Most women will experience at least one pregnancy craving, although some may experience more. A food craving is a sudden desire to eat a certain food. During pregnancy, these could be unusual food combinations (such as salty crisps dipped in chocolate, or pickle and ice cream), or more normal foods.

Pregnancy cravings can happen at any point, but are most common during the first trimester. Many women find that they experience food aversions alongside morning sickness. Some women don’t experience any pregnancy cravings, and that’s normal too.

What causes pregnancy cravings?

The cause of pregnancy cravings remain a mystery, but experts have made some educated guesses. Some believe that the hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact upon taste and smell. This could explain the food aversions and cravings associated with pregnancy.

What do pregnancy cravings mean?

Some experts believe that pregnancy cravings can be attributed to the nutritional needs of the body during specific times of the pregnancy. Some food cravings can be a warning sign of an underlying problems. For example, craving non-food substances such as petrol (gasoline), paint chips and soil, could be a symptom of iron deficiency. Currently, not enough research has been done in this area to determine the causes of pregnancy cravings.

Are pregnancy cravings important?

If you’re a dad-to-be reading this in the supermarket on a 3am emergency trip to get mint chocolate soy ice cream, yes. But in reality, it is not known whether pregnancy cravings are important. Experts advise you to listen to your healthy cravings – if you crave a huge bowl of fruit salad every day, go for it. If your cravings are less than wholesome, however, they advise creating alternatives for the foods you want. It would be difficult to justify eating a whole tub of high-fat neapolitan ice cream every evening, but perhaps you could switch it for a homemade milkshake made with fresh strawberries?

Popular pregnancy cravings 

There are a number of foods that seem to be a hit with most pregnant women, for example:

• ice cubes/ice lollies – a lot of women report craving ice lollies, icy cold drinks or crunching on ice cubes during pregnancy. This could be related to the raised body temperature of pregnant women, or the necessary increased water intake.
• sweet foods – chocolate, ice cream, biscuits and cake are popular cravings amongst pregnant women. This craving for sweet food could be met by eating a variety of sweet fruits. Try adding more fruit to your diet to see if that reduces your craving for high-fat sugary foods. Craving sugary foods could also be caused by a drop in blood sugar, you can avoid this by eating small, frequent meals throughout the day.
• salty foods – some women report craving salty foods such as crisps, chips and other savoury snacks. It’s ok to give into your cravings every so often, however you should be wary of the amount of sodium in your diet. You can use smartphone apps to record your food intake, and these will calculate your daily salt intake.
• spicy foods – mexican and indian cuisines are both popular food cravings amongst pregnant women. Some women find that their tolerance to spicy food increases during pregnancy, so where they may previously have ordered kormas, they find themselves eating vindaloos. The amniotic fluid in your uterus changes flavour depending on what you’ve eaten, so your baby will be enjoying new tastes as you tuck into your madras.
• citrus fruits – some women report craving the sour tastes of citrus fruits during pregnancy. From drinking lemon water, to eating whole limes, some women can’t get enough of sour flavours.

If you are craving non-food items such as mud, plaster or bath sponge, contact your healthcare provider. This can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

Are you experiencing any weird cravings during pregnancy?

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

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

Many women plan their pregnancy around the different seasons of the year. Perhaps they want to avoid being in the third trimester during the dog days of summer. But for many of us, pregnancy comes when it comes – and we find ourselves looking forward to a summer due date. Which also means that we will spend the third trimester during the long, hot, dog days of summer!

Heat can often be an enemy of a pregnant woman. Outdoor heat can lead to an increased swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, legs and face – and can make it seem even more difficult to breathe between the steamy air and compression of weight on your lungs.

Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to survive summer pregnancy with your sanity in tact.

1.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The summer heat may cause you to swell and sweat, but it can also dehydrate you. Make sure that during the hot summer months, you are drinking plenty of water. If you spend time outdoors sweating, water needs to be your best friend. Also, think about frozen beverages and treats such as slushies and popsicles! As long as you stick to sugar- and alcohol-free concoctions, you can hydrate in style as often as you want.

2. Never under-estimate a dip in the pool. In fact, a summer pregnancy can be the perfect time to invest in a wading pool. Even better is that a little floating and swimming is the perfect sort of exercise for your pregnant body as it doesn’t put undue pressure on your joints and muscles. You will find that your body is super buoyant, and that a dip in a cool pool can be just the thing to get you through a hot summer pregnancy! Just remember that your skin may burn more easily, and you need to wear a safe, natural sunscreen to protect you from getting sunburnt.

