Pregnancy is definitely one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life. Not only are you finally acquainted with just how powerful your female body is, but you are also in a constant state of hopeful dreaming about what the future will be like when your baby arrives.

The first trimester can also be a confusing time for a pregnant woman. One moment you may feel so attuned to the various changes in your body that you are aware of every little ache, pain and twinge – and at other times, you may feel on the brink of disbelief that you are truly pregnant because you don’t feel (or look) very much different than you did prior to conception. Add some hormones to the mix, and you have a recipe for anxiousness that can lead you to worry about every little thing.

For thousands of women, spotting during pregnancy causes them to worry excessively about their pregnancy and sends them scouring the Internet for answers to the question, “Is spotting during pregnancy normal?”

According to major online medical sources such as WebMD and LiveStrong – spotting during pregnancy isn’t necessarily something to be alarmed about and occurs in around 20-30% of all pregnancies during the first trimester. In fact, many women may have what they think is an irregular period, or spotting after conception when the embryo embeds into the uterine lining (called implantation), which can cause bleeding and discomfort often likened to a ‘light period.’

This first trimester spotting can be caused by a variety of reasons such as implantation, infection, hormonal changes, and cervical sensitivity due to increased blood flow. (Such as after intercourse) If you do experience spotting, you should make sure that you wear a pad (nothing should be inserted into the vagina), lie down and rest, make sure that you drink extra fluids and give your health care provider a call. Chances are they will just tell you take it easy for a few days.  If you are past the 10 week mark, they may schedule you for an appointment to come in and see if the heartbeat can be picked up by a Doppler device, or for an early ultrasound. However, as long as you don’t experience heavy bleeding, the passing of a lot of tissue and severe cramping, your bleeding could be inconsequential. That being said, if any of those latter symptoms DO occur, you should call your doctor immediately or go to your nearest ER.

As the pregnancy progresses into the 2nd and 3rd trimester – spotting becomes something more to worry about.  The American Pregnancy Association recommends that any woman spotting in late pregnancy visit a physician immediately to check for medical conditions that could threaten the pregnancy. Conditions such as placenta previa, vasa previa, placental or uterine abruption, or even early labor could be the underlying cause.

The most important thing to remember is that pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women spot. Others don’t. Personally speaking, I spotted with one pregnancy from the first trimester through the second trimester and had no spotting at all during my other two pregnancies. While the fear of miscarriage is likely not far from the front of your mind, you will feel better if you can learn to relax and enjoy your pregnancy as much as possible. Listen to your intuition and never be afraid to contact your health care provider if you are worried about something, as that is exactly why you have them.

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.

As much as we know about the human body, the reality is that each and everyone of us is so uniquely designed that no two people are just alike.  And this is especially true with pregnancies. While your friend may have been throwing up from the moment they conceived until the day they delivered, you may feel anything (and everything) but nauseated.

The typical pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness, fatigue. cramping and aches in the lower abdomen, sore breasts and even headaches or strange cravings aren’t always the only tell tale signs of pregnancy. In fact, many women feel none of those things and describe early pregnancy as a phase where they just felt ‘off’ or ‘different,’ in some weird unexplainable way.

The following are some strange pregnancy symptoms that you may not find in the everyday pregnancy manuals. But they can mean you are pregnant just the same!

• Strange dreams. Plenty of women report having strange dreams during the days and weeks between conception and finding out that they are pregnant. These dreams could be caused by rising hormone levels, or could be a little sign from your intuition telling you that things in your life are changing. It could also mean your fatigue is causing you to reach the deeper levels of sleep where more realistic and imaginative dreams tend to evolve from.
• Food aversions. Everyone talks about craving things from pickles to ice cream. But what about food aversions? For many women the earliest pregnancy symptom is a strong aversion to certain foods. One day, your favorite food is pasta salad, and then suddenly the next day the sheer site of the pasta makes your stomach turn.
• Heightened sense of smell. Suddenly the buckets of cologne your co-worker wears, or the mold in your shower, or the smell of your significant others feet seem to be swallowing you whole. You might even have a problem with smells that you used to love, such as your own perfume or regular cleaning products. It is true that during pregnancy your sense of smell is heightened, and this can occur quickly as an initial pregnancy symptom pretty early on.
• Increased sex drive. It’s true! All those raging hormones might just make you feel more erogenous than ever before. And you might want to enjoy it before sex becomes cumbersome.
• Snoring and a Stuffy Nose. What you might think is a cold, could be swollen mucous membranes in your nose due to all the surges in hormone levels in your body and increases in blood production. In fact, some women stay stuffed up throughout pregnancy. (Which might be a good thing if you also suffer from a heightened sense of smell)
• Feeling OFF! You might not be able to explain what is ‘wrong’ with you. Yet plenty of pregnant mothers talk about just feeling different, even a few days after conception. Only to find out a few weeks later that they are in fact pregnant.

