You’ve probably already noticed that your immune system is at an all time low during pregnancy. Perhaps you have previously gloated that you ‘never get ill’, and now seem to be constantly fighting the sniffles. You may feel like all it takes is someone to sneeze in the same town as you, and you’ll spend the next two weeks in bed with a head cold.

It’s important to check all medicines are safe to use during pregnancy, and sadly with a cold, you may find that many aren’t. You should always check with your healthcare provider before taking a medicine during pregnancy. Sadly, you may find many of your go-to cold medicines are not suitable for use in pregnancy. Decongestants are considered unsafe for use during the first trimester, and experts disagree over whether they are safe later in the pregnancy.

To avoid using decongestants and other drug-based treatments altogether, give the following natural cold treatments a try:

• Natural decongestants – to try getting rid of your stuffy nose without reverting to hard drugs, you could use eucalyptus as a natural decongestant. Try placing a few drops of eucalyptus oil in an oil burner to help you breathe more easily. You could also try soaking in the bath, or having a nice hot shower, to let the steam work its magic on your sinuses.
• Natural throat soothers – to rid yourself of your raw, sore throat, try a soothing hot drink. Boil the kettle, and add about one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to a teapot. Add the water, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Decant into your favourite mug, and add a teaspoon of lemon juice and about a teaspoon of the sweetener of your choice (for example, honey, syrup or agave).
• Natural remedy for a cough – if your scratchy throat is keeping you coughing through the night, try gargling with salt and water. This may help to relieve the soreness in your throat, and prevent more coughing fits.
• Speed up recovery – to give yourself a fighting chance of being better by the weekend, make sure you get plenty of rest. You should also be sure to eat healthily and drink enough water to increase your chance of a speedy recovery.

If you are suffering from a fever, you may want to use medication to try and bring down your temperature. Check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to find out which medications are safe to use during pregnancy.

What are your tried and tested natural cold treatments 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 2017. All rights reserved.

The 16 weeks pregnant mark, or 4th month of pregnancy, is often a wonderful time in the life of a pregnant woman. Not only have all the icky side effects present in the first trimester disappeared – leaving you feeling full of energy – but this is also about the time that you will start to develop the beautiful baby bump! Maternity shopping here you come!

It’s also a wonderful time in the prenatal life of your baby. In fact, it is around this time that your baby is first able to see and hear.  He or she is still only 4-5 inches long and weighs only 3-5 ounces but is developing at a rapid pace! With the bones in his or her ears taking hold, you can now whisper sweet nothings to your baby and he or she will hear you. This is a great time to introduce your baby to your favorite music as well. Additionally, your baby is able to start seeing the difference light and dark, and may even be making cute little facial expressions. (These are all involuntary at this point.)

Many physicians will also schedule a sneak peek ultrasound around week 16 of pregnancy.  And yes, if you choose to find out the gender, the ultrasound at this point will be able to give you a fairly accurate guess of whether you are having a boy or a girl. If you want to find out the sex, you might want to wait until week 18 for the big ultrasound, just in case your due date is off.

As for you, things are probably going well. Weight gain will pick up, which is perfectly normal and okay. You aren’t likely feeling cumbersome and will likely rather enjoy the subtle roundness of your belly. Some of the early pregnancy symptoms which you may be glad to see go, will be replaced by some longer-lasting, but not so annoying pregnancy symptoms. For instance, you might start having some swelling in your feet, may have an increased appetite, nasal stuffiness, constipation, continued breast growth and an increase in vaginal discharge. Bleeding gums and problems with varicose veins may also start developing now. As your ligaments stretch, you may have some light back and abdominal pain, but nothing that will keep you down for long.

Your best bet now is to enjoy this time in your pregnancy. Things are fairly easy as of right now. Your baby is developing well and will soon be hitting rapid growth periods. Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising lightly and getting plenty of fluids and sleep. As you coast through the second trimester, know that the third trimester may not be as carefree and easy, as your pregnancy will probably start feeling more cumbersome.

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.

We are all adults here and while the word ‘herpes’ may cause shame and embarrassment, the truth is it more common than you think. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the reality is that as many as two thirds of the population is likely infected with some form of herpes.

What is it?

Essentially, herpes is a virus that lies dormant in your body until you are under stress or turmoil, or your immune system is compromised. For most people afflicted with herpes who receive medical attention, controlling the spread of the disease and managing the disease become a part of daily life. These people can live long, healthy and sexually-active lives without much backlash.

