From the time we start thinking about having a baby we’re reminded by our GP, specialists, the media and friends about the importance of folic acid, or did they say folate?  Aren’t they the same thing? The answer is no. There is a very important difference between folic acid and folate, that can impact your chances of conception, your risk of miscarriage and your risk of birth defects.

In my last article I talked about Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) and made a brief reference to having had an extended breech presentation. So as a follow on, here is that story! My first child was an extended breech birth but went undiagnosed till week 38. I was having itching due to my Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), which was also undiagnosed at that stage too. My blood pressure had gone up and I was very stressed.

As with most things, healthy diet and lifestyle practices will make a big difference to your general wellbeing, and never is this more apparent than during pregnancy. Eating well means nourishment for you and your little one. It’s about choosing the best quality foods you can, particularly those that are in season, as they will be rich in nutrition.

Itching can be a normal part of pregnancy BUT there is a condition where itching is a horrible symptom that just about drives you crazy!! This condition is called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and I have suffered from it with all four of my pregnancies!