You’re pregnant. Naturally this means you are going to feel all sorts of new aches and pains. In fact, you might wake up with a new pregnancy symptom every day of the week. Most of these are normal. Still, there are some pregnancy symptoms NOT to ignore. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution rather than wait something out when you are pregnant.

The following are pregnancy symptoms that require you to get in touch with your help practitioner. (Please note: some of these can be a normal and natural part of your pregnancy, so don’t be immediately alarmed if you have any of these.)

1. Less fetal movement. If you notice a significant decrease in fetal movement, or no movement at all for an extended period of time, you should call your doctor. Try laying down on your left side after drinking something sweet, like orange juice, to see if you conjure up movements. In late pregnancy, a change in the types of movements is natural as space is limited. But your baby should still move regularly. If you cannot get your baby to move – then call your doctor immediately.

2. Extreme abdominal pain. Pulled or strained muscles are par for the course of pregnancy. Cramps are fairly common too, and can be Braxton-Hicks contractions. If, however, you are experiencing deep and strong or sharp pains, you should call your doctor. The best rule of thumb is know your body, and know whether this is a normal, routine pain – or something more. If you think it’s something more, then a check-up won’t hurt.

3. Vaginal Bleeding or Spotting. Some women spot and bleed their whole pregnancy without a problem. However, if you notice sudden spotting or heavy bleeding (accompanied by discharge) that starts out of nowhere and is accompanied with cramping – check yourself into an emergency department, or call your healthcare provider for an appointment that day. Remember, better safe than sorry.

4. Extreme swelling of the face or extremities. Obviously, some swelling is normal. If you notice a sudden increase in weight gain and swelling, you may have preeclampsia, which can be life threatening to you. Call your doctor.

5. High fevers, chills, and severe headaches accompanied by blurred vision. This could be something as normal as the common cold or flu, or something more. Its always best to have your provider treat you for illness during pregnancy.

6. A swollen leg, or pain in one leg that doesn’t go away. Blood clots during pregnancy are often caused by hormones, and one of the first signs is leg swelling or severe pain in the legs.

7. Exposure to influenza. H1N1 flu exposure has been proven to be risky to pregnant woman. If you have been exposed, it is important to let your doctor know. Also exposure to chicken pox, rubella, and Fifths disease should be reported to your doctor.

8. Itchiness all over your body. Occasional itchiness as skin stretches is normal, but sudden unexplained itchiness may signal a problem.

9. Shortness of breath or difficult breathing, whether in pregnancy or not – should prompt a trip to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. If this is combined with chest pains, fainting spells, or high fever, you need to be seen ASAP.

The reality is that pregnancy can make you feel all sorts of things. If you listen to your intuition and let it guide you to knowing that something may be wrong, you will be better off in the long run. You should never feel like you worry too much, or that a doctor or ER is going to think you are crazy simply because you are concerned about something going on with your body. Even though the chances are high that you will find out everything is fine, it is always better to know for sure so you can relax. You owe yourself peace of mind.

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.

When it comes to telling your boss you are pregnant, many women are at a crossroads.  One woman I know was up for a promotion at her job and waited until after the hiring process to announce her happy expectant news. When she landed the job and the boss found out she was pregnant, his first response was, “If I had known you were pregnant, I wouldn”t have hired you.” Illegal?  Yes.

Even so, it is easy to see things from the eyes of a supervisor or boss. After all, they realize that when a woman becomes pregnant, they are in for a certain period of maternity leave – which leaves them down an employee. And with laws in place to protect the jobs of pregnant woman, employers cannot just release an employee because she is pregnant. Yet – employers are human, and they realize pregnancy and having children may or may not affect a woman”s job in the long run.

So what should you do?  Should you spill the news to your co-workers and your management team, or should you keep your lips tight?

Experts believe that a woman should feel safe and secure to announce the news of her pregnancy at work as soon as she feels comfortable doing so. In early pregnancy, when you may experience morning sickness, or need to call out sick, having your employer know you are pregnant can be beneficial.  Additionally, if you have a stressful or highly physical job, it may be in your best interests to let your boss know so he or she can lighten your workload or transfer you to another department. Of course, all of this depends on your work culture and the nature of your business.

