to the end of your pregnancy, you will use them after the birth too. It takes time for your breasts to return to normal, especially if you are breastfeeding. Over the course of pregnancy and breastfeeding, you will probably need to buy at least five bras. You should include this in your budgeting plan for the baby, so that the money is there when you need it.
• Sex appeal – maternity bras don’t have to be unflattering. There are lots of different patterns and styles available. From leopard print, to black lace, you should be able to find a bra that makes you feel sexy. Remember though, comfort should be your first priority.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

If you rely on coffee to wake you up in the morning, you may be feeling slightly panicked at the idea that you have to go cold turkey for the next nine months. Should you give it up, or is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy?

Caffeine recommendations
It is recommended that, while you are able to continue to drink caffeine throughout your pregnancy, you should limit your intake to 200mg a day. This equates to about two cups of instant coffee, or one cup of brewed coffee.

The 200mg should include all of your caffeine sources, not just coffee. For example, there’s no point cutting down to one cup of coffee a day by switching to caffeinated tea for your other nine cups. By doing that, you will still be exceeding the recommended daily caffeine intake. Tea, fizzy drinks and chocolate are all other sources of caffeine that you need to factor into your 200mg. A small bar of chocolate can contain as many as 50mg of caffeine, so it’s important that you keep track of all your dietary caffeine because it soon adds up.

If you usually drink coffee from outlets, you should bear in mind that the strength of the particular coffee can vary drastically between chains. It’s also important to note that the recommended allowance of two cups a day is referring to the regular coffee cups you have at home, not the bathtub size coffee mugs you find in some coffee houses.

Caffeine risks
There are a number of risks associated with regularly exceeding the daily recommended amount of caffeine, including:

• low birth weight
• miscarriage

Caffeine travels through the umbilical cord and can affect your baby. You may notice that she becomes unsettled, or you notice an increase in movements, shortly after you drink a cup of coffee.

Alternatives to coffee
Decaffeinated coffee is an obvious replacement during pregnancy. You’ll still be able to enjoy the great flavour, and might even be able to fool yourself into thinking you’re drinking a regular coffee.

During pregnancy, your body needs a higher intake of water. By drinking more water to fight your thirst, you may also help yourself to avoid fluid retention, reduce dizziness and enjoy that famous pregnancy ‘glow’.

Giving up caffeine
If you have decided to give up coffee for the duration of your pregnancy, you may experience caffeine withdrawal for a few days. Symptoms include:

• headaches
• tiredness
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating

After a few days, these symptoms will subside and you should feel much better.

Do you have any tried and tested tips for reducing your coffee intake during pregnancy?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

When you become pregnant, lots of changes start happening inside your body. You start rapidly producing hormones to help your body prepare for the pregnancy, but to the outside world, you probably look pretty normal. If you haven’t told them, your friends and colleagues probably won’t have any idea you are pregnant. Unless, that is, they’ve picked up on the extra bathroom breaks, and the fatigue you may be experiencing.

By the time your pregnancy is out in the open, you may be looking forward to some outward signs that you are with child. As the nausea subsides, and you have a little more energy, you may wondering when you will get your baby bump.

The in between stage
Towards the end of your first trimester, you may be starting to gain weight, but it probably won’t resemble much of a bump at this point. You may find that your pre-pregnancy clothes are too tight, and your maternity clothes too big. This in between stage can be frustrating, but it won’t last long. A few floaty tops, and some larger size trousers or skirts should be enough to get you through a few more weeks until your bump starts to emerge.

When will I get my bump?
All pregnancies are different, so there is no uniform time that you will be allocated your bump. Some women may show quite early, whereas others may only develop a bump towards the end of their pregnancy.

By week 18, a lot of women are starting to notice their bump forming, and in just a few weeks they have quite a noticeable baby bump protruding. If this is your first pregnancy, you may find that it takes until later in the pregnancy to develop a bump. Your stomach muscles are in good shape, and may be holding their own against your growing uterus. By around week 28, you should be starting to see a bump form, even if this is your first pregnancy.

If you have been pregnant before, you may find that your bump shows earlier in this pregnancy. This is thought to be because your body has experienced pregnancy before, and so finds it easier to retrace those steps.

When your bump arrives
Whether you love it or loathe it, your bump will only be around for a few months at most – so enjoy it while you can. Make the most of your new shape by dressing in your bump in cute maternity outfits that help you feel confident in your new, temporary body.

When did you first notice your bump developing?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

When it comes to telling your boss you are pregnant, many women are at a crossroads.  One woman I know was up for a promotion at her job and waited until after the hiring process to announce her happy expectant news. When she landed the job and the boss found out she was pregnant, his first response was, “If I had known you were pregnant, I wouldn”t have hired you.” Illegal?  Yes.

Even so, it is easy to see things from the eyes of a supervisor or boss. After all, they realize that when a woman becomes pregnant, they are in for a certain period of maternity leave – which leaves them down an employee. And with laws in place to protect the jobs of pregnant woman, employers cannot just release an employee because she is pregnant. Yet – employers are human, and they realize pregnancy and having children may or may not affect a woman”s job in the long run.

