Picking a name for your unborn child can feel like a pretty daunting decision. It’s not exactly something you want to regret later, and you won’t be able to change your mind once that birth certificate is signed. To help you get it right first time, here’s a few things to consider:

Boy or girl
For those of you not finding out the gender of your baby, you have double the trouble when it comes to choosing names. Make sure you select an option for either sex, even if you have a strong feeling it’s a girl. Many new parents have been caught out by having a baby boy when they’d only chosen a girl’s name. Even if you’ve found out the gender during pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to have a backup name for the opposite sex because scans aren’t always 100 per cent accurate.

A name for life
The name you choose for your child will be theirs for life, so it’s important to make sure it’s the right one. Some names that sound adorable for a baby, may start to sound silly if you imagine them belonging to an adult in a senior job. Imagine how the name might grow with your child, this will help to determine whether you’ve selected the right name.

Surname
Does the name sound good with the baby’s surname? It sounds obvious, but it’s important to check so you don’t end up with a little Ben Dover! Don’t just check the full first name, try it out with the initial too. You can never be too careful where playground taunts are involved!

Nicknames
Bear in mind that, at some point, your child’s name is likely to get shortened to a nickname. Think of all the possible variants for your selected name, and make sure you like those too. If you love Christopher but hate Chris, then that might not be the name for you.

Meanings
You might like to find out the meaning of your favourite names as this could help to shape your decision. If you’re struggling to choose between two, discovering that one means “achiever” and one means “misery” could be just the tie breaker you need.

International names
If you have a very international lifestyle, you may want to choose a name that works in English, French, Spanish etc. A name that could be understood and pronounced easily in any one of those languages, without spelling changes or adaptations. And which doesn’t feel immediately “foreign” in other countries.

If you’re struggling to agree on a name, you could try asking close friends and families for their opinions. Though this strategy comes with the added risk that people may dislike all of the names on your carefully thought out shortlist.

The most important factor to consider when choosing your baby’s name, is whether you and your partner like it. If you can both agree on a name, and can’t think of any reasons why not to choose it, then it seems you’ve found your name.

There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind. If you have had a favourite name in mind for weeks, and then all of a sudden go right off it, that’s fine. Start the process again. At the very least, you’ll have a few back up favourites for if you change your mind in the delivery suite.

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.

We’ve all heard the phrase “eating for two”, but now that you’re pregnant, should you really be doubling your food intake? It’s important to eat a healthy pregnancy diet to ensure you have enough energy.

During the first six months of pregnancy, you should not increase your calorie intake at all. You may find that, by switching to a healthier diet, you are able to eat more if you feel hungry, but you certainly shouldn’t be eating extra crisps or chocolate bars. During the final trimester, pregnant women are advised to eat an extra 200 calories a day. This amounts to two slices of brown bread lightly buttered, or a large banana. Hardly eating for two, is it?

Risks of overeating

By eating too much during pregnancy, you can put yourself at risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, backaches, preeclampsia, and birth interventions due to having a larger baby. Putting on an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy also means that it will take longer to shift back to your pre-pregnancy weight once the baby is born.

So what should I be eating?

Interestingly, on films and TV, we hear the phrase “eating for two” whenever cake or ice cream is on the menu. It’s rare to see a woman ordering twice the mixed salad. It’s important to remember that when you do increase your food intake, it should be the healthy stuff you eat more of – not the junk food.

Now that you’re pregnant, your diet is more important than ever. It’s essential that your food provides all the goodness your body needs to make a person. This means eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure you get a mix of vitamins and minerals. You should also eat brown rice, brown pasta and brown bread, rather than choosing the less healthy white versions of these foods. Reduce your sugar and salt intake, and generally try to eat as healthily as you can.

Don’t starve yourself of treats though. If you’ve craving ice cream and salt and vinegar crisp sandwiches, go for it every once in awhile. As long as you don’t over indulge, and generally try to eat a healthy diet, you should be fine.

Healthy weight gain

Women who were a healthy weight pre-pregnancy should put on between 25 and 35 lbs. Women who were overweight before the pregnancy should aim to put on less, ideally no more than 25 lbs. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried about your weight gain.

The phrase “eating for two” isn’t outdated, it just needs a new meaning for modern life. Instead of thinking about double the quantities, we should think of it as changing our diets to increase the amount of healthy foods we eat – because we’re eating for two!

