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When to tell people you're pregnant

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Mum Knows Best

  1. I started getting really bad headaches when I was about 12 weeks pregnant, but forcing myself to drink two litres of water every day really helped.
    Jennifer Shepherd, London
  2. I was convinced the TENS machine I used wasn't working because labour still felt very painful. However, it was only when I took it off that I realised it had been effective, as I could feel the difference. It got me through the first few hours until I got in the pool, where my baby was born. Michelle, mum to Sam, 6 weeks
  3. If you have trouble sleeping in pregnancy, read a baby names' book. The monotony of the list means that by the time you reach 'D', you'll be gone!
    Emily Gale, 31, from London, mum to Madeleine, 2, and 35 weeks pregnant
  4. Before you go out and buy lots of expensive maternity clothes, have a good rummage through your wardrobe. You'll probably be surprised at how much stuff can be adapted or worn a little differently to still fit you!
    Natalie, mum to Bobby
  5. To help beat morning sickness, as soon as you wake up - eat a piece of dry toast.
  6. Drink ginger tea to beat morning sickness - it really works!
    Jenny, pregnant with baby no.1
  7. If you're set on having a natural birth, read up on visualisation and breathing techniques so you feel strong when the time comes. It really helped me when I was having Honey.
    SJ Drew, Paignton
  8. If you're uncomfortable in bed, or suffer backache, tuck one end of a v-shaped pillow between your knees to get your hips level, put the 'v' under your bump and cuddle the top. It was my midwife's idea - it also cured my insomnia.
    Isabelle Jacobs, 34, from Edinburgh, mum to Paul, 3 months
  9. Ditch as much of your housework as possible and don't stress because the house is a mess or there's ironing to do. Your baby will sense you're calm and, with luck, he'll be calm, too. I know it worked for me - Daniel is a chilled-out, happy baby!
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When to tell people is a personal choice. Many women wait until after 12 weeks, when there's less risk of miscarriage. But others want to share their news at once. I can understand women who feel cautious, particularly if they've previously had a miscarriage. But if the pregnancy were to end and it had been a secret, this too can be very hard for a couple. You must trust your instincts, and if you want to share your wonderful news, do!
Anne Richley is a midwife and a childcare expert.

More help and advice

- Your pregnancy week by week
- Pregnancy milestones
- All you need to know about ultrasound scans

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