With Indian mums every step of the way

Travel during pregnancy is generally something that one should be very careful about. One should always consult the doctor before making travel arrangements.

The best time to travel is generally considered the second trimester. By the second trimester, the morning sickness and nausea should be under control and the fatigue of the third trimester would not have started yet. It is the safest and most comfortable time to travel.

Generally, air travel is allowed till 36 weeks of pregnancy. You should visit your doctor before hand and ask for a certificate declaring you fit to travel as some airlines may request it. Road travel is considered safe as long as it is not extra bumpy and strenuous. Before taking a long road journey, the doctor should be consulted. It is necessary to limit the car travel to a couple of hours to take some rest in between. Train travel is most comfortable as you can move around. Sea travel is generally considered safe, however if your morning sickness is bad, it may not be recommended.

Irrespective of the type travel, something that is often ignored is the planning for the pregnancy travel. The person should expect to have fatigue, heartburn, pelvis pain and increased frequency of urination during travel. This should be kept in mind while planning the journey.

Here are some tips to help alleviate a lot of problems that you might encounter.

• Complete Medical records should be carried along no matter the duration of the travel.
• Try not to travel alone just as a precaution and also to reduce the general inconvenience. As the pregnancy progresses, the risks increase and travel should be planned with company.
• A check-up should be planned just before you travel.
• Travel during third trimester and for high risk cases should be avoided. If you must travel make sure you know where the nearest medical facility is.
• Make sure to eat and drink properly during the journey to avoid any health issues.

On a general note, travel is not considered safe for pregnant women who have cases of prior miscarriages or premature labour. It is also not safe for women carrying multiples. In all cases, doctor should be consulted before travelling at any point of the pregnancy.

The onset of labour is both and exciting and stressful time. After months of preparation, the mothers cannot predict exactly how her labour is going to go. It may be quick or could take several hours or even days.

There are several symptoms that you will experience in the weeks, days and moments leading up to labour.

Here are some of the things you can expect in the lead up to the birth of your baby.

• Nesting is a common urge where the mother feels the strong need to clean, organise and rearrange. Nesting happens in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
• Lightening is the feeling that some mothers feel when the baby drops into place. The mother’s body is relieved of some pressure when the baby settles in the birth canal and is ready to come into the world.
• There might be a pink, red or brown discharge which indicates that the cervix has started dilating. This can be sudden and intense or it can be mild for weeks.
• Water breaking is a confirmed sign of approaching delivery since the baby cannot survive without the fluids.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions that are painful but ones that pass away. Imminent labour is indicated by regular contractions that increase in frequency and intensity. The painful contractions do not go away by changing positions and does not decrease.

The mother should be on the lookout for these signs and should be prepared with a birth plan and ready to rush to the hospital at any time. You should have your hospital bag ready and petrol in the car at all times ready to leave.

False alerts are common as most mothers are extra sensitive about the changes in their body and any small change can feel like the onset of delivery. When it feels like labour pains, it is necessary to stay focused and calm. One should carefully observe the intensity and frequency of the contractions

There are a few things to bear in mind when exercising while pregnant. If you have always exercised then it is recommended that you continue to do so while pregnant. If you did not exercise before pregnancy, taking up some simple forms of exercise such as walking or swimming is recommended.

Careful exercise during pregnancy can prove very helpful.

• It reduces back pain and other strain to the body during pregnancy
• It helps the body prepare itself for the stress to be endured during labour
• It keeps the person in shape and healthier
• It can encourage a speedy recovery after child birth.

For most expecting mothers, exercising is safe. It is recommended that the obstetrician is consulted to find out the best exercises suitable to the body. The most common and safe forms of exercising are walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. Yoga and pilates are good with a qualified teacher. Any other sport activities which involve falling and tackling or balls are not safe.

The pregnant body has its limits and it is beneficiary to understand the limits while finding the best exercise suitable to your body needs.

The best exercises vary with the trimester.

• Walking on a daily basis is the safest exercise throughout pregnancy.
• Breathing exercises should be practiced to help in control and to relax. It has been proved to be extremely helpful during labour.

First trimester is the period to be safe and not start new things. It is not advised to start a new exercise routine during this time. Regularly followed workouts can be followed in moderation.

Second trimester is when one should avoid back exercises since it decrease the blood flow to the mother and the baby.

Third trimester is when it is necessary to be careful not to increase stress levels. All exercises should be under the advice of a professional and in moderation. Exercises should be immediately stopped in cases of diastasis where the abs separate.

Pilates are a great form of exercise for pregnant women in the second and third trimester.

• They increase flexibility, strength and muscle tone.
• They can help decrease the problems of backaches during pregnancy.
• It ultimately helps in labour and delivery of the baby by increasing the strength and muscle tone in the belly, back and pelvic muscles.
• It helps to improve balance, increases flexibility and muscular endurance.
• It is necessary to practice with the help of a qualified teacher so that risky postures and exercises are avoided.

