In the US, three percent of pregnant women will give birth to twins or triplets. This number has increased in recent years in part because of a rise in drug-assisted infertility treatments, and also because of an increase in older mums.

Multiple pregnancies
Women expecting twins are at an increased risk of morning sickness, and are more likely to experience back problems because of the extra weight they are carrying. Your pelvic floor is under more stress than during a normal pregnancy, so you should be extra vigilant about doing your pelvic floor exercises. If you are carrying multiple pregnancies, you may find yourself tiring more easily. You should make sure you get enough rest, and listen to your body.

Giving birth to more than one baby
If you are carrying multiple pregnancies, you may have a shorter pregnancy. Twins and more tend to be born earlier, in part because they have less room in which to grow. The placenta becomes less efficient earlier in multiple pregnancies, which could be another reason for the reduced term. For twins, 37 weeks is considered full term, and for triplets this number drops to 34. For quadruples, pregnancy lasts just 32 weeks.

Multiple pregnancies often result in lower birth weights. Multiple pregnancies are more likely to encounter preterm labour and premature birth. If you are worried that you may be experiencing preterm labour, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Multiple pregnancies carry more risk, but is important to remember that these babies are now safer than ever, thanks to advances in medicine.

You should be able to try for a vaginal delivery if you are carrying twins or triplets. Unless there is another reason to opt for assisted delivery, your healthcare provider will recommend a vaginal birth. There is a slightly increased risk of complications arising during labour, but you will have professionals on hand to monitor yourself and your babies throughout the delivery.

Bonding with twins or more
You may be worried that you will struggle to bond with your babies because you’ll be overwhelmed with caring for two or more babies at once. It is true that parents of multiple babies have their work cut out for them, but preparing yourself for this in advance can help. You may like to arrange for extra help following the birth, to allow you to feel rested and able to best care for your babies. Friends and family will no doubt be more than willing to help out for a few hours in exchange for a few cuddles from the twins.

Are you expecting twins?

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.

When you become pregnant, lots of changes start happening inside your body. You start rapidly producing hormones to help your body prepare for the pregnancy, but to the outside world, you probably look pretty normal. If you haven’t told them, your friends and colleagues probably won’t have any idea you are pregnant. Unless, that is, they’ve picked up on the extra bathroom breaks, and the fatigue you may be experiencing.

By the time your pregnancy is out in the open, you may be looking forward to some outward signs that you are with child. As the nausea subsides, and you have a little more energy, you may wondering when you will get your baby bump.

The in between stage
Towards the end of your first trimester, you may be starting to gain weight, but it probably won’t resemble much of a bump at this point. You may find that your pre-pregnancy clothes are too tight, and your maternity clothes too big. This in between stage can be frustrating, but it won’t last long. A few floaty tops, and some larger size trousers or skirts should be enough to get you through a few more weeks until your bump starts to emerge.

When will I get my bump?
All pregnancies are different, so there is no uniform time that you will be allocated your bump. Some women may show quite early, whereas others may only develop a bump towards the end of their pregnancy.

By week 18, a lot of women are starting to notice their bump forming, and in just a few weeks they have quite a noticeable baby bump protruding. If this is your first pregnancy, you may find that it takes until later in the pregnancy to develop a bump. Your stomach muscles are in good shape, and may be holding their own against your growing uterus. By around week 28, you should be starting to see a bump form, even if this is your first pregnancy.

If you have been pregnant before, you may find that your bump shows earlier in this pregnancy. This is thought to be because your body has experienced pregnancy before, and so finds it easier to retrace those steps.

When your bump arrives
Whether you love it or loathe it, your bump will only be around for a few months at most – so enjoy it while you can. Make the most of your new shape by dressing in your bump in cute maternity outfits that help you feel confident in your new, temporary body.

When did you first notice your bump developing?

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 often hear about couples who are having problems, and then find out that they are suddenly pregnant. ‘Wow,’ you think – they sure settled their problems quickly.  Or did they? Recently, the Wendy Williams Show did an episode interviewing women who admitted that they had ‘tricked’ their significant others, hoping that having a baby together would solidify and improve their relationship. Most of the women on the panel agreed that the baby did not help the relationship, and in actuality, made things much, much harder.

So will pregnancy help your marriage?

