Category: Pregnancy Advice

It’s a beautiful thing bringing someone to life from your body. Just because you’re in a delicate condition doesn’t mean you can’t have some comfort. Whether you go to a small gathering with family or you’re relaxing, it’s best to pick a pregnancy dress that suits your needs. Think of making purchases that will help you when you have a bun in the oven. Here are some ways to choose the right pregnancy dress.

 

Things You Need in a Pregnancy Dress

Before choosing some pregnancy dresses, find out what you need in that type of garment.

 

Maybe you need something airy. You can get hot during your pregnancy and even go through heat strokes. Make sure you pick a dress with a breathable fabric.

 

Additionally, wear items that allow you to move more freely. You’re already carrying a baby, and you might have put on a few pounds, so it’s already challenging carrying on the extra weight.

 

Consider wearing fabrics that are flexible and soft. That way, it’ll be comfortable to wear and more room for your body to relax.

 

Plan for the Future

While one pregnancy dress may fit you now, you might not use it in a few months because you continue to gain weight. Buy something at least a size or two up for the future. Maybe something lycra or spandex would work best if you plan to stay a bit more active throughout your pregnancy.

 

You don’t want your clothes ripped due to riding on your body too tight. Having a sizable dress is a good safety measure for you and your comfort. Find a dressmaker that works with pregnancy dresses and can alter yours later.

 

Know What Type of Dress to Wear

Even when you’re pregnant, you have different maternity robes to wear. Take your pick to find something that works for your body.

 

Loose and baggy dresses are perfect for shopping or going out to a casual event with some friends. It might be best to wear it a month before the end of your pregnancy, especially if it’s a warmer season.

 

Layered dresses work well for petite frames that need a more formal look for an evening out. One-piece dresses can be used on any body type and help you feel more confident and comfortable deep into your pregnancy.

 

Find the ideal dress that suits your needs for fashion and function.

 

 

 

When becoming pregnant, many women look forward to symptoms like thick and fast-growing hair. However, once you welcome your child, there is the risk of experiencing postpartum hair loss. This usually involves a sudden shedding or clumps of hair falling out in the six months after you’ve given birth. 

Understandably, it can be distressing to see your hair falling out because of this. However, you need to remember that it’s completely normal. To help your hair throughout this period, here are some tips that can help.

Maintain Healthy Hair

If you are experiencing shedding hair after having your baby, now is the time to keep your hair healthy and shiny. You can do this by following a balanced diet, taking your prenatal vitamin supplements, as well as being extra gentle when shampooing and conditioning. Make sure you only shampoo and condition when it’s absolutely necessary. You can also use a wide-toothed comb to combat tangling.

Avoid Adding Heat

Rather than reaching for your straighteners or blow dryer, it’s time to give your hair a break during ‘shedding season’. This means you should avoid adding any excess heat to your hair. Staying clear of chemical-based treatments is advised also until the shedding finishes. Chemicals and heat combined aren’t good for your hair, especially as you will have sensitive hair follicles post-pregnancy. 

Let Loose

To reduce the amount of hair falling out after giving birth, it’s wise to not have your hair tied in a tight ponytail. Even if this is your hairstyle of choice, this can cause more shedding. It’s advised to use a scrunchie over rubber bands or small hairbands. Make sure you wait until the shedding has stopped before returning to bands. 

Try a Head Massage

When it comes to reducing the effects of postpartum hair loss, a head massage may be the answer. Many people swear by head massages as a way to relieve tension and reduce stress levels. Head massages also boost blood flow to your scalp which can stimulate hair follicles. Head massages are also known to ease headache or migraine pain, lower blood pressure, and increase circulation to your neck. 

Seek Advice

Your body goes through a lot throughout pregnancy and the aftermath. Once your little one has arrived in the world, you may feel self-conscious about your postpartum hair loss, to the point where you may even be looking into having a neograft in Denver, or somewhere more local to you, in order to help restore your hair. Even though it happens to millions of women across the world, some new mothers suffer worse than others. If you are losing a lot of hair and feel embarrassed, it’s time to speak to your GP. For the time being, you may benefit from wearing a wig from julia-lampard.co.uk which can put a spring in your step and boost your confidence. Whatever you do, you mustn’t suffer in silence. Once you reach out to others, this can reduce stress which could be prolonging the shedding.

