Safe Medications During Pregnancy

You have allergies. Or migraines. Perhaps you suffer from an underactive thyroid, or high blood pressure. Or you are suffering from generalized aches and pains during pregnancy. Now that you are pregnant, you may be wondering what medications are safe to take during pregnancy.

The most important thing to know is that you should take as little medication as possible! Obviously, if you have any existing health problems that you take medication for on a daily basis, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, they will change the medication you are on or the dosage, advise you to stop taking it or give you the green-light to continue treatment and just monitor your condition.

When it comes to over-the-counter medications, it ALWAYS important to check with a pharmacist, or your doctor before taking anything. Generally speaking however there are certain medications deemed low risk for pregnant women.

For stomach upset, medications such as Tums, Mylanta and Maalox are considered safe. Just don’t use over the recommended dosing, and consider that stomach upset and heartburn is often just part of pregnancy. Avoid indigestions medications containing salicylates, such as Pepto Bismol.

If you have a cold, the following medications are considered safe to use:

  • Guaifenesin, an expectorant (Hytuss, Mucinex, Naldecon Senior EX, Robitussin)
  • Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (Benylin Adult, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough, Scot-Tussin DM, Vicks 44 Cough Relief)
  • Guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan (Benylin Expectorant, Robitussin DM, Vicks 44E)
  • Cough drops
  • Vicks VapoRub

Again, before buying a non-name brand, check with a pharmacist on duty and ALWAYS read the ingredients before taking any cold medications.  You should avoid any medicines that contain alcohol at any time, and should start with lowest recommended dose when taking medicine.

For generalized aches and pains or headaches – the only medication you should take is acetaminophen (Paracetamol). It is important to avoid any medications that include aspirin or aspirin derivatives.

If you have other problems such as constipation, yeast infections, insomnia, the flu, or a bacterial or viral infection, you should visit your doctor before purchasing any medications over the counter.

It is also VERY important to steer clear of herbal remedies and herbal blends while pregnant. There are many herbal blends that contain certain herbs which can compromise your pregnancy, or even cause you to miscarry. So use caution when using homeopathic remedies and avoid anything that includes Cohosh.

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.

Do Pregnancy Cravings Mean Anything?

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.

Uterine Fibroids During Pregnancy

Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas or fibromyomas, are tumours that grow in and around the uterus. They are non-cancerous, and very few develop into cancer. Fibroids are made of the same tissue as the uterine wall.

Around 40% of women will experience fibroids. You are most at risk of developing this condition if you are:

  • aged between 30 and 50
  • overweight
  • of African-Caribbean origin

The most commonly diagnosed type of fibroid is the intramural fibroid, these develop in the muscle wall of the uterus. Fibroids can also grow from the outside wall of the uterus, on the wall of the cervix, and beneath the inner lining of the womb wall.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids:

  • heavy or painful periods
  • abdominal pain
  • pain during sex
  • frequent urination
  • constipation

Only a third of women with fibroids will experience symptoms. For most, fibroids are asymptomatic.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

If your healthcare provider suspects you have fibroids, you may be offered the following diagnostic tests:

  • an ultrasound scan
  • a transvaginal ultrasound scan
  • a hysteroscope – in this examination, a small telescope is used to see inside the uterus
  • a laparoscopy – in this examination, a small tube is inserted into the uterus. This is usually inserted via the belly button. A light and camera on the end of the tube transmit pictures to a monitor screen for examination.
  • a biopsy – a biopsy may be taken to be sent off for further examination.

Uterine fibroids during pregnancy

Most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy and normal delivery. However, in some cases, fibroids may cause complications. Possible complications include:

  • bleeding in early pregnancy
  • low fetal birth weight
  • placenta previa
  • spontaneous miscarriage
  • preterm labour
  • red degeneration – this is most likely to occur during the second trimester. A haemorrhage occurs in the fibroid, causing the fibroid to die and turn red. This can be very painful.

Treatment for fibroids during pregnancy

Most women do not require treatment for fibroids. Most fibroids will clear up over time without treatment. However, for more severe cases, medication, surgery and MRI treatments are all possible treatment options. Your healthcare provider will be best able to advise you on the suitable treatment options for your condition.

