Pregnancy can be a daunting time, and it is common for pregnant women to experience anxieties, worries and concerns about impending motherhood. If you are facing pregnancy alone, whether planned or unplanned, you may find yourself worrying about how you will cope as a single parent. Rest assured that most pregnant women in relationships are just as terrified as you. As a single woman you have extra things to consider though, including:

Support
Looking after a baby can be exhausting, so you’ll need a support network around you to help out. You may choose to ask your best friend, or a family member, to join you at antenatal appointments and scans. Identify the friends and family who you feel will best support you, and ask them if they will help out a little bit when the baby is here.

Birth partner
Childbirth can be hard work, amazing and scary all at the same time. Do you have a close friend or family member you’d like to be your birth partner? Having support during labour is invaluable. While it may seem a big task, many people would be honoured to be asked. If you can’t think of anyone you want to ask, you could hire a doula. Though sometimes pricey, doulas are professionally trained birth partners who support labouring women.

Groups
Once the baby arrives, you should find some local baby groups to attend. Baby massage, baby sign and play groups are all great places to meet and interact with other mums. It’s always helpful to have friends who understand what you’re going through, so try to seek out some other single parents to buddy up with. Some areas have groups for single mothers to meet and socialise, but if there isn’t one near you, you could join an online forum to speak to people in a similar situation.

Finances
You may be entitled to some financial assistance as a single mother, find out if this is the case. Lots of people miss out on benefits they are entitled to simply because they don’t ask. You may be entitled to educational grants, training grants or money towards childcare costs to help your transition back to work after the baby is born.

Look after yourself
It’s important to look after yourself, so you give your baby the best care possible. Life can be pretty exhausting as a single mum, so don’t be shy about asking for help. Ask your best friend to entertain the baby for a couple of hours, so you can have a relaxing bath and enjoy some time focusing on yourself for a change. Ask your mum to help out with the laundry, or your sister to pick up some groceries on her way round.

The dad
If the father wants to be involved, together you can work out how he can help out, both financially and practically. If he doesn’t want to be involved, then see it as his loss. Try to focus on the positives – you’ll get to make all the decisions, and enjoy all the cuddles from your little one. Make sure you receive any financial support you are entitled to, unless you have decided you don’t want it.

Are you single and pregnant, do you have any tips to help other women in your situation?

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.

A sign is an objective evidence of a condition that people can see on a patient. It can be inspected by the eyes or measured by laboratory equipment. A sign is more or less definitive and obvious. So, when you say signs of pregnancy, they refer to the objective findings perceived by an examiner and not the mother. However, many signs are usually accompanied by symptoms. Here are first pregnancy signs that indicate impending motherhood.

1. Spotting

One of the first pregnancy signs may be implantation bleeding. It is characterized by a slight staining of a pink to brown colour, caused by the implantation of the egg in the endometrial lining. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself in the uterine wall. It is usually accompanied by cramping. Some women experience spotting, but others do not.

2. Darkening of the areolas

If the skin around your nipples gets darker, it may be a sign of pregnancy. However, this can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance and might not be related to pregnancy.

3. Frequent urination

Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may experience frequent visits to the bathroom. Although this may be caused by diabetes, diuretics, or a urinary tract infection (UTI), it is most likely due to increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels when you are pregnant. hCG increased blood flow to your kidneys, helping them to cleanse your body. Your growing uterus is also starting to put pressure on your bladder, leaving less storage for urine and leading to frequent urination.

4. Positive pregnancy test

If you have a positive result showing up on your pregnancy test, you are most likely pregnant. Make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the good news and prepare for motherhood.

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.

It’s a simple fact of life that not all pregnancies are planned. For some, seeing the positive test is not necessarily a time for celebration. In fact, some women may find this moment devastating. You may consider yourself too young to have a baby, or perhaps you feel your family is already complete. It could be relationship problems or financial insecurity causing you to worry about the timing of the pregnancy.

Once you have decided to progress with the pregnancy, it doesn’t mean you will feel any less shocked, or that you will all of a sudden feel 100 percent happy about the pregnancy. Even women who have tried for years to fall pregnant can experience feelings of regret during the pregnancy.

Unplanned doesn’t mean unloved

Some women experiencing unplanned pregnancies report feelings of guilt and shame around their pregnancy. It is crucial to remember that unplanned doesn’t mean unloved. Your pregnancy may have been unplanned, but that doesn’t mean you will be any less able to love your baby.

