The nesting instinct is experienced by mammals and birds alike. Cats select a private place to give birth, and spend some time collecting rags and other materials to create a soft bed. While you may not be building a pile of old towels in the cupboard under the stairs, you may also be nesting. In humans, the nesting instinct is described as an urge to get things ready for the baby. This could feel like an uncontrollable urge to sort things out. From cleaning behind the bookcase, to de-cluttering the loft, the nesting instinct can take many forms.

It can start as early as the second trimester, although most women will experience it only a matter of weeks before the birth. You may also find that the nesting instinct leaves you feeling a desire to stay close to home.

Does it mean I’m about to go into labour?

During those last few weeks of pregnancy, you may find yourself on your hands and knees scrubbing the utility room floor, or alphabetising all the books in the nursery. However, this doesn’t mean labour is imminent. Some people believe that nesting during the last few weeks is a sign labour is near. Some women do report experiencing the nesting instinct in the last few days of pregnancy.

Follow your instincts, and get all the last minute jobs out of the way. Once it’s all finished, you’ll be able to feel calm and relaxed while you wait for the baby.

It’s also worth bearing in mind, once the baby arrives you may struggle to find the time to order all your photographs by year. Make the most of the time and energy you have during nesting, and get things ready for when baby arrives.

Be sensible

You may be feeling an uncontrollable urge to dust the top of the bookcase, but if it means balancing on top of a wheeled chair, it’s probably best not to. Ask your partner, or friends and family, to help with any jobs that are unsuitable for pregnant women. Climbing, balancing and lugging around heavy objects are all jobs you should avoid.

You should also be careful to avoid strong chemical smells such as oven cleaner or oil based paints. Be sure to take precautions when using cleaning fluids, and leave windows open to allow air to circulate.

If you haven’t felt any urges to clean your house, don’t worry. Not all women experience the nesting instinct.

Do you enjoy this App? Want to prepare for your baby’s arrival? You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App.

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

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

You might love the idea of getting a whole new wardrobe, and kitting yourself out for the next few months in completely new clothes. But as you start pricing up nursery furniture and travel systems, your maternity fashion budget might disappear faster than your toes (say goodbye to those by the way, you won’t be seeing them for a while).

Fear not, because it is possible to treat yourself to a whole new maternity wardrobe without breaking the bank. Stick to the essentials, and you’ll be fine. You’ll need to invest in the follow basic items:

Tops – you’ll need a selection of tops. Try to have a mixture of types – t-shirts, vest tops, blouses and long-sleeved tops. There are loads of great options available so choose styles and colours you really like.

Jeans – maternity jeans are so comfortable, you won’t want to go back to normal jeans when the pregnancy is over – believe me. Get a style of jeans that you like, and don’t be afraid to spend a bit of money on this item, you’ll get lots of wear out of them.

Jumper – you’ll need a maternity jumper to keep you warm, especially if you’ll be pregnant over winter. For cardigans, you may be able to get away with you pre-pregnancy ones if you leave them unbuttoned, but it’s worth investing in a jumper.

Coat – you’ll need a maternity coat or jacket (depending on the season) to keep you safe from the elements. Get a nice big one that you can grow into – there’s nothing worse than not being able to pull a coat closed because your bump is in the way.

Work attire – the necessity of this will depend upon the type of job you have. If you work in uniform, you may be offered a maternity uniform at the cost of the company. Some offices relax their dress policy for pregnant women, meaning you might be able to wear jeans and a blouse rather than forking out for maternity suits. Speak to your boss about company policy.

Exercise wear – if you’re taking prenatal yoga classes, you’ll need some gym clothes. Lots of shops sell maternity yoga pants, but be warned – they are so comfortable you might end up wearing them all the time (this happened to me, I am ashamed to say). If you are a regular swimmer, you’ll need to invest in some maternity swimwear.

The little number – at some point during your pregnancy, you’ll be invited to a wedding, christening or birthday party, so you’ll need a nice little number to trot out. Choose something simple and plain that can be dressed up by accessories, that way you can transform the outfit each time you wear it just by wearing some different trimmings. Some maternity dresses double up as nursing dresses too, if you go for one of these you could use it in the months after the baby is born too.

Even just buying these basic items could set you back a pretty penny at most high street stores, but there are ways you can save money. Try to shop in the sales, when maternity fashion might be discounted or on offer. Check your local charity or thrift store to see if they have any maternity items in. Check online auction sites and local freecycling communities to see if anyone has any maternity wear they no longer need.