This is not something that women talk about openly. If you want a baby and your spouse doesn’t, or you are having relationship issues and feel that a baby might stick you and your partner together like Velcro, you aren’t apt to tell your friends your plans. But, we all know it happens.

The reality is that having a baby does bind two people together for the rest of their lives.  But if the relationship is rocky, unhappy, or unhealthy going in – the baby is not going to act as a fix-all.  In fact it may only complicate issues.

Consider just how expensive, and how time consuming having a baby is. Then multiply that times 10.  Your entire life will likely change in many ways. The added responsibilities and pressures of raising children can often become a point of discontent among happy parents. Having a baby, and raising a child with someone certainly exposes many things about the other person that you may have never known otherwise. And it can take a lot to work through the new parenting woes, to find a happy medium and to agree on what is best for the baby.

Suffice it to say that a baby will not make your relationship easier. And, if you and your partner are already encountering some serious issues, tying yourself to this person on purpose, for the remainder of your life, can set you up for a life long battle of the wills and wits.

Plus, having a baby – in a perfect world – should be a mutual decision. It isn’t fair for a man or for a woman to ‘trick’ their partner into having a baby – or purposely make a ‘mistake’ during sex in the hopes that a pregnancy will result. This can set up deep resentment that will not just hurt you, your partner, your relationship – but ultimately, your child to be, too.

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 are pregnant, chances are you will have at least one ultrasound before your baby is born. Around 70 percent of pregnant women in the US will have an ultrasound. In the UK, this number is higher because ultrasounds are carried out as routine procedures for all pregnant women.

Ultrasounds are used to determine the size of your baby, the estimated due date, and whether the baby’s organs are developing well. If your healthcare provider considers your pregnancy to be high-risk, you may be offered more frequent ultrasounds to monitor the health of your developing baby.

How do ultrasounds work?

Ultrasound is a medical technique for creating images using high frequency sound waves and echoes. An ultrasound during pregnancy is used to give the sonographer a look at how the baby is developing inside your womb, and this may help to detect any problems.

If your scan takes place early in the pregnancy, you may be asked to attend the appointment with a full bladder. Having a large drink and then refraining from visiting the toilet can be easier said than done during pregnancy, but it’s important to get a good image of the baby. Early in the pregnancy, your uterus sits close to your bladder. A full bladder will push your uterus out of your pelvis, and allow the sonographer to get a better view.

When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked to lie down on the examination bed. The sonographer will apply a cold gel to your bump, and then use a hand-held transducer across your stomach. If you are very early in the pregnancy, overweight or have a deep pelvis, your ultrasound may be carried out vaginally. In this instance, a vaginal probe will be inserted into your vagina to get a clear image of your baby. This will not harm your baby, but may be slightly uncomfortable for you.

The transducer, whether internal or external, will transmit millions of high-frequency sound pulses into your bump each second. The sound waves travel into your body and hit a boundary between tissues (for example, between bone and soft tissue) until they are eventually echoed back to the transducer.

The time difference between sound pulse and echo, is collected by the machine and this information is used to calculate the distance between the various boundaries inside your body. The ultrasound machine then displays this information as a two-dimensional diagram on the screen. This diagram shows the distances and strengths of the echoes received by the transducer, or in layman’s terms, it shows an image of your baby.

Are you having an ultrasound scan to check the development of your baby?

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.

Decades ago women smoked and drank alcohol during pregnancy. Not because they wanted to injure their babies, but because there wasn’t enough research to show that alcohol and tobacco use were harmful to an unborn baby. In other words, they didn’t know any better. In fact, your mom may have smoked, or enjoyed a daily nightcap while she was pregnant with you and you were a healthy baby, right?

Now we know better. We know that everything we put into our bodies while we are pregnant, has a direct effect on our unborn baby. Still, there have been many rumors and myths in regard to the safety of drinking minimal amounts of red wine during pregnancy. Some women have been told that it was not just okay, but healthy – while others have been told that it is a complete no-no and ALL alcohol should be avoided.

Still today, even with the studies of fetal alcohol syndrome (which involves large amount of alcohol consumption) many women are still confused. Some doctors today say yay, while others say nay.  “The problem with drinking alcohol during your pregnancy is that there is no amount that has been proven to be safe,” says Jacques Moritz, MD, director of gynecology at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York. Additionally, David Garry, DO, associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and chair of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Task Force for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District II/NY, agrees. He says that researchers don’t know enough about the potential effects of drinking alcohol at particular times during the pregnancy to be able to say that any time is really safe. It’s also difficult to predict the impact of drinking on any given pregnancy because some women have higher levels of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol.

