Symptomsof going into labour

Many women have absolutely no idea that they are going into labour until they feel the contraction harden significantly or their waters break often in the most inappropriate places like Blue water shopping center but the body has subtle ways of telling us that labour is coming.

Some of the signs and symptoms of going into labour may include:

• Period-like cramps
• Backache
• Diarrhoea
• A small bloodstained discharge as your cervix thins and the mucus plug drops out
• A gush or trickle of water as the membranes break
• Finally Contractions.

The problems is that not all women experience all or in fact any of the symptoms of if they do they dismiss them as something they ate, if you are pregnant it is worth looking out for these symptoms and if you have any get yourself checked out just to be sure

The wonderful stages of Labour

Stage One

The first stage of labour is concerned with the thinning of the cervix and its dilation to around 10cm. It is split into three phases they include:

1. The latent phase - generally, this stage is the longest and the least painful part of labour. Many woman don't realise it is even happening. The cervix can thin out over weeks, days or hours and be accompanied by mild contractions. The contractions may be regularly or irregularly spaced, or else you might not even notice them at all.
2. The active phase - the next phase is marked by strong, painful contractions that tend to occur around three or four minutes apart and last up to a minute or so. The cervix dilates to around 7cm.
3. The transition phase - the contractions become more intense, painful and frequent. It may feel like the contractions are no longer separate but running into each other. The cervix may take around an hour or so to dilate the final 3cm. This is the moment that many women dread where you have a strong urge to go to the toilet as the baby’s head pushes against the rectum, and you may have a bowel movement, remember that having a pooh during labour is normal and nothing to be concerned about, the nurses are ready for it and they see it every day.

Second Stage

Once the cervix is dilated to around 10cm, the second stage of labour can begin. The contractions should now be regular and spaced apart, so that you can relax between them (as best as you can). As each contraction builds to a peak, you may feel the urge to bear down and push. The sensation of the baby moving through the vagina is described as a stretching or burning, particularly as the baby’s head crowns (appears at the vaginal entrance). Once the head has emerged, the delivery staff will turn the body to deliver the shoulders. The rest of the baby will then slip out. This second stage typically lasts between 15 minutes to one hour.

Third stage

This stage is often forgotten and sometime shocks first time mums who think it is all over, in this stage the placenta is delivered, anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes after the birth. The uterus gently contracts to loosen and push out the placenta, although you may not be able to feel these contractions.

Fourth Stage

It maybe argued that there is a fourth stage that is often discounted as it does not apply to some women. The fourth stage is where you are checked for tears and they are repaired, some women say that the stitching was the worst part of the birth. With that in mind it is really important that you pay attention to your midwife and push at the right times, then your chances of tearing are reduced.

Braxton Hicks

Braxton-Hicks contractions are sometimes mistaken for labour and are sometimes referred to false labour. These ‘false’ contractions usually start halfway through the pregnancy and continue for the duration.

Later in the pregnancy you may find these contractions visibly harden and lift your pregnant belly. It is always best to check out any pain with a medical professional, a surprising amount of women think they are in labour and it is Braxton Hicks but the same is true the other way around many women ignore the pains thinking that they are having braxton hicks and it turns out that by the time they realise they are several centimeters dilated.

Giving birth (most women's nightmares)

This is the part of pregnancy that most woman dread and can't wait for in equal measures. It is a mixture of fear and anticipation, there are so many unknowns, whether its your first or your fifth ever birth is different.

It is perfectly natural to be scared, all mothers are a little, no matter how many children they have had or what they lead you to believe. The good thing is that most mother say that after the child is born all the memories of the labour quickly fade and many can remember very little as the fears are replaced with overwhelming joy. On the other hand some say they can remember every minute but the good news is that no matter how traumatic the birth of their first child is most aren't put off and still have another.

We think the best way to prepare yourself is to get as much information as possible about what to expect, decide what type of birth you wish to have and make a birthing plan and to attend anti natal classes with your birthing partner.

Best tip ever is, not expect the labour or birth to be exactly as you imagine them, you have to be flexible and adapt to the situation and try to take medical advice, even if it flies in the face of everything you thought you wanted.

With gaining as much knowledge as you can in mind the 3 stages of labour are as follows

• the dilation of the cervix,
• the delivery of the baby,
• and the delivery of the placenta. (many people forget this step we think its coz you never see it on the telly)

For first-time mothers, labour takes around 12 to 24 hours. Women who have undergone childbirth before can expect about seven hours of labour. But as we have said every birth is different for every mother some are really quick and others are not, most woman have different birthing experiences with different children so if you have a long hard birth the first time it does not follow that that will happen again and unfortunately vice versa.