Remember, any maternity clothes you buy will probably still be in pretty good condition by the end of the pregnancy, so you’ll be able to sell them on if you wish. Alternatively, you could keep onto them in case you need them for a later pregnancy.

Do you have any advice to share with women about to embark on their first maternity shopping trip?

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

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

You may have noticed that since becoming pregnant, your personal life has become public property. Your mother-in-law, work colleagues and strangers at bus stops are now only too happy to give you (unsolicited) advice.

Many women complain that the worst part of this (yes, even worse than strangers grabbing at your bump), is the childbirth stories – especially horror stories. Where the sight of a pregnant woman should cause people to refrain from sharing horror stories, in fact it seems to have the opposite effect. People seem to go out of their way to casually drop into conversations the terrible birth experience of their friend.

Why do people like telling not-so-helpful childbirth stories?

You shouldn’t assume the entire world is out to get you. The people telling you the stories probably aren’t giving much thought to your feelings – they’re just excited to tell that reaction-invoking story again. Some may even think they’re doing you a favour by preparing you for what could happen.

Ignorance is bliss

Some people like to know all the facts, and know every possible outcome, before an event so that they feel prepared. Pregnant women that fit into this category probably do like to know about interventions and complications, so they can feel prepared for any eventuality. It’s important to remember, however, that not all pregnant women will feel that way. For some, hearing about traumatic births can make them feel terrified and unprepared for labour.

The science

Feeling scared during labour, can actually increase your risk of interventions. Grantly Dick-Read, an experienced midwife, attended to labouring women all over the world, and found that the women who suffered most during labour were those who feared it.

The science behind this is that when we’re scared, our bodies initiate the fight or flight response. During labour, this can mean blood is directed away from the uterus (where it is needed) and to the legs for running away. This redirection means the uterus is not able to contract as strongly, thus leading to a longer (and potentially more painful) labour.

There is a lot of emphasis on relaxation during labour. Hypnobirthing, water births and breathing exercises are all used as a way to keep women calm during labour. These relaxation techniques can lower your risk of medical intervention, so it’s important to stay relaxed and free from fear during labour.

How to stop the negative childbirth stories

If you can tell someone is about to launch into another horror story, stop them. Explain politely that, while you understand births can sometimes be traumatic, you would rather not hear about it. Explain that you want to approach the birth feeling positive, and that you don’t want any horror stories keeping you awake at night.

Alternatively, share this blog post with your friends and family – they’ll soon get the picture!

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.

Only around three percent of women hire a doula to act as a professional labour supporter. Although relatively uncommon, you have probably heard the term doula quite a lot during your pregnancy. You may be wondering, what does a doula do?

A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional and physical support to a woman (or to a couple) during labour. A doula aims to improve the birthing experience of the mother by ensuring that her needs are met and she feels supported throughout the birth.

What does a doula do?

A doula will answer all of your questions about the impending birth, and help you to put together a birth plan. Her aim is to ease your concerns and help you to feel confident about the birth. The doula will help you to prepare yourself for labour and becoming a mother.

During labour, a doula will help in anyway she can. She may suggest birthing positions, talk you through contractions and massage you to relieve discomfort. She is there to support both you and your partner.

Advantages of a doula

• A friendly face – you may not know the doctor or midwife working the night you give birth, and you can never be too sure how your birth partner is going to handle the event. By hiring a doula, you know you will have a friendly face on hand to help guide you through the labour process.
• The birth plan – it’s important to remember you’ll be focused on the birth, and won’t be aware of the details on the day. If the healthcare provider are pushing for potentially unnecessary interventions, a doula may find it easier to advocate for you than your birth partner would.
• Continuous support – your doula will stay with you throughout your labour and birth. Many hospitals are unable to offer this level of continuous support due to high demand and staff shortages.
• Reduced risk of interventions – studies have found that doula assisted births have 50 percent less chance of caesarean section, 40 percent less risk of a forceps delivery and 60 percent reduction in the use of epidural pain medication.

Disadvantages of a doula

• Cost – doulas vary in price, but you should expect to pay anything from several hundred to several thousand dollars for your care. This cost is usually not covered by health insurance. Some doulas charge on a “sliding scale,” taking your income into account.

How do I choose a doula?

