For some, a pregnant woman’s body is a sight to behold. Some women find that they are radiant during pregnancy. They may love their growing bump, their fuller breasts and their glowing skin. Not all women feel that way, though. In fact for some women, pregnancy can feel more like an alien invasion than a gift. If you are one of these women, you may be finding it difficult to love your changing body. Here are some tips for learning to love your changing body:

1. Understanding is key to acceptance – if you understand why a change is taking place, it is easier to accept. While the sight of your enlarged, vein-ridden breasts may be troublesome, once you realise this is your body’s way of preparing to nourish your baby, you may feel less worried about the changes.
2. Pregnant doesn’t mean unhealthy – if anything, pregnancy should mean healthy. While your body is busy growing you a baby, you should be taking care of it. Eating healthily, taking regular exercise and making sure you get enough rest are all very important things you can do. If you continue to exercise throughout pregnancy, you may find it easier to regain your shape after the birth.
3. Pregnancy is a temporary change – while it may be quite a drastic change, remember it is just a temporary one. In just nine months, you’ll be helping your baby into the world, and your body will begin its transformation back to its pre-pregnancy state. Ok, you may find your breasts are always a little bigger, or your ribs are a little wider, but generally, things should go back to normal.
4. Celebrate your body – though you may not feel it all the time, pregnant bodies are beautiful. Your bump is something to be proud of, and you should feel comfortable showing it off. Rather than dressing to hide your bump, have at least a couple of outfits that showcase your growing bump for the world.
5. Create some memories – you may feel huge and heavy now, but one day you will look back on this time and think about how amazing pregnancy is (you can hardly believe it, can you?). Make sure you have some great photos of yourself pregnant, so that you can look back and remember just how big you got.
6. Be honest – there’s no need to pretend you love pregnancy. Some women love pregnancy, and others hate it. Be honest about your feelings, and talk about them with people you trust. This may even help you to see yourself in a more positive light.

How are you finding pregnancy? Do you love your new body, or shudder at the sight of yourself in the bathroom mirror?

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 daunting time for all mothers, but this can be especially true for younger mums-to-be. You may feel isolated by your pregnancy, or be worried about your finances, but rest assured, you’re not alone as a young mum-to-be. If you are young and pregnant, you may have many questions, and we can answer some.

Am I ready to be a mum?

Whether your pregnancy was planned or a surprise, you will probably still worry about whether you are ready to be a mum. Most pregnant women worry about how they will adapt to life as a mother, this is a normal pregnancy concern whatever your age or lifestyle. By preparing for the birth and motherhood, you can help yourself mentally prepare for being a parent.

How will I cope financially?

It may seem that there are lots of things to buy before the baby arrives, and even more to purchase once she gets here. Try not to worry though, there are ways to bring the costs down. Shopping around, buying second-hand and borrowing what you need can help you to stick within budget.

What about my career?

Having a baby while you’re still young may delay you progressing on the career track for a couple of years, but that doesn’t mean your career has come to an end. Take some time to enjoy your new role as a mother, and then refocus your work ethic to progressing your career once you feel settled at home.

Feeling left out

If you are the only person expecting in your social circle, it’s easy to feel left out. You may worry about missing out on the fun, being left behind while all your friends leave home, or being seen as ‘boring’ now that you’re a parent. Of course, there’s no guarantee that your friends will stick around, but chances are the true ones will. Try to get them involved with the baby, and make sure you still allow yourself to have fun and socialise with your friends.

Feeling judged

You may worry that you are being judged by your age. Chances are, your own worries and insecurities are bubbling to the surface. Your age doesn’t mean you will be a bad mother, you may be a better mum than someone twice your age. Only you get to decide what sort of mother you will be.

Feeling isolated
It can be hard to get out and meet other mums, but it’s important to have a support system in place. Baby groups and new mum meet ups are great places to meet other mums in your local area. There may even be a group for young mums like yourself, so that you can socialise with people who know exactly what you’re going through.

