Top tips on staying healthy are being handed out to expectant mums in Tyneside. Craig Thompson drops in to pick up some nutritional advice Pregnant mums in the West End of Newcastle have been making the most of a new service as they prepare for motherhood. Those attending the antenatal drop-in sessions at Ashfield Parents Centre are being offered advice and support about eating what's best for baby. Sure Start nutritional workers are on hand to discuss and suggest ways to ensure the women avoid heartburn and sickness during their pregnancy. As well as suggesting foods which will help mother and child, advice will be at hand to make sure all the family have a healthy nine months. Taking a multi-cultural approach, all different cultures and backgrounds will be catered for and taken into consideration as part of the project. Sharon Jones, midwife for Sure Start's Westgate Children's Centre, said: "Women who attend the drop-in sessions can get general support, while the midwives will listen to worries and sort out any concerns. This includes nutritional information. All the information is presented in an informal and relaxed environment." The ultimate aim of the drop-in centre, which works in partnership with community midwives, is to provide support and help on preparations for parenthood. It also helps reduce worries that women may have during the lead up to the birth of their child. Mena Steele, community midwife, said: "This service provides a good opportunity to access information on ante-natal and nutrition on an adhoc basis." The centre is available for would-be-mums every Monday from 1pm to 3pm. Sure Start Westgate Children's Centre now based at Colby Court, Elswick, has invested over £5m in education, childcare, health and family support in the West End area. If you would like more information on the antenatal and nutritional advice sessions, contact midwife Sharon Jones on (0191) 2727 824. ************ The facts behind pregnancy myths There are always myths associated with what you can and can't do during pregnancy. Here we bust some of the most well-known ones. HAVING SEX In most pregnancies, sex is perfectly harmless and won't trigger pre-term labour. It's not an issue of safety as much as comfort, say most medical experts. The baby is safely cushioned inside your uterus, so don't worry to much about bumping or bashing him/her. Your doctor may advise against intercourse if you've had a past pre-term birth, bleeding during pregnancy, or there's any chance that your partner has a sexually transmitted disease. TAKING SOME MEDICATIONS Although you shouldn't pop a pill for every ache and sniffle, if you're suffering, get relief. Always check with an expert before self-medicating, your GP or community nurse will provide you with the best information about what you can and can't take. BEING BUMPED IN THE BELLY Stumbles or trips may leave you in pain, but your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and your uterine and abdominal muscles. If you have cramping or bleeding after a fall or bump, consult your doctor. CARRYING SHOPPING BAGS AND CHILDREN On television, some gallant man always rushes to a pregnant woman's side to help carry her shopping bags. In real life, you'll probably have to do some lifting yourself, especially if you have a young child already. Avoid lifting anything so heavy that it makes you strain, but a bag of shopping or a toddler shouldn't be a problem. No matter how heavy the load, however, using proper form will protect your back: Bend your knees, letting your legs sustain the weight, and hold the bundle close to your body. USING A COMPUTER According to recent studies, there's no reason to log off. Researchers looked at more than 700 babies and found no increase in pre-term deliveries or low birth weight in those born to women who used computers throughout the workday. SLEEPING ON YOUR BACK If you've read any pregnancy books, you undoubtedly know that you're supposed to avoid lying on your back later in pregnancy. But there is absolutely no risk to the baby. It's far more important for you to get enough rest than to lie awake worrying. EXERCISING Being fit actually increases your stamina and can alleviate typical pregnancy problems such as back pain and ankle swelling. Avoid becoming overheated, though, by stopping exercise as soon as you begin to feel fatigued. When in doubt, take the talk test: You should have enough air to chat comfortably during your entire workout. ************ Big on folic acid Leading North doctors today revealed evidence that folic acid can help produce healthier, bigger babies. According to researchers at Newcastle University, mums-to-be who take the vitamin throughout their pregnancy had bigger babies. The health benefits of folic acid for newborns are already known but this was the first time that folate levels have been linked to birth weight. The findings were revealed earlier this year. About 7% of all babies born are low birth weight, less than 5.5lbs, having a 50% chance of a severely disabling condition because they are too small. Healthy birth weights are generally seen as a marker for good later health. Water babies Women from south-east Northumberland are pulling on their swimming costumes and getting in shape. Sure Start Blyth has established their first ever aqua-natal group, and it is proving a big hit. Now the sessions are a firm favourite with mums-to-be and are a permanent part of Blyth Sports Centre's daytime programme. | 
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