The second trimester is often the time during a pregnancy when a woman can relax some. The risk of miscarriage is reduced, and often the icky side effects of the first trimester are coming to an end. It also represents progress, and for many women, the second trimester is where they finally look and feel pregnant.

We have gathered the 8 Second Trimester PERKS, that will have you looking forward to the midway part of your pregnancy.

1.  You will finally start showing. Maybe you have noticed your baby bump, but during the second trimester others will as well! Being visibly pregnant definitely makes the pregnancy feel more real.

2.  You will get to have an ultrasound, and your baby will look like a real human. You will be amazed at how your baby – so tiny in the womb – has tiny fingers and hands that even move. The second trimester ultrasound is, for many, one of the highlights of pregnancy.

3.  Your energy levels will return. Certainly hormones are still running amuck. But the surges in progesterone will start to drop off, which will leave you feeling more like yourself and with a lot more energy. Plus, since you aren’t so big that mobility is a problem, you will likely be happy to exercise and stay active.

4.  You can begin sharing the news with everyone and anyone! Many people only tell very close family members (or no one at all) in the very beginning. But now that you are soaring through the second trimester you may be inclined to shout it from the rooftops.

5.  Your baby can hear you! This means they start learning your voice, they can hear music, and you can truly talk to your baby. Experts believe that babies learn to recognize their parents voices during the second trimester.

6. Sometime during the second trimester you will be able to feel your baby move. Feeling the baby move, and even better – seeing the baby move inside your belly – is truly one of the most remarkable and beautiful parts of pregnancy. The flutters you feel in the beginning will soon turn out to be all out kicks and punches. And during the second trimester, others will be able to see and feel the movements as well.

7.  You can get a fairly accurate estimate of your baby’s gender if you want it. With ultrasound technology, those who want to know can know – which means you can start planning for pink or blue, and coming up with baby names.

8. With you (hopefully) feeling better and having some extra energy to boot, the second trimester is the perfect time for a vacation or getaway. As long as your pregnancy is progressing smoothly, you wont have any limitations on travel and can enjoy one last getaway before the baby is born!

Tell us, what were or are your favorite parts of the second trimester?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

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

The first trimester

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

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

The second trimester

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

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

The third trimester

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teas to avoid

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

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

Teas in moderation

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

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

A note about green tea

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

Safe teas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pregnancy is a time of happiness and joy. But it can also be a time of great worry and stress. Once you become pregnant, you automatically become a mother and develop the sense of worry and anxiety that is typical with motherhood.

Worrying during pregnancy is perfectly normal. In fact, your worries are just a side effect of the love that you already feel for your baby. If you find that your worries are excessive, cause immense anxiety, or that you are unable to stay focused on anything else or feel depressed, you should check with your practitioner for help.

The following are 5 common pregnancy worries that are fairly routine for ALL pregnant women at some point or another.

1. Will my baby be healthy? Of course, you want a healthy baby. And unfortunately, when you become pregnant and start reading so much material about ‘what could go wrong’ it is only natural to worry that your baby may not be healthy. Sometimes too much information is a bad thing. Just relax, follow your doctor’s orders, and try not to worry about your baby’s health unless your physician gives you a reason to.

2.  Will I be a good mother? The closer you get to delivery, the more you will worry about whether you will be a good mother or not. The most important ingredient in being a good mother is LOVE. Sure, you will make mistakes. You will find yourself not knowing what to do at times. The best advice is to follow your heart and your instincts and trust yourself to do what is best for your baby. Also, remember that no mom is perfect.

3. Will labor hurt? Fear and worries about labor and delivery are natural. Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. It’s completely natural and your body knows what to do. Avoid listening to horror stories from ‘well-meaning’ others and repeat the mantra, “I can do this!” Once it’s over, you will wonder why you were so worried.

4. Will my water break in public? Truth is, according to statistics, most women have to have their bag of waters broken during labor. Sure, there are certainly some women who are walking through the grocery store and feel a sudden gush of amniotic fluid. The thing is if it happens to you, chances are you won’t be worried about what other people are thinking. You will be worried about getting to the hospital and it will make a fond memory to look back on.

5. Will I lose my baby weight? Too many women stress about weight gain, and their post-partum body. We say, enjoy this time. Eat healthily, and take care of yourself. Your body may never be exactly as it was before you had your baby – but chances are you will love and appreciate your body more than ever.

