The birth of a child is a very special and life-changing experience, and the moment you first meet your baby is one you will want to remember forever. If professional birth photography is out of your budget, but you would like the birth to be captured, you could ask your birth partner to take on the role of photographer. Or, if you’d rather keep your birth partner available to you, you could ask a close friend or family member to capture the vital moments on film. Whoever you choose, here are some tips to help them get the most out of DIY birth photography:

1. Use the best camera you can get your hands on – if you have or can borrow a top of the range camera, that’s great. If not, get hold of the best camera phone or digital camera you can.

2. Practice makes perfect – whatever camera you use, make sure you are well-acquainted with it before the birth. Make sure you understand what each and every button does, and how to find the right setting for your location. You don’t want to miss taking the all-important photograph because you were pressing the wrong button.

3. Have it set up before you need it – if you are using a fancy camera, make sure it is set up in advance. It may take you a while, fiddling with the ISO and other settings, before you can get pictures you’re happy with. Do this in advance, so that when the moment comes, you’re ready. If there is a lot of natural light in the birthing room, you may need to adjust your camera setting as the day progresses. The right setting at noon, will be very different to the setting needed at midnight.

4. Ask for the ground rules – your job is to capture the birth, not to risk upsetting the labouring woman by zooming in on the crowning shot. Ask the couple what they would like you to capture. Do they want photographs of the labour itself, the moment of childbirth, or just the first cuddles with their baby? Does she want it to be a strictly above-the-bump affair, or is she happy for you to capture the entire scene?

5. Adapt, and fast – no matter what ground rules you had, people are free to change their mind. If the capture-everything woman is now screaming at you to go away, then you should. But hang around, she might change her mind when the baby arrives, and she wants some special photographs.

6. Don’t get in the way – there will be healthcare providers with jobs to do, so make sure you’re not in the way. Most hospitals will be happy for you to be there, until you start getting under their feet, and then they’ll quickly tell you to leave. Stay out of the way, and try to shoot as a fly on the wall.

7. Photograph the details – it’s not just the photos of the first family cuddle, it’s also the little memories that are great to look back on. The tiny hospital band wrapped around the ankle of a newborn, the mother-to-be receiving a much-needed back massage from her birth partner, and a few establishing shots of the room itself, with the door number visible.

8. Save them immediately – take your laptop with you, so you can upload the photos straight away. It’s not worth risking a lost laptop case or corrupt memory card, just do it while you’re at the hospital to be safe. This has the added benefit of giving you a laptop to keep yourself occupied if you have a long wait at the hospital.

Who will be taking the first photos of you with your newborn baby?

You can also use our Baby+ App for iPhone / iPad or Android to capture your baby’s milestones and unforgettable moments, or use the App to create a time-lapse video by taking a picture of your baby every day. The App will then automatically produce a beautiful video. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

One in five women experience heartburn during the first trimester, and this number rises to two in five by the end of the second trimester. By the end of the pregnancy, over three in five women will have experienced at least some heartburn and indigestion.

So, chances are, you’re going to experience it – the bloating, the nausea, the wind, the burping, and that horrible taste in your mouth. Heartburn is definitely up there amongst the most hated common pregnancy symptoms.

What causes heartburn during pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, heartburn is caused by hormones. Progesterone slows digestion down to a snail’s pace, and causes the muscle valve between the stomach and oesophagus to relax. Once the valve is relaxed, stomach acid can leak into oesophagus, causing heartburn.

Later in the pregnancy, you can blame your growing uterus for this unpleasant symptom. The uterus can push the stomach higher in your body, forcing stomach acid into the oesophagus.

After the birth, as your hormone levels decrease, and your uterus shrinks back down, you should find that the heartburn disappears. In the meantime, however, there are some things you can do to try and avoid heartburn during pregnancy:

1. Reduce your intake of citrus foods – oranges, lemons, tomatoes and grapefruits can all worsen the symptoms of heartburn. Citrus foods are acidic, and eating them can increase acidity in the stomach, which can worsen heartburn when stomach acid escapes into the oesophagus.

2. Avoid fried and fatty foods – food that takes a long time to digest, stays in your stomach for longer, thus allowing more time for heartburn to occur after a meal. Try to avoid eating fried and fatty foods that will sit in your stomach for a long time, and instead eat healthy and easy-to-digest foods.

3. Avoid caffeine – tea, coffee, soda and chocolate all contain caffeine which can worsen the effects of heartburn.

4. Try cutting out garlic and onion – some people find that these foods can make heartburn worse. Try cutting them out to see if it makes a difference.

