While for a majority of pregnant women morning sickness does mostly occur in the morning. However nausea and vomiting aka morning sickness can happen at any time of the day, morning sickness is caused by the rising level of hormones that our body experiences when pregnant. 

1. Do not eat cheese

Hold up! Ladies, you don't need to avoid all types of cheese. You can eat hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan and swiss because they have been pasteurised. The cheeses that you do need to avoid when pregnant are soft cheeses that are unpasteurised like Brie, Camembert, goats cheese. Soft cheese can carry a form of bacteria called Listeria which can harm your unborn baby. 

1. No more working out 

Don’t believe this one ladies, working out is still totally fine as long as you are doing low intensity or low impact workouts. Although always please check with your healthcare provider if it is okay to workout, all women and pregnancies are different and so while it may be okay for one person to continue working out it may not be for another. If you have been given the OK to workout while pregnant then that’s great because it turns out exercise is one way to help minimise all those pregnancy aches and pains. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that expecting mums get at least 30 minutes or more of exercise per day. Exercising will boost your mood, help with those pesky pregnancy symptoms and be beneficial for your unborn baby too....so lace up those sneakers and get moving. 

1. You can now eat for two

Sounds great doesn’t it - but you actually only need an extra 300 calories a day when pregnant. While your body is using up extra energy and nutrients to grow a baby you really don’t need to double your food intake. In the first trimester it is best to eat normally and then during the second and third trimester you will need about 200-300 extra calories. Try to remember everything in moderation and make sure you maintain a healthy diet for yourself and bubs. 

1. Use this cream or oil and avoid getting stretch marks. 

You’re growing a baby inside of you, your body and bump is growing and stretching. It’s a part of pregnancy and is totally normal. There is no need to go out and buy expensive creams, oils and lotions to lather on your belly to avoid stretch marks. Just ensure your skin is moistourised throughout your pregnancy, coconut oil is an inexpensive good moisturiser that will work and also ensure that you are well hydrated so keep up your water intake. 

1. You can predict the sex of your baby

Look, we have all heard “oooh you must be having a boy because your bump is shaped like this” or “oh you’re glowing it must be a girl”. People predicting the sex of your baby by looking at the shape of your bump or the size of your bump, what foods you’re craving, how you’re carrying, how old you are, how fast your hair grows is not an actual science. Most of these predictions based on the above are simply old wives tales, while it is fun to play along there really is no scientific research that proves any of these ways to be accurate, rather a simple guess in the dark. If you really want to know the sex of your baby before he or she is born is to simply have an ultrasound to determine if you’re having a boy or girl. 

1. Pregnancy is roses, and butterflies and all things nice

For some women sure pregnancy is the best experience and they are pretty much walking on cloud nine throughout their entire pregnancy journey. However it is not like this for everyone. Yes pregnancy is wonderful and miraculous and it should be celebrated however there are a lot of other not so fun physical symptoms and emotions that come with being pregnant that not many women want to tell you about. Pregnancy can be overwhelming, daunting, filled with anxiety of the unknown and stressful. I am pretty sure the majority of expecting mums experience these feelings and it is totally normal. Pregnancy has its wonderful moments and it's not so great moments and you should prepare yourself for both, because it sure is a rollercoaster of a journey. 

1. If you get sick while pregnant you will just have to suffer

You don’t have to suffer if you get sick during pregnancy, a lot of women believe that if they do get sick then there is nothing that they can take for their headache, sore throat or colds. This is not true, there are many medications that are suitable to take while you are pregnant. So if you do happen to get sick then please see your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to guide you in the direction of suitable medications to take to help ease any symptoms that you may have. 

1. Heartburn means my baby will be born with lots of hair

This one is a tricky one, while I don’t believe that heartburn necessarily means that your baby will be born with luscious locks of hair. However in saying that the hormone estrogen that is released when you have heartburn is the hormone that causes hair growth in babies. Heartburn usually occurs in the third trimester and is due to estrogen causing the  esophageal sphincter to relax, this in turn allows stomach acid to move up into the esophagus giving you heartburn. 

