Monday, 10 January 2011

WEEK 23 TO 24 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY‘S GROWING
Your baby is rapidly growing teeth and the gums are forming,the hair is also growing。

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
You may have an increase in vaginal discharge. If it is smelly, itchy, or a yellowy greenish colour,
contact your doctor or midwife.
You may have an infection that needs to be treated. Use a pad if the discharge is heavy. Don’t use a tampon.
you'll notice that your baby will move about more often。
you may suffer from piles (swellings on the inside of the anal canal – the short tube that connects the rectum
(back passage) with the anus). To avoid piles, eat plenty of fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables
and wholegrain cereals, and drink plenty of water. If you do get piles, talk to your midwife about remedies.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
You’re going to be a parent. It’ll soon be harder to take time off on your own.
enjoy the time now with your friends while you can!

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
your diet has to be rich in calcium, which is good for you and your baby’s bones.
Calcium is found in dairy products and broccoli.

THINGS TO DO
you must let your employer know by week 25 that you’re pregnant and the date you want to start your maternity leave.
put this in writing to qualify for maternity pay and benefits.
Your employer has to make sure your workplace is free from risks to your pregnancy,
and make other arrangements for you if necessary。

WEEK 21 TO 22 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby can hear sounds and will be familiar by your voice, so talk or sing to your bump.
In the next few weeks your baby’s taste buds will start to form and begin to practise swallowing
in readiness for life outside your womb.

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
You may get a thick, creamy or yellow substance leaking from your nipples. 
this is called colostrum, your baby’s first milk, and it’s perfectly normal to leak during pregnancy.
Breast pads might come in handy.
Because of the increased blood flow to your skin you might notice that you sweat more than usual.
Keep your clothing light and cool, and drink plenty of water.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
When people start to notice that you are pregnant they might want to pat your emerging bump,
but don’t worry about telling them not to if you feel uncomfortable about it.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
You may start to notice some swelling.
this is probably due to the increased amount of fluids in your body.
Swelling or puffiness is most noticeable in the hands and feet.
Don't worry,its common to most pregnant women。

THINGS TO DO
Your Halfway there now! Have fun stroking your tummy and talking to your baby.
Maybe even sing to your baby,it could be good practice for an audition for the xfactor。

Saturday, 8 January 2011

WEEK 19 TO 20 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY‘S GROWING
This is a busy time for your baby’s growth. Your baby lays down fat under its skin for warmth and energy.
The baby has also started practising breathing movements, in and out.

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
You might see dark spots on pale skin and white patches on dark skin.
This is called ‘pigmentation’. The marks usually disappear a few months after the birth.
Stretch marks are common in pregnancy,you can’t do anything to avoid them.
Creams that claim to work on stretch marks are applied to the external layer of skin,
but it is the layer underneath this which stretches. You can, however,
take care not to put on too much weight by eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
You might feel a bit clumsy and forgetful – it’s natural in pregnancy – those hormones again!
you also might be able to feel the baby move about inside。

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Keep up with those pelvic floor exercises. They‘ll make a big difference during and after the birth.
Keep eating fruit and vegetables

THINGS TO DO
You’ll usually have another ultrasound scan between weeks 18 to 21 at the hospital。
Your midwife will give you form MATB1 around this time. It confirms your estimated due date.
If you work, you’ll need to give this form to your employer so you can claim leave and pay due to you.

WEEK 17 TO 18 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby will have doubled its weight since the start of this trimester.
The placenta continues to grow to keep up with your baby’s needs.
By the time you give birth it will weigh about a pound and a half!

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
Your waist will start to thicken as your uterus moves up out of your pelvis and a visible 'bump' appears.
If this is your second pregnancy, this may happen rather sooner.
You might feel the odd movement as your baby practises flexing his tiny limbs.
It can be reassuring to feel your baby wriggle about inside you.
Many women don't feel their baby move until weeks 20-23.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
You might start feeling happier as your bump becomes more noticeable and you start to feel your baby move.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
See your dentist, if you have not already done so.
Don’t forget to say you are pregnant as some treatments are not suitable for pregnant women.
During pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life you don't need to pay for NHS dental check-ups or treatment.
Speak to your doctor or midwife for more information and to collect a form so you can get your exemption certificate.

THINGS TO DO
You might want to start adding some maternity clothes to your wardrobe, if you haven’t already done so.
Trousers and skirts that are loose around your tummy will be most comfortable.
You don’t need to spend much money as you won’t be using the clothes for long.

Friday, 7 January 2011

WEEK 15 TO 16 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby’s ears are beginning to develop.
the baby is getting used to the sound of your voice and the beat of your heart.
Your baby is covered in fine hair called ‘lanugo’.
This will help to keep her warm and it will usually disappear sometime before she is born.

