If you’re pregnant and vegan, you may have noticed people taking an increased interest in your diet. From assuming you’ll have to start eating meat, to obsessing over your calcium intake, chances are at least a couple of relatives are bombarding you with questions about your diet.

A healthy pregnancy

It’s important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, and – you probably already know this – a typical vegan diet is just that. If you eat a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and lentils, you may even be outdoing your meat-eating counterparts in the vitamins and nutrients stakes.

Important vitamins

Vitamin B12 is found in animal sources, so vegans need to be sure they’re getting enough B12 in their diet, and this is particularly important during pregnancy. Fortified soya products and cereals are a great way to incorporate B vitamins into your diet.

You must also ensure you are getting enough vitamin D. Your body can make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, so you must try to spend at least 15 minutes exposed to the sun each day. It may also be possible to add vitamin D to your diet using supplements, although it’s important to ensure the supplements are suitable for vegans first. Some supplements use vitamin D from animal sources.

Pregnant women require extra iron to meet the needs of the developing baby. For this reason, it’s important to ensure you are consuming enough iron. Baked beans, nuts and whole grains are all good sources of dietary iron. Consuming vitamin C with iron can improve your body’s intake of iron, so try to drink orange juice or eat an orange with each high-iron meal.

There are certain keywords that seem to get thrown at vegans on a regular basis, and calcium is a popular one. Luckily, there is plenty of calcium available from plant sources including green leafy vegetables, pulses and fortified soya products.

The need to supplement

Experts recommend that all pregnant women (vegan or not) take folic acid supplements during early pregnancy. There are a number of prenatal supplements available that are specially designed for vegan mums-to-be. Not only do these supplements contain folic acid, but they are also packed with B12 and other vitamins important for growing a healthy baby. Folate can also be found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and legumes and citrus fruits and juices. Many other foods are now fortified with folic acid, as well.

Expert advice

If you feel worried about your weight gain or vitamin intake during pregnancy, speak to your healthcare provider or to a registered dietician. A vegan diet is more than adequate to meet the needs of a growing baby. Eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and veg, taking a vegan prenatal supplement and keeping up-to-date on the latest expert advice can help you to eat a healthy prenatal vegan diet.

Are you following a vegan diet during pregnancy, and have you faced any opposition from friends and family?

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.

Pregnancy nausea is a much more appropriate name than the more commonly used ‘morning sickness’ which unwittingly implies you’ll feel better after lunch. If you’re suffering from pregnancy nausea, you’re probably already aware that it can strike at any hour of the day. The word sickness is misleading too, because not all women vomit, some experience nausea without vomiting. Whatever you’re experiencing, whether it’s a handful of sick each morning, or a full day of stomach turning nausea, chances are you’re feeling fed up and ready to try almost anything to spend a few hours with your head out of the toilet bowl.

Every pregnancy is unique, and every mother-to-be is different, so not all of these tips will work for everyone. Give them a go, and hopefully you’ll find something that helps you to feel a little better. Here are five tips to reduce pregnancy nausea:

1. Try some ginger – some women swear by ginger as a natural way to tackle pregnancy nausea. Ginger tea, ginger biscuits and ginger beer (non-alcoholic, of course) are all popular amongst pregnant women. Some women find that the ginger helps to settle their stomach.
2. Eat first thing – some women find that the nausea kicks in as soon as they get out of bed. Low blood sugar could be one of the causes of pregnancy nausea, so you may find that eating before you get out of bed can help to reduce sickness. Snacking on a plain cracker a few minutes before standing up could reduce pregnancy nausea, although feel free to demand a full cooked breakfast in bed from your partner if you think it will help.
3. Eat little and often – instead of gorging on three big meals a day, try picking at smaller meals throughout the day. Keeping healthy snacks near your desk at work, and eating light meals, could help to prevent dips in your blood sugar level.
4. Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water. This seems to be go-to advice for any pregnancy ailment, and that’s because you need extra water during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, and you may find that your pregnancy nausea becomes more manageable. If you are struggling to keep water down, try adding lemon or ice to see if that helps.
5. Eat the right foods – while you may be craving salty, sugary snacks, these foods can actually make pregnancy nausea worse. Try to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. Some women find that strong flavours increase nausea, so you may want to avoid spicy food for a couple of weeks. If you’re sick each time you eat an orange, cut oranges out of your diet for a few days to see if that helps.

