Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking times of your life. From pregnancy skincare to caring for your body throughout the nine-month str-e-tch, our Mama’s understandably have a lot of questions and we’re here to answer them!
Read on to find out our pregnancy FAQs, answers and solutions to your top pregnancy queries on your journey to Mamahood…
Pregnancy FAQs
Answer: As your levels of oestrogen and progesterone rise, and prolactin (the brain hormone that is associated with lactation) increase the blood flow to your breasts, this can can cause changes in your breast tissue and result in swollen, sore or sensitive to touch boobs. Don’t worry Mama, this is just to prepare your body for breastfeeding!
How can we help?: Our Omega rich Boob Tube Bust Cream is the perfect companion when your boobs are feeling swollen and sore. The deeply hydrating formula is infused with soothing ingredients including Aloe Vera and Cabbage Leaf Extract (our not-so-secret answer to tender breasts) to comfort and relieve growing boobs.
Answer: If you’re breastfeeding and your nipples are feeling sore or dry, this might mean your little one isn’t positioned or latching quite right. When your baby only sucks the nipple instead of the whole areola, their tongue or mouth may rub the nipple causing it to become sore and potentially crack.
How can we help?: Our comforting Keep Calm Nipple Balm provides instant relief to dry and sensitive nipples. The 100% natural blend of nourishing oils and butters soothes nipples throughout pregnancy and is breastfeeding-safe so there’s no need to remove when the baby latches on.
Answer: Look no further, Mama! From supporting your health as you grow your mini, to nourishing and protecting your skin throughout the nine-month str-e-tch and beyond, our plant-based, cruelty-free, clinically proven* and user tested formulas are here to help you feel great.
Answer: Omegas, Omegas, Omegas! Skin Omegas 3 and 6 are fatty ‘essential’ acids found in your body, responsible for the health of your cell’s membrane and therefore its ability to ensure your skin is strong, soft and moist. When you’re pregnant, your little one uses all those Omegas (great for your baby, not so great for you, Mama!), leaving your skin weak and dry. Finding pregnancy body lotions that are rich in Omegas, help to leave your skin nourished, moisturized, and ultra-soft.
How can we help?: Every Mama skincare product is infused with our Omega-rich Skin Stretch Complex. This unique blend of Avocado Oil, Inchi Oil and Argan Oil (rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9) helps to keep your skin elastic, supple and strong for the 9-month s-t-r-e-t-c-h and beyond.
Answer:
- Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin A that is essential for the development of your baby’s eyes and immune system.
- Fish for iodine, which is important for the baby’s brain development, protein and selenium.
- Vegetables for the immune system and everything else. Research has shown that mamas who eat broccoli have babies that eat broccoli!
- Eat regularly and include wholegrains, nuts and seeds.
- Lean red meat once a week with some chicken or turkey.
- Lots of different coloured vegetables and fruit, especially berries. Eating little and often in pregnancy is sometimes better for nausea.
- Dry crackers with cheese– Marmite on a dry cracker or toast is brilliant for pregnancy nausea.
- A handful of almonds with a sliced apple, a pear or a banana.
Read our interview with nutritionist Melanie Brown for more info, Mama!
Answer:
- Any foods made from unpasteurised milk
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Liver and liver products
- All types of pâté, including vegetarian pâté
- Game meats such as goose, partridge or pheasant
- Raw or partially cooked eggs
- Raw shellfish
Answer: As you grow your baby, your body carries more water than it usually would with the excess water tending to drain into the lower parts of your body which can cause your legs in particular to look larger than usual. Further swelling can also happen if you’re standing up for a long time or if the weather is really hot.
The circulation of blood in your legs can also be affected by the heaviness of your growing bump – which can cause fluid to build up in your legs and ankles. Don’t worry, Mama! This extra blood flow and fluid is actually helping your body prepare for birth, so if you’re feeling a little down about your swollen legs, know that it’s just all part of the process and in a way, it’s helping to protect you and your baby.
How can we help?: Formulated with soothing, cooling and energizing natural actives including Aloe Vera, Ginger Extract and Menthol Crystals, our Lucky Legs Cooling Gel and Lucky Legs Refreshing Spritz provide instant relief to weary pins.
Answer: In the right way, at the right time, yes! It’s advised to avoid using essential oils throughout the first trimester due to the risk of exposing the foetus to a toxic substance. However, if you follow these safety protocols in your second and third trimesters there can be many benefits to Mama.
- Don’t ingest essential oils
- Focus on aromatherapy
- Dilute the essential oils
Answer: Incorporating Omegas into your skincare routine can help to prevent stretch marks. As your body grows to support your baby, your elastin fibers are put under pressure and your skin stretches. This in turn can cause stretch marks. Omegas are key to helping these bonds stay together and so help protect your skin against stretch marks.
