Can you have a domino delivery? This means that the community midwife comes to your home and stays with you until she thinks it is time to go to hospital. She then takes you to hospital, delivers the baby and takes you home a few hours after the birth. She will continue to visit you at home. Will you have the chance to meet the midwives who are likely to deliver the baby? Most hospitals operate a team midwifery system for antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. This means that the same midwives look after you before, during and after the birth.

• If you prefer a woman doctor, will it always be possible to see one?
• Can your birth companion be with you at all times if that is what you want?
• Can you talk over your birth choices and have a record of them put in your notes?
• Will you be able to move around in labor and is there a variety of equipment so that you can give birth in the position that you find comfortable? Can you use a water pool during labor if that is what you would like?
• Do you have a choice in the way your baby is monitored?
• HOW long might you be expected to stay in hospital after the birth (you can discharge yourself whenever you wish, but it may help to know the average length of stay)?
• Is there good breastfeeding support?
• What are the visiting hours?
• Will there be a chance to talk about the birth afterwards with the midwife who delivered your baby and ask any questions about the birth?

You can arrange for a home birth through your GP, or via your local community midwives. Many GPs are reluctant to support first-time mothers in having a home birth, because there is no way of telling how difficult a birth is going to be (your experience the first time gives some indication of the ease with which you will give birth subsequently). However, if you have young children at home already and do not wish to disrupt them, or feel that the birth will be more relaxed at home, you may decide that this is for you. You have the right to a home birth if that is what you want.

Your GP may be able to offer you antenatal care. If not, contact your local FHSA for the address of a GP who has an interest in childbirth_ And contact your local supervisor of midwives who still arrange your antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.

You will see the community midwife for all your antenatal checks, and she is the one to call when you think your labor has started. She will stay with you through labor and, perhaps with another midwife, deliver the baby. She will call a doctor or ambulance if you need to get to hospital in an emergency.



I read a bit more on their site and according to them what makes StriaFade work is it’s StriaFade ingredients which include natural and extra ordinary ingredients combined to make this amazing stretchmark solution. I have not personally tested the product, but I am definitely considering of trying it out because I am starting to see  teenie weenie lines on my tummy.

Now the question is where to buy Striafade?

Where we live, there are no big malls and department stores so I would just have to make use more of online shopping and it’s great that you could easily order StriaFade wherever you are, just visit the site and click the green button that says ORDER NOW.

I have always been a pro active person so I am preparing in case more stretch marks will come out as the much awaited day comes nearer and nearer. I would love to see myself back to its look before I got pregnant. But nothing beats the excitement of seeing my baby come out of this world.

The basic pelvic floor exercise is very simple and you can do it anywhere, sitting, standing or lying. For most women, the problem is remembering to do the sequence often enough. You need to tighten the muscles of your front passage as if you were trying to hold on to urine when you are ‘bursting’ to go. Keep tightening, first vaginal area, then rectum, hold for four seconds, and then relax. Repeat several times, and repeat the whole sequence several times a day.

Learning basic relaxation will help you while you are pregnant, during the birth and afterward.

The easiest way to start learning to relax is to make space in your day for l0 minutes’ uninterrupted, quiet time. Lie down, and starting at your toes and feet, alternately tense and relax each part of your body, right up to your head. Don’t forget your shoulders, arms and hands, or your face (frown, screw up your face and then let it go). Keep your eyes gently closed as you are doing this. Some people find it helps to have some soothing music playing; others to focus on a beautiful image. In time, you will be able to use this technique whenever you feel stressed to help you regain your physical and mental equilibrium.

This technique is particularly useful in childbirth. Coping with contractions is easier if you are relaxed; it also conserves your energy.

Of course, there are other ways to relax. Simply making some time for yourself, even once a day, is important. In late pregnancy, you may be advised to rest with your feet up to help combat mild oedema (swelling or puffiness). You can even do this at work in the middle of the day Take some time to have a proper lunch break, away from your desk, rather than rushing around the shops and grabbing a sandwich. Ask your partner to do the shopping.

Take care to look after your other physical needs. Many women find their skin and hair look better than ever before in pregnancy – especially from about four or five months. If you have a tendency to oiliness, this is likely to lessen while you are pregnant to give you that healthy bloom that makes you look and feel good. If you find that your skin is dry, add oil to your bath and be generous with the moisturizer. Treat yourself to a good haircut shortly before the baby is born. It may make you feel better in the days immediately after the birth if your hair looks good, and you will find it difficult to make time for an appointment for weeks afterward.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, particularly in the later stages. If asking a neighbor to pick up your toddler from playgroup – when he or she is probably going for their own child in any case – gives you ten minutes to put your feet up, then do so. Most people are only too willing to help. Remember that toddlers do not always need to be running around: after a busy morning at playgroup or with friends in the park, she may be quite happy to cuddle up on the sofa with you while you watch a video or TV programme together.

