Tips, news and advice on pregnancy for UK mothers
‘Working with my kids around inspires me’
With 10 years spent working in children’s TV, Paul Lindley, 40, developed a deep understanding of children’s needs and aspirations. Craving a lifestyle change that would allow him to spend more time with his own children, Ella, seven and Patrick, four, Paul...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 11:57:00
Babies in Business
THE NAPPY DEMONSTRATOR Sarah Hart, 32, became a cloth nappy demonstrator when her daughter Freya, now three, was 18 months old. She is also mum to 15-month-old Lucas and is married to Rob. ‘I was always really keen to use cloth nappies, but the first...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 11:37:02
Five easy ways to pregnancy fitness!
There’s nothing quite like pregnancy for making you think about your own body and wellbeing – after all, you’ll want to be in the best possible condition to ensure that your growing baby develops as he should. It can, however, be difficult to know what sort of...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 11:32:43
No pain, no problems?
Just before my daughter was born I was convinced that I had a higher pain threshold than most other women. I thought I would breeze through labour with very little pain relief and that everyone would be envious that I had it so easy… but the reality was a...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 11:08:34
How to have an eBaby
There’s an old joke that defines parenthood as ‘having a picture in your wallet where your money used to be’. Actually, it’s not always a laughing matter. According to the number crunchers at a particular credit card company, new parents can expect to spend in...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 11:00:45
Clean living
Your ‘nesting instinct’ – an urge to tidy and organise your home – can become incredibly strong in the run-up to the birth. It’s no doubt nature’s way of preparing you for the job of nurturing a baby. But while it’s perfectly sensible to prepare your house for...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 10:56:58
Bumps and bruises
While growing a baby is an amazing experience, carrying such a precious cargo around with you can also leave you feeling a bit vulnerable. It’s natural to feel super-protective of your bump, and you will want to take extra care of yourself, but the good news...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 10:51:17
Back to basics
As a new mum, everything you do can affect your posture – whether it’s carrying your newborn, yanking the pushchair up some steps or stooping over to change nappies. And pregnancy is no different. ‘During pregnancy, there are many factors that predispose you...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 07/08/07 09:31:18
Breastfeeding made easy
The perfect team Physically, you are ideally built to feed your baby, and during pregnancy your breasts will be working overtime to prepare for the task. You’ll notice that your nipples and areolas (the circle of skin around your nipple) get darker, and your...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:52:56
Isabella Oliver fashion Q&A
Making a splash Q. I love to swim, but I now feel so big with my bump. How can I find a swimsuit that will give me the confidence to take a dip? A. Please don’t worry. Pregnant women are supposed to be bigger – it’s natural and beautiful. What’s more, there...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:52:43
Our pregnancy
What was your first reaction to the news you were pregnant? Rebecca: Very excited, as we had been trying for six months, but also a bit apprehensive about what was to come in the following months… Chris: Shock, quickly followed by joy! How are...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:52:34
Pregnancy diary
‘I met my husband David about five years ago through mutual friends. He popped the question really romantically – we were standing on Waterloo Bridge in London when he pointed out St Bride’s church in the distance. I knew what was coming next! We got married...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:52:25
One man and a baby
Having a baby will change everything about your life – that’s no secret. And one of the big questions many couples face is the issue of childcare and going back to work. But did you know that the number of men choosing to stay home and look after their child...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:52:15
It's better with a baby
As a high flier in the fashion industry, Arabella Lewis, 39, missed many of her son Alexander’s (now 10) early milestones. When her daughter, Phebe (now two) was born, Arabella decided it wasn’t going to happen again. After a stint selling second-hand baby...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:52:04
Fit for the job
While you might have to give up those extreme sports once you’ve got a bump, this certainly doesn’t mean you’ll have to be a couch potato for nine months – in fact, keeping fit can lead to a quicker labour and a easier recovery and return to shape after the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:50:33
Meet the experts who’will change the way you feel about giving birth!
Janet Balaskas is founder and director of the Active Birth Centre, famous for its revolutionary and inspirational pregnancy and postnatal programme. Her work differs from conventional birth education in that it focuses on giving women the confidence to be...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:50:21
Weird and wonderful pregnancy
You might actually lose weight at the start of pregnancy Why? It’s true that severe morning sickness, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum can account for weight loss in early pregnancy. Don’t worry, though, this may not be as serious for your baby’s...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 06/07/07 14:50:08
‘Is anybody in there?!’