Some women decide to not break the news until after the first trimester due to risk of miscarriage or because of privacy reasons. There is no law or legal expectation for an employee to announce her pregnancy at work, and many strides have been taken to protect the jobs of pregnant woman. Years ago, it was acceptable for an employer to let a woman go because she was pregnant. Today, it is not.

One thing that is important is to make sure that you speak to your boss directly, and first – rather than let the news of your pregnancy reach him or her via the “grapevine.” This way he or she can discuss any concerns with you personally. Likely they will want to know if you plan to return to work after the baby is born, and in some cases, may need to make arrangements during your maternity leave so that their business is not negatively affected. Depending on your position, being properly prepared may be a process that needs to start sooner rather than later. This also gives you the chance to offer to help put a plan in place for your maternity leave.

The risk of your happy news affecting your stature in the workplace is one that cannot be ignored. Some people will see your pregnancy as a problem, for them. Even though legally an employer cannot discriminate against an employee due to pregnancy, some still will. This is why it is important for you to proceed with caution. At the end of the day, telling the boss you are pregnant takes a combination of timing and tact, and only YOU can know when the time is right.

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.

Vitamin K is important because it helps blood clot. Around one in every 10,000 babies is born with low amounts of vitamin K, meaning they are more at-risk of bleeding. If these babies suffered internal bleeding problems, they may not have enough vitamin K to prevent a serious bleed. The risk of internal bleeding problems is prominent during the first 13 weeks of a baby’s life. This is known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) or Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).

Bleeding is a very serious problem for babies. Some babies may suffer bleeding during the first week of life. This could be bleeding from the nose, umbilical stump or bottom, or could even appear as spontaneous bruising. Sometimes bruising is from forceps or vacuum (ventouse) use during the delivery. Some babies experience late onset bleeding which occurs over a week after the birth date. Over half of all babies who suffer a late bleed, will have an intracranial bleed into their brain. This can cause brain damage, and can be fatal for some babies.

Does my baby need the vitamin K shot?

Some factors have been identified as high risk for VKDB, including babies who:

• were born born prematurely
• suffered breathing problems at birth
• were born by ventouse / vacuum, forceps or caesarean surgery
• were bruised during the birth
• had liver problems or were poorly at birth
• breastfed babies who are not feeding well
• were born to mothers who took epilepsy, tuberculosis or clotting medication during the pregnancy

However, a third of all babies who experience VKDB do not fit into any of the categories above. It is very difficult to tell which babies are most at risk of VKDB. For this reason, experts advise that all babies be given the shot immediately after birth. Without this, a very small number of babies born each year would suffer brain damage or die as a result of VKDB.

How is the shot administered?

Your baby will be offered the shot shortly after the birth, and this is usually something you consent to or oppose in advance. The injection is the most effective and efficient way to increase your baby’s vitamin K levels for a greater length of time.

If you prefer, you can request that the dose is taken orally, and some parents choose to do this instead. If you opt for this method, your baby will be given two doses during the first week of life, and may then be offered a third dose when your baby is a month old.

You can choose not to give your baby vitamin K at all. Whichever decision you make, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider in advance and ensure you are fully informed before making the decision.

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

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

Pregnancy, especially once you hit the third trimester, can FEEL long. It may seem like your due date is never going to arrive. If you are put on bed-rest during pregnancy due to risk of pre-term labor, the days and weeks can feel like they are slowly ticking by, with you witnessing the passing of every single minute.

The first thing to realize when you are ordered bed rest is that it has been prescribed for a reason. Lying down, resting, and keeping your feet up when you feel like you have so much to do can become maddening. For many women, the time spent on bed rest takes away from their maternity leave after birth, which causes worry or concern. You may lose out on some income. However, following doctors orders is definitely in your and your baby’s best interest. Experts estimate around 20% of all pregnant women will be prescribed bed rest during the third trimester of pregnancy, so you are definitely not alone! The following tips can help you pass the time and keep your sanity (This, from a mama who has been there done that!)

1. First and foremost – get over all the reasons that you don’t want to be on bed rest. Sure, the nursery is not painted, you haven’t shopped for baby clothes, and you really wanted to take a vacation before the baby arrived! Let all that GO! There will be plenty of time to get things done once the baby is born, and you might be surprised at how many people will step in to help you now. The real issue here is your well-being and your baby’s health, and this is just your first challenge and sacrifice that you will face in the long list of challenges that face mothers. Relax. Accept the bed rest.