So, is red wine safe during pregnancy? If you are considering that glass of red wine – then the best thing for you to do is talk to your doctor first and see what he or she says. Without knowing ALL the facts about the effects of alcohol, even in small amounts, during pregnancy – avoidance is perhaps the best answer to the question. Nine months is a short period of time to give up alcohol!

The human body and the miracle of pregnancy is something that will never be fully, 100% understood. Learn as much as you can about your growing baby. Taking risks may just not be worth it!

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.

During the first trimester of your first pregnancy, you may feel a bit like a human pincushion as your healthcare provider carries out tests to ensure you and your developing baby are both healthy.

At your first appointment, you will be given a full physical. This will involve answering lots of questions about your medical history, talking about your lifestyle and how the pregnancy is going. You may be offered a pelvic exam including a routine culture to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea. If it has been a while since your last PAP smear, you may be offered one to check for abnormal cells.

Blood tests
Samples of your blood will be taken to identify your blood type and Rh status. Blood samples will also be taken to test for anaemia, syphilis, Hepatitis B and HIV. Your blood will also be checked for immunities to certain illnesses including rubella, toxoplasmosis and chickenpox. Speak to your healthcare provider to determine what your blood is being tested for, as this can vary between providers.

Urine samples
At each appointment, your healthcare provider will ask for a sample of your urine. A dipstick test will then be performed on the sample to determine sugar and protein levels in your urine. High levels of these may be indicative of conditions including urinary tract infections, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. If you are at a high-risk of developing gestational diabetes, your healthcare provider may check for this at your first appointment.

First trimester screening
A first trimester screening test may be carried out between weeks 9 and 14. This test combines the use of ultrasound and blood screening. This test is used to identify the risk of your baby having Down syndrome, congenital heart problems and some other chromosomal disorders. This test will not give you a definite result, but it can highlight an increased risk that may lead you to investigate further testing.

Depending on your ethnic and medical backgrounds, you may be offered a carrier test to determine your baby’s risk of developing genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Chorionic Villus Sampling
You have the option of a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) between weeks 11 and 12. This test is invasive and should only be performed if necessary due to the slight risk of miscarriage associated with this procedure. CVS checks for chromosomal and genetic disorders. During the test, cells will be removed from the placenta and sent to a lab for testing.

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.

Years ago, women were forbidden from eating certain fish and seafood during pregnancy. The issue was due to the high levels of mercury in some fish products. In fact, the news was so widely spread and largely misunderstood that many women halted their consumption of fish and seafood altogether.

Today, for many people living health conscious lives, fish is a common main meal ingredient. In order to help clear up any confusion in regard to eating fish in pregnancy, read on…

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women, or women trying to conceive, to eat no more than 12 ounces of fish per week. To make this easier, fish such as tuna, or fish fillets should be eaten no more than twice per week. The FDA also recommends that pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, eat shrimp, salmon, pollock, and catfish while avoiding swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel due to their higher potential mercury levels. Albacore tuna and tuna steaks have more mercury than chunk light tuna in a pouch or can, but if you limit yourself to about one serving of either per week, you should be fine, according to the FDA. Most physicians also agree that shellfish, such as oysters, should only be eaten in season, although crabs, lobster, clams, scallops, and oysters have very low levels of mercury compared to other grocery market fish.

Their high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids make fish and seafood one of the ultimate super foods of pregnancy. Not only are they good for you, but they are also good for your growing baby. In fact research has proven that these essential fatty acids can help to prevent preeclampsia, preterm labor, and help to increase your baby’s cognitive development. Additionally, pregnant women who maintain good levels of Omega-3s are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression. The good news is that you can get these fatty acids without consuming fish by taking supplements. Before buying one over-the-counter, talk to your physician. In fact, today many prenatal supplements come fortified with Omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take fish oil capsules available from most drug stores or herb shops. Just remember to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements.

If you aren’t a fan of fish, but want the health benefits of the fatty acids contained in fish, look for fish oil supplements, or other foods such as Omega-3 vegetarian eggs, to add to your well balanced diet. But, if you love fish, and are limiting your intake to twice per week or no more than 12 ounces per week – you should have nothing to worry about when eating fish in pregnancy.

