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

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

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

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

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

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

How are you nurturing your relationship during pregnancy?

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

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

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

How to check your breasts

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

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

What to look for

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

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

Breast cancer

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

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

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

When you become pregnant, you immediately get initiated into a secret society of camaraderie and support where other mothers finally accept you as “part of the group.” Sharing the bond of motherhood is part of the human quilt that threads us together as females. But it can also become a time of competition, struggle, and frustration as each and every one of us has differing opinions and ideas about what is best for our families.

Suddenly, a single post on Facebook or a decision in regard to your pregnancy or childbirth, or method of raising your infant can ignite fire among family and friends who disagree with you. Suddenly, your decision to breastfeed or not, to cloth diaper or use disposables, to put your child in nursery school or stay home is seemingly up for public scrutiny. Then, you realize that the threads that bind us together can also pull apart at the seams and you begin to search for like-minded mothers to bond with.

It’s important to realize as you become a mother that not everyone is going to agree with you, and that no mother is perfect. Every mother is learning as she goes, and the decisions you make – will be different from those of even your best friend or loved one. It is unnecessary to feel as though you have to defend your parenting decisions or explain to others the choices you make as a mother, even during pregnancy. Certainly, everyone has their own opinion (including you) and few hesitate to give it. But that doesn’t mean that you have to feel as though a disagreement, or difference of opinion when it comes to parenting is enough to break-up a relationship. In other words, we all have to learn to agree to disagree with one another, and to feel confident enough in our decisions and choices as mothers to not get baited into every argument that comes our way.

In fact, instead of trying to feel validated by others, use the differences to learn and to gather ideas. Use reason to keep your mind open to new and differing ways of doing things. You never know, one day the advice (even unsolicited) may come in handy. Our children do not come with instruction manuals, and the truth is, we really can learn from one another. We really can mother differently but still get along and find the much needed support and love that comes from sharing the common bond of motherhood.

Your best bet is to not get involved in the mama wars. Remember, you don’t have to show up to every battle you’re invited to. Stand your ground, and always remember that you know what is best for you, your pregnancy, your baby and your family. At the end of the day, we are all in this together – and we all need one another’s support most of all.

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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu and other illnesses than non-pregnant women of the same age. The reason is simple. You are making a baby, which means not only are all of your bodily systems working hard, but your immune system is suppressed causing your own personal immunity and defenses to be weakened. Even worse is the fact that the flu can pose serious health risks and complications (not to mention 100 times the discomfort) during pregnancy.

Additionally, severe flu symptoms and complications which develop more easily in pregnant women can affect the growing baby, as well. This is one reason that many obstetricians recommend pregnant women, or those planning to get pregnant during flu season, get inoculated with the flu vaccine. In most cases, even if you do contract the flu during pregnancy after being vaccinated, the CDC suggests that your chances of developing life threatening complications to you or your baby are reduced by more than 50 percent.

One reason many pregnant women avoid getting a flu shot is because they are afraid that the vaccination will harm their babies. According to the CDC, a small amount of mercury (called thimerosal) is a common preservative in multidose vaccines. Despite concerns, thimerosal-containing vaccines have NOT been shown to cause autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, if you have concerns about mercury, ask your doctor about a preservative-free vaccine. All routine vaccines are also available without added thimerosal. The CDC says pregnant women may get flu shots either with or without thimerosal.

If you do get the flu while you are pregnant, it is important to let your health care provider know as soon as possible. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests pregnant women get treated within 48 hours of the first symptoms of the flu in order to reduce the chances of developing serious complications. Also, remember that many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies are not safe for pregnant women, and you need to contact your health care provider to make sure you are taking medications that will not harm your unborn baby.

If you are pregnant, try to stay away from people who you know are sick. Wash your hands often, and keep hand sanitizer nearby. There is no need to stay indoors and away from others out of fear of getting sick, however being proactive and using common sense can help you to remain healthy during your pregnancy.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

The holidays are undoubtedly a stressful time. Of course, it’s great to spend time with loved ones, share presents and eat good food while watching nostalgic movies. But along with all of that, comes spending time with people you’d rather avoid, eating too much, and – perhaps –  family rows. So how do you go about surviving the holidays during pregnancy?

