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Try to enjoy planning your return to work. By taking your time now to put childcare and routines in place you’ll find maternity leave and the transaction back to work so much easier and fulfilling.
Did you know that during pregnancy you have 40% more blood circulating around your body? This is to support your growing baby’s need for nutrients and oxygen. Your heart will be pumping harder and faster to keep up with this increased blood volume. In fact your heart rate will increase progressively throughout your pregnancy, reaching a maximum in your third trimester.

Pregnancy cravings are rarely something to worry about – unless, of course, you start craving things that aren’t food, like coal or washing up liquid. But if you feel as though they are stopping you from eating a healthy balanced diet, then talk to your midwife or doctor. And of course, for those unusual, unhealthy cravings, seek medical advice too!

Until Secret Saviours came along very little could be done to prevent stretch marks. Creams, gels and oils alone can’t prevent them completely – they can keep your skin supple and some contain collagen boosting ingredients which can help minimise stretch marks, but research has proven that none of them are able to completely stop the skin tearing in the dermis.
Preparing to breastfeed can feel overwhelming and for many expectant and new mums it can feel like the first true test of motherhood. Considering you’ve just spent nine months growing a tiny human and dealing with all the side effects that come with pregnancy and labour, this can feel quite overwhelming.
You might be keen to pick from a list of gender neutral names so whether you have a boy or girl you have the name sorted. Unisex names also give your child the freedom to identify with their name however they choose. Or maybe, like many parents-to-be, you want to pick from a list of the most popular names of 2024. There really is no right or wrong.
Reasearchers have discovered that many treatments which claim to prevent stretch marks don’t actually work. In studies, neither almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, nor vitamin E prevented stretch marks. There is some evidence that Centella Asiatica (a South East Asian herb) and Hyaluronic acid may help slightly, but no topical cream, gel or oil can completely prevent the process of skin ripping as it stretches.

Just remember to listen to your body; if you need a day off work, an early night or a big treat of a meal - indulge in it. Don't stress yourself out trying to push yourself to the max, and accept help or support when its offered!

Having a plan will give you confidence that you are in control and make the time leading up to your labour less stressful. We suggest you write a list of preferences for pain relief, birthing positions and who you would like there with you.
Group B Step is a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria. It is very common in both men and women and normally lives in the intestines, rectum or genital tracts. It is not a sexually transmitted disease, it isn’t something you catch like flu or a cold and you can’t get it from food or water. It actually just lives in the body naturally and most of  the 25% of men and women who live with the bacteria have no symptoms at all.

Being able to practice yoga during labour has also been proven to help women through contractions and delivery, as it allows you to access deep stores of emotional strength and confidence as well as breath through contractions.

Many women ask “which yoga is best in pregnancy?” and “is yoga safe in pregnancy?” Read on and we’ll answer of all your questions here.

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