Archive for the ‘Pregnancy Health’ Category

For those of your trying to conceive or expecting a little one, take time to relax and chill out with a cup of Ovaltine!

It is advised by the Government to start taking a daily dose of Folic Acid during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy and if possible three months before conceiving (thus it is advisable to be taking folic acid whilst trying to conceive).

Folic Acid is proven to reduce the chances of a baby being born with spina bifida, cleft lip or pallet, congenital heart disease and is also said to reduce the chance of premature labour, thus Folic Acid a pregnancy essential.

Although some foods contain folic acid, the government advise to take folic acid supplements to ensure your intake of this essential acid. The suggested  daily intake of Folic Acid is 40 micrograms per day (0.4mg).

Ovaltine is a malty drink which is rich in Folic Acid, calcium, zinc and iron. Ovaltine is the ideal drink for expectant Mothers, As well as being a relaxing cuppa which is the perfect aid to pregnancy!

One of the more unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy is often morning sickness. Morning sickness can vary in degrees of severity. However, one way to help ease the nausea is to wear travel bands.

Travel bands use acupressure to help reduce nausea. Usually travel bands are used to reduce travel sickness however they are a useful accessory for women suffering with morning sickness.

Grab your paid of travel bands for under a tenner from www.boots.co.uk (currently retailing at £7.82!)

Towards the end of pregnancy many women suffer from false labour and Braxton hicks which can be painful. To alleviate this pain it is suggested that rocking back and forth (either whilst sat on or leaning over a birthing ball) can help.

Birthing balls are also used throughout labour. Although many hospitals have their own birthing balls which you are able to use, if you are having a home birth you may wish to purchase your own inflatable friend (no pun intended) to help control and ease the pain during labour.

Birthing balls can be costly and when it comes down to it, they are simply gym balls with a different name. Grab a bargain and get yours for only £9.69 from Tesco Direct!

During pregnancy it is often difficult to get a good nights sleep. Most midwives suggest sleeping on your left hand side to increase blood flow. It is unadvisable to sleep on your front (you wouldn’t want to squash your bump!) and sleeping on your back is said to decrease blood flow to baby, can increase dizziness and often is uncomfortable when you are heavily pregnant.

Sleeping with a bump can be awkward at times, cramp is a common problem which can be combated by sleeping comfortably with the legs slightly parted. The Dream Genii Maternity pillow has a flat area which you lay on with a pillow to rest against your back and a nice long pillow to lean against and wrap your legs around.

Once you have finished using the pillow during pregnancy it is possible to use it as a breast feeding support/ pillow.

Pillow cases can be purchased separately and are available in a range of designs.

Retailing at £34.99 the Dream Genii pillow is available from www.amazon.co.uk

The Dream Genii Maternity Pillow is every pregnant ladies dream product!