If you are experiencing pain during the pregnancy, you may be put on bed rest. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be advised to reduce any pain.

Will fibroids affect the birth?

Most women with fibroids are able to have a normal delivery. However, if you have fibroids in your cervical wall, or developing in the lower half of your uterus, you may be advised to have a caesarean section. This is because the birth canal can become blocked by fibroids, making labour more difficult. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried your fibroids may affect the birth.

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.

Single and Pregnant

Pregnancy is a time to celebrate family. Yet many women today find themselves single and pregnant. Sometimes by choice, and other times by their partners inability to accept responsibility. In fact, according to statistics, being single and pregnant is no longer a ‘condition’ afflicting only teenagers and there are thousands of woman making the empowered decision to go through pregnancy alone. The US Census reports that 1/3rd of the 6 million pregnant women over the age of 22 are single.

See – you ARE NOT alone.

Still, in a world that offers so much information for pregnant woman and ‘their husbands’ it can be hard to feel like your relationship status allows you to have a socially ‘accepted’ pregnancy when you go it alone. However, the good news is that the times are changing. Women today are making empowered and smart choices about whether or not partnering with the father of their child is a good idea, and often realize that going it alone is a better option in the long run. Even better is that women who proceed with their pregnancies solo are able to find wonderful support systems from friends and family. Disappearing are the days of shot gun weddings and scarlet letters.

If you are single and pregnant (whether by choice or otherwise) you owe it to yourself to take the time to enjoy your pregnancy and feel happy about the new little baby that will be entering your life. There may be times when you wish you had the support of loving father figure to help you with your pregnancy, but this is not a time to dwell on what could have been.

You should also take time to look into resources both local and otherwise, that can help you financially and emotionally. There are many support groups for single mothers that can not only connect you with other single pregnant mothers, but can also help you make smart choices when it comes to future planning for you and your baby. The support system of other women who are facing the same challenges of you can be a lifesaver and you may find lifelong friends.

Of course, you will be worried about how you will take care of your baby. Keep in mind that there are millions of single mothers in the world today who support their children just fine. And you might be surprised how supportive friends and family members can be when it comes to planning for childcare. If the father of your baby refuses to be involved, you also have the option of collecting child support after the baby is born.

The most important thing to remember is that you are a powerful and capable person. The judgments and thoughts of other people are none of your business, and you should never feel ashamed nor embarrassed that you are single and pregnant. One of the most important aspects of raising a happy and healthy child is the presence of a happy and emotionally healthy mother. Certainly, it can be hard to forgive someone that you feel abandoned you – but learning to do so will only make your pregnancy, and your life after delivery more enjoyable and fulfilling. Remember the only actions that you can control are your own – and you are NOT responsible for the choices made by other people.

In so many ways, it is empowering that women today have a choice to have babies on their own. Rather than remaining stuck with irresponsible partners, or in abusive relationships or with people that they don’t really love or who would not be a good parent – women today are afforded the resources and RESPECT to do it alone. Hold your head high, and have faith that whatever challenges come your way will not be more than you can handle.

Written By Stef, Mother 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 2018. All rights reserved.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy – Is it REALLY The Most Important Thing?

As a woman who has been pregnant five times (miscarrying once and carrying twins during another pregnancy), I can say firsthand that the routine weigh-ins during pregnancy exams can often be – no ARE – the most stressful part of the visit. Here you are at the 10 week mark, excited and giddy about carrying a baby, and your health care provider wants to chastise you because according to a chart, or estimate – you have gained 2.6 pounds more than you should have by that point. Or, as you are lumbering in at the 32 week mark, so big that you cannot see your feet, your provider makes a remark that you might need to be super careful during the last few weeks not to gain too much more weight – lest you be overweight after delivery.

Yes, we get it. As pregnant women, we get that monitoring our weight is an ultra important way in monitoring the health of the baby inside us, and ensures that we are taking care of ourselves as well. We also get that according to a host of pregnancy authorities, we should only gain an average of 35ish pounds during pregnancy. And yes, we have also heard all the warnings that losing the baby weight post delivery can be much harder than we think it is. Blah. Blah. Blah.