1. Be realistic – you need to know your limitations. If you usually travel across the country to spend Christmas with your folks, but your baby is due on New Years, you’ll probably prefer to stay closer to home this year. If you’re suffering with backache or general discomfort, you should try to avoid unnecessary, long-distance travel over the festive period. If you’re feeling tired, you may want to leave your social calendar a little emptier this year, and give yourself time to recover after big events.
2. Take it easy – whether you’re in the throes of the first trimester nausea, or exhaustedly lugging around a full term bump, you should try to take it easy this holiday season. Make sure you get enough rest, drink plenty of water, eat healthily and try to get some exercise each day.
3. Staying sober – if you usually enjoy Christmas over the limit, you may feel left out sitting soberly on the sidelines this year. Just because you can’t drink alcohol, doesn’t mean you just have to drink tap water, though. Why not whip up some exotic mocktails for the occasion, and indulge yourself in a variety of fruit juices, flavoured waters and soft drinks? If you’re worried about feeling left out while everyone indulges, ask your partner to join you on your temporary wagon, and enjoy your last holiday together before the new baby arrives.
4. Emotional turmoil – with the nostalgic Christmas films, emotion-fuelled television adverts, and countless family memories, Christmas has the potential to become a sob fest. Add to that the hormones, sleepless nights and anxiety of pregnancy, and you may just have a recipe for disaster. You may end up sobbing into your sprouts or even screaming across the spuds. Try to remember that the holidays are a time for heightened emotions, and so it’s easy for things to get out of hand. Stay calm, and try to enjoy your festive period.
5. Eat healthily – don’t worry, you can have the odd treat, but do try to stick to a healthy diet over Christmas. Gobble up the occasional mince pie, but be sure to also eat your fair share of fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables. Eating little and often can help to reduce dizziness during pregnancy, so try to keep healthy snacks in the house for this.

Are you dreading the holidays with a bump, or looking forward to them?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes that can cause mild illness for those exposed. Zika virus infection is also associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome where a person’s nervous system attacks itself, causing weakness and possibly paralysis. For pregnant women Zika virus can cause birth defects in the developing fetus, such as microcephaly, impaired growth, or vision or hearing problems. Babies with microcephaly have heads smaller than expected for their age, and often have brains that are smaller and underdeveloped. Zika virus has also been linked to miscarriage and stillbirth. Experts do not know the probability of Zika virus exposure on the developing fetus. Transmission of Zika virus to the fetus has been documented in all trimesters of pregnancy. One study suggested that microcephaly would occur in 1%-13% of babies born to mothers infected in the first trimester (Cauchemez 2016). A recent study from Brazil found abnormal outcomes including stillbirth, growth restriction, and microcephaly in 29% of fetuses of Zika-infected mothers in all trimesters (Brasil 2016).

Mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus have been found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, a number of Pacific island countries, several African countries, and in the southern United States. Experts predict that the virus will continue to spread. You can find a list of countries with high, moderate and low risk of exposure to Zika here or here.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms and signs of a Zika virus infection include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, and eye redness. The incubation period (the time from being bitten until symptoms appear) for Zika virus is 3 to 14 days. Symptoms typically last for several days to a week. For most people, Zika virus is a very mild illness not requiring hospitalization and with no long-lasting complications.

To diagnose Zika virus, your doctor will ask about your travel history and symptoms. The virus can be confirmed with blood or urine tests. Most people with Zika virus have no signs or symptoms. So, if you have traveled or live in an area with the virus, testing may be recommended.

There are no immunizations to prevent a Zika virus infects, nor are there medications to treat Zika virus. Treatment typically consists of comfort measures for symptoms, such as rest, hydration and acetaminophen / paracetamol for symptom relief. Avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

If you are currently pregnant

Experts suggest that pregnant women cancel or postpone any non-essential travel to areas of the world where Zika virus is widespread. Experts don’t know if there is a time during pregnancy when travel to these areas is more dangerous compared to an earlier or later point in pregnancy. If you live in or travel to an area with Zika virus, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test to assess your Zika status and a baseline ultrasound to check your baby’s growth. These tests can also rule out other related infections (such as dengue or chikungunya viruses).

