I’ve been having a real clear out this weekend. The pregnancy books, maternity clothes and tiny baby clothes are all bagged up for our nearest charity shop. I’m not sure if we’ll be adding to our little tribe but we can’t store many things in our little house. Bio-Oil has recently launched a new pregnancy tab on their Facebook page for mums to share their best pregnancy tips with mums-to-be. The idea is that over time it will become a hub of really useful information.
Bio-Oil have also printed a collection of tips from Mumsnetters across the UK in the ‘Little Book Of Mum-To-Mum Pregnancy Advice’ which is free to download from the Bio-Oil pregnancy tab.
I have a great giveaway today, and all you need to do to enter is tell me your most valuable pregnancy tip!
Giveaway:
I have 5 sets of 60ml bottle of Bio-Oil, a Bio-Oil vanity case and a copy of the pregnancy booklet to giveaway to the people who leave the top 5 pregnancy tips.
To enter:
Mandatory – Simply leave a comment telling me your best pregnancy tip in a comment below. Mine would be to just put your feet up and relax whilst you can!
For an extra entry tell others about the competition using the Retweet button below or tweet this message: I want to win some Bio-Oil with @gingerbread_mum
For a final entry subscribe to the gingerbread house via RSS or follow me via Networked Blogs.
Small print:
The prize consists of a Bio-Oil vanity case, 60ml bottle of Bio-Oil and pregnancy booklet for 5 winners. The giveaway ends September 24th at 8pm. The winners will be selected at random from all entries received and notified by email or their twitter handle. The prize is as stated: no cash alternatives are available. This competition is open to UK entrants only. The winners’ details will be passed to the PR company who are responsible for sending out the prizes.
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***** The giveaway is now closed and the winners are Helen Smith, Nicola Barter, Leigh Larkin, Maria Knight and Victoria Wilkinson *****
Keri Jones
September 17, 2012 at 9:45 amMy tip would be to take pictures of your changing bump and date them. Also, if you know what sex your baby is take a picture of an outfit next to your bump- then when your baby is born take a picture of you & the baby in the outfit. I have seen a few of these and I wish I had done it!
Jennifer Taylor
September 17, 2012 at 8:01 pmRelax as much as you can before the birth; you won’t be getting much sleep in the first couple of weeks when your bundle arrives!!
jen
September 17, 2012 at 8:02 pmStart changing your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods.
Laura Watson
September 17, 2012 at 8:02 pmMy tip is to get a yoga-ball as this was instrumental in my labour and I wish above all else that I’d had one at home before I got to the hospital! Also, Even if you think you look gross, make sure you get photos of your tummy and everything else, including when you get a few moments with your new baby. I treasure mine, even though I look horrific :p <3
angela sandhu
September 17, 2012 at 8:08 pmtry and relax. You dont have to be superwoman!
AIMEE SWIFT
September 17, 2012 at 8:09 pmraspberry tea from over 30 weeks, its supposed to make labour easier.
gemma buckingham
September 17, 2012 at 8:10 pmRead aloud to your bump, it will relax you both
Emmalene Edwards-King
September 17, 2012 at 8:16 pmYour boobs are sore, you’re worried about how much weight you are putting on, crazily needing to wee every 5 minutes and generally terrified? Keep your sense of humour! Laugh as much as you can as often as you can. Snigger, giggle, and belly laugh and don’t worry about the strange looks… you are allowed to come across as a madwoman when you are pregnant!
Vickie Ruddle
September 17, 2012 at 8:16 pmBuy something for the baby with your weekly grocery shop, wipes that are on offer etc. Also look for clothing items in the sale or on ebay, this will all help towards financial costs when you receive statutory maternity pay. My daughter was 13 months old before we had to buy nappies!
selena
September 17, 2012 at 8:20 pmRemember to try and relax and dont get too bogged down in advice from relatives, friends and books regarding what to expect. You will find that you will naturally work out what is right for you and your baby…..so enjoy pregnanc and motherhood
hayley payton
September 17, 2012 at 8:29 pmbuy yourself a v shaped pillow they are great for nesting your growing bump when your uncomfy in bed
maureen findley
September 17, 2012 at 8:30 pmenjoy every special minute of it
ashleigh
September 17, 2012 at 8:30 pmmy tip is to enjoy it – its an amazing time in your life!
