Lots of strange things happen to you while you’re pregnant. Aside from the obvious Invasion of the Body Snatchers changes, you might also feel confused or forgetful. You may find yourself making mistakes that are out of character. Or find yourself mid-sentence unable to remember what you were saying. You may have forgotten words, and not in that on-the-tip-of-my-tongue sense, more in a gone-forever kind of way.

Between 50 and 80% of pregnant women report experiencing some degree of memory problems. Other reported symptoms include anxiety, stress, poor concentration and clumsiness.

What causes baby brain?

Baby brain is a relatively unknown phenomenon and very little research has been done to establish the causes or even existence of baby brain. Some assume that it is linked to the hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen are both linked to memory, so it is thought the elevated levels of these hormones plays a part in this condition.

Most baby brain sufferers report symptoms in the final trimester, so it could be down to the distracting nature of impending motherhood. You may feel worried or anxious about the birth and caring for your baby, and these feelings may cause you to be less focussed on other areas of your life. Add to this the common sleep problems in the third trimester, and it’s no wonder you’re starting to feel a little frayed around the edges!

What can I do about it?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix for ‘baby brain’. Make sure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet and try to relax. Stress can make forgetfulness worse, so try to stay on top of your stress levels. Make sure you spend time each day relaxing.

You can also try to implement changes in your daily routine that may help you to combat the consequences of baby brain. If you are prone to misplacing your keys, designate a key hook or bowl in your home and make sure you always put the keys there. This will make your life easier, and save you lots of unnecessary running around.

If you have started to forget to do things at work or home, you should start keeping a to do list. Once you are used to referring back to it regularly, it will become second nature. You won’t be waking up panic stricken at 3am with the gloomy realisation that you’ve forgotten to write the presentation for the board meeting in six hours. You really don’t need wake up calls like that when you’re pregnant.

Be honest with people about your forgetfulness, and explain that it is a symptom associated with pregnancy. Don’t waste time feeling embarrassed or upset about the forgetfulness, just explain it and move on. People may be willing to offer you extra support in the meantime.

When will it end?

Although you may like to believe that as soon as the baby pops out, your baby brain will be instantly cured, unfortunately this isn’t the case. In fact, many women report suffering from “mummy brain” after the birth. The difference is that instead of being occupied by the impending birth and motherhood, you will now be preoccupied by your baby. The sleepless nights and distracted attention will probably plague you for an extra few months at least, sorry.

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.

All these years, it has been you and your kitty.  Now, you find yourself expecting a new bundle of joy, and people keep telling you that you need to get rid of your cat. For eons, there has been a lot of misinformation being spread around the prenatal world making woman fearful that owning a cat while pregnant could cause them to miscarry, or give birth to a baby with birth defects.

So, what is the real scoop?  Do you have to ditch the kitty in order to protect you and your baby from toxoplasmosis?

The answer is a resounding no. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that is mostly caused by eating raw or undercooked infected meat, but you can also get the parasite by eating unwashed contaminated produce, drinking contaminated water, or handling contaminated soil, cat litter, or meat and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. It is also caused from coming in contact with the feces from a cat. And unfortunately, since cat feces is often the culprit, many pregnant women are encouraged to get rid of their cats during pregnancy.

In a normal, healthy un-pregnant person, the symptoms of this illness normally go unnoticed. However, during pregnancy – there is a risk that becoming infected can also infect the placenta and your unborn baby, causing birth defects and even stillbirth. According to the CDC, in the United States it is estimated that only around 1% of all babies born are infected with toxoplasmosis. More importantly however – you don’t have to get rid of your cat simply because you are pregnant.

If you have a cat and are pregnant, then you need to take some basic precautions. First and foremost is to wash your hands after you touch your cat, and MOST IMPORTANTLY is to leave the cleaning of the litter box to someone else in the family while you are pregnant. The litter box should be cleaned DAILY because the parasite that causing toxoplasmosis can live in cat litter for months, and the litter remains should be taken outside of the house. The person cleaning the litter box should use gloves and should also wash their hands afterwards. Additionally, avoid giving your cat any undercooked or raw meats and stick to commercial cat foods. If your cat likes to hunt down prey outdoors, this risk of them contracting toxoplasmosis is higher (but you will not likely know they have it) – so you should try to handle your cat as little as possible.

