Introduction

Your baby is getting chubbier as they start to store baby fat under their skin. Trouble sleeping? Read our top tips to get a better night’s sleep. If leg cramps are a pain (pun intended) we’ve got you covered, with tips on prevention. Read more on what to expect at 26 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 26 weeks pregnant?

You’ve had a long day carrying your growing baby around, but just as you’re ready for bed, guess who decides to wake up and party? During the day your walking has rocked baby to sleep. Now you’ve stopped rocking, baby’s started cartwheeling!

The good news is your baby will sleep 20 hours a day, so the trick is to get quality sleep during pregnancy when you can. Here’s a few tricks to help:

• Invest in a maternity pillow – they’re worth every penny

• Try and limit the amount of caffeinated drinks and fizzy drinks you have in a day

• 30 minutes gentle exercise every day can help

• Switch off that screen at least an hour before bed

• Sleep on your side with a cushion between your knees, not your back when pregnant- the weight of baby can put pressure on your main veins

• White noise apps can lull you into sleep in no time

Discover more sleep tips.

What to eat at 26 weeks pregnant?

Just when you thought you’d got through every pregnancy symptom there is, along come the pregnancy leg cramps. These often happen in the second or third trimester and usually hit at night. They’re nothing to worry about but they can be a pain – literally. Here’s a few tips to help with:

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat magnesium rich foods like bananas

• A well-balanced diet including calcium-rich foods like yoghurt is a good idea

• Do leg stretching exercises before bed

What are the symptoms of 26 weeks pregnant?

Week 26 pregnancy symptoms can include hot flushes. This is caused by the increase in blood flow to your skin and changes in pregnancy hormones. Your skin may look red and blotchy, especially around your face, neck and chest and you may sweat more as your body tries to cool down. Thankfully the hot flush should only last a few minutes. Spritzing your face with cool water can help as well as wearing light loose clothing in cotton or linen.

Introduction

Your baby at 25 weeks is about the size of an aubergine and getting more active. Experiencing leg cramps? Swimming can help with leg cramps during pregnancy. Swollen ankles are quite common in pregnancy, read our tips to help. Find out more on what to expect at 25 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 25 weeks pregnant?

Around now you might experience pregnancy leg cramps, hardly surprising with all that extra weight you’re carrying. One in five pregnant women experience restless leg syndrome or RLS which is the need to move your legs due to a tingling or crawling sensation in them. It’s not always known what causes RLS but exercise has been known to help it. Try some gentle exercise every day like walking, swimming or yoga. Read our top tips to help prevent leg cramps in next weeks article.

What to eat at 25 weeks pregnant?

Listen to your heart. And your cravings. Some women don’t eat the foods they want as they’re worried about upsetting baby. But, if you want a curry, have one. Your baby won’t get any actual curry, only the aromatic experience via the molecules in your amniotic fluid. So go ahead and use all those herbs and spices in your pregnancy diet. Don’t worry about curry inducing labour – that’s just an old wives’ tale.

What are the symptoms of 25 weeks pregnant?

Week 25 pregnancy symptoms can include backache. This is a common symptom during pregnancy and can happen across all trimesters, but it is most noticeable in trimester 2 and 3. There are a number of causes for backache in pregnancy but the main one is due to the weight of the bump pulling forward on the muscles in your lower back. The other culprit is due to a pregnancy hormone called relaxin. This hormone relaxes the ligaments and joints of your pelvis, allowing room for your baby to pass through the birth canal, but it can also loosen the joints of your lower back. Here are some tips on how to prevent back pain in pregnancy:

• Good posture when you sit or stand. Try and tighten your tummy muscles and keep your back straight when standing or walking. When sitting use a pillow to support your back

• Exercise is a great way to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles and it will also help with your posture. Aquarobics, prenatal yoga or swimming are great exercises, but if you haven’t exercised before always check with your doctor or midwife first

• Wear comfortable shoes, preferably flat shoes so you get an even distribution of weight

• Avoid lifting anything heavy, if you do need to pick something up make sure you bend your knees and keep your back straight

• Get plenty of rest, especially in later pregnancy

Introduction

Your baby at 24 weeks pregnant is getting more adept at receiving signals from the receptor and sensory organs. This means they are gradually starting to store sensory experiences. When you’re happy, baby is happy and when you’re stressed, baby feels that too. Read our tips on how to de-stress in this article. Ensure you eat lots of iron-rich foods, as baby gets their iron straight from you. For more tips and advice read more on what to expect at 24 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 24 weeks pregnant?

When you’re happy, baby is happy and when you’re stressed, baby feels that too. So it’s extra important to ramp up the good vibes and lower the bad ones. Here’s a few ideas on how to control mood swings during pregnancy:

• Take it easy and try not to overdo thing. Ask your partner, family or friends for help – that’s what they’re for.

• Avoid stressful situations at work

• Leave the heavy housework to others

• Try not to cram too much into your social diary

• De-stress with gentle exercise like yoga or swimming

• Make time for yourself maybe have a go at meditation if you haven’t already. The Headspace app is great for this

Even if you still feel perfectly fit, remember that growing a baby takes extra energy so when you can, put your feet up and enjoy precious moments bonding with that little human inside you.

What to eat at 24 weeks pregnant?

Baby gets iron straight from you, so there’s a chance you could develop anaemia in pregnancy if your reserves are being used up by your baby. Make sure you eat lots of iron-rich foods like lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and fortified breakfast cereals. If you’re feeling tired all the time there’s a chance it could be low iron levels so check with your GP. Read more about pregnancy nutrition and what to eat.

What are the symptoms of 24 weeks pregnant?

Week 24 pregnancy symptoms can include abdominal pains. Mild stomach cramps and pains are quite normal in pregnancy and usually they are nothing to worry about. A sharp cramp like pain in the side of your tummy, quit low down is referred to as round ligament pain and is slightly less common. This is due to the ligaments in your body stretching to accommodate your bump. In particular the ligaments that connect your womb to your pelvis can stretch causing pain or discomfort. As your baby grows your womb tends to tilt to the right, causing that ligament to work that much harder, which may cause it to contract or spasm. That’s why you may feel the cramping sensation more on your right-hand side.

Trapped wind and constipation in pregnancy can also cause abdominal pains. If you feel pains which last for a long time without easing or you are concerned at all about your pains speak to your GP or midwife.

Baby bump and myth busting

By now, your 24 weeks pregnant belly should be looking like nice neat little bump and people will know you’re pregnant and you’ve not just eaten all the pies. Expect lots of friendly smiles from strangers and maybe even a few unprompted belly pats and baby-name suggestions. You can be pretty sure there’ll be an aunty offering to predict the baby’s sex for you.

Some people believe you can tell by the way you’re carrying your bump –up high it’s a girl, lower down, it’s a boy. Sorry, that’s just an old-wives tale. How your baby is carried depends on all sorts of things like your body type, weight gain and fitness level.

Introduction

As the weeks pass you may start to feel more nervous about the big day so learning to relax is important, read our tips on relaxation. Try and eat a healthy balanced pregnancy diet and avoid too much salt. Enjoy spending time with your partner, soon you’ll have a little one that will keep you very busy! For more tips and advice read more on what to expect at 23 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 23 weeks pregnant?

Noticed a dark line between your belly button and pelvic area? It’s not the felt tip you left in your pocket, just a common pregnancy mark called linea nigra. Pregnancy hormones can also turn your nipples, freckles and even facial markings a bit darker. Don’t worry, these will fade a few months after birth.

As the weeks pass you may start to feel more nervous about the big day so learning to relax is important. A warm bath can help you unwind and de-stress, just make sure the water isn’t hot, as this can affect contractions and make you feel faint – your blood pressure is a bit fragile when you’re pregnant. Take care when getting out of the bath too in case of dizzy spells.

High blood pressure or 'gestational hypertension' can be common during pregnancy. To help avoid it, stay as active as possible, give up alcohol and tobacco (if you haven't already) and try to keep your pregnancy weight gain at the recommended rate. Chat to your GP for guidance on this.

What to eat at 23 weeks pregnant?

A small amount of salt in your diet actually helps your body function well. Unfortunately, salt is in virtually everything we eat. Most processed foods, even sweet things, contains too much salt, so it’s not surprising that many of us eat up to three times the amount of salt we need.

The recommended daily intake of salt is 6g (one teaspoon), so moderation is key. Have a look at the back of packaging (especially ready-made sauces and savoury spreads) and choose the lower salt versions of your favourites. Keep the saltshaker out of sight too. Only add salt to your food if you really need to and not just out of habit.

What are the symptoms of 23 weeks pregnant?

Week 23 pregnancy symptoms can include leg cramps. Waking up in the night with leg cramps is quite common in pregnancy. It can also happen during the day but is more common at night. No one really knows why women get more leg cramps during pregnancy, it could be the extra weight or maybe less exercise than usual. The cramp itself is caused by a muscle spasm; when it occurs rub the muscle hard and gently flex your toes back towards your shin to stretch the calf.

It's hard to prevent cramps in pregnancy, however there are things you can do to make them less likely:

• Drink water regularly throughout the day

• Avoid sitting or standing with your legs crossed for a long period of time

• Stretch your calf muscles regularly during the day and several time before going to bed

• Try and take a walk everyday unless you have been advised not to by a healthcare professional

• A warm bath before bed can help relax the muscles

• Rotate your ankles and flex your toes back towards your shin regularly during the day

Leg pain is different to leg cramp. Leg cramp is usually short lived, if you get persistent leg pain, it could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is often accompanied with swelling, redness and warmth. If you have any of these symptoms speak to your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Introduction

Your little one could be born blue-eyed but don’t get too excited just yet, their permanent eye colour is not apparent until a few weeks or even months later. Keep an eye on your posture – sit and stand as straight as possible, it’s a good idea to try pregnancy Pilates. Carbohydrates release energy into the body more slowly so help reduce pregnancy sugar cravings. Weight gain in pregnancy varies from one woman to the next, however the majority of the maternal weight gain happens from week 20 onwards. For more tips and advice read more on what to expect at 22 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 22 weeks pregnant?

As baby grows heavier and your baby bump at 22 weeks pregnant is getting lovely and big, your back will start to feel the strain. So, it’s important to keep an eye on your posture – sit and stand as straight as possible. Practice by trying to balance a book on your head, it’s an old trick but it works! Try not to let your pelvis tip forward as you walk or stand. If you’re sitting for a long time, put a small cushion behind your back to support your upright posture. Your back will thank you later, trust us.

It’s a good idea to try pregnancy Pilates. This low-impact exercise focuses on posture alignment and could help minimise your back, shoulder and hip aches.

What to eat at 22 weeks pregnant?

There are plusses and minuses to pregnancy, and carbs are definitely one of the plusses. Carbs in starchy foods like bread, potatoes, pasta, rice and quinoa are all great sources of energy, vitamins and fibre. They fill you up without piling on the pounds, unless you fry potatoes into chips of course – not quite so healthy!

Carbohydrates which release energy into the body more slowly (such as wholegrain breads and cereals) are great for controlling sugar cravings during pregnancy and will help you feel fuller for longer. They’re also an excellent source of energy, which is handy when you’re growing an entire little person in your tummy! Read more on healthy nutrition during pregnancy.

If you’ve been advised to control your weight, keep an eye on portion sizes and avoid using lots of fat or buttery sauces. It’s worth thinking about wholegrain options too as these are healthier for you and baby.

What are the symptoms of 22 weeks pregnant?

Week 22 pregnancy symptoms can include nosebleeds. Unfortunately, nosebleeds can occur more often during pregnancy. The nosebleeds are caused by pregnancy hormones and increased blood volume during pregnancy which can cause the small blood vessels in your nose to expand and break. Blood may flow from one or both nostrils and can be heavy or quite light. It can also last from about a minute to 10 minutes.

Although it is not very pleasant try not to be alarmed. To stop the nosebleed, sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose just above the nostrils for about 10 to 15 minutes. Lean forward and breathe through your mouth. This will help stop the blood from going down the back of your throat. You can also apply cold to the bridge of your nose to constrict the blood vessels and slow the bleeding, either use a covered ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes call your GP or midwife urgently. Avoid doing anything strenuous for at least 24 hours.

Introduction

At week 27 baby’s heart is fully developed and going strong. If you have been suffering with heartburn during pregnancy you are not alone. This is the one of the most common symptoms in pregnancy. Read our advice on helping to prevent heartburn. Antenatal classes are helpful, even for experienced mums, read more on preparing for labour and what to expect at 27 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 27 weeks pregnant?

You might find some of the more embarrassing pregnancy side effects are bothering you now - piles, wind and even leaky boobs! Not enjoyable but totally normal and luckily they won’t last long. Once baby is born most of these annoying symptoms will ease off and be quickly forgotten as your world gets turned upside down in the most wonderful way.

Having a hard time sleeping? It’s a very common complaint as you near the end of your pregnancy, which isn’t surprising since you’ve got a lively little human on board. We explore some of the reasons why sleep may be a problem in our symptoms section below.

What to eat at 27 weeks pregnant?