ashleigh
September 17, 2012 at 8:32 pmi have tweeted as @ashlallan
Haley Redshaw
September 17, 2012 at 8:38 pmRelax and enjoy every bit of it, it’s the best time of your life even though it doesn’t seem like it at times! 🙂
Sarah Morris
September 17, 2012 at 8:39 pmGet plenty of rest before the due date as life changes forever once the little bundle of joy arrives!
ellie
September 17, 2012 at 8:44 pmPut your feet up and watch your favourite movie.
victoria Wilkinson
September 17, 2012 at 9:03 pmAs I am pregnant with no3 I would tell first time mums to be to not panic about buying lots for your newborn. I went mad in comparison with my 1st but they really don’t need that much, only a lot of Love.
victoria Wilkinson
September 17, 2012 at 9:04 pmI have tweeted as @LoveBeingMummy3
victoria Wilkinson
September 17, 2012 at 9:06 pmI am follow via email rss feed
abigail edkins
September 17, 2012 at 9:11 pmMine is for morning sickness as I had 7 months of it, 3 times now. Try drinking flat lemonade and eating gingers biscuits daily ot failing that mini milk ice lollies work a treat : )
cheryl lovell
September 17, 2012 at 9:11 pmMy tip would be to enjoy spending time with your other half prior to the baby’s birth….your relationship will really be tested once a little one is around 🙂
cheryl lovell
September 17, 2012 at 9:11 pmfollowing via networked blogs
Rachel Wood
September 17, 2012 at 9:12 pmMy tip would be to use acupressure seabands for nausea and sickness. I wore them for the first 20 weeks of my second and third pregnancies and they worked brilliantly!
Veronica Brown
September 17, 2012 at 9:26 pmMake sure you make time to relax a spoil yourself a bit
helenthemadex
September 17, 2012 at 9:27 pmmy tip would be to listen to other peoples advice and read books so that you are informed, but relax and do what feels right for you and your baby, because nobody knows and loves your baby as much as you do
emma cella
September 17, 2012 at 9:31 pmI was too embarrassed to buy maternity clothes too early on, but I should have. I would have been a lot more comfortable and would have had a greater range of outfits to wear to church and out with friends. It is important to feel beautiful!
Spamum
September 17, 2012 at 9:43 pmYou can never spoil a baby or cuddle it too much! Make the most of every moment, you will regret it if you don’t.
emma pike
September 17, 2012 at 9:55 pmstay as active as you can, i carried on running until 8 months and then took up swimming, i did a half mile swim the day before both my children were born. It keeps you fit, stops you from piling on too many pounds and energises you,
Barbara Daniels
September 17, 2012 at 10:02 pmdrink lots of milk to beat heartburn and most of all make the most of being pregnant I really miss it.
Barbara Daniels
September 17, 2012 at 10:03 pmdrink lots of milk to beat heartburn and most of all make the most of being pregnant I really miss it. sorry My email is barbannlucy@yahoo.co.uk
rebecca denyer
September 17, 2012 at 10:13 pmI had really bad morning sickness but found eating little and often helped, i also enjoyed ginger biscuits as they seemed to ease the nausea
Denise
September 17, 2012 at 10:13 pmEnjoy every second of it and take all the help you are offered, it passes by so quick 🙂
rebecca denyer
September 17, 2012 at 10:14 pmTweeted as beclee09 using the share button too
Kirsten Barthy
September 17, 2012 at 10:27 pmTry to sleep as much as you can
Paula Phillips
September 17, 2012 at 10:29 pmThere is no need to eat for two, just ensure you eat a healthy balanced diet.