Pregnancy is a unique and amazing experience for everyone. Chances are, those subtle changes that you think are only in your head, or you confuse with ‘coming down with something,’ might just mean you are expecting!

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.

In the science of medicine, a symptom is different from a sign. While a sign is objective, a symptom is a subjective evidence of a condition. It is a feeling that no other person can see, except for the patient. So when you say the symptoms of pregnancy, they refer to the changes and feelings that the mother, and only the mother, feels during pregnancy.

Most women do not experience any symptoms until the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. However, those who are extremely tuned-in to the rhythms of their bodies may begin to suspect pregnancy as soon as conception occurs. Others first notice symptoms only after they’ve missed their period.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms. You may experience none, some, or all of these indications of impending motherhood.

1. Food Cravings or Food Aversions

Although it may sound like a cliché, food cravings and aversions are a pregnancy symptom. Many women feel cravings for certain foods which can last throughout their entire pregnancy. Some women develop aversions early in pregnancy – to both tastes and smells. If the cravings are accompanied by any of the other symptoms below, it may be time to do a pregnancy test.

2. Fatigue

Are you feeling tired all the time? Feeling more tired than usual is one of the symptoms of pregnancy that may start as early as the first week after conception. It is caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone, making you feel like you’ve run a marathon when all you’ve done is sit on a couch.

3. Tender Breasts

If you are pregnant, your breasts may become increasingly tender to touch. This is similar to the way you feel before you have your period. Once your body is accustomed to the hormone surge, the tenderness will eventually disappear. This symptom can begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception.

4. Morning Sickness

If you are lucky, you won’t experience morning sickness until a few weeks after conception, if at all. However, there are women who experience morning sickness as early as a couple of days after conception. You may feel nauseated and queasy in the morning, noon or night. On the other hand, there are the lucky ones who do not experience morning sickness at all.

5. Missed or Different Period

If you have a regular period and it is late, you may want to try a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are fairly accurate at a very early date in pregnancy. A missed period is one of the sure symptoms of pregnancy. There are also women who still bleed while pregnant, but the bleed is usually lighter and shorter.

What symptoms led you to believe you were pregnant?

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

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

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 5 

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

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

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

Is this hyperemesis gravidarum?

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

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

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

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

Coping with hyperemesis gravidarum:

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

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

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

When will it end?

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

Support

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

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

Many women ask their healthcare providers if it’s safe to exercise during pregnancy. Assuming you are a having a healthy pregnancy, light exercise won’t harm the baby, and it could actually make the pregnancy and birth easier for you. Exercise will keep you fit, and allow you to better adjust to your changing body throughout the pregnancy. Keeping fit will also help to prepare you for the birth itself.

Having said that, there are certain activities you will want to avoid. Contact sports and extreme sports, for instance, are not advisable for pregnant women due to the risks of falling or being hit.

Safe exercise during pregnancy:

Swimming
Many pregnant women choose to continue, or start, swimming during the first trimester and continue until the end of the pregnancy. The water supports the weight of your bump, so you will find it relatively easy to glide through the water. You could choose to swim lengths, or your local pool may offer aquanatal classes that you could attend. Not only is this a great way to exercise, you’ll also meet other soon to be mums in your local area.

Jogging or running
If you were a keen runner or jogger before the pregnancy, then you are fine to continue this activity. You may want to tailor your runs to fit with your pregnancy, for example shortening the distance or slowing down the pace of the runs as your pregnancy progresses. If you didn’t run or jog before the pregnancy, then you should try walking during pregnancy instead as this will put less strain on your body.

Walking
Walking is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. It shouldn’t put too much strain on your changing body, but will help to keep you active. Why not build a half hour walk into your daily routine, this could be as simple as getting off the bus a few stops early on your commute to work.

