The Benefits of Pregnancy Yoga

Today it is well known that the human body undergoes a substantial change during pregnancy. The psychological state likewise changes and the person may experience various temperamental transitions that can mold not merely the mother but in addition the baby. Owing to the raising popularity of yoga, expectant women may have heard of the advantages pregnancy yoga can have on the physical and psychic. More important is that in addition to the physical care, pregnancy yoga is a means to interact with different women in the same situation who are able to understand better than anyone else what they are working through. This sort of link makes it better and more comfortable to accept and be available to feelings on a more advanced level.

If the correct setting is created it is simpler to adapt and observe the measures in a pleasant and relaxing fashion since after these conditions have been formed expectant ladies can focus on special exercises. Just how the physical structure reacts to the new alteration reverberates on the whole cognitive state. This is why pregnancy yoga sets out with physical exercises that are about improving intensity and flexibility of muscles and tissues, promoting the circulation of oxygen and blood, respiring more deliberately, and centering attention inward through imagery. The’re particular positions for exact problems pregnant women experience, like lower spinal agony, sciatica, or improper force on the spine due to bad posture.
Frequent involvement in a pregnancy yoga class during pregnancy could reduce labor-associated anxiousness. The most fundamental matter is locating a session that can accommodate to every person’s needs through the employment itself and the instructor. The tutor is a fundamental factor in a pregnancy yoga class and it ought to be an individual women feel relaxed with sharing any problems they may go through.
Learning to use instruments of meditation and mental imagery serves to open up on a physical, spiritual and emotional level. This’ll serve ladies in the late part of labor, when they are very close to the point of birth and their body starts to respond to that. Working out distinct muscles like those on the pelvic floor is likewise a part of pregnancy yoga classes. Working these muscle groups will better prepare pregnant women to face the labor process, ensuring it is easier and less trying.
Through pregnancy yoga, any of the future mothers will be able to distinguish when they are entertaining overmuch stress in their body because tension could lead to respiration issues and nervousness. There are poses combined with breathing in a relaxing manner that can help overcome these problems or even avoid them entirely. Women that are looking for a normal birth are able to discover more on the posture of the body throughout muscular contractions and are able to adapt more simply with this when it happens. Many yoga poses can translate marvelously into comfortable laboring postures.

Just be happy, and you will healthy

Happiness that we felt was not only the aura radiates from the face, but also a healthy body. Study of 9981 in Australians shows, people that healthy and happy with his life less frequently exposed to the disease. A study published in The American Journal of Health Promotion is to compare levels of happiness and satisfaction of the respondents provided in 2001 with their health status in 2004. To measure levels of happiness, the respondents are given a question, like "In the last week did you feel happy?" or "When all things considered, how satisfied you are with your life?"
Three years later, the health level of the respondents was measured in three ways. First, they were asked how their health condition, then they asked whether experience health problems. Finally, they asked whether the 17 types of disease have mentioned, such as back pain or eye problems.

As many as 63 percent of respondents said they always felt happy. Meanwhile, 90 percent admitted satisfied with his life. The people from that group was more healthy. In other words, if you're currently satisfied and happy with life, then in the next three years you will most likely healthy. A different study conducted in the United States against the nuns also showed no different results. The nun who claimed to be happy and have hope and love of his life was more longevity. The experts say, happiness, as well as economic status, should be included as an indicator of health.
So, don't be sad... just relax and be happy. :)

Medication heart attack

Heart attack is life-threatening event. Need to know the basic things so that you can help to sudden causes. Information should be there so that it can allow us to make the right decisions for the treatment of sudden, when it appears. If we have is preliminary information on how to be a valuable contribution to our loved ones and us.

The heart attack occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to the blocked heart muscle, particularly clots in coronary arteries. Due to the blockage of blood and oxygen leads to an irregular heartbeat, which causes significant reduction in pumping of the heart and can lead to sudden death. This is at an early stage and should be treated within a few hours; the heart muscles are affected and are replaced by scar tissue. We need to know the caution signs of the disease and to obtain emergency assistance in time of need. Some people die because they have to get immediate assistance due to permanent heart damage.

If the main support is given early permanent heart damage, which is blocked artery can be restored in time to avoid it. Nevertheless, many of them get the care within hours of starting symptoms and die. But prompt treatment can prevent or treat his sudden death.

It is a disease that is caused by men and women. If a person already suffering from ischemic heart disease and underwent bypass surgery is the risk of having the disease. Men who are over 45 and women who are more than 55 are exposed to it. If a hereditary it background, which is one of his family members with this disease.
So it is very important that these factors should be checked before they appear. So should have control over smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes can also visit our health care providers to ask to reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

This includes warning signs of a heart attack vary from person to person, some symptoms such as chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas if the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting, feeling dizzy or light headed.