Talk about your feelings

During pregnancy, the hormonal changes, fatigue and worry over what is to come, can feel overwhelming. It’s important to talk about how you are feeling – your worries, concerns and even regrets. It is important you find a trusted person to talk to, whether that be your partner, best friend, or a support service. Do not feel ashamed of your feelings, it is completely natural to have mixed feelings about an unplanned pregnancy, and talking about it may help you to deal with these emotions.

Find support

All new parents require a strong support system, whether the pregnancy was planned or not. Having a baby is a big life change, and you will need help, especially in the early days. This support could be in the form of help with the baby or around the home, or it could be a friendly ear on tough days. Make sure you have a support system in place, and let them know in advance that you might call on them for help when the baby arrives.

Financial planning

One of the main worries for women carrying unplanned pregnancies, is the financial aspect of parenting. If you weren’t planning to have a baby just yet, chances are you haven’t got lots of money to go and blow in a baby store. As soon as possible, you should sit down and work out your finances. Speak to your employer, student services or a family planning clinic, to find out about your access to financial help. Will you qualify for maternity leave, or receive some other benefits once the baby arrives?

Planning for the future

If you’re young, and worried that having a baby will prevent you from doing certain things in life, write a to do list. Fill it with all the things you’d like to do, and all the places you want to visit in your life. Once you’ve got your list, you can start working towards things. Having a baby doesn’t mean your life is over. It may take you a little longer to achieve things now, but it doesn’t mean you have to cross them off your list for good.

Most importantly, let go of the guilt. Do not feel guilty for having an unplanned pregnancy You will still be a great mother.

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.

Around 7 days after fertilization, the ‘blastocyst’ which will eventually develop into your fetus, will implant itself into the soft and warm walls of the uterus. Due to the lovely influx of hormones, your uterus is ‘sticky’ and receptive to the implantation process. You may or may not know at this point that you are pregnant, because you haven’t quite missed your period yet. This implantation is what will spark the production of massive amount of pregnancy hormones that signal your body not to shed its lining (menstruate) and start the process of pregnancy.

When implantation occurs, you may feel some tinges of pain. In fact, during this phase of pregnancy, you may feel like you are on the verge of getting your period, experiencing the same symptoms that you do during PMS.  Your breasts may hurt, you may have cramping, and you may even have slight amounts of blood that are a result from the implantation process. If you know your body very well, and are paying attention – you will likely KNOW that something is going on. Most women just assume that they are not pregnant and are about to get their period, only to find out a few weeks later that all those cramps and tinges of blood was the baby nestling into the uterus.

Amazingly, behind the scenes and even before you may know that you are pregnant – the placenta is already starting to develop and cells are multiplying at phenomenal rates. If you have been trying to conceive, you may be eager to take a home pregnancy test, but really you should wait. At this point, the chances of getting a false negative are still very high considering the levels of hCG (the pregnancy hormone) are only starting to increase. (They double daily once implantation is complete)

The best time to take an over-the-counter pregnancy test is on the day that you expect your period. By this time, there is likely enough hCG in your system to register during your first morning urine. And, if you have experienced some light bleeding or cramping (which may have you confused about whether you are pregnant or not), there is no need to worry. You now know that it was just due to implantation. You may even experience some slight spotting during the same time as your period is due, which is normal in many women. If it continues or gets heavier, consult with your health care provider.

The amazing thing about this whole process is that it is practically invisible unless you had a powerful microscope. An amazing and beautiful reminder of just how awesome your body is.

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.

As early as week two of the pregnancy, your body starts to produce a hormone called relaxin to prepare your pelvis for childbirth. Relaxin, produced until around the fifth month of pregnancy, loosens the supportive tissues in your body, and allows your pelvis to open up slightly and accommodate your growing uterus.

Risks of heavy lifting during pregnancy

A popular old wives’ tale states that heavy lifting can induce miscarriage. In fact, there is no evidence to support this claim. The risk for pregnant women who lift heavy objects, is that they will hurt themselves, not the developing baby. The main risks are muscle strains, pulled muscles and muscle aches, but you could also suffer a fall.

As with all things, heavy lifting during pregnancy is a personal choice based on individual circumstances. If you were a professional body builder pre-pregnancy, your body will be used to lifting heavy loads. While you may want to reduce the amount you lift, and be more selective about lifts, your healthcare provider probably won’t see any reason to stop you weightlifting. If, on the other hand, you haven’t lifted a heavy object for years, now is not the time to try shifting a grand piano across the house.