Yoga or pilates
Both of these exercises are very popular with pregnant women, and there are many prenatal classes on offer across the country. Yoga and pilates focus on flexibility and muscle strength. Both exercises also focus on relaxation and breathing techniques that will be great to utilise during labour. If you are taking a class such as yoga or pilates, always tell the instructor that you are pregnant as this will allow them to alter activities for you.

You may find that as the pregnancy progresses, you need to reduce the amount of exercise you take because you feel tired more easily. Listen to your body, and don’t try to overexert yourself. Don’t overdo it. Monitor your breathing. As long as you can still talk and not run out of breath, you’re probably doing the exercise at the right intensity. Be sure to drink plenty of water while you exercise, and stop exercising if you start to feel faint. If you are a high risk pregnancy, please speak to your healthcare provider before starting an exercise regimen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since the baby grows in our bodies, we women are usually the first to know about the pregnancy. Whether you’ve been trying for a while, or are at the beginning of a happy accident, you are no doubt excited to tell him he’s going to be a daddy. You may feel overwhelmed by it yourself, especially if you haven’t yet had chance to talk to your other half about it.

You might be waiting for the perfect moment to tell him. But then the phone rings, or the dog throws up, or it’s time for Downton Abbey. Or perhaps, nothing happens and it really is the perfect moment, but you can’t seem to get the words out. Your hands are sweating and something catches in your throat, because you know you’re about to change his life forever.

Here are some fun and creative ways to tell him he’s going to be a daddy:

1. Say it with a onesie – the shops are full of teeny tiny onesies plastered with “I love Daddy” designs. Choose a cute, neutral design, and give it to your partner as a gift. Cook a romantic meal, and present him with a gift bag before dessert. Or before the starters, if you can’t hold it in any longer!
2. Stay calm and drink tea – let his morning drink do the talking. There are lots of different mugs on offer, from “I love Daddy” to “World’s Best Dad”, or if you’re feeling cheeky, a “Who’s the Daddy?” slogan. Sneak downstairs first thing in the morning to make him breakfast in bed. Make sure he notices his new cup. This isn’t a great idea for a busy Monday morning where he’ll be trying to fly out of the door for a client meeting. Save it for a lazy weekend, so he can spend the rest of the day letting the news sink in.
3. Take some alone time – take him on a romantic mini-break to share the news. Taking him away from friends, family and other commitments will give him the chance to focus on this great development. If you go somewhere far from home, you’ll be able to talk freely about the news without worrying about people overhearing. It will also give you an opportunity to spend some quality alone time together, before the baby arrives.
4. Set the scene – all couples have a special place that holds sentimental value. It might be the very top of the Eiffel Tower where he asked you to marry him, or it might be the bench in your home town where you shared your first kiss. Wherever your special place is, take him there to break the news. If nothing else, the setting will warn him that you have something important to say.
5. Say it with a scrapbook – make a cute photo album of your time together, but leave the last few pages blank. You could start with photos of you both from around the time you met. Include any photos taken at the start of your relationship, some photos of your first holiday together and some wedding photos. Include descriptions of each photo, with funny memories from that place in time. Decorate a page with baby-themed images  such as bonnets, prams and rattles. Include the date you found out, and how you felt, and when you think the baby will be due. The added bonus of this announcement is that he can keep it forever, and you can even use it as your baby’s first photo album.

Choose a way that feels special to you, and something that will mean a lot to your partner. If he hates being the centre of attention, don’t hire a national theatre production company to put on a televised performance of the announcement. If you are a private couple, tell him in a private setting.

Remember, this is big news. Even if you’ve been trying for a while, the fact that you are actually pregnant may take a little time to sink in. Don’t be upset if he stares blankly at you, and then changes the subject. He’s just trying to process that he’s soon to become a Daddy!

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.

Energy levels during the first trimester
Many women notice a drop in energy levels during the first trimester. In fact, falling asleep on the sofa before dinner may have been one of the first clues you might be pregnant. The pregnancy hormones and rapidly developing fetus can leave you feeling a little washed out in those first few months of pregnancy.

Energy levels during the second trimester
As the pregnancy hormones even out, and fetal development slows to a more manageable pace, you may experience an increase in energy levels during the second trimester. The second trimester is often thought of as the best trimester. For most women, the sickness and fatigue of the first trimester are behind them, and the aches and discomfort of the final months have not yet begun.

