Your Body

Taking care

- Go for walks to unwind and relax. Invite a friend to join you in your walks. Walking will keep you fit.
- When you are casually sitting do foot exercises. This can prevent leg cramps.
- Rub your calve muscle hard and pull your toes upwards if you are woken up at night with sharp pains.
- Chew on sugarless chewing gum after meals. This could prevent heartburn.
- Take frequent fresh air breaks if you are in a stuffy room. This can help prevent headaches.
Ask your doctor

- What are the dos and donts in 2nd trimester of pregnancy?
- Which screening tests are important?
- I notice spotting at times. Is that normal?
- I am sad more often than being happy and the feeling is not going away. Do I need to see a specialist and get extra support?
- Am I gaining the right amount of weight? My belly is not as big compared to other pregnant women!
Questions you may have
“It is not unusual to have some worries and fears. Don’t put too much expectation on yourself. Be realistic about what you can do. Relax when you need to. Spend time with others who make you feel relaxed and good about yourself. 1 in 10 pregnant women experience some form of depression. Talk to other expectant mothers. If you are feeling constantly bad or your mood is coming in the way of your day to day functioning talk to your GP.”
“I cried at the silliest of things too! I went to the shops, saw baby clothes and started crying! It is common to have mood swings and get emotional. Often called pregnancy blues, it’s those pregnancy hormones!”
Join other expectant mothers, share your fears and anxieties. Make sure you are getting that support in a safe and non-judgemental environment.