Morning sickness is often one of the early signs of pregnancy, and may even have been your lightbulb moment! Morning sickness, or pregnancy sickness as it should be more accurately called, affects around half of all pregnant women. For some women, it is a slight inconvenience, for others it is a huge drain. Morning sickness will not harm your baby, and should clear up by week 14.

What causes morning sickness? Morning sickness is thought to be caused by rapidly increasing levels of hCG. hCG is produced by the embryo, and later by the placenta, and plays a role in controlling hormone production during pregnancy. Women carrying multiple pregnancies are more likely to suffer from morning sickness.

Fatigue, stress, low blood sugar, heightened sense of smell, and increased stomach acid can also contribute to morning sickness.

Morning sickness is characterised by sickness and nausea. You can experience morning sickness without vomiting. The term morning sickness is misleading as it can actually happen at any time of the day.

How can I manage the sickness? For most women, morning sickness is a condition that can be managed from home. To try and reduce or prevent the effects of morning sickness, you could try the following home remedies:

• Eat plain crackers or biscuits before getting out of bed. This should help to raise your blood sugar levels before you try to stand up.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eating six smaller meals will be easier on your stomach then three large meals.
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid the sight, smell and taste of foods that make you feel nauseous.
• Try eating ginger biscuits to prevent nausea.
• Drink lemon water, chamomile tea or ginger tea.
• Eat breath mints when you feel nauseous.
• Try acupuncture.
• Eat ice lollies.
• Eat porridge just before you go to bed.
• Avoid lying down after eating.
• Avoid acidic, spicy and fatty foods.

Keep trying different remedies, and hopefully you will find something that works for you. Once you’ve found it, stick with it – even if it means you’re eating an obscene amount of ginger biscuits!

If you cannot find relief from any of the above, and are struggling to cope with the nausea, speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you about safe and effective anti nausea medication. Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking a vitamin B6 supplement to try and reduce nausea.

If you are suffering from extreme sickness and cannot keep any food down, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

When will it end? For most women, morning sickness ends when their hormones begin to calm down a bit. This is usually around the end of the first trimester. If you are still experiencing morning sickness by week 16, you should speak to your healthcare provider.

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.

Headaches are a common complaint during pregnancy. Headaches during pregnancy are thought to be caused by hormones, though they could also be connected to stress, fatigue and dehydration. Pregnancy headaches are most common during the first trimester, especially during the first few weeks when hormone levels are rapidly increasing. Most women find the headaches have cleared up by the second trimester.

Headaches during pregnancy are not unsafe for your baby, but can be annoying for you. Here are some tips for coping with headaches during pregnancy:

• Get some rest – headaches can be caused by tiredness, so listen to your body and get some rest. You need more rest during pregnancy as your body works overtime growing a baby.
• Have a glass of water – your body needs extra water during pregnancy, so you should be drinking eight glasses of water each day. Headaches can be caused by dehydration, so have a glass of water if you can feel a headache coming on.
• Eat healthily – fatty, processed and sugary foods can cause headaches. Reduce your reliance on these foods, and instead focus your efforts on eating fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Eating a balanced diet is very important during pregnancy.
• Avoid caffeine – in the short term, cutting out caffeine could cause you headaches, but within a week or two, you should be free from these headaches. Consuming too much caffeine can cause headaches, so try to reduce the amount you consume.
• Exercise – exercise is really important during pregnancy. Taking regular exercise can reduce a whole host of pregnancy symptoms, and help you to de-stress. If you feel a headache coming on, try taking a short walk outside and see if the exercise and fresh air help.
• Relax – stress isn’t good for you, and it’s not great for the baby, so spend some time relaxing each day. Try having a soak in the bath, or spend a few minutes meditating, at the end of each day to unwind.
• Medication – ibuprofen and aspirin are not safe to take during pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to find out which headache medications are suitable for pregnant women.

When to call a doctor

If you experience visual disturbances or have a high temperature, contact your doctor. If the headaches don’t ease up, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.

How do you cope with headaches 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.

As much as we know about the human body, the reality is that each and everyone of us is so uniquely designed that no two people are just alike.  And this is especially true with pregnancies. While your friend may have been throwing up from the moment they conceived until the day they delivered, you may feel anything (and everything) but nauseated.

The typical pregnancy symptoms of morning sickness, fatigue. cramping and aches in the lower abdomen, sore breasts and even headaches or strange cravings aren’t always the only tell tale signs of pregnancy. In fact, many women feel none of those things and describe early pregnancy as a phase where they just felt ‘off’ or ‘different,’ in some weird unexplainable way.