How a heart attack is a medical emergency and should be avoided if we know the warning symptoms and can be regarded as the fastest. This should not be delayed because it can lead to sudden death in person. The earlier treatment is given to the possibility of recovery are greater? It is necessary, and we need that should be a regular physical examination after the first treatment, it does so for others.

So this attack is a chronic disease that attacks had not be fully treated, but can be prevented by regular medication, but you are depressed think about it, and feel in a difficult to get adjusted to this life. So at this point you have to crush his beloved, which will lead to a cure, is no longer possible.

Cancer symptoms

General cancer symptoms that arise depending on the type or the affected organs are: 

1. The pain may occur due to the expanding tumor pressing nerve and surrounding blood vessels,  immune  and inflammatory reactions against growing cancers, and pain is also caused by fear or anxiety.

2. Bleeding or discharge is not normal, such as saliva, coughing or vomiting blood, persistent nosebleeds,  nipple fluid that contains blood, fluid hole coitus bleeding (between menstrual / menopause) blood in the stool, blood in the urine.

3. Changes in bowel habit

4. Losing weight rapidly due to lack of fat and protein (kaheksia)

5. A lump in the breast

6. Indigestion, such as difficulty swallowing constant.

7. Deaf, or the voice - the voice in the ear settled.

8. The wound is not healed - healed

9. Change the skin mole or striking

Eat Heathily During Breastfeeding

It’s important to eat healthily when you need the energy to look after your baby and while breastfeeding, your baby receives the benefits, too.
Keep up your intake

Breastfeeding gives your baby all the food and drink she needs until you introduce her to solids and by eating healthily yourself you can make sure she gets all the nutrients she needs. Breastfeeding can make you hungrier and thirstier than usual as your body needs extra energy to produce milk. On average you’ll need about an extra 300-400 calories a day while breastfeeding. While you’re feeding, keep a glass of water, milk or diluted fruit juice nearby as you’re likely to feel thirsty. Keep cups of coffee, tea and cola to a minimum as their caffeine content can be passed on during breastfeeding. You’ll also be more prone to constipation during breastfeeding, so drink plenty of fluids to help prevent this.

Eating Safely

It is now safe for you to eat foods such as soft cheeses, pates and liver which were banned while you were pregnant. But you should still avoid any foods which carry a higher risk of toxoplasmosis, such as raw or undercooked meat and unwashed fruit and vegetables, although these pose no risk to your breastfeeding baby. Good hygiene in the kitchen is essential to keep you, and therefore your baby, healthy - your milk flow can be affected if you are struck down with food poisoning. Always wash your hands before and after preparing foods and store raw and cooked meats separately.

Some foods you eat can upset your baby. Common culprits include:
* Caffeine Found in cola, tea and coffee, too much can make your baby irritable. Try decaffeinated alternatives or restrict your intake to three cups a day.

* Alcohol One or two units a day (not more than 14 units a week) won’t affect your baby, but any more than this may make her irritable. One unit is a small glass wine, a pub measure of spirits or half a pint of beer.

* Chocolate, garlic and ginger These may irritate your baby and may contribute to colic.

* Cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and Cabbage These may also irritate your baby and may cause colic.

* Peanuts Allergies to peanuts are increasing in children and, in rare cases, can be life-threatening. You can lower your baby’s risk of developing a peanut allergy by avoiding peanuts while pregnant and breastfeeding and not giving her peanuts or peanut products until she is three.

Good foods for breastfeeding

For a healthy diet you need to eat a good variety of foods.

* Starchy foods These include bread, cereals, potatoes, rice, pasta, noodles, and grains such as oats and barley. They’re good for breastfeeding as they give you energy and contain fibre to help prevent constipation. You should try to have starchy foods at every meal and aim to have at least four servings a day. One serving would include one or two slices of toast, a portion of spaghetti or a bowl of cereal.

A good breakfast while you’re breastfeeding is a bowl of iron-enriched cereal and a glass of fresh orange juice (to encourage iron absorption) as your iron levels may be a little low after pregnancy.

* Milk and dairy foods These include milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais. Dairy foods are important because if you don’t eat enough it’s difficult to meet your body’s need for calcium. The Department of Health recommends that if you are breastfeeding you have an extra 550mg of calcium a day, equivalent to about 568ml (one pint) of full cream, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk. You should try to have at least five servings a day. Milk on cereal, a small pot of yoghurt or a small piece of cheese each count as one serving.