How can we help?: Our iconic stretch mark prevention range harnesses the power of our Omega-rich Skin Stretch Complex to help support Mama’s skin throughout the nine-month str-e-tch and beyond. From our award-winning Tummy Rub Butter to our best-selling Pregnancy Boob Tube, our top-to-toe skincare is expertly formulated to protect skin against stretch marks.
Answer*:
- If resistance training is part of your workout, keep doing it.
- When weight training, reduce the weight a little and do increased reps as an alternative.
- Cardio exercise is fine to do, but be mindful of your energy levels and adjust the intensity as necessary.
Read some top tips on how to keep fit during pregnancy!
Read our interview with Rosie from pregnancy fitness group Mamawell!
*Consult your doctor before completing any exercises when pregnant
Answer:
Step 1: Begin by placing one or both of your thumbs 1 -1/2 inches inside your vagina. To make sure you’re doing it correctly, consider using a mirror for the first few times you do a perineum massage.
Step 2: Press your thumbs gently along the back (wall) of your vagina and towards your back end (anus). Make sure you don’t press too hard, but you do want to apply enough pressure to feel some stretching (you might feel a slight burning sensation, but this is normal).
Step 3: Keep your fingers stretched in this position for a maximum of 2 minutes. Then, move your thumbs outward and inward in a gentle, slow U-shaped motion (you should feel a sensation on the inside and outside of your vagina).
How can we help?: Before starting your massage, apply our all-natural Push Partner Perineum Oil to the lower part of the opening of your vagina. This fragrance-free, nourishing blend of natural oils helps to increase the skin’s elasticity, helping to keep your skin super soft and supple for when you’re ready to push, push, push!
Answer:
- Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day.
- Try the B.R.A.T diet: Bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. These foods are bland and easy to digest.
- Try different temperatures: Different temperatures of foods and drink may agree with you more easily.
- Keep a record of your morning sickness: Tracking your symptoms can help you to identify your triggers so you can avoid them in the future.
- Ask your doctor: Talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe, anti-nausea medication to help ease your morning sickness.
Answer: On your side. Especially from 22 weeks, your side is the safest (and usually the comfiest!) position for you and baby, Mama. Some studies have shown that sleeping on your left side helps improve blood circulation and relieves extra pressure on your liver.
Find out more with our all you need to know guide on sleeping positions!
Answer: If you’re experiencing back and hip pain Mama, you’re not alone! Try these home remedies to help:
- Yoga: Stretching can help to loosen tight hips, searching for pregnancy-safe yoga sessions is a great way to get your stretches in daily.
- Pain relievers: Ask your doctor which pain relief is best for you to use when pregnant and for the level of pain you’re experiencing.
- Warm bath or compress: Warmth can help bring blood flow to the area of pain. If you have a warm bath ensure it’s not too hot to avoid getting dehydrated and feeling light-headed.
- Massage: Asking your partner, friend or professional for a gentle massage around your hips can help release pain and pressure.
Answer: As important as it is to stay active, have fun and keep up with your favourite hobbies when you’re pregnant, you also need to avoid activities that could put you or your baby at risk. Avoid activities that increase the risk of trauma to your uterus.
Including (but not limited to):
- Roller coasters
- Bumper cars
- Water slides
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Gymnastics
- Hot yoga
- Scuba diving
- Sky diving
- Waterskiing
Answer:
- Create the right atmosphere for rest: Keeping your bedroom dark, clean and cold.
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
- Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated.
- Exercise.
- Have a pamper.
- Most importantly... take a nap!
- Consult your Doctor.
Answer:
For Mama:
- Your birth plan
- Around 3 different changes of comfortable clothing
- Super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- Towels
- Activities to pass the time
- Dressing gown and slippers
For Mini:
- Clothing: Bodysuits, sleepsuits, hats, outfits to head home in
- Nappies
- Shawl or blanket
- Muslin squares or bibs
- A car seat for the ride home
Your Pregnancy Hospital Bag Essentials Checklist!
Marie Louise aka The Modern Midwife tells us her hospital bag essentials!
Answer:
- Wear loose fitting trousers when eating
- After your meal, keep upright and don’t bend down
- Drink Aloe Vera juice
- Drink apple cider vinegar
- Try fennel seeds
- Eat papaya
Read more about our top tips on relieving heartburn in pregnancy!
Answer: If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, speak to a mental health charity or organisation in your local area by following the NHS led Hub of Hope.
Other charities:
Answer:
- Pain relief
- Reduced swelling
- Better sleep
- Relaxation