Will it harm my baby?

For women living with herpes who are pregnant, the biggest risk is passing the virus to their baby. This occurs if you are newly infected during the third trimester of pregnancy, or if you are having an outbreak when you go into labor. According to the CDC, women who have herpes under control, and who are not having an active infection during labor and delivery have less than a 1% chance of passing the virus to their baby. On the flip side, if the virus is ‘shedding’ or otherwise active during labor – many doctors will suggest that you have a cesarean birth to avoid infecting your baby. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends all women 36 weeks pregnant with a history of herpes take an oral anti-viral medication during the last month of pregnancy to lessen any chances that you will have an active infection when labor starts. This medication is considered safe for pregnant women, with no known side effects to your developing baby.

What can I do if I have herpes?

The biggest thing is for you to be honest with your practitioner during your pregnancy. While you may feel embarrassed, your doctor has likely dealt with a large number of pregnant women who have herpes. So if you have it – even if you haven’t had an infection for years – tell your doctor. This way when you have your exams, your provider can check for active lesions and you can be armed with the information you need to protect your baby.

The good news is that after your initial herpes infection, your body develops anti-bodies to the virus. These antibodies are passed onto your baby in the placenta, which is why experts believe your risk of passing the virus to your baby is low. Still, erring on the side of caution is your best defense. If you are having a difficult pregnancy that leaves you with fatigue or weakens your immune system, remember that an outbreak is highly possible. If you get an infection during pregnancy, call your physician for guidance. Above all, take strides to take care of yourself during 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 2017. All rights reserved.

Many women wonder whether hair color and perms during pregnancy are safe. Depending on where you look and whom you ask, you are likely to get a multitude of answers. Some folks say hair color is safe as long as it doesn’t touch the scalp, while others believe that any type of hair color or hair treatment is unsafe.

So what should you do? Should you scale down your beauty routine and give birth to your first baby with unkempt hair, or will it be okay to color or perm your hair during pregnancy and keep your routine intact?

To date, there has been no accurate research that directly links hair color or chemicals used in permanents to fetal damage during pregnancy. That being said, the chemicals used in hair color and perms have been shown to cause cancer and genetic disorders in animal studies when used in high doses (50 times the amounts used in salon treatments). It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that using any and all unnecessary chemicals during pregnancy – especially on the scalp which absorbs the chemicals into the blood stream – should be avoided when possible. That being said, highlighting your hair or getting a perm has never been proven to cause any damage. In fact, thousands upon thousands of women keep up their hair during pregnancy.

Some women feel strongly that their self-esteem is worth the temporary exposure to chemicals. Even more interesting is that health professionals believe pregnant women are exposed to more harmful chemicals from pollution on a day to day basis than they are with a quick hair color touch-up or permanent.

Perhaps the real question is: how will your hair react? It is an undisputed fact that, thanks to hormones, your hair, skin and nails change drastically during pregnancy. You may get a perm only to realize that your hair is not reacting the same as it had in the past. Or your hair may not take color as well as it did before. So perhaps more than worrying about the chemicals, you might be worried about the way you will look after your hair treatments. There are many women who have been getting perms or hair color all their life, only to find out the hard way that their pregnancy hair didn’t tolerate the procedures. (That explains the poodle hair I had during delivery!)

One option of course, is to shop for organic, semi-permanent hair colors and treatments. These options are obviously not as long lasting, but they may be a temporary fix to keeping up your hair while you are pregnant. If you have concerns, you can also check with your physician and gain his or her insight to help you make the decision about whether to perm or color your hair or not.

Did you have any hair catastrophes during pregnancy? Did you use hair dyes or perm your hair?

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 certainly a time of concern for every parent-to-be. At first, you are so excited about just being pregnant that you cannot contain yourself. Then, as time goes on, you hear more and more about prenatal screenings, things that can go wrong and horror stories of heartbreak from other women. It is easy and natural to become anxious. The best thing that you can do to arm yourself against worry is to do your research, and to be sure you understand everything that is going on with YOUR body.

The amniocentesis is one of the most common prenatal screening tests offered to pregnant women in the second trimester. It is normally done between week 16 and week 22, and is almost always an optional test. It does carry some risks, and there have been reports of miscarriage associated with an amniocentesis.

