If you’re preoccupied with baby budgeting, you may not be in the mood for a mammoth shopping expedition. Whether you’re saving for that top of the range pram, or trying to minimise your spending, you may be trying to pick up maternity clothes at bargain prices.

There are some items, though, that you should splurge on, if you can afford to. These include:

• Maternity bras – if there is one time in your life when your breasts need good support, it’s now. Your breasts will grow during the pregnancy, and again after the birth if you decide to breastfeed. They may feel sore, itchy and tender, so they deserve a bit of TLC. Head down to your local department store, or invite a maternity bra specialist to your house, for a fitting. You will probably need to be fitted twice during pregnancy, once when you first outgrow your pre-pregnancy bras, and again around week 36 if you are planning to breastfeed. If you value comfort, it’s worth splurging on this necessary purchase. You can save a bit of money by choosing nursing/maternity bras which will be useful after the birth too.
• Occasion wear – whether it’s a wedding, charity ball or birthday party, if you’ve been invited to a special occasion, you deserve a splurge. You’re already going to be the sober one, and will probably spend most of the evening answering the same five questions about your pregnancy. So, if you’re feeling a little self-conscious about your body, invest in an outfit that makes you feel your best. There are lots of flattering dresses, expertly tailored suits, and cute skirts available in the maternity section, so shop around until you find something you love.
• Shoes – some women find that their feet grow during pregnancy. You may find yourself needing a bigger size of shoe. Comfort is paramount during pregnancy, so if your shoes are feeling tight, buy some new ones. Some pregnant women suffer from swollen feet and ankles by the end of the day, and properly-fitting shoes could be all you need to reduce this pregnancy symptom.
• Coat – if you’re pregnant over the winter months, you will want to invest in a warm maternity coat. By the end of the pregnancy, your pre-pregnancy coat probably won’t stretch over your bump, meaning you’ll be left vulnerable to the cold. Invest in a good quality, warm winter coat, and make sure there’s room to grow into it.
• Pyjamas – ok, you could just make do with an oversized t-shirt, but there are some really cute maternity pyjamas out there and you deserve a treat. After all the sickness, and the fatigue, and the stretch marks, and the barely getting any sleep because you always need a wee, you deserve some comfy pyjamas.

Remember, any clothes you buy can be saved for later pregnancies or sold after the birth, so you can (sort of) argue they’re an investment for the future.

What is your favorite maternity clothing splurge?

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Some women really do glow and exude self-confidence, from the moment they pee on the stick to the final push of labour. These women look amazing in maternity wear – even yoga pants – and seem to have been designed with pregnancy in mind. These women appear to be doing pregnancy ‘right’, and as they jog past you, momentarily blinding you with their glow, you can’t help but worry that you’re doing pregnancy all ‘wrong’.

Not all women feel confident and beautiful during pregnancy. For some, the changing body and continuous weight gain can take its toll. If you’re feeling self-conscious about pregnancy weight gain, the following tips may help to ease your mind:

1. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal – It’s not just normal, it’s expected. Your body is busily growing a whole other person, so of course you will probably put on a few extra pounds. Look around you, all of the other women at your prenatal class are looking pregnant too.

2. Weight gain doesn’t mean overweight – Weight gain during pregnancy is made up of lots of different things. On average, the placenta alone weighs 0.7kg (1.5lb), and the extra blood coursing through your veins is responsible for an extra 1.2kg (2.6lb). Your body stores fat in preparation for breastfeeding, so around 4kg (8.8lb) of fat is there to make sure you have the energy necessary for feeding your newborn. So don’t think of it as ‘fat’, think of it as pregnancy weight.

3. Pregnant bodies are beautiful – You may not feel it now, especially if you’re nearing the end of pregnancy. You may feel big, cumbersome and exhausted, but to most onlookers, you are beautiful. Your body has changed to allow you to grow, sustain and birth a new life. It might not be the Hollywood figure we’re used to seeing in the media, but that doesn’t mean you’re not rocking it.

4. It’s only temporary – It can be hard to adjust to the physical changes of pregnancy. As soon as you become accustomed to one change, something else changes. Your bump will continue to grow, your breasts will change and your face may look a little bigger by the end too. Through all of this, remember it is only temporary. After the birth, your body will start to shrink back down, and you will be able to regain a little bit of that sense of self you are currently longing for. You’ll even be able to get into your old jeans again.