Are you a young mum? Do you have any concerns about the pregnancy, or are you feel ready and excited to begin your new life as a 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 2018. All rights reserved.

There are certain foods that pregnant women are advised to avoid. It’s important to know which foods to avoid during pregnancy, so you can lessen any risk to you or your baby.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy include:

Soft Cheeses – Certain cheeses are considered unsafe to eat during pregnancy. Mould-ripened soft cheeses, and soft blue-vein cheese should be avoided due to the risk of listeria. Listeria is a harmful bacteria and, while rare, it can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth, and so pregnant women are advised to avoid any food with an increased risk of allowing listeria to grow. These include blue cheese, camembert, brie, and more.

Pâtés – Pâtés can harbour listeria, so pregnant women are advised to avoid all pâtés, including vegetable pâtés, for the duration of the pregnancy.

Undercooked Eggs – Pregnant women are advised to avoid raw or partially uncooked eggs because of the risk of salmonella poisoning during pregnancy. Salmonella poisoning would not harm the baby, but can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhoea. If you’d like to enjoy your eggs, eat them hard-boiled or over-well, rather than over easy or poached.

Undercooked Meat – Rare and undercooked meats could carry the infection toxoplasmosis, a serious condition that can harm developing babies. Be sure meats are eaten well-done.

Liver – Liver products contain high levels of vitamin A and this could harm your unborn baby, and should be avoided completely in pregnancy.

Vitamin and fish oil supplements – You should avoid fish oil and other supplements that contain high levels of vitamin A.

Some Types of Fish – Swordfish, marlin and shark are not advised during pregnancy. These fish may contain high levels of mercury which could harm your developing baby.  You should also be careful to limit your intake of tuna to just two steaks, or four medium sized cans, per week. Pregnant women advised not to eat more than two helpings of oily fish per week.

Shellfish – Pregnant women are advised to avoid raw shellfish which can contain harmful bacteria.

The above foods are to be avoided, but there are plenty of other things you can enjoy. For example, you can’t eat certain soft cheeses, but are fine to snack on cheddar. Raw shellfish should be avoided, but cooked shellfish is fine during pregnancy.

Make sure that you wash all food thoroughly before eating, and be careful to properly wash your hands before and after handling any food items. Though the risk of bacteria or food poisoning is low, these can be extremely serious if they occur during pregnancy.

Are any of your favourite foods on the banned list, and if so, how are you coping without them?

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.

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

A healthy pregnancy

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

Important vitamins

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

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

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

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

The need to supplement

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

Expert advice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it safe to have a tattoo during pregnancy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With all the changes going on, both physically and mentally, it’s little wonder your relationship is feeling a little neglected. As you prepare to welcome your child into the world, and adjust to seeing your partner as a parent, you may find that the romance is suffering. So, how can you nurture your relationship during pregnancy?

1. Invest in some baby-free days – it can sometimes feel that every spare hour is spent preparing for the baby. When you’re not at your desk or asleep (or asleep at your desk if it’s the first trimester), you’re writing baby lists, shopping for baby items or reading about parenting. It’s official, the baby has taken over your life. Now is the time to claw back a bit of personal time, so that you can make the most of your partner before the baby is born (and really does take over your life). Set aside some baby-free days where everything baby-related is out of bounds. No prenatal classes, no worrying, and no internet research. Think back to your pre-pregnancy days, and spend some time doing the things you used to do as a couple. If your schedules and to-do list allow it, try to have a baby-free day every few weeks for the duration of the pregnancy.

2. Spend time as a couple preparing for the baby – this is the polar opposite of the above point, but both are equally important. Some dads-to-be feel left out during pregnancy, and feel they are not as involved as they would like to be. Get your partner involved in the decision-making process – let him coo over tiny baby outfits with you, choose colours for the nursery, and chat about what life will be like once the baby arrives. Prenatal classes are a great way to get him involved in the pregnancy, and will help to prepare him for the birth as well as life as a new parent. You don’t need to spend all of your time together discussing the baby, but make sure you involve him in decisions and discussions. The overwhelming majority of men want to be part of this process, and some end up feeling pushed out when they aren’t.