If you’ve found any tips that have helped your nausea, please share them in the comments section. Remember, all women are different so what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you, but it might be worth a try just in case.

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.

Your waistline isn’t the only thing to grow during pregnancy, you may find that your bra size increases too. During pregnancy, your breasts are going through changes to prepare them for breastfeeding, so you may notice a number of changes occur, including:

Increased cup size
As early as week six, you may notice your breasts getting bigger. By the end of the pregnancy, you are likely to be at least a cup size bigger than you were before the pregnancy. Your breasts will continue to grow throughout the pregnancy, and you are likely to need to buy a number of new bras in this time.

Stretch marks
As your breasts increase in size, you may notice stretch marks appearing on the skin. Though there are plenty of products available all claiming to reduce stretch marks, there is little scientific evidence to back up these claims. While the stretch marks may be dark at first, rest assured that they will fade and become less noticeable over time.

Breast tenderness
Sore breasts is a common complaint of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Hormonal changes cause breast tenderness, and even accidental brushes can be painful during the early weeks of pregnancy. Many women find that the discomfort eases in the second trimester, but until then:

• wear a supportive and well-fitting maternity bra
• wear a cotton bra to bed
• be extra careful to avoid knocking your breasts

Nipple changes
The areolas darken and become larger during pregnancy. Small bumps begin to appear on the areola. These bumps are known as Montgomery’s tubercles, and secrete oil to help protect the nipple from bacteria.

Veins
Many women report that their veins become more noticeable during pregnancy, and this is true for the veins on the breasts too. Increased blood flow is responsible for this change, and the veins will become less noticeable once you stop breastfeeding (or after the birth, if you do not breastfeed).

Milk production
Some women lactate during pregnancy. Your breasts are able to produce milk during the second trimester. At this stage, your breasts will produce colostrum and you may notice occasional leakage from your nipples. If the colostrum leaks through to your clothes, you may find it useful to wear breast pads.

The good news is that these common breast changes during pregnancy signal everything is going right – your body is preparing to continue nourishing your baby after birth.

Have you noticed any breast changes during pregnancy? Were breast changes the giveaway that you were expecting a child?

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.

Is it safe to have a tattoo during pregnancy?

If you’re a fan of body art, you may feel like celebrating your pregnancy with a new tattoo, but you’re unlikely to find a tattoo artist willing to do it. Though the ink itself is safe for use during pregnancy, you have an increased risk of infection and so pregnant women are advised to avoid tattoos for the duration of pregnancy. If you got a tattoo before you found out you were pregnant, don’t worry – there’s nothing you can do about it now so just keep an eye out for any signs of infection.

What if I already have a tattoo?
An existing tattoo won’t cause you any problems during pregnancy, though depending on its location it may stretch as your body changes. If the tattoo is on your tummy, you may find it grows with your bump.

Is it safe to have a body piercing during pregnancy?
Pregnant women are advised against new body piercings during pregnancy, again because of the increased risk of infection.

What if I already have a piercing?
Your existing piercings won’t cause any problems for your developing baby, however some may begin to feel uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses. The advice differs for each piercing, so read through the list to find out how to look after your piercings during pregnancy:

• Belly rings – if your belly ring begins to feel tight as your bump grows, you may wish to take it out. If it’s a newer piercing (less than four years old), you may wish to use some Teflon body jewellry to stop the hole from closing.
• Nipple rings – If you have had your piercing for 12-18 months before becoming pregnant, chances are it is healed enough to not cause any problems with pregnancy or breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the ring may feel uncomfortable and should be removed or changed to a teflon type to help the hole remain open. When breastfeeding, you will need to remove your nipple ring as it would be a choking hazard.
• Genital piercings – some women find pregnancy causes extra sensitivity that means their genital piercing is no longer comfortable. If this is the case, remove the piercing. If it’s not bothering you, you can leave it in until closer to your due date. You should remove it before your due date, because it could cause problems during the baby’s birth.
• Other piercings – for any other piercings, use a common sense approach. Some women find that they become ultrasensitive during pregnancy and experience problems with existing piercings. If you notice an existing piercing become red or sore, speak to your health care provider for advice.

