1. They’re the reason why you feel like you’re living Mean Girls, thanks to the outbreak of acne on your face.

2. You have taken to wearing a permanent eye patch in the hope of reducing the pain caused by the constant pregnancy hormone-induced headaches.

3. They made you throw up mashed potatoes. Enough said.

4. They leave you retching from the suddenly-repulsive smell of laundry detergent each time you take a fresh load out of the machine.

5. The mood swings they cause leave you feeling like a teenager again. It takes every ounce of energy you have in your body (not much, thanks for that, hormones) to stop yourself slamming the door and screaming, “I wish I’d never been born!”

6. After years spent building a reputation as an intelligent, competent and brilliant business woman, the pregnancy hormones made you fall asleep in a meeting.

7. They made you leave your keys in the door, put your glasses in the fridge, and forget the word ‘rectangle’. Stupid pregnancy brain.

8. They put you on a 10 week long diet of plain crackers and ginger ale.

9. They forced you to experience pain like no other – breast tenderness.

10. They gave you a serious case of the One Track Minds.

11. They gave you impossible-to-ignore chocolate chip ice-cream cravings, when you should really be eating healthily.

12. They gave you sideburns. Actual sideburns.

13. They’re the reason you’re out in the cold, wearing nothing but a vest top, sweating like a pig.

14. They keep giving you really, really weird dreams. That you cannot forget.

15. At a time in your life when you want to be thought of as beautiful and womanly, they make you snore. Really loudly. All night long.

16. They have ruined what should be a nine month holiday from sanitary products, by giving you a crazy amount of vaginal discharge.

17. They can be held, at least, partially responsible for the painful hemorrhoid you battle with each time you visit the toilet.

18. You know that unbearable aching in your lower abdomen? The pain that simply will not go, and feels worse whenever you stand up or move position? Yep, they are to blame for that too.

19. They made your gums bleed.

20. They hired a top-of-their-industry marketing firm to come up with the name ‘morning sickness’, but really made you sick all day. For months on end.

And, for the sake of impartiality, one reason why they’re not:

1. They’re helping you to grow a baby.

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.

A child entering the world, whether it’s your first or third, is a huge occasion that will impact upon every area of your life, so it’s no wonder you feel a little stressed at times. You’re probably tired out from growing a whole new person, you’ve got a to do list the size of your arm, and you’ve got lots of loose ends to tie up at work before you start maternity leave. Stress during pregnancy is pretty much inevitable and all women will experience it at some point.

Here are some tips to help you cope with stress during pregnancy:

1. Relax – easier said than done when you’re feeling stressed, but it is really important to relax. Leave your work worries, birth fears and to do list outside, and take some time to sit down and breathe for a while. Having a nice bubble bath (not too hot!) is a great way to unwind at the end of a busy day, and it will do wonders for those pregnancy aches and pains you’re no doubt suffering from.
2. Talk – if you’re feeling apprehensive about the birth, speak to your healthcare provider. If you are worried about the affect a new baby will have on your relationship, speak to your partner. You will need a support system in place for after the baby comes, so why not put them through their paces now by listening to your pregnancy woes?
3. Delegate – you have enough on your plate without also worrying about which type of baby bath to purchase. You’ve probably got two sets of soon to be Grandparents desperate to help out with any kind of baby related duty, so why not delegate a few of the less important jobs? That way you get to tick a few chores off your to do list, and Granny has been given something useful to do (so she can stop commenting on how much weight you’ve gained).
4. Rest – you might be struggling to sleep during pregnancy due to the huge bump getting in the way, but rest is a really important tool for fighting stress. Try using extra pillows in bed to provide comfort, and have naps during the day if this helps.
5. Planning – good planning is important for keeping stress at bay. If you’re feeling worried about money, try drawing up a budget for once the baby arrives. If you are losing sleep because you have too much to do, try to break down your to do list into manageable jobs and do a little bit each day. There’s no point overdoing it and putting yourself out of action because you’re exhausted.
6. Birth – some women cannot help but worry about the birth itself. Remember, women have been giving birth for thousands of years, and it is a natural process. Your healthcare provider will be on hand to help you during labour, and provide any medical support necessary. Try not to worry too much about the birth, and instead focus on meeting your baby for the first time.

