Eat well and you’ll feel well, it’s pretty standard advice. But things get a little bit trickier when you’re “eating for two”! Most people know that maintaining a healthy diet and eating well during pregnancy is extremely important, both for your health and wellbeing and that of your baby. While it’s always essential to talk to your doctor about a pregnancy nutritional plan, here are some tips to get you eating well and feeling your best while you wait for your little one to arrive!

Tips for feeling and eating well during pregnancy

Get the right nutrients

One of the most important things you can do to support your diet whilst pregnant is to make sure you’re eating nutrient rich food and taking supplements where necessary.

Iron – It is vital to maintain your iron levels during pregnancy as iron helps to carry oxygen from your blood to your baby, supporting the development of the cardiovascular system and the brain. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is common amongst pregnant women so be sure to eat plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, dried fruits, legumes and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is also recommended to help your body absorb the iron present in these foods.

Calcium – We all know that calcium is necessary in the building and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. This is particularly important during pregnancy when extra strain is placed upon a woman’s skeletal system. It is recommended that you consume two servings of dairy per day to support your bones and the development of your baby’s. However, be sure to check all labels on cheese products to ensure the milk ingredients have been pasturised as non-pasturised milk products should be avoided during pregnancy.

Folic acid – This vitamin plays an extremely important role in the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord during the first trimester. It is recommended that you begin taking a folic acid supplement if you are planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out that you are pregnant and continue doing so until the 12th week of pregnancy. You can also find folic acid (folate) in dark green leafy vegetables, dried legumes, oranges, cereals, bread and pasta.

Take care of yourself

It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when you’ve got so much else on your mind, but you have to remember that taking care of yourself means taking care of your baby!

Eat well – besides making sure you’re getting the proper supplements, you also need to be wise about what else you’re putting in your body. Make sure you’re eating a variety of good quality goods from each of the main food groups every day, drink plenty of water (you’ll need more than you usually would), reduce the intake of foods that are high in artificial sugar, salt, saturated fats and caffeine, and abstain from alcohol.

Balance rest and exercise – Unfortunately, pregnancy can completely drain your energy stores and leave you fatigued and exhausted. It’s important for you to rest whenever you feel the need and take naps to supplement your nighttime sleep, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. Having said that, light exercise on a regular basis can really help boost your energy levels and support your wellbeing so be sure to consult your doctor on the right type of exercise for you.

Don’t worry; be happy – It’s surprising how many women don’t realise that their mood and stress levels can have a huge effect on their growing child. While you shouldn’t feel guilty for having a ‘down’ day every now and then, try to be proactive in maintaining a positive and stress-free outlook. Take some time to yourself when you’re getting overwhelmed or ask a loved one for help – you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make!

If you’d like more helpful pregnancy tips and advice, visit http://www.maternitysale.com.au/ and make sure to consult your doctor on a regular basis for professional advice on eating habits and other lifestyle changes you can make to support the happy and healthy development of your baby.

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If you go back to September last year I did a review on dress for i&u which I must say with all honesty is one of the best brands of clothing for pregnancy & breastfeeding mothers. Since that review I purchased 3 of their maxi dresses and a pair of the lounge pants. The dresses are designed for breastfeeding but they are so comfortable, stylish and versatile that I have practically lived in them for my whole pregnancy!

The designer of i&u has decided to do a brand relaunch with a new name, new look, new range and a brand new philosophy – NO PREGNANT CHICKS! The idea behind this is to give new mums the confidence to wear gorgeous clothes without having to wear maternity or battle your post baby body demons in uncomfortable clothing. Laila & Spot has designed a range that is not only comfortable and affordable but they are highly flattering to the ‘new mum’ figure.

You can view their range here and visit them on facebook here.

This is not a sponsored post – it is just a brand that I trust and want to spread the word about so other mums can experience the comfort, support and confidence that Laila & Spot offers.   

The post Clothing Label says No Pregnant Chicks! appeared first on All Mum Said.

You may have seen the other day I did a review on a belly band and maternity tights from Fertile Mind. Well thanks to Fertile Mind I have 2 pairs of maternity tights to giveaway! Trust me if you’re pregnant you want these. These are so comfortable and yet look great on; coming into winter these are a must have item for your wardrobe.

To find out more you can find my review here. 

2x Lucky Readers will each receive 1x pair of maternity tights each.

To enter all you have to do is follow the instructions on the rafflecopter below. 

Winner is decided based on skill and chance plays no part. 

**The mandatory instructions MUST be completed or your entry will be void!** 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

WINNERS ANNOUNCED  

Denise S No response

Stacey S

Chloe B

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We all know that when you are pregnant it becomes more and more difficult to find clothes that fit, are comfortable and still look good. I find that because I start to show very early on that my need to constantly update my wardrobe is not so much something that makes me enjoy the fashion but it is more out of necessity. Each pregnancy I have not gone overboard with the purchasing of clothes and seem to have ended up each time with a handful of singlets, stretch waist skirts and dresses that are on a constant repeat cycle. Yes I have gotten very sick of seeing the same the same clothes over and over again.

A big thanks goes to Fertile Mind for offering some amazing maternity items at reasonable prices!

Each and every pregnancy I have found my belly becomes too round and big for tops and singlets to cover and yet I never thought of getting one of those belly / maternity bands. What was I thinking? I have been using the Bando from Fertile Mind for the past 2 months and must say not getting one sooner is one of the stupidest things I have done. They not only give the allusion my tops are long enough but they are so comfy, feel amazing and are extremely supportive. They are designed so you don’t notice them being worn under your tops; there are no extra seam lines or bulges. I think the no bulges aspect will also come in handy after pregnancy if you know what I mean. They retail for $24.99.

   Maternity tights are another item I never thought about buying (maybe because my first 2 pregnancies were in summer) and figured how different could they be to the normal tights out there. Well I’m here to tell you they are so different! They are super soft, durable and fit perfectly; which ultimately makes them extremely comfortable. They provide extra support for your belly that is truly understated. The overbelly design delivers extra warmth which is great for winter and cooler months. I can also see myself wearing these after pregnancy as they are warm, comfortable and supportive. Retailing for $24.95 I think this is a great investment.

Fertile Mind offers a great range of products for pregnancy, breastfeeding, baby wearing and the list goes on. You can find their great items on the website here. 

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