Brigitte Leprince
September 17, 2012 at 11:52 pmUse Bio Oil to avoid stretch marks or Palmers Cocoa Butter if you havn’t got any Bio Oil?
lucymartin1973@hotmail.co.uk
September 18, 2012 at 12:27 amEat ginger biscuits to help with morning sickness x
kerry Locke
September 18, 2012 at 10:31 amSwimming while pregnant helps keep you toned while pregnant!
andrea miles
September 18, 2012 at 11:17 amdon’t fixate on your due date – chances are baby will be late
Hilda Hazel Wright
September 18, 2012 at 11:21 amMy tip would be to take it easy on yourself, if you’re tired then sleep and don’t feel bad about it!
lily bowers
September 18, 2012 at 11:36 amI used to eat crackers and olives to ease the morning sickness.
NCT classes are great help to find friends and learn about labour and delivery
Julie Picton
September 18, 2012 at 12:17 pmMake sure you get lots of sleep before baby is born
Isabelle Smith
September 18, 2012 at 1:39 pmeat healthy
sarah tremlett
September 18, 2012 at 1:49 pmTry reflexology – it is great for relaxation, swollen feet, and can help induce labour after 40 weeks.
FionaLynne Edwards
September 18, 2012 at 6:54 pmHave an afternoon nap when you can and try and keep your ankles elevated when you sit down – you’ll need to be rested when baby comes (you won’t get much sleep after that for a while!).
Pav
September 18, 2012 at 7:51 pmTake into account all the tips given on here! And always make excuses to be happy!
Harps
September 18, 2012 at 8:19 pmeat little and often to keep your energy up and always carry healthy snacks such as almonds with you
shane weir
September 18, 2012 at 8:53 pmMake sure you always have an emergency supply of ice cream to hand
Victoria C
September 18, 2012 at 9:07 pmRest, rest and more rest. I’m finding everything is tiring me out but you need to make sure you still have fun in your pregnancy, so rest when you can and then you’ll still have the energy to do exciting things at the weekends. It gives you something to look forward to after a long tiring week at work.
Solange
September 19, 2012 at 4:01 amExpect to be very tired at times (in first trimester not just when you are big!) and make sure you take time to rest. Accept help and pampering from those people closest to you; Listen to the professionals and follow their guidance. Don’t expect to get every problem but don’t be surprised to be faced with something you weren’t expecting!
Emma Gallagher
September 19, 2012 at 10:27 amBuy one of those pregnancy balls (like a gym ball) to sit on as its so much easier to sit on one of those once you are around the 8 month plus pregnancy stage.
Janet Dixon
September 19, 2012 at 6:43 pmRelax when you can ! listen to your bump, take time to share the experience with your other half.
linda savas
September 19, 2012 at 6:44 pmEat a healthy balanced diet, (even in small portions if feeling ill) feel proud and beautiful, walk away when so called friends start telling you horror stories about their pregnancies.
nicky
September 20, 2012 at 9:55 ampamper yourself and relax, stress is no good and makes it sooo much worse than it actually is
carolvs@hotmail.co.uk
September 20, 2012 at 3:29 pmDon’t eat for two – by all means treat yourself occasionally but don’t overdo it
C Duffy
September 20, 2012 at 7:00 pmDrink lots of water, it helps with the swelling near the end. It also gets you into a good habit and helps with breast feeding, if you choose to and gives you lovely skin.
Rachel
September 20, 2012 at 7:27 pmMy tip would be to get a hypnotherapy cd and prepare for the birth. It gets you mind in a good place for the birth which helps a lot.
Paula Gent
September 20, 2012 at 8:30 pmnever find out the sex of the baby – there are few surprises left in the world nowadays – let the birth of your first born be one of them in all sences
chloe
September 21, 2012 at 12:08 amA glass of milk befor bed cures everything! x
Georgie Aronin
September 21, 2012 at 1:35 pmPut your feet up as often as possible. You’ll get little time when the baby is born.
Anene Cee
September 21, 2012 at 1:54 pmLots of rest, start preparing early so that there’s no mad rush to decorate or have to buy things in the last week. Ask your partner for lots of foot rubs to help with swollen feet!
Gilla
September 21, 2012 at 9:46 pmGet as much rest as you can and eat sensibly, with lots of fruit and veg.
Gilla
September 21, 2012 at 9:47 pmTweeted – @Gilla01.
Gilla
September 21, 2012 at 9:48 pmFolowing your blog – I can type, so it doesn’t take long to post a short reply. I was told to slow down, so assume my last one didn’t go through and am reposting it.