1. I need to give my cat away

This one is not entirely true, while you can still enjoy cuddles from your furry friend. You should avoid contact with their kitty litter and faeces as it could contain toxins that could cross the placenta and harm your unborn baby. Also always ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after touching any animals or pets. 

1. Choose a specific theme

Design your nursery around a specific theme. Find a piece you love and work around that to create a theme for the room. This will help to narrow your ideas down as well creating a cohesive vibe throughout the nursery. 

2. Keep it simple

Your nursery should be a place of calm, peace and relaxation so avoid clutter. Make sure you have plenty of efficient storage space in cupboards or drawers to store things away when not needed. There will be plenty of nights when you’re up rocking bubs to sleep so you will want to ensure you have plenty of space to move around without tripping or bumping into things. 

Image Credit: Instagram @sonnymariutto

3. Get a nightlight

You will be needing one of these, they are great for those night time feeds, plus no one wants to be fumbling around in the dark trying to find nappies and wipes when you need to do a middle of the night nappy change. The night light at this stage is more for you than for the baby so ensure you place it in a spot where you will need it at night for example next to the changing station. Avoid placing a night light near your baby’s sleeping area as this could interfere with their sleep. 

Image Credit: Instagram

4. Cover those Windows

You want to create a space that can mimic night time at any time of the day. That means you need to ensure your windows have a thick curtain or block out blinds that you can use to create that “night time” feeling for your baby when they are having their daytime sleeps. Babies are smart if their nursery is not dark enough they are going to know its day time and that means party time for them, and oh boy do we need them to take those naps (for our sanity).

Image Credit: Instagram @modernday_farmhouse

5. Create a nursing station 

You are going to be spending a lot of time nursing, and so you need to ensure that everything that you might need during feeds are at arms reach. Choose a comfortable chair, the Ikea armchair was my fav! Pop a cute little cushion on it for your back and you’re good to go. Ensure you have a table next to you so you have somewhere to keep your water so you stay hydrated during nursing. Also very handy, is if there is a power point nearby with a charger, I cannot tell you the number of times I was nursing and my phone was dying and desperately needed a charger.

I mean I even struggled in the last couple of weeks leading up to the birth of both my boys, and I went into labour about a week before my due date. So, I feel you mumma if you are overdue and waiting for your little one to make their grand entrance. Well instead of waiting around anxiously, here are the Top 5 things to do while waiting for your little one to arrive.

1. Nest

Nesting is basically preparing your “nest” for the arrival of your new baby. Life will become hectic when baby arrives so if you get that urge to start nesting…go for it. Make the most of this time to wash all the baby clothes, sort out their nursery, go shopping and pick up those last-minute items that you will need for your newborn. Remember to not over-do it, you are in the last trimester and you are carrying precious cargo. Drink lots of water, take regular snack breaks and don’t do any heavy lift or climbing of ladders. Trust me you will most likely not get a chance to clean out the pantry or the when bubs arrives.

2. Have a Manicure and Pedicure

Trust me, this time of waiting should be used wisely as you may not get a chance to pamper yourself after birth. When the baby arrives and you are sleep deprived, constantly changing diapers and constantly waiting for the moment to have a decent shower and wash your hair you are going to wish you had taken some time for you. Whatever sort of pampering suits you, make the appointment and simply relax and enjoy that quiet ‘you time’. The relaxation will certainly help to calm your nerves and reduce any anxiety or stress you may have while waiting to go into labour.

3. Catch up with your Girlfriends

I wish I had done more of this while I was on maternity leave. When my first son was born I never left the house (unless it was for a doctor appointment) for about 2 months. While I absolutely loved being home those first few months and enjoying every second of ‘oooiing’ and ‘ahhhing’ over my son, I did miss my friends and those regular coffee catch ups and chats that you can sometimes take for granted. Being a new mum, especially a first time mum it can take a while to form a routine and get back out there socialising with friends so make the most of those coffee dates before baby arrives.

