IT SHOULD be one of the happiest times of your life, but research has shown many mums-to-be spend the majority of their pregnancy in a perpetual state of worry.

The research, conducted by pregnancy charity Tommy’s, has shown expectant women feel unsure about whether they’re eating the right things, getting enough sleep, and keeping relaxed during pregnancy.

In response to this, the charity, which was set up in 1992 to fund research in to premature birth, miscarriage and still birth, has teamed up with health professionals to make September Pregnancy Health Month.

The campaign is aiming to answer questions about pregnancy health so mums-to-be have peace of mind knowing they are doing all they can to keep their baby as healthy as possible.

We speak to local health experts for their advice.

DON'T GET SICK BECAUSE OF YOUR DIET

BEING a yummy mummy means more than getting back into your size 12 jeans a week after the birth, according to one of the Echo’s fitness columnists.

“Being pregnant is not an excuse to be bad,” Natasha Gant says.

“I have women say to me ‘it’s great. Now I have an excuse to eat whatever I like and not worry about getting fat,’ but I think that is really worrying.

“Being pregnant means you should be thinking the opposite.

“It is the time when your nutrition should be the best it has ever been to give your child the very best start you can.”

Natasha is 20 weeks pregnant and follows principles learned from the Chek Institute, in America, which advocates working the body from the inside out.

“I have not been sick throughout. The only difference I have noticed is that I am more tired than usual,” she says.

Natasha, who is a director at Excel Health and Performance, based in Progress Road, Leigh, is set to launch an eight-week Yummy Mummys pre-natal course next Monday.

As well as nutrition advice, it includes exercise classes, including pilates and weights.

“Pregnancy should be an enjoyable experience, and this course is all about getting in training for the birth,” says Natasha. She is also running a Yummy Mummys post natal course which starts on the same day.

“There is a lot of pressure on mums after a baby is born and this course will help them regain their confidence and self-esteem in a supportive group atmosphere as well as enable them to pick up lots of help and advice on things like breastfeeding.”

Both courses cost £149 for eight weeks and include a nutrition manual and the exercise classes. Call Excel on 01702 525863 or e-mail gant@healthidol.net

LOOK AFTER YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

MAINTAINING good oral health during pregnancy is essential.

At that time, women’s teeth and gums need special attention and visiting a dentist regularly will help reduce problems that can accompany pregnancy.

Growing evidence suggests a link showing pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

David Bowry, head of NHS South East Essex Community Healthcare Dental Service says “Visiting your dentist regularly while pregnant is very important.

“Due to hormone changes during pregnancy, some women’s dental health needs closer attention during this time.

“For instance, you may notice that your gums appear to bleed more easily.

“If you need a dentist, and in particular if you haven’t seen a dentist for more than two years, you can ring our new dentistry helpline.”

The help line is available on 01702 226668 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.

Callers to that number will be given the name and contact details of the NHS dentist nearest to where they live.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AROUND ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY l Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

Yes. There should be no problems with the routine dental treatment. The Department of Health advises leaving the replacement of amalgam fillings until after baby is born.

l What if I need dental X-rays?

As a general rule, dentists prefer to avoid them during pregnancy if possible. However, if you need root canal treatment you may have to have one.

l Does pregnancy cause damage to teeth?

There is no truth in the rumours about calcium deficiency due to pregnancy or losing one tooth for each child.

l What if I am planning to breastfeed?

Some dentists think you shouldn’t have an amalgam filling while you are breast-feeding. If you are unsure what your treatment would involve, discuss all the options with your dentist.

l What about smoking and alcohol in pregnancy?

Smoking and drinking in pregnancy can lead to an underweight baby and also affect your unborn baby’s dental health. An underweight baby has a greater risk of having poor teeth due to the enamel not being formed properly.

It is worth remembering permanent teeth are developing in the jaws below the baby teeth at birth. So some babies whose mothers smoke and drink in pregnancy have badly formed adult teeth too.

l What about diet during pregnancy?

When you are pregnant you must eat a healthy, balanced diet containing all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important for the baby’s teeth to develop. Calcium, in particular, is important to produce strong bones and healthy teeth.

This can be found in milk, cheese and other dairy products. Women who suffer from morning sickness may want to eat little and often. If you are sick, rinse your mouth afterwards with water to prevent the acid attacking your teeth.

Try to avoid sugary and acidic snacks and drinks.