Most people encounter changing friendship groups throughout their lives. You make and lose friends as you move schools, jobs and homes. You may also be noticing, however, that your friendships are changing now that you are pregnant.

If you are the first to fall pregnant in your peer group, you may be feeling left out. As they continue going out for cocktails, dating and planning their latest exotic holidays, you may feel out of place. If your mind is filled with baby names, breastfeeding tips and childbirth worries, you may worry that you have little in common with your old friends.

Just because you’re enjoying different life stages doesn’t mean you have to stop being friends. Here are some tips to help you stay connected with your friends during pregnancy and motherhood:

1. Keep in touch – If you’re struggling with pregnancy symptoms, it’s easy to skip social events for another night on the sofa. If you want to keep friends, you have to invest time in the friendship, and this means staying in touch. While you may not feel up to meeting up as often, especially when pregnancy fatigue kicks in, you can still make time for a catch up over the phone.

2. Meet up – just because you’re no longer able to drink and dance the night away, doesn’t mean you have to stay home alone. Why not organise a quiet evening drinking cocktails (better make yours a mocktail) together, or an old fashioned girly sleepover? Explain to your friends that while you don’t feel up to a bar crawl, you’d still love to spend time with them, and suggest suitable activities.

3. Lip service – the pregnancy, birth and motherhood are probably consuming your every waking thought, but try to talk about other things too. It’s understandable that your childless friends might find thirty minutes discussing car seats a bit of a stretch.

4. Show an interest – during pregnancy, it can feel as though nothing else really matters, but try to remember that not everyone feels that way. While you may be focused only on your developing baby, your friends are still busy living their lives. Make sure you ask them plenty of questions about what they’ve been up to, and that they know you are interested in how they are.

5. Be honest – honesty is always the best policy. If you can’t do something, be honest about why not. Ask for the same in return. If your friend is struggling with the news of your pregnancy – perhaps because she is worried about losing you as a friend, or because she is trying to conceive herself – talk about it. By airing concerns, and responding honestly and sensitively, you can help to heal any cracks developing in your friendship.

6. Try not to worry – you may worry that your friends see you as ‘boring’ now that you’re pregnant, but chances are they’re just as excited as you about a baby joining the group. Try not to feel self-conscious when asked about how you are – be honest. Moan about your pregnancy symptoms, explain the stresses of buying baby things, and your worries about the birth.

7. Expand your circle – it’s always great to have friends who are in the same life stage as you, so try to meet other pregnant women. Prenatal classes are a great way to meet other expectant parents in your local area. You will support each other through 3am feeds, diaper rashes and bouts of teething – and these new friends will become a lifeline. Stay close to your old friends, but it doesn’t hurt to make new ones too.

Have you experienced changing friendships during pregnancy?

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 is the last time (at least for quite a while) you will have a chance to travel by yourself or just with your partner. Planning a trip mid-pregnancy can be a great way to celebrate the occasion of your impending parenthood. But it can also lead to questions about safe travel for the mom-to-be.

If you do not have any complications, travel during pregnancy is typically just fine. The best place to start your planning is to ask your healthcare provider if you have any risk factors that would limit your ability to travel. Let your provider know if you plan to travel by car or by air, as this may make a difference in his or her recommendations.

If you are planning to fly somewhere, consider these travel tips for pregnancy:

• Most airlines let women fly up to 35 or 36 weeks of pregnancy, but be sure to check before you purchase your tickets. Your destination – domestic or international – might make a difference, too.
• Avoid nonstop overseas or cross-country flights. These high-altitude flights can increase your heart rate, as well as your baby’s, and cause both of you to receive less oxygen.
• If swelling has been a problem, wear loose-fitting shoes and clothes. Consider not wearing pantyhose, knee socks or anything with a tight waistline.
• Find out if a meal will be served, and if there are options for pregnant moms. Bring along nutritious snacks, especially if the flight is long.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your trip.
• Try to walk as often as you can during your flight, at least every hour. Sometimes just standing up helps your circulation, and your comfort level.
• Try to get an aisle seat, close to the bathroom – especially important for pregnant moms!