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
You may have a stuffy nose or suffer from nosebleeds.
The increased blood supply in your body can put more pressure on the blood vessels in your nose, causing them to rupture.
Your gums may bleed a little too.
This is due to those hormones again! Use a soft toothbrush, clean gently, and visit your dentist for a check up,
which is free in pregnancy with your maternity exemption card.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
You'll feel relieved that you have got this far,you may be worried about the next stages and the choices you have to make.
take some time out to talk about your feelings with someone close to you.
Your midwife will be able to advise you on any pregnancy-related concern you might have.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Try to stay active, make sure you exercise safely.
You may have felt too tired for much exercise early on in your pregnancy,
but if you've a bit more energy, now is a good time to join a pregnancy exercise class。
talk to your midwife about groups near you.

THINGS TO DO
You may have your second antenatal appointment around now.
These may be monthly to six-weekly from now on. You'll be offered a blood test now
this is to see if your baby is at risk of conditions such as spina bifida and Down’s syndrome.
You may already have had screening for Down's Syndrome at your dating scan.

WEEK 13 TO 14 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby now has his own unique set of fingerprints!
Your midwife may be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
She’ll do this with a sonicaid, a small device that is placed on your tummy.
Hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time is often quite a special moment in a pregnancy.

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
Morning sickness will hopefully have disappeared, though it may last longer for some women.
If this is not your first pregnancy, your bump may already be showing by now.
If you’re lucky you may begin to feel fluttering movements.
women don’t feel their baby move until weeks 20 to 23 though, particularly their first pregnancy.

HOW YOU NIGHT BE FEELING
Most women feel relieved to have passed week 12, and feel they have more energy.
Enjoy the next few months.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
You don’t need to ‘eat for two’ but you do need to eat food that is good for you and your baby.
Drink plenty of water to keep you and your baby hydrated

THINGS TO DO
find out what benefits you are entitled to now and after the baby is born
your midwife should be able to give you the information

WEEK 11 TO 12 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby is beginning to look like a baby, and is now about as long as your little finger.
Your baby’s organs have formed and it can suck, chew and swallow.
the baby's toenails and fingernails are beginning to form now。

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
You may feel warmer and thirstier than usual.
Your metabolic rate has increased, so your body feels warmer.
Thirst is simply nature’s way of getting you to replace the extra fluids lost to sweating and weeing more frequently.

Headaches are probably one of the most common complaints in the first trimester.
This is most likely due to the increase in blood being pumped around your body,
along with your hormones playing havoc with your blood sugar levels.

You may notice dark vertical line up your belly. This is a linea nigra. It will disappear sometime after the birth.
Your clothes will feel tighter as your waist thickens, and you may even have a visible bump,
especially if this is not your first pregnancy.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
After week 12, the risk of miscarriage lessens,
so you may want to tell friends, family and colleagues that you’re pregnant if you haven’t already.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Get plenty of fresh air, and drink more water. Try to rest often as possible。
Wear a support bra that is non-wired,so you feel comfortable。
Wear loose fitting clothes for comfort.

THINGS TO DO
You'll normally be offered an ultrasound scan around now.
This scan allows the sonographer scanning you to check that the dates of your pregnancy are accurate.
Contact your doctor or midwife for a ‘booking’ or 'scan' appointment.
Ask your midwife about antenatal classes.
ask your employer for a ‘risk assessment’. This helps ensure your workplace is safe and comfortable for you and your baby.

Thursday, 6 January 2011

WEEK 9 TO 10 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby’s major organs have started to form.
Tooth buds are growing, and fingers and toes are visible.
Your baby is starting to move around, but it may be a while before you can feel a kick!

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
Increased hormones might make your skin a bit spotty.
Your digestive system is slowing down and can make you feel bloated or give you heartburn and indigestion .
You might be feeling a bit dizzy or light-headed.
Your blood vessels have widened to boost the blood flow to your baby, this may cause your blood pressure to drop a little,
making you feel tired and abit faint。

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
You may feel anxious about how you’re going to cope, or how family and friends will react to the news of your pregnancy.
Avoid stress. If you’ve had an argument with your parents, friends or partner, are fed up and feel tired,
take a warm bath, chillout to some music, close your eyes and think of your beautiful growing baby boy/girl。

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Keep eating small regular meals. Now is not the time to go on a CRAZY slimming diet.
Keep a supply of energy-rich snacks nearby (such as bananas, oranges, fruit and nut bars or oat biscuits).