The strange thing is that many women don’t even know what it is, or what it is for, even when there schedule to have it done! Essentially, an amniocentesis is used to screen for genetic or chromosomal disorders. It can look for things such as Down Syndrome and even Cystic Fibrosis along with hundreds of other birth defects. Most often the test is only recommended for women if something uncertain is seen on the ultrasound, or if there are risk factors for genetic disorders. Knowing that certain diseases exist with your baby can help you to be prepared during childbirth, and also gives the medical staff a heads-up so they can have the appropriate neonatal experts on hand during your delivery. Some women even choose to terminate the pregnancy if they find out something catastrophic is wrong with their baby.

The problem is the test is not 100% accurate, and it is invasive. A small needle is placed inside your abdomen into the amniotic sac, and amniotic fluid is drawn from your body so that it can be tested for genetic defect. Additionally, many moms don’t want to know the outcome, because they know it’s not going to change their decisions about the pregnancy.

Your best defense, as mentioned above, is to know your options. If the test is encouraged by your doctor, ask WHY? Weigh the pros and cons, and be informed, even getting a second opinion if necessary. It is your body, your baby and your pregnancy.

The last thing you want to do is feel like a guinea pig during pregnancy. Yes, medical technology is an amazing and wonderful thing that can be helpful in many areas. But ultimately, consenting to the tests and screenings is always for you to decide.

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.

Your body aches. You can barely see your feet, but you are pretty sure they are swollen. Every time you sit down, you feel like you might pee on yourself. Your back is sore and your hips are cracking and popping every time you move. Not to mention, you are anxious about your upcoming birth, tired because it has been hard to sleep at night, and slightly stressed due to the rapid ebb and flow of hormones.

What can you do to make yourself feel better?  How about a pregnancy massage?

The reality is that as your belly grows, the muscles in your body have to work harder to keep you upright. This (as well as other things during pregnancy) can lead to all sorts of aches and pains. One of the best solutions is to have a pregnancy massage by a certified therapist who is licensed and experienced in the art of pregnancy massage. (This also makes a GREAT shower gift if you know someone who is pregnant.)

Massage therapists who specialize in the art of pregnancy massage have massage tables that accommodate your growing belly so that you can lie down on your tummy comfortably. Additionally, many massage therapists will use a combination of massage methods to help ease the stress and tension in your body. Did you know that there are active pressure points along your spine that, when massaged, can actually help you balance hormones?  And, having a pregnancy massage is also good for your baby. Remember, the more relaxed YOU are and the better YOU feel, the better your developing baby feels, as well.

Some techniques given during a prenatal massage can also help with specific troubles you may be having during pregnancy such as headaches, or nausea.

The key is finding a massage therapist who is experienced in prenatal massage. Some may even have specific licensing and specialized training in the art of prenatal massage. Chances are you can find the name and number of a prenatal massage therapist by talking to your doctor. In other words, make sure that you don’t go to just any massage therapist when you are pregnant.

It may feel indulgent. The truth is that you DESERVE to be pampered during pregnancy. Don’t have that much to spend? Another idea to take care of those sore and aching feet is to have a pedicure complete with a good foot massage. Rather than feel guilty about a pregnancy massage, realize that you are doing it for you AND your baby! The happier and healthier you are during pregnancy, the happier and healthier your baby will be 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.

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron, and this leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. There are other forms of anaemia, but iron deficiency anaemia is the most common.

Anaemia during pregnancy
Iron is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your developing baby. Pregnant women need to consume 14.8mg of iron a day, to make sure the baby is getting enough nutrients. Anaemia is a common condition during pregnancy.

You are more likely to develop anaemia during pregnancy if you:

• suffered from severe morning sickness
• are pregnant with multiples
• have recently had a baby
• have previously suffered from anaemia during pregnancy

Symptoms of anaemia
The most common symptoms of anaemia include:

• tiredness
• lethargy
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• headaches
• a pale complexion
• heart palpitations

Treatment for anaemia
Anaemia is most common during the second half of the pregnancy, when the iron stores in the body are running low. Your iron levels will be checked during one of your routine blood tests. If the tests reveal that you are suffering from anaemia or low iron levels, you will be offered an iron supplement to take.