You will probably be advised at antenatal classes to avoid sports that carry a risk of falling or rough contact with other players, such as martial arts, squash, skiing or riding. If you are not used to exercise, pregnancy can be a good rinse to start, as long as you do it gradually.

Whatever you do, be responsive to your own body and do not push yourself too far. Total, physical exhaustion is not a good idea. Stop and rest more than you would normally. Also, avoid taking on anything strenuous when it is hot – you are more likely to faint or become dizzy – and be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you attend exercise classes of any sort, tell your instructor that you are pregnant: she may suggest that you miss some exercises out, or do them in a different way.

High- impact aerobics involving heavy bouncing are best avoided, since all your muscles and ligaments are softer in pregnancy (so that they stretch to enable you to give birth). This means that they are more easily damaged than at other times. Your extra weight could also mean that you put undue strain on your back.

Swimming and walking are great exercise and suitable right to the end of your pregnancy. In some areas aquanatal classes – which combine swimming with body toning and stretching to focus on the muscles used in pregnancy and childbirth – may be available. Some antenatal classes include toning and stretching exercises. If you do not usually exercise, try to choose antenatal classes that include a simple fitness programme.

Some hospital maternity departments have their own forms for birth plans but you do not have to stick to theirs if you don’t want to. In any case your midwife is likely to point out that it is best to be flexible: your birth plan does not commit you to anything and circumstances and preferences can change even at the last minute.

The birth plan is really an aid to communication between you and your carers and it is better to compile it with a midwife than to present her with one that you have already drawn up. She may well think of issues you have missed, and will know what facilities are available in your area (not all hospitals have water pools, for example).

Who do you want with you?

You will probably want to have your partner with you, but you may also want more than one person, such as a friend or relative, or no one. If you do not want anyone you know, but do want some extra support, ask for someone to be with you: a midwife or student midwife will be happy to be there for you, while her colleague delivers the baby.

What sort of position might you find comfortable?

Ideally you should give birth in a room that offers a range of options: cushions, chair, bed, a covered area on the floor, so that you can move between them as and when you feel like it.

Can you opt for an epidural at any point? This may become particularly important if you need a caesarean. A general anesthetic takes effect more quickly, but not all ‘emergency’ caesareans need to be done immediately.

Do you want an electronic fetal monitor all or only some of the time?

Do you wish to avoid an episiotomy? Or induction? Other intervention? Do you want your waters broken or would you prefer them to go naturally?

Do you want your birth companion with you at all times, including when you are being examined?

How long might you have to stay in hospital?

Follow your appetite, without heading for instant junk’ foods. Snack on fresh and dried fruits if you are hungry between meals, and drink plenty of water. As a general guide, most women gain 10-12.5 kg (22-28 lb) during pregnancy and, although it is difficult to get rid of excess weight after the birth, it is usually more of a worry to your GP and midwife if you put on too little rather than too much weight while you are pregnant.

Make sure you have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates such as bread, cereals, pasta and rice, plus proteins such as eggs, pulses, meat and fish. A high-fiber diet, with plenty of fluid, may help combat constipation, which is common in pregnancy. Milk is a convenient source of many nutrients, including calcium and protein but if you do not like it, it is not essential. Everything found in milk can be obtained from either food too.

There have been few studies into the effects of alcohol on fetuses after the first 13 weeks, when all the major organs have been formed. As a result, there is no recommended ‘safe’ limit on the amount you can drink without harming your baby. For this reason, many doctors advise you not to drink alcohol at all while you are pregnant. Equally, there is no real evidence that the odd glass of wine or beer does any harm. But binge drinking and heavy habitual drinking do harm babies.

The risk of having a child who is affected rises sharply according to the age of the mother.

Many maternity units and health center run classes for expectant parents. They may be called antenatal classes or parent craft classes. These classes are free and usually taken by midwives and health visitors with perhaps one class including a contribution from a hospital doctor, probably about pain relief, caesarean section or special care facilities for babies who are sick or premature.

The major non-NHS classes are run by the National Childbirth Trust, with courses taken by their own specially trained teachers in most areas of the UK. There is usually a charge for NCT classes, although in some areas subsidized places are available for those who cannot afford to pay

NCT classes are often less formal than NHS ones, with teachers concerned to encourage class members to support each other and to use the class as a safe, welcoming environment in which to explore feelings and fears, as well as a forum for information giving. NHS classes vary enormously – some are excellent, others patchy – but there is usually not the same emphasis on group support NHS classes usually offer you the opportunity to visit the labor ward and the special care baby unit (although you can always ask to do this if you intend to have your baby in hospital, even if you do not attend the classes).

