Displaying items by tag: Pregnancy

If you are pregnant with your first baby, you may wonder about Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks contractions are the body’s way of preparing for labour, but if you have them it doesn’t mean your labour has started. Sometimes they are known as false labour pains.

Some women describe them as a shooting pain, while others say it only feels as if their bumps go solid.

Have you experienced Braxton Hicks in your pregnancy? How did it feel?

Although a lot of people feel general housework isn’t something a pregnant woman should avoid, there is a few reasons why certain types of housework should be avoided when you are pregnant.

General cleaning

Cleaning agents are loaded with harsh chemicals which could cause allergic reactions. Sometimes a pregnant woman experiences a more sensitive skin and therefore the skin reacts to even the most common type of chemical.

Cleaning of litter

Do try to avoid cleaning out litter when you are pregnant. Cats tend to carry a type of parasite which could be transferred to you while cleaning their litter. This could lead to infection, which can be dangerous to you and your unborn baby.

Moving heavy weights

Moving a heavy couch or a wooden shelf can often cause the strain on your back to worsen. Your larger belly tends to stress your back and by moving heavy objects around the house, you can cause acute pain.

Recently I was advised by my obstetrician to ‘wait until two weeks after you miss your period, do a home pregnancy test, and then call for an appointment if it’s positive’.  This got me thinking, that means I will have to wait FOUR weeks from my suspected date of ovulation in order to test?  Ooh, I am not a patient person!  I did, however realise the wisdom in his advice, since I am a seasoned pregnancy tester (I know some of you out there will relate!) and thought I will explore this topic a little more. Those of us fortunate enough to plan our pregnancies, and anticipate a positive result can be somewhat prone to wanting to know IMMEDIATELY whether we are pregnant or not.