Pregnancy tips

Pregnancy Tip and suggestions submitted by readers. If you would like to submit your own tip please click HERE

Coping With Symptoms

"I found that the best thing to help morning sickness was eating toast or a very plain cereal for breakfast"

"I found sucking sweets really hleped my morning sickness, especially wine gums"

"I was told that travel sickness bands really help, they didnt actually help me but my friend swore by them!"

"Take some dry crackers to bed with you to eat as soon as you wake up in the morning"

"Eat four anf five small meals a day rather than two or three big ones"

"Ginger tea or cookies can help prevent nausea"

"Sips of icy cold water can help reduce the feeling that you're going to be sick" 

 

Getting Comfortable in Pregnancy

"Buy slip on shoes - by the time I was 7 months i could no longer get my normal shoes on - so if you see some you like buy them now!".

" If you are uncomfortable at night - trying rolling up a single duvet and hugging it with your arms and legs, a pillow works and takes up less room but a duvet will support your WHOLE body - and if you already have a spare one it is cheaper than a special pregnancy body pillow".

" Try and get into the habit of sleeping on your left side in your first trimester, as it maximises the flow of blood and nutrients to your placenta, aswell as reducing the swelling in your ankles and feet"

"Try to keep your feet raised up off the ground when sitting down, I found this really helped reduce the aches and pains"

"Ask your midwife about antenatal yoga/exercise classes in your local area, this not helps ease stiff muscles, but is a good chance to meet other pregnant women!"

"Do not cross your legs when your sitting down becasue this can make varicose veins and aching legs worse"

Making Memories

"Take a photo of your bump once every month or so - buy or make a pretty album and end it with a photo of your newborn - it is a great reminder to look back on and can be shared with your children when they are older".

"Make a scrap book, noting down dates of scans, sticking in scan pictures, day baby first kicked etc. This is wonderful to look back through with your child when they are older!"

Labour and Delivery

"Remember to pack some money in your hospital bags - most hospitals have phones you can buy cards for, you dont wnat to be stuck and not able to make any calls!. Some hopsitals also have TV that you can pay for on card too."

"After delivery if you find it painful to wee, either pour a jug of warm water on you as you wee, or, like I did, get some cheap sponges, wet them with warm water and hold it in place while you wee! (obviously once used, throw them away!"

" Take a make-up/toiletries bag with you to keep knickers and maternity pads in. Trust me, its a little embarrassing walking across the hospital with these on full view to everyone!"

Preparing for the Baby

"Buy nappies regularly through the pregnancy - I bought one pack each pay day! Buy in the first size and the next one up so they last longer".

"Take advantage of bogof (buy one get one free) offers in supermarkets, you'd be suprised how much you can save on nappies, wipes and cotton wool etc."

"Look for out of season baby and maternity clothes on Ebay or similar, as these are often much cheaper. This does mean you have to plan ahead but its worth it"

"Take the time to read reviews and go and try out prams/pushchairs before buying. Many people find their original buy is actually not the best for them and end up buying another within a few months. Write out a list of your needs and stick to it!"

"Buy a wide range of baby clothes sizes. My first was is 0-3 months almost straight away, while my second was in early baby and newborn sizes. Also be aware, babies grow quickly so dont buy too many outifts in one size!"