Lucy Youngs
September 22, 2012 at 3:25 amMy tip would be in the last weeks / days get as much rest as you possibly can, you will need it for the birth and the days that follow.
Emma Jackson
September 22, 2012 at 11:14 amEat a small ginger biscuit as soon as you wake up to beat morning sickness
alexlukeshelby@hotmail.co.uk
September 22, 2012 at 11:14 amI enjoyed a daily bath, this helped to relax me and also you can really moisturise your skin.
emma hunt
September 22, 2012 at 12:31 pmMy best pregnancy tip would be to buy stretch material clothing, this way you can wear them whilst pregnant and also in the first months after giving birth.Saving you money 🙂
Prerna Gupta
September 22, 2012 at 12:39 pmI would say eat as much healthy food( loads of fruits and vegetables)as possible as it would have effect on you as well as your baby. Avoid pineapple and papaya in early pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions!!
sairz eastham
September 22, 2012 at 5:55 pmginger biscuits for nausea, rennies for heartburn and as much sleep as you can get 😀
Katie Skeoch
September 22, 2012 at 5:55 pmeat what you like but in moderation – far too much scaremongering these days for pregnancy, raspberry leaf tea is a good thing in the latter stages for a quick labour (not at the start as it contracts the womb )
Christine Clarke
September 22, 2012 at 7:49 pmSip lemon and ginger tea to relieve heartburn
Nicky Jennings
September 22, 2012 at 8:08 pmDrink nettle tea.
Charlotte Marchant-Jones
September 22, 2012 at 11:05 pmMine would be to search for items on gumtree and freecycle and even ebay. You can save so much money and get products for new or nearly new at over half the price. Babies don’t need everything brand new (no matter how tempting things might be!) and as long as you wash any clothes and toys very thoroughly, check the item is in good working condition and replace the mattress in a cot with a new one, you can grab yourself a real bargain that your baby will love just as much as he or she would have something that you paid an awful lot more for! This will be a huge benefit to you and your partner and you can even put the money you would have spent if you had brought it new into an account for your little one and use it to buy them future things or give as a gift on their 18th birthday!
lynsey graham
September 22, 2012 at 11:46 pmjust put baby or bio oil on as soon as you get out the bath/shower and rub it in let yourself dry natural leaves your skin perfect whether pregnat or not.
katherine grieve
September 23, 2012 at 8:43 amSleep while you can
Cassie
September 23, 2012 at 10:51 amMake the most of every bit of sleep
Can you delete my first comment as i put my email by accident 🙁
merryl cain-o'grady
September 23, 2012 at 11:52 amstart gentle exercise if not already doing, yoga is fantastic
Maria Jane Knight
September 23, 2012 at 2:19 pmDont let people bother you with their comments of “your bump is small,big etc” as long as your healthy and the midwife is happy that the baby is….then sod everyone else.
Maria Jane Knight
September 23, 2012 at 2:20 pmRetweeted as @mariajkknight https://twitter.com/mariajkknight/status/249860708697772032
Lesley Bain
September 23, 2012 at 2:34 pmEat little and often to combat nausea, and stay as fit and active as you can throughout your pregnancy – really helps in those last few weeks!
Sara S
September 23, 2012 at 4:13 pmEnjoy your pregnancy, I promise you – that you will look back on it with fond memories, so try to enjoy it at the time..
Gemma Clark
September 23, 2012 at 4:48 pmtry and relax and enjoy your pregnancy, i know not all pregancys are smooth. i had RLS through both my pregnancys and it drove me crackers on a night with not much sleep so i napped whenever i got the chance
Christine Bray
September 23, 2012 at 7:18 pmTake Omega 3 oil in!
Bio oil on the outside!
Olive Oyl to make you laugh……
suzie morgan
September 23, 2012 at 7:34 pmGet your osteopath to teach your partner how to give you a back rub that really counts for pain relief.
Aime
September 23, 2012 at 8:13 pmTake lots of pictures so you can remember this special time. I regret not taking more pictures of my pregnancy, and my bump.