The following are some strange pregnancy symptoms that you may not find in the everyday pregnancy manuals. But they can mean you are pregnant just the same!

• Strange dreams. Plenty of women report having strange dreams during the days and weeks between conception and finding out that they are pregnant. These dreams could be caused by rising hormone levels, or could be a little sign from your intuition telling you that things in your life are changing. It could also mean your fatigue is causing you to reach the deeper levels of sleep where more realistic and imaginative dreams tend to evolve from.
• Food aversions. Everyone talks about craving things from pickles to ice cream. But what about food aversions? For many women the earliest pregnancy symptom is a strong aversion to certain foods. One day, your favorite food is pasta salad, and then suddenly the next day the sheer site of the pasta makes your stomach turn.
• Heightened sense of smell. Suddenly the buckets of cologne your co-worker wears, or the mold in your shower, or the smell of your significant others feet seem to be swallowing you whole. You might even have a problem with smells that you used to love, such as your own perfume or regular cleaning products. It is true that during pregnancy your sense of smell is heightened, and this can occur quickly as an initial pregnancy symptom pretty early on.
• Increased sex drive. It’s true! All those raging hormones might just make you feel more erogenous than ever before. And you might want to enjoy it before sex becomes cumbersome.
• Snoring and a Stuffy Nose. What you might think is a cold, could be swollen mucous membranes in your nose due to all the surges in hormone levels in your body and increases in blood production. In fact, some women stay stuffed up throughout pregnancy. (Which might be a good thing if you also suffer from a heightened sense of smell)
• Feeling OFF! You might not be able to explain what is ‘wrong’ with you. Yet plenty of pregnant mothers talk about just feeling different, even a few days after conception. Only to find out a few weeks later that they are in fact pregnant.

Pregnancy is a unique and amazing experience for everyone. Chances are, those subtle changes that you think are only in your head, or you confuse with ‘coming down with something,’ might just mean you are expecting!

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 2018. All rights reserved.

If you’re experiencing early symptoms of pregnancy, the idea of having a to-do list may be laughable at the moment. If you are surviving by doing the bare minimum before collapsing in bed at 7pm, you may not be up for creating a to-do list. If you can muster the energy, however, you may find it useful to have a to do list ready for your energy boosts of the coming weeks. Here are some things to add to your 9 weeks pregnant to-do list:

1. Create a pregnancy exercise plan – this doesn’t need to be a colour-coded spreadsheet, but it is worth planning what exercises you will do. Exercise has lots of benefits, and this is especially true during pregnancy. Taking regular exercise can help you to get enough sleep, maintain healthy weight gain and prepare your body for labour. Find out if there are prenatal exercise classes available in your local area – aquarobics and prenatal yoga are popular classes. Swimming and walking are also great exercises during pregnancy.
2. Start thinking about names – chances are, you’ve been thinking about baby names since you found out you were pregnant, but now is the time to get organised. Pregnancies have a habit of passing quickly, and you don’t want to reach the finish line without a list of possible names. Invest in a baby name book, or find an online site, and work your way through some names together.
3. Plan your announcement – some couples choose to wait until the first trimester has passed before announcing the pregnancy to friends and family. If you have chosen to do this, in a couple of weeks you will be announcing the birth. Why not plan a special and unique way to announce your pregnancy?
4. Make plans – if you’ve been victim to your hormones during this pregnancy, you will be pleased to hear that these symptoms should subside in a few weeks. The fatigue, nausea and mood swings of early pregnancy should make way for the second trimester. The second trimester is a great time to catch up with friends, make plans for the nursery, and take a vacation together to enjoy some quality time before the baby arrives.
5. Plan your budget – there are things you will need to buy before the baby arrives, write a budget to avoid over-spending. Work out what you can afford, what you need and where you can save. Write the budget, and stick to it.
6. Keep track of fetal development  – Downloading a Pregnancy App, or buying a book that follows fetal development during early pregnancy can help you understand better what is going on inside your body. You may find the morning sickness slightly easier to deal with when you realize the amazing things your body is doing. Tracking your baby’s development can also help you to feel more connected with your baby during pregnancy.

Can you think of anything else to add to your to-do list during week 9?

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.

Pelvic tilt exercises are great for relieving and preventing back and pelvis aches during pregnancy. Pelvic tilt exercises can also be used to strengthen abdominal muscles, and relieve lumbar discomfort. There are various ways to perform a pelvic tilt, and you can either vary between the exercises, or stick to the one you find most comfortable.