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 pregnant women worry about the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks, and a question often asked is whether it is possible to avoid them. Around eighty per cent of pregnant women will develop stretch marks. For some, they may just be a silver glisten around the thighs, whereas for others could develop thick purple stretch marks across their bump.

What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are narrow streaks or lines that appear on the surface of the skin. Areas most likely to develop pregnancy stretch marks include the bump, thighs and breasts. It’s obvious why – there’s a lot of stretching taking place while you’re busy growing a new person.  It’s not unusual to go up a few cup sizes during pregnancy, and these changes can happen suddenly so it’s no wonder the skin on your breasts can get a little stretched. Likewise with your bump, the baby pads out in the past few weeks and you’ll notice your bump ballooning then too.

Even women who have avoided stretch marks throughout the rest of the pregnancy, often find they develop some during the last couple of weeks. Some pregnant women report stretch marks appearing across their hips around this time due to the excess weight combined with the loosening and widening of the pelvic area.

Can I prevent pregnancy stretch marks?
There are a whole host of creams, lotions and oils on offer claiming to prevent stretch marks. There is little science to back up the claims made by these products, and so it is unclear whether this is worth the investment.

It is important to keep your skin moisturised during pregnancy anyway, regardless of whether it will prevent stretch marks. Be sure to stay hydrated. If you don’t want to cover your bump in chemicals, you can moisturise using a natural product such as organic coconut oil which will help to hydrate your skin.

Stretch marks are thought to be hereditary. So, if your mum has stretch marks from carrying you, chances are you are going to get them too, regardless of how many oils and lotions you cover yourself in.

In time they will fade
One of the good things about the bump is, it’s probably big enough to obscure your view of the stretch marks during those last couple of months. But, once the baby is born, and your body slowly starts shrinking back down, you may be disappointed to discover stretch marks across your skin.

In the months immediately after the birth, the stretch marks will be red or purple and probably quite noticeable, but in time they will fade. They will become thinner and the purple hue will fade to a pale silver, and they will be less noticeable. Rejoice in your body – these are the badges of courage!

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.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by consuming food contaminated with the bacteria listeria. Listeria can sometimes be found in decaying vegetation, soil and animal excrement.

It is estimated that one in 20 people may carry listeria, but show no symptoms of listeriosis. Infected people can produce contaminated stools. Listeria can be spread this way if the carrier doesn’t wash their hand after using the toilet, and then handles food.

In most people, listeriosis is a mild condition with flu-like symptoms. It will usually last around three to five days, and requires no treatment. In rare cases, listeriosis can cause meningitis. Pregnant women should be particularly concerned about listeriosis because it can have serious consequences for the developing baby.

Preventing listeriosis

People with weak immune systems, such as pregnant women, are more likely to contract listeriosis. Pregnant women are thought to be 20 times more likely to develop listeriosis compared with the rest of the population. There are a number of steps you can take to decrease your risk of catching this infection:

• Avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• Avoid mould-ripened soft cheese
• Avoid all types of pates – including vegetable pate
• Avoid pre-packed sandwiches
• Avoid cooked sliced meats
• Avoid smoked salmon
• Always wash fruit and vegetables before eating them
• Always cook food thoroughly
• Always wash your hands before and after handling food
• Do not eat out of date foods
• Wash cooking utensils and surfaces thoroughly before each use
• Set your fridge and freezer to the recommended temperature
• Avoid contact with sheep, particularly during lambing season

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

If you become infected with listeriosis, you may experience the following symptoms:

• diarrhea
• tiredness
• fever or chills
• nausea
• general flu-like symptoms

It is important that you contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you may have contracted listeriosis. A blood test will be used to confirm the diagnosis, and then you will be treated with antibiotics.

Will listeriosis harm my baby?

If treated, listeriosis should not affect your baby. You may be offered an ultrasound to check that your baby has not become infected. If left untreated however, listeriosis can be a serious condition for the baby. Untreated listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth and stillbirth. Around one in five pregnancy-related listeriosis cases will end in the death of the baby. Listeriosis can also put your baby at risk of developing other illnesses including jaundice and meningitis.

If you are concerned about listeriosis, speak to your healthcare provider.

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.

Many soon-to-be-parents choose to keep their favourite baby names under wraps to avoid this dilemma. If you’ve chosen to spill the beans early, and had a negative reaction, you are probably upset. Or, even worse, if you’ve introduced your new bundle of joy, and been met with sour faces. What exactly should you do if people don’t like your baby’s name?