At my first antenatal appointment, my midwife asked if I’d given any thought to giving birth. As I was still having trouble believing I was actually pregnant, this came as a bit of a shock. Talking through my birth options, one thing became very clear – I was...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 11:23:04
It's better with a baby
‘I invited 35 children to my wedding. My partner and I had been together for nine years and we had two children with one on the way, and most of our friends had children too. Not inviting them wouldn’t have been an option. We found a venue in the middle of the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 11:20:30
Just the three of us
Pregnant mums have it so much easier than dads-to-be. You get to spend nine months getting to know your baby while he’s growing inside you. You learn what he likes (jumping off the walls of the womb like it’s a bouncy castle) and what he doesn’t like (spicy...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 11:14:57
Hands off my bump!
Under normal circumstances, most people would never have the audacity to comment on your lifestyle choices, yet as soon as it’s obvious that you’re carrying a baby you’ll probably find that the world and his wife seem to think it’s acceptable to start...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 11:11:27
10 top parenting gurus
GINA FORD The New Contended Little Baby Book (Vermilion, £9.99) The Guru: A maternity nurse who has refined her ideas during her experiences of looking after hundreds of babies. The book: This is a no-nonsense, no-room-for-doubt guide to...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 11:04:45
Our pregnancy
What was your first reaction to the news you were pregnant? Kim: ‘Oh my god, this test must be faulty!’ I was shaking, but it was definitely with excitement. I’ll never forget that day – I had to do a second test to make sure. Adam: ‘Get me a beer!’...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 10:47:29
All you need to know about… complications during labour
Problem: Too tired to push Why this happens: A long labour can be challenging and exhausting, so not surprisingly, your energy reserves may have dwindled considerably by the time you actually need to push. Try this: ‘Keeping well hydrated and as mobile...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 10:26:29
Sugar and spice...?
You’re over the moon that you’re pregnant, and just can’t wait to meet your new arrival. Plans for decorating the nursery are already in hand and you’ve started to buy one or two special things to welcome the baby into the world. But perhaps the icing on the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 10:18:03
The pregnancy diaries
‘We’d been thinking about having a baby for a long time. I’d already suffered one miscarriage, so when I got pregnant again, we were thrilled. It happened really quickly – just a month after we started trying, we got the positive result we wanted. I’d been...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 20/06/07 10:11:47
Body of evidence
The skin had stretched like an inflated balloon over the rapidly rising bulge between the lower ribs and the hips. I marvelled at how quickly all this had happened – before stepping off the scales, loosening my belt another notch and telling myself that I...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:50:26
Diagnose that abbreviation!
While your healthcarers should use plain English to explain everything that happens to you during your nine months and beyond, you’re still likely to come across a range of confusing acronyms and abbreviations when reading about or discussing pregnancy and...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:43:36
‘We used sperm donors to have our babies’
Mikki Morrissette, 44, is mum to Sophia, seven, and Dylan, three, whom she conceived using sperm donated by a male friend. She is author of Choosing Single Motherhood: The thinking woman’s guide (Be-Mondo publishing, £12.99) ‘I got divorced in my 30s...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:43:16
Learning to love your pregnant body
‘Spend 15 minutes in any playground and you’re almost certain to overhear mothers of all ages, sizes and backgrounds talking about three things: their kids, their husbands and the size of their thighs, bottoms or tummies. Yep – the obsession that most of us...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:43:00
Our pregnancy
What was your first reaction to the news you were pregnant? Katie: Utter joy. I had been suffering with endometriosis [where the lining of the womb is present in other parts of the body] so did not expect things to happen so soon – our baby was a honeymoon...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:42:46
How to have an easy labour!