Balance

During pregnancy, your centre of gravity is changing almost constantly.  As your uterus expands, altering your posture and giving you a bump, and as your joints loosen, balance may no longer come naturally. Many pregnant women report feelings of imbalance and clumsiness during pregnancy, this reduced sense of balance could cause you to fall when lifting a heavy object.

Lower back strain

Your growing bump puts strain on your lower back and can cause muscle aches. If you are experiencing these pains, you may want to avoid heavy lifting which could exacerbate the pain. If you continue to lift heavy objects during pregnancy, you should be sure to lift correctly – always lift from your knees, not your back. Improper lifting could cause muscle problems and lower back strain.

It is important to listen to your body, and take things easy during pregnancy. While some lifting may be unavoidable (for example, if you have a toddler in need of a cuddle), you should try to reduce the amount of strain on your body.

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, or if you have a history of pregnancy aches and pains, you should speak to your healthcare provider about heavy lifting during pregnancy. While for some, heavy lifting will cause no problems, for others, it could mean days of agony to follow.

Do you have a job that requires heavy lifting, and how are you coping now that you’re pregnant?

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.

There is no right way to tell your boss about your pregnancy, but there are things you can do to make it easier both for yourself and your boss. You may find yourself feeling nervous about spilling the beans, and worrying that your boss will be inconvenienced by the news. Your boss may worry about the impact your pregnancy will have on the company, but is more likely to worry about losing you as an employee in case you decide not to return after maternity leave. Follow these simple tips to make telling your boss about your pregnancy as pain-free as possible:

1. Get the timing right – you should announce the pregnancy before you start to show. Some people prefer to wait until they are into the second trimester, but if you are suffering from nausea that is affecting your work, you may wish to announce it sooner
2. Tell her in person – a face to face conversation is always the best way to break big news
3. Tell her first – your boss may be annoyed to hear the news second hand from another colleague, so make sure your boss if the first person you tell at your workplace
4. Offer ideas – your maternity leave is likely to impact upon the company, so try to come up with a few ideas of how you can limit this impact. Writing handover notes, tying up loose ends and training up a colleague to cover your work are all ways you could try to limit the damage
5. Health and safety – are there any aspects of your role that could be unsafe to you or your developing baby? If so, you should inform your boss of this as soon as possible, and work out suitable alternatives for ensuring the work is done
6. Know your rights – maternity leave entitlements differ from state to state, and will also differ between companies. Some companies go above and beyond the legal minimum, whereas others will offer simply what they must. Find out what you are entitled to before the meeting, this will allow you to have an informed discussion
7. Be honest – it’s important to be honest with your boss. If you are planning to leave your job after your maternity leave, you should let them know in advance. Bear in mind, however, that this may affect your maternity benefits. It is also worth bearing in mind that it can be difficult to predict how you feel once the baby arrives, and for this reason many women choose to wait before deciding whether or not to return to work
8. Be clear – tell your boss your expectations, and how you plan to make the pregnancy work for the company. Are you planning to keep in touch with the office during maternity leave, or would you prefer to be oblivious to work news during that time? Both options are fine, but let your colleagues know in advance so they can act accordingly

Do you have any tips to add?

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.

For most women, there’s nothing more joyous than carrying a baby inside the womb. Women experience many changes in their body during pregnancy. You may not feel you’re really pregnant till the baby begins to move inside during the 4^th month. You will experience lots of emotions, happiness, pain, excitement, and nervousness all at the same time. But the most important thing to remember is to keep up a healthy balanced diet to help your baby grow and develop appropriately.

Good nutrition for pregnant women is very important. Although morning sickness, vomiting and nausea are very common occurrences during pregnancy, it is important to consume a well-balanced diet and to take some prenatal vitamins as well. It is necessary to eat a varied healthy diet during pregnancy to get all the minerals and vitamins that your body needs. Though it is best to acquire minerals and vitamins from the food you eat, it is often better to make use of supplements as well during pregnancy to ensure your body gets all that it requires.

Recommended Supplements

Here are some recommended supplements to take throughout your pregnancy:

• 10 micrograms of Vitamin D
• 400 micrograms folic acid, starting from the day you find out about your pregnancy and till the time you are 12 weeks pregnant.

Folic Acid

Folic acid helps prevent neural tube problems, which is a basic form of birth defects like spina bifida. Approximately 400 micrograms of folic acid daily is recommended for pregnant women. You should start taking folic acid during the period you are trying to get pregnant and continue till you are 12 weeks into your pregnancy. In case a woman does not begin taking folic acid before getting pregnant, it is important that she does as soon as she discovers she is pregnant.

