Welcome to the world of parenting!

An exciting journey is about to start and Mothercare, through this journal, is going to be by your side and advise you throughout your pregnancy weeks.

Get informed about everything that parents need to know such as pregnancy, baby growth, body and psychology changes, doctor examinations and appointments and of course parturition, breastfeeding and baby care.

Our midwife and lactation consultant IBCLC Ms Georgia Leze every week is going to show you a special path to a healthy and happy baby.

There is a solution to the emotional swings and the frequent sleep breaks that bothers you!

Take care of yourself by offering one hour of relaxing sleep routine before you decide to go to sleep.

A hot drink with lavender and vanilla or cinnamon will help and avoid to be exposed to a monitor before your night sleep. Of course whenever you feel discomfort try to concentrate on your breathing, to deepen it and relax just like a yoga practice for pregnant women.

10 minutes of self-care are enough to feel better and sleep much better. Try to avoid the heavy consumption of liquids 2 hours before bedtime in order to avoid frequent night urination.

Exciting things are going on in your not-yet-quite-a-bump this week. Here’s what to expect as a result:

• sore or tender boobs – a maternity support bra can help. Prefer non wired bras.
• mood swings have your emotions all over the place
• as nausea continues you may be feeling a little down

The best tip for nausea is the food consumption in small quantities and the ginger syrup or drink comforts you immediately and naturally. 1 tablespoon is enough!

As the pregnancy hormones really start kicking in, your moods are probably feeling really up and down.

One minute you’re really happy and excited, and the next you’re crying for no reason. This is perfectly normal, and this stage of major mood swings usually passes after the first trimester.

Talking about how you’re feeling with your partner and friends can really help, as can some gentle, mood-lifting exercise. Simply doing things that you have always enjoyed can make you feel better.

If you are concerned about your mood swings, have a chat with your doctor or midwife.

Their tiny heart is now beating at about 110-160 beats per minute, roughly twice the rate of yours. If you need an early scan, you might get to see this amazing little flutter for yourself. Your baby is now looking less like a tadpole, with facial features starting to form.

There are dark spots where their eyes will be, miniscule openings that will become nostrils, and pits that will one day be ears. The bud-like limbs are growing, and the pituitary gland and brain are developing.

It’s common to think that sleep won’t be disrupted until your baby arrives. As you may have learned already though, this isn’t always the case. Physical discomfort, pregnancy worries, and nocturnal trips to the loo mean that your nights are likely already interrupted. Getting into relaxing night-time routines (light meals, a warm bath or a bedtime book) at this early stage can help you sleep better during the coming months. Turn your bedroom into a lovely, sleepy haven – dim lighting, black-out blinds, and relaxing scents work wonders.

This week’s visit to the doctor or midwife is going to be super excited. The hearing and the appearance of your baby’s heart will fill you with unexpected feelings. From now on you are officially a mom-to-be with a tiny heart constantly beating inside your belly. Leaving the doctor’s office you will receive instructions on changing your exercise and diet. Also it is sure you have a pack of blood tests on your name to do the next 2-4 weeks.

If you exercise regularly make sure to slow down a bit during your pregnancy  progress as your body will guide you. Your pregnancy is not the right time to increase your physical stamina so do not exaggerate. Do exercises that exclude the high pressure on the lower abdomen (as the classic abdominal exercise).

If you were thinking about starting something still this is not the right time. Let the body and uterus grow with your body being rested and spacious and try to start something after the 10th or 12th pregnancy week. Of course walking, light jogging and everyday activity should not be excluded from your program unless you see symptoms of threatened pregnancy. Such us intense systematic cramps or blood stains.