* Fruit and vegetables These contain essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy and fibre to prevent constipation. Try to eat at least five servings each day (fresh, frozen and canned varieties), including one which is a good source of vitamin C, such as citrus fruit or a dark green leafy vegetable. Steaming or stir-frying vegetables helps to retain their vitamin content. A single serving could be a piece of fruit, a portion of vegetables or a glass of unsweetened fruit juice.
* Protein-rich foods This group includes meat, fish, eggs, beans (including baked beans), lentils, nuts and seeds. Vegetarians can boost levels of vitamin B12 by eating yeast extract. Aim to eat two servings a day. A serving would be a handful or nuts or seeds or a portion of meat or fish.

‘I had to keep up my energy’

Tina Gough, mum to Ella, 3 and Tom, 6 months.

‘When I was first breastfeeding Tom I got very thirsty, so I always had a glass of apple juice or mineral water handy. I don’t drink much tea or coffee, but if I do have a coffee I make it quite milky. I’m vegetarian so I already have a high intake of dairy products and don’t feel I need more. Now Tom’s older, I have a glass of wine most evenings and it doesn’t bother him.’

Surprising pregnancy symptoms

We prepare you for some of the stranger things that could happen to your body over the next nine months… You may not experience any, but it pays to be prepared!

Morning sickness and a craving for ice cream you were expecting – but leaky breasts and dribbling? Here are some of pregnancy’s more surprising symptoms, what they mean – and what you can do about them.

1. You’ve got a weird taste in your mouth

Does your mouth taste like you’ve been sucking on pennies? Then you’re experiencing what’s known as dysgeusia. It’s sometimes one of the first signs of being pregnant and is due to hormonal changes and can also be linked to a change in your sense of smell (which can become heightened). Luckily, it usually improves or disappears in the second trimester.

Try eating or drinking sour things like citrus juices or pickled foods to break through the metallic taste.

2. You have a brown line running down your middle

From the second trimester onwards (week 13), you may discover that a thin dark line known as the linea negra has appeared down your bump.

It’s caused by higher levels of the hormone melatonin, which is in turn due to higher levels of the female hormone estrogen.

According to midwife and P&b expert Denise Tiran, ‘This line follows the seam that developed down your body when you were in the womb yourself.’

You’ll probably find the line fades or disappears soon after birth, but if it remains, think of it as a mark of motherhood.


3. Your feet have grown

Sometimes, it’s not just your waistline that gets bigger, your feet can grow too – thanks to fluid retention in your ankles and feet.

‘This is usually nothing to worry about, so long as the swelling is not accompanied by high blood pressure – in which case it needs checking by your midwife, in case you have developed pre-eclampsia’, says Denise.

* Avoid standing for long periods, make sure you put your feet up at the end of the day and stick to wearing comfortable flats.


4. Your breasts leak

Finding a wet patch on your bra might be expected if you’re breastfeeding, but if you’re still only seven months pregnant, it can be a bit of a shock to discover that your boobs are leaking. Rest assured though, it’s more common that you might think and is due to your breast preparing for birth.

‘They are making colostrum (the yellowish, antibody-rich pre-milk you produce until a few days after birth), to clear all the milk ducts ready for breastfeeding,' explains Denise.

* Buy a box of breastpads and keep some handy in your bag for any awkward moments.


5. You’re having strange dreams

Just dreamt you gave birth to a fish or were being chased down the street by a giant baby? Weird dreams are more common in pregnancy, thanks to pregnancy hormones – plus, even if you don’t realise it, you are more anxious than usual and there are a lot of things for your brain to process.

'Your sleep is also interrupted and you wake up more during the night so you remember your dreams more,' adds Denise.


6. Your mouth is full of saliva

Don’t be too freaked out if you wake up and find a pool of dribble on your pillow. One unusual symptom of pregnancy is excess saliva production – known as pytalism.

It’s more common in the early months of pregnancy, especially if you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting, and you may find you produce so much you need to keep spitting it out (lovely!).

But don’t worry – it’s temporary and usually settles down as your pregnancy progresses to the second trimester.

* Try drinking water with lemon in it and sucking on sweets to help you swallow.

7. You can’t remember anything

Keep losing your car keys and can’t recall your best friend’s name? You may be experiencing gestational memory impairment – memory problems specific to pregnancy. Some experts say it doesn’t exist, but others disagree and believe up to 80 per cent of pregnant women are affected.
The biological cause isn’t proven, but one theory is that pregnancy hormones affect the area of the brain that governs memory, spatial learning and awareness and navigation – thus prompting your forgetfulness. The effects disappear after birth when hormone levels revert to normal.

