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Great expectations

Without a doubt, expecting a child is one of life’s most exciting times. Whether it’s your first, second, or sixth child, the feeling of creating a new life is one that a husband and wife can enjoy together every time.

However, pregnancy is also a time when a woman - with the help of her family and friends - should be taking care to ensure that her baby is getting everything it needs to grow healthy and strong, while avoiding those things which could be detrimental to an unborn child.

The first major factor to consider is diet. Now that she is eating for two, it is certainly not the time to be thinking about cutting the calories or following a fad diet. It is natural to gain weight during pregnancy and the average woman will need around 300 extra calories a day to aid the baby’s growth.

Although cravings and hormonal changes may make you want to consume this extra calorie intake by reaching for the nearest chocolate bar or greasy burger, a healthy pregnancy menu should consist of plenty of lean meat, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. A balanced diet will feed both mother and child with all the nutrients they need, while ensuring the the mother’s energy levels and immune system stay strong.

While all expectant women will understand the dangers of smoking while pregnant, it is vital to also bear in mind the effects of passive smoking. Although meeting friends over coffee and a shisha is one of Dubai’s most sociable ways to spend an evening, pregnant women should avoid sitting in smoky restaurants or cafes, especially where cigarettes are being smoked. This should also apply to the woman’s family. If her husband smokes, he should aim to give up or at the very least smoke outside - the unborn child certainly doesn’t fancy a smoke so why should it be exposed to the toxic fumes?

Exercise is another thing to consider. While the pressure on new Mums these days seems to involve losing their post-pregnancy weight quickly, after you have given birth you should concentrate on bonding with the baby and begin gentle exercise only when your doctor recommends it.

That said, there is no reason why you should forgo an active lifestyle while expecting. In fact, staying active will help your body return to normal after giving birth. If you were active before becoming pregnant then, so long as your doctor says it’s safe, you can continue to be active throughout. Low-impact, moderate-intensity activities such as walking and swimming - even gentle jogging - are great choices, as are yoga or Pilates classes that have been tailored for pregnancy, as they are low-impact and they work on strength, flexibility, and relaxation.

Finally, it is to be expected that a woman’s hormones will be changing throughout her pregnancy. The important thing to understand as a family member or friend is that she can’t help it. The mixture of emotions that an expectant mother will be feeling can mean she will be laughing one minute, crying the next, or snapping for no apparent reason. Just remember to support her when she needs it, give her space when she wants it, enjoy the special moments of pregnancy together, and duck when the TV remote comes flying in your direction.

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