Health and Wellbeing

Meeting Other New Mums

Whether it’s practical advice you’re after or a chat with someone who knows what you’re going through – a regular catch-up with other new mums can be a tremendously supportive experience. Making new friends and keeping old ones Becoming a new parent, particularly for the first time, can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unexpectedly isolated. …

Recovering from Birth

The first few days after birth You’re likely to feel exhausted, sore and uncomfortable after giving birth. It’s also normal to feel unsure about how to look after your baby. Don’t be afraid to say yes if someone offers to help as you find your feet. If in hospital, make the most of the support …

Stretch Marks

What are stretch marks and how to prevent them? Roughly 50% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy They usually appear as thin, red lines on your tummy in the 2nd or last trimester Some women also get stretch marks on their thighs, buttocks and breasts After your baby is born, these marks should gradually …

Iron Deficiency for Mums

During pregnancy, your requirements of iron increase significantly due to your increased blood volume and to help your baby’s blood system develop. Your baby will draw on your iron stores so they have enough to last them through their first 5 to 6 months of life. Iron deficiency and anaemia The routine blood tests you …

Rest and Sleep

Get the rest you need during pregnancy It can be hard to get a good night sleep and be comfortable when you have a baby bump. You might also experience heartburn, late night visits to the bathroom and leg cramps. Insomnia may become an issue towards the end of your pregnancy. Things to try: Be …

Foods to avoid during pregnancy

A healthy diet is especially important if you’re pregnant – this means choosing the right food and drinks, avoiding or limiting others and knowing how to prepare and store them safely. Foods to Avoid: While it’s important to store and prepare all your food carefully, some types of food have a higher risk for food poisoning than …

What to eat during Pregnancy

Think you’ve got the ‘healthy diet’ covered? Think again… about two thirds of pregnant women believe their diet is healthy, but when it comes down to it most are not eating enough of the five core food groups. A well balanced, nutritious diet is important at every stage of life, but when you are pregnant …

Protecting Your Baby from Infections

If you’ve been exposed to certain infections during pregnancy, you may need to have tests and treatment to help protect your unborn baby. Chickenpox Chickenpox can cause serious problems for you and your baby during pregnancy. If you’ve already had chickenpox, your body would normally have become immune to it so that if you are …

Sex during Pregnancy

Here are some things to consider: It’s possible that your interest in sex will fluctuate throughout your pregnancy As long as you are comfortable and don’t have any complications, then sexual intercourse is safe during normal pregnancy As your pregnancy progresses, the size of your abdomen may create difficulties during sex, whilst the aches and …

Travelling when Pregnant

Before travelling by plane, car or train when pregnant you should consult your healthcare provider, to ensure that your overall condition and especially your  medical conditions have been considered. Before Booking A Holiday, Ask Yourself: How many months pregnant will you be by then? Is your trip going to be relaxing or active and will …

Smoking and Drinking during Pregnancy

Taking care of yourself and your developing baby during pregnancy is incredibly important and one of the best ways is by choosing a healthy lifestyle.  This may mean you need to make a few changes to your daily habits so that you are eating well, keeping physically active, and not smoking or drinking alcohol. Reasons …

Morning Sickness

What is ‘Morning Sickness’ The symptoms of morning sickness include nausea and vomiting.  Starting as early as week 4 of your pregnancy that queasy feeling of morning sickness may be one of the first pregnancy signs you notice. The good news for most women is nausea and vomiting of morning sickness will normally disappear after the …

Symptoms of Pregnancy

During pregnancy it’s normal to have some cramps and aches, however there are usually some things you can try to relieve your symptoms. Minor Problems Backache Hormones released during pregnancy soften your ligaments which, along with your baby’s increasing weight, can lead to backache. Things to try: Practice good posture or try antenatal exercises. A …