2. Make sure you have plenty to do. If you bed rest is strict, and means that you cannot get up except to use the bathroom – then set up your living room to accommodate you. Bring in a small fridge, have the TV remote nearby, make sure that you have your laptop and your phone handy. Maybe start playing a video game, or get several books from the library so you can catch up on your reading. All those movies that you have wanted to see but never had the time to?  This is a perfect time to catch up. Another idea, start keeping a journal, or writing letters to your unborn child. While bed rest may be boring, you will NEVER have this much downtime again once the baby arrives. Indulge in your personal interests and passions, take up a new hobby, and keep plenty of things close at hand to keep you busy.

3. Do your baby announcements. You can start addressing all the envelopes, making sure that you have the email and street addresses of the important people in your life and get busy taking care of business. Then, once the baby is born – all you will need to do is fill in the name and birth details of your baby. This is also a good time to write ‘thank you’ notes, get in touch with relatives you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, and catch up on the day-to-day communications that so easily gets lost in the shuffle. Chances are Grandma Jane will LOVE to hear from you – even better if it’s a handwritten note now that you have some extra time.

4. Call on your friends. Having visitors of family and friends will help pass the time and keep you in good spirits. Have your friends over, and don’t feel bad if they try to help take care of you.

5. Use social media to find other moms in your area on bed rest. Or ask your doctor for a name of another pregnant woman in the practice who is on bed rest. You might be surprised at the new friendship you can make with another woman going through the same thing as you. Find a chat list or forum especially for moms on bed rest so you can connect with others in the same boat as you.

6. Get help with older children. If you already have children who need to be cared for – ask your friends, church members or your social circle for help! There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it, and chances are you would do it for someone else if the need arose.

7. Last but certainly not least – realize this is only temporary! It won’t be like this forever. Soon, all this resting and lying down will pay off when you deliver a healthy and beautiful baby. While it may feel awful when you are going through it, you will look back and know that you did everything to ensure your baby’s health.

If you are on bed rest, what are you doing to survive? If you were on bed rest for a previous pregnancy, what advice do you have?

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 your due date disappeared without so much as a niggle, you may be wondering when your baby is going to arrive. Since he’s already late, it’s safe to assume he didn’t receive the memo about being born on his due date, so you may want to plan some activities to keep yourself entertained.

The likelihood is that you’re all ready and raring to go, with a fully-decorated nursery, a pile of washed and ironed baby clothes, and a well-stocked changing station. If there isn’t much left to do in the way of organisation, how can you distract yourself from the long days and sleepless nights? Here are a few ideas of things to do:

1. Cook up a storm – you may already have a few meals cooked and stored in the freezer, ready for when baby arrives, but it can’t hurt to make extra. Keep cooking until the freezer is full, that will buy some extra time for cuddles with the baby when he finally arrives.

2. Take naps – napping is a skill that will come in useful when the baby arrives, but there’s no reason you can start early. If you’re struggling to sleep at night, grab a nap during the day.

3. Exercise – there’s no need to give up your exercise routine just because your due date has approached. Keep going to prenatal yoga, keep swimming, and definitely keep walking every day. Not only will this help you to relieve stress, it could help gravity to encourage the baby into a good position for birth.

4. Keep busy – ask friends and family to keep you occupied during these last few days. Pop out for meals, visit friends and watch films at the cinema – make the most of the activities you will find more difficult once baby arrives.

5. Read a book – not a pregnancy book or a parenting book, but a novel. Getting lost in a story may help to pass some time and take your mind off the ticking clock.

6. Have a massage – book yourself in for a pregnancy massage. Pregnancy massage can work wonders for the aches and pains of late pregnancy, and may help you to relax and de-stress.

7. Be honest – ask your friends and family to wait for news rather than ringing/texting/messaging you every 10 minutes to ask for it. Nothing makes time pass slower than the constant reminder that you are overdue. Tell everyone that you’ll let them know as soon as you have any news to share.

8. Baby+ App – download our new Baby App, and read up on many useful articles. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

Are you currently overdue? What are you doing to keep busy as you wait for your baby to arrive?

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.

Lots of parents swear by babywearing as a way of coping with life as a new parent. Newborns aren’t keen on being put down. They will scream every time you try to make a cup of tea, and will want to feed as soon as you need to leave the house. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close (even breastfeeding), while still having your hands free to get on with other things.

