Why is folic acid important in pregnancy?

NHS Choices state that folic acid is important to protect your unborn baby from neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It occurs naturally in foods such as beans and pulses (e.g. chickpeas, lentils), green vegetables, and yeast and beef extracts.

Some foods are also fortified with folic acid (this means they have folic acid added to them), such as certain breads and breakfast cereals. Check the labels on the packaging. Products with extra folic acid should display a round symbol with the letter F in the centre.

To read the full article please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Folicacid.aspx


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Stacey - Is it wrong to smoke during pregnancy?

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Fiona: Why some women might not ask for help

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Morning Sickness

A lot of mums to be are affected by morning sickness, so here is an article taken from NHS Choices website.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is an unwelcome but perfectly normal part of pregnancy. It does not put your baby at any increased risk.

Although it is commonly called morning sickness, NVP can occur at any time of the day.

How common is NVP?

During early pregnancy, nausea, vomiting and tiredness are common symptoms. Around half of all pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, and around 3 in 10 women experience nausea without vomiting.

Outlook

NVP usually starts to get better after the first three months of pregnancy. However, some women continue to experience NVP for a longer period. About 1 woman in 10 continues to feel sick after week 20 of their pregnancy.

NVP is sometimes considered to be a minor inconvenience of pregnancy, but it can have a significant, adverse effect on an expectant mother’s day-to-day activities and quality of life.

NVP can often be treated by making dietary changes and taking plenty of rest. The support of family and friends can also make NVP more manageable.

To read the full article to find out more about symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment please go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/morning-sickness/Pages/Introduction.aspx


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Which foods should I avoid during pregnancy?

There are some foods you shouldn't eat when you're pregnant to avoid exposing yourself to the risk of food poisoning or because they're potentially harmful to your unborn baby. This includes Listeria, Campylobacter and salmonella, Toxoplasmosis, Vitamin A and Fish to limit.

To read the full article and to find out some more detailed information please go to http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/917.aspx


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Rachel - Using NRT

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Giving birth in a hospital: what to pack in your bag

Ever wondered what you need to pack in your bag to take to hospital? Here is an article taken from NHS Choices to help you pack the right items.

If you're having your baby in hospital, pack your bag well in advance (ideally by 37 weeks), so that you'll be ready to go if labour starts early.

You'll need:

* Something loose and comfortable to wear in labour. It shouldn't restrict you from moving around, or make you feel too hot. You may need about three changes of clothes.
* Two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed. Your breasts will be much larger than usual.
* About 24 super-absorbent sanitary towels.
* A washbag with toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, flannel, hairbrush, deodorant and other toiletries.
* Towels.
* Things that can help you pass the time and relax, such as books, magazines and music.
* A sponge or water spray to cool you down.
* Front-opening nighties, if you're going to breastfeed.
* Two T-shirts (one old one for labour).
* Dressing gown, slippers and socks.
* Five or six pairs of knickers, as you'll probably want to change them often to stay fresh.
* A loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you've given birth and when you go home.
* List of phone numbers.
* Some hospitals or midwife-led units will let you use your mobile phone. If you can't, make sure you have a phone card, or coins for the pay phone.

For your baby

* Disposable nappies (newborn size), or newborn-sized reuseable nappies.
* Cottonwool balls.
* Clothes, including a hat.
* A shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in.

Time to come home

* You’ll need a baby car seat. Get advice from a reputable shop when you’re buying this, and ask for a fitting demonstration.

To read this article on NHS Choices, please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Packyourhospitalbag.aspx


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