1. Don’t take it personally – like all things, names are a matter of taste. You aren’t going to like the same ones as everyone else. Look at the person who has told you they dislike the name, do you like their shoes, musical tastes and choice of boyfriends? Probably not, and that’s fine. We’re all different. You will never find a name that everyone loves, and the most important thing here is that you love it.
2. Ask them to keep their opinions to themselves – politely explain that you do like the name, and that’s why you’ve chosen it. It is a strange custom that people voice their disapproval of names choices. When meeting a new adult for the first time, we don’t exclaim, “John? What a terrible name. I don’t like that. It reminds me of that horrible John off the tele.” So why is it ok to do so with a baby? You are well within your rights to politely ask people to keep their opinions to themselves.
3. Has it changed things? – have their words made you see the name in a new light? It’s possible that the negative opinion of a loved one, could cause you to fall out of love with the name. Perhaps they reminded you of another person of the same name, or another meaning of the name, that you hadn’t previously thought of. It’s ok to change your mind. Don’t feel bullied into it, and don’t change your mind if you still love the name. If you are starting to question it, however, you can always keep looking for new names.
4. Ignore them – if you still love the name, and your partner still loves the name, then ignore everybody else’s opinion. The name is one of your first parenting decisions, don’t be bullied into choosing one you don’t like. You should give your child the name you feel they deserve. Your favourite name, not anybody else’s. Once the baby’s born, you will have unwanted advice flying at you from all directions. Set the scene now by showing everyone you know your own mind.
5. Ask a few other people – if one person has knocked back your name idea, try getting more opinions. If you don’t feel comfortable asking friends and family, you could ask anonymously online. It can be hurtful when someone tells you they don’t like the name you’ve chosen, especially if it’s one you’ve loved for a while. By seeking out new opinions, you could find validation that it is the perfect name after all.

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.

Staying fit during pregnancy helps your body to prepare for childbirth. Spending nine months lounging on the sofa, eating for two, isn’t going to do much in the way of stamina – and you’ll need stamina for the marathon that is labour. Some women swear by prenatal yoga as the key to a healthy pregnancy, great birth and speedy postnatal recovery. Here are seven reasons why prenatal yoga is the perfect pregnancy exercise:

1. It relieves stress – studies have found that yoga relieves stress. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and it can be hard to switch off at the end of a long day. Taking yoga classes can help you to learn ways to relax. Prenatal yoga classes often include a segment of ‘relaxation time’ which is really quiet time for pregnant women. This will give you some much-needed rest, and allow you to feel completely and utterly relaxed (unless the pregnant woman snoring next to you is ruining your zen).
2. You’ll meet other mums – the class will be full of women just like you. Sleepless nights can be tough, so you’ll need a supportive network of mum friends you can moan to at 3am. Start collecting now so you’ll always have someone to message during night feeds! Prenatal yoga instructors understand the importance of such a support network, and will often allow for socialising both before and after class in the hope of encouraging people to build relationships.
3. It improves body confidence – learning yoga, and strengthening your body, may help to improve body confidence. As you become more aware of your body’s capabilities, you may feel more able to trust your body. And when better to trust your body, than during pregnancy and labour? You probably already feel pretty amazed by your body – after all, it is growing a baby – but learning to control your movement can be the cherry on top of your body confidence cake.
4. It’s all about balance and strength – with your growing bump, you may be feeling clumsy and unbalanced. Yoga can help you to gain control of your changing centre of gravity, and improve posture to reduce aches and pains. Including yoga positions in your daily routine can help to strengthen your core muscles, open up your hips and pelvis, and may help to ease any discomfort caused by the pregnancy.
5. It has transferable skills – the breathing techniques used during yoga are perfect for labour. You’ll learn breathing techniques and visualisations that can be used to keep calm and focus during contractions.

Are you taking a prenatal yoga class?

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.