If stress is causing you to lose sleep, or if you have lost your appetite or are more irritable than usual, and none of the above tips have helped, you should ask your healthcare provider for advice on stress management.

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.

The miracle of life begins upon conception of your baby, and continues to amaze as the months go by. As parents, you naturally wonder about the development of your little one during pregnancy. You probably want to know what your baby is doing at every stage: how big is he or she? can the baby hear or see? does he or she have hair? Here are some basics:

Week 1-4

Most women do not know that they are pregnant from day one. It’s often very difficult to know that exact date of conception. Most health care providers calculate your due date by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). According to this method, they date the beginning of your pregnancy two weeks before ovulation. If your cycle is longer or shorter than average, this date may be less-than-accurate. At the moment of conception, your child’s gender and most of the inherited characteristics have been set. After fertilization, the embryo travels from the fallopian tube and implants itself in the uterus.

Week 4-10

This period of the development poses the greatest risk to your baby. During this time, all the internal organs, the spine, the legs and arms, and the heart start to develop. His heart starts beating, and his arms and legs grow and begin developing toes and fingers. Your baby is able to open and close his mouth, turn his head, make a fist, and kick (though you won’t feel those movements for quite some time). Reproductive organs also start to develop, but the baby’s gender is still hard to determine on an ultrasound at this point.

Week 10-20

Your baby starts to inhale and exhale small amounts of amniotic fluid, helping his lungs to develop. His ears start to develop and his head is still bigger than his body. But, do not worry! It will even out as he grows. The risk of miscarriage also decreases after week 13. The baby grows rapidly and his eyelashes, fingernails, and vocal cords develop.

Week 20-28

At this stage of development, his head and body seem to even out, so he doesn’t look so top-heavy! His eyebrows, hair, and toenails begin to grow, and his teeth start forming under the gums. Fine, soft hair (called lanugo) begins to grow, and a white, creamy covering (called vernix caseosa) develops all over his body. Both of these protect baby’s skin while he is in utero. During this time, you can probably feel your baby move. He is also able to open his eyes.

Week 28-40

In the third trimester, your baby grows significantly. During this time, your baby’s vision and hearing will develop further. The baby reacts to light directly on your abdomen, and hears and recognizes your voice. Taste buds are now present on his tongue and he learns how to swallow. Amniotic fluid even takes on strong smells from your diet! 

Sometime between 38 and 42 weeks, your baby will make his grand entrance into the world, and you will finally get to see all you had wondered about during his development.

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.

The moment you break the news of your pregnancy to the world, everyone will start making guesses about whether you are having a little boy or a little girl. Truth is, gender prediction is something just about everyone feels they are a ‘professional’ at, and many folks will use antiquated methods to try and figure out the gender of your baby.

Funny thing is, that in this situation – everyone who interjects has a 50/50 chance of being right, so the odds are definitely in their favor.

Whether you find out the gender of your baby or not is a personal decision. Most often, the ultrasound tech will be able to decipher the gender of your baby through routine ultrasound after the 16th week of pregnancy. That being said, there are some fun gender prediction methods (also with a 50/50 chance of being right) that are fun to look into.

Of course, there is the Chinese Gender Prediction Method. In this method, the gender is based upon your age and the month of conception. (Personally speaking, it was never right for me). Another fun way to ponder the gender of your baby is to see whether you are carrying your baby high or low. In late pregnancy, many people believe that if you are carrying your baby bump low – then you will be having a boy.  High, and you need to break out the pink bows.

Faster heartbeats heard during a routine Doppler test are also said to indicate that you are having a girl. If the baby’s heart beats more than 140 times per minute, this ‘could’ indicate that a girl is in your near future. Believe it or not, Drano – the popular pipe cleaner has been affiliated with gender prediction for decades as well. The theory goes that if you pee in a cup and then pour 1 tablespoon of Drano in it, it will turn either green or blue. Green equates to a girl while blue, typically – means you will be having a boy.