During pregnancy, you have an increased risk of suffering from constipation, so you won’t be pleased to hear that this is a common side effect of iron supplements. Try drinking prune juice, eating a high-fibre breakfast cereal, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day, to reduce your chance of suffering from constipation.

Most women find the anaemia disappears after taking the iron supplements, however a small percentage of women may still suffer from low iron levels. These women are offered iron injections to treat the anaemia.

How to avoid anaemia during pregnancy
The key to avoiding anaemia, is to make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in iron. You should make sure you eat a variety of the following iron-rich foods:

• green leafy vegetables – spinach, watercress and kale are all high in dietary iron
• nuts and seeds – a handful of mixed nuts and seeds each day will increase your iron intake
• dried fruit – snacking on dried fruit throughout the day can increase your iron intake
• pulses – baked beans, and other beans, are high in iron
• lean meats – choosing lean meat can increase your iron levels
• fortified foods – soya milk and breakfast cereals are often fortified with iron and other minerals
• molasses – use this during baking to add iron to your diet

Try drinking a glass of orange juice alongside iron-rich foods. Orange juice makes it easier for your body to absorb iron from food. You should try to avoid consuming dairy products and caffeine with meals, as these foods can actually inhibit iron absorption.

How are you making sure you eat enough iron-rich foods 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 2017. All rights reserved.

When you’re pregnant, it feels like the entire world is trying to sell you things. They want you to buy their baby clothes, take their pregnancy supplements and save with their bank accounts. All of a sudden, a whole world of products you didn’t even know existed, is inviting you (and your soon-to-be maxed out credit card) inside for a look around. It’s easy to lose your way in the beautiful department stores, with their pristine display nurseries, and end up buying one of everything, even if you don’t know what half the products do.

As a mum-to-be with a teeny bladder, a love for baby clothes and a lot of hormones forcing you to cry at the smallest upset, you might feel like you need some help in the shopping department. If you’re on a budget, or like to keep things to a minimum, you might be wondering which items you need, and which will end up gathering dust. Here’s a list of five useless baby products being marketed to new parents.

Top and tail tub
Ok, some of you may find this useful, but realistically you could easily use two small tubs from around the house. You shouldn’t wash your baby’s face with the water you just used to wash their bum, but do you really need a whole new product to remember that?

Wipe warmer
Yep, you read that right, a warmer to heat your baby wipes. While it sounds like a wonderful idea, it is quite unnecessary and a lot of new parents mention this when discussing pointless purchases. Your baby won’t be horrified by room temperature wipes, so don’t waste money on this item. If you really want one, ask your parent friends if anyone has one stored away that you could borrow.

Nursing chair
These overpriced seats will set you back a pretty penny, but you’ll be unlikely to get your money worth. If you’re feeding the baby, you’re most likely to be seated in front of the TV so you have some entertainment, not sitting alone in a nursery with nothing but glass-eyed bears for company. During the early months, your baby is likely to be sleeping in your room anyway, so why not wait until your little one moves into their room before deciding whether this is a necessary purchase.

Matching cot set
When you’re waddling round the baby department, gazing at the kitted out pseudo-nurseries while rubbing your hand over your growing bump, you will probably feel an overwhelming urge to buy a matching cot set. After all, it comes with everything you could possibly need, and it all matches! But don’t waste your money, most of the set will go unused because bumpers, comforters and pillows increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While the sheet may still look beautiful, it’s probably not worth buying a whole set for.

Baby helmet
The baby you made is precious, and of course you don’t want him to bump his head. But, sadly, head bumps are a part of life. Parental supervision in the early days should ensure your child doesn’t suffer a serious head injury from a fall, so there’s no need to whack a helmet on him.

If you’re expecting your first child, speak to your mum friends to find out what they consider to be useless items. You don’t have to take their advice, if you want to buy a wipe warmer anyway then go right ahead. You could even see if anyone has one you can borrow to see whether it’s worth buying one.

Do you disagree with the list above? What would be on your list of five useless baby products?

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.

The summer vacation season may be winding down, but this doesn’t mean that you aren’t ready for a vacation, right? But is it safe to take off on that trip to the beach while you are expecting? Find out now with these pregnancy travel tips.

According to experts traveling during pregnancy if you are not having any complications, is considered safe and doesn’t pose any health risks. That being said, most physicians will recommend that you avoid flying or long distance travel late in the third trimester. In fact, some airlines have restrictions that keep women from flying from the 36th week of pregnancy onward without some form of medical waiver. If you DO have medical conditions then it is best that you discuss any and all travel plans with your doctor beforehand.