5. Try cutting out spicy food – some people find that spicy foods worsen the symptoms of heartburn. Try avoiding foods with chilli, peppers or hot spices in them, and see if your heartburn improves.

Try keeping a food diary, and noting what you eat and when. Add to this details of when you suffer from heartburn, and how badly. By comparing this information, you should be able to identify which foods are safe to eat, and which worsen your symptoms.
How do you deal with heartburn?

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.

Did you know at birth your baby’s stomach is the size of a chickpea? By day three, it’s about the size of a walnut, and not until day 10 is it as big as a golf ball. This small stomach size equals small stomach capacity – tiny tummies can’t hold much at once. The good news is that if you’re breastfeeding, your body has made your milk in just the right quantity for a growing baby’s stomach size.

Think of colostrum – your first milk – in teaspoons rather than ounces. It’s just the right amount for baby’s little belly. The nutrients in colostrum are perfect for a newborn, too. Colostrum is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates and protein. The antibodies in colostrum act as your baby’s first vaccine – they keep your baby healthy as his immune system is developing. Colostrum is easy for your baby to digest, and has a laxative effect to help prevent jaundice.

Because breastmilk so easy to digest, babies need to nurse often. Newborn babies typically nurse every 1 ½ to 2 hours. Most of the time, though, the feedings aren’t so evenly spaced. Sometimes baby will want to nurse every hour, and sometimes he will sleep for a longer stretch without waking to feed. Eight to twelve feedings every 24 hours is what you should aim for.

If your baby is having trouble latching in the early days, it’s important to get some nourishment into him. But using a breast pump for colostrum isn’t always effective. Because it is thicker than mature milk, and is produced in smaller quantities, colostrum is more easily hand expressed than pumped. Consider hand expressing colostrum onto a teaspoon, and then dribbling this into your baby’s mouth a little at a time. These calories will help sustain your baby as you work on getting him to latch.

With all of this in mind, here are some tips for successfully starting to breastfeed in the early days after the birth:

• Plan your birth for breastfeeding success: Pain medications in labor can result in sleepy baby in the early hours and days after birth. A sleepy baby may not nurse very often. This would be a good time to hand express colostrum and spoon feed it to your baby.
• Spend time skin-to-skin: As soon as your baby is born, ask that they place him skin to skin with you. Stay this way until the first feeding has taken place. Skin-to-skin contact helps baby adjust to life outside the womb and awakens breastfeeding reflexes.
• Nurse early and often: Most babies are ready to nurse about an hour after birth. Ask for help if you need it. Then continue nursing your baby on cue afterwards in order to bring in a strong milk supply.
• Room in: Keep your baby with you as much as possible after the birth. You will get to know your baby’s rhythms and hunger cues, which will help get breastfeeding off to a strong start.
• No supplements or pacifiers (dummies): Unless medically necessary, limit any formula or other supplements. If you do need to supplement, use a spoon, syringe or cup rather than a bottle. Also, try to limit using a pacifier or dummy until breastfeeding is well established. Your baby doesn’t need anything other than your milk at first!

Following some simple steps as you are preparing for breastfeeding will help you set the stage for a strong milk supply and a satisfied and healthy baby. You can also watch some educational breastfeeding videos in our Baby+ App. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

What concerns do you have about getting breastfeeding off to a strong start?

Written by Michelle: writer, editor, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

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.

Most women, pack their hospital bag for the hospital during the last trimester of pregnancy. In the bag go clothing and personal items, slippers for those walks through the hospital, and little things like toothpaste and toothbrushes and perhaps a favorite blanket or pillow.

The following 5 things are some often forgotten items that may come in handy after the baby’s birth!

1.  Some make-up if you typically wear it. You never know when labor and delivery are going to hit, and most women don’t pack their make-up. The thing is some of the most beautiful, unforgettable pictures will be taken in the hours and days after you give birth. Having a little mascara, and perhaps some lip gloss – can ensure that these are pictures you will treasure. Certainly, you will be glowing and beautiful anyways – but a little make-up can help you feel more like yourself after you have your baby.

2. Phone numbers! Most people today have all the important numbers they need stored in their phones, and this makes things much, much easier – especially if you want to share the good news with others. However, make sure you make a little list of numbers that you don’t call often (and if you work, your bosses or coworkers numbers), or organize a group message in your phone to make staying in contact with others easier and more efficient. The last thing you want is to listen to your phone beeping and blinging and dinging every few seconds.

