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* Health in Pregnancy Grant News

* Curing what ails you in pregnancy

* 7 Steps to getting your figure back post pregnancy

 

 

Health in Pregnancy Grant News  

 

Who can get Health in Pregnancy Grant?

You can get the grant if all of the following apply:

·          you are 25 weeks pregnant or more

·          your expected date of delivery is on or after 6 April 2009

·          you have been given health advice from a midwife or doctor

you may not get the grant if:

·          you are subject to immigration control or

·          you are not present, ordinarily resident or have a right to reside in the UK

How much do you get?

The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect your tax credits or any other benefits. Everyone will get the same amount – you will not be asked about your income.

How do you claim?

You can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet.

 

How is the Grant paid?

HMRC will pay the grant directly into your bank or building society account any time from April 2009 onwards. Don’t worry if you don’t have an account - any bank or building society will help you open one.

More information

http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/

 

Curing what ails you in pregnancy

Most people enjoy human touch. A touch can convey comfort, love, awareness and many other sensations. It can also help alleviate aches and pains. All of these are of benefit, especially when you are pregnant.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:

* Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress.
* Relief from cramps, spasms, and pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips and legs
* Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
* Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
* Improves outcome of labour and eases labour pain.
* Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
* Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.

Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged.

The massage table will be set up so you will lie in a semi-reclining position. This is not only really comfortable, but safe for baby. Also you will turn from side to side to do your back and hips, there are body pillows, wedge pillows and extra padding to make you comfortable.  The room setting for a pregnancy massage is much like a typical massage, welcoming and relaxing.

A question I am often asked is about the level of clothing one will wear. This is really a personal choice. Many mums choose to remove all of their clothing, though they are never uncovered, as they are always covered by the sheets or towels.  Some choose to wear their underwear or their bra and underwear. Whatever you choose to wear or remove is completely up to you and your comfort level.

Massage is beneficial for almost everyone. Even women carrying multiples babies can benefit greatly from massage. There may be certain conditions that may or may not be related to the pregnancy that might preclude massage or certain types of massage. This may include women at risk for preterm labour, women with blood clots or clotting disorders .

Getting Back Your Figure in 7 Easy Steps

Post Pregnancy

Before You Exercise

-   While you can begin gentle exercises immediately, do not attempt any vigorous exercise until your bleeding has ceased and your pelvic floor has strengthened.

·         If you have had back problems you may wish to consult your family doctor prior to taking up exercise, or consult with a physiotherapist, osteopath or Chiropractor.

·         Exercise little and often.  Start with just one or two repetitions and build up to ten or more gradually.

·         Do not attempt sit-ups or double-leg raises with your legs straight.       

-        Remember to "exhale on the effort", breathe out when you tighten your stomach muscles

·        If exercises causes pain STOP and consult your GP

·         Always ease into exercise gently, if unsure consult with a professional for advice or guidance

·         When you can begin gentle exercises, do not attempt any vigorous exercise until your

 

 

1.         Pelivic Tilt

Lie on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, head and shoulders supported on a pillow.  Draw in your stomach, pressing the small of your back into the floor.  Hold for 4 seconds (but do not hold your breath) then gently let go. Repeat as often as is comfortable.  A good exercise for the first week after birth, but don’t worry if you can’t think about it for several weeks.

 

2.         Curl Ups

Second or third week (and still good later on) you can try this more advanced position.  Lie on the floor with your head supported and feet slightly apart (about shoulder width).  Breathe in and begin the exercise by stretching out your arms and trying to reach your knees with your hands.

As you get stronger, you can work your stomach muscles harder by holding the flattened position while you curl forward and lift your head.  As you breathe out, pull in your stomach muscles and lift your head.  Try to hold for a few seconds and then rest.

3.         Diagonal Reaches

Still lying on the floor with head supported, knees bent and feet on the floor, lifting your head and right shoulder reach the right arm across the body towards the left knee or ankle.  Lie back and rest for a moment then repeat the exercise on the other side.  (Note if you suffer from neck problems – use a strap or towel, holding the ends in your right and left hand and use to leaver your upper body forward.  If you have a serious neck issue do not do this exercise).

4.         Leg Lifts

Lie on your side, both legs directly in line with your hip and shoulder.  Keep the knees facing front, raise the upper leg more or less to shoulder height, and then lower the leg.  This exercise tones the hips and thighs.  Use your hands and abdominal muscles for support and balance.  Keep the leg straight but the knee soft.

5.         Cat Stretches

Get into position on all fours, make sure you start off with your back straight, and slowly arch your back upwards without making yourself uncomfortable.  This is an excellent exercise for your back.  Simply arch your spine towards the ceiling like a cat having a good stretch.

6.         Side Bends

Stand with your feet apart.  Slowly and smoothly bend sideways keeping your hips steady and facing forwards with your feet flat on the floor.  Breathe out as you bend and in as you straighten, bend to both left and right and remember to keep breathing.  Move as far as is comfortable and hold for a few seconds. 

7.         Squats

As a Mum with a small baby or toddler, you will be doing more lifting, try to remember to bend your knees to lift where practical, using your thighs (quadriceps) not your back or neck.  To facilitate this do some squats using your thighs and stomach muscles (the ones you’ve been strengthening) to raise yourself into an upright position.  If this is difficult for you, use an upright chair and sitting on the edge raise yourself up keeping your back straight.

If you have any health concerns, pain, or mobility issues,please seek advice from your GP about exercises that are safe for you.