If you are traveling by car (or bus or train), here are some things to consider:

• Always wear your seatbelt. Seat belts do not increase the risk of injury to you or your baby, but actually protect you both. Wear the lap portion across your hips and under your belly, and the shoulder portion across your chest.
• If you are in an automobile, move your seat back so you have at least 10 inches between your body and the airbag.
• If possible, share the driving time with your partner or other travel companion.
• Stop frequently to stretch and use the restroom. This will help with your circulation, and can keep your back from hurting from long periods of sitting.
• Dress comfortably. You want clothes that don’t constrict – including socks!

The biggest risk of traveling during pregnancy – and probably your biggest worry – is developing a problem while you’re away from those who know your medical and pregnancy history. It’s common to feel that way, but don’t make it your deciding factor. Take time to plan your trip with pregnancy in mind, be sure you don’t try to do too much while you’re there, and then relax and enjoy yourself!

Zika virus alert: Zika is a virus spread by mosquitos that typically causes a mild and short-lived infection. The Zika virus can, however, cause very serious birth defects if your fetus is exposed. If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, health experts recommend postponing any non-essential travel to areas of the world where Zika virus is prevalent. Zika has been found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, a number of Pacific island countries, and several countries in Africa. In the US, Zika has been found in Florida. If you’re planning to travel to one of these areas, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to protect yourself and your unborn baby.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Trapped gas is uncomfortable at the best of times, but this is especially true during pregnancy when space is already at a premium. Your digestive system slows down during pregnancy to allow your body to absorb as much nutrients as possible from your food, the downside to this is the gas. Trapped gas during pregnancy is a common complaint, and can be quite painful. Here are some ways to relieve gas during pregnancy:

1. Eat little and often – avoid filling up your stomach by eating little and often. This gives your body chance to process your food, without allowing for a build up of gas trapped in your digestive system.

2. Watch what you eat – try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and stay hydrated.

3. Avoid problem foods – sodas, beans and processed foods that are difficult for the body to digest, may be adding to your problems. Try cutting these out of your diet to see if you notice an improvement.

4. One mouthful at a time – try a slower pace during mealtimes. Instead of wolfing down your dinner, be mindful of each mouthful. By rushing your dinner, you increase the amount of air swallowed, which could be contributing to your trapped gas. Eat slower, and be careful not to swallow much air during each meal.

5. Keep track of it – if trapped gas is a recurring problem, try keeping a food journal. Write down everything you eat and when, and then make a note each time you suffer from trapped gas. You may notice a pattern arises pretty quickly, allowing you to cut the offending foods from your diet. It’s much easier to notice these patterns if they’re noted down.

6. Get into position – try kneeling on the ground, with your forehead touching the floor, and your bum lifted in the air. If you feel in pain, adopt this position for relief. The idea is that the gas will rise, allowing you to pass gas and feel more comfortable.

7. Drink peppermint tea – some women swear by this as a way of reducing trapped gas during pregnancy.

8. Get moving – you may find that regular exercise helps gas to travel smoothly through your digestive system. Try to exercise each day during pregnancy. During painful bouts of trapped gas, you may find that going for a walk helps to release the gas.

9. Speak to your pharmacist – there are a number of over-the-counter remedies available to treat trapped gas. Speak to your pharmacist to find out which ones are safe to use during pregnancy.

Have you been suffering from trapped gas during pregnancy?

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 is a complex time in a woman’s life. Since the baby is counting on the mother for the nutrients needed to grow, the expecting mother needs to eat well and make healthy choices in order to feel good, have energy, and support a healthy pregnancy. Supplements, however, can also be beneficial. A woman with child should only take supplements recommended by a health care provider. So, what supplements should an expecting woman take?  