If you have other children, you may find that babywearing allows you extra time to spend with your older children. You can feed your baby in the carrier, and play with other children at the same time. That way no-one needs to feel left out, and you avoid the situation of a crying baby and tantruming toddler both vying for your attention.

So, you’ve decided to invest in a baby carrier, but a quick glimpse at the products available sends you into a panic. There are just so many choices available, and you have no idea which one will be right for you. Here’s a quick guide to choosing a baby carrier to help you out:

Stretchy wraps

These are often described as the best way to carry newborn babies. The carrier consists of a long strip of stretchy fabric which you tie round yourself. It might sound scary, but there are loads of instructional videos online showing you how to do it correctly. The wrap is tied first, and then you just pop your baby in. Once in the wrap, the baby will be carried almost weightlessly on your front, and you’ll have your hands free to do other things. You will be able to breastfeed discreetly in a stretchy wrap, and your newborn will likely find it a comfortable place to nap.

Ring slings

Ring slings are adjustable and worn over one shoulder. The ring allows you to adjust and tighten the carrier to suit your child. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler. There are a number of different styles available, and you can choose from padded and unpadded carriers. You can breastfeed in a ring sling. There are plenty of instructional videos online that show how to tighten and adjust ring slings.

Woven wraps

These are long-lasting and versatile carriers that can be used from birth to toddler. There are lots of different ties and carries to try, and although this may make it seem complicated, it does give you greater control. There are plenty of instructional videos online showing the different ties and carries. Woven wraps come in different lengths, and the required length will depend upon your size, and the carries you intend to use it for. Breastfeeding and napping are both popular activities for babies in woven wraps.

Pouch slings

Many people consider pouch slings to be the easiest type of carrier to use. There’s no tying involved, you simply pop the carrier over one shoulder and then place the baby inside. For newborns, the baby will be held across your body by the carrier, but as the baby grows and becomes stronger, he will be able to sit in an upright position. You can breastfeed in a pouch sling, and your little one will easily fall asleep snuggled into your front. Pouch slings do come in different sizes, though, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your baby. Pouch slings can be dangerous for newborns if they’re used or sized incorrectly.

Soft structured carriers

These are sometimes also referred to as “Asian style carriers” because they are based on traditional Asian carriers. These are available with buckles and as tie on carriers. The buckled carriers are arguably easier to use, although some would argue they are more difficult to adjust than a tie on carrier. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler, although many require a newborn insert to provide head support to young babies. Your baby will be able to breastfeed in the carrier, and will be fully supported if he chooses to have a nap.

With any carrier, be sure your newborn is held “close enough to kiss” – meaning high and tight against your body. Be sure baby’s chin isn’t pressed down onto his chest, so that he can breathe freely. Never allow the baby’s face to be covered by the sling fabric.

Babywearing is very popular, and there are new sling libraries popping up across the USA and UK all the time, so do contact your local sling library for more information. They will be able to show you the different types of slings available, as well as teaching you how to get the most out of your sling. Most libraries will allow you to borrow a sling for a short time to decide if it is the one for you. Baby carriers are an investment, so it’s worth doing your researching and making sure you buy the right carrier for your needs.

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

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

It’s the middle of the night, you’re in your 39th week and all of a sudden you feel a strong tightening in your abdomen. The first thing you think is, Am I having contractions? Is this labor? For first time parents, one of the most crucial parts of pregnancy is to know when you’re actually having contractions, and when it’s time to pack up and head on over to the hospital. Not to worry, though, false contractions are very normal. If you end up making a few trips to the hospital and they tell you you’re not ready, you don’t need to worry. Many women have been through false alarms during pregnancy.

How To Know It’s Not Time Yet

Contrary to what we may watch on television shows or in movies, actual labor does not start suddenly; there is a general progression of events that happen prior to that. When you go into labor, your body has been preparing itself for weeks before it’s time for the baby to arrive. More often than not, first time mothers in their third trimester can trigger false contractions due to stress or hormonal changes, even dehydration. Even when you go into labor, it can be hours before you have your baby.

Signs of Labor or False Alarm?