Energy levels during the third trimester
During the final trimester, the baby begins to pile on the pounds in preparation for for the birth. This excess weight can begin to take its toll on your energy levels. You may find it a bit more difficult to get around during the final months, and may be starting to feel those infamous aches and pains of pregnancy. You may also be finding it more difficult to sleep now, with your growing bump preventing you from getting comfortable, and the baby performing acrobatics in your uterus.

If you’re suffering from low energy during pregnancy, no matter which stage you are, there are some things you can try for an energy boost:

1. Take regular exercise – if you’re struggling for energy, you may not feel like exercising, but it could help. Exercising regularly can help to keep energy levels up. Even a 30 minute walk around your neighbourhood could do you the world of good.
2. Embrace naps – naps aren’t just for babies, they’re for pregnant women, too. If you’re feeling a little sleepy, go for a nap. There’s no shame in grabbing sleep while you have the chance.
3. Listen to your body – don’t over do it. You probably have lots of commitments and things you feel you should be doing; but if you’re tired, spend some time resting. The low energy levels could be a sign that you’re doing too much, so give yourself chance to recuperate.
4. Stay hydrated – you should be drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day during pregnancy. Tea, coffee, fruit juices and sodas count towards this total – it doesn’t all have to be water. Staying hydrated can help keep energy levels high.
5. Eat energy foods – not the sugary, processed snacks you might usually go for when you need a quick pick-me-up, but real energy food. Bananas, nuts, seeds and beans are all good high-energy foods to help give you a boost.
6. Eat little and often – keep your blood sugar levels up by eating six small meals a day. Have healthy snacks, such as nuts and seeds, with you to snack on throughout the day.
7. Eat iron – having low iron levels can leave you feeling exhausted, so make sure you have enough iron in your diet. Green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds are all good sources of dietary iron.

What are you doing to boost your energy levels 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.

If you’re experiencing early symptoms of pregnancy, the idea of having a to-do list may be laughable at the moment. If you are surviving by doing the bare minimum before collapsing in bed at 7pm, you may not be up for creating a to-do list. If you can muster the energy, however, you may find it useful to have a to do list ready for your energy boosts of the coming weeks. Here are some things to add to your 9 weeks pregnant to-do list:

1. Create a pregnancy exercise plan – this doesn’t need to be a colour-coded spreadsheet, but it is worth planning what exercises you will do. Exercise has lots of benefits, and this is especially true during pregnancy. Taking regular exercise can help you to get enough sleep, maintain healthy weight gain and prepare your body for labour. Find out if there are prenatal exercise classes available in your local area – aquarobics and prenatal yoga are popular classes. Swimming and walking are also great exercises during pregnancy.
2. Start thinking about names – chances are, you’ve been thinking about baby names since you found out you were pregnant, but now is the time to get organised. Pregnancies have a habit of passing quickly, and you don’t want to reach the finish line without a list of possible names. Invest in a baby name book, or find an online site, and work your way through some names together.
3. Plan your announcement – some couples choose to wait until the first trimester has passed before announcing the pregnancy to friends and family. If you have chosen to do this, in a couple of weeks you will be announcing the birth. Why not plan a special and unique way to announce your pregnancy?
4. Make plans – if you’ve been victim to your hormones during this pregnancy, you will be pleased to hear that these symptoms should subside in a few weeks. The fatigue, nausea and mood swings of early pregnancy should make way for the second trimester. The second trimester is a great time to catch up with friends, make plans for the nursery, and take a vacation together to enjoy some quality time before the baby arrives.
5. Plan your budget – there are things you will need to buy before the baby arrives, write a budget to avoid over-spending. Work out what you can afford, what you need and where you can save. Write the budget, and stick to it.
6. Keep track of fetal development  – Downloading a Pregnancy App, or buying a book that follows fetal development during early pregnancy can help you understand better what is going on inside your body. You may find the morning sickness slightly easier to deal with when you realize the amazing things your body is doing. Tracking your baby’s development can also help you to feel more connected with your baby during pregnancy.

Can you think of anything else to add to your to-do list during week 9?

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.

Pelvic tilt exercises are great for relieving and preventing back and pelvis aches during pregnancy. Pelvic tilt exercises can also be used to strengthen abdominal muscles, and relieve lumbar discomfort. There are various ways to perform a pelvic tilt, and you can either vary between the exercises, or stick to the one you find most comfortable.

