New born babies are referred to as premature when they are born before week 36 of pregnancy. The experience can be very difficult, demanding and full of worry for parents. Premature babies not only look so small and fragile, but are also very susceptible to infections and may require intensive care.

 

 

 

The list could be never ending, everyone will give an opinion of what you should bring to the hospital. Pack in advance, during the last days it is a good idea to have it all ready to go.

You can pack as little or as much as you feel you need. It is important to think your situation through and also to know yourself. Nothing will make the birth totally painless, but you need to be comfortable, at least not worrying about things you might feel were necessary and forgot.

 

 

 

Ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition affecting 1 in 80 pregnancies. Ectopic means out of place and an ectopic pregnancy is one which implants outside of the uterus. Both the physical and emotional recovery can be a difficult experience for many women.

There are a few secret symptoms of pregnancy that nobody tells you about. Some we just forget, but others are so embarrassing we are just happy to forget. Parenthood.ie has put togeter a list of the pregnancy symptoms that we never talk about. Don’t despair, you are not going mad!

Many women silently fear the changes that pregnancy can permanently leave on your body. We know the stretch marks are looming the bigger your bump grow, but are a surprise when they appear. Early prevention and good genes will help a long way.

There is no way getting around it, the only thing that fully will save you from stretch marks are your genes. If you were born with elastic skin, you will probably not develop stretch marks. For all other women it’s a matter of damage control.

Whether you are super woman and wanting to go natural, or if you are truly frightened of the coming pain of childbirth, there are many alternatives to pain relief that you should consider. Know your options when it comes to birth and labour pain relief.

 

Not all might experience them, but there are certain physical signs that your body gives indicating that you might be pregnant. Some as early as a week after conception. Don’t worry if you have no signs, sooner or later you will cop on…

If you already are pregnant you’ll wonder how you didn’t realise what was happening to you, it seems so obvious now. If you’re planning on getting pregnant, be aware that many sings are very similar to pre-menstrual symptoms.

Labour for every woman is different and for every pregnancy it is different. Most women dread the thoughts of labour but usually by their due date, it’s a case of ‘bring it on’.