 News
2nd September 2008
Half of women confused by pregnancy adviceWomen
are confused by the conflicting information they receive about pregnancy, researchers
say. Almost half are anxious about whether they can drink alcohol, what
foods they can eat and whether they are safe to get on a plane. They even
worry about having sex during pregnancy and if colouring their hair will endanger
the baby. The survey, for the baby charity Tommy's and healthcare company
Johnson's Baby, also revealed that one in three women experiences unexpected physical
changes during pregnancy. As many as one in six are so embarrassed that
they do not share their feelings with anyone. The poll of 1,303 mothers
and pregnant women found that 45 per cent had been left confused by the conflicting
information they received about pregnancy. Four in ten were flummoxed about
what foods were safe, while around one in three were unsure if they could dye
their hair or take prescription drugs. One in six were perplexed by how
much alcohol, if any, could be consumed while pregnant. One in 20 did not
understand the need to take folic acid, which protects against spinal defects
in the foetus, in the first 12 weeks. Tommy's is launching a campaign -
Let's Talk Baby - with the aim of helping women overcome these concerns. Tommy's
midwife Sharon Simms said: 'Being pregnant is one of the biggest changes the body
goes through, bringing a wealth of new and sometimes unexpected experiences. 'While
most are harmless, it is important that women are paying attention to these changes,
as they can provide vital early warning signs if something is wrong. 'Changes
such as itching, bleeding or pain should never be ignored. 'No question
is ever too small or too trivial when it comes to pregnancy. It is always better
to ask even if it is just to put your mind at rest.' Actress and mother-of-two
Angela Griffin, who is backing the campaign, said: 'Finding out you are going
to be a mum is just the most fantastic feeling, but pregnancy itself can be a
complete minefield. 'You want to do the best for your baby and with that
comes about a million questions of whether or not you're doing the right thing,
what's normal and what isn't.' Where to next?
| 