Vitamin A and Beta Carotene

Women should include vitamin A and beta carotene to their pregnancy diet and nutrition for healthy bones and teeth, and also to promote growth. In addition to pregnancy supplements, these nutrients are also naturally found in milk, eggs, potatoes, and yellow vegetables. Be careful with liver, as liver contains high levels of a type of vitamin A called retinol, which may cause birth defects. If you’re taking vitamin supplements, look for pregnancy supplements which contain the betacarotene vitamin A. Don’t take vitamin supplements with the retinol vitamin A.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a very important supplement for pregnant women. It helps the body use calcium and phosphorous, which are essential for strong teeth and bones. This vitamin can be found in milk, eggs, oily fish, and sunshine. If you can, take a walk and get some sun. A daily walk or some other form of outdoor physical activity in the early morning or late afternoon is recommended, especially in times of the year when there’s less sun.

Vitamin E

Pregnant women also need Vitamin E to help the body form and use muscles and red blood cells. As part of their pregnancy diet and nutrition, Vitamin E is present in spinach, vegetable oil, and wheat germ.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for building a healthy immune system, helping the body absorb iron, and protecting tissues from damage. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, green beans, tomatoes, papaya, and broccoli.

Vitamin B1

A vitamin vital for regulating the nervous system and raising energy levels, it is found in whole grain, eggs, pasta, rice, and organ meats.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 helps maintain a good eyesight, healthy skin, and energy. They may take it from poultry, fish, meats, dairy products, and eggs in addition.

Vitamin B3

This vitamin helps promote a healthy skin, digestion, and nerves. Pregnant women may take it from high protein foods, bread, and milk.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is another very important supplement for pregnant women. It is responsible for red blood cell formation and it also helps with morning sickness. In addition to supplements, this vitamin may also be found in chicken, fish, liver, pork, bananas, beans, and brown rice.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is very important for pregnant women. It helps support the placenta and prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida. This nutrient may come from oranges, strawberries, spinach, green leafy vegetables, beans, pasta, and peas.

Calcium

Calcium helps create strong teeth and bones, prevents anemia, premature delivery, and low birth weight. As an added pregnancy diet and nutrition element, it may be found in yogurt, cheddar cheese, milk, dark green leafy vegetables, and canned fish with bones.

Iron

Iron is beneficial in the production of haemoglobin, and prevention of low birth weight, premature delivery, and anemia. It can be found in beef, dried beans, spinach, and grains fortified with iron.

Protein

Protein is responsible for the production of amino acids and repair of cells in pregnant women. They may take it from most animal foods, legumes, and veggie burgers.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for the production of insulin and enzymes in the body. This nutrient may be taken from oysters, dairy products, beans, red meats, and whole grains.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Iron is an essential mineral needed by the body to help make red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body. During pregnancy, you need to ensure you are getting enough iron for your baby’s needs as well as your own. Your iron intake becomes increasingly important after week 20 of the pregnancy.

Iron is stored in the body, but by week 20 these stores will be running low. From week 20 onwards, your baby requires more iron than before. If you aren’t getting enough iron during the second half of the pregnancy, you may find yourself lacking in energy.

Eating enough iron during pregnancy

It is possible to get all of the iron you need during pregnancy through your diet. Be sure to eat lots of iron-rich foods every day as part of a healthy balanced diet. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, pulses and lean meat are all foods naturally high in iron. Breakfast cereals fortified with iron, black molasses, seaweeds, parsley and watercress are also good sources of dietary iron. Cooking food in ironware also adds a small amount of iron into your diet.

Liver is a good source of iron, but should not be consumed during pregnancy. Liver is rich in vitamin A which can harm the baby if consumed in large quantities during pregnancy, so pregnant women are advised to avoid liver.

Consuming vitamin C with iron aids iron absorption. Try to have a glass of orange juice, or eat an orange, with your iron-rich lunch. If you’re taking iron supplements, take them with a glass of orange juice to help your body get the most out of them.

Iron supplements during pregnancy

In the UK, women are not advised to routinely take iron supplements during pregnancy because of the risk of side effects. Possible side effects include constipation, diarrhoea and nausea. If you are suffering from low iron levels or anaemia, however, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take supplements for the remainder of the pregnancy.

