PREGNANCYI’m no longerin
a relationshipwith my baby’s
father. How
important is it to
have a birth partner,
or will support from
my midwife be
enough during
labour?
Ellen Pither, Hereford
Some women do birth with
only their midwife and ifyou
are in this situation, don’t
worry, you will be well
supported and cared for.
You might like to consider
your mum, a sister or a friend,
who may have had childrenof
their own, or are particularly
calm and positive. Having
a f emale birth partner is
common – they make great
birth partners, too! Get them
involved early on and write your
birth plan with them at around
36 weeks of pregnancy, and
practise some breathingand
massage techniques together
so you feel more prepared.AM
QWhat is a lineanigraandhow canyoute ll whether you will get one or not?
Sian Eckersall, HartlepoolThelinea nigra (which is Latin for black
line)is a vertical line that can appear
in pregnancy down the middle of your
belly, in line with your belly button.
During pregnancy, your skin becomes
hyperpigmented, which means it gets a
little darker. You already have a white or
colourless line of skin running down your
tummy (which you’d probably never
normally notice), and this can take on a
darker colour and become much more
obvious. Not all women get a noticeable
line, but you are more likely to have a linea
nigra if you have naturally darker skin. It
normally fades a few months after birth.AMWhat are the
advantages of
taking aquanatal classes
during pregnancy?
Roz Battams, AylesburyAquanatal classes are an excellent
and safe way of staying active during
pregnancy. Many women love the
feeling of being in water, as the
weight of the baby is lifted, and you
can move freely and more easily. This
is especially useful as it allows you
to exercise even if you have been
experiencing any problems like back
pain, pelvic girdle pain, or mobility
issues. Classes are normally fun and
combine cardiovascular activity with
relaxation. It is also a great way of
connecting with other mums-to-be
in your area who may be due to have
their baby at a similar time to you. AMQPROMOTIONMOTHER&BABYPREGNACARE ORIGINALPregnacare is the UK’s no.1 pregnancy
supplement, developed for women
who are planning a pregnancy, as
well as those already pregnant or
breastfeeding. Pregnacare Original, a
careful formulation of 19 vitamins andminerals, including 400mcg folic
acid which contributes to maternal
tissue growth during pregnancy, and
10mcg vitamin D3, the exact levelsas
re commended by the UK Department
of Health. Plus, it also containszinc
which contributes to normal fertility
and reproduction, and vitaminB12
which contributes to the maintenance
of normal red blood cell formation.66 | June 2020 | motherandbaby.co.uk
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