THE TOP SIX FEARS FOR NEW AND EXPECTANT MOTHERS
1. What to eat and drink when pregnant (81%)
THERE’S no specific diet you should follow when pregnant, but Vicki says it’s worth looking at what you’re eating and drinking, and being mindful of how varied, nutritious and healthy your choices are.
“Pregnancy puts a lot of demands on your body, so to nourish it from within will help you support the healthy growth of your baby, and to feel great during your pregnancy,” she says.
There are foods you should avoid altogether or limit during pregnancy, and comprehensive information can be found on the NHS website.
Vicki says mothers-to-be should choose a wide variety of foods so they’ll get a range of nutrients – good quality proteins every day, including fish, eggs, beans and pulses, starchy carbohydrates for energy, fruits and vegetables (important to help that sluggish pregnancy bowel to keep moving), and dairy products (reduced fat is a good choice). “Keep well-hydrated during the day – herbal or fruit teas and water are good choices,” adds Vicki.
2. Baby development (62%)
EACH baby’s development is unique, but there’s plenty of information available to guide parents on what’s normal, such as NHS Pregnancy Week by Week.
3. Morning sickness (61%)
DESPITE the name, Vicki says this type of pregnancy-induced nausea, and often vomiting, can last all day for many mums-to-be, and continue for well over half their pregnancy. It can, however, start to lift after the third month.
In severe cases, hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects around 1% of pregnant women, causes excessive nausea and vomiting, and may need hospital admission to prevent and
treat dehydration.
“We’re all different, and women often find particular ways of managing their nausea – maybe avoiding certain foods or smells, avoiding spicy foods, eating little and often, and even eating something before getting out of bed in the morning – all can help,” says Vicki.
Ginger has long been used to combat nausea, and there’s some evidence to support its effectiveness, says Vicki. If nothing helps, visit your GP.
4. Medication queries (52%)
VICKI says it’s generally best to avoid taking medication in pregnancy unless essential, and always on the advice of a health professional.
If you take regular medication for a pre-existing medical condition, part of your pregnancy planning should include a chat with your medical team to decide if it’s better to stay on your medications, or change them to another type more compatible with pregnancy.
“Assume a medicine isn’t safe to take until you’ve checked it out,” warns Vicki.
5. Managing financially (46%)
IT can be hard not to worry about money when there’s about to be another mouth to feed, but there’s plenty of advice available, such as that on Moneyaware.
6. Pregnancy mood swings (36%)
THE main culprits for mood swings and exaggerated emotions are hormones, but other causes are physical tiredness, disturbed sleep and changes in your relationship.
Vicki advises mothers-to-be to take care of themselves by eating well, making sure they get enough rest, and telling loved ones how they’re feeling.
“The upside of mood swings is that they have a positive side – there’ll be times of great happiness, positivity and excitement in the time to come to,” promises Vicki.