Why sleep problems in pregnancy?

Disturbed nights are caused by several effects of pregnancy: In early and late pregnancy, in particular, you may need to get up in the night to go to the loo As you get bigger, finding a comfortable position to sleep can be difficult You may find it too hot for bedcovers, but then wake up feeling cold Backache can keep you awake Restless legs syndrome not uncommon in pregnancy - is exactly what it sounds like.Jerking or twitching of the legs can happen, particularly when lying down Leg cramps are also a common complaint You may feel itchy
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Ways to improve your sleep during pregnancy

If your sleep is disturbed, talk to your midwife. Sleeping pills aren't normally recommended in pregnancy. Instead, your midwife can suggest a range of ways to prevent sleeplessness, or at least help you cope better with whatever it is keeping you awake. A change of sleeping position may bring relief. Try lying on your side, with your lower leg bent at the knee to support your tummy. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs may also help. Simple relaxation techniques can be useful. Concentrate on breathing gently and rhythmically, and contract and relax each part of your body one at a time. Exercise may help you sleep better by improving your circulation and easing stress. If you attend an antenatal class, ask the teacher for tips on coping, and swap tips with other class members.

When can mental health concerns arise?

A large UK study on depression in pregnancy found the peak time for experiencing was at 32 weeks, when 13.5 per cent of women scored highly on tests for depression. Smaller studies echo this finding. It's also clear many women experience stress, anxiety and other forms of emotional distress and mental illness at this and at other times during pregnancy.

Some women are depressed or anxious already, and this may continue or become more intense when they are pregnant.
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Mental health concerns in pregnancy

Researchers have found if a woman is very anxious during pregnancy, it increases the risk of her baby developing behavioural problems later in life. Heightened maternal anxiety can also affect the stress response of the baby because stress hormones cross the placenta. Depression during and after pregnancy may increase the risk of the mother having problems bonding with her baby. This doesn't mean if you're experiencing such problems your baby's bound to be affected. The differences are in risk levels - they don't predict anything. But the possible effect on your baby is one of the reasons your mental health during pregnancy should be taken seriously and treatment offered where necessary. You may need extra care and support after the birth, too.
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Feelings towards your baby

Pregnancy can be daunting, whether or not you it was planned, and some women have negative thoughts about being a mother. Having a baby is a massive change in your life and feeling love for someone you've never met is a challenge. But persistently dark thoughts or fears maybe a symptom of depression or anxiety and it will help you if you share them with a midwife or doctor you feel comfortable with.
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Diagnosing mental health problems in pregnancy

Your midwife or GP should ask questions about how you're feeling mentally at each antenatal visit, in line with NICE guidelines. If your midwife or doctor is following this guidance they should ask two questions, using words similar to these: During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?

During the past month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things? If you answer 'yes' to either of these questions, you'll be asked if you want to seek help. You may find you're also asked to complete a questionnaire that aims to assess whether or not you might be depressed.
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Treating mental health problems in pregnancy

Antidepressant medication is sometimes offered to mothers in pregnancy, but not everyone agrees its safe or suitable. The research into the effects of medication on the health of the baby, or the effects on labour and birth, just arent conclusive. You and your doctor will need to weigh the risks and benefits carefully, bearing in mind your individual needs and background. NICE recommends women who are mildly or moderately depressed in pregnancy should be offered self-help or talking therapies, including counselling. If the depression becomes worse or doesn't respond to such treatments, antidepressants might be the next option to consider. If you and your doctor decide you need medication, some drugs appear to be safer in pregnancy than others.Serious mental illness may benefit from further intervention, including a hospital stay.

Amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid is pale yellow in colour, and surrounds your foetus from the very first weeks of pregnancy. It's also known colloquially, as 'the waters'. It is 99 per cent water - the remaining components are salts, skin cells from your baby and traces of the vernix, the creamy coating on the baby's skin. The baby swallows amniotic fluid. If the amniotic fluid is examined, as it is in amniocentesis, the results show chromosomal and genetic information about the baby. Too much, or too little, amniotic fluid can be - but isn't always - a sign of an abnormality.
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Your right to time off work

Your rights during pregnancy can extend to paid time off for antenatal classes, not just your appointments for care, if the classes are held during working hours. To comply, you need to be taking these classes on the advice of your doctor or midwife. This should not be an issue, as the benefits of classes are well-recognised. Find out more about your rights in our pregnancy and workarticle.
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Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

CVS is a test that is carried out at 11 to 14 weeks and looks for chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. It isn't a routine test and involves a sample of the placenta being taken via a needle inserted through the abdomen or cervix.
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Skin changes during pregnancy