Hair loss after giving birth can be alarming and a cause of concern. However, it must be reiterated that postpartum hair loss is completely natural and shouldn’t be anything to worry about. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate in speaking to your GP.

Many women find that sleep evades them during pregnancy. Each trimester brings its own difficulties, from nausea and vomiting to physical discomfort and restless leg syndrome. Read on to discover why sleep is difficult for pregnant women and what you can do to improve your chances of a good night’s sleep.

Why You Can’t Sleep

There are many reasons why it can be difficult for pregnant women to sleep well. In the first trimester, your body is going through some incredible changes, and your hormones are running wild. This can make you feel nauseated, emotional and, most of all, exhausted. The NHS recommends getting as much rest as possible to counter this, but it’s not always that easy.

As your pregnancy progresses, your body will change shape, and it can be hard to find a comfortable position to sleep in. It’s also common to experience heartburn, bladder problems, overheating and restless leg syndrome, all of which can keep you up at night. Luckily, there are treatments out there, like Zantac to prevent heartburn (click now), that could make it easier for pregnant women to cope throughout their pregnancy.

Perhaps you’re also feeling worried or anxious about the birth or the changes to your life that will soon be upon you. These feelings are perfectly natural, but talk to your partner, a family member or a doctor if you want some peace of mind.

Tips for Sleeping Better

There are many steps you can take to try to sleep better during pregnancy:

Get Comfortable

If you’re struggling to get comfortable when pregnant, simply using a pregnancy pillow could make a world of difference. Visit kallysleep.com to browse their range of high-quality pillows.

Remember to avoid sleeping on your back once you reach the third trimester – this could put dangerous levels of pressure on your blood vessels and it actually increases the risk of stillbirth.

Do Some Exercise

While it’s important to rest enough during pregnancy, you’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep if you’ve done some gentle exercise. Try a pregnancy exercise class a few times a week, or do some gentle yoga stretches before bed.

Wind Down

If your mind is racing, try establishing a relaxing night-time routine to help you switch off and wind down. A warm bath (not too hot!) can work wonders, as can a cup of caffeine-free tea (chamomile is renowned for its relaxing properties) or even just reading a book.

Do whatever works to relax your mind and body.

Wear Light Clothing

Sleeping when you’re too hot is very difficult, and pregnant bodies tend to run hotter than most. The hormonal changes taking place can cause your body temperature to rise by a couple of degrees – it may not sound like much, but it can make a big difference.

Sleep in light, loose clothing to help you feel cooler, and swap out your winter quilt for a lighter duvet or a thinner blanket.

Don’t Drink Water Before Bed

At all stages of pregnancy, you’ll probably notice that you have to pee more often. As your baby grows, it can press on your bladder and make you need the bathroom. A good way to prevent this from waking you up is to avoid having anything to drink for an hour before bed. That way, your final trip to the bathroom before you turn off the light is more likely to last the night! Just make sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids during the day to prevent dehydration.

Sleeping during pregnancy can be difficult, but following these tips should help you to drift off more easily.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. You are sure to be glowing. And swelling. Not only is your baby bump swelling to accommodate your exciting new addition to the family, but your fingers, toes, ankles, and feet could be swelling too.

It’s quite normal during the later stages of pregnancy as your body generates additional fluid to support the fetus as it grows. This can put pressure on your body, particularly your legs, causing swelling in your lower extremities. Your circulation will also begin to slow-down and can add to the buildup of fluid. It could cause your feet problems as pregnancy always likes to pull the stops out with uncomfortable conditions! Some have even been known to have an extreme foot callus removal due to this fluid build up. It’s most likely this won’t happen and mild discomfort is all that will be experienced with the swelling.

What can you do to ease the swelling?

1. Soak Your Tired Feet

Allow some me-time and treat yourself to a regular foot spa. Jets of water provide you with a hydrotherapy foot massage.

A good foot soak and massage session can release tension formed around your tight muscles and tendons and allows blood to flow and circulate to your brain and other organs.

You can always add a couple of drops of lavender, rose, or rosemary essential oils or a good helping of Epsom salts to make it even more of a treat.

2. Swimming

We all know that swimming is an excellent form of supportive exercise. Although we can’t ‘prove’ that swimming scientifically reduces swelling, the water pressure and buoyancy will at least give you a feeling of relief.

Hopefully, you’ll find that your legs and feet are less swollen too.