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

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

You’ve had a rough first trimester. Just when everyone told you things would get better, you find yourself down in the dumps, extremely tired, and feeling like an emotional train wreck. You wonder if it is the hormones. You worry that right now, when you should be feeling elated and happy, your feelings of depression are a sign that something is wrong with you. And if you are like the hundreds of thousands of women who suffer through pregnancy with depression, you keep your feelings to yourself worried about being shamed by others.

Pregnancy and depression often go hand-in-hand. Around 1 out of 10 women suffer from depression during pregnancy. And recent research shows that the sudden surges and changes in hormones that occur throughout pregnancy, can and do in fact alter brain chemistry, which can bring on full bouts of depression.

Women who have had fertility issues or who endure fertility treatments are 10 times more likely to have depression during pregnancy. For women who have suffered with mental illness, anxiety or depression prior to pregnancy, the risk of depression darkening pregnancy is higher. Troubled relationships, family history of depression or mental illness, history of miscarriage and a high-risk pregnancy can also lead to depression during pregnancy.

One of the problems is that most people write off their mood swings or emotional instability to hormones or cliché moodiness in pregnancy, when the reality is that they are suffering from real depression. If you have depression, you might experience some of the following symptoms. Experts say if you’ve experienced three or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should see a therapist:

• A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore
• Feeling blue, sad, or “empty” for most of the day, every day
• It’s harder to concentrate
• Extreme irritability or agitation or excessive crying
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
• Extreme or never-ending fatigue
• A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all
• Inappropriate guilt or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Finally, mood swings with cycles of depression alternating with periods of an abnormally high spirits — including increased activity, little need to sleep or eat, racing thoughts, inappropriate social behavior, or poor judgment — are signs of a serious condition called bipolar disorder, which requires immediate attention.

While anxiety is normal during pregnancy, if your anxiety becomes too much to bear – or interferes with your ability to do routine things in your life, you should contact a healthcare provider as well.

The most important thing to realize is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is no reason to live in shame, or to hide your feelings from others just because you are pregnant. If you talk to your healthcare provider, and your loved ones you will find that you can gain some resolution and hopefully, some peace. The good news is that pregnancy induced depression, when treated, most often dissipates within the first 12 months of having your baby.

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.

Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy. You may be feeling excited, terrified or in shock – or perhaps even a mixture of all three. As you try to process this life-changing news, you may feel desperate to share it with friends and family, but should you hold off until after week 12? There are mixed opinions on this, and while many choose to wait, some couples tell friends and family straight away.

Why wait?

Some women choose to keep their pregnancies quiet until after the first twelve weeks. The risk of miscarriage is highest during the first trimester, and some people choose to hold off on sharing the news until this risk has passed. Some couples choose to wait until they have had the ultrasound scan. This gives them peace of mind that the baby is developing ok, and also allows them to give friends and family a more accurate estimated due date.

There’s a lot to think about when you discover you’re pregnant, and even if the baby was long-awaited, it can take a few weeks to get your head around the news. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may find it easier to keep the news to yourself until you have processed all of your emotions.

Why spill the beans

Some women find it virtually impossible to keep quiet about the pregnancy. Whether you’re over the moon and want to shout it from the rooftops, or feeling confused and need to talk it through with a close friend, you may prefer to share your news early.

Just because you’ve told a couple of close friends and family, it doesn’t mean everyone needs to know. You can ask your trusted few to keep your secret until you make it public. Not everybody needs to know at once, so you could always tell just a few specially selected people.

A personal decision

Pregnancy and parenthood are filled with personal decisions, and this is one of the first ones you need to make. Talk to your partner about the pros and cons of announcing early, and discuss what feels right to you. Together you can reach a decision that works for you as a couple. You don’t need to keep it a secret simply because other people do, but you also shouldn’t feel pressured to announce before you’re ready.

When did you share the good news, and who did you tell first?

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.

Breast tenderness may have been one of the first clues you were pregnant. Though many women experience sore breasts at some point during this cycle, this discomfort may be heightened during pregnancy.

Your breasts may feel sore from as early as three weeks into the pregnancy – that’s just one week after conception. They may feel sensitive, tender, sore and even tingle, during early pregnancy. Not all women experience breast soreness, but many do. Accidental knocks, nudges and brushes can feel unbearable.