Sex after pregnancy

With a lot of women sex is a touchy subject after giving birth they are very reluctant to get back on the horse so to speak for many reasons, not the least being that they will get pregnant again and have to go through it all again. On the other hand many woman find that their sex drive improves and they can't get enough.

After the birth the mid wife will give you advice as to when you can have sex again it is dependant on what happened at the birth. It is always good to heed their advice and be patient. Some woman find the thought of sex repulsive after giving birth and believe it or not some men feel that way too, if you are in this position or you suspect that your partners feelings about sex have changed then your only alternative is to talk to each other. Many couples split up in the first year after a baby is born and we think that sex may have a part to play in the break down of these relationships. Just explain how you are feeling and try to listen to your partners opinion, some couples find this really hard and if you think it is threatening you relationship it maybe worth getting professional help, don't just let the problem fester it will only get worse the more you leave it.

Position for sex while pregnant

Finding a comfortable position for sex whilst you have a ever expanding waist line can be difficult here we have tried to suggest some ways that you might find more comfortable, if not you will have fun trying them!
Most people tend to prefer the missionary position for sex during pregnancy, however it becomes a very difficult manoeuvre to perform as your belly grows. So try some of these positions:

Woman on top. This allows you to control the depth of penetration, and the majority of the movement. You can go as fast or as slow as you'd like, while controlling the depth of the penis. This position works really well throughout pregnancy and at the very end of pregnancy.

Spooning. This position gets it's name from the way spoons fit together in the drawer. Usually it's best if the man is behind allowing his penis to go between your thighs and enter you from behind. This creates no pressure on the abdomen, and allows for a shallow penetration. Many women find this a very relaxing position for sex during pregnancy, and it can be used throughout.

Hands & Knees. This is a very good position for pregnant women again because of the lack of direct pressure on the abdomen, although as your get larger your belly may actually rest on the bed. Some women find this difficult at the very end of pregnancy, depending on how high they are able to hold their belly off the bed and still allow for penetration.

Lying on your side., Lay on your side with your partner facing you, try pulling one leg up to allow room for your partner. This can get tiring after a while, and may not be easy for the last part of pregnancy.
All of the above mentioned positions also allow for manual stimulation of the clitoris either by you or your partner. . They also prevent the mother from laying on her back, which is not recommended after the fourth month of pregnancy. When you're trying to think of a good position, try it, if it doesn't work stop. Creativity will be a lot of fun during pregnancy.

3 FAQ about sex during pregnancy

Can having sex harm my baby? the simple answer is No, not directly. The baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the foetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. Inside you if you want the gory details there is a thick mucus plug that seals the entrance to the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis does not come into contact with the foetus in any way during sex. Some times your doctor or mid wife will suggest that you avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy and often in the last few weeks, this is usually due to a complication or in the last few weeks it is to avoid premature labour. If you are concerned ask your midwife to make sure there are no contra indications for your pregnancy.

Can having intercourse or orgasms cause miscarriage or contractions? In most cases normal, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that you may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with labour. However, it is better to check with your health care provider to make sure that your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category. It is common for doctors to recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions.

Is it normal for my sex drive to be none existent during pregnancy? It is really good to be aware that you and your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase and or decrease as the pregnancy progresses. Some people feel even closer to their partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies others don‘t. Some men experience decreased desire because of fears about the burdens of parenthood, or concerns about the well being of both the mother and their unborn child. In some cases it is also difficult for some men to reconciling there partners identity as a sexual being with their new emerging identity as an expectant mother, others love their partners being pregnant and can’t get enough of them remember that talking with your partner is so important try to explain your fears. If you have any concerns about your sex drive or your partners talk them over with a health care professional.

Warning: You should contact a doctor immediately if you notice unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding common but must be checked, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex. If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider finds or anticipates complications with your pregnancy they are likely to advise against sexual intercourse for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Try to remember all people are different, and what ever happens during pregnancy most people do get their sex drives back to normal within a few months after the bouncing baby is born.

Sex - during pregnancy

Sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy provided that you are not in a high risk group, ask a medical professional for advice if you fall into this category or are worried. Of course, just because sex is safe during most pregnancy doesn't mean that your partner or you will necessarily want have it!. Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.

You need to communicate with your partner about your sexual relationship and try to understand that it is hard for a man to deal with the changes in you realationship. It may help to talk about other ways to satisfy both your needs for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other etc.

You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable. Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

Things to avoid whilst pregnant

Life has become one long list of things to avoid, every day we are bombarded with endless studies saying this is good for you, this is bad for you, it ends up feeling like we would be better off just not eat at all, we hate it. However that said during pregnancy there are certain things that you are advised to avoid, we know its hard, but bear in mind it is only 9 months then you can do as you please and a few sacrifices are worth making if you can have a healthy baby! We are not saying you are the devil incarnate if you have a glass of wine or a fag or a nice piece of brie we are just telling you what the advice says the reasons behind it and then armed with that information you can make your own decisions.