3. Nursing pads. Prepare for the leakage. Breastfeeding or not – leakage can occur within hours, or a day from birth. You will find that store bought nursing pads that you bring along with you, will not only work better and be more comfortable, but save you from having to change out of clothing too many times. Bring a comfortable bra, too. Whether you are planning to breastfeed or not, your milk will ‘come-in,’ making your breasts heavy and swollen. Having a supportive bra can be key.

4. Comfortable clothing for you. While some women may want to just wear the hospital-issued gown, others feel more comfortable in their own pajamas or lounge wear. Consider how you want to be dressed when guests stop by to see the new little one – while this doesn’t need to be a business suit, a pair of yoga pants and a comfy t-shirt may make you a little less self-conscious than the short hospital gown.

5. A gift for your other ‘littles.’ If you have older children, don’t forget a little something special for them. Coloring books and crayons to keep them busy, a movie, maybe a new toy – and a little gift that announces that they are a big brother or sister, will make sure they don’t feel left out or forgotten. People will be bringing the baby lots of new stuff, and the older siblings tend to get left out.

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

Back pain during pregnancy is very common. For one thing, the weight of your baby is all on the front of your body, which puts all the pressure on lower back and spine to carry the extra weight. If you don’t have strong abdominal muscles, then your back is taking on a lot of extra work during pregnancy. Plus, as your uterus grows, it can put pressure on the main nerves of the body that run through your spinal column and legs that can cause you pain.

Since you really should avoid any medications during pregnancy, many women are just left to suffer with back pain during pregnancy. The good news is that there are a few tips and tricks to making your back feel better!

• Warm baths! Remember, you shouldn’t take HOT baths while you are pregnant. But soaking in a nice warm bath to ease tense muscles is a great way to unwind and relax your aching back.
• Prenatal yoga and stretching. Staying flexible, and stretching your muscles is the best way to keep your back free from pain. Just make sure you take a class from an instructor that is licensed to teach pregnant women.
• Pregnancy massage. Again, find a certified pregnancy massage therapist and schedule an appointment. This will help ease the tension that builds up in the back muscles and help you to relax.
• Pregnancy Pilates and abdominal exercises. Strengthening your back is critical. And although traditional abdominal exercises are NOT recommended for pregnancy muscles, you want to continue to keep your ab muscles strong so they can help support your baby bump.
• Good posture! You will be surprised how much of a difference posture can make. When you sit down, especially for long periods of time use a pillow behind your lower back, sit up straight and tall and prop your legs up whenever possible. This helps to take pressure off the lower spine.
• Avoid lifting, especially in late pregnancy, and when you DO lift, lift from your knees. Don’t bend over to pick something up. Instead, squat to lift it so you won’t be extra pressure on your back.

Also, keep in mind that back pain especially after 27 weeks that is dull, persistent and rhythmic could be contractions. Many women feel labor in their back. If you notice a sudden change in your back pain, and think that it may be more than just simple strain – consult your doctor to make sure you aren’t going into early labor.

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.

Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is exactly what it sounds like. It means you give birth vaginally after having at least one baby by caesarean surgery. You may hear you healthcare provider refer to a VBAC as a Trial of Labor After Caesarean (TOLAC).

Can I have a VBAC?
Your healthcare provider will assess your individual case and decide whether you are an appropriate candidate for a VBAC. If your healthcare provider gives you the go ahead for a VBAC, there is a good chance you will succeed. Up to 80% of women who attempt VBACs give birth vaginally.

Benefits of VBAC

• avoids the need for major surgery and the associated risks
• postpartum recovery tends to be longer after caesarean birth
• looking after a toddler and newborn will be much easier after a VBAC

Risks of VBAC

• there is a small risk that your caesarean scar will rupture during delivery. This affects only one in 200 women.
• there is a slightly increased risk of you developing a rupture or infection of the uterus
• there is a slightly increased risk of blood transfusion

Success rates
A quarter of women who attempt VBACs go on to have caesarean births. This rate is only slightly higher than the caesarean rate for first time mothers. Nearly 80% of attempted VBACs end in vaginal births.

If you have previously had a vaginal birth, you are more likely to have a successful VBAC. If your previous caesarean was because of a condition unique to your last pregnancy, such as a breech baby or low-lying placenta, then you have a good chance of  having a VBAC.

Some women are considered unsuitable candidates for VBAC, this is usually due to an ongoing condition such as a small pelvis or a maternal health condition that requires the baby to be born early.