3.  Take a load off! The heat is certain to tire you out a little more. Whether you are playing outdoors or taking a walk, make sure that you take time to rest and relax. One great idea is to put a hammock in your favorite shade tree! If you find that you are swelling more than normal, come inside to the air conditioning and prop up those feet. Someone else can handle the gardening and lawn maintenance until the baby arrives.

Truth is, while being pregnant in the heat of summer can be frustrating, it is a great time to have a baby. Summer born babies have less run-ins with colds and flu, are less susceptible to respiratory viruses, and mom and baby will be able to spend time outdoors without worrying about freezing or bundling up too much.

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.

One of the greatest worries for parents-to-be, is the family finances. How will you afford to feed another mouth? How will you cope financially while on maternity leave? How will you afford to buy all of the baby paraphernalia available in the shops? Before you get yourself worked up into a credit card frenzy, it’s important to remember that it is possible to have a baby on a budget. In fact, you could make that your mantra for the next few months and you could save yourself a small fortune. Here are six easy tips for having a baby on a budget:

• Beg, borrow and steal – ok, well don’t actually steal, but borrowing is always a good idea. If you have friends and family offering to lend you cots, strollers and toys, accept their kindness. Babies don’t need brand new, they’ll be more than happy using preloved items. Thrift, charity and second-hand stores are great places to find bargain baby gear. If you are using heirloom hand-me-downs, though, be sure to judge them by today’s safety standards.
• Breastfeed – formula milk can end up costing quite a lot, and you can bypass the cost completely by making the most of what nature gave you. Breastfeeding is free – totally and completely free – and will keep your baby completely nourished until he’s ready to be weaned onto solid foods. Of course, you can buy a breast pump and bottles to express milk if you like, but you may not need to. For some women, breastfeeding allows them to feed their baby for free for the first six months of life.
• Cloth bum – disposable nappies can cost a lot, too, but by opting for cloth diapers you can bypass this ongoing expense. You will have a larger outlay at the beginning, but then the diapers will last your baby until he’s potty trained. They’ll even be fine to use for any future babies too. If you add them to your baby registry, you may even get the cloth nappies as gifts!
• Only buy what you need – a lot of the items you see in baby stores don’t really qualify as necessities. They’re things you can spend money on, but by no means need to. You don’t really need to buy a brand new baby bath, you could wash your baby in your bath or sink. Your baby doesn’t really need an expensive musical mobile to go above the crib. He doesn’t really need brand new matching nursery furniture. He doesn’t need the tiny pair of expensive shoes you’ve been eyeing up, even though they are very cute. Food, shelter, clothing and love – aside from that, everything else may be nice to have but not a necessity.
• Be realistic – draw up a realistic budget and stick to it. Give yourself room for the occasional splurge so that you don’t feel guilty about little purchases.
• Shop around – once you’ve decided what you want to buy, do your research and shop around to make sure you get the best deal. It may take a while, but you could save a lot of money.

Remember, money isn’t love – of course it feels good to spend money on your baby, and to feel that you’re ready for his arrival. But don’t feel bad if you can’t afford to buy everything new. Your baby won’t know whether a pram is new or second hand. Your baby won’t care whether he has matching outfits, a cute cot bumper, or a personalised teddy, all he will care about is being close to you.

Are you sticking to a tight budget for the baby, do you have any tips to share with other budgeting mums?

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.

Pregnancy is a daunting time for all mothers, but this can be especially true for younger mums-to-be. You may feel isolated by your pregnancy, or be worried about your finances, but rest assured, you’re not alone as a young mum-to-be. If you are young and pregnant, you may have many questions, and we can answer some.

Am I ready to be a mum?

Whether your pregnancy was planned or a surprise, you will probably still worry about whether you are ready to be a mum. Most pregnant women worry about how they will adapt to life as a mother, this is a normal pregnancy concern whatever your age or lifestyle. By preparing for the birth and motherhood, you can help yourself mentally prepare for being a parent.

How will I cope financially?

It may seem that there are lots of things to buy before the baby arrives, and even more to purchase once she gets here. Try not to worry though, there are ways to bring the costs down. Shopping around, buying second-hand and borrowing what you need can help you to stick within budget.

What about my career?

Having a baby while you’re still young may delay you progressing on the career track for a couple of years, but that doesn’t mean your career has come to an end. Take some time to enjoy your new role as a mother, and then refocus your work ethic to progressing your career once you feel settled at home.