3. Exercise Each Day

Gentle exercises such as yoga will keep your blood and fluids circulating throughout your body and prevent them from ‘settling’ in your feet.

Even a short 10-minute walk can help improve your circulation, and it’s also a great reason to get out into nature and have a much-needed break.

You should always be extra careful while exercising during your pregnancy and seek advice from healthcare or sports professionals before trying any new exercises.

4. Eat Healthily

Did you know that pregnant women can carry almost 10 additional kilos during their third trimester?

Essential nutrients and minerals can help your body process this extra fluid.

Try and avoid processed foods and replace them with whole organic foods and untreated sea salt, which contains minerals that will help maintain your electrolyte balance and reduce swelling.

Potassium is a mineral that maintains the salt-to-water ratio in your body. Try to eat bananas, avocados, and other fruits and veggies high in potassium.

Remember to increase your water intake as well; this will keep you hydrated and feeling cooler, which is also a great way to control swelling.

5. Foot Massage

A regular foot massage can reduce edema or swelling due to fluid retention. It stimulates the fluid to return to the kidneys to be flushed out and positively affects heart rate and blood pressure.

It also improves the lymphatic and circulatory systems that carry oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body.

If your partner is not around to give you a foot rub, why not try a foot massager designed to ease the pain of aching, swollen feet.

Ensure that you find a massager with adjustable settings so that you can change the massage pressure to suit you. A good 15-minute massage ensures blood and nutrient circulation and can help you sleep better.

6. Sleep On Your Side

As you and your baby grow, it’s a good idea to sleep on your left-hand side.

Why?

Because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, and lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off this large organ. Sleeping on the left side also improves circulation to the heart allowing for blood flow to the fetus, uterus, and kidneys.

7. Experiment With Teas

Caffeine is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration and fluid retention from increased urination. We all know how important hydration is for your body.

Consider replacing caffeine with a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea, which contains many beneficial trace minerals, including potassium.

Drinking dandelion and nettle infused caffeine-free daily can also help improve circulation and balance electrolytes in the body.

8. New Shoes

Everyone loves a new pair of shoes, so ditch those heels for something really comfy, which fits well. Believe it or not, there are some stylish orthotic shoes available.

Well-fitting shoes can reduce swelling and prevent back and hip problems as your weight increases and your centre of gravity moves. The ligaments in your feet may stretch during your pregnancy, so your shoe size may increase up to one whole size.

You might also want to consider your wardrobe too. Wear what is comfortable and generally loose-fitting.

Compression stockings would quite possibly rate highly as a serious wardrobe malfunction. These waist-high beauties, however, can help improve symptoms during pregnancy and prevent complications after birth.

9. Rest Up

Swelling – another great excuse!

Take as much time as you need to relax, read your favourite book, and elevate your feet. You probably have a list as long as your arm of things to do before the baby is born, but it’s important to rest as well.

After a busy day running around, find your favoured chair and quite literally put your feet up. Most of the swelling that appeared during the day should start to disappear by raising your legs; any excess should be gone entirely by the following morning. For an extra touch of relaxation, consider treating yourself to a Massage in Austin, TX, or a place near you, to reduce the tension and improve circulation. Regular massages can be beneficial during pregnancy, as it can help in reducing discomfort, and improve how you feel both physically and mentally.

Listen to Your Body

Pregnancy is an incredible experience, and your body will undergo dramatic changes to accommodate a little person throughout the nine months of development.

As your ‘bump’ expands, more pressure will be put on your pelvis, back, and abdomen. It’s imperative to listen to your body and keep yourself as comfortable and swelling-free as possible.

Be kind to yourself, eat healthily, continue to exercise, and maybe even buy a new pair of shoes.

Finding out that you’re pregnant is an incredibly exciting moment and often mums and dads to be want to keep that excitement rolling. A great way to do this is to tell your family and friends in a fun and creative way and to make it as memorable as possible. But how should you do it? The way you tell them will no doubt depend on your relationship, whether it’s your first baby and what is most personal for you. If you are looking for some inspiration, here are six fun and creative ways to tell your loved ones that you are expecting a baby.

