If this is your second pregnancy, you’re probably already aware that things are different the second time round. Your symptoms may be totally different, or exactly the same, but it will feel like a completely new pregnancy either way. Here are a few reasons why a second pregnancy is such a different experience:

1. It will fly by – whether you spend your time changing nappies, navigating the terrible twos, or helping your first child with homework, you will be distracted from the pregnancy. Gone are the days where you could just sit and think about being pregnant. This time round you’ll be so busy being a mum, you won’t be watching the weeks tick slowly by, instead you’ll be wondering where on earth they’ve gone.

2. Less time to focus on the pregnancy – you are likely to have less free time to think about the pregnancy, because you’re already busy taking care of a child. You may not put in as many hours into daydreaming about this pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you’re not just as excited.

3. Less time means less worrying  – a combination of less time and more confidence mean you are likely to spend less time worrying during this pregnancy. After all, you’ve been there, done that. There will be lots of things that terrified you last pregnancy that you will take in your stride this time.

4. Focused worrying – any problems you did face last time, however, you may find yourself obsessing over. Whether you had trouble breastfeeding, suffered from post natal depression, or simply made some parenting choices you’d rather avoid this time round, try not to get overly worried during this pregnancy. Knowledge is power, and because you know what to look out for, you can arm yourself with support and knowledge to fight your demons. Speak to your healthcare provider about any worries or concerns you may have.

5. You will worry about your love – you may worry that you simply won’t be able to love a second child as much as you love your first. When your first child was born, you felt a love so strong and overwhelming that it made you question whether you had ever really loved before. The idea of feeling such a strong emotion again can be difficult, but fear not, because you will. You will love your second every bit as much as you love your first, and will one day look back and laugh that you ever questioned you would.

Are you currently pregnant with your second (or more) child? What is missing from the above list?

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 MADE IT!  Welcome to the second trimester.

You can now breathe a collective sigh of relief because you have made it through the often confusing first trimester of pregnancy. You might notice that the undesirable side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness and fatigue are starting to fade away – and you might be noticing A BABY BUMP! How exciting is that? If you are superstitious, you have probably been waiting to buy maternity clothes, and can now go shopping happily to facilitate your rounding belly. Yes, the second trimester of pregnancy brings about a lot of changes – and many women finally start feeling excited about their pregnancy now that the risks of miscarriage drop off substantially.

The second trimester officially begins at the 14 week mark and ends at the 26 week mark. During this time, your baby will experience substantial growth and development and you will begin to start feeling fetal movement, which is one of the most amazing feelings of pregnancy. While your baby is still relatively small, he or she will start to function like a ‘real’ baby learning how to swallow amniotic fluid and move his or her body parts. Sexual body parts, bones and the senses of hearing, smell and taste are developing now as well – and you can finally start having real heart to heart conversations with your baby.

Another exciting part of the second trimester is that you will reach the halfway mark of your pregnancy – at approximately 20 weeks. For most first time moms, this is when you will start feeling the first flutters of movements that will prove to you once and for all that your pregnancy is real! In fact, at around 23 weeks, your baby can hear so well that they may jump or jolt in response to loud noises around you. Hair is also developing during this time and the skinny frame of your baby will start to accumulate the adorable rolls of fat that will make them a cuddly ball of cuteness come delivery day.

For most women, the second trimester is a happy time. You won’t be so big that you feel cumbersome, and yet the world will be able to share in your prenatal bliss. Additionally, since hormones begin to settle slightly, you will have more energy to get things done, will likely not feel like you are on an emotional roller coaster and can finally have fun planning for your baby.

Of course, the second trimester is often the first time that moms are given the once in a lifetime chance to ‘see’ their baby through the technology of ultrasound. Most often, your first ultrasound will be scheduled between the 16th and 22nd week of pregnancy (depending on your health and your doctor’s protocol) and you will get to leave the physicians office with an actual picture of your baby.

For many moms – the second trimester is the best phase of pregnancy and is often dubbed the ‘springtime’ of pregnancy. Not only is your body in full bloom, but your baby is as well. Take plenty of time during this part of your pregnancy to enjoy your life and make sure that you take care of yourself emotionally and physically. After all, you are glowing now – from the inside out.

Written By Stef, Mother 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.

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.

Vivid dreams during pregnancy are a very common complaint of women, especially during the last trimester. Many women dream in such vivid color, and have dreams filled with so much angst, worry and fret that are not only realistic but bizarre, that they wonder if their subconscious is trying to tell them something. Is there something wrong with the baby?  Does the dream where you lost your newborn at the shopping mall mean you are going to be a bad mother? Was the nightmare about your mother-in-law trying to kill you in your sleep a sign that she secretly hates you?

