There are now several antenatal tests that can be carried out during pregnancy. Here is a helpful list of the tests that may be offered to you:

CVS (chorionic villus sampling) – This is a test for Down’s syndrome which involves taking a sample of the placenta and is done at 10-14 weeks.

 Nuchal Scan – An ultrasound scan that screens for Down’s syndrome can take place at 11-14 weeks.

Screening Blood Tests – These blood tests screen for Down’s syndrome and is done at 15-20 weeks.

Amniocentesis – This is a test for Down’s syndrome and other conditions. A sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby is taken at around 16 weeks.

Do you think that you are pregnant? Here are some helpful hints to help you decide:

10. Prickling, tingling nipples 

9. Spotting and cramping

8. Feeling sick 

7. Tender and swollen breasts

6. Feeling tired

5. Needing to go to the toilet more frequently

 4. Darkening of your nipples

 3. Changes to your sense of taste

 2. A missed period

1. A positive home pregnancy test

Massage is good for mind body and soul. It can soothe us and relax away the tensions of a hard day, it can stimulate sluggish circulation, relieve aching muscles and improve sleep patterns. Regular massage helps to boost your immune system and can make you feel better all over. It can also put us in touch with our bodies, and make us more aware of how we are feeling.

Massage and simple positive touch communicates love, support and care.  

There are many ways of bringing the benefits of massage and positive touch into our everyday lives:

• Swapping massages with our family and friends
• Self-massage
• Massaging our children
• Ensuring we hug and offer caring touch to our children, family and friends (be sensitive and respectful – not everyone is used to touch)
• Allow postive touch from others into our own lives

We offer a wonderful baby massge oil by Vital Touch Natalia as well as a step by step guide to baby massage.

Sports where you might have a hard fall or be thrown off-balance are not such a good idea. These may include horse-riding, skiing, gymnastics and waterskiing. Diving is also considered to be unsafe during pregnancy. Also be wary of ball sports such as football, tennis and squash simply because you may be hit in the stomach.

Most doctors and midwives recommend giving up cycling on the road after the second trimester. Even if you’re an experienced cyclist, there’s a potential danger if you fall off or happen to be knocked off your bike. You can, however, use an exercise bike throughout pregnancy as this is qite safe if you are already used to this type of exercise.

And after your exercise session you may want to indulge yourself in a lovely warm bath using some of our lovely organic products that are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy.