Balancing Pregnancy and Being Mum to a Toddler

One of the most important things that a woman during pregnancy needs to be aware of is that the mood swings which occur during this phase are quite normal. Even the most balanced woman can have mood swings during pregnancy. The mood swings at the time of pregnancy are mainly caused because of the deficiency of vitamin B6.

There are two distinct things to consider here: how will you cope with being a pregnant and mum to a toddler? And how will your toddler cope with a pregnant mum, and a new baby?

It's naive for parents to think that their toddler will automatically happily accept a new baby.

While they may love the idea of becoming a big brother or sister, toddlers don't think "long-term" so after an hour of being with an unresponsive newborn who isn't interested in playing, it's quite possible they'll have "had enough" of the little "intruder".

Think of it from their perspective. After all this time having mummy and daddy to themselves, they now have to share their attention, maybe their toys and sometimes their room with someone who just poops and cries.

It's quite normal for a toddler to feel like their nose is being put out of joint!

Before baby arrives try to make your toddler understand that it will be tiny and helpless for the first few months. You need to encourage her protective side and assure her that one day baby will be fun.

With everyone fussing over the new arrival it's all too easy for a toddler to feel jealous. Mums are usually naturally gifted at making all their children feel inclusive and loved, but have a quiet word if relatives who normally make a fuss of Junior are going gaga over the baby.

So as well as having your toddler's wellbeing to consider, you'll have all the practicalities of pregnancy and motherhood to contend with.

And the juggling starts the day you discover you are pregnant! It can be tough having pregnancy symptoms with a toddler in tow. There's not much chance of giving in to that morning sickness and staying in bed... and even less chance of a nap.

Hopefully your toddler will not be at that awkward stage when she refuses to sit in a stroller, but can't walk from one end of the shopping mall to the other without being picked up and carried. You'll want to cut down on carrying now you are pregnant.

So if you really need a helping hand; SPEAK UP!

Ask a pal, your mum, partner, other mum or friendly neighbor for their assistance. Maybe someone close by will happily watch your toddler while you run errands or take a nap.

Swap play dates with a friend, but don't stay chatting... use the time to do those jobs that are so much easier by yourself. You can return the favor the following week.

While you probably think it's impossible to fit exercise into your busy life, it would boost both your energy and your mood. Do something with your toddler... go for a walk, do yoga together in the front room, visit a gym with a playroom.

When you're alone with your little one, stick to your regular routine as best you can. It's comforting for you both.

Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as baby development week by week, baby month by month, mum to be and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.