Stretch marks.

I was so lucky during my pregnancy because I didn't develop any stretch marks. I used anti stretch mark cream daily, rubbing it into my expanding belly, just in case that's what was keeping them at bay.

Towards the end of pregnancy I did see a few stretch marks around my belly button but that was all. I was happy with that.

Then just before I had my baby I exclaimed to my husband how lucky I was to get through pregnancy and only end up with a few small stretch marks around my belly button. To which he replied that I did in fact have plenty of stretch marks. What?!?!?! Where?!?!?! Under my belly - where I could not see.

The thing is I didn't use the anti stretch mark cream much under my belly. I couldn't see there and it was hard to reach there.

So maybe I could be a model for anti stretch mark creams (cocoa butter if you are interested) - look here where I used it no marks! Just don't look at my lower belly.

Prenancy Heartburn.

For pregnancy heartburn I found three things that helped:

1. Putting towels under the head of the mattress to raise my upper body whilst sleeping (you could use any other soft material - clothes, pillows, etc.);
   
2. Drinking milk after every meal. This seemed to work very well for me and eased that burning sensation.; and
   
3. Avoiding spicy, rich or citrus foods.
   

Pre-Prenancy Planning.

About six months before trying for a baby I went to a doctor for a pre-pregnancy check up. It made sense to me to check on my body's health so that any problems could be tackled before falling pregnant. It is also important to note that a check up should be done at least six months before falling pregnant but any time beforehand is better than not doing it.

The check up involved determining whether I was deficient in any vitamins or minerals and also analysing my current immunisation levels. I also received valuable information at the check up, such as taking Folate for at least one month before trying for a baby and that my husband should go get a vaccination booster to eliminate the risk of passing an illness to a newborn.

I am glad I had a check up as it did reveal I needed a vaccination booster. It was also good to know that my body was healthy and I had all the right balance of nutrients. I plan to have a check up before each pregnancy because I know that things can change.

I must say I am actually surprised that most women don't have a pre-pregnancy check up. It doesn't matter how young or old you are. How fit or healthy you feel. Getting your body ready prior to falling pregnant is better than trying to fix things once you are pregnant. A baby will sap all your nutrients from your body so it's important to make sure you are at your healthiest to begin with. Why put your pregnancy, health or your baby's heath in any unnecessary risk?