A worry-free pregnancy, is there really such a thing? Is it possible to embark on this new and daunting chapter of life without so much as a niggle of concern? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean you can’t greatly reduce your worrying. If you find yourself lying awake at night worrying about pregnancy, birth and parenting, then you might benefit from son of the following tips:

1. Exercise every day – 30 minutes of light exercise each day can do wonders for your stress levels. Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates are all recommended exercises for pregnancy. As well as reducing stress levels, regular exercise can help you to get a better night’s sleep.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet – instead of lying awake at night worrying about the soda you drank at lunch, have a water next time. Don’t feel guilty for snacking on junk food – simply replace these snacks with healthy alternatives in the future. Processed foods often have high levels of sugar and salt, and this can affect your moods and general health.
3. Take your vitamins – you’ll save yourself a lot of worry if you take a daily prenatal vitamin. These specially formulated vitamins are filled with the nutrients your developing baby needs. They don’t replace a healthy diet, and you’ll still need to make sure you’re eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, but they are advised for all pregnant women.
4. Relax – it’s really important to add in some relaxation time to your daily routine. If you are busy during the day, rushing around trying to get things finished, it can be hard to switch off at night. Try having a relaxing soak in the bath, or a massage before bed to help you unwind. Meditation and yoga are great for calming down and allowing yourself to fully relax.
5. Be honest with yourself – it’s ok to worry, but be honest with yourself. What are you really worried about? Why are you feeling so worried about it? Could it be caused by deeper emotions? Or could exhaustion be playing a part in it?
6. Stop searching online forums – if you’re worried about the pregnancy, the worst thing you can do is check random internet forums. By all means, search trusted sources online, and educate yourself with the information. But don’t take the information you read on unmoderated forums too seriously.
7. Talk to your partner – your partner may be sharing a lot of your worries and concerns. The best thing to do is to be honest about your feelings, and allow him to do the same. Talk about your worries, and find ways to help each other cope.
8. Talk to some mothers – women have been growing, birthing and looking after babies for generations. Whatever you’re worried about, other mothers have worried about before you. If you have any mum friends you can trust – be it your mum, best friend or a friend from work – talk to them about your concerns. They’ll be able to reassure you with their own experiences.
9. Ask a professional – one of your healthcare provider’s roles is to make sure you are not feeling stressed. Your healthcare provider will be able to offer you advice and support to help you overcome your concerns.

What are you worrying about during pregnancy, and how are you coping with it?

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

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

Congratulations! You are pregnant with twins.

Chances are your happy news is quickly met with the question about whether or not your twins are identical or fraternal? And what is the difference? Can doctors know before you give birth whether you have identical or fraternal twins?

Basically identical twins develop from ONE fertilized EGG that splits in two. Identical twins are essentially genetic photocopies of one another. This means that they will look very much alike, and will be the same gender. Identical twins also sometimes share the same placenta and are called monochorionic. Sometimes, during early ultrasounds doctors can look at the placenta and tell if they share a placenta or not. Making things even more difficult is the fact that some identical twins do not share a placenta, even though they originated from one egg. Most often, doctors will not know whether your twins are identical or fraternal until genetic testing is done after delivery.

Fraternal twins do not necessarily look alike and are as genetically similar as any other siblings are. Fraternal twins occur when a woman ovulates more than one egg and both are fertilized. In some instances, this fertilization can occur a few days, or even a week or more apart, depending upon when the eggs were released. Fraternal twins do not share a placenta, and can be two girls, two boys, or a boy and a girl.

In some instances – even after birth, many people will mistake your twins for identical or fraternal based on their appearance. While most identical twins are genetic carbon copies and share the same DNA, your twins can be identical yet still have some aesthetic differences. Additionally, identical twins DO NOT have the same fingerprints which seems to strengthen the idea that there are genetic differences.

And strangely enough, even twins who don’t look alike are often mistaken by others as identical simply because they share a birthdate.

At some point, finding out for sure whether your twins are fraternal or identical is an important piece of information to have. If your twins have any health problems later in life doctors can benefit from knowing whether they are identical or fraternal. Anomalies and birth defects can occur more commonly in identical twins than in fraternal twins, although experts aren’t exactly sure why and believe it has something to do with whether or not they shared a placenta or had their own.

All the way around, having twins is a blessing! While it may make your pregnancy more difficult and you are certainly in for a lot of work and lost sleep once they are born, you are also in store for TWICE THE LOVE!

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.

Since the start of pregnancy, you feel like not only did your pregnancy shrink your brain, but it has also made you a tad clumsy. You are suddenly dropping things, tripping, knocking things over, misplacing items, and having trouble remembering what you are supposed to be doing. And, of course, you wonder if this is normal? You wonder if pregnancy has caused you to lose your mind and your cat-like grace.

The truth is, that this state of confusion and clumsiness during pregnancy is completely normal. Your body is undergoing rapid changes in a short time that seemingly affect every system of the body from your brain to your joints. Plus, as you retain more water and become larger, your center of balance becomes off. As a result, the tendency to drop things, fall, trip or become clumsy increase. In addition to that, hormonal changes that loosen the ligaments in the joints (and seem to give you a case of pregnancy brain) are to blame for this newfound clumsiness.