1. Alcohol, the latest government advice on alcohol is that it should be avoided completely. The reason for avoiding alcohol is that it is easily passed along to the baby, who is less equipped to eliminate alcohol than the mother. That means an unborn baby tends to develop a high concentration of alcohol, which stays in the baby's system for longer periods than it would in the mother's. And moderate alcohol intake, as well as periodic binge drinking, can damage a baby's developing nervous system.
2. Recreational Drugs, pregnant women who use drugs may be placing their unborn babies at risk for premature birth, poor growth, birth defects, and behaviour and learning problems. The other risk is that your baby could also be born addicted to drugs your take themselves. Being pregnant may help to give you the incentive to come off drugs if it does you don't have to do it alone there is lots of help and support out there go to your G.P. or your midwife and ask for help. But remember if you've used any drugs at any time during your pregnancy, it's important to inform your doctor. Even if you've successfully quit, the baby still needs closer monitoring.
   
3. Nicotine, its a fact if you smoke so is you baby you wouldn't light a cigarette, put it in your baby's mouth, and encourage your little one to puff away but that is what you are doing. The smoking mother passes nicotine and carbon monoxide to her growing baby.
   The risks of smoking to the foetus include:
   - stillbirth
   - prematurity
   - low birth weight
   - asthma and other respiratory problems
   So if you smoke, having a baby may be the motivation you need to quit. Talk to your G.P. about the many options for stopping your smoking.
4. Caffeine
   It is suggested that high levels of caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so it's probably wise to limit or avoid caffeine altogether if you can. There are many alternatives which are caffeine free but boiled water served hot in a mug is a great alternative (sounds boring but it’s so good for you and you get used to it really quickly)
5. Foods - It is recommended that pregnant woman avoid
   soft, unpasteurized cheeses such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese
   unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
   raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse, tiramisu, raw cookie dough, homemade ice cream, and Caesar dressing
   raw or undercooked meats, fish (sushi), or shellfish
   
6. Cat's Litter tray
   Pregnancy is the prime time to get out of cleaning the cats litter tray. This is due to an infection called toxoplasmosis that can be spread through soiled cat litter trays and can cause serious problems, including prematurity, poor growth, and severe eye and brain damage. A pregnant woman who becomes infected often has no symptoms but can still pass the infection on to her developing baby.
   
7. Medications
   It is imperative that when you become pregnant that you read the label of any medication that you take even common over-the-counter medications that are generally safe may be considered off-limits during pregnancy because of their potential effects on the baby. And certain prescription medications may also cause harm to the developing foetus.
   To make sure you don't take anything that could be harmful to your baby:
   Ask your chemist which over-the-counter medicines are safe to take during pregnancy (there are not many).
   Talk to your G.P. about any prescription drugs you're taking or if you feel you desperately need an over the counter medication.
   Discuss any questions about natural remedies, supplements, and vitamins before using them.

There you go as promised a list of some of the things to avoid during pregnancy now the choice is yours!

Sleep can be illusive when you are pregnant

It is really important to get enough sleep during your pregnancy, easier said than done, some lucky women have no problem in fact it is often all that they want to do, but for many sleep is elusive for one reason or another.

Ironically sleep is more essential than it has ever been as your body is working very hard to accommodate a new life. The problem usually gets worse as your baby gets bigger, it will be harder to find a comfortable position when you're trying to sleep.

You could try:

Sleeping positions Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. It also makes your heart's job easier because it keeps the baby's weight from applying pressure to the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from your heart and your feet and legs. Lying on your side can also help prevent or reduce varicose veins, constipation, haemorrhoid's, and swelling in your legs. Your doctor may specifically recommend that you sleep on the left side. Because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. Lying on your left side also optimizes blood flow to the placenta and, therefore, your baby., it is best to ask what they recommend. In most cases, lying on either side should help take some pressure off your back.

It may help to place a pillow between your legs, behind your back, and underneath your belly, it’s a case of trying it to see which way suits you best.

Some women find that they have to move into the spare bed no not to get away from the advances of their partners but so that they have enough room for all the pillows they need to get some comfort.

What and where is a pelvic floor?

We have all heard about pelvic floor but few of us really know what the hell it is or why we need to exercise it.

It can not be stressed how important the pelvic floor muscles are and how important it is to do pelvic floor exercises not just during pregnancy but through out your life. Many woman have ignored this advice and lived to regret it as it is much harder to build from nothing than it is to keep an already strong muscle strong, as a result many women have weak bladders and have to use tenna lady or some other brand of incontinence pads just to go out.