Breast soreness is most common during the first trimester, and most women find the discomfort eases as the pregnancy progresses. Though you may still have some unusually sensitive breasts for the rest of the pregnancy, the discomfort should pass after the first 12 weeks.

What causes breast soreness?
As usual, it’s those pesky hormones causing trouble again. As your hormone levels increase rapidly during early pregnancy, you may find yourself suffering from all kinds of symptoms. The hormones progesterone and oestrogen cause breast tenderness during early pregnancy.

As your body prepares for pregnancy, your breasts are changing. They are probably growing, and are also preparing to produce breast milk for when the baby is born. Your breasts are likely to change size during pregnancy, and this can be uncomfortable while the growth is occurring.

How to cope with sore breasts
Unfortunately, for many women, breast tenderness comes hand in hand with pregnancy. While there is no magic cure to this problem, there are ways you can minimise the discomfort:

• maternity bras – a maternity bra is designed to properly support the growing and changing breasts of pregnancy. Your pre-pregnancy bras may not offer the right support once your breasts have grown
• avoid underwire – experts advise avoiding underwired bras during pregnancy because they may cause further discomfort
• get measured – make sure you are wearing properly fitting bras, and this means being measured by a professional. During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to wear bras that fit properly.

• get remeasured – your breasts will continue to grow and change throughout the pregnancy, so make sure you are remeasured every couple of months

• night time bra – if you are being kept awake by the discomfort, invest in a soft night time bra.
• no touching – if your breasts are sore, ask your partner not to touch them
• be careful – accidental knocks and brushes can be reduced, if not avoided, so try to take extra care when your breasts are sore

Are you experiencing breast tenderness during pregnancy, and have you tried any of the above tips to reduce the discomfort?

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

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

How much is too much?

When it comes to drinking alcohol during pregnancy, not enough is known about the potentially harmful effects alcohol can have on the developing baby. For this reason, experts advise pregnant women to avoid alcohol entirely for the duration of the pregnancy. Women trying to conceive are also advised to steer clear of the hard stuff.

Will alcohol harm my baby?

Alcohol enters your blood and can cross the placenta to your developing baby. Your baby’s liver does not mature until late in the pregnancy. Your baby can’t process alcohol as well as you, and may experience higher levels of blood alcohol than you. Too much exposure to alcohol can harm your baby’s development, so experts advise women to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.

During the first three months of pregnancy, even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage. During the first trimester, the foetus is believed to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Just one drink a day can put your baby at risk of low birth weight and increase his risk of developing learning and attention problems, speech and language difficulties and hyperactivity.

Foetal alcohol syndrome

Foetal alcohol syndrome is a serious condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Symptoms include:

• facial abnormalities
• restricted growth
• learning disorders
• behavioural disorders

Because experts don’t know the alcohol consumption level that can begin to cause these abnormalities, they suggest abstaining from all alcohol during pregnancy.

Giving up alcohol

For some women, giving up alcohol for the duration of the pregnancy will be easy. For others, however, it can prove more of a challenge. If you are struggling to give up drinking alcohol during pregnancy, you may find the following advice useful:

• talk about your feelings – talking about how you feel can help you to deal effectively with your emotions. Rather than feeling ashamed or bottling up your struggles, open up to your friends and family. They may be able to offer advice or assistance to help you avoid alcohol.
• find a drink you like – you don’t need to spend each evening begrudgingly sipping tap water, find a non-alcoholic drink you enjoy. There are plenty of fruit juices, flavoured waters and soft drinks for you to choose from.
• avoid tempting situations – if you are finding it very difficult to avoid alcohol, you may find avoiding certain social situations helps you to stay in control. This doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit and miss out on all the fun, but perhaps you should call it a night before your friends break out the tequila bottle.
• ask for help – it’s ok to find things difficult, not everything in life is easy. If you’re battling with giving up alcohol, speak to your healthcare provider. They are best placed to offer you practical advice and support to help you avoid alcohol.