Unfortunately, there is not much that you can do about it. The larger you get, the clumsier you may feel. Your best bet is to slow down and take your time, especially considering the risk of falls in late pregnancy can be dangerous.

While you are dealing with this coordination dilemma, you should also worry less about the looks of your footwear and more about the functionality they provide you. Look for comfortable and supportive footwear with rubber soles and supports for the arches of your feet. Avoid high heels, and any shoes that offer little support. Wearing good shoes during pregnancy is important and can help you avoid excess back pain and reduce the swelling in your feet.

If water retention is a problem for you, be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Keep water on hand at all times so that you can be sure you aren’t dehydrating yourself. And if your feet or legs begin to swell, take time to sit down and put your feet up!

The good news is that the new cumbersome you is not permanent, and it comes for a good reason. Soon, you will have a clumsy little baby to look after, and you will return back to your normal, graceful self!

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.

It is important to gain weight during pregnancy. Not only are you housing a developing baby, but also a brand new organ (the placenta), 50% more blood than usual, some amniotic fluid, and a few extra pounds to keep your baby sustained during breastfeeding. You may worry you are gaining too little weight during pregnancy, and be looking for ways to pile on the pounds.

How much weight should I put on during pregnancy?

This depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, and is calculated using your BMI. If you don’t know your pre-pregnancy BMI, your healthcare provider will calculate one for you at your first appointment. If your BMI is:

• 18.4 or less – you are considered to be underweight, and should aim to put on between 28 and 40 lbs by the end of the pregnancy
• 18.5 – 24.9 – you’re in the healthy range and should aim to put on between 25 and 35 lbs by the end of the pregnancy
• 25 or over – you are considered to be overweight, and should aim to put on between 11 and 20 lbs during pregnancy

Your healthcare provider is best placed to offer you advice about weight gain, and will consider your full medical history when giving advice.

Gaining too little weight during pregnancy

There are many reasons why some women find it difficult to put weight on during pregnancy, including:

• sickness and nausea – extreme morning sickness and nausea can actually cause some women to gain weight. If you are finding it difficult to keep food down, speak to your healthcare provider for advice. Make sure you stay hydrated, continue to take your daily prenatal vitamin, and try to eat when you feel you can.
• metabolism – you may find that your body is simply too efficient at burning fat.
• body image issues – if you suffer from food-related body image issues, you may find the idea of putting weight on during pregnancy upsetting. In fact, you may find yourself avoiding putting weight on for this reason. You may require support to deal with this during pregnancy, so speak to your healthcare provider immediately.

How to increase weight gain

To increase your weight gain, you could try:

• eating more food – it could simply be that you’re not eating enough, so try eating more of the foods you enjoy. Remember, you should be eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, so keep choosing fresh foods and vegetables. Make sure you snack between meal times, and eat whenever you feel hungry.
• eat more fatty foods – avocados, nuts and coconut oil are all healthy fatty foods. Increase the amount of these foods in your diet, and you may find it becomes easier to gain a few pounds, without eating unhealthy processed foods. Cooking with coconut oil, eating peanut butter on toast before bed, and having an avocado as your mid-morning snack are all tasty and healthy ways to increase the fat in your diet.
• slow down – don’t stop exercising altogether, but if you’re a bit of a gym bunny, you may need to cut back a bit. Staying fit and active during pregnancy is important, and there are lots of benefits to exercise during pregnancy, but you also need to make sure you are able to gain weight. Keep exercising, but reduce the frequency, duration or intensity of your workout.

When to seek help

Your healthcare provider wants to support you through pregnancy, and this includes offering advice and support about weight gain. If you are worried that you haven’t gained enough weight, talk to your healthcare provider who will be able to offer tailored advice to help you gain weight. Gaining too little weight during pregnancy can increase the chances of pregnancy complications, low birth weight and, perhaps surprisingly, childhood obesity, so it is important to seek help early.

Are you struggling with weight gain 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 2018. All rights reserved.

One of the most common complaints of pregnant women is that their backs, shoulders, and necks hurt. This discomfort during pregnancy is normal considering how drastically pregnancy changes your posture. If your back and abdominal muscles were not in optimal condition before pregnancy, chances are the shift in your weight is putting great strain on the large muscles of your back. As pregnancy progresses this pain can intensify, especially once hormones begin loosening the ligaments in your joints.