There are several events that happen which are associated with labor. When these start happening to a woman, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to grab your overnight bag and jet to the hospital. It may be a false alarm, or it may be very early labor. These signs include:

• Lightening

Lightening is when your baby settles down lower into your pelvis, getting ready to make his or her arrival. When the baby moves further down, it helps you breathe easier, and an added bonus is if you suffered from heartburn throughout your pregnancy, this may be a temporary relief. However, the increased pressure on the uterus will mean more frequent trips to the bathroom. Lightening might happen right before labor or weeks before; there is no exact time.

• Passing of the Mucus Plug

The mucus plug is a seal that shuts off the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix starts widening during the end of the third trimester, the mucus plug may be dislodged. This discharge might be clear or slightly bloody. In many cases, discharge can occur even a week or two before you go into labor.

• Contractions

Contractions are one of the most common false alarms that women experience when in the later stages of pregnancy. False contractions are usually known as Braxton Hicks. They tend to cause the abdomen to tighten up and relax but don’t continue on at regular intervals. These contractions are quite different from actual labor contractions, which come in more regular intervals.

Signs of Actual Labor

The best way to tell whether you are in actual labor is to time your contractions. Keep in mind they usually start slowly and build over time. Time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next – this is how often they are happening (frequency). The length from the beginning to the end of a single contraction (duration) is important, too. If you call your healthcare provider, he or she will want to know both the duration and the frequency of the contractions, as well as how intense they feel to you. Once your contractions are coming every 4-5 minutes and they have been that way for about an hour, it may be go-time.

The other sign that labor has started is the rupture of your membranes, sometimes referred to as your bag of waters breaking. If you think your waters have broken, note the time, amount, color and odor (remember the word TACO), and notify your healthcare provider. Most of the time, contractions start soon after your water breaks; but, for some women, it could take as much as 12-24 hours.

In the end, those few extra trips to the hospital won’t hurt. When it’s time for labor and you see your precious baby, everything will be worth it.

If you have any fun labor stories to share, or can share some tricks to know what is a false alarm, let us know!

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.

Choosing a baby name is not an easy task. After all, it’s not just a baby name you’re choosing. It’s a teenager name, a middle aged name and an old person name too. What seems perfect for your little baby, may not work quite so well for your teenager in high school. To complicate things further, you probably have to share name-choosing duties with the dad-to-be, meaning this decision is twice as complicated. To save you from nine long months of bickering, here are five ways to decide on a baby name:

1. Search separately, then discuss – instead of hashing out each and every name you stumble upon, set some time aside to embark on solo searches. Invest in a baby book, download an app or find a website you both like, and look through the names. Each of you should note down any names you like. Once you’ve both looked through the names, and found a few you like, it’s time to compare notes.

2. Brainstorm – get together over a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits, and spend some time discussing names. This is a blue sky thinking exercise, and there are no wrong answers at this point. You should both be honest about how you feel about each name. It’s important not get defensive over name choices, which can be difficult when you love a name your partner hates. Try to focus on the positives (names you both like), rather than the negatives (he hates your favourite name).

3. Get inspired – think back to movies you have seen together, books you have shared, and friends and family members you have loved. Are there any names that stand out as potential baby names? As a couple, you already have a shared history. Delve into it for inspiration for the next chapter of your lives.

4. Use an App – there are lots of baby name Apps and generators online. Find one you like, and spend an evening trying it out together. Some of the names will be ridiculous, you’ll probably agree on lots you hate, but you might find a couple that stick.

5. Outsource it – ok, this option is only for the very brave and very trusting, but you could outsource the choosing of your baby’s name. If you have a best friend or close relative you would trust, ask them to choose for you. You could give them a list of options, or let them go free range and choose any name under the sun.

Are you and your partner bickering about names, or did you have one picked immediately?

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 think about the impending birth, you’re probably worrying about how you’ll cope on the day, what will happen and whether it will all go to plan. With all that on your mind, it’s no wonder you’ve forgotten to consider how your partner will cope. Preparing your partner for childbirth is almost as important as packing your hospital bag, and it certainly isn’t something you should overlook.

There are plenty of horror stories about dads-to-be fainting in the delivery room and missing the birth, or infuriating the mums-to-be by asking how long is left. The birth of your child is one of those life changing moments, so make sure your partner is prepared for what’s going to happen, and how he can help on the day.

