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Welcome to our guide on pregnancy and the three trimesters! Pregnancy is a miraculous journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of questions. At Carol App we are here to provide you with a wealth of information hand picked from a number of different experts to make this journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Understanding the Three Trimesters Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting approximately three months. Understanding the unique developments and changes during each trimester is crucial to ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby. First Trimester: The Miracle of Conception During the first trimester, the journey of pregnancy begins. From the moment of conception, miraculous changes start to unfold. The fertilised egg implants itself into the uterine lining, leading to the formation of the placenta and the amniotic sac. The baby's major organs and body systems begin to form, and the tiny heart starts beating. Mum may experience a range of symptoms during the first trimester, including morning sickness / all day sickness , fatigue, and tender breasts. It's important for expectant mothers to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and prenatal care. Second Trimester: Blossoming Bumps and Baby's Growth The second trimester is often considered the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy. By this time, morning sickness typically subsides, and the mother starts to feel the baby's movements. The baby's gender becomes apparent, and the tiny bump starts to show. During this period, the baby undergoes significant growth and development. The senses develop, and the baby can hear the mother's voice and respond to external stimuli. This trimester is a fantastic time for expectant parents to bond with the baby and plan for the upcoming arrival. Third Trimester: Nearing the Finish Line The final trimester is marked by the baby's rapid growth and preparation for birth. The baby gains weight and may move into a head-down position in readiness for delivery.Mum experience more physical discomfort as the baby's size increases, which includes back pain, frequent urination, and shortness of breath. It's important for expectant mothers to prioritise self-care during this stage wherever possible, getting plenty of rest and seeking medical attention for any concerns. As the due date approaches, anticipation and excitement grow as parents eagerly await the arrival of their bundle of joy. Prenatal Care: The Foundation of a Healthy Pregnancy Quality prenatal care is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals ensure that both the mother and the baby are progressing well. During these appointments, healthcare providers monitor the baby's growth, check for any potential complications, and provide valuable guidance to expectant parents. Additionally, prenatal vitamins and a balanced diet play a vital role in supporting the baby's development and the mother's well-being. Ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, is crucial for the baby's neural tube development, blood cell production, and bone health. Preparing for the Big Day: Childbirth Education As the due date approaches, childbirth education becomes increasingly important. Preparing for labour and delivery empowers expectant parents and reduces anxiety about the birthing process. Childbirth classes cover various topics, including breathing techniques, pain management options, and the stages of labour. Childbirth education also includes discussions about birth plans, where parents can communicate their preferences and wishes for labour and delivery. Having a well-thought-out birth plan can help create a positive and empowering birthing experience. Postpartum Care: Nurturing New Mums and Babies The journey doesn't end with the birth of the baby. The postpartum period is a time of recovery and adaptation for both mum and baby. New mums need plenty of rest and support as they navigate their way through motherhood. Postpartum care involves regular check-ups for the baby to ensure healthy growth and development. For new mums, it includes emotional support, guidance on breastfeeding, and monitoring for any signs of postpartum depression. Pregnancy is an incredible journey that brings new life into the world. Understanding the three trimesters, prioritising prenatal care, preparing for childbirth, and providing postpartum support are all important aspects of this beautiful experience. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and seeking professional advice and support from healthcare providers is key to a healthy and successful pregnancy. We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights and information to make your pregnancy journey a memorable and joyous one.

"Do you have any tips for colic or trapped wind? My baby boy seems so unsettled after some feeds." It's so stressful when your baby is unsettled, we've been there and really feel for you. Speaking with your health visitor is a good idea as they may be able to suggest changing your formula if baby is bottle fed and they may also suggest infacol. Infacol worked for our little one when he had signs of a little colic, but check with your health visitor. We also did light tummy massage on our son which helped to settle him and also helped his digestion a little too! We also absolutely swore by the 'Windi' to help relieve trapped wind.

"My 2 year old has started waking up really early and feel like we have tried everything. Any tips? He goes down at 7/7.30pm" Something that really helped for our toddler is using a Gro Clock from Tommee Tippee that uses colours to help children know when it's time to wake up/get out of bed. Our son has started staying in his bed until the clock goes light orange so he knows it's time for him to get out of bed! You choose the time that the clock changes colour and it's easy to use once you get used to it - we leave books by the side of our sons' bed and he tends to lay in bed reading and playing with his toy cars until it's time for him to get out of bed! Would recommend giving it a go!

