It is estimated that more than 10 per cent of pregnancies in some Western countries are exposed to illegal, mind-altering drugs of abuse such as cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, crack and heroin (diamorphine). These drugs will affect your growing baby’s brain and can cause permanent damage to neurons and the pathways connecting brain cells, leading to emotional problems and lowered intelligence in the future.
An ultrasound is performed in the second trimester to determine the size and anatomy of your baby and to confirm the correct due date for the pregnancy, along with giving the parents reassurance that all is well. Again, we have to say that most couples are very concerned with the gender of the baby at the time of this ultrasound. Obviously, the couple wants a healthy baby, but is it a healthy baby boy or girl?
Tips to help you sleep include:
- Eat a healthy, wholefood diet with plenty of unrefined, complex carbohydrates (such as wholegrain cereals, brown bread, wholewheat pasta, brown rice) plus fruit and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Avoid hunger, as this will make you more alert – but avoid rich, heavy, fatty meals in the evening.
Cellulite is a pregnant woman’s nightmare. These are unsightly fatty tissues seen mostly in the belly and are hard to get rid of. This happens when the skin is being stretched as the baby grows and when the mother gains weight.
Heartburn relief during pregnancy is a common concern many pregnant women have. Read on to see what you what heartburn remedies during pregnancy are available.