Bright Ideas | Practical Stuff

Drinking a fizzy sugary drink before you go for your scan can increase your chance of getting a nice peek at baby. This being said, some things in life can simply not be controlled and this is one of them. Mother Nature sometimes gets her way which means you will just have to wait for D-Day to meet your little one.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to brown spots and pigmentation - make a mental note not to leave your house without a layer of a sunscreen, at least 15 SPF. To lighten dark patches, try topical vitamin C serum under your moisturizer.

A thoughtful baby shower gift: Treat the new mom-to-be with a pregnancy massage at a spa that specialises in pregnancy pampering. Get a few friends to club in and treat your special friend at a time when she needs it most. There are many places that she won't be able to reach by now! Alternatively, arrange for a mobile spa to pamper her in the privacy of her home.

Let Dad take over the bath routine. Not only does it free you to do other things, but it's a great opportunity for Dad and baby to bond. They can even bath together. It will soon become their thing!

Stretch your bum cream by mixing vaseline with any barrier cream. It protects your baby's beautifully soft bottom and lasts much longer.

We love practical tips! This bright idea will help you to cut down on your nappy costs. By using a quality, absorbent nappy at night, you don't have to wake baby for a nappy change. A cheaper nappy can be used during the day as this can be changed often.

Do yourself a favour and start a pregnancy journal the moment you find out that you are pregnant. Any mother will tell you that it's impossible to remember everything. Be disciplined and write often. Write about your pregnancy, the birth, the first year's milestones and the entertaining toddler years. You will be ever grateful later!

Make a huge, nutritional lamb or chicken stew with any of the following veggies: potatoes, carrots, baby marrows, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli and mix it with a big quantity of butternut and some sweet potato. Blend, divide in containers and freeze. Use Ina Paarman's stock to flavour the stew.

Keep moving to avoid your feet from swelling or getting varicose veins. Get up from your desk and walk around every now and then. If you can’t exercise, go for a walk on the beach, at the botanical gardens or stroll around shopping centres.