Feeling left out

If you are the only person expecting in your social circle, it’s easy to feel left out. You may worry about missing out on the fun, being left behind while all your friends leave home, or being seen as ‘boring’ now that you’re a parent. Of course, there’s no guarantee that your friends will stick around, but chances are the true ones will. Try to get them involved with the baby, and make sure you still allow yourself to have fun and socialise with your friends.

Feeling judged

You may worry that you are being judged by your age. Chances are, your own worries and insecurities are bubbling to the surface. Your age doesn’t mean you will be a bad mother, you may be a better mum than someone twice your age. Only you get to decide what sort of mother you will be.

Feeling isolated
It can be hard to get out and meet other mums, but it’s important to have a support system in place. Baby groups and new mum meet ups are great places to meet other mums in your local area. There may even be a group for young mums like yourself, so that you can socialise with people who know exactly what you’re going through.

Are you a young mum? Do you have any concerns about the pregnancy, or are you feel ready and excited to begin your new life as a mother?

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.

For many expectant mothers, preparing the nursery is a rite of passage. Nesting – as some may call it – begins with conception as you try to recraft and recreate your world to make it perfect for the baby. There will be a lot of shopping trips, baby proofing, rearranging of furniture, and sprucing up to prepare for your baby. And, for some, there is the nursery.

For many women, the question arises of “Can I paint the nursery while pregnant?” After all, you cannot bring a baby home to a nursery that is blah, right? But then again, as a pregnant women you know firsthand and have likely heard from well meaning friends and family that some things are just not safe for pregnant women.  Is painting one of those things?

According to the CDC, latex or water based paints pose no reproductive risks. Additionally, the short term exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy is generally considered safe.  The key here is short term exposure. The greatest risk of any harm to your growing baby seems to be in the first trimester. Beyond that, most experts don’t see a problem with pregnant women painting.

That being said, you need to consider other things. It is not just the paint fumes that you should worry about. For one thing, you should be cautious with ladders, because your balance is definitely not what it used to be. Secondly, you want to try and avoid getting yourself in precarious positions, especially late in pregnancy, that could cause injury. And, while the paint fumes may not be dangerous, they may be a quick trigger for a pregnancy headache, migraine or nausea. Most of all, avoid becoming fatigued or overdoing it.

Experts also suggest that you don’t handle any decorating products, such as spray paints, that include solvents.

If you feel like you want to be a part of the nursery decorating process, then by all means dive in and let your creative juices flow. Just be careful and try not to push yourself too hard.  Allow other folks to paint the ceilings, stay off ladders, and of course make sure that the room is well ventilated while you are in there. If you get tired, take a break. You should also avoid eating while painting to decrease the risk that you may ingest some of the chemicals in paint.

On the other hand, if you just aren’t up for the challenge of painting the nursery – this is a good time to enlist the help of all the family members and friends who are just dying to help you. Don’t worry, your baby won’t know who painted their bedroom!

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.

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

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

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

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

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

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

If this is your second pregnancy, you’re probably already aware that things are different the second time round. Your symptoms may be totally different, or exactly the same, but it will feel like a completely new pregnancy either way. Here are a few reasons why a second pregnancy is such a different experience:

1. It will fly by – whether you spend your time changing nappies, navigating the terrible twos, or helping your first child with homework, you will be distracted from the pregnancy. Gone are the days where you could just sit and think about being pregnant. This time round you’ll be so busy being a mum, you won’t be watching the weeks tick slowly by, instead you’ll be wondering where on earth they’ve gone.

2. Less time to focus on the pregnancy – you are likely to have less free time to think about the pregnancy, because you’re already busy taking care of a child. You may not put in as many hours into daydreaming about this pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you’re not just as excited.

3. Less time means less worrying  – a combination of less time and more confidence mean you are likely to spend less time worrying during this pregnancy. After all, you’ve been there, done that. There will be lots of things that terrified you last pregnancy that you will take in your stride this time.

4. Focused worrying – any problems you did face last time, however, you may find yourself obsessing over. Whether you had trouble breastfeeding, suffered from post natal depression, or simply made some parenting choices you’d rather avoid this time round, try not to get overly worried during this pregnancy. Knowledge is power, and because you know what to look out for, you can arm yourself with support and knowledge to fight your demons. Speak to your healthcare provider about any worries or concerns you may have.

