The Little Pages July/August 2016 | Page 20

“Family begins with a heartbeat” Start your memorable journey with us! The way you start each day is incredibly important – especially while pregnant. At Fetal Ultrasound Centre, we guarantee a highly specialised, warm environment for you and your family. Our professional staff, coupled with state of the art GE technology, are proud to offer the following services: PREGNANCY TIPS TO Wake up feeling fresh & balanced Try these three morning rituals to help you feel energized and somewhat normal during your pregnancy, these are some of the easiest health tips you’ll ever hear to help boost your health. Early pregnancy detection and hearing of the heart beat First trimester Down syndrome screening (11-14 weeks) Gender determination at 16 weeks Second trimester fetal anomaly 3D/4D scans between 27 and 30 weeks Third trimester growth scan For a personal experience pop into Fetal Ultrasound Centre! 041 373 3908 086 512 3818 www.fetalultrasound.co.za 105 Cape Rd, Port Elizabeth [email protected] Fetual Ultrasound Centre *You do not require a referral from your doctor to make an appointment. *We submit your account to medical aid. 18 1. START YOUR DAY WITH A GLASS OF WATER Water while pregnant has so many amazing benefits – keep a glass of water next to your bed and first thing upon waking sit up and drink the full glass of room temperature water (before getting out of bed). This cup of goodness helps start your day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration and lowers the cortisol levels in your body. These are your stress hormones. Lowering them keeps you calm and your baby relaxed. 2. MORNING GREENS To energise your body (and the easiest way to get all your greens in) is through a delicious morning smoothie. If you have never tried to make your own smoothie, today is your day. The recipe provided here is for a pregnancy smoothie that is super easy and full of natural superfoods to lift your mood and give you all the nutrition needed. By Dona’h Rosser from The Place for Women 3. MOVE & BREATH Any form of exercise in pregnancy is good for your mood and your energy levels. Find something you love to do – whether it is swimming, walking, pilates or stretching and try to get it done in the morning. Not only do you boost your natural endorphins but you get to surround yourself with other like-minded women who make amazing friends. Find some me-time where you get to close your eyes and practise deep belly breathing. Filling your belly with deep breathes lowers your levels of stress and aids in the healthy development of your baby. super energy morning smoothie - 1 large banana (frozen if you can – to make your smoothie extra creamy) - handful of baby spinach - 1 cup coconut water or filtered water - half a peeled cucumber - half an avocado - superfood extra – chia seeds or handful of almonds Combine in your blender and enjoy! 19