Yet another way people decide baby gender is based on whether or not the pregnant mama is having pubescent like acne. The old saying goes that a baby girl steals all of her mother’s beauty, and therefore pregnant mom will break out like a teenager.

Of course, there is also the ever popular baby shower trick with your wedding ring. (Any ring will do) Take off your wedding ring, tie it to a string or fishing wire and then hold it over your belly. If the ring goes in a circle then legend has it that you are fit to have a little boy. If it rocks back and forth, a girl.

At the end of the day (and your pregnancy) the big reveal will be the only method that is 100% accurate when it comes to gender prediction. Even so, it can be a lot of fun to sit back and dream during your pregnancy. And if you don’t want to wait – then your best odds at getting it right are to ask your ultrasound tech.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Mom-Spirational

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.

Pregnancy seems to affect almost every part of your body, and the skin is no exception. Skin changes during pregnancy vary between women, so you may not experience all of the potential changes. You have probably heard of the ‘pregnancy glow’ that some women get, but you may not be familiar with all the changes on this list:

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are exactly what they sound like, marks left by your skin stretching rapidly during pregnancy. They most commonly appear towards the end of the pregnancy, and are usually located on the bump, breasts and thighs.

Only one in 10 women avoid stretch marks, so the chances are, you’re going to get at least a couple. Stretch marks are hereditary, and it comes down to whether they run in your family, rather than how much money you spend on miracle creams and lotions. Stretch marks will fade after the delivery, as your body return to its normal shape.

Skin darkening

The increased hormones of pregnancy, can cause an increase in pigmentation. You may find that you are covered in blotches or patches of darkened skin. For some women, these blotches appear on the face, this condition is known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. You may also notice that your moles, freckles and even labia appear darker during pregnancy. This is caused by hormones, and should return to normal after the birth.

Linea Nigra

This is the mysterious dark line that runs down the middle of your abdomen during pregnancy. Around three quarters of all pregnant women find that this line appears on their bump. It usually appears during the second trimester, and will disappear in the months following the birth.

Acne

It is hard to predict whether you will suffer from breakouts during pregnancy. Some women find that their usually problem-skin becomes clean and clean during pregnancy, and others who have never suffered from acne, suddenly find they are plagued by a spot-ridden complexion. Wash your face every morning and night, and avoid putting harsh chemicals on your skin. Your skin should return to normal after the birth, once your hormones shrink back to their normal levels.

Pregnancy glow

You may not be able to see it yourself, but the increased blood flowing through your veins can leave your skin looking brighter than usual. You may find you feel oilier than usual as your hormones go into overdrive, and this can add to your glow.

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.

Why are there so many twin pregnancies nowadays? One reason is the increase of the use of fertility drugs. Another is the increasing age of new mothers – older moms have a greater chance of releasing more than one egg at ovulation. Twin pregnancies have increased by 76% over the past 30 years and fertility treatments greatly increase a woman’s chance of having twins or multiples. However, the chance of having identical twins is still only 1 in 285, as identical twins are not a direct result of fertility drugs.

Here are some of the most common questions about twin pregnancies.

Are pregnancy symptoms worse with a twin pregnancy?

If you are expecting twins, you may experience some of the usual symptoms of pregnancy more, but this is not always the case. However, due to the higher levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), women expecting multiples often experience severe morning sickness.

Higher levels of progesterone can also make you feel short of breath, and this can be made worse by two babies pushing up your diaphragm. You are also more likely to experience indigestion, bloating, heartburn, and constipation. Later in pregnancy, you may experience more muscle strain and back pain because you are carrying additional weight.

What danger signs do I need to watch for?

The danger signs in twin pregnancy are the same as any pregnancy. Be alert because the risk of complications is greater when you are expecting twins. However, try not to worry! Do not let fear spoil your pregnancy. Trust your instincts and when something does not feel right, call your doctor!