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

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

As you are no doubt aware, each pregnancy is different. Even if you have experienced pregnancy before, there is no way to predict how your next pregnancy will be. While you may be suffering with backache and fatigue, your prenatal class friends may be glowing and full of energy. Here are some of the potential high and lows of pregnancy:

The first trimester

The high– as your hormones kick into overdrive, you may experience an increased sex drive. Some women find they simply cannot get enough during those first few months. Whether it is the confidence of being pregnant, the impact of the extra hormones, or an increased blood flow to your lady parts leaving you feeling aroused, take advantage of this boost while you can.

The low– morning sickness was bound to crop up here, wasn’t it? That nausea that haunts some women for the first few months of pregnancy is definitely one of the lows of pregnancy. You may find your favourite foods end up off-limits as you struggle with sickness on a daily basis. The only way to get through this period is to remember it won’t last forever. Most women find that their sickness eases by week 16. Until then, try eating ginger biscuits to battle the nausea.

The second trimester

The high – being awake past 7pm may not have been a high pre-pregnancy, but it probably will be after the first trimester fatigue. All of a sudden you have the energy to see friends again and start getting organised for the baby. And you’re even awake to watch your favorite television program when it airs. All of these things seemed impossible just a few short weeks ago.

The low – your body really starts to change during the second trimester. Your breasts continue to grow, your bump finally appears, and your hips and ribs start to widen to accommodate your growing uterus. While all of this is great for your pregnancy, it can leave you feeling a little self-conscious. While you want to feel beautiful and make the most of your pregnancy, you may find yourself obsessing over stretch marks and your rapidly increasing bra size. Try not to worry too much, focus instead on staying healthy throughout the pregnancy.

The third trimester

The high– the second trimester confusion is over, you’re now obviously pregnant and can finally reap the rewards. Seats on public transport, not having to lift a finger, and the smiles of strangers are just some of the benefits of being heavily pregnant. All of a sudden, the entire world will seemingly do their utmost to ensure you are comfortable.

The low – where to start? The backache, the indigestion, and that unpleasant heavy feeling in your pelvis are all common complaints during the final trimester. Really though, the thing that drags down pretty much all pregnant women, is the waiting. Whether your pregnancy has been filled with problem after problem, or a carefree nine months, the last few weeks will drag. It may be unbearable, especially as your due date comes and goes. Try to make the most of those final weeks before the baby is outside demanding your 24/7 care.

Does this list describe your pregnancy, or do you have different highs and lows for each stage?

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

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

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as many as half of all women have fibroids during pregnancy. Oftentimes, these fibroids existed prior to pregnancy as benign cysts in the uterus that went relatively unnoticed. Then, during routine examinations or ultrasounds during pregnancy, many women are alarmed and worried to find out they have fibroids.

Fibroids are essentially a benign mass of muscle fiber within the uterine wall, or sometimes attached to it. During pregnancy, with the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, fibroids may grow along with the uterus. The growth of these fibroids can cause pain, inflammation, and discomfort – especially as they grow rapidly in size. For most women, fibroids are just something that are monitored by their doctor during pregnancy. And most women have fibroids that are so small in size they don’t recognize any painful symptoms resulting from the cysts.

In rare instances, very large fibroids can cause pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth or a baby being stuck in a breech position. In these cases, doctors will talk with you about your options – including the possibility of having to schedule a cesarean birth. This is especially true if the fibroid is located low in the uterus or near the cervix where it could impact the descent of the baby for childbirth.

The good news is that most women, pregnant or otherwise, have fibroids from time to time without even knowing it. Most often, the fibroids resolve themselves on their own and the same is true during pregnancy. Most women who had fibroids during pregnancy find that after labor and delivery the fibroids have dissipated – or shrunken back down to their pre-pregnancy size.

While the thought of having cysts in your uterus, especially while pregnant can be frightening, the reality is that it is normally nothing to worry about. For the 10-30% of women who have complications, most are handled with bed rest, pain medications and ice packs.

If you have recently been diagnosed with fibroids, relax. Trust that your doctor will keep an eye on the growths to make sure  they don’t complicate your pregnancy. Be sure to report any new or alarming signs of pain or discomfort to your physician. And enjoy your growing baby without worrying too much!

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.

If you have cut completely or reduced your caffeine consumption during pregnancy, you may be wondering what you can replace your favourite hot drink with. Many herbal teas are considered safe for pregnant women, but there are a few notable ones to be avoided.