"Hello! What would you say are the best baby grows that are comfortable, soft and last?" Such a good question! There are so many brands out there and there are a few things you want to consider before buying baby grows for your little one. These are things like, fastening type, sleeve length, do they have added mitts and/or feet attached. We all agree at Carol App that zip-up baby grows are the easiest of the fastening types, especially over poppers, but maybe poppers will be more of a preference for you! It depends on what you like really. Here are our top baby grow brands at Carol App: - Mamas & Papas are number 1 for us - their baby grows are comfortable, have lasted a long time and plenty of washes, are very soft and made from 100% cotton and tend to fit their sizing well - they also have zip options which is a big tick for us! - Mori - a little more pricey than other brands, Mori uses organic cotton within their baby grows. Mori has very soft baby grows, zip options and last the test of time and plenty of washes too! - Next - more cost effective and also has zip up options, Next is another favourite of the Carol App team for baby grows! They tend to fit well as per their sizing charts and are comfortable for little ones too! - M&S - the baby grows at M&S are soft, last for a long time and are very reasonably priced too. M&S tend to stick with popper baby grows although they make it very easy with their colour-coded poppers so you know which ones go with which - ideal for those middle of the night changes!

"It's the first Christmas with our son and he will be 16 weeks old. Any tips for dealing with a change in his routine over Christmas?" It can certainly feel daunting heading into the festive period with your little one, especially if you have started to establish a consistent routine with their feeding and sleep schedule - this is a concern for many new parents, so please know you aren't alone!! It's important to be aware that the changes in routine during the festive period are only temporary and although it can feel like a real nightmare, it will pass and your little one will be back in their usual routines very soon. As babies grow, their routine will constantly shift too, whether it's the festive period or not, so this is something to be mindful of and should also help take the pressure off you if you feel that your little one is really out of their usual schedule! Some tips from the Carol App Team would be : - You may be surprised that a change in location and a shift in timings may not disrupt your little one too much - it depends on your baby, but some babies aren't bothered by a little change and others are sensitive to the changes, but it may not be as overwhelming as you may expect! - Trying to stick as close to your babies routine as possible can help your little one to adjust a little easier to the changes. For example, trying to keep nap times as close to their usual schedule as possible and making sure they are still drinking their milk as they normally would can really help - it may be a little off by 10/20 minutes, but being mindful of timings and trying to stick with what your baby knows can help! This also includes things like their white noise machine, dummy and comforters - whatever your baby is used to, try to take with you if you are out and about for the day. - Try to keep bed time as consistent as possible, although not always so easy! Once the festive period is over, something that worked for us when our little one was going to bed later over Christmas, was bringing their bedtime forward by 15 minutes each night until we were back to the usual bedtime routine and that really helped! It can seem daunting heading into the festive period with a little one, but remember 'this too shall pass' and you will back to your usual schedule before you know it!

'Hi Mums! Do you have any ideas of indoor play activities I can do to entertain my 8 month old baby boy? Most of the baby classes we go to have finished for Xmas and needing some ideas! Thank you." Yes absolutely! 6-12 months is a great age to get creative and make your own sensory play for your little one, especially ones that are very cheap and cost effective! - Putting some ice cubes in a ziplock bag that is firmly locked and putting your little one on their tummy to play with it is a double win for tummy time and sensory play as they will move the ice around the bag and can keep them entertained for a little while! - Putting some uncooked rice in a plastic bottle with the lid on and making your own make-shift shaker! This game kept our little ones entertained for a good 10-15 minutes and it's so easy and quick to make! You could also use uncooked pasta if you don't have any rice. - Adding a small amount of water to a tray with some food colouring is also a fun activity for the little ones. They may make a little mess as they use their hands to touch and splash about, so make sure you sit them on a towel! Peekaboo, playing nursery rhymes and letting them explore/look at some baby books are also nice ways to keep your baby entertained!