Pelvic tilts are a good way to relieve back and pelvic discomfort at the end of a long day. Pelvic tilts are often recommended for women suffering from pelvic girdle pain (also known as symphysis pubic dysfunction), because these exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and relieve tension in the pelvic area. If you have been diagnosed with pelvic girdle pain, speak to your healthcare provider before trying new exercises.

Towards the end of the pregnancy, pelvic tilts can be performed during times of fetal activity in the hope of encouraging optimal fetal positioning. Pelvic tilts open up the pelvis, and may allow the baby to get into a good position for the birth. If you’re doing them on hands and knees, the abdomen acts as a hammock, allowing the baby to get into an anterior position to facilitate and easier birth.

Pelvic tilts can be used during labour, too. Some women find that the angry cat position (detailed below) provides relief from back ache during contractions. During labour, you may find that you move into various positions without much thought. If you find yourself on all fours, give the angry cat pelvic tilts a go to see if they help. You may wish to put your birth partner in charge of reminding you about this, since you’re likely to be focused on other things.

Standing pelvic tilts

1. Stand with your bottom and shoulders against a wall.
2. Keeping your knees soft, pull your tummy in towards your spine so that your back flattens against the wall.
3. Hold for up to four seconds.
4. Repeat up to 10 times.

Lying down pelvic tilts

1. Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. The natural curve of your spine will prevent your back from touching the floor in this position.
2. Use your muscles to hold your back against the floor, working against the natural curve of your spine.
3. Hold this position for up to four seconds.
4. Repeat up to 10 times.

The yoga pose – angry cat:

1. Position yourself on your hands and knees with your back straight. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be hip-width apart.
2. Breathe in and arch your back (like an angry cat), tightening your abdominal muscles as you do this.
3. Hold for up to four seconds.
4. Exhale slowly as you release the position.
5. Repeat up to 10 times.

The exercises listed above can be repeated throughout the day. As you strengthen your muscles, you may find you are able to hold the positions for longer than four seconds.

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.

Fetal development during the first month
The 40 week countdown begins on the first day of your last menstrual period, even though you’re not yet pregnant. Conception won’t occur until around week two, though you won’t feel pregnant right away. By week three, your pregnancy will consist of a fertilized egg inside your uterus. Your baby’s genetics have already been determined. Around seven to 10 days after conception, implantation will occur. The embryo is now embedded in the lining of your womb. The brain, spinal cord and heart are already starting to develop.

By week four, your baby’s spine and organs are starting to develop. The placenta is developing too, and this will allow nutrients to reach your baby during the pregnancy. The placenta will also start producing the pregnancy hormone, hCG, so you may start to notice early symptoms of pregnancy around this time. Morning sickness, fatigue and a heightened sense of smell are all common during this time.

Fetal development during the second month
Your baby’s heart will start beating sometime around day 21. By week five, your baby’s facial features are starting to develop. By week six, your baby looks like one of those tadpole-like fetuses you may remember from science lessons. Your baby may only be around the size of a grain of rice, but the arm and leg buds are starting to form.

In week seven, your baby’s tooth buds, pancreas and appendix are starting to grow. Your baby’s hair and nipple buds are even starting to develop. Your baby’s sex was determined at fertilisation, but in week eight your baby will begin to grow testes or ovaries. Your baby’s fingers, toes and tongue are starting to develop too. In this week, your baby’s bones will start to develop, as well.

Fetal development in the third month
In week nine, your baby reaches the end of the embryonic stage and officially becomes a fetus. Your baby’s organs are beginning to function now. Your baby is beginning to lose the tail, and is looking less and less like a tadpole with each passing day. In just a week the tail will have completely disappeared. Your baby’s facial features are also starting to look a little more human in week 10.

Week 11 is the start of a growth spurt, and your baby will double in size over the next three weeks. Your baby’s fingernails are developing this week. During week 11, the placenta will start functioning, circulating blood between the uterus and your baby. By week 12, your baby can kick, stretch and pull faces. Your baby’s organs are starting to work this week, and your baby has started to urinate the amniotic fluid consumed in the uterus.

Your baby develops rapidly during those first 12 weeks, and this is why some pregnant women feel exhausted during the first trimester. It’s hard work growing a person! Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated.

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.