5. Track your numbers – As long as your weight gain is within the healthy range for your pre-pregnancy BMI, you should have nothing to worry about. Your healthcare provider should have weighed you at your first appointment, and have offered you advice about healthy diet and weight gain. If you are concerned about weight gain, speak to your healthcare provider.

6. Nearing the finish line – if pregnancy has been nine long months of feeling insecure, worrying about weight gain and longing for your old body, you are probably keen to get to the finish line. Remember, when you do finally reach the finish line, your newborn baby will be waiting for you.

How do you feel about your changing body?

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 2018. All rights reserved.

As people no doubt keep telling you, you won’t get to spend much quality time with your partner once the baby arrives. You’ll be sleep deprived, nappy-changing, baby-rocking partners in crime, but you won’t get much alone time. For the first few months at least, any grown up moments snatched during naptime will probably be spent talking about how amazing the baby is. You’re probably thinking, there’s no way you’re going to be one of those mums. You will. At least for the first few months.

With this in mind, it’s worth making the most of your last few months of quality couple time, before you become infatuated and all-consumed by the tiny perfect bundle who’s about to steal your heart. Whether it’s a relaxing week in the Maldives, a once in a lifetime trip to New York, or a weekend in Paris you fancy, now is the time to do it.

Can I fly during pregnancy?

If you are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, you should be safe to fly during the first and second trimesters. If you are having a high-risk pregnancy, or have suffered spotting, excessive morning sickness or high blood pressure, you should speak to your healthcare provider before booking flights. You should also speak to your healthcare provider if you have previously experienced a miscarriage or preterm labour. They will assess your individual needs before recommending whether or not you can fly.

When is it unsafe to fly?

This is up to the individual airlines. Most will happily accept your business up until week 27. From week 27 onwards, your risk of going into labour increases. Some airlines may be happy to take you further into the third trimester, but others may refuse. You will need to contact the airline to check their policies. Some may require a letter confirming your due date signed by your healthcare provider.

By the time you reach your final month of pregnancy, most airlines will refuse to carry you. If you are carrying twins, this cut off point may come even sooner. You will need to check each airline individually to find out what their policies are for flying during the third trimester.

Will flying harm my baby?

No. Your baby will not be affected by the cabin pressure. However, you should avoid flying in smaller planes that do not have cabin pressure.

When is the best time to fly?

The best time to fly is probably during your second trimester. By that point, you should hopefully be over the fatigue and nausea of the first trimester. By the time you reach your third trimester, you will find it more difficult to get comfortable, and may struggle to find airlines who will carry you.

The second trimester is seen as the ideal time to take a babymoon, or enjoy time with friends and family. Book your tickets, pack your bags and remember these top tips for flying during pregnancy:

1. Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
2. Comfort before style – wear comfortable loose fitting clothes
3. Ask for an aisle seat – stretch those legs
4. Go for a waddle – walk around if you are starting to feel uncomfortable

Bon voyage!

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Hoorah, you’ve finally found on a first name you can both agree on. After months of searching, weeks of list-compiling, and hours of arguing, you’ve finally found the one. It’s perfect. You’ve tested it every way you can imagine, and it has passed with flying colours. It sounds great with your surname, it can’t be shortened to anything resembling a rude word, and it doesn’t mean toilet in Japanese.

As you and the daddy-to-be breathed a collective sigh of relief, you suddenly realised you’d only half finished. “What about the middle name?” you exclaimed in unison, fighting back the tears. Suddenly you were back at square one, or it felt that way at least. Fear not, here are some tips to help you in choosing a middle name for your baby:

1. Choose a sentimental name – if there is a special friend or family member, perhaps one who is no longer with you, then this a great way to honour them. The added bonus is that if your favourite uncle was called Gravel, it’s only going to be your baby’s middle name so not many people will know it.
2. Be inspired by the great – sports personalities, world-changing politicians and great historical figures can all provide inspiration. Bradley Wiggins has undoubtedly spawned a few namesakes since his impressive summer of sport in 2012. It’s also possible there will be a few extra baby Margarets following the death of Margaret Thatcher.
3. Take inspiration from the arts – if you or your partner have a favourite character from a book or film, you could name the baby after them. The name Jessica proved popular last year, and this could be down to the success of the US sitcom New Girl. Similarly, when Titanic came out, Rose and Jack were both climbed up the baby name charts.
4. Make it fair – if you chose the first name, perhaps it’s fair to let the father-to-be select the middle name. Or vice versa. That way you’ve both had input into the name. If your bump will have an older sibling, you could let them choose the middle name.
5. How does it sound? – it’s perfectly ok to select a middle name for no other reason than it worked with the first and last names. You don’t need to have a long backstory as to why the name was chosen, you can just say it sounded good.
6. Don’t have one – this might seem controversial, but middle names aren’t mandatory. Some people think they make a name sound more complete, but if you don’t agree then don’t spend hours fretting over it. Not everybody has a middle name.

If you have found a name you both like, then that’s all that matters. Let us know what middle name you’ve chosen.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Many women plan their pregnancy around the different seasons of the year. Perhaps they want to avoid being in the third trimester during the dog days of summer. But for many of us, pregnancy comes when it comes – and we find ourselves looking forward to a summer due date. Which also means that we will spend the third trimester during the long, hot, dog days of summer!

Heat can often be an enemy of a pregnant woman. Outdoor heat can lead to an increased swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, legs and face – and can make it seem even more difficult to breathe between the steamy air and compression of weight on your lungs.

Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to survive summer pregnancy with your sanity in tact.

1.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The summer heat may cause you to swell and sweat, but it can also dehydrate you. Make sure that during the hot summer months, you are drinking plenty of water. If you spend time outdoors sweating, water needs to be your best friend. Also, think about frozen beverages and treats such as slushies and popsicles! As long as you stick to sugar- and alcohol-free concoctions, you can hydrate in style as often as you want.

2. Never under-estimate a dip in the pool. In fact, a summer pregnancy can be the perfect time to invest in a wading pool. Even better is that a little floating and swimming is the perfect sort of exercise for your pregnant body as it doesn’t put undue pressure on your joints and muscles. You will find that your body is super buoyant, and that a dip in a cool pool can be just the thing to get you through a hot summer pregnancy! Just remember that your skin may burn more easily, and you need to wear a safe, natural sunscreen to protect you from getting sunburnt.

3.  Take a load off! The heat is certain to tire you out a little more. Whether you are playing outdoors or taking a walk, make sure that you take time to rest and relax. One great idea is to put a hammock in your favorite shade tree! If you find that you are swelling more than normal, come inside to the air conditioning and prop up those feet. Someone else can handle the gardening and lawn maintenance until the baby arrives.

Truth is, while being pregnant in the heat of summer can be frustrating, it is a great time to have a baby. Summer born babies have less run-ins with colds and flu, are less susceptible to respiratory viruses, and mom and baby will be able to spend time outdoors without worrying about freezing or bundling up too much.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

It is very rare for women to catch chickenpox during pregnancy. Only around 0.3% of women will become infected with chickenpox while they are pregnant. Most people contract chickenpox in childhood; though, with the advent of the chicken pox vaccine, the number of cases has decreased dramatically. Around 90% of pregnant women are immune to chickenpox.

I’ve had chickenpox before

If you have previously suffered from chickenpox, you may be immune to the disease for the rest of your life. However, the virus does remain in your body and has the potential to reactivate. It is rare to have a second case of chickenpox, though it does happen occasionally.

I haven’t had chickenpox before

If you haven’t previously had chickenpox, then you need to be careful throughout the pregnancy. If you come into contact with chickenpox or shingles, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately.

You are most at risk of contracting chickenpox if:

• You have face-to-face contact with an infected person.
• You are in the same room as an infected person for at least 15 minutes.

If you have been in contact with an infected person, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not wait to develop symptoms. It can take up to three weeks to develop symptoms of chickenpox, so you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as contact occurs.

You can catch chickenpox from a person infected with shingles. You should avoid coming into contact with the shingles virus if you have not previously had chickenpox.

If you don’t know whether you have had chickenpox before, you should contact your healthcare provider. They may choose to test your blood for immunity to the virus.

Will chickenpox harm my baby?