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.

When it comes to telling your boss you are pregnant, many women are at a crossroads.  One woman I know was up for a promotion at her job and waited until after the hiring process to announce her happy expectant news. When she landed the job and the boss found out she was pregnant, his first response was, “If I had known you were pregnant, I wouldn”t have hired you.” Illegal?  Yes.

Even so, it is easy to see things from the eyes of a supervisor or boss. After all, they realize that when a woman becomes pregnant, they are in for a certain period of maternity leave – which leaves them down an employee. And with laws in place to protect the jobs of pregnant woman, employers cannot just release an employee because she is pregnant. Yet – employers are human, and they realize pregnancy and having children may or may not affect a woman”s job in the long run.

So what should you do?  Should you spill the news to your co-workers and your management team, or should you keep your lips tight?

Experts believe that a woman should feel safe and secure to announce the news of her pregnancy at work as soon as she feels comfortable doing so. In early pregnancy, when you may experience morning sickness, or need to call out sick, having your employer know you are pregnant can be beneficial.  Additionally, if you have a stressful or highly physical job, it may be in your best interests to let your boss know so he or she can lighten your workload or transfer you to another department. Of course, all of this depends on your work culture and the nature of your business.

Some women decide to not break the news until after the first trimester due to risk of miscarriage or because of privacy reasons. There is no law or legal expectation for an employee to announce her pregnancy at work, and many strides have been taken to protect the jobs of pregnant woman. Years ago, it was acceptable for an employer to let a woman go because she was pregnant. Today, it is not.

One thing that is important is to make sure that you speak to your boss directly, and first – rather than let the news of your pregnancy reach him or her via the “grapevine.” This way he or she can discuss any concerns with you personally. Likely they will want to know if you plan to return to work after the baby is born, and in some cases, may need to make arrangements during your maternity leave so that their business is not negatively affected. Depending on your position, being properly prepared may be a process that needs to start sooner rather than later. This also gives you the chance to offer to help put a plan in place for your maternity leave.

The risk of your happy news affecting your stature in the workplace is one that cannot be ignored. Some people will see your pregnancy as a problem, for them. Even though legally an employer cannot discriminate against an employee due to pregnancy, some still will. This is why it is important for you to proceed with caution. At the end of the day, telling the boss you are pregnant takes a combination of timing and tact, and only YOU can know when the time is right.

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.

It’s never too late to stop smoking. Quitting smoking won’t be easy, but it is now more important than ever before. Each cigarette contains 4000 chemicals, 60 cancer-causing compounds, and can restrict the oxygen supply to your developing baby. Stopping smoking will be immediately beneficial to both you and your unborn child.

Each time you smoke a cigarette, your baby’s oxygen supply is reduced meaning your baby’s heart has to work much harder than it should.

How will smoking affect my baby?
There are a number of risks associated with smoking during pregnancy, including an increased risk of:

• bleeding
• placental abruption
• premature birth – smoking doubles the risk of premature birth
• low birth weight – smoking doubles the chance that your baby will weigh less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) at birth
• stillbirth
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – the risk of SIDS doubles if you smoke during pregnancy
• developing asthma
• developing a heart defect
• behavioural problems
• learning disabilities

How to quit
There are a number of methods in place to help you quit smoking during pregnancy, and you need to find the one which works for you. Hypnosis, financial rewards, and patches are just a few ways that other people have found successful.

• believe in yourself – confidence goes a long way where willpower is involved, so you need to believe you can quit
• if your partner smokes, ask him to quit with you
• ask your friends and family not to smoke around you
• change your routine – if you always smoke during a certain activity, try to change your routine to bypass cravings
• light exercise – exercise is a great way to beat cravings and make the most of your recovering health. You should notice week by week that your breathing capacity and stamina are improving
• build a support group – friends and family who want to help you quit, especially if they are ex-smokers themselves, will be great people to talk to during cravings
• tell your healthcare provider  – your healthcare provider will be able to help and advise you how to best stop smoking. Your healthcare provider won’t judge you. They just want to assist you, so don’t worry about asking for help
• remember your motivation – whether that means carrying a scan photo to focus on during cravings, or a factsheet of the dangers for your baby, make sure you remember why you are doing this

Cigarette cravings
If you’re giving up cigarettes, you’re probably going to experience some strong cravings. Each craving only lasts for up to five minutes, so instead of reaching for the cigarettes, find another distraction to see you through. Lollipops, chewing gum, and ringing a friend, are just a few ideas to help you fight the cravings.