Holistic experts ‘Contractions should be less painful if you choose upright positions in labour, such as standing, walking, kneeling or squatting. When you are upright and leaning forward, you help the womb to do its work.’ Janet Balaskas,...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:42:32
Miscarriage explained
A miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends naturally before the baby is sufficiently developed survive, and statistics show that around 15 per cent of known pregnancies will result in miscarriage. Don’t panic, though – the risk of miscarriage decreases...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:42:08
Nine magical months
Your body First trimester Breasts: You may experience tingling or soreness in your breasts, and darkening of the areola. This is because of the increased levels of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen – but you’ll soon have a cleavage to die...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 10/05/07 13:41:44
10 ways to save a tenner
1. Get moving If you’re a homeowner your biggest monthly outgoing is probably your mortgage, and you can make big savings simply by moving it to another lender. You can compare thousands of mortgage deals at websites such as www.moneysupermarket.c...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 14:00:26
Your amazing body
5-7 WEEKS Breasts: They may already be slightly enlarged and tender, due to increased levels of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Waist: Your baby is only be around 1cm long, yet already your waist might seem thicker than normal, and your...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 14:00:19
‘We couldn’t have done it without them’
Words: Catherine Bruton ‘T he epidural had risen unusually quickly and taken control of my whole body’ Gemma Ross, 22, is mum to Amelia, 10 months. After a very dramatic birth, she and Amelia’s father, James, would never have coped without the unwavering...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 14:00:10
Yummy Mummy
Cool customer Q. They’re predicting the hottest summer on record. Can you recommend some stay-cool pieces for my maternity wardrobe? A: It sounds obvious, but let your skin breathe with sleeveless or cap-sleeved designs, whether that’s on a...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 14:00:01
Baby Essentials
T o introduce your newborn to bath-time fun, it’s best to start with the ‘topping and tailing’ method. Because he won’t be crawling around yet, he won’t get as dirty as older babies. All you need are cotton wool swabs, two cloths, cotton buds, a bowl of warm...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:55
Labour and Birth Essentials
A birth pan documents the way you would like your labour and birth to go, from the forms of pain relief you do and don’t want to use, to whether you want to hold your baby as soon as she’s delivered. It’s a useful way to communicate formally your wishes to the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:48
Pregnancy Essentials
How much weight should I be gaining? Weight gain during pregnancy actually varies greatly from woman to woman, depending on your age and build, whether or not you’ve previously had a baby, and your pre-pregnancy weight. The Department of Health states that...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:42
Work and Money Essentials
Words: Celia Clark, Rachel Kenny Your baby has arrived and every day is a new adventure, but the time has come to make that big decision: should you return to work and potentially miss out on important moments of your child’s life, or suffer a decrease in...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:36
Stress-free shopping!
W hen I was eight months pregnant with Jake I went shopping in London for some last-minute essentials – and ended up tearful and exhausted. Not a good experience. So I decided to try my luck on the internet instead, and it was a revelation. What better way to...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:29
Your baby’s essential kit
Words: Evelyn Evans, Tracey Lattimore Moses basket or crib These are a little more snug and comfy for your newborn than a cot. Whatever you buy, just make sure that you’ve assembled it before bringing your new arrival home! Try this: Three bunnies Moses...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:22
Our pregnancy
What was your first reaction to the news you were going to be a parent? Angela: I knew something was up. I have always wanted children and I was really happy that it was going to happen. Then reality kicked in - our house we had just bought was a building...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:15
‘After 48 hours of contractions, I was still just 2cm dilated’
‘I couldn’t actually believe that I’d ever have a baby. My body growing a little person and giving birth? Ridiculous! So when I found myself throwing up vigorously on an EasyJet flight last May, it didn’t occur to me that I was pregnant. I did a test the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:09
How the other half shops
Miranda Levy, 38, is mum to Annabel, four, and Jacob, two, and the author of The Rough Guide to Babies (Rough Guides, £9.99). With hindsight, the £160 could have been better spent. On a nine-month supply of nappies, perhaps. But when I saw those fabulous...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:59:03
Testing times
Words: Siobhan Stirling While you’re pregnant you’ll probably have at least one scan to capture pictures of your unborn baby and check for any abnormalities (such as Down’s syndrome, spina bifida and heart defects). What you might not know, however, is that...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 12/04/07 13:58:57
The price of parenthood
W e stood in awe as the immense doors slid silently apart. Warm, sweetly scented air rushed over us as we stepped tentatively towards the light and into the cavernous space, squinting at the dazzling marble floor and the towering pillars before us. A calm,...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 27/03/07 14:39:24
What’s that on my baby?!