• Some hospitals have trained doulas on staff, so check whether your local hospital is one of them.
• You could also try contacting Doulas of North America (DONA) to find out about the doulas in your local area.
• Your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a local doula.

Once you have a list of local doulas, you should set up interviews to meet each one available around your due date. Find out about their training, qualifications, experience, and references. It’s important you find the doula who is the right fit for your family.

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.

It’s safe to say, we’re all a little bit more aware of our impact on the planet these days. From the methane created by farming cows, to the air miles used in the production of our new dress, we spend a lot of time feeling guilty. If you’ve ever worked out your carbon footprint, you’ll be surprised how much it increases once you add children into the mix.

In fact, while you’re running about buying baby baths, onesies and bibs, your unborn child is running up a quite substantial carbon footprint of their own. And they’re not even walking yet. If you’re hoping to raise an environmentally conscious child, you can start now by leading a good example. When choosing items for your baby’s nursery, follow the steps below to create an eco nursery for your baby (and his teeny tiny carbon footprint) to enjoy.

1. Use eco paints – the average paint (even water based) contain volatile organic compounds, chemicals and fungicides. It hardly sounds like something you want to house your baby in, does it? Eco paints are made with natural ingredients. Some eco paints are greener than others, so do some research to find the most sustainable paints before you buy. Eco paints come in a variety of colours, and are just as durable as conventional paint.

2. Furnish with love – when choosing your furniture, look for solid wood. Veneers and laminates are likely to contain a number of harmful chemicals that may be released over time. Reuse and recycle are important core messages of eco living, so consider using second hand furniture in the nursery. Your friends or family may have a chest of drawers you can have, or you might pick up a bargain at your local second hand shop. Second hand furniture can be sanded down and repainted (with eco paint) to make it look as good as new. Wear protective gear when sanding, and be sure any hand-me-down pieces meet today’s safety standards.

3. Go organic – when choosing a mattress for your baby, choose organic. Your baby will spend around 14 hours a day on the mattress, and non-organic ones contain chemicals and toxins that may be harmful for your baby to breathe in. Once you’ve selected an organic mattress, it makes sense to use organic bedding too. You should be able to find organic bedding for around the same price as non-organic bedding, so there’s really no excuse not to buy it.

4. Eco toys – you’ll probably want some toys to fill the nursery, but these don’t have to be the battery powered plastic toys that seem to flood the market. These toys often have a relatively short life cycle, and soon end up in landfill. By choosing wooden eco toys, you can give your baby toys that will last. From organic cuddly animals, to wooden instruments, your baby won’t be missing out by owning eco toys. You can find lots of great baby toys at your local charity or thrift shop too, so keep your eyes open for a great find.

5. Keep it clean – once you’ve spent time and money creating the perfect eco-bubble for your precious bundle, there’s no point coating it in harmful chemicals in the name of cleaning. Track down some organic cleaning products to use in the nursery, not only are these better for the environment but they will protect your child from coming into contact with potentially harmful chemicals.

No one is expecting you to do it all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a few eco purchases. Every eco decision, no matter how small, will have a positive impact on your family’s carbon footprint and, ultimately, the planet.

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.

False labor is something that happens towards the end of a pregnancy, often within days of the due date. It’s different than Braxton Hicks contractions, and is often initially mistaken for the beginning of labor. One in five first time mums will experience false labor, and it is even more common in second time mums.

How can I tell if it’s false labor?
There are a number of differences between the contractions of false labor, and those of real labor:

• False labor contractions vary in time – they do not become increasingly longer like the contractions of real labor
• False labor contractions will ease if you change position
• False labor contractions will ease if you walk around
• False labor contractions may be felt in the abdomen – active labor pains tend to be more focused in the lower back
• False labor contractions are irregular – real labor contractions happen at regular intervals

False labor often seems to occur at night. If you start experiencing contractions at night, get up and walk around. If the contractions ease off, it’s false labor. You could also try relaxing in a warm bath to ease contractions.

Does false labor do anything?

False labor is a sign that your body is starting to prepare for the birth. Your uterine muscles are practising their contractions for the main event. False labor is what happens before the first stage of labor. Before it can start dilating, your cervix must soften, shorten and shift position. False labor is believed to be part of this process.

Do not feel disheartened if what you thought was real labor turns out to be false labor. False labor is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, so you know that the birth of your baby will be soon. Get some rest, finish those last minute jobs, and enjoy your final few days before you become a mum.