In the US, it is more common for pregnant women to take iron supplements during the second half of pregnancy, and many prenatal vitamins contain added iron. Speak to your healthcare provider about the possible need for iron supplements during pregnancy.

Anaemia during pregnancy

Anaemia is a common complaint during pregnancy. You require extra iron during pregnancy to ensure your baby is getting enough oxygen and nutrients in the womb. You have an increased risk of developing anaemia during pregnancy if you suffer from severe morning sickness, are carrying multiple pregnancies or have recently had a baby. Symptoms of anaemia include feeling tired and weak, as well as dizziness, headaches and heart palpitations. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may be suffering from anaemia.

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.

Neon is hot! Energizing, bright colors are the trend, and neon has made its way into baby clothes and nursery decoration. Trendy parents-to-be have started adding fluorescent pops of colour to their basic palette. When planning your baby’s nursery, how will you go about choosing nursery colors?

Research has been done on how color affects mood, and you can use this information to plan a nursery to best suit your needs. Your baby may not even notice the red walls, but they may be too distracting for you. Blue walls, though, might be calming when you’re in the room for nighttime nursings. Here’s what a rainbow of colors can do for you:

Red is passionate, bold, exciting and it attracts a lot of attention. Use it as an accent color rather than a wall color, as it might pull out your baby’s volatile side.

Orange is warm and cozy. It inspires comfort and closeness. An orange accent wall may be just what your nursery needs.

Yellow is cheerful and energetic. Tired in the morning after the 3am feeding interrupted your sleep. Maybe yellow nursery walls will energize you to get your day started. Too much yellow, though, can cause agitation – tone it down or use it as an accent.

Green is calming. It’s refreshing and serene, and promotes concentration and thinking. You can’t go wrong with this color from nature.

Blue can be soothing and cooling, but can also be depressing. So choose shades with less gray and more yellow or white.

Purple can be the color of royalty (if dark), or can be a shade that is more calming and serene (if pastel). Whichever you choose, it’s a luxurious choice.

White signals innocence – but remember it has to be clean. Maybe not the best choice for baby. Consider white as a base color.

Black is powerful, and signals strength. But it’s also very dark and should be limited to accents in a room with lots of natural light.

So what are you going to do? Decorate your nursery with neon coloured children’s wall stickers? Or brighten up your crib or cot with some soothing light green fabric? Maybe you’ve already started knitting some little yellow socks to inspire energy and cheer?

Let us know what you think!

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 2018. All rights reserved.

As you near the finale of the nine-month-long trek you’ve been waiting for, you may feel like going off grid altogether. The endless texts asking “Any news?”, combined with the Facebook updates telling you yet another prenatal class buddy has welcomed their little bundle of joy, are enough to convince you to throw your smart phone out of the nearest window. Add to this the abundance of phone calls from over excited soon-to-be-grandparents desperate to know when it all kicks off, and you’ll soon be reaching for the scissors to put your landline out of action too.

The only exception to this please-leave-me-alone-and-stop-contacting-me-to-ask-if-I’m-in-labour-yet rule, is your birth partner. You will want your birthing partner in front of their emails, next to the office phone, with their mobile waiting and ready in their hand, just in case it’s almost time. If your partner has a hectic work schedule, or can often be out of contact for hours at a time, what can you do to ensure you reach them when the big day comes?

1. Keep it mobile – while your grandma may remember the days of labouring women awaiting neighbours running across town to inform soon-to-be-fathers that labour had started, that’s not quite how it works today. In fact, your partner probably has a mobile phone that is taken with them everywhere, and this makes things much easier. Make sure your partner keeps their phone fully charged, and carries a phone charger at all times, just in case. Ask your birth partner to turn the volume up and keep the phone with them at all times. If your birth goes places without signal, he or she should try to call every few hours to make sure they haven’t missed any calls from you.

2. Call the office – make sure you have the office number, and that the receptionist knows you are due to have a baby so any calls from you will be considered urgent. Work lines can be busy, so it may take a while to get through. If you’re not having any luck on their mobile, try calling the office. Even if he or she is not there, the receptionist is likely to offer to take over ringing their mobile number so that you can concentrate on labour.