The answer to all of these questions is NO! The human brain is such a beautifully and intricately designed organ, that we will never fully understand its capabilities. And dreaming is just one way that the brain helps us to deal with our lives on a deeper level. Often, the things that we dream about are just our brains way of helping us deal with anxiety or worries that we may be experiencing in the moment. Sure, some of the dreams can seem extreme and can be terrifying, but it is just a natural way of dealing with things that are on your mind.

You may also have vivid dreams during pregnancy that seemingly have nothing to do with you or your baby (or your in-laws). For instance dreams about falling, or running away, are often dreams about your personal freedom. Dreams about being put in jail for a crime you didn’t commit, or dreams about falling, are often actually about your sense of control.

One of the most common pregnancy dreams that woman find disturbing are ones in which they see their baby depicted as some sort of alien, or is otherwise disfigured. These too, are perfectly normal and don’t mean that there is anything wrong with your baby. In fact, the visual picture of our baby and their overall health is a natural concern of many pregnant mothers. Your vivid dreams are simply your brains way of helping you to deal with these feelings during deep sleep.

You may also experience dreams that include water (amniotic fluid), flowers, butterflies, small animals and other parts of nature that echo the changes that your body (and your baby) are going through during pregnancy.

Of course the panicky dreams are much more problematic for most people, because they worry that they signify that something is wrong. The truth is that your dreams are merely a natural way for you to deal with stressful situations and changes in your life during deep sleep. Rather than worry or fret that your dreams are ominous, try to figure out what is bothering you at your subconscious level and then deal with it during your waking hours.

You can also keep a dream diary during pregnancy, which can be a fun keepsake to look back on after pregnancy. And, if any dreams are particularly alarming writing them out on paper is a great way to gain some insight and work through your feelings.

Embracing your pregnancy dreams can be a wonderful way to help embrace the new life that awaits you.  Who knows, you may learn your baby’s name, or gender through one of your dreams.

Did you have incredibly vivid dreams during pregnancy?

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.

Are you pregnant?  If so, are your feet swelling?

Swollen feet during pregnancy is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms known to womankind. As pregnancy progresses, the swollen feet phenomenon can get worse, and it can be extremely painful. Worse, trying to find comfortable shoes that not only fit, but don’t hurt your feet can be a challenge.

There are many reasons why your feet swell during pregnancy. The most obvious reason is simple. With pregnancy, your body retains extra fluids. Match extra fluids with gravity, and you have a recipe for swollen feet and ankles that can throb and ache, as well as turn red, purple and blue. Believe it or not, woman also gain weight in their feet during pregnancy. And making matters worse, pregnancy causes an increase in the hormone called relaxin, which causes your bones to spread out. Heck, some women’s feet even grow a half to a full size during pregnancy which will facilitate a shoe shopping spree after you give birth. (Fun, right?)

On a more serious note however, edema – otherwise known as the swelling of the extremities is something that you and your health care provider should keep a watch on. While a certain amount of swelling is certainly considered normal, extreme swelling – or watching your feet turn purple or blue is not. Swelling that comes on suddenly, or spreads to the upper thighs and even the face, should be considered an emergency and warrant a trip to your physician. Additionally, any swelling that is accompanied by red streaks or ‘fever’ could be a sign of a blood clot and should be dealt with professionally. In some cases excess swelling of the feet is attributed to pre-eclampsia, which is pregnancy induced hypertension. Your doctor should be able to monitor your swelling during your regular visits to make sure that you are not experiencing pre-eclampsia which can also cause headaches, blurred vision, excessive weight gain and irritability.

If your feet are swelling there are some simple things that you can do to ease the pain. First and foremost, make sure that you get your feet up as much as possible. Even if you have an office job, get something to prop your feet up on during the day to help distribute the fluid from your feet to the rest of your body. Feet should be elevated 12 inches above your heart whenever possible. Additionally, you should avoid wearing any tight shoes during pregnancy. Even so, find shoes that give you support and don’t be afraid to toss your pre-pregnancy ideals of shoe fashion out of the window in order to keep yourself comfortable. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt is another good way to naturally relieve some of the swelling. Drinking plenty of fluids is another important aspect in keeping your feet from swelling. While it may seem counter-intuitive, the more water you drink, the more fluids your body will be able to flush from your body. Last, but certainly not least – try to avoid hot, and humid conditions which are conducive to swelling. If you are going to be in the heat and humidity, use cold compresses on your feet from time to time to help take out some of the swelling. At the end of the day, if your feet are very swollen – you can also soak your feet in cold water, or use ice packs to relieve the pain associated with foot swelling.

The good news is that after you have your baby, the swelling in your feet should subside. Your feet may still be a size larger, but they won’t be privy to the throbbing pain and swelling experienced by pregnancy.