Unfortunately, weight gain during pregnancy is unavoidable. One of the things you know going into your pregnancy is that you are going to gain weight. And while modern science has debunked the ‘eating for two’ myth that makes many women finally feel it is acceptable to have that second helping of ice cream (or steak), women shouldn’t be so ultra focused on the pounds they are putting on that they feel bad about their blossoming bodies, or stressed about how they are going to lose the weight afterwards.

The focus during pregnancy should be on overall health and wellbeing.

The quality of foods that we put into our body should be nutrient rich in order to feed our baby’s needs and our own needs. Each woman is different, and will gain weight differently. Some will gain weight fast in the beginning and level out during the pregnancy.  Other women will hardly gain a pound until the 4 or 5 month mark. Some women gain 50+ pounds during pregnancy, while others only gain 15. At the end of the day, it is the overall health of your body, and of your baby, that matters. While your health care provider means well by weighing you in like a contestant on The Biggest Loser and you shouldn’t be metaphorically eating for two, each woman has a different metabolic rate and a different inherent definition of normal. Additionally, you will find that your weight gain will vary from one pregnancy to the next.

There is already so much pressure on women when it comes to meeting the expectation of a specific number on a scale, that pregnancy should not be a time for women to stress about the weight gain. Pregnancy should not be mistaken as a time to ‘feel fat’ or to be uncomfortable with your body (especially since it is doing such a beautiful thing), or to play into your insecurities about the size of your clothes. It should be a time of finally realizing just how amazing your body is and how intricately you, as a woman, are designed.

Personally speaking, during my third pregnancy, I refused to look at the scale when I was weighed. I would step on without slipping off my shoes, close my eyes, and tell my nurse that I didn’t want to know how much I weighed. I felt that the stress of ‘that number’ was just not worth my time or worry, as long as my baby and I were progressing healthily.

Written By Stef, Mother 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 2018. All rights reserved.

Yuck! Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is just one of the least pleasant side effects of being pregnant. And, it’s one of the least talked about – probably because so many women are embarrassed about it, that they don’t want to mention it to their physicians or talk to their friends about this often ‘sticky’ situation.

The reality is, that excess discharge and moisture from the vaginal area is completely normal during pregnancy. With your hormone levels on the rise – fluid levels and blood volume constantly increasing throughout pregnancy and your uterus and cervix changing to facilitate your readiness for delivery, your vaginal discharge will naturally secrete more mucous than normal.

The discharge is normally clear and runny, and can have a white or yellow tinge to it.  Many women have so much discharge during late pregnancy that they have to wear a pad or panti-liner in order to control it. The good news is that this normal pregnancy discharge is not accompanied by itching or burning or a foul smell as is present when you have a yeast or vaginal infection. If you DO notice any of these symptoms – or have any abdominal pain, and the discharge becomes extremely bloody or greenish in color, you should contact your physician so that you can be treated. Keep in mind that it is extremely important that you do not go to your local drug store and try to self treat your ‘condition’ with over the counter medications.  Some of these medications can be harmful to your unborn baby and should not be utilized while pregnant.

The closer you get to your due date, the more vaginal discharge you will have. In the third trimester especially, it is normal to begin losing your mucous plug which can cause the discharge to be thicker than usual. The mucous plug is defined as a ‘jelly like’ substance that plugs the cervix and therefore the birth canal, during pregnancy. The loss of the mucous plug can occur swiftly all at once, or it may cause a continuous increased mucous discharge for a few weeks.  It may even begin to have a pinkish color (although not extremely bloody) which indicates that you are getting closer to delivery

For the most part, an increase in discharge during pregnancy is simply annoying and doesn’t signify that you are having any serious problems with the pregnancy. Listen to your intuition and if you notice any sudden and very drastic changes, it is best to get in touch with your health-care provider. Additionally, if you have any bloody discharge, you should contact a health professional.