Preterm birth happens in more than half of twin pregnancies. Call the hospital if you think you are in labour or go straight to the hospital. How will you know it’s labor? If you have contractions that don’t stop with a change of activity, or if you have more than 4 or 5 in one hour, then it’s labor. Ask you healthcare provider under what circumstances you should be seen in the office or at the hospital.

Pre-eclampsia, or pregnancy induced hypertension, is also common in women expecting twins. Be aware of early symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, flashing lights, vomiting excessive weight gain, and swelling of the face, feet, and hands.

How will I cope?

There are lots of things you can do to cope with twin pregnancy such as:

• Get plenty of rest, at home and at work (take a short break every hour).
• Get help with household chores.
• Have a daytime nap.
• Take early maternity leave since most twins are delivered earlier than single babies, usually at 37 weeks.
• Talk to your midwife and doctor when you have any concerns.
• Join a local support group for twin pregnancies or find an online forum for your special circumstances.

Written by Team Health Parenting

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.

Constipation causes difficulty when passing stools. You may notice you are passing stools less often, or simply being less effective when you do. If you are suffering from constipation, you may notice that your stools are:

• dry and lumpy
• abnormally large
• abnormally small

You may also notice the following symptoms:

• bloating
• stomach ache and/or cramps
• nausea
• loss of appetite

What causes constipation during pregnancy?

During early pregnancy, hormonal changes make you more susceptible to constipation. As your body begins to nourish a developing baby, your digestive system slows down to allow your body to absorb as many nutrients as possible from the food you eat. This slow and sluggish digestive system can lead to constipation. As the pregnancy progresses, your growing uterus will put pressure on your digestive system, which could cause constipation.

How to avoid constipation during pregnancy

Try the following tips to reduce your chances of suffering from constipation:

• Increase your fibre intake – make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds dried fruits, and whole-grain cereals and breads.
• Reduce your intake of refined foods – far from helping you avoid it, some foods can actually increase your likelihood of suffering from constipation. Refined foods such as white bread and white rice can add to your problems, as can a high intake of red meat or dairy products.
• Stay hydrated – during pregnancy you need to drink at least two extra glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause constipation, so it’s important to make sure you are drinking enough water.
• Eat little and often – gorging on big meals can lead to a back up in your digestive system. Instead, try to eat six smaller meals each day, this may help to relieve constipation.
• Keep exercising – light exercise can help to get things moving, so try to exercise at least a few times each week. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy, and can help you to stay fit and healthy as you prepare for the birth.
• Supplement carefully – some iron supplements may cause constipation. If you are taking iron supplements, speak to your doctor about trying another brand.

When to call your healthcare provider

If you have tried all of the above, and still can’t go, it might be time to give your healthcare provider a call. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on safe treatments for constipation during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise laxatives, although only certain types are suitable for pregnant women so you must seek medical advice before taking these.

Do you have any tips to help readers suffering from constipation?

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.

You’re pregnant, yay!  You and your spouse couldn’t be more excited. But suddenly as the conversations have shifted to child rearing and future plans, you realize that the two of you don’t see things quite the same. For instance, while your husband is already talking about your son becoming a linebacker, you are dreaming of raising a son that is everything but cliché BOY! And while you’re thinking about how the crib is going to fit in your bedroom, your partner says “NO WAY! The baby is sleeping in his room.” Two parents with two opinions about the best way to do things.

The clash of ideas and opinions about child rearing is extremely common among new parents. It starts during pregnancy, and can sometimes overshadow the joy and excitement you feel about having the baby as you wonder (and worry) how you and your spouse are going to be able to agree on anything when it comes to the baby. Is this a sign of things to come?

The reality is that few people have in-depth conversations about how they feel about things such as religion, or allowance, or the family bed, or desserts before dinner BEFORE they have kids. And, the way we were raised is never fully revealed until we start thinking about children of our own. These differences, also referred to as inherent differences, don’t have much room in our lives before we are actually faced with child-rearing. So although you may be surprised at how much you and your partner disagree, you shouldn’t be alarmed. Most couples have vastly different ideals about parenthood in the months prior to the baby being born.