Pelvic tilts are a good way to relieve back and pelvic discomfort at the end of a long day. Pelvic tilts are often recommended for women suffering from pelvic girdle pain (also known as symphysis pubic dysfunction), because these exercises can help to strengthen the muscles and relieve tension in the pelvic area. If you have been diagnosed with pelvic girdle pain, speak to your healthcare provider before trying new exercises.

Towards the end of the pregnancy, pelvic tilts can be performed during times of fetal activity in the hope of encouraging optimal fetal positioning. Pelvic tilts open up the pelvis, and may allow the baby to get into a good position for the birth. If you’re doing them on hands and knees, the abdomen acts as a hammock, allowing the baby to get into an anterior position to facilitate and easier birth.

Pelvic tilts can be used during labour, too. Some women find that the angry cat position (detailed below) provides relief from back ache during contractions. During labour, you may find that you move into various positions without much thought. If you find yourself on all fours, give the angry cat pelvic tilts a go to see if they help. You may wish to put your birth partner in charge of reminding you about this, since you’re likely to be focused on other things.

Standing pelvic tilts

1. Stand with your bottom and shoulders against a wall.
2. Keeping your knees soft, pull your tummy in towards your spine so that your back flattens against the wall.
3. Hold for up to four seconds.
4. Repeat up to 10 times.

Lying down pelvic tilts

1. Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. The natural curve of your spine will prevent your back from touching the floor in this position.
2. Use your muscles to hold your back against the floor, working against the natural curve of your spine.
3. Hold this position for up to four seconds.
4. Repeat up to 10 times.

The yoga pose – angry cat:

1. Position yourself on your hands and knees with your back straight. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be hip-width apart.
2. Breathe in and arch your back (like an angry cat), tightening your abdominal muscles as you do this.
3. Hold for up to four seconds.
4. Exhale slowly as you release the position.
5. Repeat up to 10 times.

The exercises listed above can be repeated throughout the day. As you strengthen your muscles, you may find you are able to hold the positions for longer than four seconds.

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.

According to health experts, there are foods that pregnant woman should avoid because of the chances that they could harm the unborn baby. Consider these 5 foods to avoid during pregnancy, and reasons why health experts suggest abstaining from them:

1. Raw meat. If you love your steak rare, pregnancy is not the time to eat it that way. Raw meats can carry bacteria such as salmonella and toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to you and your unborn baby. Take care to make sure that any seafood and poultry you eat is cooked well done to ensure any bacteria is cooked away.

2.  Deli meats.  Deli meats have long been linked with listeria. Listeria passes through the placenta to the baby and is linked to miscarriage.

3.  Fish and mercury. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the advice to avoid fish during pregnancy. The reason it is important to avoid certain types of fish is because of high mercury levels. In particular, fish to avoid include shark, swordfish, tilefish and mackerel. Fish, however, are a great source of healthful fatty acids. So, adding certain fish in moderation to your diet is recommended.

4.  Raw eggs. Any food product that contains raw eggs, or eggs that are undercooked, should be approached with caution. Health authorities in the UK have changed guidelines so that certain eggs are safe for pregnant moms, but this recommendation isn’t yet global. Use caution with products that contain raw eggs in the ingredient list, such as ice cream and salad dressings. Additionally, avoid ALL dairy products that are unpasteurized.

5. Unpasteurized soft cheeses.  Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Feta, Gorgonzola and Mexican style cheeses that include Queso Blanco and Queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk. All soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.

During pregnancy, it is very important to make sure that you keep cooking surfaces and areas clean to avoid cross contamination. If you can wear gloves while handling raw meats and raw foods, plan to do so. The bacteria associated with foods can be very harmful to your baby and has been linked to miscarriage.

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 safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy?

The advice regarding alcohol and pregnancy is updated each time new evidence is found. Currently, experts advise that pregnant women do not consume any alcohol. Alcohol passes readily into the placenta and enters the fetal bloodstream. Your baby’s liver is one of the last organs to develop.Heavy drinking increases your risk of miscarriage, preterm labour and stillbirth. Experts have not yet determined what a safe amount to drink is. They therefore recommend total abstinence during pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect how your baby develops. Heavy drinking can cause mild learning disabilities, facial disfigurement and growth problems.

At the extreme end of the spectrum is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Children with FAS have facial disfigurement, heart defects and low birth weights. Children with FAS are likely to suffer lifelong behavioural problems and poor coordination.