The biggest concerns of pregnancy travel have to do with you becoming exhausted, dehydrated or uncomfortable. When you are flying, or spending a lot of time sitting in one position, you can become uncomfortable and often, forget to make sure that you are hydrating properly. This can cause stress on your body. It is important that you take time to get up and move around periodically during your travel and keep water on hand at all times, especially if you are flying. One of the side effects of air travel is dehydration and this can cause the onset of contractions if it gets out of hand.

It is also important to make sure that you are feeling up to travel before planning a trip. Even though you may want to capitalize on your last chance to have a romantic vacation with your partner before the baby arrives, you need to be feeling well in order to enjoy it. Instead of planning a long distance trip, or one that requires excess energy – choose for a simple weekend getaway. This way you are close to home AND will get some time away in.

Also consider this. If you are a working mom, then you may want to save your vacation time for after the baby arrives. Depending on where you live and what the laws designate – you may find that saving your vacation time for when the baby arrives will suit you best. Plus, chances are there will be lots of long distance family members that may want to see you and your baby. (Extra babysitters, anyone?)

Another tip if you do decide to vacation, is to make sure you pack comfortable clothes and shoes! Sitting on an airplane, or in a car and walking long distances can quickly become exhausting if you aren’t prepared. Try not to overschedule yourself during your vacation so you won’t come home more tired than you were when you left.

Zika virus alert: Zika is a virus spread by mosquitos that typically causes a mild and short-lived infection. The Zika virus can, however, cause very serious birth defects if your fetus is exposed. If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, health experts recommend postponing any non-essential travel to areas of the world where Zika virus is prevalent. Zika has been found in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, a number of Pacific island countries, and several countries in Africa. In the US, Zika has been found in Florida. If you’re planning to travel to one of these areas, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to protect yourself and your unborn baby.

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.

Even if you are wishing for a smooth and easy pregnancy, there are many kinds of discomforting aches and pains that you may experience. Most of these discomforts are caused by the changes that are taking place in your body, such as the stretching of muscles and the increasing heaviness of your uterus. While you might be feeling highly uncomfortable due to these pains, they are very normal and not something to be alarmed about.

What Types of Pains and Aches are Common in Pregnancy?

Headaches Most of the time, experiencing a headache due to increased tension and stress is very common during pregnancy. They can also be caused due to high blood pressure, so if they happen often or are accompanied by other symptoms, let your doctor know.

Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are caused due to unusually swollen blood vessels in the lower rectal area. They can cause anywhere between a slight ache or extreme pain, and can often lead to slight bleeding. Often they are quite itchy.

Heartburn Heartburn or acid indigestion is a common problem during pregnancy that results due to the hormonal changes that you undergo during this period. If you are having cravings for spicy food, you might experience such pain more often.

Leg Cramps Leg cramps are also quite common during pregnancy. They might be caused due to the increasing weight of your belly and the pressure exerted on your legs from your growing uterus.

Lower Back Pain As your belly expands during pregnancy, gravity pulls you forward, and this can lead to aches in the lower back area. These types of aches might also be caused due to the hormonal changes and might extend to the pelvis and buttocks area.

Round Ligament Pain Round ligament pain occurs in the lower abdomen or groin area of the body, usually after the start of the second trimester. You might experience a dull ache in the area for long time periods while occasionally experiencing a sharp stab of pain.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Due to the hormonal changes and extra fluids in your body during pregnancy, you might suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome which causes swelling and numbness in the hands.

How to Deal With These Aches and Pains

Completely avoiding these pains during pregnancy is not usually possible. However, you can definitely look for possible relief by being careful and adopting some habits while you are pregnant. Here are some tips that can help you keep away from most of these pains:

• Maintain straight posture while sitting and use pillows to support your back.
• Lie down and lift your feet up on a pillow to regulate blood flow and avoid clotting.
• Make a regular exercise regimen to follow throughout your pregnancy or take a walk every day.
• Wear flat and comfortable shoes and avoid flip flops and high heels.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Take a bath in warm water to relieve muscle pain and tension.
• Get a massage if you are experiencing back or leg aches.