When to call your healthcare provider

• If the contractions are becoming stronger, longer and occurring at regular intervals, you should contact your healthcare provider.
• If your waters have broken, or you have experienced a “show”, you should contact your healthcare provider.
• If you are feeling worried that you may be in labor, contact your healthcare provider. Don’t feel embarrassed about contacting them unnecessarily, they will want to support you through the pregnancy – and this includes the panic that ensues during a bout of false labor contractions!

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.

Baby showers aren’t just about eating cake, playing party games and aahing over tiny baby grows. They’re about helping the mum-to-be to prepare for the birth and life as a new mum. As the big day approaches, many pregnant women start to feel scared or apprehensive about the birth. Make sure you use the baby shower to focus on the birth, and how great the mum-to-be in going to do. Below are some baby shower traditions that focus on the mum-to-be.

Belly casting

Much as she may say she hates it now, she will one day look back fondly at photos of her bump. By creating a belly cast, you can give her something more solid to remember it by. Belly casts can look great as ornaments, vases and garden planters. You can make the belly cast as part of the shower. Or, you can ask the mum-to-be to make the cast in advance, and then have the guests decorate it at the shower.

Henna bump art

Made famous by Alanis Morissette in 2010, henna bump art is a great activity for a baby shower. The mum-to-be will be able to relax while the henna is applied, and then admire the work after it’s done. Henna looks great and you can achieve very detailed and beautiful designs with it. You could also give each of the shower guests a small henna tattoo on their wrists in a show of support for the mum-to-be. This will remind them to think of the mum-to-be during her last few weeks of pregnancy. Take some photos of the henna bump art, and be sure to frame the best one and give it to the mum-to-be as a reminder of the party.

Beaded bracelet

This is a great way to help the mum-to-be feel supported during labour. A bracelet is made at the shower, and the mum-to-be should wear it during labour to remind her of her strong support system of friends and family. You can ask each guest to bring a bead to form the bracelet, or provide modeling clay and ask guests to make them at the shower. If any guests are unable to attend the shower, they should send their beads in the post before, along with a message to be read out on the day.

These are just a few traditions that are popular across the globe. You can adapt and change them to suit your mum-to-be. The important thing is that the mum-to-be leaves her shower feeling loved, supported and confident about the birth and motherhood.

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.

Pregnancy!  From the moment the pregnancy test turns pink, everything you read (and everyone you meet) will fill your brain with all the dreaded and awful things that are going to happen to you. From morning sickness, swollen feet, and gaining weight to having to have an episiotomy during your 19 hour labor – pregnancy can tend to sound more like torture than bliss. But you know what? There are some pregnancy perks as well. And you might find some of them so darn delightful that they make all the other ‘side effects’ of pregnancy completely bearable. So, here you go – 7 pregnancy perks that give you something to look forward to! (Besides an incredibly cuddly, soft and beautiful baby of course!)

1.  Everyone you meet will instantly be your new best friend. People love pregnant woman almost as much as they love puppies. Everyone will stop and talk to you, open doors for you, let you butt in line at the grocery store, carry things for you, and encourage you to sit down and relax as much as possible. Okay, so it can be a bit overwhelming to have perfect strangers rub your belly and ask you embarrassing questions, but your pregnant body tends to bring out the very best in others. So enjoy it while it lasts.

2.  You can finally get a parking place at the mall in one of those ‘mothers with kids,’ or ‘pregnant moms only’ specially designated parking places, which of course are conveniently located at the closest entrance to Dunkin Donuts (and a bathroom) as possible.

3.  You have a good excuse to throw out all your old shoes and go shoe shopping. Not only will your feet never return to their pre-pregnancy size, but wearing good shoes is an important part of taking care of yourself while pregnant. Same goes for clothes. And let’s not forget purchasing all those adorable baby clothes. If you happen to be a woman with a fancy for shopping, then pregnancy will give you a perfect opportunity to indulge in just that.

4.  You have the perfect excuse to get out of menial tasks that you normally do. No way you can mow the grass, or help paint the nursery when you are pregnant. You also will have to leave the sweeping and vacuuming to someone else, and will never have to lift anything that weighs more than a watermelon. (Which is only fair since you will be carrying what feels like a watermelon in your belly). There is also no way your boss will ask you to go out in the heat (or the cold) to collect lunch for the staff meeting.