THINGS TO DO
Have a check up with your dentist. Tell them your pregnant so you don’t have any treatment that is not safe in pregnancy.
During pregnancy, and for the first year of your baby’s life, you‘ll be issued an exemption certificate
which means you won’t need to pay for NHS dentists or prescriptions during this period.
Speak to your doctor or midwife for more information and to collect a form.
You may have your ‘booking’ appointment with your antenatal team between now and week 14.
You may be offered your first ultrasound scan between weeks 10 to 14.

WEEK 7 TO 8 PREGNANCY

HOW YOUR BABY'S GROWING
Your baby is about the length of a kidney bean.
the tiny heart beats and the head is taking shape.
Organs, such as kidneys and liver, are forming.
The neural tube that connects the spine and brain closes.

HOW YOUR BODY'S CHANGING
Your nipples may look darker and may be a bit swollen.
Your pregnancy hormones are working hard to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding.
Your heart rate goes up as the volume of blood that is being pumped through your heart increases.
This will make you feel more tired than usual.
at any time of day–Hormonal changes may make you feel or be sick
your baby's growth is putting pressing down onto your bladder so you may need to wee more often.

HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
Your baby is growing at an incredible rate, so you should rest when you can.
You might feel right now as if you can’t go another seven months feeling so tired. But it will get better!
It can feel like a long wait between telling your doctor and having your first antenatal appointment.
You may feel a bit lonely and unsure about things.

THINGS TO DO
If you’re working and think your job could be a health risk to your pregnancy, tell your employer about your pregnancy.
your employer are legally bound to make any necessary adjustments to protect your, and your baby's, health.

WEEK 4 TO 6 PREGNANCY

WEEK 4 TO 6 PREGNANCY
Your baby is the size of an orange pip!,central nervous system, brain and spine are already developing and growing.
Four ‘buds’ start to form – they will become the arms and legs.
Tiny indentations in the head will develop into your baby’s facial features – the eyes, ears, mouth and nostrils.

YOUR BODY IS NOW CHANGING
You may notice some light bleeding or ‘spotting’.
its caused by the fertilised egg as it settles into the wall of the womb and happens when your period would be due.
it’s thought 1 in 10 women will experience some amount of spotting.
However,if you have any bleeding, at any stage in your pregnancy, get it checked out by your doctor or midwife.
Your breasts may feel tender, or even painful, rather like the breast tenderness you might get just before your period。
This is due to the pregnancy hormones getting your breasts ready to produce milk for your baby.
It usually eases off by the end of the first trimester.

WHAT YOU MIGHT BE FEELING
For the first few months, the baby is growing very fast and is using up a lot of your energy.
If you feel tired, it's not surprising, but it can be hard to deal with。
Rest as much as you can – this stage won't last forever.

HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
If you're not already taking them, start taking folic acid supplements until at least week 12.
This helps prevent conditions such as spina bifida, which affects your baby’s nervous system.
Taking folic acid supplements has also been linked to helping the developing baby reach a healthy birthweight.

As soon as you think you are pregnant, make an appointment to see your doctor or midwife.
They will be able to confirm the pregnancy, give you advice and organise for you to be booked in for antenatal care.

Keep using condoms unless your partner doesn’t have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
If you catch an STI, it could harm your baby.

pregnancy information

Finding out your pregnant, whether you were half expecting it or not, can come as quite a surprise.
It may seem hard to take in at first, and you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the stories you hear from friends,
read in magazines or watch on TV, but don’t worry – we’re here to help you。
get the full facts,honest advice,useful contacts,plenty of tips to make the most of your pregnancy at every stage.

our support goes a long way to giving you time to enjoy your pregnancy and bond with the baby growing inside you

Pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks and is split into three-month terms, called ‘trimesters’.
This is why your dates are referred to in weeks.

Each trimester has a mix of highs and lows,you’ll find out what to expect here,

first timester key stages:
The first weeks of your pregnancy are a crucial stage for your baby, as your pregnancy establishes itself.
The first trimester starts from the first day of your last menstrual period up to the end of week 12.
This trimester sees your baby grow at its fastest rate.

end of week 12 your baby will be the size of your little finger,
the organs will be formed and it will be practising sucking and swallowing!
the rapid growth will make you feel extremely tired and emotional,don't worry;
your body is adjusting to the demands of pregnancy and it usually settles down by the end of this trimester.

make changes to your lifestyle:
There are certain foods and medicines you cant take to keep your baby safe and healthy。no alcohol and no smoking。

take steps to look after yourself and your baby. take a look at our section on pregnancy health.
For everything you need to know on having a healthy pregnancy take a look at our section on pregnancy health.

learn what the coming weeks might have in store for you.
There‘s plenty of helpful tips on coping with everyday pregnancy niggles like morning sickness,cramp,indigestion