CRADLE CAP What is it? A type of dermatitis that causes irritation around the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands of your baby’s skin (full name is seborrhoeic dermatitis). What does it look like? Cradle cap often resembles very bad dandruff, with unsightly...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:47:49
Visualise your way to a pain-free birth
What is visualisation? A technique that’s often used by athletes before a big game or race, visualisation involves vividly imagining an event before it occurs, and picturing it going well. ‘Using visualisation or guided imagery for labour is like running a...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:34:51
How to babyproof your marriage
No-one wants to say it, but everyone knows it’s true: having babies and looking after small children can be pretty tough on a marriage. But help is at hand – Babyproofing your Marriage: How to laugh more, argue less and communicate better as your family grows...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:29:22
Your amazing nine months
YOUR BODY Weeks 1-2 The start of your pregnancy is actually calculated from the beginning of your last period, because most women don’t actually know when they conceive. Doctors then use this date to determine your due date. Weeks 3-4 The fertilised egg...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:25:05
Seeing is believing
S omething was different. My body clock was telling me that I should be afraid, yet I wasn’t. And the atmosphere was less tense than usual for this time of month. Then it dawned on me: no PMT! I hadn’t expected Ruth’s pregnancy to have so many happy side...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:24:17
Warning signs you must never ignore
Words: Catherine Bruton Abdominal Pain Danger sign: Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t subside, possibly accompanied by any of the following: nausea and vomiting, watery bleeding, dizziness, pain in the tip of the shoulder. What it might mean: An...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:23:54
Feeling blue
Words: Charlotte Coleman You’re expecting a baby – you should be on top of the world, so why do you feel so tearful and miserable all the time? An estimated one in ten pregnant women will suffer from depression, and while postnatal depression is now widely...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:21:04
Baby Essentials
Words: Becky Seery, Rachel Kenny Breastfeeding makes your boobs saggy No! If you’re pregnant your breasts are going to change no matter what you do. This is due to physical and hormonal changes that occur in your body, as well as the fact that your body...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:17:44
Labour and Birth Essentials
With around one in five women having a Caesarean birth (where your baby is born through a small incision in your abdomen and womb), it’s a good idea to swot up on the different procedures involved, just in case! That way, you’ll be prepared for the best birth experience possible.
Before surgery
Helping your body after the birth
You might need a bit of advice on coping with the little discomforts you’re likely to feel after your baby has arrived. And you thought it was just going to be sleepless nights…Sitting down
You’re likely to feel a little sore for the first few weeks (especially if you had an episiotomy or tear and needed stitches) that can make even sitting uncomfortable.
How to cope
• Hire a Valley Cushion. These are cushions that have been specially designed so that each side of the channel can be individually inflated to a pressure that suits you. Contact the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) on 0870 444 8707 (www.nct.org.uk) for details.
• You can ease the soreness with a warm bath, but be sure to dry any stitches well with a clean towel. You may find adding a few drops of soothing oil such as tea tree or lavender helps.
• Place a cool gel pack on your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus). This will numb the area and can help reduce swelling. You could also try cooling maternity pads in the fridge so they’re soothing when you put them on.
Using the loo
Passing urine can feel sore for the first few days, especially if you have stitches.
How to cope:
• Drink plenty of water as this will help to dilute your urine and make it less stingy.
• Take a pee in a warm bath or shower so that the urine is diluted slightly, or simply pour warm water over your perineum as you pee.
• Your stitches aren’t going to tear when you open your bowel, but it is a very common worry. Try holding a maternity pad over your stitches while your push to give you more confidence.
Incontinence
Unfortunately urinary stress incontinence is very common in women after giving birth and you’ll probably find yourself passing urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze.
How to cope:
• Practice those pelvic floor exercises! Strengthening your pelvic floor is the best way of coping with incontinence, and it’s though best if you continue them for at least three months after giving birth.
• Drink plenty of water and try to urinate frequently – even though it may be a little painful.
Piles
Many women suffer from piles after giving birth. But though they are very common, most women find they disappear after a few days.
How to cope:
• Make sure you practice those pelvic floor exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your anus.
• Eat plenty of fibre-rich foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholmeal bread, brown rice and pasta and wholegrain cereals, and drink plenty of water.
• Try not to strain when you go to the loo as this can make piles worse.
• Ask your midwife or pharmacist to recommend an ointment for relief.
Sex
There are no hard and fast rules about resuming sex after giving birth; it’s really up to you to decide when it feels right. However if you’ve had stitches you should wait for these to be removed before resuming penetrative sex.
How to cope:
• You’re likely to feel some tightness and tenderness the first time, though using a lubricant may help.
• Experiment with different positions until you find one that is comfortable.
• Make sure you, and your partner, are relaxed before you try. This may be easier said than done with a newborn baby in the house, but a warm bath, a glass of wine and a massage can all help!
What’s happening to my breasts?
Once your baby is born your breasts finally get to perform the role nature intended for themYour body will be gearing up to start full-scale milk production within hours of giving birth. In fact, as soon as you deliver the placenta your oestrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly while levels of the hormone prolactin rise, which signals your body to start making plenty of milk.
