Umbilical Cord Storage

Best Gifting Ideas for a Pregnant Woman

“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift”

~ Pierre Corneille, French dramatist 

First of all, pregnant women do not want baby stuff, until after the child is born. During her pregnancy, she is looking to be soothed and pampered, preferably with gifts, to sail her through those mood swings that she might have. So, rather than spending money on cute baby clothes, think of what you can give the mother-to-be to make her feel good about herself and the new phase of life awaiting her.

We have here a few recommendations that might help pick out a memorable gift, depending on your budget, right from maternity wear to umbilical cord storage.

Gifts a Pregnant Woman will Cherish

Well, if you have the money and really want to make her feel special, here are a few ideas that would win you many brownie points with a pregnant woman.

1. A grand baby shower: A baby shower can make the mother-to-be feel special and give her a chance to celebrate the joy of having a new life growing within her. The gifts that the guests will bring are a definitely plus!

2. Umbilical cord storage: A pregnant woman always worries about her ability to protect her bundle of joy, which adds to the anxiety and mood swings. Arranging to secure the baby’s future would bring her joy and peace.

3. A Romantic Getaway: Planning a special trip before the baby arrives will surely help the mother-to-be get into a good mood. It does not have to be a flamboyant trip around the world. Just a simple getaway to make her feel special and pampered, complete with shopping and spa treatments.

Simple, but Meaningful Gift Ideas

You might not always have the means to gets expensive gifts, so, here are a few meaningful gifts you could give on a budget:

1. Fancy maternity wear: What woman does not want a good dress? Beautiful maternity wear will surely make her happy when she sees herself in the mirror. You could also arrange an outing for her to be able to wear it.

2. Maternity photo shoot: Surprise her with maternity photography. She would love to look at herself all decked up, in a series of charismatic, candid photographs. These would add to the memories that she would cherish for life!

How many months will a woman spend pregnant in their life? Usually, not so many! This is why it is best to shower her with love and symbols of that love. Most importantly, participate in her efforts to secure the baby’s future by learning more about umbilical cord storage.

Myths about Pregnancy in India Busted

Pregnancy is a unique period in a woman’s life, and first timers are caught between the elders giving them various instructions and “well wishers” filling one’s mind with all sorts of superstitions about what will help give birth to a healthy baby. Have you ever questioned these myths about pregnancy in India?

Top 5 Pregnancy Myths Debunked

Even for things that don’t have a known answer in science, you can be sure to find a pregnancy myth about it in India. Here are the truths behind some of the most widespread myths in the country:

“You can determine your baby's gender by the position in which you are carrying.”

The size and position of the baby determines how the foetus is being carried in the womb. A particular position cannot be characteristic of a gender. During late pregnancy, the baby’s head, be it boy or girl, “drops” into the pelvis, preparing for delivery, making it seem like the mother is carrying “low”. A mother “carrying high” simply means that the baby is large.

 “If you get a lot of heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will have a lot of hair.”

Heartburn is actually common during pregnancy because the stomach is pushed to a high position by the expanding uterus and the growing baby, irrespective of whether the baby has hair or not. This causes an acid reflux, since it becomes easier for acid to move backwards into the oesophagus.

 “You should not touch a cat while pregnant.”

Toxoplasmosis parasites can cause deformities in the developing foetus. This parasite can be found in the stool of cats, so pregnant women are advised not to handle cat litter. However, feeding or petting your cat and allowing it to sit in your lap are considered perfectly acceptable; this is most definitely a myth about pregnancy in India that needs to be challenged.

“If the weather is stormy or the moon is full, you are likely to go into labour, even if you are weeks away from your due date.”

The fact is that labour pain is triggered by a complex series of hormonal signals, with no evident connection to atmospheric conditions, weather changes and phases of the moon.

“If your mother had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so will you.”

Hereditary factors are not related to how easy or difficult your pregnancy and delivery will be. The size of the baby, your diet and lifestyle will determine your experience.

So make sure you clarify things with your doctor before blindly following myths about pregnancy in India. Invest time in practical things like baby proofing your house or cord blood banking; follow a healthy lifestyle and diet and most important, stay happy and stress-free.