Why exercise helps during pregnancy

1. Exercise will give you more energy to get through the day
2. It can help strengthen your body ready for labour
3. Exercise helps to prevent cellulite
4. It can improve your circulation and send more oxygen to baby
5. Exercise helps you to feel good about yourself

Morning sickness can strike at any time of the day and not just in the morning.

Here are some helpful hints to ease your feeling of morning sickness:

• Munch on a bland cracker during the day
• If you are up late eat a few crackers before you go to bed. This will help to soak up the stomach acids whilst you sleep.
• Snack during the day on foods like toast, bananas or yoghurts
• Eat plenty of protein
• Drink plenty during the day
• Try to eat ginger biscuits, ginger candy and drink ginger tea
• Try the seasickness wristbands

Top tips for dad to get through the first trimester:

Cravings – your partner may develop a certain food craving during the pregnancy. Make sure you have lots of this particular item in and know where to get it from. Even if it is bizarre make sure you take it seriously!

Going out with friends – your social life will probably be rather quiet during your partner’s pregnancy as she will need you close at home for support.

Scans – do try to attend the scans. This is the first opportunity to see your baby. Make sure you do not laminate the scan photo as it is printed on thermal paper and may turn totally black.

Morning sickness – many women experience morning sickness but it is not just in the morning it can be any time of the day. Try to be sensitive and you will be much appreciated.

Feeling scared – The fear of the unknown is to be expected and is very natural. You will survive and this feeling will pass.

The earlier your child is introduced to music the better as research shows that it enhances brain development and learning.

• Children who have music training early score higher on standard tests
• Using music during learning can increase the child’s IQ
• Children who have music lessons show a different brain development and improved memory

Children who are involved with music can develop:

• Creative abilities
• Attention spans
• Rhythmic co-ordination
• Mental agility
• Ability to process aural information

The Do’s and Don’ts of a happy Christmas:

·    Don’t stress too much about the presents
·    Don’t expect the day to run smoothly
·    Don’t expect the children to be perfect on the day
·    Don’t waste money
·    Do try to relax and enjoy the day
·    Do try to make your own family traditions
·    Do make sure you get out and about over the holiday
·    Do share jobs out with the children
·    Do enjoying the preparation and run up to Christmas