What are they babbling on about? You may be asking, well the pelvic floor is formed of layers of muscle deep inside the body there job is to support the uterus, bowel and bladder. Pregnancy and childbirth put pressure on these muscles, and you may find that you leak wee when you sneeze or cough this is known as 'stress incontinence'.

Sounds scary doesn't it? No one ever says anything about it but don’t despair you can tone these muscles so they maintain their strength and regain it quicker after the birth by doing regular simple exercises.

Pelvic floor exercise
All you do is pull in and tense your pelvic floor muscles, as if stopping the flow of wee, hold for five seconds, then relax. Aim to do ten sets of five exercises each day. Don't tighten your stomach buttocks or thigh muscle of hold your breath when you do the exercise.
They may feel hard at the beginning but they are worth doing, you will see the benefit after the birth and you can save yourself from ever having to use incontinence pads.

4 Great exercises when you are pregnant

Always check with your G.P. to make sure that you are ok to exercise while you are pregnant.

The first exercise to consider is free and can be done at any time day or night interested? well you may not be as its Walking, many young people see it as something the older generation do when they retire but it is great exercise and if you take a friend its a great excuse for some girly chat without the guilt of what else you should be doing, try it you might be amazed.

The second thing to consider maybe swimming, exercising in water is normally safe and enjoyable during pregnancy, you may find it helpful with the back pain in the later stages of your pregnancy. The water supports your whole body, and you can be as energetic or relaxed as you want. You can choose to go alone and have a swim or you can join a class specifically for pregnant woman, many public and private pools offer antenatal classes, often run by trained midwives or physiotherapists, its best to check out the qualification of the instructor before you take the class just to make certain they know what they are doing.

The third thing to consider is cycling, we don’t mean on the roads it might not be safe for you we mean on an exercise bike. Many of us have an old exercise bike in the garage that was bought when we told our selves that it was time to get fit and then got board after a week, now is the time to fish it out. Or if you are confident on a push bike use it, what is that they say you never forget but if it’s been a long time maybe when you’re pregnant is not the time to test the old adage. As your pregnancy progresses it may be safe to use an exercise bike as there is much less chance of you taking a tumble.

The fourth is exercise classes, if you were already attending an exercise class before your pregnancy, it is important that you tell your instructor that you're pregnant. They should be able to advise you on any parts of the class that are now unsuitable, not all instructors have a full knowledge of what is appropriate in pregnancy so if you feel in anyway concerned about their advice then run it past your G.P or midwife before taking it. There are also exercise classes held specifically for pregnant woman where you know they know what they are talking about it is a good idea to ask your midwife if she knows of any and which she would recommend.
Tip : what ever form of exercise you choose make sure you have a good fitting sports bra to protect your breasts and remember to drink plenty of water throughout you work out.

Exercise to avoid while pregnant
There are many obvious things you should avoid doing when pregnant, the baby is well padded but things can go wrong so it is not worth taking the risk, below are just some of the thing to avoid there are many others just use you common sense if you are not sure ask for medical advice before you do it is always better to ere on the side of caution.

- Contact sports
- Dangerous sports
- Scuba Diving
- high impact aerobics
- jogging or running

6 reasons to exercise while pregnant

We all know all to well that exercise is essential, but many of us tend to do silly diets to keep our weight under control instead of getting hot and sweaty and working on our general fitness, we do exercise videos for a few weeks and then get bored, we know its wrong but we still do it.

When you become pregnant is not the time to embark on a rigorous new fitness drive that is best done before you conceive so that you are as fit as you can be for the pregnancy, if you haven’t managed it and lets be honest most of us won't, its not too late. Exercise no matter how little is important during pregnancy you need to keep you body mobile and as healthy as possible.

If you are not convinced we thought we would give you some of the reason why it’s good for you and then leave the decision as to what you do to you.

Exercise can help you:

1. Get a glow - look better, it increases the blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy glow
2. Ease back pain - relieve backaches, and improve your posture by strengthening and toning muscles in your back, bottom, and thighs.
3. Go to loo - reduce constipation, by accelerating movement in your intestine
   
4. Have more energy - boost energy level, during pregnancy you may feel tired but exercise as mad as it sound helps as it makes your body release endorphins
   
5. Sleep better - get a better nights sleep, by relieving the stress and anxiety
   prepare you and your body for birth, Strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labour and delivery.
   
6. Get your body back - regain your pre- pregnancy body more quickly, if you exercise you will put on less weight during your pregnancy, remember weight gain is normal and essential but it can be controlled by exercise and healthy eating. Pregnancy is not a time to try to loose weight the aim is to maintain a health increase and to retain a good level of fitness.
   

