1-The type of name: We all have different preferences when naming our children. You need to decide whether you want a traditional name, a popular name, a unique name, or even a family name. However, if you choose to name the child after one of your parents, also consider how the other side of the family will feel. If it will cause conflict, it might be best to avoid this option.

2-Narrowing down to a smaller initial list: It can be helpful to narrow down the names you like to ten each. If there are two of you involved in this process, it is important that you both take part in listing names separately so that everyone has a chance to contribute their ideas to the naming process. You also need to start this process early as there will be many additions and revisions before you reach the final name.

3-Researching the meaning of the name: It is extremely important that you carefully consider what the name means. Your child might not thank you if the meaning is solely a fruit or has the meaning of a ‘wagon trader’. Also be careful about giving gimmick names. Although at the time they seem like a good idea, it is not you who has to live with it.

4-Playing with the name: It is important that you consider how the name sounds with your surname; does it fit well? Another area to think about when playing is to look at the initials with your surname. Do the initials spell out something else? An example of this might be ‘Oliver King’. When turned into initials it becomes ‘OK’. Also consider the possibility of nick names. School can be really hard if the name can be turned into an unfortunate nick name.

Naming your child is an exciting process, where everyone will become involved and share their ideas with you. However, ultimately the decision comes down to you and your partner.

Many obstetricians and research studies have come to the conclusion that smoking is the most dangerous thing that can happen to an unborn child. There are several reasons for this. The chemicals, particularly nicotine and carbon dioxide reduce the ability of oxygen to pass through the umbilical cord to the baby in the womb. This means that this reduction of oxygen can cause all types of problems such as premature birth, an increase in the risk of still birth and also low weight babies. The problems do not stop there. Post birth a child, who has had a mother who smoked during pregnancy, is at risk of asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and might have brain development complications. It doesn’t matter if the person smokes 10 or even just one cigarette a day, the risks and damage are still there. Second hand smoke also carries similar risks.

If you are in this position, either smoking while you are pregnant or around a lot of second hand smoke, you can change that situation today. For second hand smoking, it is easily remedied by getting the smoker to smoke outside, creating a smoke free home and avoiding smoky places. For smoking in pregnancy there is fantastic support from the NHS to get you through your pregnancy. Watch the video below of how the NHS can help you. You can also visit the NHS Smoke Free website here and chat to an advisor on line or call their free hotline at 0800 022 4 332.

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The woman was adamant that she didn’t want to know, while her other half was just as adamant that he did.

How they resolved the issue is unknown, as they paid the bill and left before ending the discussion.

However, this is a conversation that happens between many couples. So let’s look at both sides of this argument:

View 1: Finding out the sex: From the perspective of the person who wants to know the sex, they feel that it helps them better prepare the environment and clothes for the new baby. They might feel that more money will be saved, if they know exactly who they are getting ready for.

View 2: Keeping the sex a surprise: For this person, they want to enjoy the natural element of surprise. Also, the scan might have wrongly been interpreted and the months of preparation might just have gone out of the window.

As hard as it is to believe in this modern age that this can still happen, it did to a friend of mine quite recently who was told she was expecting a girl, only for the baby to be a boy on arrival. Now, with the possibilities for decorating a gender-free nursery and buying unisex clothes, the person inclined to this choice might feel that the economic argument is now redundant.

Whether you decide to find out about the sex of your baby comes down to the couples’ ability to compromise. This is something you will have to do a lot more of once you have the baby in your arms.

Everyone around you keeps reminding you that you need to stay calm, which is easier said than done, when you have a lot of free time to think about what could happen to you or the baby. This is where it is vital that you try to take control of the situation and reduce your stress. There are several ways to do this:

A self-imposed ban on medical pregnancy websites
Although, it is good to be informed about your condition there is so much on the Internet about what might happen, that you might end up elevating your stress levels by over worrying.

Rally your supporters
Call friends and family to come and chat with you. This will help you feel connected to the outside world, and will also reassure you.

Watch fun and light hearted programmes
Laughter and cheer can elevate your mood and improve your psychology. Try to avoid watching anything too tense to ensure you stay relaxed.

Read
Now is the time to make a list of all the books you have ever wanted to read. Take advantge of this time to indulge yourself in those books. It will be a couple of years before you get such a chance again.

Do some craft in bed
It can become difficult not getting up and moving around, so find ways that you can do activities in bed.

Knitting and sewing can be really therapeutic, as well as calming your mind and your body.

Celebrating with others: Having a small get together with friends and family to share the news is a simple way to create a collective memory and for others to share their pregnancy memories with you.

A pregnancy journal: Month by month, either on paper or as an e-journal with video, you can record your feelings and experiences of the whole nine months. Adding pictures and the ultrasound scans as you go along, also makes it an ideal memory to share with your children as they get older and become curious about what it was like for you, or what you looked like while pregnant with them.

An artistic approach: If you want a physical reminder long after the birth then you might consider having a pregnancy photo shoot to immortalise your pregnancy. The other option, that has gained more popularity, is to create a belly cast of your bump. You can buy a DIY belly casting kit and get started. You will also need an assistant to help you make the mold. This could be a romantic way to celebrate your pregnancy with your partner or a way to include friends in this journey.