VBAC success rates are slightly lower for women who:

• are induced
• are given drugs to speed up labour
• have only ever given birth by caesarean
• had a previous caesarean because the baby became stuck during labour
• had a prepregnancy BMI of over 30

I’ve decided I want a VBAC
You should speak to your healthcare provider about having a VBAC. They will assess your case and, if they decide you are a suitable candidate, they will advise you of how to go about it. Some US hospitals do not have the facilities to offer VBAC, so you may need to rethink your birth location. If your healthcare provider is not supportive of your desire for a VBAC, speak to a number of other healthcare providers to see if you can find one who will help you achieve the birth you want.

For women considering VBACs, what they really want to hear about are real life experiences, so please share yours in the comments below. Did you have a VBAC, and would you recommend it?

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.

During those long nine months of pregnancy, as well as imagining what your baby might look like, you’ll probably spend a lot of time focusing on the birth. You may be worried about how you’ll cope during labour, or be looking forward to experiencing childbirth; but either way, you are probably curious about what it will feel like.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to ease your worries. Every labour – and every woman – is different. Everyone experiences labour differently, and each labour is unique, so there isn’t a catch-all answer to explain how labour feels. There are a few words, however, that seem to crop up in most birth stories:

Cramping or tightening
Some women describe labour pains as intense period pains. Other women describe the contractions as feeling more like a tightening, rather than a cramp. This sensation is caused by the uterine wall tightening during contractions. Some women find the cramping or tightening to be painful, whereas others describe it as a mild discomfort. You may find that the feeling becomes more intense as the labour progresses and your contractions become stronger and more frequent.

Pressure
Some women recall a feeling of pressure bearing down inside them. For some, this pressure appeared only at the pushing stage, but for others it was present earlier in the labour. This pressure is often described as feeling like you need to have a very big poop.

Pain
All women experience labour differently, and not everybody discusses pain when describing childbirth. Some women describe a pounding or stabbing pain accompanying each contraction. Try to breathe through the contractions to help you stay calm and focused. Research pain relief options in advance so you know what is available to you during labour.

Waves
Some women describe the contractions as coming in waves. From feeling fine between contractions, they then feel the contraction build, peak and ease. You may find that breathing exercises can help you to stay calm during the contractions building.

Lower back pain
Many women experience labour pains in their lower back, just as some women experience menstrual cramping there. Applying gentle pressure to the lower back can help to soothe this discomfort. Ask your partner for a massage, run the shower against the area, or use massage balls to apply pressure.

Burning
The sensation of crowning, when the baby’s head is just about to be born, is often described as feeling like a slight burning sensation. Some women find this painful, whereas others have noted a sense of relief at this point during labour.

As you can tell from the above descriptions, labour is a mixed bag and not everybody experiences the same sensations. What your friend may describe as painful, you may experience as little more than a slight discomfort. Labour truly is one of those things that you have to experience to understand.

Are you worried about labour, or are you feeling confident about the experience?

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

Pregnancy, especially once you hit the third trimester, can FEEL long. It may seem like your due date is never going to arrive. If you are put on bed-rest during pregnancy due to risk of pre-term labor, the days and weeks can feel like they are slowly ticking by, with you witnessing the passing of every single minute.

The first thing to realize when you are ordered bed rest is that it has been prescribed for a reason. Lying down, resting, and keeping your feet up when you feel like you have so much to do can become maddening. For many women, the time spent on bed rest takes away from their maternity leave after birth, which causes worry or concern. You may lose out on some income. However, following doctors orders is definitely in your and your baby’s best interest. Experts estimate around 20% of all pregnant women will be prescribed bed rest during the third trimester of pregnancy, so you are definitely not alone! The following tips can help you pass the time and keep your sanity (This, from a mama who has been there done that!)

1. First and foremost – get over all the reasons that you don’t want to be on bed rest. Sure, the nursery is not painted, you haven’t shopped for baby clothes, and you really wanted to take a vacation before the baby arrived! Let all that GO! There will be plenty of time to get things done once the baby is born, and you might be surprised at how many people will step in to help you now. The real issue here is your well-being and your baby’s health, and this is just your first challenge and sacrifice that you will face in the long list of challenges that face mothers. Relax. Accept the bed rest.