3. Go dating – no, not dating other people to check you made the right decision – go on a date with your partner. No doubt you have been told this so many times you’re sick of hearing it, but it’s true. You really should make the most of the time you have before the baby arrives. The first few months of parenting are amazing, but also exhausting. It’s easy for weeks to slip by without you really noticing the missed time together. So, while you are waiting for the baby to arrive, try to have regular date nights. Go for meals, go to the cinema, and go for day trips – do all the things that may become more difficult once you’re a family of three.

4. Go away for a weekend – if you’re currently saving up to buy all your big baby items, a weekend away is probably the last thing on your mind. Remember though, it will be at least a little trickier to get away once the baby arrives. So if you can, try to have a mini break during your pregnancy. Whether you opt for two weeks away, a mini break, or simply a weekend together with no distractions, try to spend a block of quality time together before the baby arrives.

5. Get intimate – all pregnancies are different. While some women may find themselves constantly distracted by arousal, others may be completely put off the idea of sex altogether. If you don’t want to have sex, there are other ways you can enjoy intimacy during pregnancy. From affectionate massages (particularly good if you’re suffering from aches and pains), to relaxing baths together, make sure you are spending time with your partner. If you don’t want to have sex, be honest with your partner about this. If you do want to have sex, you may have to experiment with positions until you find one that is comfortable.

How are you nurturing your relationship 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.

Chances are you already know how important it is to check your breasts for lumps. You may even have a regular routine so you can be sure you check them monthly. But did you know that it’s important to continue these checks during pregnancy? If you haven’t checked your breasts before, now is a good time to start.

How to check your breasts

You should check your breasts every four to five weeks. You should expect your breasts to feel different each time during pregnancy, as your body prepares for motherhood. Experts advise checking your breasts in the shower, as the soap and water will allow your hands to glide smoothly over the breasts. You should lightly massage your breast using the flat of your hand, taking note of any lumps and bumps along the way. Be sure to massage the whole breast, including the nipple, right up to the armpit.

Remember, your whole body changes drastically during pregnancy, and your breasts are no exception. You are likely to notice a host of changes during these nine months, as your breasts prepare for breastfeeding.

What to look for

You should look out for any lumps, bumps, skin texture changes, skin dimpling and pain. Breast tenderness is common during pregnancy, but significant pain should be reported to your healthcare provider. Pregnancy hormones cause a number of breast changes, but these usually occur in both breasts. If you can feel lumps or bumps in just one breast, you should inform your healthcare provider.

Remember, most bumps and lumps turn out to be nothing, but it is always worth getting checked out. Your healthcare provider will perform a breast examination to investigate the breast changes you have noted. More than likely, you will go home feeling relieved. If your healthcare agrees that the lump is suspicious, an ultrasound, mammogram or biopsy may be performed. This will depend upon the location of the lump, your stage of pregnancy and other risk factors.

Breast cancer

Around 1.5 percent of breast cancer sufferers are pregnant when diagnosed. Pregnancy can mask the symptoms of breast cancer, leading to later diagnosis. This can mean that the cancer is more advanced at the time of diagnosis. By regularly checking your breasts during pregnancy, you can increase your chances of detecting problems early.

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

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

You’re nearing the end of pregnancy, and everyone is asking what you need for the baby. You have registered at the popular baby superstores for items you’re not even sure you’ll need. Now what? A traditional baby shower will help you assemble many of the basic supplies you need or want for your baby. A Blessingway, however, will supply YOU, the mom-to-be, with the emotional fuel you need for labor, birth and early motherhood.

A Blessingway is rooted in many native traditions, but has evolved into a ceremony that can be adapted to any religious or cultural beliefs to help a woman prepare emotionally and spiritually for the birth of her baby. It is a way to shower a new mother with support to start her journey of motherhood on the right foot. Guests are smoothing the way for her with stories, advice and positive inspiration.