During any form of exercise, one should be on the lookout for any bloody discharge, unexplained pain, headaches, dizziness and sudden swelling. In such cases, exercises should be immediately stopped and the doctor should be consulted. Overdoing any form of exercise can put a risk to the mother and baby’s health.

The main benefit of exercise during pregnancy is to increase the blood flow while increasing the flexibility and endurance of the body to prepare it for child birth.

During the 9 months of pregnancy the body goes through lots of changes to keep up with the nutritional requirements of the growing baby. It is advisable to know what these changes are in advance, so that when they do occur, the mother won’t be surprised or worried.

The first trimester changes are probably the toughest for the mother-to-be. The baby’s organs are beginning to form at this stage and the mother’s body begins to prepare itself for the child. Changes that the mother will notice include:

• Breasts begin to enlarge and become sensitive.
• Nausea is very common in the third month. Nausea usually stops by the second trimester, although some people might have prolonged nausea through second and third trimester.
• In the first trimester pregnant women tend to be very tired and need lots of rest.
• Weight gain starts during the first 3 months although it is not much.

The second trimester is usually the most comfortable part in pregnancy. The uneasiness of the first trimester is gone and the aches and pains of the third trimester have not yet arrived. The baby can grow up to a foot in this trimester and the baby bump becomes more obvious.

• Breasts begin to enlarge while preparing for lactation.
• The uterus enlarges and the baby bump starts showing.
• The blood circulation increases to cope with the demands for the supply of blood to the baby. This increase in blood flow can have many side effects. The skin starts to glow, veins may become more apparent, and spider veins may also appear.
• Palms and soles might be itchy due to high estrogen levels
• Gums become soft and might bleed.

The third trimester can be uncomfortable as the mother’s body tries to cope with the growth of their baby.

• Body aches and other problems are common in this phase. Backache, neck ache, headaches and aching legs are common due to the change in the posture.
• The size of the uterus increases and presses against other abdominal organs which affects their function. Constipation, gas, bloating, and an increased need to urinate are common side affects.
• Pigmentation of skin is common and will fade after delivery
• Pinkish or reddish stretch marks can start appearing in various parts of the body
• Puffiness of face and swelling of feet may occur
• Increased growth of hair is common

Birth plans are a relatively new concept in India that give mothers an idea of what to expect in the delivery room. You can choose a person to be with you during delivery and even can decide on some of the details of how your labour should go. These concepts were mostly unheard of in India until recently.

Birth plans are now offered in most hospitals. It is recommended that mothers know what to expect and are prepared for their labour. Birth plans helps to put together a plan for the delivery process. Everything from the medication to the preferences of delivery is written down.

Birth position is the means by which the mother decides to deliver the baby. There are various ways and the expecting mother should choose one which she is most comfortable with.

• The traditional method involves just the hospital bed and the doctor. Many people are unaware that other methods are available.
• Water birth: This method tries to achieve a relaxing and soothing way for a child to enter the world.
• Acupuncture: This is used for pain relief during childbirth. It is also a known technique for turning babies that are breech.
• HypnoBirth: This method focuses on the fact that childbirth is more of a natural process than medical. It stresses the importance of relaxation, self hypnosis, and slow breathing to avoid thinking about the pain.
• Doula: Doulas are birthing coaches that remains in the room during delivery providing physical and emotional support for women in childbirth.

A birth plan is necessary to avoid any miscommunication during labour and to keep the process smooth. However, birth plans can be difficult to stick to during the stress of labour. To help you stick to your plan and to offer support during childbirth most hospitals now allow the presence of a birth companion. Birth companions provide full support to the delivering mother.

• Birth companions are usually but not necessarily the husband.
• He is chosen beforehand and the hospital is informed.
• He accompanies her to the birthing classes and exercises
• He is fully aware of the birth plan
• He remains in the labour room during delivery
• He provides emotional support for the delivery mother.
• The presence of the birth companion helps the mother to relax amidst the confusion.
• His presence helps the person to follow the instructions rehearsed for a safe and natural delivery.
• Birth companions provide the emotional support which is acutely required in this time of tremendous physical pain.

In times of extreme pain when everything seems to be chaos, it really helps to hold the hand of the person you trust and listen to their voice which stands out of the noise and soothes you. Doctors agree that the presence of a trusted birth companion eases the delivery process for the mother. Although birth companions are allowed in most hospitals in India now, it is not offered by default. It is required to arrange before hand the presence of the companion in the labour room.

Scientists have actually discovered a formula that when applied, can result in the perfect pancake.