It is also important to realize that everything you think you know about raising a child, and everything you think you will do when you have your own kids – means nothing until you actually have the baby. No matter how much you swore you would never do this or that, the actual baby has a way of changing all that. For instance, even though you and your partner may be butting heads about the best way to wean a baby NOW while you’re pregnant, the reality is that you don’t really know which bridge you will cross until you get there. So settle down just a little: You and your partner are not doomed, or headed for trouble because you seem to be disagreeing on a few things.

Two parents, with two opinions is natural. And, having differing opinions about things enables us to see there is more than one way to do things. Just because you are the MOM and he is the DAD doesn’t mean that one of you is better equipped or smarter when it comes to child rearing. When the conversations arise where the two of you disagree, the best thing to do is simply allow yourselves to get there when you get there. After all, you needn’t be arguing about the perfect age for your daughter to date, when your daughter hasn’t even been born yet.

Time has a way of changing things and you will realize that most things work themselves out in time. Cherish your pregnancy, and if you really want to have fun – write down all the things you swore you would and wouldn’t do, so when your child is a teenager you can look back and realize just how wrong you were. About everything. 🙂

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes that can cause mild illness for those exposed. Zika virus infection is also associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome where a person’s nervous system attacks itself, causing weakness and possibly paralysis. For pregnant women Zika virus can cause birth defects in the developing fetus, such as microcephaly, impaired growth, or vision or hearing problems. Babies with microcephaly have heads smaller than expected for their age, and often have brains that are smaller and underdeveloped. Zika virus has also been linked to miscarriage and stillbirth. Experts do not know the probability of Zika virus exposure on the developing fetus. Transmission of Zika virus to the fetus has been documented in all trimesters of pregnancy. One study suggested that microcephaly would occur in 1%-13% of babies born to mothers infected in the first trimester (Cauchemez 2016). A recent study from Brazil found abnormal outcomes including stillbirth, growth restriction, and microcephaly in 29% of fetuses of Zika-infected mothers in all trimesters (Brasil 2016).

Mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus have been found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, a number of Pacific island countries, several African countries, and in the southern United States. Experts predict that the virus will continue to spread. You can find a list of countries with high, moderate and low risk of exposure to Zika here or here.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms and signs of a Zika virus infection include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, and eye redness. The incubation period (the time from being bitten until symptoms appear) for Zika virus is 3 to 14 days. Symptoms typically last for several days to a week. For most people, Zika virus is a very mild illness not requiring hospitalization and with no long-lasting complications.

To diagnose Zika virus, your doctor will ask about your travel history and symptoms. The virus can be confirmed with blood or urine tests. Most people with Zika virus have no signs or symptoms. So, if you have traveled or live in an area with the virus, testing may be recommended.

There are no immunizations to prevent a Zika virus infects, nor are there medications to treat Zika virus. Treatment typically consists of comfort measures for symptoms, such as rest, hydration and acetaminophen / paracetamol for symptom relief. Avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

If you are currently pregnant

Experts suggest that pregnant women cancel or postpone any non-essential travel to areas of the world where Zika virus is widespread. Experts don’t know if there is a time during pregnancy when travel to these areas is more dangerous compared to an earlier or later point in pregnancy. If you live in or travel to an area with Zika virus, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test to assess your Zika status and a baseline ultrasound to check your baby’s growth. These tests can also rule out other related infections (such as dengue or chikungunya viruses).

If you must travel or if you live in an area where Zika is prevalent, healthcare providers recommend protecting yourself from bug bites by using an insect repellent containing DEET (The recommended concentration of DEET varies from country to country so you should discuss this with your healthcare provider), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol and IR3535. These products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Other measures to protect yourself include:

• Wear light colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably treated with an insect repellent
• Use screens on windows and doors
• Use a mosquito net around the bed for sleeping
• Use air conditioning, if possible
• Get rid of any standing water in buckets, pools, bird baths, etc. as these serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos

Zika virus can be spread with sexual contact, if you are currently pregnant, experts recommend using a condom (for intercourse) or a dental dam (for oral sex) or abstaining from sex altogether until after the baby’s birth.