5. You will worry about your love – you may worry that you simply won’t be able to love a second child as much as you love your first. When your first child was born, you felt a love so strong and overwhelming that it made you question whether you had ever really loved before. The idea of feeling such a strong emotion again can be difficult, but fear not, because you will. You will love your second every bit as much as you love your first, and will one day look back and laugh that you ever questioned you would.

Are you currently pregnant with your second (or more) child? What is missing from the above list?

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!  From the moment the pregnancy test turns pink, everything you read (and everyone you meet) will fill your brain with all the dreaded and awful things that are going to happen to you. From morning sickness, swollen feet, and gaining weight to having to have an episiotomy during your 19 hour labor – pregnancy can tend to sound more like torture than bliss. But you know what? There are some pregnancy perks as well. And you might find some of them so darn delightful that they make all the other ‘side effects’ of pregnancy completely bearable. So, here you go – 7 pregnancy perks that give you something to look forward to! (Besides an incredibly cuddly, soft and beautiful baby of course!)

1.  Everyone you meet will instantly be your new best friend. People love pregnant woman almost as much as they love puppies. Everyone will stop and talk to you, open doors for you, let you butt in line at the grocery store, carry things for you, and encourage you to sit down and relax as much as possible. Okay, so it can be a bit overwhelming to have perfect strangers rub your belly and ask you embarrassing questions, but your pregnant body tends to bring out the very best in others. So enjoy it while it lasts.

2.  You can finally get a parking place at the mall in one of those ‘mothers with kids,’ or ‘pregnant moms only’ specially designated parking places, which of course are conveniently located at the closest entrance to Dunkin Donuts (and a bathroom) as possible.

3.  You have a good excuse to throw out all your old shoes and go shoe shopping. Not only will your feet never return to their pre-pregnancy size, but wearing good shoes is an important part of taking care of yourself while pregnant. Same goes for clothes. And let’s not forget purchasing all those adorable baby clothes. If you happen to be a woman with a fancy for shopping, then pregnancy will give you a perfect opportunity to indulge in just that.

4.  You have the perfect excuse to get out of menial tasks that you normally do. No way you can mow the grass, or help paint the nursery when you are pregnant. You also will have to leave the sweeping and vacuuming to someone else, and will never have to lift anything that weighs more than a watermelon. (Which is only fair since you will be carrying what feels like a watermelon in your belly). There is also no way your boss will ask you to go out in the heat (or the cold) to collect lunch for the staff meeting.

5. It’s perfectly okay to sleep until noon if you want. If you are lucky enough to be able to sleep, then you will certainly enjoy your rest. And some words to the wise – ENJOY SLEEPING while you can, because once the baby comes – sleep will become a thing of the past.

6. You never need an excuse to get out of sex. Not in the mood, no problem – chances are you won’t catch any flack from your significant other.

7. Last but not least, you get to be the first one to ever truly hold or feel your baby move. The sensations of having a baby move inside your belly is something that cannot be explained, and quite simply – makes every and any negative side effect of pregnancy seem like a walk in the park.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @MOM-SPIRATIONAL

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

We live in a new age, where there are more and more single, pregnant mothers. Is it socially acceptable to date while you are pregnant in this world where the ‘rules’ are constantly changing? Are there men out there who are actually interested in dating pregnant women?

The reality is YES!!  If you are newly pregnant, and aren’t showing yet, it is most important to be honest with a potential date about your pregnancy. If you are showing, then chances are if the man wants to date you, he is accepting of you and the fact that you are pregnant. He may have some questions about the dad, but chances are if he is interested in dating you than he is not interested in judging you. And, you should ignore the judgments of other people in your life who may not be supportive of your endeavors to find love while you are pregnant.

Pregnancy changes many things in life.  The one thing it doesn’t change is who you are. Nowadays, there are more and more open minded men who will be able to look past your pregnancy and be romantically interested in YOU for YOU.

The real hurdles lie in the fact that dating someone while you are pregnant with another man’s baby can be complicated for the budding relationship.  You are also in a place in your life where you will be making many changes, and may find that your tastes and interests in men now, are much different than they were before you had a baby.

The reality is that more and more single and pregnant women today are putting themselves out there in the world of dating. As long as you aren’t looking for a father for your baby – and are instead looking to add fulfillment and happiness to your own life, you shouldn’t feel ashamed by dating. Be honest with your date, and realize that pregnant or otherwise, life goes on. Dating while pregnant may be a new concept – but it certainly isn’t one that you should automatically shut out.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.