A lot of us know that pregnancy and hormonal changes are interlinked, which makes our bodies be a lot more sensitive. Pregnancy and tender breasts come hand in hand. This is due to an increase in blood flow and changes to breast tissue that can make the breasts feel sore, swollen, tingly and sensitive to touch.

Tender breasts are one of the first signs of pregnancy, starting as early as 4 to 6 weeks and lasting throughout the first trimester.

Other breast changes include breast growth, veins and pigment changes, bumps on your areola and leaky breasts. Around the third month of pregnancy, breasts will begin to produce colostrum, the special milk your baby gets when they start feeding.

What can help with leaking nipples?

Milk will continue to be produced until you decide to stop breastfeeding, and your nipples may be susceptible to leaking. Cottons Organic Nursing Pads are made with a 100% Organic Cotton, they are super absorbent, discrete, breathable and very gentle on the skin.

Stretch-marks are all too common, especially for pregnant women. It’s so common that over 50% of women getting them during pregnancy.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are small, depressed streaks in the skin that commonly appear on the abdomen in the later stages of pregnancy when the belly is expanding for the baby. They can also be found on the bum, hips, thighs and breasts.

Are stretch marks genetic?

Research suggests that genetics play a role in your chances of getting stretch marks.  If your mum or sister had stretch marks during their pregnancies, chances are you will get them too. In short, the more your skin needs to expand, the more likely you’re going to get stretch marks.

Unfortunately there’s no miracle prevention. While there are creams and oils on the market, there is no evidence that suggests they stop stretch marks from occurring. Over time the stretch marks will fade, becoming considerably less noticeable at around six to 12 months after your child is born.

Bleeding can be common during pregnancy, with 20% of women bleeding during the first trimester, but it can also be a sign of something serious. It’s essential you consult your doctor as soon as it occurs to ensure the health of you and your baby.

The first trimester:

In the first trimester, bleeding could be due to a number of things including:

• Implantation Bleeding
• Miscarriage
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Molar Pregnancy
• Cervical Changes
• Infection

If you experience any bleeding, wearing a pad is recommended in order to keep track of how much you are bleeding. Also, it’s good to keep a record of the type of blood it is, be it pink, brown or red; smooth or full of clots.

The second and third trimesters:

While it’s fairly common for women to bleed during the first trimester, bleeding in the second and third trimesters aren’t as common.

During abnormal bleeding, it’s recommended to avoid tampons and sex until the issue is resolved by your doctor, as it can cause infection. Bleeding in the second and third trimesters can be due to the following:

• Placentra Previa
• Placentral Abruption
• Uterine Rapture
• Vasa Previa
• Premature Labour
• Injury or Cervix or Vagina
• Polyps
• Cancer

While your bleeding may be a normal part of your pregnancy experience, it’s important to make sure your maternity clinic is aware of these occurrences.

If you experience any kind of severe pain or cramps, discharge or bleeding that contains tissue, dizziness and/or fainting, or a fever, please go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

Pregnancy and childbirth are common causes for the onset of incontinence, with research showing 1 in 3 women who have had a baby will experience it.

Your pelvic floor:

During pregnancy the extra weight and pressure of your baby can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Childbirth stretches these muscles even more and weakens the muscles that support the urethra. This makes it hard to prevent your bladder from leaking. Normally, leaks happen when you cough, sneeze, lift a heavy object or exercise.

This is a very common condition and it is strongly advised that you seek medical advice from a GP, Continence Physiotherapist or Continence Nurse Advisor.

For more information about our bladder weakness range, please visit www.comforts.com.au

Products that can help:

If you are considering having more children, you might like to try our Cottons Organic Maternity Pads and/or Cottons Organic Nursing Pads.

Our maternity range was designed in conjunction with a leading Australian maternity hospital to ensure our pads are super-absorbent and comfortable for new mums. Plus, they’re made with 100%  Organic Cotton, making them kind for your skin and the planet.