Pregnancy by nature is transient. Even though you’re maybe trudging through your final weeks with all the inherent aches and pains of a growing belly, you may want to immortalize this miraculous time of your life. Here are 4 ways to honor your baby bump.

Belly Painting: Taking the time to paint – or have someone else paint – a design on your growing belly allows you to really focus on your bump. Choose non-toxic craft paints and let your imagination go wild. You can pay close attention to your baby’s positioning and how your baby moves inside, and cater the design to his form. Be sure to take photos before you shower away your masterpiece!

Belly casting: You can purchase kits specifically created for pregnancy casting, or you can pick up supplies at your local craft store. Creating a body cast of your pregnant form can make a fun afternoon with your girlfriends. You might even want to incorporate decorating the dried cast into your baby shower – pick a design and allow guests to paint or glue pieces or have everyone sign the cast with well-wishes for birth and parenting.

Henna (Mehndi): Have a henna party to have your pregnant belly decorated or see a henna artist to create a beautiful, temporary design on your bump. While henna seems to be a new fad, it’s actually an ancient tradition. Typically used to mark a major rite of passage, women had their hands, arms, feet and legs decorated with henna (or Mehndi). This practice continues in many traditional cultures today, and can be translated to modern Western pregnancy culture as a way to honor this life transition. (An added bonus if you have a summer due date – henna is cooling and as long as your skin is stained, you’ll be less affected by heat.)

Photography: Whether you snap a couple of selfies with your smartphone, or hire a photographer to immortalize your pregnant form, you’ll be amazed by the changes in your body. While some women feel camera-shy and don’t want to record the weight gain, skin changes and fatigue on film, other women choose to take at least a monthly profile photo of their changing belly bump. Consider hiring a professional and having a boudoir photo shoot – a sexy pregnancy nightgown and some seductive poses may make you feel better about your growing form.

Whether or not you choose any of these options, take time each day to bond with your baby and feel good about your baby bump. Massage your baby, imagining what his or her hair color will be and whose personality traits he might have. Enjoy the final weeks of your pregnancy – before you know it you’ll be holding baby in your arms instead of your bump.

Written by Michelle: writer, editor, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

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

As a birth partner you will witness the raw, intense and astounding miracle of birth. You will see one of the extremes of what the human body is capable.  You will see the look on the mother’s face as she holds her baby for the first time. Perhaps you are about to become a daddy, or maybe you are the best friend or close relative of the mum-to-be. Whatever your reason for being assigned this role, you are no doubt wondering how to be a good birth partner.

Here are ten easy ways to be the perfect birth partner:

Know what she wants – during labour, the mum-to-be will be pretty focussed on getting the baby out. She may not be in the best frame of mind for processing medical information, or asking for further information from the healthcare provider. You need to do that for her. Find out in advance what her ideal birth is, and how far she would be willing to deviate from it. Obviously in a life or death situation, there may be little room for maneuver, but it’s best to be prepared going in. Make sure you voice her concerns during labour, because she may not be able to.

Back to school – attend the antenatal classes. These classes will usually offer a session, often facilitated by a healthcare professional, to explain the intricacies of childbirth. This will not only help you to mentally prepare for the labour room, but it will also give you ideas of how to help on the day.

Bag it up – it’s not just the mum who needs a hospital bag. From week 37, make sure you have a hospital bag packed and with you at all times. Keep it in the boot of your car for easy access. Your bag should include hygiene items, a change of clothes, a camera, and anything else you think you might need. Make sure you have coins in the bag to pay for parking at the hospital. You should also pack some items for the mother, for example massage balls or snacks.

Be accessible – if the mum-to-be is a week overdue, don’t switch your phone off and head into a three hour client meeting. Make sure she can reach you at all times.

Massage – massage is a great way to relieve aches and pains during labour. Massage also helps to keep the mum-to-be relaxed. There are plenty of massage techniques detailed online that may be useful during labour. Try them out in advance, and when you find one you both like, print off the details and pack them in your hospital bag.

