Welcome to today's LIVE webchat about Maintaining a healthy pregnancy, hosted by expert Zita West. Zita will be here for an hour from 12 noon to answer your questions. Feel free to start posting now and she'll reply to as many as possible within the one-hour slot until 1pm. Unfortunately Zita won't be able to answer any questions after that time - she has a very busy schedule, but she'll do her best to respond to as many as possible here today.
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Web Editor Nicola

Zita

My question is how to keep fit during pregnancy? I used to go for a run once a week, but now with all the niggles, stretching & pulling I’m finding it hard to walk, so running for me is out of the question.
I want to be active, but worried about harming little bean; or is it ok to be a couch potato until the baby comes?

Thank you
Inna

Hi Zita,

I was wanting to know how much caffeine is advisable during pregnancy? I normally drink around four cups of regular strength coffee a day, and was wondering if you would advise me to cut down on this?

Thanks, Caroline

Hi there I would like some ideas of how to keep a balanced diet when my body screams for junk food! I really worry that I am giving my baby the wrong start....

Also I would love some advise on natural ways to help with heartburn which has been keeping me awake in the night!

many thanks

Sarah
xxx

I dunno if you can help with mine but I wondered if you knew any ways to ease the extreme wind I am having with this pregnancy.

It gets so bad that its like my food wont go down and gets stuck in my throat in front of an air bubble which is very painful and makes me feel very sick.

Is there anything I can take, or eat that may help ?

Hi Zita,

I am very early on in my pregnancy (5+4) and i've been taking folic acid for 3 months and will continue to take it until i'm 3 months gone. Are there other vitamins i should be taking also. I have a varied diet and make sure i get my 5 a day.

I want the best start i possibly can for our first born.

Thank You

Donna xx

Hi everyone - Zita here!

Inna, thanks for your fitness question however I need to know how many weeks pregnant you are? Please post your reply so I can answer...

Hi Zita,

I was taking folic acid supplements until 12 weeks and I also take Omega 3 as i dont like fish. Is is advisable to take the omega 3 until the end of my pregnancy or should I stop?

Thanks in advance.
Naomi
15+1

Zita

i'm only 4wks + 5 - early days!

also i mc in aug at wk 5

Hi Caroline

I think you should cut out caffeine alltogether in pregnancy as there is some evidence to suggest that caffeine is not good for you during pregnancy. Studies have shown that 300mg of caffeine or above per day may be linked to miscarriage so best to reduce it significantly or prefereably cut it out...

Thanks for the advice Zita, if I switch to decaf is this safe? Or is it best to cut it out completely?

Caroline

Hi Inna

I really believe in early pregnancy that you need to take it easy and not exercise excessively. There is no evidence to support what I am saying but the concerns in early pregnancy are raising the internal body temperature which can be detrimental to your growing baby. Gentle exercise such as walking is fine. Everybody has a different level of fitness which they enter pregnancy with but I do encourage my clients to be cautious during those early weeks.

Thank you Zita, i'll be cautious.

Zita

I am 33 & having problems with exercise and have Rhematiod Arthritis in my left hip & a corrected scoliosis operation resulting in metal bolts permantly in my lower spine. I do have some restricted movement so i am limited on what exercise will best suit me through my pregnancy.

At the moment walking is my only form of exercise, but i do feel alot of pressure on my hips, especially when i walk any hill. Unfortunatley i can not swim so that is out of the question.

I really want to have a fit & healthy pregnancy, so that when it comes to the birth of my baby i want to be able to be fit enough, as i fear if i have a long labour i will not be strong enough to cope. Being more active i think will help with the breathing techniques at birth, as i am gaining alot of weight quite quickly.

Please help me, do you have any suggestions

little missie x
17 + 2

Hi Donna

I think that Omega 3 (DHA) is very valuable to start taking in pregnancy. This is found in oily fish but I think a supplement designed for pregnancy is very beneficial. DHA is needed especially from 28 weeks when you get a rapid development of the baby's brain. The baby cannot manufacture it's own DHA so it has to rely on your stores. Also research shows us that women that have got a good supply of DHA following the birth are less prone to post-natal depression. You can buy it in any good pharmacy or health food store.

Hi again Caroline - no don't drink de-caff just try to cut it out. There is something called Caro which is caffeine-free coffee alternative! Ask your local health food store if they have it...

Thanks, will try that definately.

Caroline

sammiebmouse I have pasted this into Zita's webchat for you in the hope she'll see it
Sarah
xx

Hi Zita,

I am finding it really difficult to sleep at the moment. I am aware that we are not supposed to sleep on our back-and so sleep on my side-however during the day I am really uncomfortable sitting in work, my ribs and back hurt (which I understand is normal), but now at night time I am experiencing a burning feeling in my muscle under my right breast. I have literally been in agony with it. There is no rash or anything on my skin, or any bruises, but if i lie on either side -its like a pressure-and feels like someone has placed a hot iron on it?? Any ideas?

Thanks!!

Sammie 31+4

Im worried that i am not having enough Calcium in my diet to help my baby's bones grow strong, i cant drink milk it makes me sick i just cant keep it down.
I am currently taking multi vitamins every day, am i getting enough through this?
will i need extra calcium, how can i do this?

little missie
17 weeks

Hi Little Missie

Poor you - it sounds like you're having a hard pregnancy. I think you need more specialist advice from a qualified fitness instructor or ask your GP and find out if any physiotherapy can be organised. It is important when it comes to exercise your are advised on a one to one basis. Diet is very important as well, and I think Essential Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) may benefit you. Also taking a broad-spectrum pro-biotic as your condition can be inflammatory and this may help to reduce the symptoms. It might be worth considering Hypno-Birthing to help you in labour. Any time from 22 weeks is good to start learning techniques. I really believe the mind plays a huge part in getting through labour and dispelling any fears.

I'm really keen to avoid needing iron tablets during my pregnancy. I've been eating apricots and green leafy veg, is there anything else you can recommend i should have?

17wks