When a woman has baby it is a such a wonderful thing, and weight loss is the last thing on your mind. However, once this joyous feeling has worn off and you are happy that your child is healthy and developing well, you will generally start to consider how on earth you are going to lose weight after having your baby.

The main problem is the pressure on new mothers when they see how quickly celebrity mothers lose those pounds after they have had a child; they can’t wait to show it off in as many periodicals that will buy the story. The fact that they have access to their own physical trainers and dieticians to help achieve weight loss after pregnancy for example is not mentioned; of course the time dedicated to regaining their figure is also disproportionate to the average mother.

There are things to make weight loss after pregnancy easier but these are not always available to the average new mom for at least the first few months, if at all. A new mother will be thinking about her baby and her focus should be eating healthily to regain strength and recover from the birth. The sort of diet that a mother needs shouldn’t be more than two thousand calories a day incorporating a small amount of fiber; the food she eats should consist of:

1. 50% as carbohydrates,
2. Protein should be almost a third of daily intake
3. A small amount of fat (10 percent)

These percentages leave a little for a few of life’s luxuries which we all need but should not indulge too much in if getting those pounds off is important. As busy as a new mother is, it is still advisable for her to make an effort to get some moderate exercise and work towards a gradual increase in stamina, muscle tone, and overall fitness. The idea is that you look forward to the physical activity and enjoy the feeling when it is complete so moderation is the key, otherwise it will feel like a chore and you will give up.

It is best to start things relatively easily but do not expect that your weight loss after pregnancy as quickly as someone else as it is down to your own genetic makeup and how many pounds you gained during the pregnancy. There are a number of physical and psychological changes that a new mother will experience after the birth of a child and can have an effect on how quickly those pounds are lost. The order of the day is that losing weight after pregnancy will be more consistent and healthy if it is achieved slowly but surely through a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

There is no need to rush as fat lost slowly, and muscle tone regained the same way, will be maintained more successfully. If this routine is maintained then there is no reason why the excess and unwanted weight you gained during the pregnancy should not be lost within a relatively short period of time. Getting your figure back is perfectly possible after pregnancy and most women will achieve this but some may find that those last few annoying pounds just won’t go until the breast feeding has ended.

It is very important that your maternity and breastfeeding bras support and fit you properly because throughout your pregnancy the milk ducts are developing and growing.

There have been lots of technical developments in the design and fabrics of maternity and breastfeeding bras over the last few year and the bras are now so much more comfortable and supportive.

This year there are some fantastic maternity bras – wonderful bright colours and cool sexy lace trimmed bras – so there is no excuse to wear boring white or black bras any more. This season’s favourite styles are funky silver damask prints highlighted by silver trims, vibrant cherry red flower print and pink roses embellished with lace frills and a satin bow. Matching boy leg French knickers and bikini briefs have the same clean lines and are designed for comfort and have a ruched gathering at the back to enhance and sculpt your shape.

Most breastfeeding bras have one handed nursing clasps with drop down cups, soft comfy cotton lining, strong power mesh side panels for extra strength, wider bra straps and back adjusters for the fuller cup and double lined laminated cups for sensational support.

As your breasts start to grow, your normal bra will start to feel uncomfortable. This is usually when you are around 8-12 weeks pregnant. So that is the time to buy a nursing bra. Don’t wear normal under-wire bras as these can damage the milk ducts on the side of your breasts. Maternity under-wire bras are designed specifically for pregnancy with specially shaped, softer wire, which is still very supportive.

When trying on a bra fit the bra on the smallest fitting so the bra grows with you.

The cup should cover and support the breast with no overflow. If there is overflow you need to choose a bigger cup size. The strap at the back should be straight and fit snugly and not creep up your back.

It isn’t very easy with a big bump to bend over and lower your breast into the cup as one normally does when putting on a bra, so the best way when pregnant is to put the bra on and gently lift your breasts into the cups. If the bra is fitted correctly it should fit for the duration of the pregnancy, but if it is getting tight near the end of your pregnancy and the next size is too big, then try using a bra extender.

The best time to buy breastfeeding bras is when you are around 37-38 weeks. By this time your baby will have moved down and your rib cage will have slowly reduced in size. Fit the bra on the loosest fitting as the bra will need to be tightened after the birth. You should be able to fit your hand comfortably in your bra between the breast and the cup - this will allow for growth. Your breasts will grow when the milk comes in, but will then settle down with regular breast feeding.

Most specialist maternity shops offer a personal bra fitting service in their shops. To find your correct bra size in inches it’s best to measure under and across your bust. Try on the different styles of maternity and breast feeding bras in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and ask the help of expertly trained staff.

Until you have tried a bra on it is hard to tell if it fits correctly, so the best companies will always exchange a bra for a different size or style or give you a full refund within 14 days. For extra advice on bra fitting, specialist shop staff or customer service advisers of online and mail order companies will happily give you advice over the phone to help you find the perfect bra.

Hair loss is even more distressing for women than it is for men.

There are many possible reasons for hair loss in women, including:

• Braiding your hair too tightly
• Attaching hair extensions that are too long and heavy
• Onset of the menopause and the associated hormonal imbalance
• Pregnancy and childbirth can cause hair loss due to hormone changes.
• Adverse reaction to medication
• Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy
• A poor diet can also cause hair loss if you are missing vital nutrients
• Hereditary hair loss
• Getting older increases the risk of hair loss as well.
• Illness and disease (including conditions such as diabetes)
• Scalp infections

Because women who suffer from hair loss usually conceal the problem with a wig or similar hair replacement system, many people do not realise quite how widespread the female hair loss problem actually is.

In fact, experts estimate that there are over 30 million in the USA alone who suffer from some form of hair loss.

No matter what the reason, losing your hair is a major blow to your self esteem and confidence, but fortunately there are now many treatments that can help resolve the problem.

The most important thing is to act as soon as you realise there is a problem. If your hair loss is caused by a hormone problem, then treatment can be easily provided and the hair loss reversed. If the problem is caused by other issues, then many of the treaments used by men can be equally as effective for women, eg. Minoxidil

If medical treatment can’t correct the problem then you may be able to conceal the problem with a new hairstyle, or if the problem is severe, a hairpiece, weave or a complete wig.

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Recent Articles

• Maternity and Nursing Bras
  It is very important that your maternity and breastfeeding bras support and fit you properly because throughout your pregnancy the milk ducts are developing and growing. Bur what should you look for in a Nursing Bra, and exactly when should you start wearing one…..
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• Moving During Pregnancy
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• How to Estimate Your Due Date
  Learn how to estimate when your baby will arrive.
• How To Cure Morning Sickness
  Methods and techniques for reducing the effects of morning sickness.
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  Advice on what not to eat during pregnancy.
• Good Sources of the Vitamins Needed During Pregnancy
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• Healthy Eating - Recommended Daily Allowances During Pregnancy
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Learn how to estimate when your baby will arrive.

During your menstrual cycle, every month typically 14 days after the first day of your last period, an egg will be released. Generally there is a window of 24-48 hours for sperm to fertilise the egg. This is the reasoning that is behind your due date calculations. However, Please keep in mind that your due date is only an estimate. Quite often, especially with first time mothers, your child can deliver up to two weeks after your expected due date. We can help you make a basic estimate of when your baby will be due, however, your midwife or health adviser may tell you an alternate date. This date may again change after you have your first scan. During your first scan your midwife will be able to estimate more accurately your expected due date by measuring how big your baby is.

The customary way of calculating your expected due date is to count 280 days ahead from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. This works on the basis that an average term of pregnancy lasts 266 days. 14 days are then added to this figure to represent when your most fertile period would have been and therefore when you were most likely to conceive. A slightly easier way of calculating your expected due date is to add 7 days to the first day of your last period and subtract three months.

However, the notion that you conceived exactly 14 days after the first day of your last menstrual cycle is only a basic general marker and is by no means accurate. This can vary due to a number of reasons, for instance if your menstrual cycle is generally longer or shorter than 28 days.

Other methods of working out your expected due dates are.

1. Working out the date from time of intercourse.
2. Testing the human chorionic gonadotropin levels in your blood. This is done at the hospital. Generally levels are at least 5 mIU/ml in early pregnancy, and this level doubles approximately every two days.
3. When pregnancy symptoms first began, for instance, tender breasts, morning sickness.

There is no totally accurate way of telling when your baby will arrive. All you can do is be prepared, patient and allow nature to take its course.

During your pregnancy your body changes in posture to accommodate your growing bump. During pregnancy your placenta produces a hormone called relaxin, which makes the joints of your spine and pelvis more flexible. This is to prepare you for birth. Your centre of gravity shifts as your growing uterus thrusts your abdomen forward. The chest and bottom also tend to push out to even balance. This puts extra strain on your back, which can lead to backache.

Changing the way you sit, stand and lie can reduce discomfort caused by your change in posture. Try to avoid slouching during pregnancy, as it is likely to increase the risk of backache.

Sitting Whilst Pregnant
Try to sit upright as often as possible. A high-backed chair will help to support your upper back and a small cushion placed at the small of your back during later pregnancy will help. Try not to slouch and if you sit in the same position for a long time roll your shoulders backwards and forwards to release tension.

Lying down whilst pregnant
Some doctors recommend that you do not lie on your back after 20 weeks as it can decrease blood flow to the uterus. Lying on your front won’t hurt your baby but my become uncomfortable later on in pregnancy. Lying on your side during pregnancy helps to relieve pressure to your back and doesn’t restrict your blood flow. It is best when lying on your side to have your upper leg laid slightly higher and a cushion under your knee can enhance comfort.

Standing whilst pregnant
Try to practice standing with a good posture. Standing straight up with your bottom tucked slightly in and your shoulders straight rather than slumped over will help ease the pressure on your back.

Most importantly, try to relax as much as possible, especially if you are working during pregnancy. Aches and pains are part of being pregnant and are very difficult to avoid all together. Therefore it is important that your body gets chance to rest and recover from the extra demands placed on it.

An intake of recommended amount of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy is vital to the health of you and your baby. The following is your recommended daily allowance during pregnancy. If you already eat a healthy balanced diet, chances are you are already receiving the right amount of vitamins and minerals anyway. However, if you are unsure, check labels to make sure you are receiving what you need for you and your baby.

Recommended Daily Amounts of Vitamins and Minerals During Pregnancy

Calcium – 1,200mg
Phosphorus – 1,200mg
Magnesium – 320mg
Iron – 30mg
Zinc – 15mg
Vitamin A – 800mcg
Vitamin D – 10mcg
Vitamin E – 10mcg
Vitamin C – 70mg
Vitamin B
Thiamine – 1.5 mg
Riboflavin – 1.6mg
Niacin – 17mg
Pyndoxine – 2.2mg
Folic Acid – 400mcg
Cyanocobalamin – 2.2mcg

Zinc
Good sources of zinc are; lamb, turkey, sardines, hard cheeses, wholegerm cereals, spinach, peas, watercress and chickpeas. Dried fruits are a good source of zinc, for example figs and apricots. Lentils, wholegrain cereals and green vegetables also contain a good level of zinc.

Calcium
Good sources of calcium are milk (this includes skimmed and semi-skimmed milk), cheese (please see foods to avoid during pregnancy section), yoghurt, salmon, sardines, bread and almond nuts.

Magnesium
Almond and cashew nuts, sunflower seeds, peas, pulses, green, leafy vegetables, sweetcorn, parsnips, milk, yoghurt, dried figs, wholemeal and granary bread, courgettes, raisins, bananas, dried figs, apricots and wholewheat pasta.

Iron
The main sources of iron are meat, fish, wholegrain bread, milk, watercress, broccoli, plain chocolate, prunes, raisins, liquorice, spinach, savoy, pulses and seeds.

Phosphorus
Milk, green leafy, vegetables, cheese (please see foods to avoid during pregnancy section), sardines, raisins, dried figs, dried apricots, yoghurt and tofu are good sources of phosphorus.

Vitamin A

Good sources of vitamin A are mackerel, trout, herring, cheese (please see our foods to avoid during pregnancy section), milk, margarine and hard egg yolks.

The body also converts betacarotine into vitamin A. Therefore, foods rich in betacarotine are; carrots, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, brussel sprouts, peas, beans, leeks, sweet potatoes and courgettes. Foods such as; lettuce, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, plums, honeydew melons, papayas and passion fruits are also good sources of betacarotine.

Vitamin D
Sources of vitamin D are; salmon, kippers, mackerel, canned sardines, seaweed, tuna, eggs (please see our foods to avoid during pregnancy section), butter and margarine. Cheese, milk and yoghurt are also good sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin E
Good sources of vitamin E are; sardines, salmon, margarine, hard egg yolks, milk and wholegrain cereals. Sweet potatoes, spinach, lettuce, watercress, tomatoes and mangoes are also good sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found in oranges, grapefruit, lemons, strawberries, limes, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, mangoes, papayas, peaches, raspberries, nectarines and tomatoes. Red and yellow peppers, mange tout, watercress, peas and potatoes are also good sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 Thiamine
Wholegrain bread, breakfast cereals, beans, peas, lentils, wheat germ, cabbage, brussel sprouts, asparagus, tomatoes, peppers and watercress are good sources of thiamine.

Vitamin B2 Riboflavin
The best source of riboflavin is milk. However, other good sources are meat, yoghurt, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, pilchards, green, leafy vegetables and wheat germ.

Vitamin B3 Niacin
Oily fish, chicken, cheese, lentils, peas, beans, meat, raisins, dried apricots and nuts (please see foods to avoid during pregnancy section).

Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine
Good sources of Pyndoxine are; potatoes, breakfast cereals, lentils, beans, wholegrain bread, green vegetables, bananas, melons and peanuts.

Folic Acid
Good sources of folic acid are cabbage, brussel sprouts, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, oranges, grapefruit, mangoes, pumpkin, peaches, papaya, cereal, wholemeal bread and nuts (please see food to avoid during pregnancy section). It is difficult to fulfil the recommended dosage of folic acid during pregnancy through natural products. Therefore, it is advisable to take a recommended supplement.

Vitamin B12 Cyancobalamin
Good sources of vitamin B12 are eggs (please see foods to avoid during pregnancy), hard cheese, milk, pilchards, sardines, salmon, meat and tuna.

Morning sickness is caused by metabolic and hormonal changes in the body. The bad news is, is that is affects seven in ten women. It also varies with each pregnancy. Therefore some women who were unaffected in previous pregnancies can be affected in future pregnancies. The good new is, is that it normally eases in the first three months. However, some women can be affected throughout their whole pregnancy.

There are numerous suggestions on how to ease or cure morning sickness. However, what works for one woman may not work for another. The best recommendation we can make is to try a few and see what works for you through a process of elimination.

Salt and vinegar crisps can ease morning sickness during pregnancy as they help to dry up excess saliva created by the over activity of your saliva glands.

Eat smaller amounts more often. An empty stomach can enhance the feelings of nausea caused by morning sickness.

Make sure you are having enough sleep at night. You will probably find that you need more sleep during pregnancy so you need to accommodate for this. If you feel tired you will feel worse. If you cannot sleep for as long as needed try to take small naps where possible.

It is a good idea to take a tissue dabbed with an essential oil that you like around with you i.e. lemon. When you encounter a smell that makes you feel sick this can be a helpful remedy.

Try to avoid greasy or spicy foods as they often cause nausea or heartburn even smelling it can make you feel queasy.

Having protein snacks are a good way to keep morning sickness at bay. This is because they release energy more slowly and are therefore more effective.

Go with your cravings when you have them. They are normally an indication of what your body needs at the time.

Sea bands that are normally used to aid travel sickness can also work to ease morning sickness.

When planning your diet, it is wise to take care during pregnancy.

Nutrition during pregnancy is a difficult balancing act, you often don’t feel like eating and at other times your pregnancy cravings may push you towards foods that you should avoid. Apart from the foods that may affect baby development, there are also foods that may increase the chances of other problems (such as diabetes, insomnia, acne or gout) which can occur during pregnancy.

Here are a few healthy eating guidelines that are designed to help you keep fit.

Types of Cheese to Avoid During Pregnancy.
What cheeses you can and can?t eat when pregnant can be very confusing. Some cheeses can carry a bacteria called listeria
monocytogenes. Although potentially dangerous for yourself and your baby, listeria infection is rare. However, it is still best tokeep avoiding certain cheeses for this reason. It is best to avoid blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton and Gorgonzola. It is also a good idea for pregnant women to avoid cheeses that are often coated with wax for preservation such as; Asiago, Port- Salut, Taleggio, Muenster, Havarti and Belle Passe. Pasturised and unpasturised cheeses that have an editable rind and surface mould are also not healthy for you. Examples of these are Pont l?eveque, Montrachet, Cambert, Brie, Feta and Neutchatel. As if all of this wasn’t enough. cheese will also affect your cholesterol levels.

Types of Milk and Cream to avoid During Pregnancy
It is best to avoid unpasturised milk during your pregnancy. This includes goat milk and sheep milk. Unpasturised milk should be avoided during pregnancy and even after childbirth if breast feeding (ask your doctor if you are unsure).

Types of Eggs to Avoid during pregnancy
Eggs can carry salmonella, this relates to all types of eggs. It is safe to eat eggs that are cooked thoroughly enough for the yolk to be hard. Therefore, you should avoid fried eggs (with a runny yolk), poached eggs and soft boiled eggs. It is also advisable to avoid foods that are made with raw or partially cooked eggs whilst pregnant. This includes, mousses, homemade mayonnaise and ice-cream, sorbets, and cheesecake. Eggs can also cause constipation, which is common enough without you encouraging it.

Types of Meat to Avoid During Pregnancy
Raw meat may contain toxoplasma (which causes toxoplasmosis) and should therefore be avoided. Only eat meat that is
thoroughly cooked. Smoked and cured meats such as salami, luncheon meat, parma ham and frankfurters should be avoided. To avoid listeria it is advised that you do not eat meat pate whilst pregnant. Liver and products made from liver, such as liver sausages and pate should be avoided so as not to exceed your recommended allowance of vitamin A.

Types of Seafood to Avoid During Pregnancy
It is advisable to avoid raw fish, swordfish, fresh tuna and shark. Canned tuna has less mercury than fresh tuna so is safe to eat, however, intake should be limited to no more than two cans per week. It is also advisable to avoid mussels, prawns and crabs unless they are cooked thoroughly. It is best to avoid mussels, prawns and crabs unless they are cooked thoroughly. Fish preserved in nitrates such as smoked fish should be avoided. It is also advisable to avoid tropical fish such as; grouper, amberjack, blowfish and mahi mahi.

Types of Salad to Avoid During Pregnancy
Ready made and pre-prepared salads should be avoided during pregnancy to avoid the risk of catching lysteria. This includes bagged salads, potato salads and coleslaw. Salad leaves should be washed thoroughly before eating.

Types of Nuts to avoid During Pregnancy
It is advisable to avoid peanuts if anybody in your family or the father?s family suffers from an allergic condition. This includeshay fever, asthma, eczema and allergic responses to food. Peanuts should also be avoided during breastfeeding. This is to limit the chance of your child suffering from a nut allergy later on in life. However, a direct link has not been proven so far. If you decide to avoid peanuts then it is advisable to avoid products that contain peanuts such as; some cereals, biscuits, cakes, museli, breads and ice-cream.

General Advice on Foods and Pregnancy
If eating ready meals whilst pregnant make sure they are piping hot before eating them.

It is generally a good idea to avoid eating spicy foods and stimulants such as coffee and tea. It goes without saying that smoking and alcohol should be avoided also.

It is also worth having regular diabetic checks and looking out for early signs and symptoms of high blood sugar (your Doctor should be doing regular blood tests).

If you are suffering from headaches, heartburn or other symptoms that may be related to your diet, seek medical counseling rather than try to medicate your self, either with conventional medicine or alternative therapy (eg aromatherapy)

In the months leading up to the birth, make sure you get plenty of exercise and keep up a good general level of fitness. If you want low stress workouts, then Yoga is one of the best exercises for pregnant women.

If you keep in good health and eat healthy food, you minimise the risk of conditions such as hypothyroidism - you also improve your chances of avoiding the long lasting and unsightly stretch marks.