If you’ve avoided heartburn so far, don’t relax too soon, it can still bite you on the tum as you get near the end. In fact, 17-45% of pregnant women suffer from heartburn - you may get symptoms at any point during your pregnancy, but they are more common from week 27 onwards. That’s because baby is getting heavier and their weight is pushing on your stomach and intestines. This pressure can cause stomach acids to be squeezed into your oesophagus, relaxing the muscle at the top, creating that uncomfortable burning sensation.

If you haven’t had heartburn yet, it is worth preparing for heartburn in the third trimester. Try adding an extra pillow so you’re sleeping almost upright. Our resident dietitian Ellie advises eating light meals in the evening so you’re not going to bed on a full stomach. If you get hungry later on, yoghurt or a piece of non-acidic fruit like a banana should tide you over until breakfast time. You may want to consider cutting out acidic, spicy or fatty foods, as these can make things worse. Speak to your GP if changing your diet doesn’t help.

What are the symptoms of 27 weeks pregnant?

Week 27 pregnancy symptoms can include snoring and strange vivid dreams. Snoring is quite common in pregnancy as your nasal passages can get more swollen and blocked. Physical changes in the body increases the chances of snoring during pregnancy including weight gain, hormonal changes and increased blood flow.

Vivid dreams and nightmares are also quite common during pregnancy. Some researchers believe that dreams are your subconscious working through problems that are on your mind. It is your body’s way of sorting through the many different emotions that can arise during pregnancy, both positive and negative. Changing hormones and the increase in progesterone have also been linked to more vivid dreams during pregnancy.

Try improving the quality of your sleep to avoid nightmares and vivid dreams. Relaxation and breathing techniques can help soothe any anxiety you may be feeling consciously or unconsciously. Keeping a dreams journal may also help you find any patterns in your emotions and how it affects your sleep. Talk to your partner about your dreams and any feelings that you think may be causing them. Follow our pregnancy sleep tips to reduce disruption and maximise sleep mode.

Introduction

Your little one’s senses have developed enough to pick up the aromatic molecules from the things you eat, drink and even smell as they pass to baby through your amniotic fluid. Indigestion in pregnancy is very common and for some mums it can cause daily discomfort - read our top tips to help heartburn and indigestion. Any excuse for a foot massage? It could help reduce cramps in your swollen calves and legs. We have more tips to help circulation in your legs and help prevent those dreaded cramps. Read more on what to expect at 21 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 21 weeks pregnant?

Everything grows at 21 weeks pregnant, belly, breasts and even your neck. If you’re feeling a bit tight around the collar, it’s because your thyroid glands have started to swell, which is totally normal. As with so many things in pregnancy, it varies from one woman to another. You might not notice any difference and in any case, your neck should return to normal after you give birth – so don’t give away those gorgeous blouses just yet.

What to eat at 21 weeks pregnant?

Feeling the burn? Indigestion in pregnancy is very common and for some mums it can cause daily discomfort. This is because those good old pregnancy hormones make the upper stomach opening looser, so it’s easier for stomach acid to get into the oesophagus which causes that burning feeling. The bigger your baby, the more it presses on the stomach, and the more likely you are to experience heartburn during pregnancy.

Fear not, here are a few tips to fight heartburn when pregnant:

• Eat five small meals a day, instead of three large ones

• Eat slower and chew every mouthful properly

• Feel the burn at night? Prop your head with extra pillows so the acid doesn’t rise

See your midwife or GP if you need help managing your pregnancy heartburn symptoms or if changes to your diet and lifestyle do not work. They may recommend medicine to ease your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of 21 weeks pregnant?

Week 21 pregnancy symptoms can include patches of darker skin on your upper lip, cheeks and forehead. This is called melasma or chloasma and sometimes known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. Melasma during pregnancy affects about half of all mums to be. It is caused by pregnancy hormones which act on the cells which contain melanin causing it to produce more melanin which is the tanning pigment in your skin. Being out in the sun will darken these patches even more so it is a good idea to try and stay in the shade and make sure you wear suntan lotion of SPF 30 or more. Usually, the patches will clear up within a year of giving birth, but you can always blend them with tinted moisturiser, concealer or foundation in the meantime if they are making you self-conscious. Read more on about pregnancy make-up tips.

Introduction

Can’t get enough kicks? Take a few moments to chill in a quiet room and you may notice them more. Bear in mind that babies usually have their most active phase in the evening between 8-11 pm and when you move around, you’re basically rocking them to sleep. Sadly, as a pregnant woman, you are at a higher risk of gum disease due to increased levels of progesterone, we have top tips to look after your teeth and gums. Read more on what to expect at 20 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 20 weeks pregnant?