Give him homework
If he has any chance of being useful, he’s going to need to know what to expect in the delivery room. From bodily fluids to labour noises, he needs to be ready for whatever you’re about to throw at him. There are plenty of great books designed to coach dads-to-be in preparation for labour, so why not pick one out for him? There’s loads of information online, too; he could even watch some birth videos. Prenatal classes are the best place to pick up information about the birth. Your prenatal teacher will explain the labour process in detail, and answer any questions he might have. If you’ve enjoyed using this app, you could also ask him to download our new Baby+ App. It has hundreds of interesting articles, tools and great features.

Talk to friends and family
The best way to learn about childbirth, is to speak to people who’ve been through it. The best people to speak to are those who have recently experienced it, because the information will still be fresh in their minds. Ask questions, and tell them you want all the gory details. Ask the dad what it felt like for him, and what he had to do. This will give your partner ideas and prepare him for the big day.

Great expectations
Let him know any expectations you have, so that he knows what you want on the day. If you’re expecting a back massage during labour, make sure he knows in advance so he can learn some massage techniques. If he can often be found playing games on his phone, let him know that he shouldn’t do this in the delivery suite.

Taking care of himself too
One rookie mistake that lots of first time dads make, is that they forget to look after themselves on the day. The don’t eat, they don’t sleep, they don’t even stop for toilet breaks, and as a result they end up an exhausted, shivering, weak mess by the end of it all, utterly unable to offer you the support you need. Make sure he packs energy drinks and snacks for himself, and makes sure that he’s in the best state to be able to support you to deliver the baby.

Talk it through
Keep communication lines open at all times. You might be scared of impending parenthood and the birth, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t. In fact, you might find he shares all of your fears and has a few of his own too. Encourage him to talk to you about his feelings, so that you can work through any issues and prepare for any potential problems together.

Do you have any tips on how to prepare to be a birth partner?

Do you enjoy this App? Good news! You can now also download our new Baby App (iOS only, but Android will follow soon!). Click here to install the new ‘Baby+’ App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

In contrast to the births shown in movies, not all women swear during labour, in fact many become very quiet. In almost a trance-like state, some women silently progress through labour, and others hum loudly during contractions. Some women let out a low groan, and others swear like drunken sailors. Whatever you do, it’s fine, just do whatever helps you to feel comfortable and in control.

Some women report using words they’d never usually dream of saying aloud, and feeling quite embarrassed about it afterwards. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about your foul mouth, you won’t have been the first labouring woman to curse in front of the midwife – and you certainly won’t be the last. You can always apologise for your language at the end, if you’re feeling mortified.

You shouldn’t worry about swearing, humming, singing or anything else you might be doing during labour. You should focus on the task at hand, and do whatever feels natural. While some women may find silence helps them to focus on breathing through the contractions, others find that jumbling together a mix of expletives helps them feel more in control of the situation. Do whatever you need, after all, people probably aren’t going to start arguing with you while you’re in the throes of labour.

It’s unlikely to be your midwife who gets the brunt of your potty mouth; it will probably mostly be hurled at the dad-to-be. Again, you can always apologise afterwards. Although, if you’re lying with your legs in stirrups as the midwives check your tender area, you probably won’t be feeling too sorry for your husband or birthing partner as they sit on their comfy chair cuddling your new baby.

Scientists at Keele University found that swearing can actually have a painkilling effect, especially for people who don’t usually swear. Swearing accelerates the heart rate, mimicking aggression and triggering the “fight or flight” response. This natural response lessens perceived pain due to physiological changes taking place in the body. So there you go – now you have an excuse for calling your husband or birthing partner all those horrible names!

For most of my labour, I stayed quiet but I did let out a little swear word when my husband tried to take away the gas and air during the second stage of labour (what was he thinking?!). So, in answer to “Will I swear during labour?” – maybe, if it feels right to you!

Did you hum, moo, groan or hurl abuse? And, most importantly, did it help?

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.

If you’re starting to plan the nursery, you may be interested to find out what styles and colours have made it into the top nursery trends. As fashions change and colours fall out of favour, it can be hard to keep up with what is hot for nurseries. Here are some of the top recent trends:

1. Chevrons – these have been stealing the show in baby stores for a couple of years now, and show no sign of going anywhere. A simple yet striking pattern, chevrons can give your nursery the wow factor. From high contrast monochrome, attention-grabbing brights, and subtle yet beautiful pastels, the world is your oyster with this trend. You can throw yourself into this trend by covering the walls in chevrons, or just add a hint here and there with pillows and throws.