At first your breasts produce a thin, watery milk known as colostrum, which is easily digestible and rich in protein, fat and disease-fighting antibodies that strengthen your baby’s immune system. This is gradually replaced by breast milk over the first week or so of breastfeeding, which will change throughout the feed to suit the needs of your baby.
For your baby to enjoy your milk, it needs to be ‘let down’, which is simply a term used to describe the process of how milk is released from the internal alveoli (the small milk-filled sacs in your breasts). When your baby sucks on your nipple this stimulates your pituitary gland to release oxytocin into your bloodstream, which causes the tiny muscles around the alveoli to contract and squeeze milk into the ducts, which transport it to the milk pools just below the areola (the area around your nipple).
In the first few days after giving birth your breasts will enlarge and can feel swollen tender and uncomfortably full – though this is likely to be the increase in blood supply to your breasts, which is needed for milk production, rather than your breasts filling with milk. This discomfort should disappear after a few days as you establish breastfeeding.
(read full article)
Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:17:24
Pregnancy Essentials
PROGESTERONE
Function: To relax the smooth muscle in your womb and stimulate the growth of breast tissue.This will affect… Pretty much everything. It’s the main cause of tiredness, and its muscle-relaxing effect causes bloating, acid-reflux, breast tenderness and hip pain.
When does it kick in? Right from the start or pregnancy – levels peak just before birth.
How long will it last? Your energy levels should return by the second trimester.
RELAXIN
Function: To soften the cervix and your ligaments.This will affect…Your joints.
When does it kick in? Just after ovulation, peaking during the first trimester.
How long will it last? The level of relaxin will gradually decline, but its effects will stay with you until birth.
HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN (hCG)
Function: To maintain correct levels of oestrogen and progesterone.This will affect… Your appetite! It’s this that causes morning sickness and nausea, as well as stimulating your pelvis, making you need to wee more often.
When does it kick in? Straight away – it rises during the first 12 weeks.
How long will it last? Levels usually peak around weeks eight to 10, after which you should feel that pregnancy ‘bloom’.
OESTROGEN
Function: To help the development of the foetus and develop your milk glands.This will affect… Everything. It gives you that flushed glow, magnifies your emotions and increases your sense of smell.
When does it kick in? It’s produced by your placenta throughout pregnancy.
How long will it last? Symptoms will lessen during your second trimester, and levels of oestrogen will fall immediately after birth.
OXYTOCIN
Function: To trigger contractions, cause milk to be produced and induces that bonding feeling between you and your newborn.This will affect… Contractions and your milk flow.
When does it kick in? During labour – nipple stimulation can increase levels.
How long will it last? Oxytocin levels fall directly after birth.
PROLACIN
Function: To regulate your metabolism and prepare your body for breastfeeding.This will affect…Your breasts and milk production.
When does it kick in? It’s present throughout pregnancy.
How long will it last? Levels remain high for two weeks after birth, but your baby suckling at your breasts further stimulates prolactin production, maintaining your ability to lactate. It also helps to suppress menstruation.
ENDORPHINS
Function: These ‘happy hormones’ numb the sensations of pain and stress.This will affect…Your state of mind during labour – they’ll give you a natural high.
When does it kick in? During labour – levels increase as labour progresses, unless you have an epidural, when they’ll remain constant.
How long will it last? Levels drop sharply after birth, unfortunately!
What you need to know about stretchmarks
We explain why they occur and what can be done to prevent them
Unfortunately, between 75 and 90 per cent of mums-to-be develop stretchmarks. They occur when skin stretches suddenly, as this causes damage to the sensitive connective tissue layer of the skin (the dermis). What’s more, pregnancy hormones can cause the breakdown of collagen, which also results in stretchmarks.
Who gets them?
They’re often hereditary – chances are that if your mum had them, you will too. Also, some women have weaker collagen than others, so are more likely to be suspectible.
Minimising the damage
1. Try to eat foods rich in selenium such as wholegrains, and make sure your diet also contains plenty of the vitamins C and E.
2. Massage your skin every day with moisturiser or oil – this can help bring blood and oxygen to the skin layers, aiding them in the stretching process.
3. Try to limit your weight gain during pregnancy
4. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
5. Try yoga – it’s excellent for maintaining skin and ligament elasticity.
Any cures?
Once there, stretchmarks are permanent, but applying calendula cream or cocoa butter may help to reduce them. As they flatten out they also fade, and usually end up a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. The other options are quite invasive – laser therapy or Retin-A or a ‘tummy tuck’ operation can help to minimise the appearance of stretchmarks post-baby. If you are considering treatment of this kind, wait until you’ve completed your family because you are likely to develop more stretchmarks with each pregnancy.