If you must travel or if you live in an area where Zika is prevalent, healthcare providers recommend protecting yourself from bug bites by using an insect repellent containing DEET (The recommended concentration of DEET varies from country to country so you should discuss this with your healthcare provider), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol and IR3535. These products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Other measures to protect yourself include:

• Wear light colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably treated with an insect repellent
• Use screens on windows and doors
• Use a mosquito net around the bed for sleeping
• Use air conditioning, if possible
• Get rid of any standing water in buckets, pools, bird baths, etc. as these serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos

Zika virus can be spread with sexual contact, if you are currently pregnant, experts recommend using a condom (for intercourse) or a dental dam (for oral sex) or abstaining from sex altogether until after the baby’s birth.

If you are trying to become pregnant

While the decision to start a family is a personal one, discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider before conception can improve pregnancy outcomes, especially if you live in or visit an area with widespread the Zika virus.

Whether you live in an area with the Zika virus, or you have visited and may have been exposed, experts recommend:

• If you have Zika symptoms …
  • Women should wait at least 8 weeks after symptoms start before trying to conceive.
  • Men should wait at least 6 months after symptoms start before trying to conceive.
• If you have no Zika symptoms …
  • Women and men should wait 8 weeks after exposure to try to conceive.

If your partner has traveled

If your partner has recently traveled to an area of the world where Zika virus exposure is possible, then he or she could possibly infect you, which may adversely affect your baby. If he does not have Zika virus symptoms, wait at least 8 weeks before trying to conceive. If he has Zika virus symptoms, wait at least 6 months before becoming pregnant. If you are already pregnant, use a condom to prevent exposure, or avoid sexual contact until your baby is born.

If you (or your partner) have traveled to an area with Zika virus, continue using insect repellent for several months after your return so mosquitoes cannot transfer the virus from you to your family.

Can I transfer the virus to my baby at birth?

If you have been exposed to Zika virus within 2 weeks of giving birth, there is a chance that the virus can be transmitted to your baby during the birth process, though experts do not know for sure if a newborn infected with Zika will experience the same types of problems as a fetus would.

If you have or may have had Zika virus, you should not save your baby’s cord blood as it could be infected with Zika virus.

What if I am breastfeeding?

While components of the Zika virus have been found in breastmilk, no cases of Zika virus attributed to breastfeeding have ever been recorded. If you are nursing, breastmilk is still the best choice even if you have been exposed to Zika virus. Your body may be making antibodies to your exposure that will be protective for your baby – but we don’t know for sure.

Can my baby get Zika virus? How can I protect him or her?

The most common way for babies and children to become infected with Zika virus is through mosquito bites. You can protect your baby by:

• Dressing your baby in clothes that cover the arms and legs.
• Use mosquito netting over the crib, stroller, and baby carrier.
• Control mosquitoes around your home with screens on windows and doors, and by removing any standing water.

Experts caution that you should not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age (or longer, depending on the product).

If your child develops Zika virus symptoms, take your child to the healthcare provider. Symptoms may include fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes.

Where can I find more information?

World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/

US Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/

UK NHS http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/zika-virus/Pages/Introduction.aspx

References

Brasil P, Pereira JP Jr, Raja Gabaglia C, Damasceno L, Wakimoto M, Ribeiro Nogueira RM, et al. Zika virus infection in pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro – preliminary report. N Engl J Med 2016; DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1602412.

Cauchemez S, Besnard M, Bompard P, Dub T, Guillemette-Artur P, Eyrolle-Guignot D, et al. Association between Zika virus and microcephaly in French Polynesia, 2013-15: a retrospective study. Lancet 2016; DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00651-6.

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

When you become pregnant, your body and mind will go through a multitude of changes. Some of these changes in mood and emotions are simply a result of hormones. Others are physical and coincide with the changes going on with your body. But mostly, the changes that occur during pregnancy are ones of transition – as you grow from one thing to another. From a woman to a mother.

Lots of people, lots of books and lots of websites and doctors have plenty of advice to give you. In fact, soaking it all in can be overwhelming. Today we share with you the 5 pregnancy tips you should know, that might just save your sanity.