2. Make sure you have plenty to do. If you bed rest is strict, and means that you cannot get up except to use the bathroom – then set up your living room to accommodate you. Bring in a small fridge, have the TV remote nearby, make sure that you have your laptop and your phone handy. Maybe start playing a video game, or get several books from the library so you can catch up on your reading. All those movies that you have wanted to see but never had the time to?  This is a perfect time to catch up. Another idea, start keeping a journal, or writing letters to your unborn child. While bed rest may be boring, you will NEVER have this much downtime again once the baby arrives. Indulge in your personal interests and passions, take up a new hobby, and keep plenty of things close at hand to keep you busy.

3. Do your baby announcements. You can start addressing all the envelopes, making sure that you have the email and street addresses of the important people in your life and get busy taking care of business. Then, once the baby is born – all you will need to do is fill in the name and birth details of your baby. This is also a good time to write ‘thank you’ notes, get in touch with relatives you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, and catch up on the day-to-day communications that so easily gets lost in the shuffle. Chances are Grandma Jane will LOVE to hear from you – even better if it’s a handwritten note now that you have some extra time.

4. Call on your friends. Having visitors of family and friends will help pass the time and keep you in good spirits. Have your friends over, and don’t feel bad if they try to help take care of you.

5. Use social media to find other moms in your area on bed rest. Or ask your doctor for a name of another pregnant woman in the practice who is on bed rest. You might be surprised at the new friendship you can make with another woman going through the same thing as you. Find a chat list or forum especially for moms on bed rest so you can connect with others in the same boat as you.

6. Get help with older children. If you already have children who need to be cared for – ask your friends, church members or your social circle for help! There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it, and chances are you would do it for someone else if the need arose.

7. Last but certainly not least – realize this is only temporary! It won’t be like this forever. Soon, all this resting and lying down will pay off when you deliver a healthy and beautiful baby. While it may feel awful when you are going through it, you will look back and know that you did everything to ensure your baby’s health.

If you are on bed rest, what are you doing to survive? If you were on bed rest for a previous pregnancy, what advice do you have?

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.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is first diagnosed during pregnancy. This condition affects up to 14% of pregnancies.

Diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce the extra insulin needed for pregnancy. Insulin converts blood sugar into energy. During the second half of your pregnancy, your body requires extra insulin to meet the demands of you and your baby. If your body is unable to meet this demand, you may have an excess of sugar in your blood and this could cause the onset of gestational diabetes.

Am I at risk of gestational diabetes?
You are most likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:

• are overweight
• have previously had a large baby (4.5kg or more)
• developed gestational diabetes in an earlier pregnancy
• have a family history of diabetes

Symptoms and diagnosis
If you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, you will be offered an oral glucose tolerance test. This test will be carried out between weeks 24 and 28 of the pregnancy. Blood tests are used to determine your blood sugar levels.

A dipstick test will be done at each antenatal appointment to test for sugar in your urine. If high levels of sugar are present, this can be indicative of gestational diabetes, and further testing will be carried out.

Gestational diabetes can often be asymptomatic. However, you may experience:

• tiredness
• excessive thirst
• excessive urination
• blurred vision

You can reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes by:

• monitoring your weight gain
• eating a healthy diet
• continuing to exercise throughout the pregnancy
• not smoking

Will gestational diabetes harm my baby?
This condition needs to be carefully controlled to avoid causing harm to your developing baby. If there are excessive levels of sugar in your blood, this could cross through the placenta and reach your baby. If this happens, there is a risk that your baby could grow large. Large babies can cause problems during the birth, and so if this happens you may be advised to have a planned caesarean section.

Gestational diabetes can also increase your baby’s risk of health problems such as jaundice and low blood sugar after the birth. Your baby’s blood sugar levels may be monitored after the birth.

Your baby will be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in later life. By teaching your child about healthy eating, and ensuring he eats a balanced diet, you can reduce this risk.

Treatment for gestational diabetes
To manage gestational diabetes, you need to control your blood sugar levels. This can usually be done by:

• eating a healthy diet
• avoiding sugary foods and drinks
• light exercise

You will be offered additional ultrasound scans to monitor your baby’s development later in the pregnancy. This is to check the baby’s growth and the amount of amniotic fluid present. You will probably be offered an scan every four weeks from week 28.

Up to 20% of sufferers cannot control their diabetes using the methods above. In this instance, you will be advised to either take medication or inject insulin to manage the condition.

Most women find that the diabetes disappears once the baby is born. You will be tested for diabetes at your postnatal check, and then again a year on. It is estimated that up to 20% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes actually had undiagnosed diabetes prior to the 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.