If you are trying to become pregnant

While the decision to start a family is a personal one, discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider before conception can improve pregnancy outcomes, especially if you live in or visit an area with widespread the Zika virus.

Whether you live in an area with the Zika virus, or you have visited and may have been exposed, experts recommend:

• If you have Zika symptoms …
  • Women should wait at least 8 weeks after symptoms start before trying to conceive.
  • Men should wait at least 6 months after symptoms start before trying to conceive.
• If you have no Zika symptoms …
  • Women and men should wait 8 weeks after exposure to try to conceive.

If your partner has traveled

If your partner has recently traveled to an area of the world where Zika virus exposure is possible, then he or she could possibly infect you, which may adversely affect your baby. If he does not have Zika virus symptoms, wait at least 8 weeks before trying to conceive. If he has Zika virus symptoms, wait at least 6 months before becoming pregnant. If you are already pregnant, use a condom to prevent exposure, or avoid sexual contact until your baby is born.

If you (or your partner) have traveled to an area with Zika virus, continue using insect repellent for several months after your return so mosquitoes cannot transfer the virus from you to your family.

Can I transfer the virus to my baby at birth?

If you have been exposed to Zika virus within 2 weeks of giving birth, there is a chance that the virus can be transmitted to your baby during the birth process, though experts do not know for sure if a newborn infected with Zika will experience the same types of problems as a fetus would.

If you have or may have had Zika virus, you should not save your baby’s cord blood as it could be infected with Zika virus.

What if I am breastfeeding?

While components of the Zika virus have been found in breastmilk, no cases of Zika virus attributed to breastfeeding have ever been recorded. If you are nursing, breastmilk is still the best choice even if you have been exposed to Zika virus. Your body may be making antibodies to your exposure that will be protective for your baby – but we don’t know for sure.

Can my baby get Zika virus? How can I protect him or her?

The most common way for babies and children to become infected with Zika virus is through mosquito bites. You can protect your baby by:

• Dressing your baby in clothes that cover the arms and legs.
• Use mosquito netting over the crib, stroller, and baby carrier.
• Control mosquitoes around your home with screens on windows and doors, and by removing any standing water.

Experts caution that you should not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age (or longer, depending on the product).

If your child develops Zika virus symptoms, take your child to the healthcare provider. Symptoms may include fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes.

Where can I find more information?

World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/

US Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/

UK NHS http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/zika-virus/Pages/Introduction.aspx

References

Brasil P, Pereira JP Jr, Raja Gabaglia C, Damasceno L, Wakimoto M, Ribeiro Nogueira RM, et al. Zika virus infection in pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro – preliminary report. N Engl J Med 2016; DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1602412.

Cauchemez S, Besnard M, Bompard P, Dub T, Guillemette-Artur P, Eyrolle-Guignot D, et al. Association between Zika virus and microcephaly in French Polynesia, 2013-15: a retrospective study. Lancet 2016; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00651-6.

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.

Most women find that they gain very little weight during the first trimester, in fact some women actually find they lose weight as a result of morning sickness and food aversions. By the end of your pregnancy, you may be up to 16kg (35lb) heavier than you were pre-pregnancy. It may sound a lot, but remember, not all of the extra pregnancy weight gain will be baby. In fact, your weight gain will be made up of the following components (and their average weights):

• baby 3-4kg (7-9lb)
• extra fat 2.5kg (5.5lb)
• water 2.5kg (5.5lb)
• extra blood and fluid 1.5kg (3lb)
• larger uterus 1kg (2lb)
• amniotic fluid 1kg (2lb)
• placenta 0.7kg (1.5lb)
• larger breasts 0.5kg (1lb)

Body Mass Index

The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy, is dependent on your Body Mass Index (BMI). At the start of your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will take your height and weight, and use this information to calculate your BMI.