What if I relapse?
If you relapse, quit again. Relapsing isn’t failure, just try again and learn from your mistakes. Now you’ve identified a weak spot (did you relapse because of stress or habit, for example?), you can avoid it happening next time. Don’t give up on giving up.

Do you have any advice to women who want to give up smoking 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.

As soon as you found out you were pregnant, you probably started to look for ways to improve your health. Many women find that pregnancy gives them a renewed interest in healthy eating, exercise and clean living. All of a sudden your body goes from being taken for granted to having the ability to create and sustain life. Some women describe pregnancy as giving them a deeper respect for their body. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to improve your health.

1. Take your vitamins – lots of people have a dusty tub of vitamins in the cupboard that they take sporadically when they stumble upon them looking for the oregano. Now that you’re pregnant, you should start taking your vitamins seriously. Invest in some vitamins specifically formulated for pregnancy – these have higher levels of folic acid and iron than regular vitamins. You should take the vitamins daily during the first trimester, and can continue even longer if you wish.
2. Eat a heathy diet – now is the perfect time to cut down on take aways, reduce your intake of fatty foods and up your fresh fruit intake. There’s no need to eat for two. In fact, you only need to be eating an extra 300 calories per day by the end of the pregnancy – that’s the equivalent of two slices of buttered wholemeal toast.
3. Exercise – if you exercised before you became pregnant, then you should aim to continue exercising throughout the pregnancy. If you’ve never exercised before, then now is the perfect time to start. Your pregnancy, and your baby, will both benefit from regular light exercise. Walking, swimming and yoga are firm favourites amongst mums-to-be.
4. Cut it out – there’s a whole host of things you should avoid during pregnancy – smoking, alcohol and drugs are the most notable. You should also avoid certain foods and medications. Speak to your healthcare provider and find out what you should cut out. If you need help to quit smoking or drinking, ask for it – there’s plenty of help available.
5. Up your fluids – during pregnancy, you may find yourself feeling thirstier than usual. Increase your fluid intake to ensure your body is getting enough fluids. The healthiest drink you can choose is water.
6. Get some zzz’s – if you’re feeling sleepy, have a lie down. You are growing a whole other person, so don’t beat yourself up for falling asleep on the sofa. If you are tired, it’s because your body needs to rest. You might be surprised just how much sleep you need, especially during the first trimester, but try to get as much as you can to help you feel and stay healthy.
7. Don’t overdo it – thanks to pregnancy hormones, you are more susceptible to muscle sprains. Take it easy to avoid ending up with unnecessary aches and pains. If you have a physically demanding job, ask to relinquish some of your more hazardous duties. Lifting boxes, pushing heavy loads, even lifting your toddler may cause sprains, so be cautious or even avoid doing these things.
8. Talk about it – you may feel during pregnancy you are expected to be happy, excited and blissful at your approaching motherhood, but it’s not true for everyone. Hormonal mood swings, financial worries, concerns over the birth, and even uncertainty about what kind of mother you will be are all to be expected during pregnancy. Don’t keep all of your worries bottled up inside, but instead find someone you can talk to. You could talk to you partner, friends or even an online community of pregnant women. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health, so please do seek help if you feel you need it.
9. Relax – pregnancy can be an overwhelming time. You may feel you can’t possibly get everything done in time, and this might lead to feelings of stress. Dedicate fifteen minutes each day (more if possible) to relaxing. Meditation, yoga or even simply taking a warm bath are all great ways to unwind at the end of the day. Clear your mind, stop thinking about your to-do list, and let yourself focus on you and your developing baby.
10. See a professional – you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as you discover you are pregnant, or even before you start trying. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with the information to allow you to enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will be your go-to person for the next nine months, so the sooner you get to know each other, the better!

What else are you doing to enjoy a healthy pregnancy?

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

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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.

One of the first, and most telling, signs of pregnancy is a definitive change in your breasts and nipples. Chances are, from the moment you first found out you were pregnant, your nipples were already changing and you experienced some degree of breast tenderness. These changes are just the beginning, and many women are quite frankly surprised how immensely pregnancy changes one of their most intimate body parts. Pregnancy nipples. What exactly is happening here?  Read on….