Beating morning sickness
Fed up of feeling queasy? Follow our guide to beating morning sickness and you’ll be back to eating for two in no time!
Never mind food cravings – sometimes actually feeling the desire to eat anything at all is a real achievement when you’re pregnant. If it’s all you can do to nibble on a piece of toast, then it’s likely you’re suffering from morning sickness. Despite the name, morning sickness can strike at any time of day. But according to some experts, it can actually help protect your developing baby. A study conducted by Cornell University concluded that morning sickness helps protect the mother and foetus from food-borne illnesses and shields the foetus from potentially harmful chemicals.
Why so sick?
No one knows exactly what causes morning sickness, though it’s thought to be a combination of hormonal changes, fatigue and your new hypersensitive sense of smell.
For many women morning sickness disappears once they reach week 14 or 15, and they slowly begin to feel that pregnancy ‘bloom’.
Coping strategies
Stress can often make the situation worse, so try not to worry about being sick. You might want to try coping strategies such as visualisation and relaxation. And don’t worry about what you’re eating (or rather not eating), either. ‘Getting anxious will just make things worse,’ explains Lynn Alford-Burow, nutritionist at The Nutrition Coach. ‘Aim for five small meals to avoid the problems associated with nausea, energy dips and indigestion.’
Many women say they feel worse when they’re tired – this is a sure-fire way of your body telling you that you’re overdoing it. Have as many early nights as possible, and take catnaps during the day if you can.
Food for thought
When you’re battling morning sickness, it doesn’t matter what you eat, as long as you manage to get something down you to boost your blood sugar levels. Stick to meals that are easy to prepare, or get your partner to do the cooking. If there are certain foods you can’t face, then don’t force yourself. Hot water with grated ginger or lemon juice is a good way to increase your fluid intake, and if heartburn is a problem, avoid eating a heavy meal before bed and keep spices to a minimum.
Stop that sickness fast!
Try these ideas to help ward off the nausea and put that spring back in your step!
– Nibble on a dry cracker before getting up in the morning.
– Peppermint and camomile tea can help to settle your stomach and ease digestion.
– Acupressure bands such as those designed to help travel sickness work by pressing small plastic bumps into your wrist at specific points.
– Sips of iced water can help to keep your food down after a meal.
– Don’t drink fluids at the same time as eating – it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before drinking anything after you’ve had a snack or meal.
– Papaya and fresh pineapple can help ease nausea and heartburn. Try using fresh papaya
or pineapple whizzed up with a banana to make a nutritious breakfast smoothie.
(read full article)
Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:17:00
Work and Money Essentials
Words: Evelyn Evan, Becky Seery, Tracey Lattimore Thrifty Lifestyle Nearly everyone worries about finances when there’s a baby on the way, but there are lots of thing you can do – starting with a few painless lifestyle adjustments. Your morning...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:16:39
The great healer
Words: Charlotte Coleman We’ve all heard stories of the new mum who was back in her skinny jeans, preparing dinner while dictating a sales report down the phone to her office just minutes after giving birth. But if this strikes fear in you, don’t worry:...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:16:25
How to tell if you’re in labour
Words: Siobhan Stirling As your due date approaches, it’s common to be anxious about going into labour unexpectedly – but happily, things usually happen very differently to what’s shown in all those TV dramas. More than 700,000 babies are born in the UK...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:16:08
Our pregnancy
Words: Tracey Lattimore What was your first reaction to the news you were going to be a parent? Sophie: I was really thrilled to find out that I was pregnant and wanted to tell Dan straight away, but thought it best to wait until he'd driven home from...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:15:45
‘It worked for us!’