3. Get the digits – you have the mobile number and office number, but where else might they be when the first contraction hits? If your birth partner spends a lot of time at the gym, make sure you have the number for the reception in case they are working out when it starts. You don’t want to be googling sports venues during your early contractions. If they are going round to a friend’s house, ask them for the landline number in case you need to get in touch. This is going to be one the greatest events of their life, so you’ll want to make sure they doesn’t miss it.

4. Have a back up – not a back up birth partner, although that is always a good idea to have one in mind, just in case. Have a back up phone operator in case you struggle to get hold of your partner. You really don’t want to be breathing through contractions while listening to the electronic voice mail message for the millionth time. If you can’t get in touch with your partner, ask a friend to take over calling them while you focus on labour.

5. Send for your birth partner – if you know where they are but can’t get through because of bad signal, a dead battery or a power cut – send someone else to look for them. Ask a close friend or family member to go and find your birth partner and get them for you. It’s unlikely you’ll ever need to do this, chances are the phone will be picked up as soon as you ring the mobile, but it’s worth being prepared.

How is your partner staying accessible as your due date approaches?

Have you enjoyed this article? You can find plenty more useful articles and great tools in our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

Why are there so many twin pregnancies nowadays? One reason is the increase of the use of fertility drugs. Another is the increasing age of new mothers – older moms have a greater chance of releasing more than one egg at ovulation. Twin pregnancies have increased by 76% over the past 30 years and fertility treatments greatly increase a woman’s chance of having twins or multiples. However, the chance of having identical twins is still only 1 in 285, as identical twins are not a direct result of fertility drugs.

Here are some of the most common questions about twin pregnancies.

Are pregnancy symptoms worse with a twin pregnancy?

If you are expecting twins, you may experience some of the usual symptoms of pregnancy more, but this is not always the case. However, due to the higher levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), women expecting multiples often experience severe morning sickness.

Higher levels of progesterone can also make you feel short of breath, and this can be made worse by two babies pushing up your diaphragm. You are also more likely to experience indigestion, bloating, heartburn, and constipation. Later in pregnancy, you may experience more muscle strain and back pain because you are carrying additional weight.

What danger signs do I need to watch for?

The danger signs in twin pregnancy are the same as any pregnancy. Be alert because the risk of complications is greater when you are expecting twins. However, try not to worry! Do not let fear spoil your pregnancy. Trust your instincts and when something does not feel right, call your doctor!

Preterm birth happens in more than half of twin pregnancies. Call the hospital if you think you are in labour or go straight to the hospital. How will you know it’s labor? If you have contractions that don’t stop with a change of activity, or if you have more than 4 or 5 in one hour, then it’s labor. Ask you healthcare provider under what circumstances you should be seen in the office or at the hospital.

Pre-eclampsia, or pregnancy induced hypertension, is also common in women expecting twins. Be aware of early symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, flashing lights, vomiting excessive weight gain, and swelling of the face, feet, and hands.

How will I cope?

There are lots of things you can do to cope with twin pregnancy such as:

• Get plenty of rest, at home and at work (take a short break every hour).
• Get help with household chores.
• Have a daytime nap.
• Take early maternity leave since most twins are delivered earlier than single babies, usually at 37 weeks.
• Talk to your midwife and doctor when you have any concerns.
• Join a local support group for twin pregnancies or find an online forum for your special circumstances.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

During the long nine months of pregnancy, it’s likely that you’ll experience a number of conversational no-nos. People seem almost unable to control themselves around pregnant women, and are likely to let at least one of the following slips. Here are seven things you shouldn’t say to a pregnant woman (but are likely to hear during your pregnancy):