Stay calm – they say dogs can smell fear, well so can labouring women. One look at your pale, tearful face will tell her all she needs to know. Stay calm, positive and supportive throughout the delivery. If you run into unforeseen problems, stay focussed on supporting the mum-to-be, and do not allow yourself to become panicked.

In it for the long haul – labour isn’t usually a quick process. First labours typically last between eight and 12 hours. While mum-to-be will be focussed on birth during this time, you may find yourself struggling to stay awake. Drink energy drinks, go for a quick walk around the hospital, do whatever you think will help you to stay awake and helpful during labour. Definitely don’t moan about how bored you are, or ask how long it will take!

Put up with it – if your usually sweet, kind wife has just told you where to shove it, ignore it. Don’t worry, she doesn’t really mean it. Some women find themselves angry during labour, and often this anger is directed towards the dad-to-be.

Pile on the praise – tell her how amazing she’s doing, how great her breathing is and how proud you are of her. Be affectionate and supportive, and respond to her cues.

Go with the flow – if she said absolutely definitely no way did she want an epidural, but is now begging for one, it could be because the pain is worse than she expected. Ask her a few times to be sure she really wants to change her plan, and then support her new decision.

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.

Shortness of breath, or breathlessness, is very common during pregnancy. Over half of all pregnant women will experience it at some point. Some women describe it as feeling winded. Others say they feel unable to catch their breath, even after only walking a short distance.

Your oxygen intake increases by about 20 per cent during pregnancy. As well as your own oxygen needs, you are now providing oxygen to your baby, the placenta and your uterus.

During the first trimester, progesterone increases your lung capacity to allow you to take deeper breaths. Throughout the pregnancy, you won’t take more breaths per minute, but the amount of air you inhale with breath will significantly increase.

During the third trimester, your uterus will put pressure on your diaphragm and will effectively reduce lung capacity. You may find that your breathing improves during the very last few weeks of pregnancy. As the baby drops down slightly in preparation for the birth, you will feel less pressure on your diaphragm. You should be able to breathe easy for those last few weeks. If this is your second baby, you may unfortunately find that your baby doesn’t drop until the very end of the pregnancy, and so any relief will be short lived.

How to reduce shortness of breath in pregnancy

Although common and nothing to worry about, shortness of breath can be frustrating for pregnant women. If you used to have an active lifestyle, and now get out of puff walking to the bathroom, it can be a shock. There are some steps you can take to reduce shortness of breath:

• Good posture – keeping your back and shoulders straight will allow your lungs the maximum room possible to expand into.
• Extra pillows – if breathlessness is keeping you awake, try propping yourself up on extra pillows.
• Take it easy – don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re feeling breathless, take a break.
• Arms up – if the third trimester organ squeeze is causing you problems, lift your arms up. This will take pressure off your rib cage and allow you to breathe more easily.
• Eat healthy – breathlessness can be made worse by being overweight. Eat a healthy diet to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.
• Yoga – the breathing exercises taught during yoga may help you to take control of your breathing. The gentle exercise will also help you to stay fit.

While it may be uncomfortable for you, shortness of breath will not affect your baby.

When to speak to a doctor

You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if:

• Breathing is painful.
• Breathlessness worsens when you lie down.
• You experience heart palpitations, or faintness.
• You have a blue tinge around your fingers, toes or lips.
• You feel you are not getting enough oxygen.
• You have a persistent cough.
• You have coughed up blood.
• You have worsening asthma.

If you feel worried about the breathlessness you are experiencing, you should speak to your healthcare provider about it.

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.

You just found out you’re expecting – congratulations! Consider researching options for childbirth classes now. Though you likely won’t attend a class for a while, some facilities do offer healthy pregnancy courses, and may have waiting lists for their childbirth preparation classes. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind for finding the right childbirth class.