It is not important how you decide to celebrate, but that you are making meaningful memories that are special and will last for you.

Not only can it help you relax or aid with shortness of breath, it can relieve lower back pain, increase sleep and circulation and make you stronger and more flexible for birth. A prenatal yoga class also has the added benefits of meeting, and sharing your joys and concerns with other pregnant mothers.

Some Dos and Don’ts
Here are a few important points to remember when undertaking pregnancy yoga:

Your previous yoga experience: If you have never done yoga before, it is advisable to join a prenatal yoga class. If this is not possible or you are more experienced, it is important that you tell your instructor and check that they are trained to teach prenatal yoga.

Yoga poses: While some poses, such as hip openers or side stretches, are appropriate for pregnancy, others are not. Some to avoid are lying on your back or belly, twisting or overstretching.

Prenatal Yoga Dos and Don’ts.

Stay cool and hydrated: With this in mind many doctors and yoga trainers advise that pregnant women do not practice Bikram Yoga, which is also known as Hot Yoga, as this could lead to pregnancy complications.

Don’t overdo it: Your aim is to relax and relieve stress, not become super fit or flexible. Pace yourself and do what is comfortable for you and for your body.

For many pregnant women not only do they find their inner Zen through prenatal yoga, but it allows them to bond with the beautiful new life forming within.

Preparing for the hospital

It’s a good idea to have your hospital bags packed for yourself and for the baby at the eight month mark. This way, if you go into labour earlier than expected, everything is ready. It is also advisable to have a practice run to the hospital, so that you and your driver know the route. This dress rehearsal can help iron out any potential problems, such as getting lost on the way.

Also make sure that you have the baby’s car seat fitted and adjusted, so you can just pop them into it on leaving the hospital. You can also announce your new arrival by proudly displaying your news through our baby on board car stickers.

Preparing your home

Bringing a new baby home will be exciting, but if this is your first child you will also be entering the uncharted waters of child care. Here are a few ways you can set up your home before giving birth, so that when you walk in the door you are ready to go:

-Special detergent for baby clothes: A baby’s skin is delicate and their clothes get dirty very quickly. Have this beside your washing machine so it is handy for the first wash.

- The nappy changing station: Nappies, disposal bags and bins, creams, cotton wool, wet wipes and the changing mat can all be set up before you leave for the hospital.

-Bathing: Have a small bath prepared and a cupboard space with towels and washing items for the baby, so that you are ready to go for the first bath.

-Feeding Items: Whether you decide to breast or bottle feed, you will need a sterilization area and system for breast pumps and bottles.

-Food in the freezer: Cooking some simple meals and freezing them ahead of time, means you will just need to reheat your ready meals.

All of these small tips can help you and the baby settle in and give you a little bit of extra time to rest.

While some of your relatives’ or friends’ singleton experiences will relate to yours, other aspects will not, such as the fact that you are growing twice as fast or having more acute pregnancy symptoms.

Building a community
With a twin pregnancy it’s important that you know what to expect as well as developing your twin community, which you will also need after the birth. The Twin and Multiple Birth Association is a charity to help you through the various stages involved with twins. Most women carrying twins have a slightly different timeline, giving birth in their 36^th-38^th week so it pays to be informed and prepared.

Twin Pregnancy Tricks
However, there are a few twin pregnancy tips to help you along the way:

- Power naps are the expectant twins mum’s best friend.

-Make sure that you have plenty of healthy snacks at hand, when travelling or in the office, as growing two is hungry work.

-Drink plenty of milk to protect your calcium reserves as well as ensuring the healthy growth of your babies.

-Invest in a pregnancy sleeping pillow early on, as you will be lying down more and need to be comfortable.

-Lift correctly and ensure you have good posture – your body is carrying far more weight than a single pregnancy and needs as much support as possible.

-Learn now to ask for help because you need it; and it is good practice for when the babies arrive.

But most of all remember that even though it might all seem daunting or even unimaginable you are about to embark on an amazing journey by entering into the most magical world of twins.

If you are pregnant this one will be extra-special as it’s the last one before your baby arrives. If you are spending time abroad during your pregnancy, then it is wise to take a few pointers into consideration:

Medical care
Research your destination carefully to check that there is adequate medical care for any pregnancy related emergencies that might occur. Also check that your insurance policy covers those emergencies. Also it is advised not to travel to countries where you need a vaccination. If you think that you might be going to an area where you need vaccinations consult your doctor.

Flying
Some airlines after 28 weeks might ask to see a letter from your doctor before allowing you to fly. By about 37 weeks many airlines are reluctant to let you on the plane. Also remember that the aisle seat is the pregnant traveller’s best friend. It allows you to go to the toilet when you want, as well as the opportunity to stand up and move around to keep your circulation going in order to avoid conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Support stockings are also highly recommended.

Hydration
Remember that travelling and changes in climate can cause you to dehydrate. Make sure that you drink plenty of water along the way. Also check out the tap water at your destination. Not every country’s tap water is drinkable. When in doubt drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks at restaurants and hotels.

Activities
Having a holiday is a lot of fun but you will need extra rest. Do not be afraid to take time out for extra naps here and there.