Aimee
September 23, 2012 at 8:14 pmRetweeted as @rahelaa
jennie
September 23, 2012 at 8:44 pmrelax, enjoy, pamper, and spend time together – perfect weekend or short break away.
ElizaWilder
September 23, 2012 at 9:10 pmMassage oils massaged into your tummy and neck every evening are relaxing and great for the skin.
Danielle Graves
September 23, 2012 at 9:11 pmIf you think of a question you would like to ask your midwife, consultant, health visitor etc write it down so you don’t forget!
Danielle Graves
September 23, 2012 at 9:12 pmfollowed and retweeted as @lilpickle87
Steph Nicolls
September 23, 2012 at 9:18 pmKeep active for as long as you can. Just a short walk everyday will keep you fit and happy. That’ll all help when it comes to the final push 🙂
Julie Harris
September 23, 2012 at 9:19 pmAttend all your midwife/ hospital appointments plus antenatel classes if available.
Try gingerbread biscuits for morning sickness.
Pick up maternity clothes on ebay or make do with sloppy joes and don’t buy too many baby clothes ,though tempting. Chances are you will get some as gifts and how much do you think a baby can wear in 3 months?
NATALIE BRADLEY
September 23, 2012 at 9:37 pmAsk for help from friends and family with cooking etc esp if ur suffering with morning sickness
leighlarkin79@yahoo.co.uk
September 23, 2012 at 10:03 pmTake lots of photos of your growing bump. We took them weekly in the same spot of our house from when our bump first started to show. I love looking back at them and seeing how my body changed in order to house our baby girl!
leighlarkin79@yahoo.co.uk
September 23, 2012 at 10:03 pmFollow and have retweeted – @fairyprincess31
Sarah Robinson
September 23, 2012 at 10:14 pmget lots of sleep!
Joanne grugel
September 23, 2012 at 10:38 pmMoisturising everyday is essential,
Emily Nelson
September 23, 2012 at 11:58 pmBe prepared for thing’s you wouldn’t really be prepared for. Such as waking up in the night at different times, being tired, putting someone else before yourself, not doing your hair & makeup but doing nappies or feeds instead.
And DO ask for help from midwives, and health visitors, because they are very handy to have around especially if it is your first baby! 🙂
esme mccrubb
September 24, 2012 at 1:08 amwhen packing your hospital bag take some nice soft loo roll for after the birth – hospital stuff is not pleasent if you have stitches after the birth
Amanda Rose
September 24, 2012 at 7:20 amPlenty of rest and a lovely relaxing foot massage after a luxurious bubble bath – it’s nice to pamper yourself whilst you can and always accept offers of help.
nicola barter
September 24, 2012 at 9:37 amBuy maternity clothes from charity shops much cheaper and you can take them back for someone else when you have had baby 😉
Shirley Harpley
September 24, 2012 at 10:08 amAllow yourself to put your feet up and take a rest when you’re feeling tired, you deserve it.
lisa williams
September 24, 2012 at 10:26 ammy tip is eat healthy, take plenty of naps when you need and most importantly enjoy your pregnancy. xx
Lindsey Dudgeon
September 24, 2012 at 12:44 pmNo 2 pregancies are the same, deal with things as and when they happen in both life and with the pregancy.
Alexandra McGahey
September 24, 2012 at 1:44 pmMy best piece of advice would probably be to buy everything for yourself and baby as early as possible, pack your hospital bag as early as poss and accept any help you’re offered because you’ll be grateful for the rest! 🙂
Hana Gibson
September 24, 2012 at 2:15 pmSimple but improtant – make sure you enjoy your pregnancy. As long as you are sensible about what you’re doing, you’ve no need to fret about what you might be doign wrong!
sweetlikechoc05@hotmail.com
September 24, 2012 at 3:06 pmtake pictures of your growing bump…nice to look back to after..
Mel K
September 24, 2012 at 7:18 pmtry not to listen to anyone except your own instincts…..far too many old wives tales floating about
Helen Smith
September 24, 2012 at 7:24 pmStock up on ginger tea, ginger sweets- in fact anything ginger to help counteract the dreadful morning sickness!