* Make lists, write down appointments down in your diary and put things you need on an everyday basis in one easy-to-remember place, so you’re not constantly hunting some lost object

8. Your eyesight changes

If experience fluid retention in pregnancy, the shape of your eyeball might alter with the result that – if you wear contacts – your lenses might feel painful or even stop fitting properly.

‘This is usually temporary,’ says Denise. ‘You may need to limit the time you wear lenses or go back to wearing glasses for a while.’

* See your optician for advice – he or she may suggest switching to disposable lenses so you can change the prescription throughout your pregnancy without breaking the bank.

9. You have more discharge than usual

One bonus of pregnancy is not having periods for nine months, but you may notice more vaginal discharge than usual, particularly in the second trimester. One theory is that it’s your body’s way of protecting your vagina from infection – the discharge is acidic and acts as a barrier to infection.

Don’t worry unless it’s itchy, painful or has a slightly fishy smell – in which case, check with your midwife or GP as it’s possible you have an infection such as thrush (a yeast infection) or bacterial vaginosis (an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria).
* Wear a pantyliner, but make sure you also stick to cotton underwear and avoid scented bath products and tight trousers to minimise your risk of developing thrush.


10. You’re a bit partial to charcoal

OK, so we joke. But while in very rare instances pregnant women have been known to have bizarre cravings, called pica, for non-food substances like coal, charcoal or the smell of petrol or rubber (which should not be indulged!), you may find you lust after certain foods.

Often this your body craving the things it’s lacking - so if you’re craving oranges you could have a vitamin C deficiency or if only red meat will do, you may be short of iron.

Unfortunately, cravings are no excuse for pigging out. ‘Some food cravings are genuine, but you shouldn’t give in to constant cravings for ice cream, cakes or chocolate as they have little nutritional benefit to you or your baby,’ says Denise.
* Go with cravings for healthy foods but don’t give in to high-fat and sugary food cravings – they’re empty calories with minimal vitamins and minerals.

The truth about morning sickness

It affects nearly three quarters of us – and not just before midday! But what really causes morning sickness, and what can you do to help?

After trying for a baby for 14 months, Naomi Hurley, 31, from Lincoln, was thrilled to be pregnant. But her enthusiasm waned when, at five weeks, she began to suffer from morning sickness. ‘Although whoever came up with that name should be shot – it’s 24/7,’ she complains.
Naomi, now 12 weeks pregnant, is one of the 45% of mums-to-be who experience both nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Another 25% suffer from nausea alone.

‘I’m physically sick three or four times a day, and constantly nauseous,’ says Naomi. ‘I had to tell my work colleagues that I was pregnant at seven weeks, because I kept rushing to the loo.

I asked my midwife about it, but she just told me it was normal and would ease around the end of the first trimester. I’m praying it stops soon, so I can start to enjoy my pregnancy.’

What causes morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a misleading term, as nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day. Of all the mums-to-be who suffer, eighty-five per cent have two episodes a day, and 55 per cent have three or more. But frustratingly, no-one knows exactly what causes it.
‘The most likely theory is that it’s related to the pregnancy hormone beta-HCG,’ explains Anne Deans, obstetrician and M&B expert. ‘Sickness tends to be worst in the early weeks of pregnancy, when this hormone is increasing most rapidly.’
It’s unclear why beta-HCG causes sickness, although some scientists believe it may lower your blood sugar, making you feel nauseous. ‘Often, when I test a pregnant woman’s blood sugar, I’m surprised by how low it is,’ confirms Anne. ‘Certainly, many women find that eating little and often – which keeps blood sugar stable – helps stave off nausea.’
Other theories, however, are less reliable. Some studies have suggested that sickness is nature’s way of stopping women eating anything potentially harmful in the first trimester – a crucial time for fetal development.

Others report that eating less in the early weeks makes the placenta work more efficiently. But Anne Deans is sceptical. ‘A lot of the research is spurious,’ she says. ‘The truth is, no-one really knows what causes it.’

So will I get it?