So what should you do?  Should you spill the news to your co-workers and your management team, or should you keep your lips tight?

Experts believe that a woman should feel safe and secure to announce the news of her pregnancy at work as soon as she feels comfortable doing so. In early pregnancy, when you may experience morning sickness, or need to call out sick, having your employer know you are pregnant can be beneficial.  Additionally, if you have a stressful or highly physical job, it may be in your best interests to let your boss know so he or she can lighten your workload or transfer you to another department. Of course, all of this depends on your work culture and the nature of your business.

Some women decide to not break the news until after the first trimester due to risk of miscarriage or because of privacy reasons. There is no law or legal expectation for an employee to announce her pregnancy at work, and many strides have been taken to protect the jobs of pregnant woman. Years ago, it was acceptable for an employer to let a woman go because she was pregnant. Today, it is not.

One thing that is important is to make sure that you speak to your boss directly, and first – rather than let the news of your pregnancy reach him or her via the “grapevine.” This way he or she can discuss any concerns with you personally. Likely they will want to know if you plan to return to work after the baby is born, and in some cases, may need to make arrangements during your maternity leave so that their business is not negatively affected. Depending on your position, being properly prepared may be a process that needs to start sooner rather than later. This also gives you the chance to offer to help put a plan in place for your maternity leave.

The risk of your happy news affecting your stature in the workplace is one that cannot be ignored. Some people will see your pregnancy as a problem, for them. Even though legally an employer cannot discriminate against an employee due to pregnancy, some still will. This is why it is important for you to proceed with caution. At the end of the day, telling the boss you are pregnant takes a combination of timing and tact, and only YOU can know when the time is right.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

The reality is that not every pregnant woman looks like Kate Middleton prior to, or even one month after pregnancy. In fact, according to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), around 61% of all pregnant women are overweight at the onset of pregnancy. What does this mean? Are there more risks for overweight women than there are for their average or underweight counterparts?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a woman is overweight if her BMI is above 25. New research also suggests that a woman is overweight (even her actual scale weight is appropriate) if her waist measures more than 36 inches. Of course, we all know that ethnicity, genetics and a bunch of other things play a part in your weight. During pregnancy, there is quite simply a lot of emphasis placed on your weight and many practitioners will encourage already overweight women to not gain in excess during pregnancy.

Health wise, the risks of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are higher if you are overweight. Even so, experts agree that with a careful diet and routine management and prenatal visits, these two diseases can be avoided and controlled during pregnancy. More important is your personal health history of diseases such as high blood pressure – that may be made worse by pregnancy.

According to author Van der Ziel, coauthor of Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman, “You can be overweight and have a fit pregnancy. Any obese pregnant woman can modify her risks by eating well, exercising, and adhering to weight-gain guidelines.” And, even more important is that your pre-pregnancy weight, if managed well during pregnancy can be non-issue. The presumption that a woman will not have a healthy pregnancy just because a woman is plus size and pregnant is simply NOT true.

Certainly, pregnancy is not the time to diet or minimize your caloric intake. Instead, it is important for ALL pregnant women – not just plus sized ones – to eat for health, choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals rather than in calories because this is what your growing baby will need to be healthy. Additionally, make sure that you have a practitioner who is both understanding and non-judgmental about your weight, as this is supposed to be a happy time in your life.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Acetaminophen, the drug used in Tylenol, has long been heralded as the one medication that pregnant women could turn to, to help with their hormonally induced aches and pains. In fact, if you call your doctor, or search online how to cure a backache when pregnant, aside from the standard rest, ice, and elevation, you will get acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the answer.

Even so, knowing everything that goes into your body also goes into your growing baby’s body, it is only normal to question whether Tylenol use is as safe as it is assumed during pregnancy.

Recently, as reported by NBC News, a study — the first of its kind to look at young children of mothers who took Tylenol during pregnancy — found that frequent use of the pain reliever appears to be linked to “poorer language skills and behavior problems.”

According to the report:
“using Tylenol or its generic form (acetaminophen) for a total of 28 days or more — total, not consecutive — during pregnancy upped the risk by 70% of a child developing “poorer motor skills… [and they] also tended to start walking later, have poorer communication and language skills and more behavior problems.”

Of course, the important aspect of the study is the indication that TOO MUCH acetaminophen, or acetaminophen in HIGH DOSES can cause problems. Generally speaking, if you MUST take a pain medicine, then acetaminophen is definitely the best choice over other pain-killers, like ibuprofen (Motrin / Advil). But, it is probably best to treat the aches and pains without medications, if you can do so.

Taking medications during pregnancy is never really advised. That being said, there are many instances where the benefits of the medication greatly outweigh the risks to your baby. If you must take either prescription or over-the-counter medication,  be sure to clear it with your doctor first, and make sure you take as little as possible.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.