2. Pastel shades – pastel colours can be found in fashion stores, wedding bouquets and baby’s nurseries. You could choose a single shade, or mix an assortment of pastel colours together. From pastel coloured bedding, to painted shabby chic furniture, pastels can create an atmosphere of serenity and calm in your baby’s nursery.

3. Brights and whites – this modern yet classic look is perfect for a nursery. White walls and furniture, livened up by the unforgiving brightness of baby toys, clothes and blankets. Baby products often come in bright, vivid colours, make the most of this by having them on show. From assorted colours of cloth nappies, to brightly coloured soft toys, and beautiful crocheted blankets, allow your baby’s clutter to bring colour to the room.

4. Wall stickers – these allow you to transform a room in a single movement. There are so many designs, colours and styles of wall stickers available, you won’t struggle to find one that looks at home in your nursery. From cute sayings, to bold prints, wall stickers can give you the freedom to change the nursery  whenever you want.

5. Eco – environmentally friendly home decor can be beautiful, affordable and will help your nursery to stand out from the crowd. From organic bedding, recycled cribs, and upcycled wall art, there are so many unique and stylish options for your nursery. Whether you choose a few key pieces that meet eco criteria, or set yourself the challenge of decorating the entire room without damaging the planet, there’s room for a little bit of eco in every nursery.

6. Gender neutral – if you have chosen not to find out the sex of your baby, you may be forced to choose a gender neutral colour scheme for your nursery. If you have found out the sex, however, it doesn’t mean you have to go down the traditional soft pink or baby blue route. Navy, greens, and reds are all gaining popularity as gender neutral colours for nurseries.

Have you started looking for nursery inspiration? What colour will you be decorating your baby’s nursery?

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.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is first diagnosed during pregnancy. This condition affects up to 14% of pregnancies.

Diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce the extra insulin needed for pregnancy. Insulin converts blood sugar into energy. During the second half of your pregnancy, your body requires extra insulin to meet the demands of you and your baby. If your body is unable to meet this demand, you may have an excess of sugar in your blood and this could cause the onset of gestational diabetes.

Am I at risk of gestational diabetes?
You are most likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:

• are overweight
• have previously had a large baby (4.5kg or more)
• developed gestational diabetes in an earlier pregnancy
• have a family history of diabetes

Symptoms and diagnosis
If you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, you will be offered an oral glucose tolerance test. This test will be carried out between weeks 24 and 28 of the pregnancy. Blood tests are used to determine your blood sugar levels.

A dipstick test will be done at each antenatal appointment to test for sugar in your urine. If high levels of sugar are present, this can be indicative of gestational diabetes, and further testing will be carried out.

Gestational diabetes can often be asymptomatic. However, you may experience:

• tiredness
• excessive thirst
• excessive urination
• blurred vision

You can reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes by:

• monitoring your weight gain
• eating a healthy diet
• continuing to exercise throughout the pregnancy
• not smoking

Will gestational diabetes harm my baby?
This condition needs to be carefully controlled to avoid causing harm to your developing baby. If there are excessive levels of sugar in your blood, this could cross through the placenta and reach your baby. If this happens, there is a risk that your baby could grow large. Large babies can cause problems during the birth, and so if this happens you may be advised to have a planned caesarean section.

Gestational diabetes can also increase your baby’s risk of health problems such as jaundice and low blood sugar after the birth. Your baby’s blood sugar levels may be monitored after the birth.

Your baby will be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in later life. By teaching your child about healthy eating, and ensuring he eats a balanced diet, you can reduce this risk.

Treatment for gestational diabetes
To manage gestational diabetes, you need to control your blood sugar levels. This can usually be done by:

• eating a healthy diet
• avoiding sugary foods and drinks
• light exercise

You will be offered additional ultrasound scans to monitor your baby’s development later in the pregnancy. This is to check the baby’s growth and the amount of amniotic fluid present. You will probably be offered an scan every four weeks from week 28.

Up to 20% of sufferers cannot control their diabetes using the methods above. In this instance, you will be advised to either take medication or inject insulin to manage the condition.

Most women find that the diabetes disappears once the baby is born. You will be tested for diabetes at your postnatal check, and then again a year on. It is estimated that up to 20% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes actually had undiagnosed diabetes prior to the 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.