Consumption of food containing folate (the natural form of folic acid) is necessary.  Women with a higher risk of neural tube defects are advised to take an additional 5 micrograms of folic acid till they are 12 weeks pregnant.

Iron

Women with a deficiency of iron may suffer from anaemia and tend to get very tired. Foods that contain higher doses of iron include nuts, lean meat, dried fruits and leafy green vegetables. These should be a part of a healthy balanced diet of pregnant women on a daily basis. There are many breakfast cereals that contain iron as well. In case of iron deficiency in your blood, your doctor or midwife may prescribe some iron supplements for you.

Calcium

Calcium is important for the proper development of the baby’s teeth and bones and for maintenance of mom’s body as well. Calcium is present in some prenatal vitamins. Food sources which are rich in calcium include fish with edible bones and dairy products. Some other sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables, bread, almonds and tofu, which is a special kind of vegetable protein made out of soya beans. Watercress, curly kale and broccoli are equally good sources.

Written by Team Health & Parenting

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

Is it safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy?

The advice regarding alcohol and pregnancy is updated each time new evidence is found. Currently, experts advise that pregnant women do not consume any alcohol. Alcohol passes readily into the placenta and enters the fetal bloodstream. Your baby’s liver is one of the last organs to develop.Heavy drinking increases your risk of miscarriage, preterm labour and stillbirth. Experts have not yet determined what a safe amount to drink is. They therefore recommend total abstinence during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect how your baby develops. Heavy drinking can cause mild learning disabilities, facial disfigurement and growth problems.

At the extreme end of the spectrum is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Children with FAS have facial disfigurement, heart defects and low birth weights. Children with FAS are likely to suffer lifelong behavioural problems and poor coordination.

Tips on cutting down

Many pregnant women find that the nausea and sickness associated with pregnancy, puts them off even the thought of drinking. However, some pregnant women find it harder to give up than others. If you find yourself struggling to cut out alcohol, you could try the following tips:

• Replacement – If you don’t fancy sitting in a beer garden sipping tap water, why not order a virgin cocktail? Just because you can’t drink alcohol, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your drink.
• Redirection – if you use alcohol to unwind after a hard day at work, you need to find a new way to destress. You could try having a relaxing bubble bath, yoga or massage.
• Support – if you and your partner previously drank alcohol together, ask him to abstain for a while.
• Friends and family – ask your friends and family to support you by not offering you alcoholic drinks.
• Have a night in – if you’re dreading the idea of being the only sober person at the party, don’t go. Spend a night relaxing at home instead. There will be plenty of parties to attend in the future.

Getting support

If you are struggling to cut down, and find yourself wanting a drink – or even drinking one – speak to your healthcare provider immediately. They will be able to offer you specialised help to assist you in abstaining during the pregnancy. Don’t worry about being judged, your healthcare provider will just be happy you sought help.

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.

Finding out you are pregnant is one of those lump-in-your-throat moments. Whether you’ve spent years trying, or are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may find yourself feeling mixed emotions. That’s normal, most women find themselves on a roller coaster ride of emotions during those first few weeks of pregnancy, or longer.

Mixed emotions aren’t just for women facing unplanned pregnancies, even if you were crossing your fingers and toes for a little blue line, you may now find yourself feeling a little deflated. After all, your pipe dream has suddenly become very real, it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive. Some of the emotions commonly experienced in those first few weeks after a positive pregnancy test include:

Happy – if this pregnancy was long awaited, you are likely to feel incredibly happy that you are pregnant. Even if this pregnancy was a complete shock, you are still likely to feel happy about the prospect of being pregnant. During moments of happiness, focus on yourself and your developing baby, and try to remember all the reasons you have to feel happy about the pregnancy.

Upset – it’s normal to grieve the loss of an old life. After all, you’ve just discovered that for the next nine months, alcohol, your favourite cheese and pate are off the menu. You may be worried about growing out of your clothes, and morphing into a pregnant woman.

Scared – pretty much all pregnant women feel scared at some point. You may be scared about the pregnancy, worried about the birth, or terrified that you won’t be a good mother. A little bit of fear is a normal part of pregnancy, especially during the first few weeks as you adjust to the news. If it is keeping you awake at night, affecting your appetite or leaving you unable to concentrate, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.

