supplement of folic acid daily from the time you stop using contraception until the 12th week of pregnancy. Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of your baby developing a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. You should also take 10mcg of vitamin D

is misbehaving, it’s easy to lose your temper. But, while your toddler cannot control her emotions, you can. Ask yourself what’s making you so angry. Perhaps your expectations are not realistic for your child’s stage of development? Remember, you’re the grown

more relaxed about the fact he will develop at his own pace and have thrown away the books with typical milestones. I do worry about his speech and communication in the future, but Joshua has already been referred to a speech and language therapist

As well as baby development milestones and countdown to labour calendars, remember to add some feelgood pregnancy treats to your to-do list, too.Go to the moviesOnce you're a mum, those spur-of-the-moment cinema trips will become a distant memory

things in perspective.7. Be strict at bedtime Every mum gets tired, but with three little ones running you ragged all day it's really important to avoid anyone developing a sleep problem. Enforce a good night-time routine, putting the baby down before he

, it should roughly measure 28cm. ‘It can range a little either way and your midwife will take other factors into account, such as your build and weight,’ says Gail Johnson, education and professional development advisor at the Royal College of Midwives. ‘What

% Child has more highly developed social skills 50% Happier mum, so happier child 42% A higher living standard for whole family 25% Not stated 18% We asked how much you pay for childcare Financial burden 29% Stress of sticking to provider

(28-40lb).Health alert!About one in 10 mums-to-be develops pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition. Sudden weight gain, perhaps with puffy hands or feet or a headache, should be reported to your midwife or GP immediately.Stop a snack attack

', but it's not just observation - it's fact. You can thank the extra two-and-a-half pints of blood in your system, plumping out those fine lines and giving you a radiant complexion.If you develop a few rogue spots due to galloping hormones, drinking plenty

in the first three months.’ But remember, this is all completely normal, so don’t panic!ALWAYS TIREDMidwife Jane says:‘Feeling exhausted early on is normal, due to the surge of pregnancy hormones and changes taking place in your body as your baby develops. You