"Mums - baby bouncer advice please! There's so many out there, which one did you have?" Having a baby bouncer/rocker is important as it's somewhere safe that we can put our baby when we need to use both hands - even though we know that we are superwomen multitaskers, sometimes we do need to put our little one down. Having a bouncer with your new baby is so invaluable to buy yourself a tiny bit of time, especially as a new mum! The majority of bouncers are suitable from birth until around 6 months although some may vary so always make sure you check! There are certain things we want to look for when buying our baby bouncer: - A Harness - this keeps your baby safe, secure and supported. Making sure that the harness feels firm and won't come undone unexpectedly is key. - A reclining seat position - a bouncer which reclines means that your baby can get more comfortable, potentially have a short nap, and is an important aspect to make sure your bouncer has, if your little one suffers from reflux! - Newborn Insert - this helps to offer extra support for your newborn, particularly around their head and neck, There are so many bouncers on the market, but there is also a huge difference in the cost of them all. You will use your bouncer a lot and if you do have another baby, you will want to make sure that your bouncer will stand the test of time and is of top quality. There are brilliant second hand marketplaces you could look to for your bouncer, for example The Octopus Club . Some of our favourite bouncers used and loved by the Carol App Team are: BABYBJÖRN Bouncer Balance Soft £185 - offering three recline positions, can be folded flat, has incredibly soft and machine washable fabric (serious win!) offers head and back support for your little one and can be used between 0-2 years! Mamas & Papas Capella Baby Bouncer Cradle - Dream Upon a Cloud £69 - offering 4 different relaxing melodies, 2 interactive toys on the toy bar, supports your babies head with it's head hugger pillow and has a compact design making it easy for storage as well as an easy-wipe cover for quick cleaning. Suitable from birth - 6 months. Aden + Anais Transition Seat Baby Bouncer and Rocker £115 - this baby bouncer seat can be used from newborns - 2 years. It includes an interactive toy bar, has detachable covers making it easy to wash, is lightweight and folds flat. (Please note that this product is very popular and is often sold out.) Bababing! Float baby Bouncer - £39.99 - excellent value for money, contains a toy bar, removable fabric making it very easy to clean, lightweight and is suitable from birth - 6 months / 9kgs.

"I'm about to start weaning my girl but I'm not sure whether to do baby-led or puree or what the difference is? Which is best? Thank you" When it comes to weaning your little one, there are a number of different methods to try, and ultimately it's up to you and your baby which works best for you! There's no 'right or wrong'. Traditionally, purees was the most popular way to wean your baby with the concept of 'baby-led weaning' becoming more spoken about since the early 2000's. Whichever method you choose, or you may choose a combination, the goal of weaning is to transition your little one from just consuming milk, to eating solid foods. There are 'pros and cons' to both baby-led and puree weaning, we will run through the pros and cons of both. As we said at the beginning, it's ultimately up to you which method works best for you, the Carol App Team have used a combination of both baby-led and purees, and there is no right and wrong way! Baby-Led Weaning Babies are encouraged to self-feed and develop the skill of doing so with baby-led weaning. There is no spoon feeding purees. Babies explore their foods, feel them with their hands use their fine motor skills and independence. Generally speaking, baby-led weaning tends to encourage babies to be exposed to a broader range of foods, flavours and textures and therefore may reduce the likelihood of your baby becoming a fussy eater - although this isn't always the case and every baby is different! It is thought that baby-led weaning is less expensive than purees as at the beginning, babies tend to have a few small pieces of food from their parents/caregivers plate to start with. Making homemade purees tends to be time consuming and buying store-bought purees does add up! As baby-led babies tend to eat similar/the same foods as their parents/caregivers at mealtimes, it can also encourage modelled behaviour as your baby learns by watching others eat. However, that being said, baby-led weaning is messy as baby discovers different foods it can end up all over the floor, their face, in their hair and so on. Not only this, but baby-led weaning could lead to increased food waste, especially in the beginning when baby is getting used to the concept and none/the tiniest bit of food actually ends up in their mouth! This also means it's quite hard to determine how much food baby has actually eaten! Purees Purees is the traditional method of weaning your baby and is where the parent/caregiver spoon-feeds baby purees! Feeding your baby purees means that you know how much your baby has actually eaten, there is much less mess and tends to be less food waste. Puree feeding can be more convenient and time saving as you can purchase puree pouches (hello Ella's Kitchen!) to take with you on the go however this can make the cost add up. Trying both baby-led weaning and purees is something that we have done at Carol App HQ and we have found the combination to work well for our little ones. A combination of weaning methods enabled us to be aware of how much our little ones had eaten in a sitting, enabled our babies to explore new foods and learn to self feed. You do what works best for you mama!