If you are experiencing severe or persistent pain, you shouldn’t hesitate in consulting your medical practitioner. Trust your intuition – it is better to be careful during pregnancy to avoid any complications.

Have a comfortable, smooth and safe pregnancy!

Written by Manal, first time mom and writer

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.

Once your baby bump begins to show, and you start outgrowing your pre-pregnancy clothes, the idea of cutesy outfits that showcase your pregnancy can be the highlight of your shopping trips. Even so, affording maternity clothes is another issue as so many tend to be over-priced and even a single pair of maternity jeans can cost twice as much as regular jeans. Apparently, stores know they have you ‘over a barrel,’ so to speak, and that you will pay high prices anyways.

The following tips can help you save money on maternity clothes, which will leave you with more money to buy baby clothes and nursery decorations.

• Shop thrift stores. Most pregnancy clothes are gently worn, and you can buy them for a fraction of the cost at thrift and second hand stores, or even yard sales than you can buying them retail. Pregnancy is a short span of time and you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a wardrobe. Look for basics like jeans, black pants, and khakis that you can pair with tops.
• For your ‘at home clothes’ look into men’s clothing. (Don’t worry, you’ll look sexy in anything when you are pregnant) If you are just lounging around at home you want to be comfortable, and oftentimes men’s sweat pants and t-shirts are roomier and more comfortable than women’s clothes.
• Look in the regular plus size department for pants and skirts that have elastic waistbands. In fact, cute skirts and bottoms with elastic waistbands from the regular clothing department can be much cheaper, and can stretch to meet your growing body’s needs.
• Dresses are a great option and if they are not fitted, can grow with you during pregnancy. Plus, they can make you feel cute and put together while pregnant.
• Hit up some of your friends and family who have had kids already. Chances are their maternity clothes are sitting in a box in the attic just waiting for someone like you who may need them. Plus, you can either return them when you are done, or pass them on to another woman you know who is pregnant and pay it forward.

One thing is for sure! You should at least splurge on one or two outfits that make you FEEL GOOD while you are pregnant. A flowing short dress that shows off your legs and your baby bump, or a fitted and whimsical shirt you can pair with pants that make you glow with pride while you are pregnant are must-haves. While you may not want to break the bank purchasing maternity clothes, you should remember to cherish this moment in your life and continue to allow yourself to feel beautiful.

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.

If you are like many pregnant parents, you cannot wait until the day you get the ultrasound that will announce the sex of your baby.  Here you have been thinking up baby names, and planning on decorating the nursery. You may be so certain that you are having one sex or the other that you have even bought clothes in pink or blue. Maybe there is a lot of pressure from extended family to have a girl or a boy.

But what happens when and if you were wanting one gender and then find out that you are getting another? Dealing with gender disappointment can be difficult.

The cliché is that all pregnant parents want a healthy baby – and that is really all that matters.  Yet still, there are many people who feel disappointed, let down or perhaps surprised when they find out the sex of their baby, especially if it is not in line with what they thought they were having, or what they think they want.

When it comes to pregnancy, we certainly don’t have a lot of control. And for most people – being disappointed with the gender while pregnant is NOT something that you can talk about with others. It would make you appear ungrateful, or even mean, or awful – right?  The reality however is that this ‘let down’ about the gender of a baby DOES happen.

The good news, from a mother of 4 girls – is that regardless of what you think you want – you will love your baby just the same. Some women are afraid to have girls because they don’t have good relationships with their own mothers and worry that the same thing will happen to them. Some women are afraid they won’t share much in common with a son. Others believe that their partners want a son rather than a daughter and worry that the news will disappoint their partner. The equations of feelings and emotions when you find out the sex of your baby are endless. This is one reason that many people prefer to just wait until delivery day.

The truth of the matter, however, is that you are going to have what you have.

It is okay to recognize that you may be shocked, surprised, disappointed or let down. Dealing with gender disappointment doesn’t mean you are going to be an awful parent. In fact, one thing you can be guaranteed is that the day you see your baby for the first time – you will forget what you ever wanted before and realize that EVERYTHING you ever wanted is planted firmly in your arms. 

Life has an amazing way of giving us gifts that we never knew we wanted. Allow yourself to feel your emotions – and don’t beat yourself up for whatever it is you feel the day you find out the sex of your baby. Your baby girl or baby boy came to you FOR A REASON – and when it’s all said and done, everything will be perfect.

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.