All Important Early Pregnancy Test

Congratulations you are pregnant! Getting confirmation from that all-important early pregnancy test is so exciting but it is just the start of things to come. There will be big changes to get used to during the pregnancy from your growing bump, coping with morning sickness to finding a whole new wardrobe to fit into. Here is what to expect... Feeling sick and tired: It usual to feel exhausted during pregnancy, particularly in the first 12 weeks due to all the hormonal changes taking place in your body. If you can, try to rest as much as possible. Many women also experience nausea, again often in the first part of the pregnancy (often even before they take an early pregnancy test) although an unfortunate few can suffer the whole nine months. Eating little and often can alleviate the symptoms. Ginger, for example in tea, can help. Blooming in pregnancy: If you are feeling sick and tired, take comfort that chances are you will also experience a ‘bloom’ in pregnancy. Due to the pregnancy hormone progesterone and the extra oxygen pumping round the body, women can find their hair grows quicker and glossier, their skins glows and they develop an appealing cleavage as their breasts swell in size. Unfortunately for some the opposite is true – their hair begins to fall out in clumps, their skin becomes greasy and, horror of horrors, spots begin to appear. Stretch marks: Whether you develop stretch marks or not in pregnancy is rather down to pot luck and good genes, although you can help keep them at bay by moisturising your bump every night before bed. Baby bump: It is not usual to see any signs of a bump until around 13 weeks, although if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you might start to show a little sooner. It all depends on your shape, size and those all important genes. Maternity clothes: Before you know it, your favourite jeans won’t fasten and all your tops are leaving are rather unsightly gap around the midriff. Now is the time to shop for maternity clothes. Most high street shops have a dedicated section for this and there is much more choice these days. Invest in a quality maternity bra to support your growing breasts and steer clear of under wired bras as these can damage the tissue as your shape changes. Safe sex: Many couples worry that having sex can harm the baby but it doesn’t. In fact, it is important to maintain a happy and healthy relationship with your partner during the pregnancy. Better still, sex in the final stages of pregnancy is said to help bring about labour. Eating for two: No matter how tempting it might, being pregnant doesn’t mean you need to eat for two. In fact, while you will gain a few extra pounds, it is advisable to keep a check on your weight as you will only have an uphill battle trying to lose it once the baby has arrived.