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.

Chances are you or your partner have worried about whether or not having sex while you are pregnant would hurt your baby. The truth is that there are men all over this world that believe their penis is so large, that having sex with their pregnant partner will lead to some sort of permanent brain damage or deformation to the unborn baby, or they worry that the baby can actually feel their penis during sex. Sure, this may be an embarrassing question to ask – but in truth, it is only one of hundreds of natural pregnancy concerns felt by expectant parents.

While this may be a blow to male pride, the reality is that according to health professionals around the globe, there is not a penis large enough to actually touch or harm the baby during intercourse – even if the penis does reach the cervix.

The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that as long as you are having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, sex during pregnancy is 100% safe, even in the third trimester. They also suggest to use your body as a guide, and that if a woman is comfortable in certain sexual positions without feeling pain or discomfort, than this is a sign that the baby is fine as well.

If your partner is worried that penetration will harm or touch your unborn baby, you need to inform him that the baby is fully protected in an amniotic fluid, and that the mucous plug located at the cervix, protects the baby from feeling any bumps or jolts during intercourse. Even if your partner is well endowed, there is no chance that he is large enough to cause any sort of damage to the baby during sex.

Often times, men become leery of sex during pregnancy because they feel that the baby will ‘know’ what is going on, or be able to feel their penis during sex. Three makes a crowd, right?  You should know that it is normal for men to shy away from intercourse for this very reason, and that it has nothing to do with how your partner feels about you. If you are feeling amorous, all you can do is (kindly) reassure your partner that everything will be okay (even forward him this article if you need to).

This of course doesn’t mean that pregnancy is the time to experiment with sex toys, or engage in rough sex – however routine intimacy is perfectly healthy if both you and your partner are willing. And there is no need to worry that you will physically or emotionally scar your baby for life.

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.

If you are the kind of woman who enjoys nothing more than heading to a cocktail bar after work on a Friday, you might be feeling left out now that you’re pregnant. You may be feeling too tired after working hard all week, and end up passed out on the sofa by 8pm. Or perhaps you’re just not enjoying being the only sober one at the party. Whatever it is, you’re probably missing your weekly gossip with friends. Fear not, just because you can’t drink alcohol, doesn’t mean you have to drink water. Here are five delicious mocktail recipes for you to try at home:

The Cure
½ cup fresh apple juice
dash lemon juice
dash grenadine
ginger ale to top up
lemon slice to garnish

Named so because of the ginger ale, which many women report to help during bouts of morning sickness. Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Add the apple juice, lemon juice, grenadine and then top up with ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Cos-mom-politan
¼ cup soda water
1 ½ tbsp fresh lime juice
1 ½ tbsp cranberry juice
1 tbsp orange juice
dash orange bitters
orange slice to garnish

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of orange.

The Fizz
1 tbsp blackcurrant cordial
dash lemon juice
lemonade to top up

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice, add the ingredients and mix together. This drink can also be served in a champagne glass if used as an alternative drink to toast with. Cheers!

Mom-garita
½ cup lime juice
¼ cup agave syrup
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
slice of lime to garnish

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain and pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Baby Bellini
2 tbsp peach juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
sparkling apple juice to top up

This is a classic virgin cocktail. Combine the peach and lemon juices in a champagne flute, and top up with sparkling apple juice.

Pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to stay home though, bars and restaurants usually have a number of alcohol-free cocktails on the menu for you to choose from. So enjoy your next night out with the girls, assuming you’re not too tired after a day in the office.

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.

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.

Do you ever wonder if the glow of pregnancy is caused by the increased amount of sweat that seems to be excreted from your body at the most inopportune times?

Sweating during pregnancy is one of the most common – but often not talked about – symptoms of pregnancy. For many women, the sweating comes out of nowhere. You may find that you suddenly get hot flashes for no apparent reason at all, and have a more difficult time tolerating warmer temperatures. While everyone else is freezing, you are shedding clothes in an effort to not soak your garments in sweat. The good news is that this is perfectly normal. The not-so-good news is that this increase in sweating during pregnancy is caused by surges of hormones that change nearly every physiological aspect of your life.

During pregnancy, your blood flow and metabolism are increased – which can cause your body to perspire, or sweat, more. Additionally, pregnancy can cause your body temperature to raise slightly. While you may not be working out in the traditional sense of the word, your body is constantly in the process of making another human, which is HARD work. This can account for the excess sweat, and make it a little more bearable since you are performing the ultimate act of human creation.

Hormones, of course, are to blame as well. The surges, increases and decreases in hormones that constantly occur during pregnancy can be likened to those felt during menopause, and is likely responsible for your hot flashes. As long as you aren’t running a fever or having flu-like symptoms, chances are your overactive sweat glands are just something you will have to deal with.