5. It’s perfectly okay to sleep until noon if you want. If you are lucky enough to be able to sleep, then you will certainly enjoy your rest. And some words to the wise – ENJOY SLEEPING while you can, because once the baby comes – sleep will become a thing of the past.

6. You never need an excuse to get out of sex. Not in the mood, no problem – chances are you won’t catch any flack from your significant other.

7. Last but not least, you get to be the first one to ever truly hold or feel your baby move. The sensations of having a baby move inside your belly is something that cannot be explained, and quite simply – makes every and any negative side effect of pregnancy seem like a walk in the park.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @MOM-SPIRATIONAL

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.

The exhaustion of the first trimester pretty much guarantees most women a good night’s sleep at the start of the pregnancy. Chances are, you’re falling asleep on the sofa long before the watershed. You may find yourself needing more sleep than ever before. No matter how much sleep you get though, you’re probably still exhausted. From the excessive sleeping of the first trimester, to the rare uninterrupted sleep of the third trimester, sleep during pregnancy is never easy.

How should I sleep?

During the first trimester, you don’t need to worry too much about the position you sleep in. Which is handy, because you’re likely to fall asleep in strange places like on the bus, or hiding in the stationery cupboard at work.

As the baby starts to get bigger, and your uterus expands, you’ll need to start paying attention to how you sleep. Pregnant women are advised to avoid sleeping on their tummy once their bump begins to show. By this stage, sleeping on your front will probably be quite uncomfortable anyway.

Around the same time, you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your back too. Your expanding uterus can restrict blood flow when you lie on your back. The uterus compresses the vein that returns blood to the heart, and this can restrict the amount of nutrients and blood reaching the baby. If you do lie on your back for long periods, you may find yourself feeling nauseous and light-headed.

Your healthcare provider will recommend that you sleep on your left hand side throughout the pregnancy. This position will allow the baby to receive the optimum amount of nutrients through the placenta. Sleeping on your left hand side will improve circulation, so your body won’t have to work quite as hard.

Getting a good night’s sleep

It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy, especially in the last few weeks. You may find yourself needing to use the bathroom throughout the night, and your bump may be preventing you from finding a comfortable position. You may also have a busy mind because of the impending arrival. To try and get a good night’s sleep, you could:

• have a bath to help you relax before bed
• ask your partner for a massage before bed
• drink hot teas (not caffeinated) before bed
• prop yourself up with extra pillows
• sleep with a pillow between your knees
• if you are feeling anxious about anything, speak to your partner about it before you try to sleep

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.

Have you ever noticed there are a lot of rules when it comes to being pregnant? Everything from what you eat to how you exercise and when you can fly has a set of guidelines meant to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. And while that is absolutely a goal you can get behind, it’s fair to admit that all the rules (and all the people reminding you of those rules) can get more than a little overwhelming.

Well, take a deep breath, because we’ve got one more thing for you to think about.

In 2013, based on years of data, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a committee opinion that OBGYNs should be talking to their patients about oral health care and helping to ensure they have the access they need.

Why would your OBGYN be concerned about your teeth when they should be checking your uterus? Because multiple studies have found a link between a mother’s oral health and her baby’s birth outcomes.

This research isn’t new. A 1996 study found an increased risk of premature birth in women with periodontal (gum disease). Those same women were also more likely to have low birth weight babies, weighing less than 2,500 grams (or 5.5 pounds). And similar studies have been conducted, with similar results in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

The effect of maternal oral health on a developing fetus and the outcomes of that pregnancy, are well-documented. But the problem comes with what can be done to address those issues.

A report released in the March 2011 Journal of Dental Research compiled the data from various studies and tried to answer just that question: Now that we know about the link between oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes, what next?

The answer, unfortunately, isn’t clear. Studies looking at treatment options have yielded some promising results for improving outcomes, but ultimately those results haven’t been statistically significant. Which means that oral health treatment during pregnancy may help, but we can’t yet know that for sure.

It might be that the best option is to improve oral healthcare before pregnancy whenever possible, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides tips on how to do just that:

• Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss each day
• Make an appointment with a dental provider
• Make good nutritional choices; limit sweet drinks and avoid refined sugar
• Include Vitamin C and Calcium in your daily diet
• Quit smoking

But if you find yourself already pregnant and concerned? Both the NHS and the ACOG recommend still seeing a dentist, with the ACOG adding “Despite the lack of evidence that prenatal oral health care improves pregnancy outcomes, ample evidence shows that oral health care during pregnancy is safe and should be recommended to improve the oral and general health of the woman.”

