In early pregnancy, sickness and tiredness may mean that you want to avoid the rush, fumes and pressure of early-morning traveling. Think about negotiating a later start time in return for a later finishing time. Later on, the sheer exhaustion of being heavier and more uncomfortable can make traveling stressful. Again, try to change your hours, even temporarily, to suit how you feel. If you anticipate that your employer might be unsympathetic, ask your GP or the antenatal clinic to back up your request.

You have certain rights regarding hazardous working conditions. If appropriate, ask to move to a non-smoking area and make sure you sit in such an area in the canteen. Don’t skip lunch – you and the baby both need it. If you do not feel like sitting, go for a walk or swim, but do take a break. Standing for long stretches of the day can cause tiredness, backache and swelling. If your job involves long periods of standing, see if you can sit for some of the time in a chair that supports your back). Again, if you anticipate problems, ask your GP for support.

There are three broad classes of state benefit to which you may be entitled

• those for which everyone can apply as of right
• those for parents or their partners on low incomes
• and those which apply if you are (or have been) in employment.

You will enjoy free dental treatment and prescriptions for you during your pregnancy and for a year afterward, and for your child until she is 16.

Child benefit: a weekly tax-free flat-rate benefit paid directly to the mother for every child until she is 16, or 19 if still in full-time education, with additional benefit for those on Income Support or Family Credit.

One-parent family benefit, plus advice, training and help to find work and childcare facilities.

You may be entitled to some of the following benefits as the size of your family increases; amounts usually vary and are dependent on several factors, including income, savings, size of your family, whether any member of your family has special needs and whether you or your partner is working.

Since most of us can no longer do away with these gadgets, the best thing pregnant women can do is look for maternity clothing that can protect the babies in their wombs. And that’s where Belly Armor products come in handy.

What is Belly Armor?

It is a line of maternity clothing which are not only fashionable, but also offers to give protection from the radiation emitted from almost everywhere.

The Products:

Belly Blanket - are so convenient to use they can easily fit in your bag. All you need to do is to drape it over your bulging baby-tummy to make sure that your baby is protected from radiation. You can use it anywhere, from your home to your office. It comes in different colors.

* Belly Blanket Chic
* Belly Blanket Luxe

Belly Tee – it is 95% cotton and 5% spandex and with RadiaShield lining. It comes in different sizes and colors as well. May be used as undershirt or the actual top by pregnant women.

Belly Band – coming soon in the market. It can be used under your clothes anytime you want and will snug-fit to any body form or shape.

The Benefits:

All Belly Armor products guarantee the user a 99.99% efficacy rate from shielding your baby to any incoming radiation emitted from the environment. All Belly Armor products are made of RadiaShield lining.

If you want to avail of this wonderful product to protect yourself or a loved one, visit www.bellyarmor.com.sg and especially for my readers, you can avail of the 10% discount by using the promo code: MOMWANBE. This promo code is case sensitive so make sure that you type it correctly.

• two shawls or wraps
• four vests
• four stretch suits
• two cardigans or matinee jackets
• one outer garment, such as a snowsuit
• socks (unless all your stretchsuirs have feet)
• a pair of mittens
• a hat (against the sun or the cold, or both., depending on when the baby is born)

For changing

You can change a baby on a waterproof sheet over an old towel, but a plastic changing mat with raised edges is a good idea. It is safest to put the mat on the floor; if you want it at waist weight, keep one hand on the baby at all times. You will also need:

* nappies (new babies get through at least six a day)

* baby lotion and cottonwool balls, or baby wipes barrier cream

* (if you are using terries) a bucket with a lid.

For feeding

If you are going to breastfeed:

* two nursing bras (these are not essential, but they are comfortable and convenient)

* If you are going to bottlefeed:

* bottles

* sterilizing kit formula milk

You may also want to buy a breast pump (although expressing by hand is a useful skill and breast pads (or cotton hankies). You will also need sanitary pads for up to six weeks after the birth.

Baby chair

Some of these double as car seats, others consist of a fabric seat on a lightweight frame which hold your baby in a semi-upright position. Both are ideal for when your baby is awake but don’t put them on a raised surface. Babies love being able to see what is going on, which is impossible in a carrycot.

baby carrier

Choose one that supports the baby’s head if you are buying one for use from birth. This is an essential if you have to use public transport a lot, and a good way of keeping your baby close to you. Many fretful babies are soothed by the contact and movement they get in this way.

Choose machine-washable items only and avoid anything with long, trailing ribbons and trimmings that could come loose.

The list here is of the basic items you will need for the first few weeks. Gifts will still be welcome, since this is the minimum – you will be washing very frequently if this is all you have.

You might find it easier to use a pram top, carrycot or cradle as your baby’s sleeping place for the first few weeks, since all are portable and can easily be carried from room to room and even up and down stairs. Check that the mattress is fits correctly. Depending on how quickly she grows, you will need a proper cot within around six months.

You will also need two or three sets of sets baby bedding- sheets and machine-washable blankets.

Your pram or stroller is one of the most expensive single purchases of your baby’s first year, so it makes sense to take time over choosing one.

Full-size, traditional ‘coach-built’ prams are extremely hard-wearing, beautiful-looking and very warm and comfortable for your baby. They are, however, very expensive (although they seem to keep their value secondhand, even if you have used them for more than a couple of children of your own). Sometimes they cannot be used inside shops, they take up a lot of room and it is impossible to travel with them by car or public transport.

Many parents today opt for a pram which comes in two parts – a fold-down frame and a top which can be used as a carrycot with handles. It’s difficult to get this on a bus (although you can on most trains), and folding it down after separating top and frame, then carrying the frame and baby is often a two-person job so it cannot be used on escalators. Most car boots and hatchbacks will hold both frame and top.

A popular alternative is a pushchair which folds flat, with a seat that tips into different positions from lie-flat to sitting. (You may find this comes as an extra to a frame and carrycot model, so that you use the carrycot when the baby is small, then graduate to the seat, keeping the same basic frame.) Buggies which folds up like an umbrella are lightweight and easy to handle, excellent if you are on and off buses a lot. These are, however, not really warm or sufficiently well sprung for a tiny baby and are best for toddlers who need less support.

You may also want to buy a rain cover, sunshade, shopping basket or tray for the pram or pushchair.

You can bath your baby with you in the ordinary bath, as can your partner, but it may nor be convenient at all times, so a baby bath or large washing-up bowl is a good idea. You will also need toiletries (baby soap and shampoo) and two towels.

…to be continued

It is, however, important that you are there for as long as possible. If your partner is in hospital for a few days, try to work then so that you can be at home when mother and baby come out.

As well as the practical support that you can give, changing nappies, bathing, spending time with the baby while your partner rests, Maternity leave does not count as time off’, so that pension rights, holiday entitlement and company car are unaffected by this break.

If you have worked for your employer for two years by the 12th week before your baby is due and your employer has more than five employees, you are entitled to additional maternity leave to your 14 weeks, until the end of the 29th week after your baby is born. This extra leave is usually unpaid, but many companies do pay something so it is worth inquiring.

To qualify you must notify your employer 21 days before you leave that it is your intention to return; you must also notify your employer at least 21 days before you intend to return to work. Your employer is entitled to write to you at any time after 11 weeks from the start of your leave, asking if you intend to return, and you must answer within 14 days. If you are not sure at this stage, follow the procedure until the final stage (21 days before your return).

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?