Words: Miranda Levy Gas and air (entonox) What is it? Entonox is a mixture of 50/50 mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (an anaesthetic gas). You breathe it in through a mouthpiece. Pros: Easy to use and control It’s a distraction, and can take the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 22/03/07 13:15:13
A little help with your friends
Words: Miranda Levy. Miranda is the author of The Rough Guide to Babies (Rough Guides, £9.99) The announcement that you’re about to start a family can raise difficult issues with those close to you – and your friends are no exception. ‘When you’re facing a...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 12:29:36
It’s better with a baby
Giving birth to the child she never thought she’d have caused Sam Petter, 40, to rethink her priorities. A natural lifestyle had helped her to conceive and she decided to spread the word with Tatty Bumpkin yoga classes and organic clothing for children. All...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 12:24:10
The great weight debate
Words: Laura Williams It’s hard to know how much you should be eating when you’re pregnant: you know you’re hungry all the time, but you’ve also been told that piling on too many pounds is a no-no. In fact, weight gain during pregnancy varies greatly from...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 12:19:22
The pregnancy diaries
‘I came back from maternity leave after having my son Jenson, now 18 months, only to find out that I was pregnant again. I was very nervous about breaking the news at work, as I hadn’t planned to have two pregnancies so close together – it was as much...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 12:08:13
Our pregnancy
What was your first reaction to the news you were going to be a parent? Libby: Shocked and excited. I did the test the day before a business trip to America, so it was strange getting used to the news alone, on the other side of the Atlantic. Needless to...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 12:01:06
Your guide to natural pain relief
Words: Tracey Lattimore & Becky Seery Water A warm bath can be a great way to relax at any time, and it can be a highly an effective and comforting way to relieve pain in the early stages of labour. What’s more, many hospitals now have maternity units...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 11:43:34
Daddy (not so) cool
There can be little doubt that men and women approach pregnancy from completely different directions. The future mother, after all, has an embryo growing inside her. Her body is undergoing all sorts of extraordinary changes. It is a life-changing process....
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 11:33:32
All you need to know about… intervention during labour
We all hope that labour and birth will be as natural experiences as possible, but it’s inevitable that we’ll sometimes need a little help. Rest assured, though, that intervention will only be carried out if it is really thought to be necessary, and all the...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 11:20:44
Pregnancy Essentials
Even if no-one else has guessed you’re pregnant, your body is still undergoing some momentous changes. Find out what’s happening amazing week by amazing week Weeks 5-7 Increased levels of progesterone and oestrogen mean your breasts may already be...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 11:10:29
Essentials baby
If your baby’s born prematurely it’s only natural to be concerned, but knowing what to expect can help put your mind at rest How will our baby be cared for? If your baby is born prematurely, she will be cared for in a neonatal unit. These specialise in...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 10:49:05
At the foot of the mountain
Every morning and night, my partner Ruth would sigh as I attempted to initiate ‘bump inspection’. This was not some strange form of bedroom Twister, but rather a close examination of her midriff. ‘You know, it’s going to be months before we really start...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 10:37:34
Work and Money Essentials
1. Stay cool and comfortable. Raging hormones and your increased metabolic levels can mean your body temperature rises, which only adds to your tiredness. ‘Wear comfortable clothes to work that keep you from overheating,’ suggests Emma Thomson of The Baby...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 10:35:15
Labour essentials
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) How does it work? A TENS machine uses electrical impulses to stimulate endorphins – your body’s painkillers. Advantages: Many women find it especially effective if used with gas and air. You can hire a...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 10:16:38
Natural born feeders
Your man may have a different opinion, but your breasts exist for one reason. Physically, we are ideally built to feed our babies, and during pregnancy your breasts will be working overtime to prepare for the task. For many women, one of the first signs of...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 10:16:11
Top of the class
There are now all sorts of antenatal classes available to help prepare you for labour, birth and early parenthood. They’re a great place to meet other parents-to-be, get real, unfiltered advice, and share any worries you may have.According to an NCT report...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/02/07 10:15:33
Life beyond labour
When those two blue lines appeared on that little white stick, I knew things would never be the same. I was saying hello to the prospect of a growing tummy, maternity bras, the mysterious world of Mothercare… oh, and maybe even a baby one day....
