Pregnant (All trimesters)

Eat this, don't eat that -- when you're pregnant, it seems everyone has advice on what you should and should not munch on. Here, simple guidelines from the experts to help you navigate the nutrition maze.
Healthy eating during pregnancy

Now that you're pregnant, it's more important than ever to eat right and get proper exercise. Learn what vitamins and nutrients you need, what foods to avoid, and the best exercises for pregnancy.
Learn about nutrition and exercise during pregnancy

Wondering what happens to your body after you give birth? Learn about afterbirth pains, lochia, episiotomy incisions, and more, so you can feel better faster and enjoy your new baby.
Tips for a faster recovery after childbirth

Keep an Open Mind! Babies rarely follow protocol when it comes to making their big entrances in the world, and many a best laid plan has had to be tossed aside in the midst of labour. By all means, set out your preferences for the perfect birth in the plan you write, but don't set your heart on things turning out a certain way. Knowledge is most definitely power when it comes to giving birth. So swat up on all the options available to you (in terms of pain relief, birthing tools and postions, etc) and make first, second and third choices. Then go into labour with a wide open mind, ready for any eventuality, knowing that whatever happens you and your baby will be well looked after.
Read Birth Choices

Must-Have Minerals Calcium (the building block for bones and teeth) and iron (which helps create blood cells) are vital minerals in your diet right now. Pregnant women and nursing mothers need to consume at least 1000 mg of calcium and 30 mg of iron daily.
Read Which foods are the best sources of calcium and iron

About Stretch Marks Stretch marks – the dark lines that can develop on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and thighs – occur when the connective fibres in the skin become damaged after persistent stretching. Other than their unsightliness, they have no health implications, and more often than not they will fade over time.
Read What to do about stretch marks

What's That I can See? At 30 weeks, your little one's eyesight is sensitive enough to pick up changes in luminosity inside your womb. Your baby will respond by blinking and moving away if a bright light is shone onto your abdomen. Now measuring between 35 and 38 cm long (around 14 inches), and weighing around 1 kg (2.5 lbs), your baby has also been busy practicing breathing movements in preparation for life in the outside world.
Read How your little one is already putting his organs to use

The Birthing Partner Undoubtedly one of the most important people involved in the birth! Whoever it is, should feel honoured to be given the opportunity to witness the beginning of a new life. But they are there for much more than just a treat! It's their responsibility to provide you with support, comfort, love and practical help during the labour and birth. They must also be able to be your voice when necessary. So it's imperative that your birthing partner is very clear about your hopes, feelings and preferences for the birth.
Read The role of the birthing partner