Scientists have looked at whether factors like age, marital status, ethnic origin and pre-pregnancy weight make you more likely to suffer from morning sickness. But no definite link has been found in any of these cases.
‘Some studies have suggested that young mums-to-be and older women are more affected, but it’s more likely that these women just find it harder to cope with,’ says Anne. ‘If you’re very young and don’t have a good support network, or are an older career woman working long hours, sickness can come as a shock.’
What is known, however, is that women expecting twins or triplets suffer more. ‘They have higher levels of hormones in their bodies, and often feel sicker than other mums,’ agrees Anne.
So, if you’re expecting twins, you could be in for a rough ride. But what if there’s just one in there? Can you predict whether you’ll be affected? Although there’s no definite way of telling, Anne has noticed certain indicators.
‘Women who feel sick on the Pill are often sick in pregnancy, which backs the theory that morning sickness is caused by sensitivity to hormones,’ she says. ‘I also have a theory that if you get travel sick, you’ll suffer with morning sickness.’ So, if you’re a ‘sicky person’ generally, it might be worth preparing for a miserable few weeks.

When will it end?
The end of the first trimester is often hailed as the magical moment when all pregnancy ailments disappear. And yes, that includes sickness. ‘It often gets better between 12 and 14 weeks, when beta-HCG levels out,’ agrees Anne.
Weeks seven to 10 are usually the toughest – although about 10 per cent find their symptoms get worse after week 10. ‘Occasionally, women suffer throughout pregnancy,’ Anne adds.

‘Get checked out by your midwife or GP, but there’s rarely anything to worry about – you’re probably just particularly sensitive to pregnancy hormones.’
Some women’s sickness returns during labour, but that’s a different phenomenon altogether, says Anne. ‘This isn’t morning sickness – it’s because your body is so busy concentrating on giving birth that it forgets to process the contents of your stomach, so anything you eat may come straight back up.’

Will my baby be okay?
If you’re throwing up constantly or too nauseous to eat, it’s hard not to worry about your unborn baby. But morning sickness doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your baby, or cause him any harm.

‘You would have to be very severely malnourished before it would affect your baby,’ says Anne. ‘The fetus takes all the nutrition it needs from the mother.’
In fact, morning sickness could be a positive sign, with some studies linking it to a reduced risk of miscarriage. ‘Anecdotally, many midwives would agree – sickness indicates that high levels of pregnancy hormones are present, which suggests that the embryo has implanted well,’ Anne says.
That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s a bad sign if your sickness disappears. ‘In rare cases, women report that their sickness stops suddenly just before a miscarriage, but it’s not a reliable sign,’ says Anne.

Fading sickness is more likely to be a sign of your body adjusting to pregnancy hormones – but talk to your midwife if your symptoms change suddenly.

Neither does it mean that, if you’re among the 25 per cent who don’t experience sickness, you’re going to lose your baby. ‘Sickness isn’t a scientific way of predicting a good or bad outcome,’ says Anne. ‘It’s simply your response to pregnancy hormones – and some people are just lucky!’

13 ways to beat sickness

1. Eat little and often – blood sugar dips can make you feel nauseous. For energy, try bland, high-carb food like toast or crackers. Avoid rich, spicy and fatty foods.

2. Wear acupressure bands – they’re designed for travel sickness, but work for morning sickness, too, and are available from most pharmacies.

3. Try some lemon aid – replace your morning cuppa with hot water and lemon, and keep a fresh lemon wedge in a plastic bag to sniff when you feel nauseous.

4. Keep a diary of your symptoms. It’ll help you spot any patterns to your sickness, so you can be prepared for attacks of queasiness and plan your meals for nausea-free intervals.

5. Get some rest – lying down, if possible. Like travel sickness, pregnancy sickness is often triggered by motion, so stop rushing around and avoid travelling whenever you can.

6. Drink ginger ale, grate fresh ginger into a glass of hot water, or nibble ginger biscuits – this common spice is a popular remedy for morning sickness.

7. A heightened sense of smell is common in early pregnancy and is linked to nausea. Hot foods tend to smell more, so eat cold meals and avoid cooking for the rest of the family.

8. Set your alarm half an hour early so you can get up gradually. Keep a packet of crackers and a glass of water on your bedside table and have something to eat and drink before you get up, to settle your stomach.

9. Peppermint is renowned for its digestive powers, so drink peppermint tea or suck minty sweets. Just brushing your teeth may help quell a bout of nausea.

10.  Try vitamin B6 – used to treat morning sickness since the 1940s. Ask your doctor before taking a supplement, or get it from bananas, avocados, brown rice, fish, lean meat and nuts (if you can keep them down…).

11. Acupuncture can be very effective – to find a therapist, contact the British Acupuncture Council (020 8735 0400, acupuncture.org.uk).