During pregnancy, you will have many side effects and symptoms or worries that may seem embarrassing to talk about with others. The reality is that each and every woman experiences different things, and that most of the changes occur as your body prepares for labor and delivery. Pregnancy is definitely not a time where you should feel shy or embarrassed about what is going on with your body.

Written by Stef, Mother 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 2018. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy Brain – Is it in YOUR Head?

Here you are pregnant, will be soon be caring for a newborn infant who will keep you awake all night long and you cannot even remember where you left your car keys or to pay a bill on time. Your brain feels like mush, you are forgetful, a bit emotional, and seem to have a much harder time remembering simple things and getting through your day than ever before. Is this early Alzheimer’s or pregnancy brain?

So, here’s the scoop. The reality is that on a completely medical and physiological level the capacity of your brain remains unchanged during pregnancy. You are still smart as a whip, and sharp as a tack. So what is up with all this forgetfulness, then? According to experts from The Australian National University, the problem is surging hormone levels during pregnancy.

When you are pregnant your body has 15 to 40 times more estrogen and progesterone than normal, which affect all kinds of neurotransmitters in the brain. Not only that, but increases in oxytocin that prepare you for labor and delivery also affect your brain’s ability to function normally. Add some lack of sleep, the generalized worries of pregnancy and childbirth, and increased stress levels (and more stress hormones) and it is only natural and normal for you to feel like a complete idiot suffering from the inability to remember anything.

Another factor is that your focus – or your priorities – change. Chances are you are spending more and more time thinking about your baby and the changes that you will be making in your life. This too, is natural and is the first transition in a long line of changes that occur once you become a parent. Since you are more focused on all things baby, it is only natural to lose retention of some of the other less important aspects of your life.

The good news, however, is that once you have the baby and hormones level off, you will feel better. The bad news, of course, is that parenting in and of itself can turn the brain of any man or woman to mush – and you are looking at many years of changed focus, worry, lack of sleep, and stress that will certainly at times incapacitate your ability to think clearly. Welcome to parenthood!

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.

Is It Worth Worrying About Bump Size?

No matter how big or small your bump is, you will probably receive comments about it on a daily basis. Whether people are exclaiming at the sheer size of you, or questioning whether you’re really pregnant, it’s understandable to feel annoyed by the constant scrutiny of your bump. Aside from being irritating, the comments may leave you feeling anxious. But is it worth worrying about bump size?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pregnancy bumps. You are unique, and your baby is unique, you aren’t going to measure up exactly the same as Jane from HR. It’s also important to remember that the people making the comments are not the experts. They’re not midwives or doctors running over to you in the street to criticise your bump, they’re friends, family members or total strangers. Take their opinions with a very large pinch of salt.

Bump size can be affected by:

  • the number of pregnancies – if this isn’t your first baby, your stomach muscles won’t be as tight, and so you may find that you show earlier in the pregnancy
  • the number of babies – if you’re carrying more than one baby, your bump size is likely to be bigger
  • the baby’s position – your bump may appear smaller when your baby is tucked in close to your spine, and bigger when your baby is stretching out against your bump
  • amniotic fluid – some women have more amniotic fluid than others. This could make your bump appear much bigger or smaller
  • your posture – certain stances and positions will make your bump look bigger
  • your clothes – certain clothes may make your bump look bigger than others. Whether you go for a bump-hugging t-shirt, or a floaty maternity blouse could make all the difference

Is it worth worrying about bump size?

No. Leave the worrying to your healthcare provider. If they’re not worried, you needn’t be either. Your healthcare provider will measure the baby at each prenatal appointment. You will be asked to lie down on the bed, so that your healthcare provider can examine you, check the baby’s position, and measure the baby. The results will be plotted on a chart, to allow your healthcare provider to track your baby’s growth.

If your healthcare provider is concerned about your baby’s size, you will be offered extra ultrasound scans to allow for more accurate measurements.

Speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried about the size of your bump.

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.

20 Reasons Why Pregnancy Hormones Are Evil

1. They’re the reason why you feel like you’re living Mean Girls, thanks to the outbreak of acne on your face.

2. You have taken to wearing a permanent eye patch in the hope of reducing the pain caused by the constant pregnancy hormone-induced headaches.

