Your baby grows from the size of a pinhead to a 7/8lb boy or girl in just 40 weeks. Your body's built to cope, but it helps to understand the changes it goes through. We look at 21 amazing ways in which your body changes and suggest ways to help you

Hair loss and rebellious skin are perfectly normal after giving birth, and are caused by pregnancy hormones settling down. The effects are only temporary, and there's still plenty you can do to give yourself a confidence boost:HAIRAround three months after giving birth your hair ...

The science bitWithin a week of your baby's birth, high levels of pregnancy hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which helped to sustain your healthy pregnancy, drop. With all this going on in your body, it's no wonder you find yourself euphoric one

and pulses and green leafy veg, such as spinach. Foods rich in vitamin C help your body absorb iron more efficiently, so have a glass of orange juice with meals.CALCIUMCalcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and a healthy metabolism. Once your baby

Having a baby is a life-changing experience – everything’s different, including your body! But you can regain your pre-baby shape with safe, sensible exercise. Start off gently and don’t overdo things. This five-step exercise plan is perfect

pace and make sure you pump those arms for extra oomph’!SECOND TRIMESTERYou can expect to gain ½ lb to 1lb a week from now on.Toning and strengthening muscles will help your body prepare for the birth. You could rejoin your favourite exercise class

To accommodate your growing baby, your stomach muscles will have stretched by around 60cm during pregnancy. Whilst this will have gone down considerably by the time you’ve given birth, your muscles still have a lot of work to do to regain their tone and strength.Your uterus will ...

Getting startedIf you and your partner have decided to try for a baby - congratulations! There are lots of things you can both do to maximise your chances of conception. Making a few simple lifestyle changes can help you both prepare for making a baby.Supporting conceptionCertain...

muscles, enabling blood to be pumped round the body more effectively. As a result, every part of your body is well supplied with nutrients and oxygen in the blood, and uses them more efficiently. Exercise does not put a strain on your body’s systems

varies from woman to woman. If you are lucky your body will begin to return to normal within a few weeks, while for others it can continue for several months.Treating post birth urinary stress incontinenceRegular pelvic floor excericise seems