12. Don’t drink with meals. You’re less likely to vomit if you avoid fluids for half an hour before and after eating.

13. Finally, don’t go anywhere without a supply of sick bags. Vomiting into your handbag will just add insult to injury.

About hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), or extreme pregnancy sickness, is characterised by recurrent vomiting, dry lips and mouth, dark, concentrated urine, and even weight loss. Around one per cent of pregnant women suffer from HG, and one in 150 need hospital treatment.
Carly Poyser, 26, from Sheering, Herts, suffered from HG in both of her pregnancies. ‘Both times, it started almost as soon as I tested positive,’ says Carly, mum to Alfie, 21 months, and Oscar, 10 months. ‘With Alfie, I threw up small amounts throughout the day, whereas with Oscar, I couldn’t keep any food down at all.
‘My midwife told me all the usual self-help tips, but nothing worked – I’d throw up as soon as I lifted my head off the pillow in the morning,’ Carly continues. ‘My husband put on more weight than I did at first, because he’d end up eating my dinner. It lasted until 24 weeks with Alfie and 20 weeks with Oscar. I managed to keep down enough fluids to avoid hospital treatment, but I felt so drained.’
Although your baby is unlikely to be affected by HG, you may become severely dehydrated, so it’s essential to talk to your midwife or GP. ‘We usually admit women to hospital and give them fluids by drip for 24-48 hours,’ Anne Deans explains. ‘Often, once a woman is rehydrated, she turns a corner and feels much better. We can also prescribe tablets, although they’re not always effective.’
M&B help for you
Pregnancy Sickness Support 02476 382020, pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

30%The number of women who have to take time off work with morning sickness

How your breasts change during pregnancy

When your breasts start to grow it’s often the first sign of pregnancy, they grow bigger along with your bump and are the best way to feed your baby. Don’t your breasts deserve some attention

Your breasts go through enormous changes during pregnancy and early motherhood, so it’s important to know how to look after them. Whatever their size or shape, they’ll need some extra attention, particularly if you are planning to breastfeed. 
Tender time

Sensitive breasts are often one of the first signs of pregnancy, and you may notice this even before you miss your first period. As soon as you conceive, your body is preparing to nourish your baby after birth, and by the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy, your breasts will feel firm and fuller.
If your skin is pale, you may notice the veins are closer to the surface. Tingling or even stabbing pains are also common, and the glands around your areolas (nipple area) may become raised.
‘Breast discomfort is a normal part of pregnancy,’ says M&B health visitor Jackie Walsh.
‘Your hormones stimulate the development of tiny milk glands, and from early pregnancy these will be making a form of milk called colostrum.’ This white substance may appear on the nipple occasionally but is nothing to worry about.
While you are pregnant, you will need to wear a good supporting bra –it’s well worth getting one fitted properly. Don’t wear an underwired one though, as these can interfere with milk production.
If you are planning to breastfeed, you’ll also need to be fitted for a feeding bra a month or so before the birth. Choose one that’s simple to undo, has wide shoulder straps and several sets of hooks and eyes to adapt to your changing shape.
Keep your breasts clean by washing them as normal, but avoid heavily perfumed soaps and lotions as your breasts may be more sensitive at the moment.
Sudden changes
‘During the days and weeks after your baby is born, your breasts will go through tremendous changes as they adapt to the needs of your baby,’ says Jackie Walsh.
In the first three days after labour, you will produce colostrum, which contains valuable antibodies to protect your baby against some diseases.
If you decide to breastfeed, it’s very important to get advice on positioning your baby. Problems such as sore nipples and engorgement are usually due to putting him in the wrong place. Your midwife or health visitor will be able to make sure your baby is latching on properly, and give you any help or advice you need.
Milk monitor
After about three days, colostrum is replaced by breast milk and you will notice how heavy and full your breasts feel. Many women feel very emotional at this stage, as their hormones kick in.
When your nipple is stimulated by your baby sucking, or you hear your baby cry, your milk will flood into your breasts and may even leak out. This is called the ‘let down’ reflex.
‘The size of your breasts has no bearing on how much milk you produce,’ says Jackie Walsh.  ‘This is governed by hormones, a good blood supply and a healthy diet.’
Take care
Because of the added weight of your breasts, you will still need to wear a supporting bra, even at night (although, if you are not breastfeeding, your breasts should return to their pre-pregnancy size within a couple of weeks). Use absorbent breast pads inside your bra to help to contain any milk leakage.
Washing your breasts with warm water in the shower will keep them clean, you don’t need to use soap.
Troubleshooting
Once it is established, breastfeeding is an easy, enjoyable and convenient way of feeding your baby. But discomfort in the early days is common, and you’ll probably need lots of help from a midwife or breastfeeding counsellor. Below we list some of the possible problems you may encounter and how to solve them.
Engorgement
During the first week of breastfeeding it’s usual for breasts to become hard to the touch, over-full and painful. The longer you go between feeds, the more likely they are to become engorged, so frequent feeding and feeding on demand is a good idea. The pain will improve within a couple of days - but to reduce it and help your baby latch on, you can:
- Soak in a warm bath to drain off excess milk, or apply warm flannels to soften the breasts