1. Find out what you NEED to know and nothing more. The Internet gives us too much information and one Google search can have you spinning with worry and fret. If you have a question – ask your doctor, ask a friend, or do a simple search.  Stop reading when you start getting overloaded with too much information. And know when to stop listening to other people who think they are helping by giving you advice.

2. Trust yourself, your feelings, your intuition and your body. If you think something is wrong – then call the doctor. If your intuition tells you something, then believe it. No one knows YOU better than YOU. No one knows what YOUR pregnancy feels like better than YOU. If you complain to a physician and they give you a substandard answer that doesn’t feel right to you – dig further.

3. You don’t need a book to teach you how to become a mother. Sure, some baby proofing tips, some nutrition guidelines, and researching some options of child rearing are natural and normal. But motherhood is one thing you cannot learn from a book. You were BORN to be a mother. You WILL be an awesome mom, as soon as you realize to trust yourself and your instincts. Your baby won’t come with an instruction manual, this is true – but YOU will be able to provide him or her with everything he or she needs. If you have questions, ask. But remember that deep inside of you, you already know the right thing.

4.  Enjoy your pregnancy. It’s easy to get lost in the aches and pains, the stresses and the inability to see your feet. You may feel cumbersome and uncomfortable. You may worry. You may have indigestion, or feel nauseated. Still, take time to enjoy your pregnancy and to be thoroughly present during your pregnancy. Relish in those moments where you get to feel the baby move inside of you. Feel the magic when you hear your baby’s heartbeat. Enjoy how fast you are growing. Realize the miracle you are creating. The last thing you want is to feel regrets that you failed to enjoy your pregnancy once it’s over. This is YOUR time!  ENJOY IT. Even if you get pregnant again, you will never have THIS pregnancy again.

5.  Do pregnancy YOUR way! Remember, you don’t get a redo on this. If you have dreams of pregnancy, or want to wear a beautiful dress, or have your belly painted or casted, or pay for a 3D ultrasound – do it! It doesn’t matter what other people think. Make your pregnancy your own by making it as special as you want it to be!

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

It’s not something many people are willing to admit, but it’s not uncommon for parents to feel disappointed upon discovering the sex of their baby. For some, the disappointment may last just a moment, but for others it can last a lot longer.

You may feel unable to discuss your disappointment for fear of looking like a bad parent. You may worry about being judged for not feeling 100 percent happy about the pregnancy. Perhaps you’re worried you might upset friends who are having trouble conceiving? Whatever the reasons, it seems a lot of expectant parents feel unable to discuss their feelings on this issue.

There are plenty of reasons why people feel disappointed by the sex of their baby, including:

• already having a one-gender family and desperately wanting a child of the other gender
• feeling unable to connect with a child of a particular gender
• cultural or family pressure to produce a child of a specific gender
• a history of sexual abuse
• imagining the baby as one sex, only to find out it is the other

Dealing with the disappointment

The disappointment is real, and can sometimes feel like loss. Perhaps this is your last baby, you have a whole family of boys and were really hoping to have a girl, but have just discovered the baby is another boy. You should allow yourself to grieve for the daughter you hoped you were having, because that will help you to process your emotions.

Talking is an important coping mechanism when dealing with gender disappointment. Find someone you can talk to, without worrying about being judged, and let your heart pour out. This might be your partner, a real life friend or an online community, but find someone who will listen and respect your feelings.

After the birth

For many, the baby’s arrival rids any disappointment they were feeling during pregnancy. In fact, some couples choose not to find out the sex of their baby to avoid the potential months of disappointment for this very reason. When you are looking into the eyes of your beautiful new baby, you may decide that the gender is unimportant.

Of course, it’s not always that easy. For some, gender disappointment will continue after the birth. It doesn’t mean you are a bad mother, or that you do not love your baby, it just means you might need some help dealing with your disappointment. Speak to your healthcare provider if these feelings have not disappeared after the birth, they should be able to refer you to a specialist in postnatal care who can help.

Are you or your partner dealing with feelings of gender disappointment? Do you have any tips or advice to share with other pregnant women who may be in the same boat?

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

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