Tips on cutting down

Many pregnant women find that the nausea and sickness associated with pregnancy, puts them off even the thought of drinking. However, some pregnant women find it harder to give up than others. If you find yourself struggling to cut out alcohol, you could try the following tips:

• Replacement – If you don’t fancy sitting in a beer garden sipping tap water, why not order a virgin cocktail? Just because you can’t drink alcohol, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your drink.
• Redirection – if you use alcohol to unwind after a hard day at work, you need to find a new way to destress. You could try having a relaxing bubble bath, yoga or massage.
• Support – if you and your partner previously drank alcohol together, ask him to abstain for a while.
• Friends and family – ask your friends and family to support you by not offering you alcoholic drinks.
• Have a night in – if you’re dreading the idea of being the only sober person at the party, don’t go. Spend a night relaxing at home instead. There will be plenty of parties to attend in the future.

Getting support

If you are struggling to cut down, and find yourself wanting a drink – or even drinking one – speak to your healthcare provider immediately. They will be able to offer you specialised help to assist you in abstaining during the pregnancy. Don’t worry about being judged, your healthcare provider will just be happy you sought help.

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.

Finding out you are pregnant is one of those lump-in-your-throat moments. Whether you’ve spent years trying, or are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may find yourself feeling mixed emotions. That’s normal, most women find themselves on a roller coaster ride of emotions during those first few weeks of pregnancy, or longer.

Mixed emotions aren’t just for women facing unplanned pregnancies, even if you were crossing your fingers and toes for a little blue line, you may now find yourself feeling a little deflated. After all, your pipe dream has suddenly become very real, it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive. Some of the emotions commonly experienced in those first few weeks after a positive pregnancy test include:

Happy – if this pregnancy was long awaited, you are likely to feel incredibly happy that you are pregnant. Even if this pregnancy was a complete shock, you are still likely to feel happy about the prospect of being pregnant. During moments of happiness, focus on yourself and your developing baby, and try to remember all the reasons you have to feel happy about the pregnancy.

Upset – it’s normal to grieve the loss of an old life. After all, you’ve just discovered that for the next nine months, alcohol, your favourite cheese and pate are off the menu. You may be worried about growing out of your clothes, and morphing into a pregnant woman.

Scared – pretty much all pregnant women feel scared at some point. You may be scared about the pregnancy, worried about the birth, or terrified that you won’t be a good mother. A little bit of fear is a normal part of pregnancy, especially during the first few weeks as you adjust to the news. If it is keeping you awake at night, affecting your appetite or leaving you unable to concentrate, speak to your healthcare provider for advice.

Guilty – chances are, if you’re feeling upset and scared, you may also be feeling guilty. Motherhood guilt will last you a lifetime, and sadly it starts as early as that little blue line on your pregnancy test. Try not to feel guilty for having mixed emotions about the pregnancy. Remember that it’s ok to not be 100% happy all of the time. Not only are you at the start of a life-changing journey, but you’re also experiencing the emotional roller coaster associated with the hormone increases of early pregnancy.

Unprepared – this emotion is particularly strong for women facing unplanned pregnancies. You may be worried this is the wrong time, or that you’re not ready to be a mother. But, as your planned pregnancy counterparts will tell you, they are thinking all the same things. Having a baby is a huge step, and self-doubt is a normal part of this. Whenever you feel worried and unprepared, do something proactive to help you get ready for motherhood.

Angry – if the pregnancy came as a surprise, you may be feeling angry that this has happened. Perhaps you are angry with yourself, or angry with the father, or simply angry at the situation. There’s nothing wrong with feeling angry when life throws you a curveball, but it’s not a particularly helpful emotion. Try to channel your energy into something more productive, like planning the nursery or working out how you will cope as a new mum.

Isolated – during the first trimester, as you battle with mixed emotions, you may also be keeping your pregnancy secret. This can lead to feelings of isolation. If you don’t want to tell all of your friends and family just yet, why not tell just one person so that you can talk about your feelings. Some people cherish the secret during those first three months, but if you are finding yourself struggling without the advice and support of your best friend, it might be time to break the news.

Coping with mixed emotions
It may not be something that many women talk about publicly, but feeling mixed emotions about pregnancy is pretty common. The best thing to do is talk about it. Find someone you trust, and tell them exactly how you feel. This could be your partner, best friend, a counsellor, your healthcare professional or a total strange on an online forum. Talking about how you feel should help you to start making sense of your mixed emotions about pregnancy.

How did you feel when you discovered you were pregnant?

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.