- Put a cold flannel on your breasts after a feed to reduce swelling

- Express a tiny amount of milk by hand or with a breastpump to make the nipple stand out and the milk flow more easily

- Chill a large green cabbage in the fridge. Peel off a leaf and put one in each cup of your bra for a cooling effect.
Sore nipples
Your nipples may be very sensitive in the first week or so, particularly when your baby latches on. This eases once the milk starts flowing, but if the pain doesn’t start to decrease after a few seconds, or if your nipples become very sore, you need to check that your baby is positioned properly. You can:
- Ask a midwife to check your baby is correctly positioned

- Avoid using soap on your breasts – it removes the natural lubricating oils and leaves them more vulnerable to damage

- Express a few drops of breast milk and let it dry on your nipples to soothe them

- Change your feeding position frequently so your baby is not always pressing on the same part of your nipple

- Apply calendula cream – it’s soothing and safe.
Blocked duct
Tight clothing or engorgement can cause a blocked milk duct, which will appear as a hard red patch on your breast.
You can:

- Make sure your bras fit properly

- Encourage your baby to empty the breast when feeding, gently massaging the painful area as he feeds

- Soak in a warm bath to ease the pain

- Express a little milk by hand or pump.
Mastitis
This can be caused by an untreated blocked duct or an infection, which enters through damaged skin – perhaps a cracked nipple. As well as a sore red patch on your breast you will have flu-like symptoms.
You should:
- See your GP who will prescribe antibiotics. These are not harmful to your baby

- Take paracetmol every four hours if your temperature is up – again this will not harm the baby

- Offer your baby the sore side first to try and get milk moving through the breast

- Take warm baths and soothe your breasts with warm flannels.
Thrush
If you suddenly develop soreness or cracked nipples that won’t heal after pain-free feeding, it may be due to thrush of the nipple, which can be passed on to you from your baby’s mouth and back again. You may notice tell tale white spots in your baby’s mouth or that he has soreness around the genital area.
You should:

- See your GP who will prescribe an antifungal gel to apply to your nipples. This won’t harm the baby for whom the GP may also prescribe antifungal drops.
If you’re not breastfeeding
If you bottlefeed from the start, your breasts may feel uncomfortable and even painful for a few days after giving birth. They may also leak for a few days. This won’t last long, but paracetamol can help relieve the pain. Your breasts should return to normal after a week or so.
Time to stop
Once you decide to stop breastfeeding, take it slowly to minimise discomfort to you and upset to your baby. Drop one feed at a time, and allow at least a week before you drop another.
‘Many women find their breasts continue to leak small amounts of milk for weeks and sometimes months after they’ve stopped breastfeeding. This is quite normal and will eventually stop,’ says Jackie Walsh.
When you’ve stopped breastfeeding altogether, you may find your breasts are smaller and softer than before, although some women find their breasts are larger– there’s no way of telling how you’ll be affected.
Breast check
Checking for lumps
It’s important to check for breast lumps each month after your period. Here’s how:
1 Take five minutes in the shower or bath.
2 Raise one arm above your head and, with the other hand, gently feel around the opposite breast.
3 Starting at the outside, work up into the armpit and around, moving in towards the nipple.
4 Repeat on the other side.
5 Afterwards, sit in front of the mirror and check your breasts for any change in the colour or skin surface – look for dimpling or puckering around the nipple and for any changes in the appearance of the nipple.
If you find a lump it is very unlikely to be cancerous but get it checked out by your GP. If there is any uncertainty as to what it might be, he will refer you to the breast clinic at your local hospital and you should be seen within two weeks.
Although your breasts will feel very different when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s still important to be aware of how they feel and to check them occasionally. If you are concerned, see your GP.
Help for you
The National Childbirth Trust runs a breastfeeding helpline: call 0870 444 8708 to talk to a trained counsellor.

Pregnancy and relationships

How to stop strangers touching your bump
As soon as you share your news, it’s your 15 minutes of fame. Welcome to the touchy-feely world of being pregnant

For most women, the strangest aspect of people’s fascination with their pregnancy is the intense interest in their bump. In your non-pregnant life it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to deal with your belly being rubbed on a daily basis, but as soon as your bump appears everyone you meet will expect to be included in the baby’s kicks.  