It is also in your best interest to avoid kittens or cats that you don’t know while you are pregnant.

As mentioned earlier, your cat is not the only source of toxoplasmosis. In fact, you are more likely to get it from eating undercooked meats than you are to get it from your cat. This is just one reason why health care professionals advise pregnant woman to avoid raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy products and smoked or salt-cured meats like salami during pregnancy.

All in all, you shouldn’t let fear make you get rid of your beloved pet. This risk of infection, especially if you are armed with the right information and take careful precautions, is very low. While you may have to be careful around your cat before and during your pregnancy – it is still okay to own a cat.

Written By Stef, Mother 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.

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.

Morning sickness is often one of the early signs of pregnancy, and may even have been your lightbulb moment! Morning sickness, or pregnancy sickness as it should be more accurately called, affects around half of all pregnant women. For some women, it is a slight inconvenience, for others it is a huge drain. Morning sickness will not harm your baby, and should clear up by week 14.

What causes morning sickness? Morning sickness is thought to be caused by rapidly increasing levels of hCG. hCG is produced by the embryo, and later by the placenta, and plays a role in controlling hormone production during pregnancy. Women carrying multiple pregnancies are more likely to suffer from morning sickness.

Fatigue, stress, low blood sugar, heightened sense of smell, and increased stomach acid can also contribute to morning sickness.

Morning sickness is characterised by sickness and nausea. You can experience morning sickness without vomiting. The term morning sickness is misleading as it can actually happen at any time of the day.

How can I manage the sickness? For most women, morning sickness is a condition that can be managed from home. To try and reduce or prevent the effects of morning sickness, you could try the following home remedies:

• Eat plain crackers or biscuits before getting out of bed. This should help to raise your blood sugar levels before you try to stand up.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eating six smaller meals will be easier on your stomach then three large meals.
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid the sight, smell and taste of foods that make you feel nauseous.
• Try eating ginger biscuits to prevent nausea.
• Drink lemon water, chamomile tea or ginger tea.
• Eat breath mints when you feel nauseous.
• Try acupuncture.
• Eat ice lollies.
• Eat porridge just before you go to bed.
• Avoid lying down after eating.
• Avoid acidic, spicy and fatty foods.

Keep trying different remedies, and hopefully you will find something that works for you. Once you’ve found it, stick with it – even if it means you’re eating an obscene amount of ginger biscuits!

If you cannot find relief from any of the above, and are struggling to cope with the nausea, speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you about safe and effective anti nausea medication. Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking a vitamin B6 supplement to try and reduce nausea.

If you are suffering from extreme sickness and cannot keep any food down, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

When will it end? For most women, morning sickness ends when their hormones begin to calm down a bit. This is usually around the end of the first trimester. If you are still experiencing morning sickness by week 16, 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 2018. All rights reserved.

When you are pregnant and already have children at home, you will likely be warned by health care professionals to be careful when handling your older children. The problem is that it is difficult to explain to your 2-year-old why mommy cannot pick her up.  Or to tell your 3-year-old that you can no longer carry him to bed. The reality is that many women, pick up, carry and hold their older children (to an extent at least) during pregnancy just like they did before. So then the question arises, is it dangerous?

According to experts, you shouldn’t try to lift or carry anything more than 20 pounds during pregnancy.  And yes, this includes children.  Even so – chances are good that you will still hold your toddler – and that there will be times when they might need to be carried. The trick then is knowing how to do these things as safely as possible, so that you don’t cause any harm to yourself or your unborn baby.

The first thing to do is to make sure that you lift from the legs rather than utilize your lower back and abdominal muscles. Bend at the knees and hips, and avoid bending at the waist. Also, sometimes rather than picking up your child, you can more easily crouch down to their level to give hugs and snuggles, or even swoop them up onto your lap. If you carry your toddler, it will be most comfortable to do so below your baby bump. Remember, your in utero baby is protected in a wonderfully saturated padding of amniotic fluid – so holding your toddler should in no way hurt your baby.