Another thing that can lead to the sweating is a change with your thyroid gland. For some women, pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism which can attribute to an increase in sweating. If you have heart palpitations or other symptoms that coincide with the sweating, a phone call to your doctor may be in order.

For the most part, this sweating is NOT dangerous. Although if you feel as though you are overheating, you should take time to get out of the sun, into the air conditioning and cool yourself so you don’t overheat. In cooler months, wear layers of clothes so that when the ‘sweats’ hits you, you can cool off by removing layers. It is also important that you stay hydrated, and keep water on hand at all times. Dehydration during pregnancy can be dangerous, and the best way to ensure you don’t become dehydrated is to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

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 2016. All rights reserved.

“It’s time!”  Those two little words quickly replaced lace lingerie, and making out on the couch as prerequisites to sex.  While the old cliché that married life drastically reduces a couple’s sex life and drive may be true – it is the complete opposite when a couple begins ‘trying’ to conceive (TTC).  In just a few short weeks, you can go from knowing very little about the intricacies of ovulation and conception, to rivaling the know-how of any good doctor in town.  And of course, the sex is an absolutely important part of the plan.

What happens in far too many instances is that sex becomes an act of creation rather than an act of passion and romance.  Sure, it might be sort of fun, but basically man and woman are simply waiting for the big finale, going through the motions so to speak – so that the woman can lie on the bed with her feet stuck straight up in the air for the suggested ten minutes.  You know… to allow the sperm to sink in to the uterus so those silly fellows can find the awaiting egg.  It’s funny really.  If baby making truly took a bunch of tricks and acrobatic acts to be successful, I imagine that pregnancy rates would be a lot lower than they are today!

There are all sorts of methods of conception that can help you to plan a birth date or sway the chances of conceiving one gender or another.  In the time it takes you to read all these books and effectively subtract the ‘fun’ out of your sex life, you could have conceived already.  Today, we are a society that tries to control too much, and in some instances of life, such as having a baby, we should leave things up to destiny to show us the path.

After a month or two of this TTC, partners often feel lifeless in the sack and completely exhausted from the stress and pressure of trying to make a baby.  If it doesn’t work right away, worry sets in heightening anxiety and often distancing partners sexually and otherwise.  Research strongly suggests, that in many cases this is exactly what keeps us from conceiving.  The release of stress hormones just doesn’t coincide with the hormonal reactions necessary to producing children.  Perhaps that is why so many babies are conceived in the most precarious of places, like the backseat of the car, the kitchen counter, an elevator or during a Christmas Party at your folk’s house during a quick trip to the bathroom with your partner.  (Ooh la la)

Wanting to have a baby definitely changes your life.  However, you should take this opportunity to enjoy the freedom of being able to make love anytime you want without worrying about waking up children.  Trust me, once a child is born you will reminisce about the old days of sex!  Remember to keep it real and rather than try to make stringent plans that fall in line with your lifestyle or desire to give birth in a certain month of the year – take the stance of simply ‘not trying to NOT get pregnant.’ That is exactly how MOST folks end up pregnant to begin with.

Remember, HAVE FUN.  Keeping sex fun while TTC can help reduce the stress of wanting a baby. And we all know, stress is not good for couples trying to conceive.

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.

We live in a new age, where there are more and more single, pregnant mothers. Is it socially acceptable to date while you are pregnant in this world where the ‘rules’ are constantly changing? Are there men out there who are actually interested in dating pregnant women?

The reality is YES!!  If you are newly pregnant, and aren’t showing yet, it is most important to be honest with a potential date about your pregnancy. If you are showing, then chances are if the man wants to date you, he is accepting of you and the fact that you are pregnant. He may have some questions about the dad, but chances are if he is interested in dating you than he is not interested in judging you. And, you should ignore the judgments of other people in your life who may not be supportive of your endeavors to find love while you are pregnant.

Pregnancy changes many things in life.  The one thing it doesn’t change is who you are. Nowadays, there are more and more open minded men who will be able to look past your pregnancy and be romantically interested in YOU for YOU.

The real hurdles lie in the fact that dating someone while you are pregnant with another man’s baby can be complicated for the budding relationship.  You are also in a place in your life where you will be making many changes, and may find that your tastes and interests in men now, are much different than they were before you had a baby.

The reality is that more and more single and pregnant women today are putting themselves out there in the world of dating. As long as you aren’t looking for a father for your baby – and are instead looking to add fulfillment and happiness to your own life, you shouldn’t feel ashamed by dating. Be honest with your date, and realize that pregnant or otherwise, life goes on. Dating while pregnant may be a new concept – but it certainly isn’t one that you should automatically shut out.

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 2013. All rights reserved.