Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG to confirm pregnancy. Home urine tests are convenient and about 97–99% accurate when taken on or after a missed period, ideally using first morning urine. Blood tests, done by a doctor, can detect pregnancy earlier and measure exact hCG levels. Testing too early or not following instructions can cause false negatives, while false positives are rare but possible due to recent pregnancy loss, medications, or medical conditions.
If you get a positive result, book an appointment with your GP or midwife to confirm and start care. If negative, but your period is late, or symptoms persist, retest or see your provider. Always follow test instructions carefully and seek urgent care if you experience heavy bleeding or severe pain. Using pregnancy comfort products like Sleepybelly’s pillow or maternity wear can help during early pregnancy
Pregnancy often disrupts sleep due to body changes like a growing bump, back pain, and heartburn. This guide covers safe sleep positions by trimester, effective pillow arrangements, mattress tips, and alignment basics to protect your back and hips. It offers solutions for common issues like hip pain, reflux, and restless legs, plus advice on turning in bed and getting up safely. Learn when to consult your healthcare provider about sleep difficulties. Prioritizing comfort and rest supports your well-being and your baby’s health throughout pregnancy
The first trimester often brings common symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and spotting. This guide helps you understand these changes, offering practical home remedies and clear advice on when to contact your healthcare provider. It covers managing "morning sickness" (which can occur all day), coping with crushing fatigue, distinguishing normal spotting from more serious bleeding, and provides a checklist for essential first-trimester actions. Ultimately, it emphasizes self-care and encourages seeking support from your care team for any concerns.
Pregnancy side‑sleeping can make you more sensitive to every creak, bump, and bathroom trip, so the “right” sound is the one that helps you fall asleep faster by smoothing out those disturbances. For most people carrying a bump, low‑volume brown or deep pink noise tends to work quickest, because its steady, low‑frequency hum masks household rumble, partner movement, and your own internal sounds without sharp spikes. If you prefer nature, choose continuous rain over crashing ocean waves; steady rain is smoother and more predictable, while loud wave peaks can cause tiny wake‑ups. The most reliable way to decide is to test: try brown noise for a few nights, then steady rain for a few nights, keep volume moderate, and see which one consistently shortens the time it takes you to drift off and reduces how often you wake.
Sleep in pregnancy isn’t just about “how many hours” you get; the timing and regularity of your sleep can matter just as much. Keeping a consistent wake time and a predictable bedtime window helps stabilise your circadian rhythm, which supports mood, stress hormones, blood sugar control, and sleep quality. If you can’t immediately increase your total sleep, anchoring your wake time, adding a simple wind‑down routine, managing naps, and reducing late‑night light and heavy meals are realistic first steps that often improve how rested and steady you feel day to day.
This guide covers common early pregnancy signs, when and how to test, what doctors check, and clear next steps. It offers practical advice, not a replacement for your doctor's personal guidance. If you think you might be pregnant, take a home test, then book a GP or midwife appointment. Begin folic acid, stop alcohol, and review medications. Manage symptoms and seek help for any red flags. Early action protects your health and allows for planning.
Heartburn during the first trimester can make early pregnancy nights challenging, but relief is possible. Small, mindful changes like eating earlier, sleeping slightly elevated, and switching to breathable bedding can make a big difference. Pair these with gentle movement and thoughtful use of wearables to improve sleep without anxiety. With the right comfort setup, you can rest easier and let your body do what it’s meant to do: grow something amazing.
Hot nights can make sleep feel impossible especially during pregnancy when hormones turn up the body’s heat dial. The key to better rest lies in choosing the right bedding for hot sleepers. Breathable materials like bamboo, linen, and Tencel help wick away moisture, regulate temperature, and create a calm, cool sleep space. Pair these with a supportive pregnancy pillow and lightweight pajamas to keep airflow steady and pressure off your bump. With the right setup, you can finally stay cool, comfortable, and well-rested no midnight doona kicks required.
Pregnancy heartburn can sneak up when you least expect it — especially in the first trimester. To soothe that burning feeling, eat small, frequent meals, stay upright after eating, and avoid trigger foods like spicy or fatty dishes. Sleeping slightly elevated and switching to breathable bedding, such as bamboo or linen, can also make nights more comfortable. A supportive pregnancy pillow helps reduce reflux and keeps you cooler. Always check with your GP before using antacids, and seek medical advice if heartburn becomes frequent or severe.
The best pregnancy gifts blend everyday comfort with restorative care. A three-piece maternity pyjama set in a breathable bamboo/cotton/elastane rib offers temperature regulation, stretch for a growing bump, and a button-up top for easy breastfeeding; shorts and pants make it versatile year-round and gentle on C-section scars. A certified prenatal massage voucher meaningfully reduces back/hip tension, improves circulation to ease swelling, lowers stress hormones, and can enhance sleep; pairing it with a pregnancy-safe magnesium body balm extends soothing relief between sessions.
A pregnancy-friendly day spa rounds out the set with safe, low-intensity treatments (prenatal facials, gentle pedicures, light body scrubs) delivered by therapists trained in prenatal care, providing mental reset and physical comfort. For the most impact, confirm pregnancy-safe protocols, tailor choices to trimester and health needs, and consider bundling pyjamas, a massage package, and magnesium balm for a practical-yet-luxurious gift that supports her wellbeing before and after birth.
The most appreciated pregnancy gifts blend practicality with restorative comfort. Breathable, stretchy sleepwear made from bamboo/cotton/elastane supports temperature regulation, accommodates a growing bump, and eases postpartum feeding with a button‑front top; adjustable waistbands are gentler on sensitive skin and C‑section scars. Certified prenatal massage reduces muscular tension, improves circulation to ease swelling, lowers stress, and can enhance sleep; pairing it with a pregnancy‑safe magnesium body balm extends relief between sessions.
A pregnancy‑friendly day spa offers safe, low‑intensity treatments (prenatal facials, gentle pedicures, relaxation therapies) in a calming setting, delivering mental and physical benefits when delivered by therapists trained in prenatal care. For best results, confirm pregnancy‑safe protocols, tailor choices to trimester and health needs, and consider bundling pyjamas, a massage voucher, and magnesium balm to create a high‑impact, nurturing gift set.
Pregnancy intensifies the impact of heatwaves due to increased blood flow and hormonal shifts, making comfortable sleep challenging. To combat this, focus on two key levers: temperature and airflow. Experts recommend building a heatwave-ready bed with breathable mattress toppers (perforated latex, open-cell foams) and airy sheets (percale cotton, linen, bamboo/cotton blends). Opt for moisture-wicking maternity sleepwear, such as Sleepybelly's 3-Piece Maternity Pyjama Set, which offers adjustable comfort and includes both shorts and pants for versatility.
For side-sleeping, a compact, modular pregnancy pillow like the Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow is ideal, using a slim wedge for the belly, a long back support for an "air channel," and a thin knee cushion to maintain alignment without trapping heat. Evening routines should include smart hydration, lukewarm showers, and dimming lights 60-90 minutes before bed. Fan hacks like cross-breezes and DIY air chillers (ice packs in front of a fan) can enhance cooling. If waking up hot, quick resets like adjusting pillow pieces, using a top sheet, or applying cool compresses to pulse points can help.