1. “Wow, you can’t have long to go!” – Er, actually, I’ve got three whole months of pregnancy left, but thanks for drawing attention to my massive bump. Thanks a lot for giving me something to worry about when I’m lying awake in bed tonight.
2. “I can’t believe how big you are.” – This one is rarely said by strangers, it’s usually friends and family who strut this belter out. It almost puts you off socialising altogether, doesn’t it? Surprisingly, most pregnant women don’t actually want to be reminded of how big they are on a regular basis.
3. “Are you sure you’re not carrying twins?” – Oh great, another reference to big babies. Well, of course it’s quite possible that the ultrasound technician is less savvy than you, and failed to pick up, using the latest technological advances and years of medical knowledge, what you have picked up using just your eyes and keen sense of judgement. But, to be honest, I’m probably not carrying twins, thanks anyway for drawing it to my attention though.
4. “You must be having a <insert gender here> because <insert old wives’ tale here>” – Sigh. Ok, there’s a 50/50 chance you’re right, but you could be equally as wrong. And, truth be told, I don’t want to spend nine long months discussing which sex the baby could be, I have other things to worry about. I also don’t need to hear that I’m carrying high or low or round, or whatever else you might feel the need to use as evidence of the baby’s sex.
5. “Make sure you get plenty of sleep now, you won’t get chance once the baby arrives.” – Oh, thanks for the advice. I have been keeping myself awake on the off chance that I won’t need sleep when the baby arrives, but thanks to your wise input I can turn things around now. The fifteen bathroom breaks, nausea, backache and tiny acrobat flying around in my belly hopefully won’t cause too many problems for my new sleep quest.
6. “Was it planned?” – Wow, that’s a personal question. Oh, and none of your business.
7. “Any news?” – No. The news is either ‘Yes, I’m having a baby this very minute’, ‘Yes, I’m cuddling my tiny newborn this very minute’ or ‘No, I’m the same fed up, angry pregnant woman I was when you asked me yesterday’. Whichever of these it is, believe me, I’ll tell you when I’m good and ready, please stop asking me for news.

It goes without saying that the above replies aren’t answers you should try yourself, well, not to good friends anyway. It’s just a little fun. Are there any conversational gems missing from the list, what have people been saying to you? What would you include in things you shouldn’t say to a pregnant woman?

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.

What causes itchy skin during pregnancy?

Increased blood flow during pregnancy can lead to mild itchiness. Your skin may also feel itchy as it stretches to accommodate your changing body. Some women report itchy skin on their breasts during periods of growth, and some experience itchy skin on their bellies as their bumps increase in size. Mild itching is quite common during pregnancy, and often nothing to worry about, however it can be uncomfortable.

The following tips may help you to manage itchy skin during pregnancy:

• stay hydrated – drinking enough water can help your skin to stretch more easily. Remember, you need to drink more water now that you’re pregnant, even if it means more trips to the bathroom.
• moisturise – using moisturisers may help to reduce itchiness. Using a natural, chemical-free moisturiser such as extra virgin organic coconut oil may help to relieve any discomfort.
• wear loose fitting clothes – avoid tight clothes that prevent air circulation and may further irritate your skin.
• choose natural fibres – dressing in natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo may help to keep itchiness under control. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and lycra may increase itchiness by prevent air from circulating.
• be kind to your skin – avoid strong perfumes, chemicals and lotions. Use products for sensitive skin, and try to use natural, organic products where possible. Always wear gloves when cleaning to avoid chemicals coming into contact with your skin.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

In some cases, itchiness can be caused by ICP, a serious liver condition specific to pregnancy. The condition is caused by high levels of bile acids in the liver, and can be fatal for the developing baby. ICP is characterised by unexplained itching, which may or may not be accompanied by a rash. Some women also report feeling generally unwell and tired, and some women find their urine is darker than normal. Other symptoms include jaundice, and pale bowel movements.

For some women, the itchiness is non-stop and can be unbearable, leading to excessive itching to the point of bleeding. Non-stop itchiness can also lead to depression. ICP can occur as early as six weeks into the pregnancy, although it is more common towards the end of the pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ICP, though the condition will clear up on its own after the birth.

If you think you may have ICP, contact your doctor immediately. If diagnosed with this condition, you will require regular monitoring throughout the pregnancy. There is an increased risk of stillbirth and premature labour, so your liver function will be tested regularly for the remainder of your pregnancy.