The first time you feel your baby move inside you is like… wow! If you’re not feeling much yet, don’t worry, this is normal as baby movement at 20 weeks differ from mum to mum. At this stage you’ll only feel subtle movements: a twitch maybe, or a flutter. It takes some practise to recognise them when they come - patience and a bit of peace and quiet can help. If you have any concerns over baby’s movements speak to your midwife straight way.

Bear in mind that babies usually have their most active phase in the evening between 8-11 p.m., and when you move around, you’re basically rocking them to sleep. They can sleep up to 20 hours a day right now. Lucky baby. It’s usual for kicks against your tummy only to become really clear from the 25th week as baby and bump grow.

What to eat at 20 weeks pregnant?

Sadly, as a pregnant woman, you are at a higher risk of gum disease due to increased levels of progesterone. So, it’s important to resist donut temptation and control your sugar intake during pregnancy. Your gums can become swollen and bleed, and your teeth are more likely to be attacked by plaque too. Here’s a few ways to look after your teeth and gums:

• Mouthwash is great for fighting plaque, just make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol.

• Regular trips to the dentist are also important to keep your gums in good shape.

• Some dental services are available via Dental Treatment Service Scheme, find out more

Remember to tell your dentist the names and dosages of all medications you are taking, including vitamins such as folic acid, as these may affect your treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of 20 weeks pregnant?

Week 20 pregnancy symptoms can include stretch marks. During your second and third trimester you may notice stretch marks starting to appear. These are small lines that appear on your skin as the baby grows and your skin starts to stretch. If you’d like, you can help soften the marks by rubbing creams or oils into your bump, boobs and bum. Even better, ask your partner to massage you for the maximum relaxation experience. For advice on safe oils to use in pregnancy, speak to your midwife. Read more about how to prevent stretch marks.

Introduction

This week your baby will start to be covered in a waxy coating called ‘vernix’, this is so that baby’s skin is protected while they float around in amniotic fluid. Making a baby is hard, wonderful work, and you need to be well nourished by a healthy pregnancy diet to keep you both in great shape; we have tips on healthy snack swaps. Read more on what to expect at 19 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 19 weeks pregnant?

At 19 weeks pregnant, your bump will make you start to feel really pregnant. You’re carrying more weight and your kegel (pelvic floor) muscles are loosening, thanks again to Relaxin. With the extra weight of baby on your bladder you may find a laugh, a cough or a sneeze causes a small trickle.

It’s a great idea to start doing kegel exercises during pregnancy, as they’ll help you squeeze your baby out during labour and reduce your risk of experiencing incontinence after baby arrives. To find your kegel muscles imagine stopping the flow of urine when you go to the toilet or squeezing as though you’re gripping a tampon in your vagina.

When exercising, sit comfortably and squeeze 10 to 15 times in a row. Make sure you don’t hold your breath or tighten your stomach, buttocks, or thighs at the same time.

Once you get used to that, try holding each squeeze for a few seconds. As you get stronger, add more squeezes. Just be careful not to overdo it, and always have a rest between sets.

What to eat at 19 weeks pregnant?

Making a baby is hard, wonderful work, and you need to be well nourished by a healthy pregnancy diet to keep you both in great shape. For baby, a healthy diet can increase the chances of a healthy birth weight and could create good eating habits in early life. For you, a healthy diet could help make some pregnancy symptoms like constipation, morning sickness and fatigue less severe. You need to eat a full range of all the food groups. Fruit and vegetables should make up at least a third of your diet. Simple things like opting for lower fat yoghurt, skimmed milk and fruit instead of sugary snacks can make a difference. You might be eating little and often these days so it’s good to think of healthy snack swaps. Here’s a few:

• Swap a blueberry muffin for a currant bun with low fat spread

• Swap cheese straws for rice cakes with low fat cream cheese

• Swap your morning latte for a decaf coffee with semi-skimmed or skimmed milk

• Swap white toast, pasta and rice for brown or wholegrain versions

What are the symptoms of 19 weeks pregnant?