Teas to avoid

Some teas are considered unsafe for consumption during pregnancy due to the potential side effects. The following teas should be avoided during pregnancy:

• St John’s wort tea – pregnant women are advised to avoid St John’s wort during pregnancy
• licorice root tea – it is believed consumption of licorice root tea may be linked with preterm delivery
• ginseng tea – this may cause fetal development problems and should be avoided during pregnancy
• pennyroyal tea – this may stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy
• ephedra tea – ephedra should be avoided during pregnancy because it can stimulate uterine contractions. It has also been found to cross the placenta and increase fetal heart rate.
• yarrow tea – yarrow is a muscle relaxant and is thought to be linked to risk of miscarriage
• dong quai tea – this herb may stimulate bleeding

Teas in moderation

The following teas contain caffeine, and so should be enjoyed in moderation. Pregnant women are advised to restrict their caffeine intake to less than 200mg each day. If you’re trying to avoid caffeine during pregnancy, you should avoid the following teas altogether:

• black tea
• green tea
• chai tea
• earl grey tea
• oolong tea
• darjeeling tea
• lapsang souchong tea
• golden monkey black tea
• lychee tea
• hong mao tea
• nilgiris tea

A note about green tea

There is some debate about how safe green tea is for pregnant women. It contains caffeine and so intake should be restricted, but there is also evidence to suggest that it can reduce folic acid absorption. Folic acid is very important during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, and so some women choose to avoid green tea altogether during pregnancy.

Safe teas

The following herbal teas are considered safe to drink during pregnancy:

• raspberry leaf tea – this one is considered safe once you have reached week 24, but should be avoided until that point
• ginger tea – many women rely on this drink to help them through the rocky weeks of morning sickness in early pregnancy
• peppermint tea – another tea often used to combat nausea in early pregnancy
• dandelion leaf tea – high in potassium, and safe to drink in pregnancy
• rooibos tea – caffeine free and full of antioxidants, this is tea comes highly recommended for pregnant women

There isn’t much research on the effect of drinking herbal teas during pregnancy – on pregnant women or developing babies. Some people advise limiting your herbal tea intake just just one or two cups a day. There isn’t any evidence to suggest herbal teas can cause problems, but it is worth being cautious with the amount you drink, just in case.

What are your favourite herbal teas, and have you had any success in using them to stave off nausea?

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

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

When you discovered you were pregnant, you may have wanted to share the good news with friends and family. Perhaps you even imagined what their reactions might be – happy tears, heartfelt cuddles and, of course, congratulatory shrieks. But what happens if the pregnancy announcement doesn’t go to plan? How do you cope with bad reactions to your good news?

What causes negative reactions?

There are lots of reasons why an individual may react negatively to your news, and most of them have nothing to do with your news, and everything to do with the person reacting negatively.

If the news is unexpected, it could have been shock that caused a less than positive reaction. If taken by surprise, people might react to things differently than if the news was expected. Of course, that person should have been polite and masked their shock, but give them time to get used to the idea and see if they change their tune.

If you notice a slightly frosty reaction from friends and family, perhaps unbeknownst to you, the friend you told has been trying, unsuccessfully, to get pregnant for a number of years, and couldn’t help but feel disheartened at your news.

Alternatively, your bad reaction may have been from your fun-loving best friend. Perhaps she’s worried about losing you as a good friend as you settle down into the role of mother.

How to cope with bad reactions to your good news

Most importantly, don’t let it ruin your good news. You are excited and happy, and that’s all that really matters. Of course, you want your friends and family to be supportive, but try not to fixate on their negative reactions.

Talk to your supportive friends and family about the negative reactions. Talk openly about how it made you feel, and make sure to communicate all of this with your partner. If you are struggling with your emotions since the reactions, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to offer some support or advice to help you deal with the unexpected negativity.

Try not to obsess over the bad reactions, and instead focus on the good. Continue to plan for and look forward to the birth. Give your friends and family time to come round, often people feel more positively once they start to plan for the arrival of the new baby.

Give them a chance

Don’t preempt bad reactions, you may be surprised. While you be convinced your parents will be disappointed in you for falling pregnant, in reality they may be over the moon about becoming grandparents. Share your news, and give people the chance to react.

How did your friends and family react to the news of your pregnancy?

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

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