Pregancy and Baby Awareness

1. In the third trimester, sleep on your left side to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Avoid lying flat on your back for long periods of time.
2. Drink lots of fluids during the day, but cut down before bedtime.
3. To prevent heartburn, do not eat large amounts of spicy, acidic (such as tomato products), or fried foods. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows.
4. Try frequent bland snacks (like crackers) throughout the day. This helps avoid nausea by keeping your stomach full.
5. Regular exercise (in moderation) helps you stay healthy,
improves your circulation, and reduces leg cramps.

Soft and unpasteurised cheese – Not all cheeses are harmful, but you should avoid mould-ripened cheeses such as blue cheeses, Brie, Camembert, Danish Blue, and Roquefort, for example. These may contain listeria bacteria which could cause listeriosis.
Undercooked and processed meats – Make sure that all meat is well cooked. Either avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and polony, or make sure that they are completely cooked. This is because the risk of food poisoning is higher in pregnant women.
Raw fish – Raw fish should be avoided, as well as fish with potentially high mercury content such as older, larger fish like swordfish, shark and king mackerel. Mercury could create problems with the development of your baby’s nervous system.
Limit caffeine – Caffeine intake should be limited during pregnancy, as too much caffeine has been linked to low birth weight and even miscarriage.
Liver – Liver, or products containing liver, such as vitamin supplements, have a high vitamin A content. This vitamin doesn’t break down in your body and can build up to levels toxic to your baby.

Max: A Latin name meaning ‘greatest’. It’s been popular for boys for years but is now being used as a girl’s name too.
Alex: A cute, gender neutral name meaning ‘defending men’.
Charlie: Meaning ‘free man’, for years this has been a diminutive of Charles or Charlotte.
Andy: Traditionally a shortened version of the name ‘Andrew’, this is now becoming a more popular choice
for both sexes.

Tunics – They hide and flatter a multitude of body issues and bumps, but often have lovely, slimming details like bracelet-length sleeves, vented sides, and deep V-necklines.
Maxi dresses – They have become oh-so-trendy with women of all ages – and with good reason. To start: Empire waists and flowing skirts focus on your collarbone, shoulders, and décolletage!
Unstructured, chunky cardigans – A more unstructured option gives you more flexibility when you’re expecting. No buttons to fuss with or strain against, no tissue-thin material revealing more ripples than you’d like. Instead, an unstructured cardigan – perhaps one with an asymmetrical front and a simple one-button or toggle closure near the neckline.
Leggings – You can never go wrong with a good pair (or four) of dark, stretchy leggings. Comfortable on your most bloated days, they can also give a streamlined look when tucked into boots.
A scarf – Sure, they aren’t necessarily items of clothing, per se, but experts are united in their love for this most versatile accessory to amp up a variety of looks, add flair to an otherwise monochromatic outfit, or simply stretch a wardrobe you may be quickly growing tired of!
Wrap dress – When a baby is not yet on board, a classic wrap dress is elegant and easy. Once your body starts to change, readjust the fit by securing the dress’s ties a bit higher (right under your bust) to play up the smallest part of your slowly disappearing waistline.
Yoga pants – A pair of black boot-cut yoga pants will be another workhorse in your wardrobe. Wear them from the gym to the store, to a casual lunch with friends, or even to see a midday movie. Find a pair with a wide fold-over waistband, which allows you to either fold it down beneath your belly or extend it up over the bump when the extra cradling of your belly might feel nice.

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Don’t Hush-a-bye-baby – You don’t have to be quiet while the baby is sleeping. The womb is loud, and newborns are used to the noise.
Get prepped – At three weeks of age, babies’ days and nights become more predictable, and you can focus on yourself in addition to your newborn. One way to do that is by reducing your stress level – and having everything ready for your hungry baby and yourself is one way to do that. Start by prepping for the next feed as soon as the previous one is over.
Keeping your baby awake during feedings – When babies eat efficiently until they’re full before going to sleep, they sleep for longer between feedings.
Baby’s first baths – After the baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off (generally by week three), you’ll finally be able to give her a real bath. To keep the baby warmer, more comfortable and less likely to cry, place a warm washcloth over her tummy during the bath.
Help your baby bond with dad – Make sure your baby has ample time alone with daddy. His touch and voice are different to yours, and this will begin a bonding process and give you a break.

The His and Hers Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, Dean and Steph Beaumont – Mums- and dads-to-be both want the best for their baby, but often their experiences of the journey to parenthood can be quite different. Covering everything from first finding out you are pregnant to the early weeks with your baby, you’ll find practical advice, reassurance and guidance on how you can support each other and your growing baby. R320, Exclusive Books

• Pregnancy Week By Week
• Pregnancy Tracker & Baby Development Countdown
• Pregnancy Exercises
• Pregnancy Diet