4. Take a Babymoon

I you are able too, take a little break, it doesn’t have to be a big holiday just a little getaway for you and your partner. Remember your partner is probably also very anxious about the arrival of the baby and about being a dad. So, while it is just the two of you, enjoy a relaxing getaway. Or if you are unable to take a mini holiday, then why not organise a few date nights, make a reservation at your favourite restaurant, go to the movies and just spend quality time together. Connecting with your partner now will help you feel supported and safe come time for labour. Do ensure that you get your doctors approval for any travel near or far. 

5. Rest, rest and rest some more 

We can’t say it enough. Put your feet up and just rest, we’re taking Netflix and chill to a whole new level. Binge watch your favourite series, watch a bunch of movies or simply take regular naps. The more rested you are before baby arrives the better. Both of my boys were shocking sleepers, they barely slept for long periods at night and would only like to sleep in my arms day and night so I know all the feels. Depending on your baby’s needs you may not get a chance to put your feet up when he or she arrives so make the most of it beforehand and well do it just because you can.

Remember you won’t be pregnant forever, while it is frustrating in those last few weeks. Take some time for you and to sort out those important things that need to be done before baby arrives. It can be hard in the home stretch but cherish your pregnancy and feel those kicks because if you are like me you will miss being pregnant when it is all done.

The first trimester for any expecting mum can be filled with so many mixed emotions. That nervous butterfly feeling as you think ahead of the journey you are about to embark on, to those excited ‘I wanna shout it from the rooftop’ feelings. Although a lot of women usually like to share the news of their pregnancy after the first trimester. So if you have decided to keep your little secret to yourself for the first three months then read on as we share our top 5 tips for dressing your bump in your first trimester.

1. Invest in a well fitted pair of pants

You can never go wrong by investing in a good pair of maternity pants. These will be your best friend throughout your pregnancy and is also perfect for the office. If you can, avoid low rise pants as this will cause your belly to ‘pop’ out which is what we want to avoid if you are keeping your pregnancy on the down low. Also try and avoid high waisted pants, although they look trendy they will hug your belly and draw unwanted attention. Ideally your pants should sit approx. 2-3 cm below your belly button.

2. Avoid Tight Tops

During your first trimester although you may see very little change in the size of your belly, your body is actually starting to change, your boobs may be getting bigger and you may also be starting to gain a little bit of weight, which is completely normal. Opt for tops that are a bit more flowy and less restricting. Not only will this help to hide the weight gain but you can use these tops post pregnancy too.

3. Get Fitted For a Supportive Maternity Bra

Yikes! Bigger boobs! As wonderful as that may sound, adding growing boobs along with a growing baby bump can make things less than comfortable. Get yourself professionally fitted with a good naternity bra, trust me it is worth the investment (may need to invest in a few throughout your pregnancy) it will do wonders for your comfort and support. One of my regrets during my first pregnancy was deciding not to invest in maternity bras, I thought I could get away with wearing my normal bras throughout my pregnancy and boy was that a bad idea.

4. Get On Board With the Maxi Dress Trend

Dresses that aren’t fitted are great at concealing a bump. Flowing maxi dresses are perfect for the job, they can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. Also opt for empire waited dresses that allow more flow around the waist and belly so your little growing bump is not noticeable.

5. Long Cardigans/ Waterfall Cardigans

I absolutely love long cardigans during the first trimester, actually all the way through my trimester. They are great at covering your bump and also the longer cardigans can help cover up any weight that you may have gained in your bum and thighs.  Waterfall cardigans do wonders for that side-on coverage.

Let's take a look:

Instant boob job!

The breasts naturally enlarge as milk ducts fill in the early stages of pregnancy, allowing the body to prepare for nursing. The enlargement occurs because of an increase in pregnancy hormones progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This means that you can expect to go up a cup size or two…for free!  

Random acts of kindness

In most cases, people are just much friendlier to pregnant people. Have you ever noticed on public transport or in a packed restaurant – even if there’s only standing room – someone always manages to give their seat to a pregnant woman? Or those who would usually cut in front of you at the supermarket check-out are letting a pregnant person jump ahead of them.

Of course, partners are usually first to jump in with kind gestures like little foot rubs. And while we know how important it is to receive support from your partner, it really just seems like even strangers want to help or take care of you. It’s lovely to have the opportunity to enjoy some special attention before you need to care for your baby 24/7.