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 15:09:40
A New Concept(ion)
“I want to have a baby.” So said my partner Ruth as we sat in the pub on one of those irresponsible boozy Sunday afternoons, which now seems like decades ago. Given that this was an idea we’d been pondering for a while, I was the picture of calm. In fact, I...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 15:00:44
Our pregnancy
How did you react when you found out you were pregnant? Millie : I was both scared and relieved at the same time – the fuss that’s made about being an ‘older mum’ means that although at the age of 39 I’m by no means ‘old’, in fertility terms, time’s ticking...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 14:52:02
The A-Z of why it’s brilliant being pregnant
Words: Siobhan Stirling A is for… acupuncture Many mums swear by acupuncture for managing pregnancy and labour pains, but you can also benefit from it in terms of general health. ‘Acupuncture has a very good track record of subtly maintaining wellbeing,’...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 13:28:31
Eat your way to a healthy pregnancy
Words: Alix Miller With so much information to take in, it’s easy to get confused about the dos and don’ts of nutrition in pregnancy: should I eat eggs? Do I really need to eat for two? What’s all the fuss about fish oil? That’s why we teamed up with...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 13:11:51
Your baby’s first day
Words: Judith Eagle Your newborn is finally snuggled in your arms, and you can do what you’ve been dying to do for the last nine months: hold her close, gaze into her eyes and smell her special baby smell. It’s an amazing moment – and chances are you’ve spent...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 12:50:46
Your stress-free guide to labour
No matter how excited you are about meeting your baby, you’re probably apprehensive about a little something called labour that you’ll have to get through first. This is completely natural, and we’re not going to tell you that labour’s easy, but it can be a...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 12:36:20
Work and Money Essentials
The rules: old and new * Until 1st April 2007, when the law is due to change, every mum-to-be is entitled to take 26 weeks ‘Ordinary Maternity Leave’ (OML), plus an extra 26 weeks ‘Additional Maternity Leave’ (AML), if you meet certain conditions. The...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 12:06:26
Baby Essentials
During the last few days before your baby is born your mind will undoubtedly be on the impending labour and the arrival of your new addition. But aside from the crib and nursery furniture, there are a few more practical things you need to get your head around...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 11:45:54
Safe and (ultra) sound
Words: Tracey Lattimore While you’re no doubt counting down the days until you’ll have your own little family, you’re probably also feeling a bit anxious about your growing baby’s health. This is completely natural, and you’ll be glad to know that there are...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 10:51:57
Why it’s better with a baby
Words: Tracey Lattimore I’ve been involved in travel and tourism marketing all my working life. I was a bit spoilt, really. I was used to taking press trips all over the place, staying in boutique hotels and on luxury cruise liners… but when it came to...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 09/02/07 10:36:18
Labour Essentials
LABOUR JARGON EXPLAINED You don't need a medical degree to understand what's happening during labour - we're here to demystify the terms your midwife uses AFTERPAINS The pains you may feel in your womb after the birth as it works to contract to its...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 02/02/07 15:42:14
1,2,3 steps to writing your birth plan!
The weeks that followed my positive pregnancy test were an exciting time: shopping for maternity clothes, satisfying my craving for broccoli and boiled eggs (together) and getting other people to do things for me whenever and wherever possible. But strange as...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 26/01/07 10:25:23
What’s happening to your body?
5-7 weeks Breasts They may already be slightly enlarged and tender. This is because of your increased levels of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Although you may be more sensitive than normal, just remember the good news: you’ll...
(read full article)Source: Pregnancy, Baby and You 25/01/07 16:01:38
Complications of labour
The majority of babies are born vaginally, but an increasing number are born by Caesarian section. The government has ordered research into the reasons for the recent increase in the use of Caesarians. The National Childbirth Trust fears that part of the reason is doctors’ lack of confidence in women’s ability to deliver naturally and their [...] (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 15:35:17
Pain relief during labour
One of a pregnant woman’s greatest concerns is the pain of labour and how to lessen it. A variety of methods exist. Some women can get by with natural pain relief, such as TENS machines and relaxation techniques while, for others, these seem to have little effect. Much emphasis has been placed in recent years [...] (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 15:34:12
Serious complications of pregnancy
Most pregnant women only experience the minor complications of pregnancy, but for a minority more serious problems occur. In extreme cases, these can result in the death of the baby and, very rarely in developed countries, that of the mother. Problems range from failure of the embryo to implant in the womb, leading to miscarriage, [...] (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 15:32:05
Minor complications of pregnancy
Pregnancy wreaks havoc on the female body. As well as pluses such as thick hair and a ‘blooming’ complexion, it pushes organs out of place and floods the body with hormones. Discomfort from having your stomach in your chest and other organs in unaccustomed places does not usually occur until the final stages of pregnancy when [...] (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 15:31:03
Pregnancy timeline
Weeks 1-4 Fertilisation occurs and a ball of quickly multiplying cells embeds itself in the lining of the uterus. In the UK pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last period so for as much as three weeks of this first month she might not be actually pregnant. When fertilisation does occur the [...] (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 15:26:01
Pregnancy Symptoms
Symptoms of pregnancy include the following: Breast tenderness Nausea, vomiting, or both Missing a period or having an abnormal period Weight gain Breast enlargement, nipples darkening, or breast discharge Urinating more frequently than usual Fetal movement (after 20 weeks for new mothers) (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 15:22:43
Welcome to Pregnancy Health
Welcome to Pregnancy Health, your online resource for your health and well being during and after the term of your pregnancy. (read full article)
Source: Pregnancy Health 22/09/06 00:00:00