If you are convinced then the first thing to do when you are pregnant and considering what exercises that you can and cant do is get advice from your G.P. or midwife. There are many reasons why a doctor would suggest that you do not take on a rigorous exercise but on the whole with their approval gentle exercise is OK, for some woman given their medical history it is not a good idea that they exercise so it is really important that you talk it over before you undertake an exercise program.

Health during pregnancy

Your health is now an important issue, you will probably be bombarded with advice from everyone your doctor, family members, friends, co-workers, and even complete strangers everyone has an opinion as to how pregnant woman should behave. Looking after you health and that of your child is up to you so its import that you arm yourself with the right information and do what you feel is right for you.

Once you have visited your doctor or midwife they will be able to tell you exactly what is right for you given your medical history so it is important that you attend you antenatal appointment on a regular basis to ensure that everything is on track for a happy healthy baby.

Nutrition
Now that you are eating for two is not a time to worry about diets or staying thin in fact you will need to eat slightly more but don't think this is the chance to eat as much as you like it is not try to bear in mind that if you balloon due to over eating you will find it harder in the later stages of the pregnancy and you will have even more weight to loose if you want to get back your pre-pregnancy figure. Eating for two is a load of nonsense and an excuse that many woman use to stop dieting and eat all the things they have deprived themselves of for years. Healthy eating through a well balanced diet is as always the key, but especially when you're pregnant. Your mid wife can give you an eating plan if you are unsure what to eat but on a basic level your diet should be made up of:

• lean meats
• Fruits
• Fish
• vegetables
• whole-grain breads
• low-fat dairy product

By eating a healthy, balanced diet you and your baby are more likely to get the nutrients you both need. During pregnancy you may need to take on extra essential nutrients in the form of a supplement, Your midwife or G.P. may prescribe prenatal vitamins to be sure both you and your growing baby are getting enough.

These may include:

Calcium
During pregnancy you need around 1200 milligrams of calcium a day from natural food sources and supplements, many multi-vitiamins do not contain enough calcium so always check the label.

Natural sources of calcium include:

• low-fat dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt
• calcium-fortified products, including orange juice, soy milk, and cereals
• dark green vegetables including spinach, kale, and broccoli
  dried beans
  

Iron
Pregnant women need around 30 mg of iron every day. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. Red blood cells circulate throughout the body to deliver oxygen to all its cells.

Some examples of iron-rich foods include:

• red meat
• dark poultry
• salmon
• eggs
• tofu
• enriched grains
• dried beans and peas
• dried fruits
• leafy green vegetables
• iron-fortified breakfast cereals
  

Fluids
It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, during pregnancy. A woman's blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy, and drinking enough water each day can help prevent common problems such as dehydration and constipation.

Planning the birth of your baby

Seems obvious for most women but it is important to plan where the baby will be born, this is an important decision and it is one that should be discussed between you, your partner and a qualified medical professional.

Most new mothers are advised to have their first child in a hospital or birthing centre this is purely precautionary in case there are any complications, all mothers with high risk pregnancies will be strongly advised to give birth in hospital many of which will have a caesarean.

It is a good idea to go to the maternity hospital and see what they offer, they can vary enormously so it is worth taking the tour of several before deciding where you want to give birth.

Some woman with their second or third child choose to have a home delivery this is fine if done with medical agreement and with the help of a qualified midwife, some choose to have a communal birth so that their friends and family can be present at the birth and can share in the experience, this isn't for everyone, most woman want the minimum of people around them when the are in labour, but every one is different.

It may also be the case that you have been advised or chosen to have a caesarean, in this case the date and time will be known and it is easier to plan for. If you choose to have your baby at home the midwives will be on stand by as the due date approaches, it will be a case of getting someone to contact them when you go into labour, speed dial comes in handy here.

If you are having your baby in hospital then obviously you need to plan the route, it is worth driving it a few times with your partner just so they are sure where you will have to go and where you will park, it will help reduce the panic on the day. If you are going to use a taxi to get to hospital put the number on speed dial and try to call them as soon as the contractions start it may take time to get them to you, if all else fails call an ambulance.

It may happen that you get to carry out this trip more than once as some woman suffer from Braxton Hicks contractions, this is where the body is preparing for labour and the contraction feel real but the woman is not in full blown labour, it is always better to be checked out by a medical professional so it is worth treating this as if it were the real thing.