Chickenpox during pregnancy rarely causes complications for mother or baby. However in some cases, chickenpox can lead to serious consequences. Around 10% of pregnant women infected with chickenpox will go on to develop pneumonia.

The seriousness of contracting chickenpox during pregnancy depends on your stage of pregnancy:

• Before week 28, there is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage. However, up to 2% of babies may experience side effects because of the infection.
• Between week 28 and 36 your baby is very unlikely to be affected, although he may develop shingles in early childhood.
• After week 36, your baby has a 50% chance of being infected.
• If you develop chickenpox within seven days of giving birth, your baby may develop severe chickenpox.

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• a bleeding rash
• a severe rash
• drowsiness
• breathing problems
• vaginal bleeding
• vomiting

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried about chickenpox during pregnancy.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Standing in a grocery store check out line with a cranky 18 month old who had totally (and suddenly) developed a strong willed mind of her own, it hit me. Here I was, 16 weeks pregnant, 4 months along – with another child, when the one that I already had was entering the threshold to the terrible two’s. She was too young to understand WHY mommy was tired, to grasp why I was a little crankier than usual and was still in the midst of mourning the loss of her own bedtime breastfeeding sessions with massive nighttime tantrums that left her sleeping in my bed.

What was I thinking?

All I could think about was that soon, I would have an infant, AND an independent two year old who still believed that the world revolved around her.  How was I going to cope with both? How would my daughter, who had been a one and only all her life, suddenly be able to share my time? And as the pregnancy progressed, how in the world was I going to keep up with her and the demands of my body?

One of the beauties, that we far too often overlook during a first pregnancy, is that with no other children in the home we can live in our world of dreams. We can nap when we want to, rest when we need to. We don’t have to submit to the constant demands of a child that needs caring for around the clock, and we certainly don’t have to feel guilty about being pregnant.

With the second pregnancy, regardless of how far apart your children are conceived – the emotions and amount of energy it takes can be all consuming. With the dream of a large family, with having more than one child, also comes the consequence of our children having to deal with mom being pregnant. And the reality is that when they are very young, the idea of a baby in mommy’s belly is as easy to conceptualize for them as a Dr. Seuss book.

There are however some words of advice, from someone who ‘has been there done that’ that can help.

1. Let go of guilt! Sure your only child won’t be an only child anymore. They will have to share. But this will also make them a brother or sister and will enrich their lives in many ways. Even if your toddler says they don’t want a baby brother or sister, or seems to be acting up because of the pregnancy, things will level out in the long run. One of the worst traps you can fall into is allowing your parenting to be led by guilt.
2. Rest with your child. Instead of trying to get things done when your child is napping, nap with them. Make sure that you utilize time to rest so that you can keep your emotional and physical batteries charged.
3. Talk often to your child about their baby brother or sister to be. It is important that you make your toddler feel involved. Tell them stories about how amazing it will be to be a big brother or sister. Ask for THEIR input about the baby. In other words, allow them to feel included. Most importantly, up-play their role as the BIG KID in the house. Also, consider allowing your toddler to help decorate the nursery or make something special for your newborn.
4. Don’t allow others to forget your toddler. Let’s face it, people get pretty wrapped up in a new baby and a pregnancy. And this can make your toddler feel worse. When people try to focus on your pregnancy – try to avert attention to your toddler. The last message your toddler wants to hear is that they are no longer important to anyone.
5. Ask for help when needed. You will be surprised how many people will be willing to help you. Too often, moms get caught up in the notion that they should be able to ‘do it all.’ The sooner you let go of this notion, the better off you will be.
6. Make sure your child has people and a place they feel comfortable without YOU. When delivery day comes, your child needs to know what will happen. Make sure that you make plans with family and or friends ahead of time and discuss them with your toddler so that they won’t be apprehensive come delivery day. Consider allowing your child to stay at home and have family members come to your house if they are apprehensive about sleeping away from home.
7.  Stay in your routine. To a toddler, a routine is imperative to their behavior and emotions. Try to keep things as normal as possible for as long as possible – even after the baby is born.
8. Be flexible. The reality will be that things ARE going to change. You may not be able to do everything by ‘the book’ with either the pregnancy or the new baby. Parent intuitively by listening to your needs.
9. Last but not least – remember that your 2 year old will remember things, whereas your newborn will not. Once the baby comes, make sure to schedule some special, alone time with your older child/ren so that they still feel special.