When you're pregnant, you produce more melanin - the pigment that colours your skin. However, its production isn't always even. That's why getting a tan during pregnancy can be unpredictable and lead to a 'blotchy' look. Other areas that can become more pigmented than others are the face (across the middle of the face, sometimes called a 'butterfly mask'), the breasts (making the areola around the nipple appear larger) and any stretch marks. These patches usually fade after the birth, but some are permanent.
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Asking questions
It's normal to need reassurance and explanations when you're pregnant. A good tip for asking questions, as well as taking your list, is to ask when you are upright. If you're lying flat while you are being examined, and are asked "any questions, then?", say "Yes please. Can I ask when I'm sitting up?" You will feel more confident and capable if you can see your midwife or doctor on the same level. It also makes it easier to read your notes on your list and to jot down any answers.
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Maternal infections

The viruses that cause rubella and chickenpox, bacteria such as listeria, and parasites such as the one that causes toxoplasmosis can breach the placenta's defences and may affect your baby. You may already be vaccinated against rubella and have immunity to chickenpox from childhood. Protect yourself against listeria by safe eating and careful handling of food. Avoid nonpasteurised dairy products and wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly. The toxoplasma protazoan is found in animal faeces, so take care when dealing with cat litter - or avoid it all together - and wear gloves when gardening. A blood test can see if you are immune to toxoplasmosis.
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Deciphering maternity notes

The shorthand note for head down is 'ceph', which is itself short for 'cephalic'. If your baby is breech, which is bottom or feet first, you may see the abbreviation 'Br' on your notes. Other notes may include LOA or LOP, which stand for 'left occipito anterior' or 'left occipito posterior'. The occiput is the back of the baby's head and it's to the right (R) or to the left (L). The occiput is anterior if the back of the head is towards your abdomen and posterior if it is towards your back. It's generally an easier birth if your baby is anterior.
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Birth partners
Many women choose the father of their baby as their birth partner. But you can also hire a doula - a woman who is trained to offer support before, during and after the birth. The name comes from the Greek meaning 'servant' or 'care-giver'. Doulas believe in 'mothering the mother' and athough they understand about the physiology of childbirth, their main role is to support you emotionally during the birth, and perhaps more practically after the birth as well. There is a network of doulas in the UK, but most are found via word of mouth. Ask your antenatal teacher or a midwife if this is a service you think you would like. Read our article on your birth options to find out more.
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Nipple shape and breastfeeding

The majority of nipples are just fine for breastfeeding. Most inverted nipples - the sort that look like a dimple - 'pop out' if you help them with your fingers. If you have inverted nipples you may need to do this when your baby is learning to feed. Flat nipples may mean you and your baby need a little more help and patience at the start to get a good 'fix'. You can buy devices that draw the nipple out during pregnancy.

How to Remove Scars on Legs

5 authors | 9 revisions | Last updated: February 13, 2011 Pin It

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We all love to have smooth, shiny and pretty looking legs. If you have scars on your legs, it looks pretty bad. And you can't wear tights or stockings to cover them up. So read on to find out how you can get rid of scars.
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1. 1

Use body scrub on your legs.

Use body scrub on your legs. If you feel that it's too harsh for your skin, use a facial scrub. Scrubbing gets rid of the top layer of skin, so it fades out the scar a little bit. Use a loofah if you don't wish to use a scrub. But make sure you apply some cream or some body wash on the loofah or you'll be left looking red like a lobster!

2. 2

Try rubbing a slice of a lemon on the scar.

Try rubbing a slice of a lemon on the scar. Though this won't give you instant results, the scar will fade off and eventually disappear in a few months.

3. 3

If you have the inclination to use homemade things, try this: In a clean glass bottle mix glycerine and lemon juice in 1:1 proportion.

If you have the inclination to use homemade things, try this: In a clean glass bottle mix glycerine and lemon juice in 1:1 proportion. Rub this concoction of your legs every night and wash off thoroughly in the morning. In a few weeks, the scars will disappear.

4. 4

If you want instant results - As in if you are going somewhere and need to cover up a few scars on your leg, just dab on some concealer.

If you want instant results - As in if you are going somewhere and need to cover up a few scars on your leg, just dab on some concealer. Make sure you blend it in properly. And that it's water-proof. This will hide the scars very well and until they fade off, you can do the above.

5. 5

If the scar is really bad, go to a skin doctor (dermatologist) who can do a chemical peel and rid you of the scar in a few sittings.

If the scar is really bad, go to a skin doctor (dermatologist) who can do a chemical peel and rid you of the scar in a few sittings.