Pregnancy | barefoot and happy

20 questions you should ask on your maternity ward tour:
Are you getting ready for your baby's big debut? Touring the maternity ward of your chosen hospitals is an important way for pregnant women and expectant fathers to prepare themselves for the big day.  [read more]

Preparing siblings for the arrival of the new baby
Younger kids will without doubt be jealous when a new baby arrives while older kids will be filled with immense pride and would want to show off their new brother/sister at every opportunity. But with  [read more]

What is a Doula and Do I Need One?
Pregnancy, childbirth and mothering are some of the most amazing, life-altering and mind-blowing accomplishments that a woman can experience. Even though many expectant moms enjoy the support of their  [read more]

What to Expect from Antenatal Classes
First time moms often approach the birth and initial care of their babies with mixed emotions. Regardless of the amount of books you devour or magazines you browse, the enormity of it all can be overw  [read more]

What to Pack For Your Hospital Stay
With your shopping done and the nursery ready for action, all that is left is for you to do is sit and daydream about this wonderful life inside of you; a little person that you will soon meet face-to  [read more]

What to Buy for Your Baby
Baby shopping is every new mom's dream and every new dad's biggest nightmare. If it's your first pregnancy, you are probably paging through every baby magazine and book to make a list of things you a  [read more]

I think I have UTI and I’m pregnant!
Don’t stress – you’re not alone. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), 40% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at least once in their lifetime. In fact, sa  [read more]

Common skin changes during pregnancy
A growing tummy is probably the best known change that occurs during pregnancy. But while many women experience this time in their lives as pure bliss, many others have to deal with a number of change  [read more]

How to Prevent and Treat Pregnancy Stretch Marks
A form of scarring on the skin caused by tearing of the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape, stretch marks are usually associated with rapid growth or weight gain a  [read more]

Is it safe to paint or be around paint fumes during pregnancy?
Painting during pregnancy is not recommended, because the exact effects of the paint fumes are not yet well-understood. Latex or acrylic paints aren't made using solvents, and for this reason, they  [read more]

What Foods to Avoid when Pregnant
When you're pregnant being concerned about what could be bad for you and your growing baby is natural. There are certain precautions you should take when it comes to foods to avoid during pregnancy. L  [read more]

What is a D&C - Dilation and Curettage?
Even though it's hard enough having to deal with all the emotions you go through after a miscarriage, you'll want to make sure that you avoid excessive blood loss and prevent infection. In the case of  [read more]

Miscarriage: Symptoms, Statistics and Emotions
A miscarriage or a spontaneous abortion is the spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or foetus is incapable of surviving, generally defined in humans at prior to 20 weeks of gesta  [read more]

Severe morning sickness - when to call the doctor
 Morning sickness in pregnancy is a common side-effect and although the severity differs, it makes an appearance in about 90% of all pregnancies. It's enough to leave you feeling sapped and may damp  [read more]

Morning Sickness Cures
Congrats on your pregnancy! Finding it hard to believe that a little baby is growing inside of you every day? Some days you will walk around in awe, wishing that your tummy was big enough for everyone  [read more]

Amniocentesis
A Definite prenatal test. Expecting a baby is thrilling. There are so many moments to look forward to: the birth, the first smile, first tooth, first steps... But, as wonderful as pregnancy may be  [read more]

When To Call The Doctor
Most pregnant women will tell you that they've had some doubts about when to call their doctor. Some live with the phone glued to their ear - making good use of their doctors' helpful receptionists wh  [read more]

Preparing For Your Baby's Arrival
By Elzet Pedersen Being pregnant is very similar to the weather in Cape Town - where you get smacked by four emotional seasons in one day, every day. It's very possible to go from feeling all warm  [read more]

7 Ways in Which a Baby Will Change Your Life
By Elzet Pedersen I'm about to admit something for the first time ever. When a friend happily shares her pregnancy news with me, I'm usually torn between jumping with joy and sending my condolenc  [read more]

Your Pregnancy Trimesters
You'll often hear the term "trimester" while pregnant. A pregnancy gets divided into three trimesters or time lines: First trimester: weeks 1 - 12 Second trimester: weeks 13 - 26 Third trimes  [read more]