One thing is for sure. Time seems to make everything better. Most of the time our worries about what the future holds are far worse than the realities.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Many pregnant women wonder when they will feel their baby kick for the first time. Your baby starts moving around inside you, during the first trimester. At around week eight, your baby will start to bend and startle. You probably won’t be able to feel anything for quite some time though. Remember, at this stage, your baby is very small. You need to wait for him to bulk out a little, before you can start feeling his kicks and nudges.

When will I feel the first movements?

Most women first feel their baby move between weeks 18 and 20. These initial movements may feel like butterflies in your tummy. Some mums don’t feel anything until a bit later into the pregnancy, depending on the position of the placenta. Second time mums often feel movements sooner, partly because they already know what it feels like.

As your baby grows bigger and stronger, so too will the movements. Over time, the movements will become more deliberate and more frequent. Your baby will have times of rest, and periods of activity just like you. Although, as luck would have it, they don’t often choose to match your schedule. You may find that your baby starts their acrobatic session at around the time you’re trying to get some sleep.

By week 24, your baby may start to get hiccups. This can be quite an odd sensation, but doesn’t usually last very long. As your baby gets more cramped in the uterus, rather than somersaults, you will now be feeling a series of punches and kicks, as your baby tries to get comfortable.

Bonding

Some women report that feeling their baby move for the first time, made the pregnancy seem more real. When your baby is moving around, you know they are awake so this is a great chance to bond. You can talk to your bump so that baby gets used to your voice. This is also a great opportunity for dad to bond with the bump. Let him feel your stomach as his baby kicks, and get him to talk to the baby too. Many dads report how special it was when they felt their baby kick for the first time.

Reduced foetal movements

Your baby will establish a normal pattern of movement, such as somersaults at bedtime. All babies are different, but you will soon learn your baby’s routine. There is no need to write down each kick, but it is worth paying attention to the general pattern. If you notice you haven’t felt your baby kick at his usual acrobatics time slot, you might feel concerned.

Doctors and midwives usually recommend that you begin counting movements of your baby around the 7th month of pregnancy (about 28 weeks). Around this time you will get to know the pattern of your baby’s movement in a much better way, so you will be able to report any changes to your care provider.

Record the kicks

To record the kicks, choose a time of day when your baby is usually active. Try to count the kicks around the same time each day. Most women find that the best time to do this is 30-60 minutes after dinner since that is often when your baby is most active. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Start a new session when you begin counting your baby’s movements.

Use our App and continue counting by pressing the kick button each time you feel a kick until your baby has moved 10 times. Count any movements including kicks, rolls, swishes, or flutters. If you can’t feel your baby move, try to wake the baby up by drinking a glass of juice, by eating or drinking something sugary, or by walking around for few minutes. Once your baby wakes up, start counting again.

If you notice a considerable INCREASE or DECREASE in movement compared to your baby’s normal daily activity, call your doctor immediately for further advice and directions. If you are worried, always contact your healthcare provider. Don’t wait for your next appointment, and never think your concern is silly.

Your healthcare provider may ask you to go in for monitoring. They will listen to your baby’s heartbeat, and they may offer you a scan, to check your baby is developing ok. In most cases, baby is fine and well, and just a little sleepy.

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

Pregnancy can be a daunting time. You have so much left to organise, you are on a hormonal roller coaster, and you’re probably exhausted. On top of all that, you may be a bit scared of meeting your new baby. Many mums worry that they won’t feel an instant bond with their baby. There’s no need to wait until after the birth, you can start to bond with your bump right now. Here are some ideas to help you start to build your lifelong relationship with your baby:

1. Talk to your bump – when your baby is born, one of the ways she will recognise you, is by the sound of your voice. Whether you talk directly to her or not, she’ll be used to hearing your voice in everyday life. Your newborn will be comforted by the sound of your voice. Talking to your bump is a great way to start the bonding process.
2. Write things down – keep notes of the memories you have of being pregnant. You could add a section to your baby book, for time spent in the womb. Does your bump always jiggle when drum and bass comes on the radio? Or has the baby ever kicked you so hard it’s left a bruise? Keep note of all these things so you remember them for years to come. You’ll be able to tell your child about them in the future.
3. Stroke your bump – respond to your baby’s kicks and nudges, by stroking that area of your bump. It’s amazing to think that each of those nudges is your baby moving around inside you. Take the time to appreciate that, and respond to baby by stroking or talking to your bump.
4. Relax and think – make sure you spend some time each day relaxing and focussing on your baby. It could just be fifteen minutes before bed, but make sure you have some time to enjoy your bump. Life can be so hectic, and relaxation is even more important for pregnant women. Slow down, and mentally prepare for life with a baby. You could do this while relaxing in the bath, or during your prenatal yoga session.
5. Make your baby a present – a knitted blanket, a handmade teddy or drawing for her bedroom wall, there are lots of things you could make. You might not have time when the baby arrives. Making your unborn baby a present is a great way to bond, and plan for the future. It doesn’t matter if what you make has missed stitches, ink smudges or uneven seams. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be from you.
6. Get daddy to bond too – men miss out during pregnancy. On the one hand, they miss out on the haemorrhoids, the swollen ankles and the acne. But they also miss out on the amazing aspects of pregnancy, like feeling your baby move inside you. Take your partner’s hands and place them on your bump so he can feel your baby kick. If he wants, he could talk to your bump too. The baby will recognise his voice when he’s born, and will be reassured by it.

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

For the duration of the pregnancy, as a partner you might feel a bit left out of things. You played a crucial role in the conception, but now there’s very little for you to do until the baby arrives. You might feel sidelined as your partner’s bump grows and her body changes to accommodate the growing life inside her. It’s important to remember that dads should enjoy pregnancy too.

While she feels every kick or hiccup, you may be unaware they happen most of the time. Mum-to-be has a constant, huge reminder of the pregnancy, but you may find yourself momentarily forgetting throughout the day. It’s easy to start to feel a little left out and uninvolved with the pregnancy. You may feel there’s little for you to do, but you’re wrong. Here are some easy ways you can play a vital role in the pregnancy:

1. Be there for her – your partner might be the one carrying the physical weight, but it’s easy to leave her carrying the emotional weight too. She’s on a hormonal roller coaster and may be suffering from extreme emotions. Be there to support her throughout the emotional ups and downs. Make sure she knows she can rely on you.
2. Ease the pain – pregnancy causes a lot of aches and pains. From foot rubs, to back massages, there are plenty of ways you can help to ease the pain of pregnancy. Small gestures like running a bubble bath, or offering to take care of the weekly shop, can also help to take the burden off your partner.
3. Always be prepared – while you can’t help grow the baby, you can prepare your home for the new arrival. You have a nursery to decorate, and you’ll want to finish any last minute DIY jobs around the house before the baby arrives. Finishing odd jobs, and putting up the cot, are great ways to get involved in the nesting period before the birth.
4. Back to school – accompany your partner to antenatal classes. In past decades, men had little to do with pregnancy and birth. Birth often happened behind closed doors, while men passed round cigars. These days, you’re likely to play an active role in the birth. You’ll get to witness the amazing event of a life being brought into the world, so make sure you’re clued up and useful in the birthing room. Antenatal classes will give you the information and confidence you need to support your partner through the birth.
5. Keep talking – communication is key to a healthy relationship. Pregnancy can be a scary time. Neither of you are that sure what to expect, and you are both probably apprehensive of the future. Your partner might be worrying about the birth itself, and whether she’ll struggle breastfeeding. You might be worrying about financially supporting your new family, or whether you’ll be a natural father. All of these thoughts are completely normal. Make sure you talk through all of your concerns together, this will strengthen your relationship and allow you to prepare for parenthood as a team.
6. Bump bonding – you might not be getting kicked in the bladder at 3am, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on bonding in utero. Newborn babies recognise familiar voices from the womb. Talk to the bump to familiarise the baby with your tones.
7. Take care of yourself – with a heavily pregnant, hormonal mum-to-be, and a to do list the size of the M1, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. If you’re exhausted and stressed, you’re unlikely to be much use to anyone, so make sure you take some you-time. Give yourself time to unwind and relax, so that your batteries can recharge.