If you have a normal BMI (between 19 and 24), you should be aiming to gain between 11 and 16kg (or 25 to 35lb) by the end of the pregnancy. If you are carrying twins, you should expect to gain between 16 and 20kg (35 to 44lb). If you are considered to be overweight (with a BMI of 24.5 and over), you should gain between 7 and 11kg (or 15 to 25lb) by the time you give birth. If you are obese at the start of the pregnancy (with a BMI of 30 or more), you should try to limit your weight gain to between 5 to 9kg (11 to 20lb). If you are underweight at the start of the pregnancy (with a BMI of less than 19), you will be advised to gain between 13 and 18kgs (28 to 40lb) during the pregnancy.

If you are a healthy weight at the start of your pregnancy, you should expect to gain no more than 2.2.kg (5lb) during the first trimester, between 5.5-9kg (12-19lb) in the second trimester, and up to a further 3.5-5kg (8-11lb) in the third trimester.

Calorie intake

During the first few months of pregnancy, there is no need to increase your calorie intake. You can continue to eat around 2,000 calories a day. During this time, you may like to reassess your diet to ensure you are eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables, and limiting your intake of sugary or processed foods.

By the time you enter your third trimester, you should be eating an extra 200 calories a day to sustain your developing baby. The last few weeks of pregnancy is when the baby starts to pile on the pounds, so you will need to eat more to allow this. Two hundred calories a day equates to a banana and a glass of milk, or two slices of buttered wholemeal toast.

Eat a balanced diet

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy, and to give your baby the best start in life, is to eat a healthy balanced diet. Make sure you are eating a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day, whilst also eating wholegrain carbohydrates and plenty of protein.

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 2017. All rights reserved.

During pregnancy, you may feel a whole host of emotions including excitement, happiness, fear, sadness, anger and panic. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to feel all of these things. Pregnancy can be daunting, you know your life is about to change forever, but you can’t quite imagine how. You may find that your mood changes without warning. From feeling ecstatically happy one minute, to uncontrollable sobbing the next. These mood swings are a common feature of pregnancy, and most women experience them at some point.

What causes mood swings during pregnancy?

Simply put, hormones. Yes, those blasted things that are also making you nauseous, are now turning you into the stereotyped irrational pregnant woman often seen in US sitcoms. It’s not just the hormones though, lack of sleep can play a part too. If you’ve been struggling to sleep, you may find yourself more irritable than usual. Even if the pregnancy was long-anticipated, you may still feel scared and unsure as you embark on this life changing journey.

How to manage mood swings during pregnancy

• talk it out – open up to your partner about how you are feeling. Chances are, he’s feeling every bit a nervous about parenthood as you are, and you’ll both feel a lot better after talking through your concerns.
• be honest – if you’ve just screamed in your mum’s face because she said you were blooming, apologise and explain you’re feeling hormonal. One of the great things about pregnancy is that people are more lenient with you. People expect you to feel tired, emotional and hormonal, so they tend to be more understanding of grumpiness.
• take it slow – if you’re trying to keep up your fast paced lifestyle, you may find the exhaustion is adding to your bad mood. Try taking it slow, spend time relaxing it each and do things at your own pace. This should help you to feel more in control.
• rest – try to get as much sleep as you can, you may find napping during the day or straight after work helps you to make up the hours lost at night. If you’re struggling to sleep at night, try to rest instead. Relaxing can help you to feel rested, even if you haven’t been sleeping. Working on your laptop at 3am won’t help you feel relaxed, and it is in fact likely to make you feel more stressed.

When it’s not just mood swings

If you are feeling down, and you can’t seem to shake it, speak to your healthcare provider. You may be suffering from antenatal depression, and they will be able to advise you of where to get help. It is important to remember you are not alone, and there is help available to you.

If your mood swings are extreme or are interfering with your everyday activities, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

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.