Planning is the Key - Handy list of things you will need when baby gets home

Planning is the Key - Handy list of things you will need when baby gets home

There can seem like so many things to do before the baby arrives and this can feel very overwhelming the first time, as it is likely that you will have very little knowledge about what its like to have a new addition to your home. How hard can it be? Your friends have done and it seems straight forward. The key is forward planning, no one mentions it and I think they want you to believe that everything is perfect that they are super mum when in actually it is merely a well oil machine that is moving along as per the extensive plan.

It is best to be methodical and sit down and make a list of everything that the baby will need, it is great to learn to do this now because if you want an easy life the best way is a simple list, I know it sound sad and anal but that is how the super mums do it (except for the ones with nanny’s).

The list below may seems really obvious but it will help as a guide, it’s really easy to miss something basic like nappies, it sort of ruins the wonderful home coming if the house stinks instantly because you have to wait to change a nappy till your husband gets back from the shops!

Cot / Moses basket
Wardrobe/ drawers
Nursing chair
Baby Monitor
Pram/ pushchair
Nappies
Bottles/teats/Nipples
Steriliser
Clothes
Blankets
Car seat
Baby wipes
Bath
Bath products
Hairbrush
Nair clippers
Formula
Towels

This is a bare minimum, there is lots more but this will get the baby home and through the first few weeks, it seems so much stuff for a tiny little person but its only the beginning at this stage you have time so you can save yourself a lot of time and money by ordering online, this is a good thing to get your partner to help with, they can do the research for you, check out our list of shops they all offer good value at a time when most people really need it.

Tests during pregnancy

For most women the nine months they are pregnant it can seem like they make one visit after another to see some sort of medical professional, the reality is that providing everything goes smoothly you will only attend midwifes appointment and scans. It should progress like this:

Early in your pregnancy you will visit the G.P. or midwife who will ask various questions about your general health, your family history, social history, and about any previous pregnancies which you have had. This is not a test but it is very important as it can raise issues which may need you needing special attention during the pregnancy. At this check you will be weighed and your height will be taken, this is to see if you are significantly underweight or overweight which may increase the risks during pregnancy. You will then undergo regular checks where the midwife will check:

The growth of the baby,This is done by a midwife or doctor during routine antenatal checks. They use a tape to measure from the top of the growing uterus (womb) to the pubic bone (the bone at the bottom of your abdomen).

Your blood pressure, to ensure that it is normal as raised blood pressure can indicate problems such as pre-eclampsia.

The baby's position, The midwife will examine your abdomen to feel the baby to detect if the baby is laying breech position (bottom down). If so, treatment to turn the baby to a head down position may be considered.

Your urine, Urine is checked at antenatal checks using a simple dipstick test to detect, protein in the urine may indicate early pre-eclampsia. or bacteria, during pregnancy you can have an infection of the urine without symptoms.


Blood tests
A sample is taken as a routine procedure and sent to the labs to check for:

Anaemia - The common reason for anaemia is lack of iron which can usually be treated easily with iron tablets.

Blood group - If you are rhesus D negative and your baby is rhesus positive then you may form anti-D antibodies in your bloodstream. These are not dangerous in the first pregnancy, but can attack the blood cells of a baby who is rhesus D positive in any future pregnancy. To prevent this you will usually be offered anti-D injections later in the pregnancy. Various other antibodies sometimes develop against red cells. Their significance varies and a doctor or midwife will explain if any action should be taken if they are detected.

Certain infections - Some uncommon but serious infections are checked for. These are, HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis

Rubella status - This test checks for antibodies to the rubella virus (German measles). If antibodies are present it means that you are immune to this infection. If you are not immune, when you are pregnant you should keep away from anyone who may have rubella.
A repeat blood test at about 28 weeks is usually offered to re-check for anaemia and red cell antibodies.

Routine ultrasound scans
An ultrasound scan is a safe and painless test which uses sound waves to show you picture of your child in the womb. A routine ultrasound scan is usually offered at:
10-13 weeks of pregnancy to accurately date the age of the unborn baby and expected time of birth, and to check for twins (or more), and at:
18-20 weeks of pregnancy to look for physical abnormalities of the unborn baby.

Screening for Down's syndrome
Down's syndrome is a condition which is caused by an abnormal chromosome. Children with Down's syndrome have learning disability and often have other medical problems. There are different screening tests for Down's syndrome and so different tests may be used in different areas. Your doctor or midwife will explain the type of test performed in your area, and the implications of the results.

Screening for placenta previa
Placenta previa means that the placenta is covering the opening from the uterus to the cervix. This can cause serious problems during childbirth. If an earlier ultrasound scan indicates that you may have a placenta previa, a repeat scan at 36 weeks pregnancy may be advised to clarify the position of the placenta before delivery. Your midwife or GP will be able to advise you further on this issue.