There are of course, a few exceptions. If you have a short cervix, have had a cerclage, have had pre-term labor, or have been told by a doctor that you should not be lifting your toddler or anything heavier than a watermelon – don’t do it.

Obviously, the last thing a mother wants to do is ‘push away’ or make her older child feel less important when she is pregnant with another. This is why it is important that you find ways to maintain physical closeness with your child, without lifting or carrying. And, trust that your toddler is old enough to understand that you have to be careful because you have a baby in your belly. You might be surprised how quickly toddlers can begin sibling bonding, rather than rivalry.

Later in pregnancy, it is definitely best to avoid lifting anything heavy at all. This in no way means that you cannot hold, rock or allow your toddler to sit on your lap. In fact, cherish these moments with your toddler while you can, because pretty soon they will go from being a one and only, to a brother or sister and will have to share your attention at all times!

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.

Headaches are a common complaint during pregnancy. Headaches during pregnancy are thought to be caused by hormones, though they could also be connected to stress, fatigue and dehydration. Pregnancy headaches are most common during the first trimester, especially during the first few weeks when hormone levels are rapidly increasing. Most women find the headaches have cleared up by the second trimester.

Headaches during pregnancy are not unsafe for your baby, but can be annoying for you. Here are some tips for coping with headaches during pregnancy:

• Get some rest – headaches can be caused by tiredness, so listen to your body and get some rest. You need more rest during pregnancy as your body works overtime growing a baby.
• Have a glass of water – your body needs extra water during pregnancy, so you should be drinking eight glasses of water each day. Headaches can be caused by dehydration, so have a glass of water if you can feel a headache coming on.
• Eat healthily – fatty, processed and sugary foods can cause headaches. Reduce your reliance on these foods, and instead focus your efforts on eating fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Eating a balanced diet is very important during pregnancy.
• Avoid caffeine – in the short term, cutting out caffeine could cause you headaches, but within a week or two, you should be free from these headaches. Consuming too much caffeine can cause headaches, so try to reduce the amount you consume.
• Exercise – exercise is really important during pregnancy. Taking regular exercise can reduce a whole host of pregnancy symptoms, and help you to de-stress. If you feel a headache coming on, try taking a short walk outside and see if the exercise and fresh air help.
• Relax – stress isn’t good for you, and it’s not great for the baby, so spend some time relaxing each day. Try having a soak in the bath, or spend a few minutes meditating, at the end of each day to unwind.
• Medication – ibuprofen and aspirin are not safe to take during pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to find out which headache medications are suitable for pregnant women.

When to call a doctor

If you experience visual disturbances or have a high temperature, contact your doctor. If the headaches don’t ease up, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.

How do you cope with headaches 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 2018. All rights reserved.

Craving chocolate? You are advised to limit your daily consumption to 200mg of caffeine during pregnancy. This should include all of the caffeine in your diet, not just the cups of coffee. On average, the caffeine contents of popular dietary sources are as follows:

• 1 instant coffee – 100mg
• 1 filter coffee – 140 mg
• 1 tea – 75mg
• 1 green tea – 50 mg
• 1 can of cola – 40 mg
• 50g milk chocolate – 25mg

Risks of caffeine during pregnancy

Caffeine travels across the placenta and can affect your baby. If you exceed the recommended 200mg of caffeine each day, you will have an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.

Giving up caffeine during pregnancy

Some women choose to cut caffeine out entirely for the duration of the pregnancy. If you’d like to cut out the caffeine, try the following tips to help you give up the hard stuff:

1. Switch to water – instead of supping a soda during your lunch break, opt for a glass of water instead. Pregnant women are advised to drink eight glasses of water a day, you can achieve this by switching from caffeine drinks to good old fashioned water. Try adding a slice of lemon for flavour.
2. Cut out chocolate – chocolate cookies, chocolate ice-cream and chocolate bars all contain caffeine. Give up chocolate, and replace it with a healthy snack such as fresh fruit or mixed nuts.
3. Go herbal – give up your life-long tea and coffee addiction, and instead embrace life as an appreciator of herbal teas. Choose a herbal tea that is recommended during pregnancy (not all are), and have this as your new morning call.
4. Get enough rest – if you get enough sleep at night, you won’t need to rely on caffeine to prise open your sleepy eyes in the morning. Sleep whenever you feel tired, and trust your body to tell you when it needs more rest.
5. Expect withdrawal symptoms – for the first week of your new caffeine-free life, you may encounter a few symptoms. From headaches to mood swings, giving up caffeine can take its toll on your body. Caffeine is addictive, so expect the first week to be rough. Once that’s over, however, you should feel great.
6. Stay motivated – when faced with the withdrawal headaches, it can be hard to stay motivated. You may feel like running to the nearest coffee shop and ordering a double espresso, but don’t. Stay strong, stay motivated, and you’ll be over the worst of the symptoms in no time. Keep a scan photo, or a list of reasons why you’re quitting, with you to remind you why you’ve embarked on this challenge.

Do you have any tips for battling caffeine withdrawal 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 2018. All rights reserved.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg embeds itself outside of the womb, most commonly in the fallopian tube. The condition is rare, affecting only 1 out of every 100 pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy will not develop into a baby.

You may have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy if you:

• have previously suffered from a pelvic inflammatory disease, such as chlamydia
• have previously experienced ectopic pregnancy
• have ever had surgery on your fallopian tubes
• conceived through the use of IVF
• had a contraceptive IUD (coil) fitted at the time of conception
• are 35 or over
• are a smoker
• have an abnormally shaped fallopian tube

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Some women do not experience any symptoms, and may not discover the pregnancy is ectopic until the ultrasound scan. Symptoms usually start between weeks five and 14. Common symptoms include:

• one-sided abdominal pain – this pain may be severe and persistent
• vaginal bleeding – this may be bright or dark red in colour, and may stop and start

Less common symptoms include:

• shoulder tip pain – this pain is felt at the tip of your shoulder, where your arm begins. It is most commonly felt whilst lying down, and can be a sign that the ectopic pregnancy has caused internal bleeding
• diarrhoea and vomiting
• bowel pain – you may experience pain when passing stools
• painful urination

When to seek medical help

You should always contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• a change to your menstrual cycle
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• persistent abdominal pain

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• feel lightheaded or dizzy
• have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• look pale
• have diarrhoea
• feel sick
• have an increased heart rate

The most severe symptom of ectopic pregnancy is known as “collapse”, this occurs when the fallopian tube ruptures, causing internal bleeding. If this happens, you require immediate medical assistance.

Treatment for ectopic pregnancy

If you are suffering from an ectopic pregnancy, it is not possible to save the pregnancy. The treatment offered will depend upon your individual situation, but it will be one of the following:

• active monitoring – if you are experiencing only mild symptoms, your healthcare provider may wish to monitor you to see if the pregnancy resolves itself. It is common for the pregnancy to be absorbed into nearby tissue, negating the need for further treatment.
• medication – if diagnosed early, medication can be used to treat ectopic pregnancy. The medication works by stopping the embryo from developing, you will be monitored closely after the medication has been given. You will be advised to use contraception for six months, because the medication used can increase the risk of developmental problems in a baby conceived soon after it is taken.
• surgery – this is the most commonly used treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) is used to investigate the fallopian tubes with a small camera. The surgeon may need to remove the fallopian tube containing the ectopic pregnancy.

After treatment, you may wish to visit your healthcare provider to discuss when it is safe to start trying to become pregnant again. Counselling services are available for parents dealing with loss, so contact your healthcare provider if you would like a referral to a counselling service.

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.

It is important that you take folic acid during pregnancy, especially during the first three months. Folic acid is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate. It is very important for healthy fetal development. You should start taking folic acid supplements as soon as you discover you are pregnant, if you are not already taking them.

What does folic acid do?

Folic acid helps to protect your baby against central nervous system defects including:

• Spina bifida – a fault in the spinal cord development that leaves a gap in the spine
• Anencephaly – a developmental fault that means the baby is born without parts of the skull and brain. Most babies born with this condition will die shortly after birth
• Cleft lip – a split in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or sometimes both
• Congenital heart defects
• Limb defects
• Urinary tract anomalies

Recent research found a link between folic acid intake and the prevention of autism spectrum disorders. Not enough research has been carried out to determine the reasons for, or strength of, this link.