Guilty – chances are, if you’re feeling upset and scared, you may also be feeling guilty. Motherhood guilt will last you a lifetime, and sadly it starts as early as that little blue line on your pregnancy test. Try not to feel guilty for having mixed emotions about the pregnancy. Remember that it’s ok to not be 100% happy all of the time. Not only are you at the start of a life-changing journey, but you’re also experiencing the emotional roller coaster associated with the hormone increases of early pregnancy.

Unprepared – this emotion is particularly strong for women facing unplanned pregnancies. You may be worried this is the wrong time, or that you’re not ready to be a mother. But, as your planned pregnancy counterparts will tell you, they are thinking all the same things. Having a baby is a huge step, and self-doubt is a normal part of this. Whenever you feel worried and unprepared, do something proactive to help you get ready for motherhood.

Angry – if the pregnancy came as a surprise, you may be feeling angry that this has happened. Perhaps you are angry with yourself, or angry with the father, or simply angry at the situation. There’s nothing wrong with feeling angry when life throws you a curveball, but it’s not a particularly helpful emotion. Try to channel your energy into something more productive, like planning the nursery or working out how you will cope as a new mum.

Isolated – during the first trimester, as you battle with mixed emotions, you may also be keeping your pregnancy secret. This can lead to feelings of isolation. If you don’t want to tell all of your friends and family just yet, why not tell just one person so that you can talk about your feelings. Some people cherish the secret during those first three months, but if you are finding yourself struggling without the advice and support of your best friend, it might be time to break the news.

Coping with mixed emotions
It may not be something that many women talk about publicly, but feeling mixed emotions about pregnancy is pretty common. The best thing to do is talk about it. Find someone you trust, and tell them exactly how you feel. This could be your partner, best friend, a counsellor, your healthcare professional or a total strange on an online forum. Talking about how you feel should help you to start making sense of your mixed emotions about pregnancy.

How did you feel when you discovered you were pregnant?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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

If you rely on coffee to wake you up in the morning, you may be feeling slightly panicked at the idea that you have to go cold turkey for the next nine months. Should you give it up, or is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy?

Caffeine recommendations
It is recommended that, while you are able to continue to drink caffeine throughout your pregnancy, you should limit your intake to 200mg a day. This equates to about two cups of instant coffee, or one cup of brewed coffee.

The 200mg should include all of your caffeine sources, not just coffee. For example, there’s no point cutting down to one cup of coffee a day by switching to caffeinated tea for your other nine cups. By doing that, you will still be exceeding the recommended daily caffeine intake. Tea, fizzy drinks and chocolate are all other sources of caffeine that you need to factor into your 200mg. A small bar of chocolate can contain as many as 50mg of caffeine, so it’s important that you keep track of all your dietary caffeine because it soon adds up.

If you usually drink coffee from outlets, you should bear in mind that the strength of the particular coffee can vary drastically between chains. It’s also important to note that the recommended allowance of two cups a day is referring to the regular coffee cups you have at home, not the bathtub size coffee mugs you find in some coffee houses.

Caffeine risks
There are a number of risks associated with regularly exceeding the daily recommended amount of caffeine, including:

• low birth weight
• miscarriage

Caffeine travels through the umbilical cord and can affect your baby. You may notice that she becomes unsettled, or you notice an increase in movements, shortly after you drink a cup of coffee.

Alternatives to coffee
Decaffeinated coffee is an obvious replacement during pregnancy. You’ll still be able to enjoy the great flavour, and might even be able to fool yourself into thinking you’re drinking a regular coffee.

During pregnancy, your body needs a higher intake of water. By drinking more water to fight your thirst, you may also help yourself to avoid fluid retention, reduce dizziness and enjoy that famous pregnancy ‘glow’.

Giving up caffeine
If you have decided to give up coffee for the duration of your pregnancy, you may experience caffeine withdrawal for a few days. Symptoms include:

• headaches
• tiredness
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating

After a few days, these symptoms will subside and you should feel much better.

Do you have any tried and tested tips for reducing your coffee intake 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 2017. All rights reserved.

You may have heard people refer to the ‘glow’ of pregnancy, and be wondering when you’re going to get it. The glow generally describes the blemish-free skin and shiny hair some pregnant women experience, however there’s no guarantee that you will be one of the lucky ones. Not all women report the same changes, in fact some women complain that hormones have had the opposite effect on their skin, hair and teeth during pregnancy.