If the itching is unbearable, your doctor may be able to prescribe a cream or lotion to reduce itchiness. Speak to your healthcare provider about treatment options for this condition.

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.

The flu is a highly infectious virus. It tends to occur seasonally, and is usually around during the winter months. During pregnancy, your weakened immune system means you have an increased risk of catching flu. The weakened immune system also puts you at a greater, though still very small, risk of developing complications if you do contract the virus.

Flu vaccine during pregnancy

Pregnant women are offered the flu vaccine each year. Usually offered in the fall, it takes a couple of weeks for you to develop an immunity after the shot. The flu vaccine is considered safe to administer at any point during pregnancy. There is no need to wait until your second trimester, as the vaccine is considered safe even during early pregnancy.

If you have not been offered the flu vaccine, speak to your healthcare provider to find out why. It is not possible to catch flu from the vaccine, although you may experience some mild side effects that mimic flu symptoms. As with all vaccines, there are a number of possible side effects, please ask your healthcare provider about these before being vaccinated. There is a nasal spray flu vaccine available, but this is not suitable for use during pregnancy.

Symptoms of flu

If you contract flu, you will experience a fever of over 38C/100.4F, and at least two of the following symptoms:

• runny nose
• headache
• sore throat
• tiredness
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches
• cough
• shortness of breath
• diarrhoea or vomiting

The potential complications of suffering from flu during pregnancy include pneumonia, dehydration and difficulty breathing. If you think you may be suffering from flu, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Treatment for flu during pregnancy

The following tips may help you to manage your flu symptoms:

• get plenty of rest
• increase your fluid intake
• eat little and often
• use cold flannels to lower your temperature
• speak to your pharmacist for advice on which over the counter medications are safe to take during pregnancy

When to call your healthcare provider

Pregnancy puts you at a slightly increased risk of a number of complications. For this reason, it’s important to seek immediate medical help if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• coughing up a bloody mucus
• turning blue
• pressure or pain in your chest or abdomen
• dizziness
• severe vomiting
• reduced foetal movements
• a high fever that cannot be lowered with over the counter medications

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.

Constipation causes difficulty when passing stools. You may notice you are passing stools less often, or simply being less effective when you do. If you are suffering from constipation, you may notice that your stools are:

• dry and lumpy
• abnormally large
• abnormally small

You may also notice the following symptoms:

• bloating
• stomach ache and/or cramps
• nausea
• loss of appetite

What causes constipation during pregnancy?

During early pregnancy, hormonal changes make you more susceptible to constipation. As your body begins to nourish a developing baby, your digestive system slows down to allow your body to absorb as many nutrients as possible from the food you eat. This slow and sluggish digestive system can lead to constipation. As the pregnancy progresses, your growing uterus will put pressure on your digestive system, which could cause constipation.

How to avoid constipation during pregnancy

Try the following tips to reduce your chances of suffering from constipation:

• Increase your fibre intake – make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds dried fruits, and whole-grain cereals and breads.
• Reduce your intake of refined foods – far from helping you avoid it, some foods can actually increase your likelihood of suffering from constipation. Refined foods such as white bread and white rice can add to your problems, as can a high intake of red meat or dairy products.
• Stay hydrated – during pregnancy you need to drink at least two extra glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause constipation, so it’s important to make sure you are drinking enough water.
• Eat little and often – gorging on big meals can lead to a back up in your digestive system. Instead, try to eat six smaller meals each day, this may help to relieve constipation.
• Keep exercising – light exercise can help to get things moving, so try to exercise at least a few times each week. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy, and can help you to stay fit and healthy as you prepare for the birth.
• Supplement carefully – some iron supplements may cause constipation. If you are taking iron supplements, speak to your doctor about trying another brand.

When to call your healthcare provider

If you have tried all of the above, and still can’t go, it might be time to give your healthcare provider a call. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on safe treatments for constipation during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise laxatives, although only certain types are suitable for pregnant women so you must seek medical advice before taking these.

Do you have any tips to help readers suffering from constipation?

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.