The formula for the perfect mix is 100 - [10L - 7F + C(k - C) + T(m - T)]/(S - E), and was developed by scientist Dr Ruth Fairclough, who lectures in Maths at the University of Wolverhampton.

Dr Ruth explains: “L represents the number of lumps in the batter and C equals its consistency. F stands for the flipping score, k is the ideal consistency and T is the temperature of the pan. The perfect pan temperature is represented by m, S is the time the batter stands before cooking and E is the time the cooked pancake stands before being eaten - the closer to 100 the result is, the better the pancake.”

So along with the right frying pan, if you follow this formula you should be able to create fabulous pancakes (that is if you’re half decent at math anyway.)

So if you are scientifically minded and think you can apply this formula to your pancake making then why not give it a try!

If this formula is a little complex for your liking then simply follow these simpler tips and you should do just fine. Have a good pan at 377 degrees, have zero lumps in the mixture, and leave the batter to stand for 30 minutes before cooking. And of course eat the pancakes straight away!

Valentine’s Day may be over but that doesn’t mean the romance has to end. If you are looking for a delicious dessert recipe for a ‘grown-up’ night in then Häagen-Dazs has the perfect thing for you.

Häagen-Dazs not only brings you one of its most delicious ice creams yet, Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Pralines & Caramel, but has commissioned a recipe, Häagen-Dazs Dessert Cocktail for Two, ideal for a romantic night in.

The ‘Häagen–Dazs Loving Cup’ is simple, elegant and utterly delicious. Based on the traditional Italian classic, the Affogato, ‘The Häagen–Dazs Loving Cup’ combines ice-cream, coffee and citrus liqueurs, hot coffee and citrus zest to create a beautiful and impressive end to any romantic meal for two.

So send the kids off to the grandparents for the night and treat your other half (and yourself) to a romantic meal for two with a tasty treat to finish it off – we mean the dessert of course. Enjoy!

The Häagen-Dazs Loving Cup

• 1 scoop of Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Pralines & Caramel
• 2 x shots of Liqueur (1 each of coffee and citrus flavours or your favourites!)
• I half cup strong black hot coffee
• Citrus Zest (or chopped nuts, or grated chocolate to taste)

Scoop the ice-cream into a large bowl, drizzle with liqueur before carefully pouring over the hot black coffee, top with freshly grated citrus zest, take two spoons and dive in!

If you enjoy baking with the kids or perhaps want to make something special for your beau then you must try these delicious recipes from Dr. Oetker Baking range.

The Valentine’s Mini Cakes are perfect to make with the kids while the Strawberry Delight Muffins and the Mini Amaretto Chocolate Hearts will no doubt ignite your hubby’s passionate side. The muffins are crammed full of fresh strawberries and the chocolate ganache hearts are kissed with Amaretto liqueur.

So why not try out these lovely recipes and keep the whole family (and yourself) happy.

Strawberry Delight Muffins

Makes 12

Ingredients
450g Plain Flour and 1 1⁄2 tsp for dusting
1 1⁄2 tsp Baking Powder
1⁄2 tsp Salt
225g Sugar
115g Butter
2 medium eggs
2 tsp Vanilla extract
115g Milk
450g fresh or dry strawberries

Method
1. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together. In a separate bowl, cut the strawberries into bite size piece, toss them in a sieve with 1 1/2 tsp of plain flour to lightly coat them.
2. Cream the butter and sugar with electric hand held mixer until they become fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Add the flour mix and beat them until they have combined fully. Add milk and beat till all are mixed well. Using a spatula fold the strawberries in the mix and keep it ready.
4. Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease the muffin pan and divide the batter among the cups evenly.
5. Bake for about 20-25 min.
6. Transfer it to the wired rack to cool.

Valentine’s Mini Cakes

Makes 16

Ingredients
250 g butter
125 g dark chocolate
300 g caster sugar
3 large eggs
100 g wheat flour
50 g cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
75 g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
75 g milk chocolate, broken into pieces
75 g white chocolate, broken into pieces

Method
1. Melt butter and 125 g dark chocolate in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar until foamy and fluffy.
3. Fold in the flour, cocoa and baking powder.
4. When fully combined, stir in the remaining chopped chocolate.
5. Pour into heart shape muffin tins.
6. Bake at 180 ° C for approx. 20 min until baked through.
7. Cool cakes on a wire rack.
8. Decorate with romantic message to your loved one.