While you likely won’t plan your own Blessingway, here are some tips to share with friends and family for planning an event that will be a cherished memory after the birth:

• Consider the guest list carefully to include only those closest to the mom-to-be, other women whose opinions she values and trusts, and around whom she can relax and feel comfortable.
• Keep the mother-to-be’s cultural and religious traditions in mind, and tailor any ceremonies to her. For instance, if she is a devout Catholic, ask her which prayers are most meaningful to her and incorporate those into the celebration.
• Pamper her. The mom-to-be should be the center of attention at a Blessingway. Give her a foot bath and massage with aromatic lotion or oil, adorn her with a crown or necklace of flowers, cover her baby belly or her hands and feet with henna designs, brush and braid her hair, etc. Be creative. Ask her ahead of time what makes her feel most relaxed, and use that to create a ritual tailored specifically to her.
• Share stories. Let other mothers talk about their experiences of childbirth and mothering. Instruct everyone ahead of time to keep the tales positive – this is not time for horror stories. Passing along birth wisdom is a precious gift in and of itself.
• If you include gift-giving, ask guests ahead of time to bring symbolic tokens to support the mother-to-be as she enters labor or as she makes the shift to parenthood. For instance, have each mother bring a bead, and create a necklace for the mom to use as a focal point in labor. Save the gifts from the baby registry for later!
• Always end with a feast. This is a great time for partners to join the celebration, since the shift to parenthood will happen to them, too! You could ask each guest to bring their favorite dish, or you could create dishes from symbolic foods to celebrate the coming birth.

Use your imagination – you cannot do it wrong – and honor the mother-to-be with the unique gift of a Blessingway.

Written by Michelle: IBCLC, writer, editor, childbirth instructor, and mother to 4 busy kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When you are pregnant, you will find that many people lose their manners when it comes to speaking to you. They say things that are unnecessary, or hurtful, or frightening, or just plain strange. It’s a weird phenomenon, really, that people seem to lose all their social filters when dealing with a pregnant woman.

The following are 5 things NOT to say to a pregnant woman. Ever.

1. Don’t say ‘You are too big or too small.’ Making reference to the size of a pregnant woman’s belly will just cause her to worry. Everyone carries differently. If she is huge – she is huge. If she is small – she is small. Simply accept the baby bump for what it is, and make references of how cute she is, or how adorable her belly is, but never question or be inquisitive about why she is either too big or too small in your opinion.

2. Never, ever share miscarriage, stillbirth or labor and delivery horror stories with pregnant woman. They don’t want to hear it. Seriously, just keep those things to yourself! All they do is cause unnecessary stress and even more worry for the pregnant woman.

3. Don’t ask, ‘Did you get a boy or girl this time?’ For some reason when people see a pregnant woman with a daughter or son, they automatically assume the family hopes to be pregnant with the ‘other’ gender. “Oh, did you get your son this time?” Not only does this hurt the already born children, but it is kind of rude. Who’s to say a pregnant mom doesn’t want two boys, or three girls? The assumption that the perfect family is a son and a daughter (in that order) is outdated.

4. Avoid telling a woman how much labor hurts, or the details of horrendous labor. In fact, the best thing to remind pregnant woman is that women have been giving birth since the dawn of mankind, and that everything will be just fine.

5. Parenting horror stories aren’t necessary. Forewarning them about how awful, or stressful rearing children is, or how their yet to be born baby will become a wild brat one day, is not necessary. Personalities and parenting choices are something every mom finds out on her own. Why burst her bubble now, when she is glowing with joy and basking in motherhood?

What are some of the things you wish people didn’t say to you while you were pregnant?

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.

How much is too much?

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

Will alcohol harm my baby?

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

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

Foetal alcohol syndrome

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

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

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

Giving up alcohol

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

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

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

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