All posts filed under: Pregnancy Questions

pregnant woman sitting on bed and reading book

How do I manage being pregnant in a heatwave?

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I thought it was a worth a practical post to focus on managing in a heatwave while being pregnant, so here’s a few ideas for you: light, loose clothing drink plenty of water shade and ventilation as much as possible use a fan at home & work and carry one with you as well use a high factor sun cream rest as much as possible, especially as your nights might be disturbed take a cool bath or shower use cold water spray to help you cool down try not to overdo it and avoid rushing around, as this could make you hot if you have swollen ankles – avoid standing for too long and wear comfy shoes listen to what you need and take it easy if you have a headache or feel dizzy if temperatures are due to be dangerously high, do you need to be out in it? are you able to be comfortable and safe at home? Signs of being dehydrated being thirsty being tired and sleepy wee is dark yellow and …

pregnancy cravings

I have heard that some pregnancy cravings are weird. Is this true?

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Pregnancy cravings can be fabulously weird and wonderful and they can be pretty powerful with an over whelming urge to eat whatever it is you desire. It can vary from the healthier foods (fruit) to the not-so-healthy (sweets and fizzy drinks) with a range of odd combinations and non-foods (ice and clay) And you might not crave food at all – it could be all about smells. Here’s a selection of pregnancy cravings in your words… Double Deckers & bread. Nothing with too much flavour thank you very much! Sherbet Dib Dabs – couldn’t get enough of them Baby oranges and Mars Bar ice creams Ice lollies, cakes and sweets Clay Fruit Sponge chewing Pineapple Really cold water and apples Mint Magnums Broccoli and potato waffles Satsumas and cherry tomatoes Beetroot and ice cubes Blood oranges, sour strawberry laces and, erm, the small of rubber tyres in Halfords Capers, olives and anchovies Marmite as a dip for carrot sticks, pickled onions and cheese Chocolate milk and marmite toast Kiwi fruits and Big Macs Coco Pops …

hands holding pregnancy test kit

What can the different pregnancy symptoms feel like?

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Pregnancy symptoms can vary so much – ranging from powerful to mild and some people don’t experience any symptoms at all. The common symptoms we focus on are sickness and nausea with sore boobs but the signs can be much more subtle than that. For many women it can about ‘just knowing’ or feeling a bit different. Your pregnancy symptoms will be totally unique to you. Here’s pregnancy symptoms in your words Sore boobs! I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome straight away The first time I was pregnant, I just knew as in I had a feeling – I did a test and there it was. I knew before I did a test and before my period was due. I took a test because the wine I was drinking tasted disgusting! Sore boobs from day one! I didn’t know until I had missed two periods – I thought I was stressed with my new job. And then morning sickness kicked in. I felt hungover for weeks Sense of smell, sore boobs and feeling sick Like a …

group b strep

I am worried about Group B Strep, what do I need to know?

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Group B Strep (GBS) is a common bacteria, with about 20-40% of women carrying it. It is usually harmless but it can carry a risk to a baby during birth. Routine testing for Group B Strep doesn’t take place in the UK for a number of reasons: Screening tests aren’t accurate. According to Tommy’s, 17-25% of women with a positive swab at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy would be negative by the time of giving birth. And 5-7% of women who are negative at 35-37 weeks would be positive at delivery. Premature babies are affected more by GBS, which is before the screening would take place. There is a concern about giving antibiotics unnecessarily to a higher number of women and babies. If you are worried about Group B Strep I speak to lots of women who are worried about the lack of routine testing for GBS. Testing isn’t routinely offered on the NHS but you may be tested if you had GBS in a previous pregnancy. Talk to your midwife about your concerns and find …

pregnancy back pain

How can I ease pregnancy back pain?

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Pregnancy back pain can be pretty common throughout all three trimesters and it can happen for a number of reasons. Even from early on in pregnancy, your body is changing which can cause pelvic, hip and back discomfort. As your baby gets bigger, you might notice more discomfort in your lower back, up your back, into your shoulders and maybe your hips as well. With pregnancy back pain, you might benefit from: a pregnancy pillow or a selection of pillows so you are more supported in bed or just when sitting in the day. using a pregnancy ball/birth ball – you can sit on one or kneel on the floor and lean into one. It is such a simple, effective tool for easing back pain and discomfort – just make sure it is the right size for you. using your breathing – this can help to ease discomfort and it’s great practice for birth. drinking plenty of water, just in case you are also getting dehydrated and that is causing discomfort. pregnancy yoga for gentle …