When the toucher is your partner, your mum or your best friend, you’ll probably be happy to share the experience, but colleagues and strangers are another matter. Unfortunately, society’s usual rules about the sacredness of personal space don’t seem to apply to pregnant women.

Not knowing how to respond is understandable, especially as people seem to feel you’re not a good sport if you don’t allow them to paw your stomach. If you can, try to grin and bear it – most people mean well and are just curious. However, if people reaching out for your bump saying, ‘You don’t mind, do you’ makes you squirm, try one of the following:
• Put your own hands on your bump – it sends out a ‘keep off’ signal to other people.
• Take a deep breath and politely ask them not to touch you because it makes you feel uncomfortable. They may feel you’re being rude, but you’re not – they’re invading your personal space.
• Give them a taste of their own medicine: reach out for their belly as they reach for yours, and explain you’re into equal exchange.
Care to comment?
Not everyone feels they can touch your bump, but nothing on earth will stop them having an opinion about your pregnancy, be it your size, your shape or your ‘unpregnant’ conduct. You might well ask who stuck a ‘Go ahead, tell me exactly what you think’ note on your back.

The truth is, you’re no longer seen as an adult woman – you’re a baby-carrier, and as such, people feel they have the right to have their say (naturally, they’re concerned about your baby’s ‘welfare’, not just nosy and opinionated – or so they’ll tell you).

Being the centre of attention for nine months is exhausting. However, most people are just interested in your pregnancy and want a tiny glimpse of the exciting thing that’s happening to you. After the baby’s born you’ll find the interest will immediately be transferred to your offspring (you might even miss it).

And things could be a lot worse – in some cultures touching a pregnant woman’s belly is considered to be good luck. At least your partner’s football team doesn’t queue up for a quick rub before a match...
5 things you don’t want to hear when you’re pregnant1. ‘Was it planned?’
2. ‘You’re not showing very much yet, are you?’
3. ‘How many have you got in there?’
4. ‘You’re really putting on weight all over, aren’t you!’
5. ‘When’s baby number two coming?’

First signs & symptoms of pregnancy

You don’t have to wait until your baby is born to make contact with her - unborn babies as young as 12 weeks may be able to hear your voice.

 

Talk to your bump
From as early as 12 weeks, your baby may be able to hear your voice. It’s the easiest sound for her to detect, as it is transmitted through your body. Talk soothingly or even repeat nursery rhymes to your baby and see if you feel her kick in response. By the time she is born, she will already be familiar with the sound of your voice and will turn towards it when she hears it.
The sound of music
While there’s no scientific proof that playing music to your bump will increase your child’s intelligence, many women find that their unborn babies respond to music with increased movement. Sing to your baby or stretch your Walkman headphones across your bump and play her some tunes – classical music, in particular Bach and Mozart, is thought to be especially soothing.
Making contact through touch
From about 17 weeks you will start to feel your baby move, although you probably won’t feel actual kicks until about 20 weeks. Take the time to sit quietly and feel your baby’s movements – while you’re in the bath is a good time as you can also watch your bump move about. When your baby kicks, you may be able to set up a kind of dialogue with her. Press gently on the spot where you have just felt a kick to see if she responds with another one. As she gets bigger, you will probably be able to identify different parts of her body by feeling your bump. Try giving her a massage by stroking the area covering her head, back or bottom.
Create positive mental pictures
If you’re feeling overawed at the prospect of motherhood, visualization – creating positive mental pictures – can help you feel closer to your baby. Take up a relaxed position, close your eyes and imagine the baby at the centre of your body, being nurtured and protected by you. If the birth is imminent, then imagine yourself holding the baby and focus on the joyful feelings that this will bring.
Learning about your unborn baby
Read all you can about your baby’s development and how she is growing from week to week. It’s easier to relate to her as a person when you learn that she’s got eyes and ears, and fingers and toes. Get to know her pattern of movement throughout the day – some women find that their baby becomes particularly active when they lie down to sleep!
Get your partner involved
Get your partner to join in with the preparations for birth. Take him along to classes and shopping for baby things. He can even help out with breathing exercises! Encourage your partner to talk to your bump, so that the baby will also recognise his voice as soon as she’s born.
Say hello at the scan
Bring your partner along when you have your scan – you’ll be amazed how differently you’ll both feel once you’ve seen your baby wave to you on screen! When you attend your scan, ask the ultrasound operator to position the screen so that you can see it too and ask lots of questions about what the baby is doing. You could even consider asking your baby’s sex. Some people find that knowing whether they are going to have a boy or a girl can help them think about the baby as a real person. Sometimes they even choose his or her name and start using it straight away!