You’ll want to find classes that meet your specific needs. For instance, if you’re planning to have an epidural, your local hospital may have a workshop taught by the anesthesiologist about your birth options. If you want a natural birth, on the other hand, you may want to take a longer course. Ask your healthcare provider what classes he or she recommends. Your planned birthplace may offer classes, or you may find instructors who offer private classes in your community.

Childbirth preparation commonly focuses on what to expect during labor, birth and the early postpartum. Look for accredited instructors who keep their credentials current. Make sure the course you choose corresponds with your own philosophy of birth. Ask friends and family what classes they recommend – they know you best and may know if specific classes – or instructors – are a good fit. Some types of classes you may hear about include:

Lamaze: Lamaze classes teach women that birth is normal, and focus not only on the birth process, but on informed decision-making, relaxation techniques, and optimal positioning for birth, as well. These classes differ in length, and usually encourage you to bring a partner along.

The Bradley Method: Also sometimes referred to as Husband-Coached Childbirth, this method trusts that all women – with the help of a good coach and favorable circumstances – can give birth naturally. Classes are typically 12 weeks long, and cover nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and the birth process.

HypnoBirthing: The HypnoBirthing method teaches mothers relaxation and focusing techniques that will limit the fear and tension during childbirth. The repetition of these techniques before birth will condition the mom to use them when labor begins.

Birthing From Within: Birthing from Within believes “childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event.” These classes focus on the spiritual transformation of birth, and the ways women can forge their own path to a meaningful birth. While the birth process is integrated into teaching, women are guided in finding their own way through the “labor-inth” of birth.

Other options may exist in your community, but be sure to investigate if they are right for you.

Research has found that women who attend a class to prepare for the birth of their baby use pain medication less often, have shorter labors, have a lower chance of cesarean birth, and have a more positive outlook on their birth experience. They are more likely to have confidence in their bodies and in their ability to give birth.

Have you decided on a childbirth class?

Written by Michelle, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, writer, editor and mother to 4 busy kids

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.

Only around 5% of babies are born on their estimated due dates. Of the 20 women in your prenatal class, just one will welcome her baby on the due date, so the chances of that being you are not great. Well, one in 20, to be precise. So, rather than spending the whole day sat anxiously clutching your hospital bag, waiting for the contractions to begin, here are seven ways to occupy yourself:

1. The first rule of due date club is no screen time – it’s your due date, all of your friends and family are waited with bated breath for the birth announcement. When I say waiting, I mean texting/calling/tweeting/Facebooking/smoke signalling you for news. Every time you so much as step near a communication device, you will be inundated with reminders that your baby is late for the party. To protect your sanity (and stop yourself from swearing at your sweet little grandma when she unwittingly becomes the fifth person to ring in an hour), go off grid for the day. Keep your phone with you, of course, because you’ll need it if you are one of the 5%, but keep it switched off until you need it.
2. Do something fun – get your best friend to take the day off, so that she can take your mind off the date. Do something you won’t be able to do for a while. Go to the cinema, get a facial or just go for a picnic at your local park. Change your surroundings, go somewhere different, and have fun gossiping with your best friend.
3. Have a fancy meal – go out for a slap up meal with your partner. It might be the last date you have for quite some time, so make the most of these last few days together. Try a new fancy restaurant, or eat at your favorite eatery. Just make sure you enjoy yourselves.
4. Have your photo taken – some women love pregnancy and feel more beautiful than ever, and others mourn the loss of their body. Whatever your view, you are likely to one day look back and, even just for a second, think fondly about your pregnancy body. In a few months, you won’t even be able to remember quite how big you were at the end of the pregnancy. Why not organise a pregnancy photo shoot to help you remember? You could do it yourself, with the help of a camera-savvy friend, or pay a professional to take some shots.
5. Write a letter to your baby – now that your due date has arrived, you may be feeling quite emotional. The wait is finally coming to an end, and you will soon meet your baby for the first time. You may feel overwhelmed by emotions, and writing it down may help you to feel more in control. Why not start your baby book with a letter written on the due date, detailing your feelings and emotions on the day.
6. Hang out with some mums – what every heavily pregnant woman needs, is some time talking about the great things about birth and babies. What could be better than hearing lovely birth stories, breastfeeding triumphs, and newborn sleep tricks from those in the know. Organise a due date party, inviting your closest mum friends to celebrate with you and help to prepare you for the birth ahead.
7. Be a cliché – there’s no point leaving this off the list, since you’re probably going to do it anyway. Go for a walk, eat a curry and have sex. After all, you’ve been waiting for this baby long enough!