Taking folic acid can also protect your baby from premature birth and low birth weight.

How much folic acid should I take?

You need to take a daily supplement containing 400mcg of folic acid for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Women trying to conceive are also advised to take 400mcg a day.

The body cannot store folic acid, so it is important to take a supplement every day. Some prenatal vitamins will include the full 400mcg, or you may wish to take it as a stand alone supplement.

If you have a family history of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, you should speak to your healthcare provider. Some doctors may advise taking a higher dosage (up to 5mg) of folic acid each day for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you have diabetes, or are currently taking anti-epileptic medication, you may also be advised to take a higher dosage of folic acid. Speak to your healthcare provider about folic acid as soon as possible.

Foods rich in folate

Folate, the natural form of the B vitamin, occurs naturally in some foods, and it is important to eat a variety of these foods each day. Folate rich foods include green leafy vegetables, chickpeas, black eyed peas and brown rice. Some cereals are fortified with folic acid. Be sure to include a variety of these foods in your diet throughout the pregnancy.

If you have only just discovered you are pregnant, and have not been taking supplements until now, do not worry. Just be sure to start taking 400mcg of folic acid each day from now until 12 weeks. To ensure you remember to take the supplement, do it at the same time each day and include it as part of your daily return. Alternatively, you could set a daily reminder on your mobile phone to make sure you remember.

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.

As many as one in eight women, suffer depression in pregnancy. Some scientists believe that the rapid increases in hormones during the first trimester, disrupts brain chemistry and can lead to prenatal depression. Others believe that depression in pregnancy can be caused by the anxiety and stress of impending motherhood.

Symptoms Prenatal depression often goes undiagnosed as women dismiss their emotions. Hormones and tiredness take the brunt of the blame. If you are experiencing low moods, you should speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Symptoms of prenatal depression include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Constant low moods
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt
• Loss of appetite or binge eating
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Panic attacks

You may be high risk for prenatal depression if you have a personal history of depression or anxiety. If you are having relationship difficulties, or have previously been a victim of abuse, this can increase your risk of suffering from depression. Fertility problems, previous pregnancy loss or a problem pregnancy also increase this risk. Women with unplanned pregnancies are more likely to experience depression in pregnancy.

Stressful life events can also be the catalyst for depression in pregnancy. The death of a loved one, moving house and financial difficulty can increase the risk of suffering from prenatal depression.

Risks to your baby

Not enough research has been done to determine the effects of prenatal depression on the unborn child. If left untreated, prenatal depression can have a potentially negative effect on the baby. It is important to seek help as soon as you notice symptoms of prenatal depression.

Treatment

Speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of prenatal depression. Treatment options include counselling and antidepressant medications. Your healthcare provider will be able to assess which of these will be most appropriate for you. As well as seeking medical advice, you could also try the following:

• Have a support system in place – tell your partner, friends and family that you are experiencing postnatal depression. Talking to loved ones may help you to process the anxiety and stress you are feeling.
• Find a support group – your healthcare provider should be able to refer you to a local support group. You will be able to speak to other sufferers of prenatal depression. It is important to realise you are not alone.
• Light exercise – yoga, swimming and walking are all great ways to relieve some of the minor stresses in life. Exercise will help to clear your head, and may also help with your sleep problems.

Postnatal Depression

Around half of all sufferers of prenatal depression, will go on to experience postnatal depression. Being treated for depression during pregnancy, reduces your chances of suffering from depression once the baby arrives. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried about developing postnatal depression.

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 you’re reading this with a face covered in acne, you might be wondering where your pregnancy glow is. All you seem to hear people say about pregnant women is that they are blooming, glowing and looking beautiful. If you’re experiencing pregnancy acne, you may feel rather differently about the affect pregnancy has had on your skin.

Acne can develop on your face, back and chest. It may be more prominent around your hairline. Acne can consist of red pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. While not a serious condition, it may make you feel quite self conscious. This is especially true during pregnancy when you are already dealing with a whole host of body changes.