You see as long as everything is ok there aren’t that many visits and most of them are simple and not too embarrassing they start to prepare you for the fact that what feels like half the hospital is going to see you with most of your dignity striped away so try to prepare yourself

Foetal development

1st Trimester
By the end of this trimester, your baby is about three inches long and weighs about half an ounce. The eyes move closer together into their positions, and the ears also are in position. The liver is making bile, and the kidneys are secreting urine into the bladder. Even though you can't feel your baby move yet, your baby will move inside you in response to pushing on your abdomen.

2nd Trimester
By the 26th week, your baby will weigh about 1 ¾ pounds and be about 13 inches long. With this growth comes the development of your baby's features, including fingers, toes, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Around the fifth month, you might feel your baby move! By the end of this trimester, all of your baby's essential organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys are formed.

3rd Trimester
Your baby is still growing and moving, but now has less room in your uterus. Because of this, you might not feel the kicks and movements as much as you did in the second trimester. Even before your baby is born he or she will be able to open and close his or her eyes and might even suck a thumb.

Stages of pregnancy

First Trimester 1-12
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you are often just discovering that you are pregnant and starting to come to terms with both with your fears and your hopes for the future. This may have been a surprise and you or your partner may have some ambivalent feelings about the pregnancy.

You may also begin to have fantasies and dreams about your child. You may feel increasingly focused on yourself and on the changes that are happening in your body.

For many couples, sexual activity is reduced. Most women will experience some of these physical changes during the first trimester:

breast changes, breasts maybe swollen and tender
nausea and vomiting,
urinary frequency, it is likely that you will start to visit the toilet more often but it is important not to reduce you fluid intake
fatigue, you may experience extreme fatigue as it is very common in the first trimester of pregnancy. The emotional ups and downs of finding out that you are pregnant can also take their toll on you this should let up in your second trimester. But if it doesn’t, you should be checked out by a G.P. as you may be anaemic,
small weight gain or weight loss, due to morning sickness may occur
cravings and aversions may occur during pregnancy it is very common to be repelled by certain tastes. Ignoring an aversion may only make you feel sicker, so don’t feel you have to eat something just because you think it’s good for you. On the flip side you may also start to crave food that once repelled you, unless they could be harmful, go ahead and indulge them in moderation.


Second Trimester 13-25
During the second trimester, your pregnancy becomes more obvious to others. You will become more aware of the changes happening to your body, particularly when these changes make you feel more dependent on others.

During these months you will feel the first movements of the foetus and you will become more focused on its development. You may begin to have vivid dreams about your child. Women generally start taking antenatal courses, during the second trimester do some research to see the options in your area (your doctor or midwife and local hospitals probably have lists).

You may decide that now is a good time to tell people your good news, if you haven‘t already. Deciding when and with whom to share your news is a very personal decision, but there are a few things to consider. Keeping your pregnancy a secret for a while will give you and your partner some time to absorb the idea privately. While some women wait until the risk of miscarriage drops markedly (at 14 weeks), others spill the beans right away because they’d tell their friends anyway if they miscarried.

Physically, you can expect the following changes during the second trimester:

you will have colostrum (pre-milk) in your breasts
your nipples may begin to get darker and the areolas will get larger
you may experience changes in the foods your body can digest
pressure on the blood vessels in the lower part of your body increases and may result in haemorrhoids or varicose veins
skin changes may occur particularly on the face

Warning Call your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding; severe headaches; a marked increase in swelling; decreased foetal movement; leakage of watery fluid from the vagina; constant, severe abdominal pain

Third Trimester 26 to 40
By the third trimester both you and your partner are anticipating the birth of your child. You may be becoming impatient with your body and feeling vulnerable and dependent on others.

During the last part of the third trimester, many women experience a burst of energy, some call it nesting and become engaged in setting up and preparing their home for a child. Both you and your partner may be feeling some anxiety about the coming birth and feel pressured that the time is getting short before the arrival of the baby. You may continue to have vivid dreams about your child especially during your first pregnancy.

Physically, the third trimester is more uncomfortable. You may experience some of the following:

backache
leg cramps
heartburn
a dark line called linea nigra may appear running down from the naval
shortness of breath
the need to urinate frequently
the loss of bladder control when you sneeze or cough
Braxton-Hicks contractions (painless contractions of the uterus)

Warning Call your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding; severe headaches; a marked increase in swelling; decreased foetal movement; leakage of watery fluid from the vagina; constant, severe abdominal pain

As you head into the final stretch, remember to keep eating right and exercising as much as is safe (always check with your doctor or midwife about the level of exercise is right for you ) so that your baby gains the proper amount of weight and you’re in the best possible shape for labour and delivery. At this stage your doctor or midwife will want to see you every two to three weeks starting at around week 28, then every two weeks at weeks 36 and 37, and weekly at 38 weeks. At around 35 weeks it’s now a good idea to go shopping and get the things you will need for the birth and pack them in a case, it is best to be prepared.