So make that appointment with your dentist — for both you and your baby!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

Trying to conceive is not an easy time for everyone. Some folks get pregnant just thinking about it, while for others it can take months of timing intercourse and planning before you become pregnant. Either way, there are some rather simple things that you can do in the pre-conception period that will increase your chances of conception.

One of the most important things you can to increase your chances of conception AND ensure a healthy baby is to get yourself in optimal health. You should have a check-up with your physician, have blood work done to test routine things such as your thyroid function, and be as close to a healthy weight as possible. Making changes to increase your overall well-being by eating healthy and exercising regularly can go miles to increase your chances of conception. You should also make sure that you are getting enough rest and start taking a prenatal vitamin to boost vitamins and nutrient levels that may be low. When your body is healthy and in shape, your organ systems (including the reproductive system) and hormones are more in balance, which increases your chance of speedy conception. Also, don’t forget to talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking that could potentially be harmful to a developing fetus, or thwart your chances of conception. (Remember your partner should be in good health, as well!)

Another step that can increase your chances of conception is to become familiar with your monthly cycle. Some women have very regular cycles and some do not. It is very important for you to pay attention to changes in your body, and to be able to look for the signs of ovulation. Purchasing ovulation predictor kits can be a good way to start, as well as charting your basal body temperature. Understanding your monthly cycle – especially for those who are not regular – can take 2-3 months. However, knowing when you are ovulating, and knowing the best time to try for conception can help you get pregnant faster.

One thing that many women in particular do not recognize as a factor in conception is stress. Stress can cause many adverse effects on your body. Stress can cause weight gain, sleep problems, disruption in normal hormone levels, monthly cycle irregularity, and disruption of normal ovulation. Many women know that they have stress in their lives, but have not yet realized that the emotional and mental stress is manifesting physically. Controlling stress through meditation, yoga, diet, and exercise can help to reduce the bursts of stress hormones that result in diminished fertility. It is important to pay attention to your stress levels, and to take measures to control stress in your body. During preconception, many doctors focus on physical conditions. However, it is has been proven that mental and emotional health is also an important factor in conception. This explain the phenomenon of women TTC, who don’t get pregnant and then find that they do easily, once they stop trying so hard.

Your body is one system. When you are planning for conception, it is important to take care of all of you! Eat well, exercise regularly, pay attention to your body, and make sure that you aren’t suffering from excess amounts of stress.

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 2015. All rights reserved.

Naming your baby can be difficult. There are some women who aren’t sure about their baby name until its time to sign the birth certificate, while others have known since they were 9 years old what they would name their son or their daughter. And every year, it doesn’t help to have so many celebrities naming their children outlandish names that can have us ‘regular folk’ thinking outside of the box.

Each year, it is fun to look back and see what the most popular names of the year were. Will your baby be among the popular names, or have you chosen a name that is lesser known? Is your one of a kind name as unpopular as you really think?

Today, we present you with the top baby names of 2013.  Is the name you chose on this list?

If you are having or had a girl, you will find it interesting to know the top girl names of the year. Looking at the list, it looks as though several of the names came from the hit TV show, Dance Moms. Even more interesting is that several of the names in the top 10 were popular names in the 1920’s, which definitely shows that what comes around goes around when it comes to baby names.

1.  Sophia

2. Emma

3. Olivia

4. Isabella

5. Mia

6. Ava

7.  Lily

8.  Zoe

9.  Emily

10. Chloe

And for the boys, the top 10 names of the years also have historic roots. According to the Huffington Post, the top 4 names of 2013 were also on the top 10 list back in 1941 and many of them have biblical roots. Since many parents admit today that they are trying to find names with meaning, this list only makes sense. So what were the top 10 boys names of 2013?

1.  Jackson

2. Aiden

3.  Liam

4.  Lucas

5.  Noah

6.  Mason

7.  Jayden

8.  Ethan

9.  Jacob

10. Jack

So confess!  Are you naming your baby any of these names, or do you have something more unique to share? When picking a baby name do you look for names with meaning, or do you choose a name based on the way it sounds? And is it important to you to utilize family names when naming your baby?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.