Shopping for two!

Not that we ever need an excuse to shop, right ladies? Though we’re not suggesting an entire wardrobe overhaul, it may be worth investing in a few pieces that make you feel amazing and show off that growing baby bump. If the idea of shopping for maternity wear gives you anxiety, maybe consider involving a fashion styling expert to help you along. “It’s about helping ordinary people become extraordinary by the way they dress, look and feel about themselves,” says Director of Professional Styling Academy, Cindy Newstead. Once people understand which clothing fits their body type, throwing an outfit together is a breeze!

Blame it on ‘baby brain’

You now have a legitimate excuse for messing up those simple tasks and forgetting little things here and there. ‘Baby brain’ is no myth and apparently, pregnancy does change the brain’s functioning. It all comes down to grey matter reduction. Research suggests this happens during pregnancy because the woman’s brain is “probably recruiting those areas to more important areas associated with the business of child-rearing - so things like bonding, and social cognition,” says researcher Linda Byrne. So feel free to blame your mishaps on the little person growing inside of you, it’s the real deal!

Your skin looks radiant

The ‘pregnancy glow’ is real, ladies! “More blood flow to the skin gives a ‘rosy’ appearance, and makes the face appear fuller as well,” says Ob/Gyn Brandye Wilson-Manigat, M.D. This, combined with increased cell turnover, results in a radiance and smoothness of the skin you can enjoy throughout your pregnancy.

Your hair gets the Rapunzel treatment

Well, technically it’s more of a hormonal effect. Scientific testing has proven the hair isn’t actually growing thicker but rather, it’s just falling out less. The body’s tendency to produce more estrogen during pregnancy delays the hair loss process, leaving soon-to-be mums with thick, glossy hair.  

You get a built-in table!

Pregnant women balancing stuff on their bellies is a real thing. Yes, it’s hilarious to see women treating their bump like conveniently located bench space. I mean some people take it to a whole new level, but in reality, it’s really handy for collecting food that happens to miss your mouth. Nice catch, baby!

No judgment

Being pregnant pretty much excludes you from all forms of judgment. All those things that people would typically comment on won’t even be an issue for the next nine months because pregnancy is a judgment-free zone. Naps during the day? It’s okay; you’re making a baby. Doughnuts for breakfast? That’s not unhealthy, that’s what we call ‘cravings.’ Enjoy spending this time doing the things you feel your body needs.
 
Pregnancy may have its challenges, but you’ll be surprised how many little things you’ll miss after the baby arrives. So enjoy the journey, relish the experience and take the time to care for your mind and body.

Author Bio:

Tracey Newman is a Melbourne-based freelance writer and fashion student with a particular passion for textile production. Although you’ll usually find her writing or studying, you might also spot Tracey behind-the-scenes at Melbourne fashion events, gaining some incredible work experience.

If you’d like to connect with Tracey or ask a question about her stories, you can reach her at newmantracey54@gmail.com.

We have decided to extend our holiday sale until the end of January, enjoy up to 60% off* our entire range of maternity wear. Stock up your wardrobe now while our HUGE sale is on. 

Happy Shopping xx

*Excludes gift cards. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer valid until the 31/01/2016.

Welcome to Chic Maternity! Where fashion meets affordability...

At Chic Maternity we believe that being pregnant is one of the most special and precious times in a woman's life. Yes there are some 'not so fun' parts of being pregnant but for the most part it is a wonderful experience. During this most precious time we believe that expecting mums should not only feel great but also look great, as well as be able to show off their growing glowing bump. 

Our goal is to provide trendy, fashionable maternity wear at affordable prices. Having a baby costs a lot of money so we want to take the expense out off shopping for maternity wear. As a mum of a 2 year toddler and another one on the way I can definitely relate to not being able to find fashionable, inexpensive maternity wear. For this very reason I decided to launch Chic Maternity. 

The team at Chic Maternity really love finding and bringing you gorgeous, trendy clothing and we do really hope that you love shopping with us. We will have new products arriving all the time as well as great giveaways and specials, so please be sure to checkout our website regularly. 

Adelicia xx