Play Your Baby’s Heartbeat

When you have a recording of your baby’s heartbeat from the hospital, you can use it to announce your pregnancy in an incredibly magical way. You can send the recording to them via a smartphone message, an email or even make a video of you hearing it for the first time which you can share with them. Send it with a subtle message like, ‘somebody is looking forward to meeting you in 9 months’ or similar. This idea is great for people who live a long way from their friends or family and can’t tell them in person. Alternatively, you can create a pregnancy announcement video which you can share with friends and family via social media, email, and more.

Put a Bun in the Oven

This one is a classic but always fun! Invite your friends or family over and ask them to check on what’s in the oven. When they open it up, they will find a beautiful bun baking away in there marked with a B just like the nursery rhyme. Take a photo or video of the big moment and, once you’ve all calmed down a little, you can sit down to enjoy a slice of the bun together.

Give them Personalised T-shirts

A great idea is to look at the t-shirt printing in Brum and personalise them for your family members. You can personalise them easily to say: Granny, or Grandpa, Auntie or Uncle, Big Brother or Sister, etc. You could even put the due date on the t-shirts or anything you can think of. Then wrap them up and present them to your loved ones at the same time. They’ll find out in quirky and suspenseful way and will have a memento to treasure forever.

Invite them Over for a Brew

Similarly to the t-shirts, you could opt for a personalised mug with a message on the bottom or inside, or even an image from the ultrasound. Invite them over for a tea or coffee just as you would on any normal day but instead of handing them any old mug, give them the special mug and wait for them to cotton on.

Take them Out for a Meal 

If you’re up for a bit of planning, you could always contact a local café or restaurant and see if they would be willing to help you make your announcement. For example, they could write the news on their chalkboard or easel which they display outside so you can walk past and draw their attention to it. Alternatively, you could print a ‘specials’ page which can be inside the menu when you sit down and will announce the news for you. For more inspirational ideas, take a look at this list on www.thebump.com

Having a pre-natal diet is one of the most important aspects of pregnancy. Not only can dietary deficiencies harm mother and baby, but the effects of your pregnant diet will have a long lasting influence on your child all the way into adulthood!

With dietary decisions mothers make now having a long lasting effect on their child decades into the future, knowing what to eat in (and in what quantities) can feel like a mine-field for many women.

Eating well and staying active are two of the most important things you can do during pregnancy to keep you and your growing baby healthy. This cheat sheet provides diet and exercise tips to help you meet your nutrition and fitness needs each day.

Key Nutrition Tips

Focus on Whole Foods
Eat plenty of wholesome, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, dairy and healthy fats. These provide important vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients for you and baby.

Power Up with Protein

Protein is crucial for your baby’s growth and your energy levels. Aim for 75-100g daily from sources like eggs, beans, Greek yogurt, nuts and lean meat.

Hydrate with Water
Drink at least 10 cups of water per day to stay properly hydrated. Limit caffeine and sugary drinks which can cause issues.

Eat the Rainbow
Consume a variety of fruits and veggies to get valuable vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Berries, leafy greens, bell peppers and broccoli are great choices.

Include Healthy Fats

Essential fatty acids support baby’s brain and eye development. Get them from salmon, avocados, olive oil, walnuts and chia seeds.

Take a Prenatal Vitamin
Prenatals provide key nutrients like folic acid and iron. Ask your doctor to recommend a quality brand.

Satisfy Cravings in Moderation
It’s normal to crave certain foods. Indulge cravings occasionally by balancing them out with healthy options.

Staying Active

Embracing an active lifestyle during pregnancy involves a commitment to regular exercise and mindful choices. Strive for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, to experience the positive effects of reduced discomfort, increased energy levels, and better weight management.

You can also enhance your routine with strength training, prenatal pilates (you can read more about Pregnancy Pilates here), and pelvic floor exercises, engaging in these activities 2-3 times weekly to prepare your body for the upcoming delivery. It’s crucial to stay attuned to your body’s signals, ensuring that you stay adequately hydrated and avoid overexertion. Prior to embarking on any new workout regimen, consult with your doctor to confirm that your chosen exercises align with your overall health and well-being during this special time.

By following these diet and exercise tips, you can nourish your body and help keep both you and your growing baby healthy.

For more information, you can check out this handy infographic from Check Pregnancy examines the most important food groups and explains their significance for foetal development.

Covering everything from the vital nutrients required for brain development to foods that can speed up mother’s post birth recovery, this infographic provides the information all expectant mothers need to have a healthy, positive pregnancy and a well-developed, healthy child.