What causes acne in pregnancy?

You can point your finger at hormones again here. They seem to be playing havoc with your entire body, don’t they? During the first trimester, your hormone levels increase rapidly. The pregnancy hormones increase sebum production. Sebum is an oily secretion released by glands in the skin. Too much sebum can quickly lead to blocked pores and spots.

You may just get the odd spot, or you may find yourself suffering from an extreme break out. Some women who have suffered from acne longterm, find that their skin clears up during the pregnancy. Whereas, other women who have always had problem-free skin, may find themselves suffering from acne.

Once you reach the second trimester, hormone production slows down. Most women notice a decrease in their pregnancy symptoms at this point, and this includes acne. For some women, however, the acne will persist to the end of the pregnancy. Rest assured though, a few weeks after the birth, your skin will return to its normal state.

Safe treatment for acne

You can try the following tips to manage your acne:

• Use a gentle face soap and gentle cleanser
• Try to avoid using harsh chemicals on your skin. There are plenty of natural cosmetic products on the market these days
• Be careful to remove all of your makeup before bed
• Avoid wearing makeup if you can
• Trying switching your normal moisturiser for coconut oil
• Eat a healthy diet, and avoid greasy fatty foods
• Do not pick the spots as this can cause scarring
• Make sure you get plenty of sleep and take time to relax. Stress and exhaustion can both make you more prone to outbreaks

Do not use acne medications without speaking to your healthcare provider first. Some acne medications are dangerous to take during pregnancy because they contain Vitamin A. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you which ones are safe to use.

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.

And then there were two!

For most women who did not use fertility treatments, the news that they are having twins can be quite shocking, to say the least. Here you were expecting one bundle of joy – and just like that, you found out you are being blessed with two. (Or more!)

Most of the time, the amazing discovery of a twin pregnancy doesn’t occur until a woman has her first routine ultrasound. Or, until an attentive health care provider notices that either her hCG levels (through serum blood tests) are through the roof, or the height of her ‘fundus’ (the measurement of your uterus as you progress through pregnancy) is increasing more quickly than it should. Or maybe the provider thinks they may hear more than one heartbeat at the 9 week to 11 week office visit, and quickly orders an early ultrasound.

According to recent statistics from the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, around 3 out of every 100 women will carry twins. Also, just because YOU are a twin, or your dad is a twin, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have twins yourself.  For instance, your chances of having identical twins (when a fertilized egg spontaneously splits in half) have nothing to do with genetics and is the ‘luck of the draw’, so to speak.  However, your chances of fraternal twins (when two eggs are fertilized by different sperm at the same time) ARE often part of your genetics. If someone in your family has fraternal twins, then you have an increased chance of having fraternal twins yourself. You also have an increased chance of having fraternal twins if you have undergone fertility treatments, are over the age of 30 (because older women often tend to release more than one egg during ovulation), are African-American, or have had a multiple pregnancy in the past.

If you suspect twins early on – chances are you want to know as quickly as possible!  Many women have an inkling that they are carrying twins from the beginning.  In particular, many women pregnant with twins have more severe pregnancy symptoms in early pregnancy due to higher hormone levels.  You also may measure larger than expected, or be gaining more weight than typical for your due date.  All of these things can prompt your health care provider to schedule an early ultrasound.

Specifically speaking however – a twin pregnancy can only be accurately detected with an ultrasound. And amazingly, an ultrasound can pick up a twin pregnancy by the existence of two fetal sacs as early as the 4^th week of pregnancy. Even so, many doctors will choose to wait to affirmatively diagnose a twin pregnancy until the 10-week or 12-week mark, due to the commonality of ‘vanishing twin syndrome,’ which is thought to occur when one of fetuses is not viable and is reabsorbed by the placenta during pregnancy – most often without the pregnant mother’s knowledge (and without harming the other baby).

Having twins can be a wonderful experience. Your maternal instinct may lead you to believe you are having twins just by the way you feel, and you may try to encourage your doctor to test you. However, the longer you wait for a diagnostic ultrasound to confirm that you are carrying more than one viable baby, the better off you will be in the long run.

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.