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Your safety and that of your baby are of prime importance at all times. You may begin to exercise in early pregnancy and continue for as long as you feel comfortable.

Take particular care of your back during and after pregnancy – protect it from strain and possible injury.

Stimulating the cardiovascular system through aerobic exercise helps to maintain and improve your fitness during pregnancy.

As your pregnancy advances, the uterus exerts an increased upward pressure on your diaphragm. As you near your due date you may find that you breathe less deeply, although more efficiently.

Before exercising, during or before pregnancy, it is advisable to eat high fibre, high carbohydrate snacks, such as an apple, dried fruit, banana or whole wheat muffin, as your metabolic functions

Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.

Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.

“I am pregnant – can I exercise?”

Discovering that you are pregnant brings about a variety of new feelings.

Sharing the adventure of pregnancy, birth and parenting can make this one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

Older siblings learn about sharing, life-long love and friendship.

Today an increasing number of women are facing the challenges of pregnancy, birth and parenthood alone. This may be through personal choice or circumstantial.

You cannot fast-track the stages of your baby’s development, but you can help by creating a stimulating environment.

Physical changes

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Feeding your little one a broad variety of healthy foods can contribute to his healthy growth patterns now and later.

Both the foods and the drinks you offer your toddler are important in helping her to grow up healthy.

What drinks should I offer?

“Toddlers” refer to infants from the age of 12 months to 36 months.

The terrific twos and beyond.

Attending childbirth and parent education classes is an excellent way to prepare for the birth and develop a support system. 

Relaxation is the art of releasing mind and muscle tension. It is a life skill which helps to reduce stress during pregnancy.
 

Progressive relaxation

Breathing reflects the activity in your body and, of all the body’s involuntary unconscious physical responses, breathing is the easiest to control. 

The Pros

• Offers immediate relief.

• Decreases tension and offers good pain relief.

Make sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival with our checklist. Get organized and feel confident for the big day.

*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.

Items for hospital stay

Clothing

The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life. 

A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.

A Caesarean birth is the delivery of your baby through an abdominal uterine incision, instead of vaginally.

Birth weight depends on several factors, including the mother’s nutritional status and genetic disposition. The average weight for a newborn is around 3,3 kg.

Each woman’s labour is unique and unpredictable. It is important therefore that you are prepared for all the possible eventualities and you keep an open mind.

In most instances, the baby’s head is the presenting part that moves into your pelvis before labour begins.