Calculating your due date

Calculating your due date is easy, it takes 9 months to have a baby, everybody knows that well that is not quite right. Pregnancy is based on a 40-week (280-day) calendar. To calculate your estimated date of delivery, add seven days to the first day of your last normal period, then add nine months. If you know the date of conception work from that but most of us can’t be that sure so its best to use that method. Your baby is considered full term if they arrive anywhere from three weeks before to two weeks after this date (more than 90 percent of babies do). The most accurate way to date a pregnancy is via ultrasound measurement of the foetus’s crown to bottom length this is usually carried out between eight and 12 weeks. The sex of your child is determined by your partner’s sperm. The egg and sperm each contribute one chromosome, the egg always carries an X; the sperm, either an X or a Y. If the fertilizing sperm contains an X chromosome, you will have a girl. If it contains a Y, you’re having a boy. If you choose to know the sex of the baby the ultrasound can often reveal this, however it is more accurate later in your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Myths

Lets face it we have all heard something about how to get pregnant or how to determine the sex of a baby, or things that you do during pregnancy that can harm the baby and in our hearts we know its rubbish, here are ten such myths some have a grain of truth in them but most are just old wifes tales.

• Getting the a boy, by the mother and or father eating lots of red met before the baby is concieved.
  The gender of your baby is determined by the father; more specifically, if sperm carrying an X-chromosome fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a girl and if the sperm carrying a Y-chromosome fertilizes the egg, a boy will result. The baby’s size and position determine how one “carries” their baby e.g. a mother-to-be may be “carrying high” simply because the baby is large, not because of its gender.

• Bad morning sickness means you’re having a girl.
  Most experts believe this is truly a myth. However no one knows exactly why morning sickness (also known as hyperemesis gravidarum) occurs, though it has long been thought to relate to elevated hormone levels (including progesterone, estrogen and/or human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG). Which hormone, if any of these, is most important, remains a matter of speculation, and several other theories have been proposed such as zinc deficiency, genetic factors and psychological factors. At least one study found that women carrying a female foetus had higher HCG levels than with a male foetus. If true, that could explain the connection.

• If you raise your arms above your head the baby will get the cord wrapped around its neck.
  Up to 25 percent of foetuses have the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck; it is the baby’s activity in the womb and, perhaps, bad luck, not the mother’s activities during pregnancy that determine whether the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.
  
• You should avoid exercise during pregnancy.
  Within the bounds of common sense, there is no recommendation to avoid exercise during pregnancy. Moderate exercise is not prohibited during pregnancy, and is often recommended. Always check with your health care professional before undertaking exercise as it is not recommended in a small number of cases.
  
• Cats can kill while pregnant.
  This myth is close to the truth but still untrue. The recommendation regarding cats during pregnancy is due to toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can cause serious infections in humans and deformities in the developing foetus. Infection can follow handling of cat litter because it can be found in the stool of cats, so pregnant women are advised not to handle cat litter, great a nasty job that some one else has to do!.
  
• X-rays, microwaves and computer terminals can seriously harm unborn children.
  While unnecessary radiation exposure should generally be avoided while pregnant, if there is a good reason for an X-ray, the amount of radiation exposure to the foetus is minimal there is no evidence that modern microwave ovens or computer terminals expose women or their foetuses to harmful radiation.
  
• No bathing when pregnant.
  There is no well-established risk known to be associated with bathing during pregnancy. The water should not be too hot and you must be careful what products you use. But there may be times to avoid bathing altogether, for example, if your water has broken or there is bleeding. Other than that there is no reason not to relax in a bath if you can still get into one!
  
• Curry can trigger labour.
  Scientific evidence suggests that labour is triggered by biological signals, some of which are well understood and others that remain uncertain. For a routine pregnancy, as long as you eat a well-balanced diet, there is no evidence that what you eat has any effect on your delivery date.

• Having sex during pregnancy can hurt the baby.
  While there are some valid medical reasons to avoid sexual activity during pregnancy, in most cases sex is not harmful to the baby and can be very enjoyable for the woman, who may now be noticing enhanced ability to orgasm due to an increase in blood flow to the pelvic floor. If you are unsure or you feel that you have a condition that may prohibit sex during pregnancy talk it over with a health care professional.

• You lose a tooth for every baby.
  Today, with the availability of supplements and fortified foods, no woman should lose a tooth for every baby! Calcium supplement is recommended before conceiving a baby and deficiency and malnutrition can cause loss of teeth. So its not likely that we will see many toothless woman