3. They made you throw up mashed potatoes. Enough said.

4. They leave you retching from the suddenly-repulsive smell of laundry detergent each time you take a fresh load out of the machine.

5. The mood swings they cause leave you feeling like a teenager again. It takes every ounce of energy you have in your body (not much, thanks for that, hormones) to stop yourself slamming the door and screaming, “I wish I’d never been born!”

6. After years spent building a reputation as an intelligent, competent and brilliant business woman, the pregnancy hormones made you fall asleep in a meeting.

7. They made you leave your keys in the door, put your glasses in the fridge, and forget the word ‘rectangle’. Stupid pregnancy brain.

8. They put you on a 10 week long diet of plain crackers and ginger ale.

9. They forced you to experience pain like no other – breast tenderness.

10. They gave you a serious case of the One Track Minds.

11. They gave you impossible-to-ignore chocolate chip ice-cream cravings, when you should really be eating healthily.

12. They gave you sideburns. Actual sideburns.

13. They’re the reason you’re out in the cold, wearing nothing but a vest top, sweating like a pig.

14. They keep giving you really, really weird dreams. That you cannot forget.

15. At a time in your life when you want to be thought of as beautiful and womanly, they make you snore. Really loudly. All night long.

16. They have ruined what should be a nine month holiday from sanitary products, by giving you a crazy amount of vaginal discharge.

17. They can be held, at least, partially responsible for the painful hemorrhoid you battle with each time you visit the toilet.

18. You know that unbearable aching in your lower abdomen? The pain that simply will not go, and feels worse whenever you stand up or move position? Yep, they are to blame for that too.

19. They made your gums bleed.

20. They hired a top-of-their-industry marketing firm to come up with the name ‘morning sickness’, but really made you sick all day. For months on end.

And, for the sake of impartiality, one reason why they’re not:

1. They’re helping you to grow a baby.

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 Truth About Single Parent Pregnancy

Whether you’re embarking on a single parent pregnancy by choice, by happy accident, or by a slightly less happy accident, there are a few things you need to know. In many ways single parent pregnancy is the same as a two parent pregnancy, however there are some ways that it’s very different. Here’s the truth about single parent pregnancy:

1. It will be hard at times – pregnancy is tough, whether you’re in a loving relationship or going it alone, pregnancy can take its toll. The sickness, fatigue, mood swings, breast tenderness, and aches and pains are there whether you’re single or not.

2. It is what it is – wishing things were different won’t help, and could leave you feeling less happy. Whatever your situation is, it’s yours. So own it and make it a happy one. Find the positives about your single parent pregnancy, and focus on them each and every day. Whether you are avoiding a lifetime in an unhappy relationship, or grabbing your last chance to have a baby, remember why you are embarking on this single parent pregnancy.

3. You call the shots – you won’t spend hours arguing over baby names only to have your favourites vetoed. You won’t face disagreements about parenting methods or birth choices. Compromise will not be at the centre of your decisions. As a single parent, you call the shots. You get to choose the name, you get to decide on nursery and parenting styles.

4. You’re not alone – there are lots of other single parents out there. Facing pregnancy alone can be daunting, especially when faced with expectant couples at every antenatal class. Reaching out to a network of other single pregnant women can help you to make new friends, find support, and meet people who understand what you’re going through. Look for a local group for single mums, or find an online community to join.

5. You’ll need help – you will need to reach out to friends and family for help. Not all the time, but sometimes. When you are experiencing the worst of your pregnancy sickness, or when the fatigue leaves you unable to tidy your house, or when you want someone’s hand to hold during routine test, you will need help. And that’s ok. There’s nothing wrong with relying on friends and family for support.

6. It will be worth it – yes pregnancy is tough, and it can feel scary at times to face pregnancy and motherhood alone, but it will all be worth it. When you are cradling your newborn in your arms, it will all slot into place, and you will know you made the right decisions. When your newborn’s eyes lock with yours, searching for answers, you will know that you are the only person for the job.