Skin during pregnancy
Some women find that the hormonal changes, fluid retention and increased blood flow of pregnancy lead to healthy-looking, smoother skin. If this is the case for you, enjoy it while it lasts.

Others find that the rapidly changing hormone levels cause an outbreak of spots and dry skin. You may find that you need to keep up a rigorous beauty regime during pregnancy to keep spots at bay. Remember that any changes to your skin will disappear once your hormones level return to normal following the pregnancy.

Some women find that their skin darkens during pregnancy. Also known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’, chloasma is the name of the condition that causes dark blotches to appear on the skin. The blotches most frequently appear under the nose, across the cheekbones and forehead. Most women find that the blotches disappear a few months after the birth, but some may never completely fade.

Hair during pregnancy
Increased levels of oestrogen lead to longer growth phases for hair follicles. In short, this means your hair grows longer, and falls out less. Many women report their hair thickening during pregnancy, a welcome change for some. It can take up to a year postpartum to lose all of the extra hair, although it will start to fall out a few months after the birth.

For those enjoying excess hair growth, this may also happen with your body hair. You may find yourself growing excess hair on your face, arms, genitals and legs. If the hair bothers you, you could shave, tweeze or wax to remove it, but avoid bleaching because bleach can be absorbed into the skin.

Nails during pregnancy
Some women find that their fingernails are stronger and healthier during pregnancy, but others report quite the opposite. Weak, brittle nails are a common pregnancy complaint. Your nails should return to normal after the birth, but in the meantime try to take care of your nails by using moisturising hand lotion and rubber gloves when washing up.

Teeth during pregnancy
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to swelling of your gums and an increased risk of plaque on your teeth. This can lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Your dentist will be able to help you with any gum problems, and can advise you on how to best look after your teeth during pregnancy. If you require any fillings or x-rays, your dentist may wish to postpone these until after the baby is born.

Have you noticed any changes to your skin, hair and teeth 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 2017. All rights reserved.

Week 8 of pregnancy is GREAT!  2 Months in.  So how are you feeling?

Are you having a boy or girl? While the sex of your baby was decided long ago during conception, it is not until this week that you will finally be able to tell (although don’t expect an answer). During week 8, the reproductive organs develop and your baby will get either gonads or ovaries. Unfortunately, it may be very difficult to know for sure even with an ultrasound.

Your baby’s face is definitely taking on shape and becoming more developed. The tiny facial features like the lip, tip of the nose and even the eyelids are developing this week. If you could take a sneak peek inside her mouth, you would even be able to see a tiny tongue in the early stages of development – with taste buds! The eyes are in a phase of rapid development as well which includes development of the retina and eye pigment. Even so, your baby will likely be born with a bluish tint to her eyes.

Your baby is the size of a plump raspberry, which is around 10-14 millimeters. She no longer resembles a shrimp and is taking on a much more human shape in utero, complete with the beginnings of a neck underneath the head. She only weight about as much as a paper clip, although you may find that hard to believe with some of the discomforts you have been feeling. Your baby becomes much more active this week, twitching and jumping – however, it is still way too early for you to be able to detect these movements.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of week 8 is the fluttering heartbeat that can be seen on ultrasound. This heartbeat, while primitive, is a good sign that things with your pregnancy are developing perfectly.

Your uterus has grown to around the size of an orange. Your pants are definitely tighter. Chances are you don’t need maternity clothes yet, although borrowing some of your spouse’s shirts and sweat pants may be more comfortable when you are lounging around. This increase in size may cause some nerve or back pain. Stretching and starting a pregnancy yoga class can help you to get through it more easily.

Another change that may begin this week is an increase in cervical discharge. As long as the discharge is clear, without odor – it is simply one of the annoyances of pregnancy. This is caused by hormonal surges and will continue throughout pregnancy. Annoying, yes!  But there is really nothing that you can do about it. Wearing a panty liner may help. Watch for signs that you are getting a yeast or vaginal infection, and see a doctor right away if you suspect it.

Likely, your breasts are starting to grow or become sore, too. You will notice that the areola around the nipple darkens from hormones. Many women may not get increased breast volume until the third trimester, but do experience growth in overall nipple size. This is also completely normal.

Acne, and mood swings are also a natural part of pregnancy. Many women develop reddish splotches on their body or face due to hormones. Most of these will disappear after delivery and although they may cause you to be self-conscious, are nothing to worry about.

Just think….only 32 MORE weeks to go! Don’t worry, time will go much faster than you think.

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.