Mini Amaretto Chocolate Hearts

Serves 2

Ingredients

50g caster sugar

1 medium egg
40g plain flour
1⁄2 tsp baking powder
10g cocoa powder
2 tbsp amaretto
100ml whipping cream
Chocolate Hearts or other cake decorations

For the ganache
41⁄2 tbsp double cream
100g plain chocolate
1 tsp butter

Method:
1. Heat the oven to 180°C. Grease and base line 20cm sandwich tin. Whisk the sugar and egg together until pale and thick. Sift the flour, baking powder and cocoa into a bowl, then fold into the egg mix. Pour into the prepared tin and level.
2. Bake for 12-15 mins until cooked through. Cool on a wire rack, then cut out four 7cm hearts using a cutter. Drizzle each heart-shape sponge with 1⁄2tbsp amaretto.
3. For the ganache, heat double cream until hot, but not boiling; add the chocolate and butter and leave to melt. Stir briefly until smooth and leave to cool.
4. Whisk the whipping cream until thick, then use to sandwich together each pair of cake hearts.
5. Using a teaspoon, smooth cooled ganache on top of the cakes and sprinkle with chocolate hearts or other pretty decorations.

As mums we all know the heartache that comes with trying to loose baby weight.  Well here are some tips on how to loose those extra pounds after having a baby. This is a flawless 10 step programme that will slot into your hectic daily routine with the new arrival. The main focus is on light exercise, regular eating, plenty of water and plenty of sleep - it’s that simple (well maybe not the sleep part but we think we could manage the rest).

The main things to monitor on a daily basis are Calorie Intake and Calorie Expenditure. Along with the below tips, you will see a healthy difference in your new lifestyle.

1. Drink 2-3 litres of water a day, so just always have a refillable bottle close by. This is especially important if you have chosen to breastfeed as breastfeeding can leave you dehydrated.

2. Eat as much fruit and vegetables as you like.

3. Increase your protein intake, which is also important if you are breastfeeding so plenty of chicken, lean red meet, white fish and turkey.

4. Avoid sugary cakes, biscuits and sweets; don’t waste calories on them that could be used on other food.

5. Start the day with a vitality breakfast and continue on eating every 3-4 hours, that way the metabolism is constantly working and constantly burning calories.

6. Be active when it is comfortable to do so; this may take longer after a c-section but gentle walking is enough to start the burning of calories.

7. Gentle Pilates will help reduce any swelling after the birth.

8. Simple stretches will help to loosen tight muscles.

9. To help with breastfeeding do a simple ‘Rounded Shoulders’ exercises - standing, reach arms over head and circle from shoulder joints out and around. (Breastfeeding itself is a great way to burn calories).

10.  Plenty of rest and sleep – this can be difficult when you have a new baby crying throughout the night but try and rest when you can so that you have energy to follow the previous 9 tips.

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but do you struggle to get your child to eat breakfast in the mornings? According to statistics 1 in 4 children don’t eat any breakfast.

Well then why not try nutella. At first I struggled with the idea of serving a chocolate spread to my kids as part of their breakfast and so I decided to do a bit of research before trying it out. After reading the nutritional information and comparing it to other breakfast alternatives I found that a portion of nutella (15g or 2 teaspoons) actually contains less sugar than a bowl of most children’s breakfast cereals. And if you were to compare a slice of toast with nutella to a slice of toast with butter and jam you would find that a portion of nutella on toast contains less fat (3.5g less) and sugar (2.2g less) than jam and butter on toast (measured against a 15g portion of jam with 10g butter).

Nutella has launched a new website www.wakeuptonutella.com that offers a wonderful selection of creative ways to use nutella at breakfast time. These recipes are designed specifically for busy mums and so are easy to prepare. Recipes like nutella Super Smoothies are great recipes that you and your child can make together and will encourage your child to eat breakfast every morning. And with the Super Smoothies containing bananas and mixed berries they are a wonderful way of getting your child to have some fruit. When mixed with nutella children will love these delicious smoothies.

Why not try out some of nutella’s recipes below. The smoothies are an easy way to ensure that your child gets one of their five-a-day and the muffins can make for a delicious breakfast treat at the weekends.

Nutella Super Smoothie

Serves 6-8 depending on glass size

Ingredients

6 tbsp nutella

1 large pot (500g) low-fat vanilla yogurt

110ml skimmed milk

568ml/1 pint mixed fruit, frozen (tip into measuring jug)

1 large banana, cut into 2.5cm/1-inch pieces

Method

1. Put all ingredients in a blender or put into bowl if using hand held blender and purée for 2 minutes or until smooth.

2. Pour into glasses. Garnish with fresh berries. Tip: experiment with different fruit such as an exotic mix or mixed berries

Nutella Banana Muffins Serves 10

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas

2 eggs

80g soft sunflower margarine

70g dark brown sugar

150g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp vanilla sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla liquid (optional) nutella

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220 ° C (430°F). In a bowl, beat margarine and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and mashed bananas with a fork. Add the flour and baking powder and mix.

2. Grease a muffin pan or place muffin cases on a baking tray. Half fill each with mixture then top with a 1/4 teaspoon of nutella and finally top nutella with more mixture. Bake for 20 minutes.

3. Remove from oven and wait before turning out.