It’s important that you pay attention to your posture during pregnancy. Maintaining good posture can reduce the amount of strain and tension in your lower and upper back, as well as in your neck, shoulders and hips.

The following 6 tips will help you maintain good posture during pregnancy.

1.  Make efforts to be aware of your head position. You should try to hold your head up, so that your chin is in. Even while working, driving, reading, cooking, or really any activity, try to keep your head up and your chin in line with the plane of your body. The tendency to shift your head to the side, or downward is the onset of bad posture and can cause you pain.

2. Chiropractors encourage people to make sure that their ear lobes are in line with the middle of the shoulder area. Remaining conscious about this and checking your position throughout the day, can help you maintain good posture.

3. For pregnant woman, one of the most important posture tricks is to keep your shoulders back and your chest outward. Poke those boobs outward. Doing so straightens the spine and enables your larger muscles to support the weight of your belly. It also reduces stress in the shoulder area.

4.  If you must sit for a long period of time, make sure that you are in a comfortable position. Pregnant woman are also advised to elevate their feet so that their knees are bent at a 90 degree angle. Additionally, your buttocks should be scooted back to the edge (touching) the back of the chair. This help to keep your spine straight and strong. Also, make sure that you get up and walk around at least once per hour.

5. If you must stand for long periods of time, make sure your shoulders are back, chest out – and that you keep your neck and head in a comfortable position. Additionally, it is suggested that you alternate raising one foot on a short stool while standing for long periods of time.

6. If your back is very sore, and you find that maintaining good posture during pregnancy is difficult, invest in a belly belt. This belt can be a lifesaver during the last trimester of pregnancy because it supports your abdomen and lower back.

Chances are, even with the best posture during pregnancy, you are apt to feel some muscle aches and pains. Your changing center of balance and the extra weight of baby put a lot of strain on your spinal column. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take time every day to do yoga or pregnancy stretches, and to exercise regularly.

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.

For the working pregnant woman, planning for maternity leave is something she needs to think about as she enters the third trimester. In some instances, maternity leave is a no-brainer, and as soon as you deliver you will take leave for the legally allotted amount of time per your employer. In the United States, parents can file for maternity leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which offers 3 months of unpaid leave to take care of personal medical issues – childbirth being one of them. Though some employers do offer paid leave, it is rare in the US. Other countries have much stronger maternity leave laws that support working moms in their transition to motherhood.

What can be most difficult is that you don’t necessarily know exactly when your maternity leave will start. Ideally, your maternity leave would commence upon labor and delivery. However, if you have any medical conditions (such as pre-term labor) that put you on bed rest, your maternity leave will start earlier. This is why it is important to begin planning at the beginning of or near the third trimester.

The first order of business is to speak with your human resources officer to find out what your company offers. Learn what laws exist in your country. You may also want to save up your vacation time so that you can take paid leave time to be with your baby. This may involve rescheduling or cancelling your vacations. Additionally, if you love your job and want to return to it – this can be an ideal time to discuss work-from-home or telecommuting options with your employer. This option can buy you more time to be home with your baby after delivery. Many employers today are open to new working conditions.

If you are dreaming of quitting your job to be a stay-at-home mom, you need to make sure you and your baby have health insurance. If your job provides the health insurance, quitting your job without an alternative plan can be financially devastating. If you plan on quitting, it is important to communicate as such to your boss beforehand, out of courtesy, but also so you don’t burn any bridges you may need to cross a few years later when you reenter the workforce.

Be reminded that discrimination against pregnant woman is illegal. You have both legal rights and responsibilities that are clearly outlined in laws to protect you and your job. That being said, it is important to communicate with your boss and employers throughout your pregnancy so that they aren’t blind-sided by you leaving.

Another aspect of planning for maternity leave is getting your work house in order. Train others to do what you do, make sure that your files and professional works are easily accessible, and make sure your office is clear of personal items that others may find upon your absence when rummaging through your office. If all of your professional ducks are in a row, you will feel more comfortable leaving your job. It can alleviate some personal stress in the later months of your pregnancy and early postpartum.

Your maternity leave is a time in your life you will cherish forever. These weeks and months will enable you to get to know your baby and ease you into the realities of being a mother. By planning early, talking with your employer and helping others to plan for your absence, you will be able to enjoy this time to the fullest.

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.