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

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

A child entering the world, whether it’s your first or third, is a huge occasion that will impact upon every area of your life, so it’s no wonder you feel a little stressed at times. You’re probably tired out from growing a whole new person, you’ve got a to do list the size of your arm, and you’ve got lots of loose ends to tie up at work before you start maternity leave. Stress during pregnancy is pretty much inevitable and all women will experience it at some point.

Here are some tips to help you cope with stress during pregnancy:

1. Relax – easier said than done when you’re feeling stressed, but it is really important to relax. Leave your work worries, birth fears and to do list outside, and take some time to sit down and breathe for a while. Having a nice bubble bath (not too hot!) is a great way to unwind at the end of a busy day, and it will do wonders for those pregnancy aches and pains you’re no doubt suffering from.
2. Talk – if you’re feeling apprehensive about the birth, speak to your healthcare provider. If you are worried about the affect a new baby will have on your relationship, speak to your partner. You will need a support system in place for after the baby comes, so why not put them through their paces now by listening to your pregnancy woes?
3. Delegate – you have enough on your plate without also worrying about which type of baby bath to purchase. You’ve probably got two sets of soon to be Grandparents desperate to help out with any kind of baby related duty, so why not delegate a few of the less important jobs? That way you get to tick a few chores off your to do list, and Granny has been given something useful to do (so she can stop commenting on how much weight you’ve gained).
4. Rest – you might be struggling to sleep during pregnancy due to the huge bump getting in the way, but rest is a really important tool for fighting stress. Try using extra pillows in bed to provide comfort, and have naps during the day if this helps.
5. Planning – good planning is important for keeping stress at bay. If you’re feeling worried about money, try drawing up a budget for once the baby arrives. If you are losing sleep because you have too much to do, try to break down your to do list into manageable jobs and do a little bit each day. There’s no point overdoing it and putting yourself out of action because you’re exhausted.
6. Birth – some women cannot help but worry about the birth itself. Remember, women have been giving birth for thousands of years, and it is a natural process. Your healthcare provider will be on hand to help you during labour, and provide any medical support necessary. Try not to worry too much about the birth, and instead focus on meeting your baby for the first time.

If stress is causing you to lose sleep, or if you have lost your appetite or are more irritable than usual, and none of the above tips have helped, you should ask your healthcare provider for advice on stress management.

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

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are enlarged and swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. Haemorrhoids can range from slightly uncomfortable to very painful. They might itch, and can bleed during bowel movements.

Haemorrhoids during pregnancy

Haemorrhoids affect between 20 and 50 percent of all pregnant women. Most women who suffer from haemorrhoids, will develop them during the third trimester. Haemorrhoids are a common postpartum complaint, due to pushing during the second stage of labour.

Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from haemorrhoids for a number of reasons. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause the rectal wall veins to swell and bulge. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the rectal veins. Pregnancy hormones cause veins and arteries to relax to allow for the increased blood flow. The pregnancy hormone progesterone slows down the intestinal tract which can cause constipation. This all makes pregnant women more susceptible to haemorrhoids.

How to prevent hemorrhoids

There are a number of steps you can take to try and prevent hemorrhoids:

• Eat plenty of fibre – maintaining regular bowel movements is the best way to prevent haemorrhoids. By eating a high fibre diet, you can prevent constipation. Bran cereals, dried fruits, and pears are all high fibre foods. Switching to brown rice, brown pasta and wholemeal bread can also help to increase your fibre intake.
• Stay hydrated – dehydration can cause constipation. You should increase your fluid intake during pregnancy, so make sure you are drinking at least eight glasses of fluid a day.
• Pelvic floor exercises – these can improve circulation to the pelvic area, and can in turn reduce the risk of constipation and haemorrhoids.
• Sleep on your side during pregnancy to prevent pressure on the rectal veins.
• Don’t strain on the toilet. Straining can cause haemorrhoids.

Treatments for hemorrhoids

As well as following the advice above, you could try the following to ease haemorrhoids:

• Apply a cold compress or ice pack a few times a day.
• Soak your bottom in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes after each bowel movement. This will relieve discomfort and can be used as necessary.
• After bowel movements, use wet wipes or moist toilet paper, to clean your bottom.
• Ask your healthcare provider if they can advise any medicines that are safe to use during pregnancy.

If your haemorrhoid symptoms are persistent and severe, or if you are experiencing rectal bleeding, you should contact your healthcare provider.

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

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