It is a running joke with my friends that after two children, my pelvic floor isn’t what it used to be. So how do you tighten your pelvic floor muscles post pregnancy to make sure you don’t have to make excuses for never going on a trampoline ever again.

We all know that pregnancy and childbirth can both contribute to pelvic floor weakness. During this time the pelvic floor muscles are stretched and as a result become weaker. The weakening of these muscles increases the risk of stress incontinence. It is essential that pelvic floor exercises are done in the correct way post birth, to build up muscle strength.

There is nothing quite like bursting out laughing after having a baby and realising that your pelvic floor isn’t quite as robust as it used to be. Fear not, all is not lost as recently we have been introduced to Aquaflex® – Weighted Vaginal Cones that have been designed by physicians and physiotherapists.

Aquaflex consists of two different size vaginal cones and a set of weights to aid Kegel exercises. Place weights in the cone, then insert the cone into the vagina. Pelvic floor muscles will naturally contract around the cone and these are the reflexes that strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscles.

Because the vaginal cone is inserted like a tampon (the cones have cords for easy removal), muscles automatically contract around the Aquaflex, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. As the pelvic floor becomes stronger more weights can be added and the time the cone is kept in place increased for up to 20 minutes a day.

Aquaflex is simple to use, and if used daily, can improve your pelvic floor in 12 weeks.

It is amazing to think that 50% of women experience incontinence pre and post pregnancy but it is great to know that their are simple ways to improve this.

Aquaflex by Neen is available from Boots.com and in store for £23.50 but we are delighted to be able to give you the chance to win an Aquaflex set on The Rose Diaries.

If you want to laugh in the face of a trampoline, all you need to do is to enter below!

Aquaflex by Neen

Terms & Conditions

• UK Entrants Only
• The winners will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Gleam and notified within 7 working days by email
• The Rose Diaries take no /responsibility for loss or damage in the despatch of prizes
• If the prize is unclaimed within 7 days we reserve the right to redraw the winner
• End Date 13/10/2018

I always remember a friend saying “I can’t afford a baby” and another friend replying by saying “if you wait till you can afford one, you will never have one“.

That conversation stuck with me over the years and it is true, when you think about the cost of a baby, it could put you off the idea. So we have been contemplating how to save costs when having a baby.

Obviously there are lots of ways that you can save, such as breastfeeding over formula (if you are able) saves on the weekly milk costs, reusable nappies over disposable can save a huge amount but what about the big items?

Here is our list of things that you will need and will need to budget for

NEW BABY CHECKLIST

• Cot (plus mattress, sheets and blankets)
• Car seat
• Pram/buggy/travel system
• Wardrobe / Changing Station
• Moses basket/ crib (plus mattress, sheets and blankets
• Changing bag
• Breast pump (The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old but we are not the breastfeeding police so a pump is always another option for mums who can’t, or don’t want to feed).
• Steam steriliser

Life sure changes as soon as you see the blue line on the pregnancy test. You’re instantly concerned with a whole host of things you just can’t do anymore. Whether you planned for your pregnancy or it was an unexpected surprise, one thing is for sure, pregnancy is certainly life changing.

Yet, despite what Facebook, friends and old-school fact sheets might tell us, we don’t have to cut out all the best bits. Being pregnant is anything but a jail sentence. This is a time to enjoy and treasure with those closest to you. With a few tweaks to your weekly agenda, pregnancy is merely but a wonderful aspect of your existing way of living.

So. Ditch those dictating guidebooks. You don’t necessarily need to listen to your endearing great aunt (twice removed) who thinks she knows best. Let’s bust some maternity myths together. Here are five things you can do during pregnancy, that will definitely make life more liveable.

Myth Buster #1: You can exercise

Take things steady. So long as you don’t go from 0 to 100 as soon as you see the beautiful blue lines, you’ll be fine to exercise. Regular running, yoga, aerobics: it’s all good.

If you love to take part in fast-paced, or adrenaline-fuelled sports, speak with your doctor or midwife. Chances are, it won’t be something you’ll have to rule out entirely.

Myth Buster #2: You can eat prawns

So raw shellfish is a no-no. We’re sure your midwife has told you that from Day Dot. Just think off all the harmful bacteria that can cause viruses and food poisoning and gawd knows what will happen. Shell fish. A definite no-no. Don’t question it.

But if you’re craving a prawn curry from your favourite Indian restaurant, you’re in luck, lady. So long as those prawns have met heat and have had a thorough cooking, they’re all yours. You gotta get your seafood kicks some place, right?

Myth Buster #3: You can eat chocolate

So your best friend told you that chocolate contains caffeine, and you should definitely give a swerve during pregnancy. Note from one mother to another: you need chocolate to survive pregnancy (and parenting), and it’s perfectly safe. Trust us.

You do need to eat the stuff in moderation, but research has shown chocolate can even reduce the chances of pregnant mothers suffering from preeclampsia. That’s right. Medically proven. Get the Galaxy in.

Myth Buster #4: You can have sex

We’re not sure whether this one was decided by the boys or the gals. If you’re tired and can’t cope, just go with it. Sex is off the cards. We’ve got your back.

But, if you want to have fun between the sheets you’re worried about any health issues that may arise… forget it. It’s perfectly safe to have sex while pregnant. Enjoy.

Myth Buster #5: You can sleep when you need to

In today’s day and age there seems to be a relentless pressure on women to keep going while their carrying their child.

Stop.

Your body is (literally) making a human. That’s tiring business. And while it’s completely normal, it’s absolutely essential that you rest as and when you need to. The old, ‘I’m pregnant’ line? Use it. It’s yours. And rightly so.

Baby names are always such an emotive topic and one of the UK’s most unpopular baby names could be about to make a comeback – thanks to England’s World Cup success. ‘Gareth’ was ranked 117 in the popularity charts in 1996 – the year England reached the semi-finals of the European Championships.

But following Gareth Southgate’s infamous penalty blunder which saw them miss out on a place in the final, it had plunged to 1,903 by 2016, with just a handful of tots given the name each year.

However, the England manager’s success so far has seen a sharp revival in interest in the name, with almost two thirds (65 per cent) of parents believing it will make a comeback thanks to the World Cup.

Fittingly, the Welsh name means ‘gentle’ and was first made popular by a legendary ‘brave and modest’ knight in King Arthur’s court. Gareth definitely seems to have a more relationship and gentle approach to his management so maybe this is true.

The study, by ChannelMum.com, found around one in 14 children currently have a football-inspired name – but 84 per cent of parents think more babies will now be given a moniker based on the Three Lions players.

More than one in 10 of the parents polled who are currently expecting even admitted they are now considering a footie name for their baby. How about you?

Picture showing pregnant woman with question marks on belly