Week 19 pregnancy symptoms can include swollen feet and ankles. During your second and third trimester you may notice swollen feet and ankles. This is quite normal during pregnancy and is caused by water retention (which is often known as oedema). Sometimes it can also affect your hands and fingers, so be careful if you’re wearing rings. Drinking plenty of water helps relieve swollen feet (sounds counter intuitive considering it is caused by water retention, but it does work), also try to raise your feet up during the day and do gentle exercise. If you notice sudden swelling, make sure to contact your doctor as this can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

What help can I get while pregnant

You’re nearly halfway through pregnancy, can you believe it? Like many mums-to-be, as time goes on more and more questions can pop up for you. What’s ok and not ok to eat? What are the signs of labour? Can I exercise when pregnant? It’s worth going to antenatal classes so you can discuss any questions or concerns. They’ll also be able to help you prepare for the birth, as well as teaching you how to look after and feed baby. Talking to other parents-to-be is always a real support too.

See our checklist web app for help with this and lots of other aspects of being a new parent.

Introduction

Baby’s movements at 18 weeks pregnant are becoming more vigorous as baby’s muscles are getting stronger. You may feel a bit of a kick or an elbow nudge about now. Your second trimester ultrasound is due anytime in the next few weeks - is it a boy? Is it a girl? Do you want to know or have a surprise! Many women will be feeling heartburn in pregnancy, which can be a real pain. Are you getting enough calcium for your pregnancy needs? For calcium to be properly absorbed your body needs enough vitamin D, which is good for healthy bones generally. Read more on what to expect at 18 weeks pregnant.

What happens to your body at 18 weeks pregnant?

Your second trimester ultrasound scan is called the anomaly scan and should happen between 16 and 21 weeks. Your sonographer will be able to look in detail to see the 18-week foetus including the baby’s heart, brain, spinal cord and organs to make sure they’re healthy and baby is growing at the right rate. They’ll also check for certain abnormalities and in most cases, rule them out. On a more exciting note, you should be able to find out the answer to that big question: boy or girl? Don’t be disappointed if it’s not possible to determine on the day because baby has to be lying correctly for the sonographer to see baby’s gender. Of course, you can choose not to know the gender and have a lovely surprise when baby pops out.

Around now your aches and pains might get a bit more achey and painy thanks to the hormone Relaxin – it literally relaxes your ligaments and affects posture. A nice warm soak in a tub could be just what you need. On the plus side, you might be able to feel baby by pressing down 1.5 inches below your belly button. Give it a go while you’re having that soak.

What to eat at 18 weeks pregnant?

Constipation in pregnancy. Ugh! It’s a common complaint especially in the second and third trimester. There are a few ways you can combat constipation – and fibre is your best weapon. Eating lots of it as part of your pregnancy diet can make a big difference. Choose wholegrain and wholewheat bread, pasta and cereals; fibrous veg like broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and greens; fibrous fruit like plums, peaches, nectarines, apples and pears. Just keep an eye on your bran or wholemeal bread if you’re not used to it, as it can irritate the intestines.

Drinking enough? Try to down at least two litres of water a day. It helps get things moving. And talking of moving, exercise helps keep you regular too. If nothing is working, it may be tempting to go for an easy fix but it’s best not to turn to over-the-counter laxatives. Talk to your midwife or GP instead.

Many women will also be feeling the burn around now, pregnancy heartburn that is, which can be a real pain. Eating little and often is better than larger meals with long gaps. Also, it’s a good idea to cut down on very rich, spicy or fatty foods, as hard as that may be when cravings are calling you.

What are the symptoms of 18 weeks pregnant?

Week 18 pregnancy symptoms can include dizzy spells. There is a lot going on in your body when you are pregnant, (you are growing a human being after all) and sometimes your nervous and cardiovascular systems can’t adapt quickly enough. This can often mean you get a bit lightheaded or dizzy. Low blood pressure can also make you feel a bit woozy and lightheaded. Try and get up slowly when you are sitting or lying down, and make sure you drink plenty of water. When exercising don’t overdo it and don’t get too overheated. If you feel persistently dizzy speak to, midwife or GP.

Calcium and vitamin D during pregnancy

Are you getting enough calcium during pregnancy? With cheese and milk being an important part of a balanced diet it’s usually not a problem. But what if you’re lactose-intolerant? Well, you’ll be surprised how many products are calcium-fortified. Next time you’re shopping look out for the labels on orange juice, soy milk, almond milk and cereals, many of them have added calcium.

For calcium to be properly absorbed your body needs enough vitamin D, which is good for healthy bones generally. Even if you’re getting loads of sun, you still need to take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms when you’re pregnant and keep taking one after birth.