How are you planning to spend your due date?

Why not start reading up on what to expect when your baby is there? Whilst you wait for your baby’s arrival, download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the 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 2018. All rights reserved.

You’ve installed the car seat, and assembled the crib, changing table, swing, stroller, and more. You have washed all of the onesies and sleepers, and have stocked up on diapers. Now what? What else can you do to prepare for your baby’s arrival?

Try this exercise:

Draw a circle on a sheet of paper and divide it into 24 slices. Now think about all the ways you spend your time each and every day. Eight hour workday? Shade in eight slices of pie. An hour of commuting to and from work? There’s another slice. A regular eight hours of sleep – shade it in. Showering, doing your hair and make-up, fixing meals, exercising, housekeeping, etc. Consider all the ways you spend your time and record them on your pie chart. Ask your partner to do the same on his own pie chart.

Now imagine life with a baby. How much time will baby care take? If this is your first baby, you may not have any idea. Take infant feeding, for instance. If you’re breastfeeding, expect your newborn to eat 8-12 times each day (maybe more!). If he’s eating 12 times a day, and each feeding takes on average 30 minutes (and that’s the low end of average), you’ll be spending 6 hours a day on feeding. Even if you’re formula feeding, preparing bottles, cleaning them, and actually feeding baby takes time, too. How will your pie chart need to change to accommodate this? What about diaper changing? Expect to change a diaper with every feeding – if you figure 12 per day at 5 minutes per change (once you get good at it), that’s another hour there. Add in clothing changes, comforting, putting baby to sleep, burping, etc. and add that all to your pie. How will baby care fit into your life?

Discuss this exercise with your partner, and work on a system for who will do what and when. If you’re over your allotted 24 hours for the day, something’s got to give. Can your partner take over some duties? Can you forego some daily activities? Think about what will be essential in the beginning – sleep and food (for baby and for you!). Pare down your day to these activities.

Sleep deprivation is the number one hurdle all new parents face. Babies sleep a lot, but they wake a lot, too, and at the most inconvenient times (like at night when you’re trying to sleep). While you may be mentally prepared for this – everyone tells you it’s coming – the reality can be quite challenging. Try to sleep – or at least rest – when baby sleeps. Limit visitors in the early days, and ask those who stop by to give you a hand with a load of laundry or the dishes in the sink. Eat well, drink enough water, and exercise daily – these will help minimize the effects of the lack of sleep. Most of all, keep in mind that all babies wake often, and that it’s a protective mechanism they will grow out of when they are developmentally ready.

Consider the first three months with a new baby your 4^th trimester. Your baby will appreciate a womb-like environment: low lighting, warmth, being near mom, and feeding on demand. By meeting these needs, your baby will have a sense of security. But caring for your baby this way will also help you learn to parent. You’ll learn all of your baby’s subtle cues, his likes and dislikes, and more. You’ll ease into parenting gently. Keep in mind that you will need time to recover, too. So allow the 4^th trimester to be your time to recuperate. Lower your expectations, and let go of the to-do list. Enjoy your baby, and be gentle on yourself as you learn to mother.

Enjoyed this article? There are lots more interesting articles and tools in our new follow-on App Baby+ for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

What tips do experienced moms have for those who are having their first baby?

Written by Michelle: lactation consultant, childbirth educator, writer, editor, and mother to 4 busy kids

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

A baby before week 37, is considered to be premature. Most premature babies are born after week 22. The later your baby is born, the better he is likely to do. A baby born later has more developed organs, and is better able to suck and feed. Premature babies often spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before they are able to go home. Premature babies have an increased risk of suffering from health problems.