During pregnancy, increased oestrogen levels can leave you vulnerable to bad odours. A heightened sense of smell during pregnancy can be unpleasant, and may be adding to your nausea. This typically occurs during the first trimester, when hormones are in a stage of rapid increase. Not all women report a heightened sense of smell, though it is considered to be a common complaint of pregnancy.

Smells to avoid

Sadly, you won’t know what smells to avoid until it’s too late. The aversion is unique to you, so you won’t know which smells you don’t like until you’ve breathed them in. There are some smells that are commonly complained about during pregnancy, these include:

• Cigarettes – some women report an aversion to the smell of cigarette smoke during pregnancy. In fact, some smokers are able to give up during pregnancy using willpower (and their heightened sense of smell) alone. If the smell of cigarettes is making you nauseous, ask people not to smoke around you. If your partner smokes, this is the perfect time to help him give up. After all, smoking around babies is not advised.
• Certain foods – fish, cheese, eggs and beans are some of the foods that can leave women running for the toilet. If you are suffering from a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, you may find certain foods trigger your morning sickness. If a smell bothers you, try cutting that food out of your diet for a week before trying again.
• Rotten smells – some women find the odour of rubbish and compost particularly off-putting. I this is the case, make sure your compost bin is changed daily, and ask your partner to take on that role so that you don’t have to keep gagging your way to the bins.
• Laundry powder– the smell of laundry powder leaves some women feeling nauseous. The usually much-loved floral scents can suddenly become too much for fragile noses. Try switching to an odour-free laundry powder until your sense of smell returns to normal.
• Vaginal discharge – increased vaginal discharge coupled with a heightened sense of smell leaves some women paranoid that they smell very strongly of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. In fact, your scent is as strong as it normally is, just your sense of smell has increased. Just because you can smell it more clearly, doesn’t mean everyone else can, so don’t worry.

How to cope with a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy

It could very easily drive you to distraction, and sadly it’s not something you can cure. The best way to cope, is to avoid smells that make you feel nauseous during pregnancy. Ask friends not to smoke around you, politely ask colleagues to go easy on the perfume, and avoid foods that have strong scents. As your hormones settle down by the end of the first trimester, you may find that the aversions lessen. You may still have a heightened sense of smell, but probably won’t be left gagging by each passing odour.

What smells are too much for your nose this pregnancy?

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

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

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying away from bad habits is definitely one of the most important things every individual should take seriously. For pregnant women, however, it is much more important to break bad habits, even if they find it very difficult. Now that you are pregnant, it is no longer about your health only; it is your baby’s health at risk, as well.

Many of your bad habits may cause harm to your baby, resulting in disease, growth issues and brain damage. So, if you want your baby to be healthy and strong, work to control the following habits to have a healthy pregnancy:

Smoking

Of all bad habits that can harm your baby during pregnancy, smoking is probably the worst one. It can inhibit the required amount of oxygen from reaching your baby as it affects the circulation of blood in your body. Lack of oxygen to your baby can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, possible lung infections, or a weak heart for the baby. No alternatives in the form of patches are any less damaging so this is one habit you need to give up completely when you get pregnant.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol during pregnancy is also dangerous. Alcohol has the ability of passing through your placenta and reaching the baby directly. It is like your baby is consuming alcohol already and that can cause various developmental issues with him or her. It’s much better to be safe than sorry and keep alcohol at bay while pregnant. In addition, drugs of any type that are not approved by your doctor can be outright dangerous to your pregnancy.

Eating Junk Food

While you may be having weird cravings at all times of the day, sticking to a healthy diet is very important during pregnancy. Junk foods that have high levels of fats and sugar are related to several birth defects. Improper foods consumed during pregnancy can cause blood pressure issues, elevated cholesterol levels, and high sugar levels.

Consuming Caffeine

Too much caffeine taken during pregnancy can be harmful for your baby as well. It can increase the chances of miscarriage and may also cause low birth weight. The highest level of caffeine you can consume each day is 200mg but it is still recommended for you to avoid it. The most common sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, energy drinks, and some pain killers.

Lack of Sleep

During pregnancy, it is very common for women to feel extra sleepy all the time. Even if you didn’t sleep much before, you will feel the need to take a nap more often now that you are pregnant. So, when one of these urges occur, listen to your body’s signals and abide by them. Resting and taking occasional naps during pregnancy can leave you feeling more energized and refreshed. Usually, you are only going to experience this during the first trimester, so take it easy.

Have a healthy lifestyle if you want your pregnancy to progress smoothly and if you don’t want any harm to come to your baby. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it’s the health of your baby on the line.

Written by Manal, first time mom and writer

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