"Did any of you do Hypnobirthing and was it worth it?" Hypnobirthing is a topic that many mums-to-be often hear about but the majority tend to think that it's related to being hypnotised which we can confirm it is not!! Preparing for your birth is such an exciting time in a mum's life and although you never really know how your birth will unfold, there are different ways to mentally and physically prepare yourself so you are better equipped however your birth turns out. Hypnobirthing is one of those methods and is something that the Carol App Team is a huge advocate of to really inform yourself of the stages of birth, what happens during birth and about your birth rights as well as so much more! The Carol App Team highly recommend The Positive Birth Company and their Hypnobirthing Course

'My 2 year old is dropping his nap and it's down to only a few times a week and he won't go down in his cot either, it has to be in his pram! When are toddlers meant to drop their naps? I'm worried it's too soon but he also sleeps all through the night 7-7am so think maybe he is ready?' When your toddler stops taking their naps in the afternoons it can be quite a shock especially if you have been using those few hours to get things done. Every child is different when it comes to stopping naps; as well as everything else! Generally by the age of four, toddlers tend to have stopped napping altogether and this could be gradual, quite sudden or as you are saying, reduced naps slowly from every day to a few times a week, then every few weeks etc. There are certain signs that your toddler may show you when they are ready to reduce their naps and these include: - If they have missed a nap - Your toddler goes throughout the afternoon content and not grumpy/overtired - If they have missed a nap -They don't appear overtired at bed time and go down easily and quickly and sleep through (most of the time!) - If they have had their nap and they wake very early in the morning, it may suggest that they weren't tired enough when they went to bed which could be due to their afternoon nap - If they have had their nap and they struggle to fall asleep at bedtime, it could mean that they aren't tired and their naps needs reducing. Every child really is different. As you said that your son sleeps really well at night 7-7am and seems content without his nap and not overtired, the reduction in his naps may be his natural progression so we would encourage you to read his cues and whether you think he does need a nap on certain days - let him lead and just notice his signs. A tip that really worked for the Carol App Team when their toddlers were transitioning from naps everyday to a few times per week was to encourage 'Quiet Time' when they would usually have a nap. This could be reading a book with them, laying on the bed and cuddling with them for half an hour, putting on their favourite film for an hour - it will also give you a little rest too!!

"Hi! It's my first Christmas with my baby this year and I told my family I would host Xmas day - feel like there is so much on these next weeks and I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. Any Tips?" As mums, we are expected to do a lot at Christmas and this can ultimately lead to Christmas Overwhelm. Parents in general put so much pressure on themselves to make sure Christmas is perfect for their little ones and it’s exhausting. From decorating the house inside and outside, spending more money than anticipated and making sure each gift is perfectly wrapped, all 500 cards are written for the kids' entire school, friends and family, planning Christmas activities, events, organising the food - where does all the food fit into the fridge/freezer? The list goes on.. Christmas is a special time for families and friends to get together and have some quality time together but can also be stressful depending on family dynamics, family drama and making sure you see everyone on the list. Here are some tips to help reduce Christmas overwhelm and try to reduce the pressure on yourself, especially this year when things feel a little more unsettled in general. Make your own Family Traditions The most important thing you can do for yourself during the festive period is say no to things that you don’t want to do or that won’t fit into your schedule. It’s the most freeing thing you can do! Saying yes to everyone is exhausting and from my own experience from a split family with a lot of different people to see who are living all over the place, saying no to the things you don’t want to do frees up so much mental space - especially with little ones. Driving to and from so many different houses in one day is exhausting, never mind with toddlers/babies/being pregnant! I remember one Christmas a few years ago we ended up driving to 5 different family members' houses on Christmas Day and since then it’s been a firm no! Making your own family traditions means that you do what you want to do with your family and it makes it that much more enjoyable! Discuss the Jobs! Sharing the jobs around the family means that you don’t end up doing everything yourself! For example, ask your other half to do the Christmas cards with the kids while you organise the presents, ask your husband to share the cooking with you and get the whole family involved in decorating the tree! Making it more of an activity as opposed to an annoyance. Create your Budget and Stick to It! We all know that the cost of living has increased significantly this year, so having honest conversations with family about whether you need to buy everyone presents and if it’s necessary considering things are a little tighter this year. Make your budget and stick to it - don’t get me wrong I do love Christmas but purely for spending time with loved ones, I do find the spending on gifts that you know either a- won’t be used or b- is just to give a gift, to be a waste of money, especially if you are conscious of consumerism. Being more mindful of gifts is important not only for costs and budget but also for the planet, too! Have a think about what each person would like and keep your budget in mind. Spending a certain amount on your children, your other half, parents and siblings helps you to stick to what you want to spend. Get creative too, creative gifts that you and the kids make together are often much cheaper! Make sure you have some time for you! Making just 5 minutes a day for you can be a gamechanger. Ask your other half to take the kids to the park for 5 minutes, take a bath when they have gone to bed or wake up a little earlier to have your coffee in peace. Making time for yourself is so important especially at this time of year! And remember, you aren’t alone! We’re in this together mums!