Around 8% of babies are born premature in the UK, and this number rises to 12.5% in the US. If you are having a healthy low-risk pregnancy, your baby is most likely to be born at term. Less than 2% of healthy singleton pregnancies end in premature labor in the UK.

Your risk of premature labor increases if you:

• are carrying more than one baby
• are underweight or overweight
• smoke
• use recreational drugs
• have had a premature baby in the past
• lack prenatal support
• work long hours in a physically demanding job

How to avoid premature labor

Unfortunately, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for how to avoid premature labor, however there are things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of going into labor too soon:

• stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs
• eat a healthy, balanced diet
• maintain a healthy weight gain
• start prenatal care as soon as you find out you’re pregnant
• take your prenatal vitamins
• stay hydrated
• empty your bladder regularly
• get tested – if you are high-risk for a premature birth, ask your healthcare provider to screen you for possible causes. Knowledge is key to prevention.

If you go into premature labor

If you think you may be in premature labor, ring your healthcare provider immediately. If your waters break, or if you are having contractions before week 37, contact your healthcare provider without delay. They should ask you to go in to be checked out. Around half of all cases of suspected premature labor end with the mum-to-be being sent home once the labor symptoms stop.

If your labor has really started though, what happens next will depend on the prematurity of your baby. Very premature babies require steroid injections to speed up lung development before the birth. Your doctor may try to delay labor for as long as possible, buying the baby extra development time in your uterus.

Premature labor and birth can be very scary experiences, and you will need the support of your partner, friends and family at times. Your healthcare provider is best placed to offer advice and support during this time, and will be able to answer any of your questions.

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

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

At each prenatal appointment, your healthcare provider will take your blood pressure to check that it is in the ‘normal’ range. High blood pressure means that your body is working harder than than it should be to pump blood around your body.

High blood pressure during pregnancy affects less than one in five women. High blood pressure during pregnancy is also known as hypertension and comes in two main forms:

• chronic hypertension (this is not a pregnancy condition)
• gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia

Hypertension varies from mild to severe, and this is judged by the heart rate itself. A higher heart rate means a more severe condition. The treatment and management of the condition will depend upon the severity.

Chronic hypertension
If you suffer from chronic hypertension, you may already be taking medications to lower your blood pressure. Some women find they are able to temporarily stop taking these medications during pregnancy as their blood pressure naturally lowers. If you are already taking blood pressure medication, you must inform your doctor that you are pregnant or trying for a baby. Some blood pressure medications are not suitable for use during pregnancy, and you may need to change medications.

Gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension occurs during the second half of the pregnancy. If you do not go on to develop pre-eclampsia, and your blood pressure returns to normal within six weeks of the birth, you were suffering from gestational hypertension. Less than one in five women will develop gestational hypertension during pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia
High blood pressure is one of the symptoms of a serious condition called pre-eclampsia. At each prenatal visit, your healthcare provider should check both your blood pressure and perform a dip test on your urine sample to identify proteins. If you test positive for both high blood pressure and proteins in your urine, you may be suffering from pre-eclampsia.

How to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy
The following tips may help you to manage your blood pressure during pregnancy:

• regular exercise – you should take 30 minutes of exercise every day. Swimming, yoga and walking are gentle exercises that can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
• eat healthily – eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid junk and processed foods where possible. Avoid consuming empty calories such as fizzy drinks and sweets.
• cut the salt – reduce your salt intake. Avoid cooking with salt, and try to limit your intake or processed foods. You might be surprised to find out how much salt hides in the food you eat every day.

It is important to attend every prenatal appointment with your healthcare provider. The regular blood pressure checks allow your healthcare provider to keep an eye on your condition.

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

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

“Have you thought of any names yet?” If you’re pregnant, you must have answered that question at least two thousand times already. For those of you who have chosen a name, this question gives you an excuse to show off the wonderful name you cooked up, or smugly keep the chosen name secret. If, however, you haven’t thought of a name yet, then this question may leave you feeling panicked, stressed and convinced that you have fallen at the first hurdle of motherhood.