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.

Five Pregnancy Workouts You Can Start Today

Taking regular exercise can help to reduce many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Exercise can also help you to maintain a healthy weight gain, get a good night’s sleep, and reduce stress. Think of labour as a marathon – staying active by exercising regularly during pregnancy will help you to stay fit in preparation for the marathon.

Here are five pregnancy workouts that will help you stay fit during pregnancy:

1. Walking – half an hour of walking a day can raise your heartbeat, reduce stress and improve fitness. Try walking home from work or taking a brisk stroll during your lunch break. Try to include this exercise as part of your daily routine.

2. Swimming – this is a great full-body workout, and doesn’t put too much strain on your aching joints. The water helps to support your weight, allowing you to move easily through the water. Try to go swimming a couple of times a week, set yourself a goal of how many laps you want to swim, and see if you can increase this as the weeks go by.

3. Ball exercises – birthing balls aren’t just useful during labour, you can use them during pregnancy workouts, too. Get yourself seated safely on the ball, and then try rocking from side to side. Gently rotate your hips to open up your pelvis, and then try slowly making a figure of eight motion with your hips. You can also bounce gently on the ball. An easy way to add ball exercises into your daily routine is to do them whilst watching your favourite TV show. As the opening credits appear, position yourself on your ball, and gently rotate, sway and bounce your way through the programme. Or while you’re reading pregnancy information on the Internet …

4. Prenatal yoga – search online for a prenatal yoga class in your local area. The yoga instructor will teach poses that are beneficial during pregnancy, and may be able to advise on poses to reduce particular aches and pains. If there are no prenatal yoga classes in your neighbourhood, you could buy a prenatal yoga DVD to try at home.

5. Prenatal pilates – pilates encourages strength and flexibility, and is a great exercise to try during pregnancy. Your pilates instructor will teach poses and movements to strengthen your core, tone your muscles and improve your fitness level. Pilates is a great way to exercise your pelvic floor muscles, which is especially important during pregnancy. Look for a prenatal pilates class in your local area, or find a pregnancy pilates DVD to use at home.

What’s your ‘go-to’ pregnancy workout?

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.

Five Foods to Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy

You are more susceptible to constipation during pregnancy. Your digestion slows down to make sure you absorb as many nutrients from food as possible, so that you have enough to nourish yourself and your baby. This slow digestive system could cause constipation. As your uterus grows, the increased pressure on your digestive system could also cause constipation.

Symptoms of constipation

If you are having difficulty when passing stools, you may be suffering from constipation. Common symptoms include:

  • dry and lumpy stools
  • abnormally large/small stools
  • stomach ache
  • stomach cramps
  • bloating
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite

Foods that can relieve constipation during pregnancy

Something as simple as changing what you eat could actually make you feel a whole lot better. The following foods could relieve your constipation, and help get things ticking over once again:

1. Berries– grab yourself a bowl of mixed berries. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all high in fibre, and could help to relieve your constipation.

2. Prunes – your grandma probably swears by this treatment, and that’s because it works. You can eat the prunes, or buy a carton of prune juice to enjoy. Prunes are high in fibre, and contain a natural laxative.

3. Beans – beans are one of the best sources of dietary fibre. Add beans to stews, soups, curries and salads to increase your intake of fibre. You could also sit down to a plate of baked beans on toast – but make sure the toast is on wholemeal bread, because white bread could actually make your constipation worse.

4. Dried fruits – dried fruits are full of fibre, and a great way to relieve constipation. Raisins, apricots, pineapple, prunes, dates and figs are all full of dietary fibre. Snack on dried fruits throughout the day.

5. Cereal – choose a high-fibre cereal to help relieve constipation. The cereal will usually say whether it’s high fibre, or you can check the nutrition table on the box. Sprinkle some flaxseed on top for extra oomph.

When to call your healthcare provider

If you are suffering from persistent constipation, contact your healthcare provider for advice. Your doctor may prescribe a laxative, and only certain laxatives are safe to use during pregnancy.

Do you have any tips to relieve constipation?

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.