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.

Most things you read will tell you to avoid any abdominal exercises during pregnancy. For obvious reasons, of course.  Especially in late pregnancy, it is important to not over strain your abdominal muscles. And if you have a high risk pregnancy, then doctors will likely limit exercise completely.

That being said, there are benefits of ab exercise during pregnancy. The most important thing to remember is that ANY AND ALL abdominal exercise that require you to lie on your back are to be avoided. Lying on your back reduces blood flow to you and the baby. However, there are some exercises that can help in other positions.

One of the most comfortable ways to keep your abdominal muscles strong (which will help during labor and deliver and recovery) is to get on all fours, keeping your back straight.  This position is also comfortable to relieve back pain. Once in this position, gently pull the muscles of your abdomen in and out, breathing along with the exercise.  It sounds easy and simple, and it is – but it is also effective.

If your balance is good, you can also do what is referred to as the superman pose. The superman pose is also on all fours, except for you lift your opposite arm and leg in the arm simultaneously and hold for a count of 5 seconds before releasing. Again, make sure that your back is flat, and that you aren’t arching your back in any way.

If you aren’t comfortable in any of these positions, you can do simple abdominal strengtheners while sitting in a chair.  Just place your hands on your belly, and imagine tightening and releasing the muscles of your abdomen. Doing this 5 – 20 times, depending on your ability and comfort level can go far in keeping your stomach muscles strong.

Another benefit to keeping your stomach muscles in shape during pregnancy is that you will relieve some of the pressure on your back. Most of the baby weight you carry is located in the front of your body, and if your stomach is weak – ALL of the pressure is placed on your back. This is just one reason so many women experience back pain during pregnancy.

Before you start any exercise program, check with your doctor or healthcare provider. Staying healthy during pregnancy will not only make your labor and delivery easier, but will speed up your post-delivery recovery time as well.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Risks of heavy lifting during pregnancy

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

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

Balance

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

Lower back strain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you noticed that since you have become pregnant, your mother-in-law (or partner’s mom) has been overly involved in your life. Has she been offering all sorts of advice, and trying to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do along the way?

Pregnancy definitely brings out the best and the worst in people. Chances are that the grandparents to be of the baby are super excited about your up and coming birth and are eager to share and be part of everything. And this can be both a welcome way to bond with extended family, and a frustrating intrusion.

For so many women, dealing with meddling mothers-in-law is very difficult. If she is overly involved in your pregnancy, and seems to be overstepping her boundaries with you, you can pretty much bet that once the baby is here, she will be even more over burdening. While the help can be wonderful, and the extra interest in your pregnancy can make you feel loved – it can also feel a little intrusive.

Setting boundaries with the in-laws is never easy. Enter pregnancy into the picture, and things are complicated ten-fold. But it is something you must do.  Gently, of course. First, try to see her interest in your pregnancy as just an extension of the love she feels for the baby to be. When you see her actions coming from a place of love, it will feel a little less officious. Remember that she is EXCITED. Chances are she is not purposely trying to undermine you in any way, and may not even realize she is doing this.

Secondly, listen to her. This doesn’t mean that you have to do everything that she says, or follow her advice to a tee – but give her the courtesy of hearing her out. After all, she has been here before and she may have some useful information. If she inquires as to why you are not doing something ‘her way,’ just assert yourself and say, “I appreciate your concern, but I think this is a better choice for me.” This will help to slowly and surely set boundaries that show you respect her, but that you are also a capable and responsible adult who can make her own decisions as well.

Another thing to consider BEFORE delivery is whether or not you are going to allow your in-laws in the delivery room. Giving birth is very personal, and only YOU can decide who you want with you. Many people want the birth to be a private experience saved for just mother and father of the baby. And this is okay. Even if your in-laws or extended family don’t understand it, this is a once in a lifetime moment for you and the father-to-be, and you need to take steps to make it about you and your new family. They can meet the baby soon enough in the waiting room, right?

Another tidbit of advice: from the moment your baby is born, set limits with pesky in-laws who meddle. It is not okay for a grandparent to visit unannounced at any time of day. It is not okay for a mother-in-law (or your own mom) to make decisions for your baby regardless of what you think or feel. You and the baby’s father are the ones who get to make the decisions.