Fear not – just because you hadn’t tattooed a chosen name across your chest by the time you peed on the pregnancy test, it doesn’t mean you’re a terrible mother. This is a name that you baby is going to have for life, so it’s not an insignificant decision. Here are seven tips to help you when choosing your baby’s name:

1. Make sure you’re in agreement – this might seem obvious, but it’s important that you both like the name. You may not have similar tastes, but you should try to settle on a name you both like. It can be easy to push your favourite name at the expense of your partner’s, but it’s not fair to do that.
2. Consider the nicknames – try to predict what your child’s future nicknames will be. Think back to high school, and remember the unfortunate nicknames some children got.
3. Look at the initials – it’s easy to forget this stage, but it could lead to ridicule down the line. Make sure you’re not unwittingly giving your child hilarious initials. Look at all the initials, and then try first name initials alongside the full surname.
4. How does it sound – you know when you meet a person and think “Uch, what an unfortunate name,”? Well you don’t want your child to become that person. Make sure the name sounds good, is easy to say, and doesn’t have any obvious negative connotations.
5. What does the name mean to you – some parents give their children sentimental names. Family names, inspiring names and historic names are all good choices. The name should mean something to you.
6. What will it mean to other people? – it’s all very well if the name is important to you, but if it reminds everyone else of an infamous serial killer, it may not be the best name to choose. First impressions matter, and your child’s name will be one of his first impressions for life, so choose a good one.
7. Keep it secret – unless you love hearing contradictory opinions, keep the name under wraps until after the birth. Everyone and anyone will be leaning over to tell you they don’t like the name you’ve chosen, unless the baby is here, and then people will be too busy cooing to even consider the name.

Have you chosen a name for your baby yet?

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

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

The majority of labours begin naturally, but some women are given a helping hand in kick-starting labour. There are a few different methods of induction, and procedures vary between hospitals. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out more about induction procedures in your area.

Why might induction be necessary?
This will vary between hospitals, between healthcare providers, and even between patients, but some possible reasons for induction include:

• being overdue – some hospitals like to induce from week 41, and others wait until week 42
• diabetes – if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are likely to be offered early induction to reduce the risk of labour complications
• your waters have broken but labour hasn’t started – if labour hasn’t started 24 hours after your waters broke, your healthcare provider may want to talk about induction to prevent the risk of infection
• pre-eclampsia and other medical conditions – if you have been diagnosed with a condition that endangers you or your baby, your healthcare provider may wish to induce labour early
• if fetal growth problems are detected – if a growth scan shows that your baby has stopped growing, your healthcare provider may wish to opt for induction

How is labour induced?
Induction methods vary between hospitals, and may depend on your individual circumstances. Possible induction methods include:

• prostaglandin – this hormone causes the cervix to soften during labour. A pessary or tablet of prostaglandin will be placed into your vagina. If after six hours your contractions have not started, you may be offered another pessary or tablet.
• synthetic oxytocin  – if prostaglandin has not kick started labour, you will be offered synthetic oxytocin through an intravenous drip. Your waters will be broken before the drip is administered. Synthetic oxytocin causes more powerful contractions than natural labour, and your baby will be monitored throughout to check for signs of distress.

What does induced labour feel like?
Induced labour is said to be more painful than natural labour, this is because the contractions are more powerful. You will have access to pain relief during labour, so make sure you discuss your options with your healthcare provider in advance.

What if I don’t want to be induced?
There are times when induction is necessary to save a life. If, for example, you have developed pre-eclampsia, induction is the best option to protect both you and your baby. However, if you feel that you are being offered induction unnecessarily, speak to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will want to inform you of the risks, but you are well within your rights to request more information and question the need for induction.

Is your labour being induced? Have you been through an induced labor and have tips to share?