Not only will your nipples darken as you progress through pregnancy, but they will also get larger. In some cases, much larger and much darker. This can be alarming to go from dime sized nipples to suddenly looking down at what seems like saucers for nipples.  But it’s completely natural and normal. Just remember, your body is intuitively preparing you for breastfeeding regardless of whether you are planning to or not.

Another change is that you may develop some bumps around the areola. Called Montgomery or areolar glands, they secrete an oily substance that keeps the areola from becoming chapped and may serve as a locator signal for your baby’s fine-tuned sense of smell.

Occasionally, women have ‘extra nipples’ they never noticed before or they simply thought were moles. Nearer to the end of pregnancy, these nipples may expel some liquid, and after childbirth, they often lactate. Sounds strange, but in some cases, women develop several lactating nipples in the arm-pit or even on the belly area.  This occurs in fewer than 5% of all pregnancies, but can surely be disconcerting if it happens for you. If you have any concerns, your best bet is to simply check with your doctor or a qualified lactation professional.

So now that you have quarter sized, darker nipples that may or may not have developed extra lactating spots – you are wondering if your boobs will ever return to normal, right?  For most women, the answer is no. Pregnancy and the hormones related to pregnancy definitely change the shape, size and look of your breasts – whether you breastfeed or not. While the darker color may fade and your nipples may reduce in size, they will probably never go back to the way they looked before.

The good news is that you will come out on the other end of pregnancy with a deeper respect and admiration for your body – nipples included. The changes in your body during pregnancy – both the permanent and temporary ones – are definitely a tribute to just how amazing and awesome your female 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.

Eating healthy during pregnancy is vital in order to ensure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients. Whether you are a seafood lover or not, you might have heard that eating fish during pregnancy can be good since it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. You may have come across contradicting statements, as well, claiming that eating fish during pregnancy can be dangerous. So you are wondering, “Can I eat fish during pregnancy or not?”

Both of the statements are true in their own way. If you are not careful about what type of fish you are eating during pregnancy, it can go from being one of the healthiest foods to one of the most harmful. Be sure to educate yourself on what is healthy and what is not healthy for you and your baby. So for all you sushi and sashimi lovers out there, brace yourselves, because we’re about to reveal the skinny on eating seafood during pregnancy.

Why Is Fish Good for You?

Fish is filled with healthy nutrients that are good for your baby’s development. These nutrients include essential fatty acids, proteins, iron, zinc, and much more. The good part about fish is that it is low in fat, making it an ideal food for not just pregnant women but for anyone who wants to stay healthy. Most importantly, fish is the richest source of Omega-3, which plays a vital role in the development of your baby’s brain and in your baby’s visual development. Most experts believe that the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful!

How Can Fish Be Dangerous?

The biggest problem with certain types of fish is the high level of mercury and other contaminants. Predatory fish, or those that have a longer life span, usually have a higher level of mercury and should be avoided. Make sure you do research on what types of fish has longer life spans so you can avoid it. Eating fish that contains contamination during pregnancy can put your baby’s developing body at the risk, so make sure you are well aware of what you’re eating.

What Is Safe to Eat?

The trick to eating fish during pregnancy is to learn which type of fish is low in mercury and, hence, safe for your consumption. “Friendly” fish, or fish that you can eat safely throughout your pregnancy include salmon, pollock, trout, haddock, flounder, sole, ocean perch, cod and halibut – a good variety of fish!

Other types of fish that you can eat, but in a limited quantity approved by your doctor or from a certified authority include shellfish, canned or packaged tuna, and fresh-water fish (wild caught or store-bought).

Other types of fish, usually ocean fish, should be avoided as much as possible. The fish that you should stay away from during your pregnancy include shark, fresh tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, sea bass, amberjack, mahi-mahi, grouper, and tilefish.

How Much Fish Should You Eat?

In order to ensure staying safe while pregnant, the US Food and Drug Administration has provided a complete guideline regarding the safe consumption of fish during pregnancy. They advise you limit the consumption of fish from 6 ounces to 12 ounces per weeks. In addition, if you are unsure about fish, why not consult your healthcare provider? He or she will be able to guide you towards the right kind of nutrition for your baby, especially since every pregnancy is different. Depending on your medical history and general well-being and fitness, your doctor can be in a much better position to advise you.

What are your favorite fish recipes?

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.