The foundations of a healthy diet for pregnancy and beyond: part one

Fad diets and 'healthy' eating plans hit the internet almost daily, and they often result in people having to stop eating certain food groups - usually carbohydrates and fats! This article, written by Nutritional Therapist Rosie Letts, explains why getting the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in …

Changes to your body: the effects of exercise in pregnancy

Your body undergoes numerous physiological and biomechanical changes throughout the nine-month period of your pregnancy. Circulation During the first trimester, most expectant mums experience vascular under fill, which occurs when the blood vessels become enlarged to supply sufficient oxygen to your baby, but your blood volume hasn’t changed. This effectively means blood …

Five reasons to do your pelvic floor exercises

Did you know the average pregnancy bump weighs around 6 kg? Therefore the pressure is building on your pelvic floor muscles before your baby even arrives! Pushing your baby out further weakens these muscles. This isn't good news for later life, which is why it's important to do your pelvic floor exercises …

3 reasons you need iron in pregnancy

You need iron in pregnancy because it's needed to make haemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body, and to your baby. 1.Your blood volume increases by almost 50% in pregnancy As your blood volume increases, so does the need for extra iron. The best way …

Managing gestational diabetes with a healthy diet

Gestational diabetes is caused by high blood sugar developing during pregnancy, which your insulin levels cannot control. It currently effects as many as 18 in 100 women in England and Wales, and puts you at higher risk of type 2 diabetes in later life. If you develop gestational diabetes your baby …