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

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

Varicose veins are swollen veins. They are usually a dark blue or purple in colour, and may appear lumpy. They are most commonly found in the legs, although can appear elsewhere on the body.

What causes varicose veins?
Veins have small valves inside, that prevent blood from flowing backwards, and ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. If these valves stop working properly, blood can flow backwards and pools in the vein causing enlargement of the vein.

Varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnancy increases your risk of suffering from varicose veins, as the pregnancy puts extra pressure on your body. During pregnancy, hormones cause the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body is working harder than ever to pump an increased volume of blood around your body. And your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins in your pelvis.

If you have varicose veins on or around your vulva, you should inform your healthcare provider. You should still be able to have a vaginal birth, but they may wish to keep a close eye on the veins in question during labour.

Symptoms of varicose veins
As well as the general appearance of varicose veins, you may also experience:

• muscle cramps in your legs
• swollen legs and feet
• a throbbing or burning sensation in your legs
• dry, itchy skin over the affected area

Treatment and prevention of varicose veins
To prevent and treat varicose veins, try the following tips:

• always sleep on your left – during pregnancy, you should avoid sleeping on your back because your enlarged uterus can prevent proper blood flow in this position. It is recommended that pregnant women sleep and lie on their left-hand side, because this allows for optimum blood flow.
• change position often – do not sit or stand for long periods, try to move around regularly. If seated, you should try to take a short walk every half hour to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
• elevate your feet when seated.
• avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
• take regular exercise – regular exercise can help circulation and prevent blood from pooling. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy.
• avoid eating for two – being overweight can increase your risk of suffering from varicose veins, so try to eat healthily during pregnancy. Eat a balanced diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, and try to avoid consuming empty calories such as soda and junk food.
• avoid constipation – hemorrhoids are a common form of varicose veins experienced during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, eat a healthy balanced diet and make sure you are eating enough fibre to reduce your chance of suffering from constipation. Constipation can easily lead to hemorrhoids.
• wear support tights or compression stockings – maternity support tights are widely available and can help to prevent blood pooling in your veins. Your doctor may recommend compression stockings if the maternity support tights are not providing any relief.

Most women find that the varicose veins disappear by themselves after the birth. As the uterus shrinks back down, and blood volume returns to normal, the veins are under less pressure and are better able to function. If you still have varicose veins six months after the birth, you may wish to speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Are you suffering with varicose veins?

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

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

Congratulations! You made it to the third trimester! Chances are you are getting pretty excited about the next couple months as you get closer and closer to meeting your baby.

You also might start feeling some contractions during the third trimester that have you slightly concerned. Are they real contractions, or Braxton Hicks contractions?  And what is the difference?

Braxton Hicks contractions are considered ‘practice contractions’ that typically occur throughout the third trimester. They were named after an English doctor in 1872, and affect nearly 88% of all pregnant woman. The key to Braxton Hicks contractions is that they do not cause your body to go into labor. They are quite simply, contractions of the uterus and abdominal wall that go away after a while, typically subside if you change position and are your body’s way of practicing for labor.

Just like an Olympic athlete trains and practices before competing, your body is also preparing for labor and delivery. Typically, around the 28th week and beyond, you will feel your stomach ball up and tighten, then release. Many women call their doctor in fear that they are in early labor. Most often doctors will recommend that you walk around, hydrate, and monitor the contractions to make sure they are not occurring in any sort of pattern, or getting harder and closer together over time.

If the contractions subside, they are simply Braxton Hicks contractions. If you still aren’t sure, your doctor will likely do some fetal monitoring, check your cervix to see if it has effaced and decide from there whether or not you should be worried.

Braxton Hicks contractions can be uncomfortable, but typically do not cause a lot of pain. They do provide you with a great opportunity to practice coping skills, though, and this will prepare you for labor. If you feel pain in your back, or in the vaginal area, or have any bleeding or mucous loss, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Luckily, once you have had a few rounds of Braxton Hicks contractions, you will be a pro at being able to identify them. When real labor pains come, you will definitely know the difference!

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.