Another 5 Things You Didnt Know About Pregnancy

A few months ago we brought you a list of 5 things most people don’t know about pregnancy, and today we’re bringing you Part 2.

1. Fearing Childbirth Could Lead to a Longer Labour
It’s something that most women are freaked out about, for very good reason, but being afraid of the labour process could actually make matters worse. Research suggested that women who were scared of giving birth spent on average an hour and a half more in active labour than those who went in with a calm mindset.

2. Eating can Prevent Morning Sickness
While it might be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re feeling nauseated, it has been suggested that an empty stomach may make morning sickness worse. Try keeping something small like a banana by your bedside so if you start to feel those early morning pangs of nausea you can have something to help sooth your stomach.

3. You Can Still Have Some Fish
Diet during pregnancy may be one of the most debated topics in the prenatal medical field, and fish is one of the items that often ends up on the blacklist. While certain kinds of fish, too much fish or unreliable cooking methods can cause problems such as listeriosis, there are still many nutrients found in seafood that can be beneficial for mum and bub. If you want to eat seafood during your pregnancy make sure you speak to your maternal health nurse or GP and follow their guidelines.

4. Pregnancy May Boost Your Memory
We’ve all heard of ‘pregnancy brain’, but some research has suggested that the opposite may be true. Studies found that new mums were better able to notice and remember their surroundings in comparison with childless women.

5. You May Be Itchy
As you progress through your pregnancy, you may find that your skin is feeling itchy and irritated. Stretching and estrogen are often to blame for itchy skin and it's really common on your belly. If your experiencing itch skin, treat it the same way you would treat dry skin; use lots of moisturiser on the affected area and try to use unscented, natural skin products. However, itchy skin during pregnancy can be an early sign of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, a rare liver condition that is linked to premature delivery, fetal distress and stillbirth, so make sure you speak to your doctor.

So did we miss anything interesting? Comment below and let us know!