Last but not least, if your mother-in-law is meddling and a little intrusive – ask for your partner’s help. Remember this is HIS mom, HIS family – and he should advocate for you so that you aren’t the bad guy in the situation.

Having a baby changes the family dynamic in many ways. Most of the changes are positive and only enhance the amount of love and bonding that takes place. Still, it can be a rocky road in the beginning to set boundaries and limits with others.

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.

Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down to your feet. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, you may feel pain in your lower back radiating down to your calf. Some people experience mild discomfort, but others find sciatica to be very painful.

Sciatica during pregnancy
The sciatic nerve runs underneath your uterus. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the pressure of your growing uterus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. In some cases, sciatica may appear earlier in the pregnancy, especially if you have a history of spinal disorders.

Symptoms of sciatica
Possible symptoms of sciatica include:

• pain radiating from the lower back, buttocks and legs – this pain may be worsened by coughing, sneezing and laughing
• pins and needles in the foot, leg or lower back
• numbness in the foot, leg or lower back
• muscle weakness in the foot, leg or lower back
• shooting pain in the lower back or buttocks

Sciatica treatment during pregnancy
In some cases, sciatica pain disappears by itself in a matter of hours, days or weeks. In some cases, the sciatica may last longer than 12 weeks, this is known as persistent sciatica. The following self-help tips may help you to relieve the discomfort caused by sciatica:

• apply an ice pack for 10 minutes
• apply a heat compress for 10 minutes
• wear flat, comfortable shoes
• avoid heavy lifting
• maintain good posture
• use a rolled up hand towel in the arch of your back to help you to maintain good posture when seated
• try not to stay in the same position for long periods
• drink plenty of water
• use extra pillows to support the weight of your bump in bed
• take regular light exercise, such as swimming
• have a massage from an experienced therapist to relieve some of the pressure on your sciatic nerve

It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you experience sciatica during pregnancy. If the pain is preventing you from going about your daily business, your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist physiotherapist for further advice.

Sciatica and childbirth
Most women who experience sciatica during pregnancy will find the condition has resolved itself before they go into labour. If you are suffering from sciatica during childbirth, you may need to adjust your birth plan accordingly. Water births can allow movement without putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, so this may be an option you wish to consider. Speak to your healthcare provider about how sciatica could affect your birth.

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.

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

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

Do you have any tips to add?

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

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

Rib pain during pregnancy usually occurs during the third trimester, although some women do experience it sooner. By this point, you have probably suffered your fair share of back aches, round ligament pain, and hip pain. Unfortunately, you may now want to add ‘sore ribs’ to your list of pregnancy ailments.

As your baby grows, the top of your uterus will reach almost as high as your breastbone, and this will put pressure on your rib cage. As well as this, your baby has grown bigger and is now running out of space, so is probably kicking and elbowing you while she tries to find a comfortable position.

Coping with sore ribs

Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic cure for this discomfort, although there are a few things you can try for temporary relief:

• avoid tight clothing – tight, restrictive clothing will simply add to the pressure on your rib cage. Opt for loose fitting clothes to give yourself room to breathe.
• buy a new bra – during pregnancy, your rib cage expands to make room for your growing uterus. As well as this, the average woman has up to 1lb (0.4kg) extra breast fat by the end of the pregnancy. Wearing properly fitting bras can help to relieve some of the pressure on your rib cage. To save money, choose nursing bras that will be useful after the birth, too.
• lean back – rib pain usually worsens when you lean forward, so try to avoid this. Try to maintain good posture when sitting and standing, or lean back slightly if this helps to relieve the pain.
• hog the pillows – use pillows to prop yourself up in the night, having a pillow under your bump can take some of the strain off your bones and muscles and may reduce rib pain.
• move around – try to avoid sitting or standing in the same position for too long. Try to move around and take regular short walks.
• exercise – light exercise such as swimming and yoga are great for relieving rib pain.
• warm water – relaxing in a warm bath, or even taking a quick warm shower, may help to provide short term relief from sore ribs.

If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your healthcare provider about pain medication. There are some medications that are safe to take during pregnancy, but you should always seek medical advice first.

Shortly after week 36, you should find that you experience some relief as the baby, and your uterus, drop slightly in preparation for the birth. All of a sudden you should find that your rib pain has gone, and you are breathing easier.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did you feel when you discovered you were pregnant?

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

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