A typical course of antenatal classes consists of between seven and ten two-hour sessions and you can expect to start going when you are around seven months pregnant. Good classes cover:

* what to expect during labor and birth and afterward, with time for questions and discussion so that you go into the birth confident that you are making the right decisions for you

* you may be shown a video of childbirth

* options in pain relief

* relaxation techniques to help with pain in labor exercises to keep fit and to help in labor

* advice on caring for your baby

* advice on looking after yourself after the birth.

If you know other women with children, ask them which classes they found most useful, You may also he influenced by the timing and location of classes. Some classes are primarily, for couples, others for women only. You can of course go to more than one set of classes (particularly if you have not been working locally) can be a good place to meet other mothers-to-be with whom you can perhaps stay in touch after your baby’s birth.

Ask your community or hospital midwife about the availability of classes; in some cases you may have to book in advance.

Your first major antenatal appointment – the `booking in’ appointment – is done at home, at the health centre or at the hospital antenatal clinic, usually when you are between 8 and 14 weeks pregnant. You will be asked questions about your general health, your family history, any medical problems, any previous pregnancies and how you feel that this pregnancy is going. You will be asked the elate of your last period so that the baby’s due date can be worked out (see chart above). Your heart will be listened to for signs of its overall health and your blood pressure may he measured. Routine internal examinations are no longer common, unless there are doubts about the duration of your pregnancy, but you will have a cervical smear if you have not had one in the last three years.

You will be asked to give a blood sample, which is then sent to the lab for testing. The lab identifies your blood group; checks your hemoglobin levels (to make sure you are not anemic); looks for signs of immunity to rubella; and checks whether you have been exposed to hepatitis B or syphilis. If you live in a high-risk area (usually classed as the metropolitan areas, and in particular London and Glasgow), you may be asked if you wish your blood sample to be tested for HIV antibodies. This is done routinely and anonymously at certain hospitals which are part of a national programme to measure how widespread HIV is in the community – if your hospital is part of the scheme, you will be told. If you are not asked, but would like an HIV test, request it.

If your pregnancy is going well, the usual routine is for your antenatal checks to take place every month until you are 28 weeks pregnant, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and once a week thereafter. Local practices vary, however, so you may be seen less frequently; you will be seen more often if you have problems, if you have had a previous pregnancy that was complicated, or if your GP or anyone at the clinic feels that it is appropriate for you.

The same checks are made at each appointment, wherever the appointment takes place including the following.

1. Urine

You will be asked either to bring a sample with you or to produce one at the time. This will he checked on the spot for signs of infection, diabetes and pre- eclampsia.

2. Blood pressure

Raised blood pressure is one of the telltale signs of pre-eclampsia.

3. Weight

Research has shown that monitoring your weight is an inefficient way to tell whether the baby is growing as she should and is a poor indicator of your general health. As a result, you may not be weighed, although it is still common practice in many areas.

4. Abdomen

The midwife may measure your girth and she will check (by feeling) the position of the baby and the height of your uterus.

5. The baby’s heartbeat

This will be felt using a stethoscope, or – depending on hospital policy – using a foetal monitor.

6. Your legs, feet and hands

For swelling (another sign of pre-eclampsia) or varicose veins. It is a good idea to use your appointments to bring up any questions or problems you have (write them down in advance so that you cover everything you want to). If you prefer, sit up so that you can talk to your doctor or midwife face to face – having a conversation is difficult when you are lying down and someone is feeling your tummy. If you have something sensitive to talk about, ask if you can have time after your examination to do so when you have your clothes back on.

My butt is bigger too according to my hubby but I don’t really see it, but who does see their own butt right?

What I have noticed too is that I am getting lots of body hair…can you picture it? Well it’s not very bad that I look like a gorilla or something but it is noticeable to me and hubby. Hubby says it would go away…I do hope so.

But I know I am definitely bigger as my fat- day- clothes hardly fit me anymore…

The blood test results I told you about last week came out fine. The chance of my baby getting down syndrome is nill. My weight is also improving, I now weight 60 kilos, Yehey ( I think)!

And this is how I look now, can you already guess what I will be having?

What is Ekomini? It is an interactive piggy bank designed to help parents teach their children to become money-savvy early in life. It is the first and only of its kind, meant for children aged 6-12 years old, and I think this is a great idea to engage children’s interest in learning the value of money through interactive games and fun activities.

How does it work? Every purchase of Ekomini comes with a money box which parents can connect to a computer to aid their kids in learning the ropes of saving, sharing, setting goals and investing. The money box also connects to an online site called Ekominiville, where the actual fun of learning starts. What’s great about it is that parents are given a secure and personalized interface to let us track our kid’s progress!

My child is barely four months in my tummy yet I’m as excited as a kid on Christmas morn because I can’t wait teach my kid the value of money through this great educational toy!