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Cordlife Philippines Earns Back-to-Back AABB reaccreditation and ISO recertification

20 August 2025
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Cordlife Philippines Earns Back-to-Back AABB reaccreditation and ISO recertification

We’re proud to share that Cordlife Philippines has once again achieved AABB reaccreditation and ISO 9001:2015 recertification, a testament to our unwavering commitment to world-class stem cell banking services.


The AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies) accreditation recognizes excellence in cellular therapy services. This international gold standard confirms that our quality and operational systems meet and even exceed the rigorous requirements set by the AABB Standards Committees.

Meanwhile, the ISO 9001:2015 certification from SGS highlights our consistent ability to deliver products and services that meet both customer expectations and strict regulatory requirements, backed by a strong quality management system.

With these recognitions, Cordlife Philippines remains the first and only cord blood bank in the country to hold both prestigious credentials, a distinction we’ve proudly maintained since 2017 for AABB and 2012 for ISO.

For every family we serve, these seals are more than just certificates. They are our promise to provide the highest standards of service, processing, and long-term storage for your child’s umbilical cord blood stem cells – today and for years to come.


Learn more about stem cell banking today

Unlock essential knowledge about umbilical cord stem cell banking and be more prepared for the arrival of your little one with Cordlife Philippines' Information Pack.

Cordlife Philippines Elevating Stem Cell Banking Safety with 24/7 Real-Time Laboratory Monitoring

07 July 2025
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Cordlife Philippines Elevating Stem Cell Banking Safety with 24/7 Real-Time Laboratory Monitoring

As it celebrates its 16th year in the country, Cordlife Philippines continues to invest in cutting-edge technology to provide worry-free, world-class stem cell banking services to Filipino families.


Real-Time Monitoring, 24/7

To further elevate the safety of its facility and stored stem cells, Cordlife Philippines has launched a 24/7 real-time laboratory monitoring system at its processing and storage facility in UP AyalaLand Technohub, Quezon City. This latest innovation is designed to continuously track and maintain optimal conditions of the laboratory and its critical equipment to keep your baby’s stem cells safe and secure - day and night.

The system monitors key environmental factors like temperature and humidity across the lab’s machinery, most especially its cryogenic storage tanks, where cord blood, cord tissue, and cord lining stem cells are cryopreserved. With remote access and on-site controls, the system can detect any fluctuation and immediately trigger alerts via SMS, email, and phone call, ensuring that the right teams are informed and can respond swiftly.

Built for Reliability and Peace of Mind

What makes this system even more powerful is its three-tiered escalation protocol, which guarantees no alert is missed. The web-based dashboard also automates reporting for transparency and accountability- giving parents peace of mind knowing that their child’s stem cells are being monitored continuously by a world-class system.

The monitoring setup is supported by multiple layers of backup, including emergency power, network redundancy, and alarm systems. All these upgrades are compliant with globally recognized standards, including ISO 17025 and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States.

At Cordlife Philippines, your baby’s stem cell safety is our top priority. We’ve upgraded to an advanced 24/7 Real-Time Laboratory Monitoring System that safeguards all critical equipment — including six cryogenic storage tanks — with continuous temperature and humidity tracking, both on-site and remotely.

This upgrade reaffirms our commitment to world-class, worry-free stem cell banking- every second of every day.

Dang Vinh Do, Laboratory Director

16 Years of Trusted Stem Cell Banking in the Philippines

With over a decade and a half of trusted service, the company continues to lead the way in the collection, processing, and long-term storage of cord blood, cord tissue, and cord lining stem cells.

For Filipino families who value medical preparedness, stem cell banking with Cordlife offers a chance to secure a valuable biological resource that may one day support treatments for conditions like blood cancers, immune disorders, and even future regenerative therapies.

Learn More About Stem Cell Banking with Cordlife Philippines

As medical innovations continue to evolve, storing your baby’s stem cells today could make a world of difference for tomorrow. With Cordlife Philippines, you can be confident that your family’s future is in safe, expert hands- backed by technology, trust, and a commitment to excellence.


Download Info Pack: P5,000 Gift Pass to 3 lucky downloaders!

How to Bank Your Baby’s Stem Cells: A 5-Step Guide

16 June 2025
Body

How to Bank Your Baby’s Stem Cells: A 5-Step Guide

Preserving your baby’s stem cells from the umbilical cord is a powerful way to protect your family’s health future. 


1. Enrollment in Stem Cell Banking

Cordlife Philippines accepts enrollment from expecting parents whether they are still in the early stages of pregnancy or even making the decision at the last minute. However, since our umbilical cord stem cell banking plans come with free value-added benefits such as Cordlife Shield, a pregnancy insurance that provides coverage as early as 18 weeks -- we encourage you to make this once-in-a-lifetime decision as soon as possible.

Upon enrollment, you will complete the necessary documents and select the type(s) of stem cells you wish to bank. To make the process even simpler, Cordlife offers comprehensive stem cell banking plans that help parents choose the best combination of stem cell options for their family’s future needs.

2. Receive the Cordlife Collection Kit

After enrollment, you will also receive your personalized umbilical cord collection kit/s which you will have to bring with you on the day of your delivery. You must also inform your OB-GYN about your decision to bank your baby’s stem cells.

Don’t worry, for those deciding on the last minute, you can also ask your OB-GYN or the hospital’s delivery room staff if they have a standby kit available. 

3. Collection at Birth

The OB-GYN is the main healthcare professional responsible for the collection of the umbilical cord. 

Right after your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut and the cord blood is carefully collected. If you will also bank your baby’s cord tissue and/or cord lining, a segment of it will also be cut and collected.

4. Fulfillment and Transport to Cordlife Philippines Facility

Cordlife Philippines arranges the pick-up of the samples by either a Cordlife staff or a third-party medical courier within 24 hours.

5. Laboratory Processing

After the arrival of the samples at our facility at UP AyalaLand Technohub in Quezon City and within 60 hours from collection, the samples must be processed to be ready for long-term cryopreservation.

Final Tips and Takeaways

1. You can take advantage of free medical benefits like Cordlife Shield if you decide to bank as early as 18 weeks.

2. Tell your OB-GYN early about your plan to bank your baby’s umbilical cord blood, cord tissue, and/or cord lining

3. Make sure to include your kits in your delivery bag when you begin your preparation. This ensures that you don’t forget to bring them with you on the day of the delivery.


Banking your baby’s stem cells is a simple and safe process with benefits that cover pregnant moms early in the pregnancy.

Find out more when you book a free consultation today.

Unlocking the Regenerative Power of Stem Cells: How Pregnancy is Making it Possible

13 March 2025
Body

Unlocking the Regenerative Power of Stem Cells: How Pregnancy is Making it Possible

March is International Women’s Month—a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of women, especially mothers. Pregnancy is one of the most transformative experiences a woman can go through, and with it comes the responsibility of making decisions that could impact the future well-being of both mother and child. One such decision is stem cell banking, a breakthrough in regenerative medicine that offers families a unique opportunity to safeguard their health.


What Are Stem Cells and Why Are They Important?

Stem cells are a special type of cells. They have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various types of cells, helping to repair damaged tissues and even treat a wide range of diseases. This unique property makes them invaluable in regenerative medicine, where researchers and doctors use them to develop new treatments for different conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, cardiovascular diseases, and even degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

The Role of Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

For expecting parents, the most accessible and ethical source of stem cells comes from the umbilical cord. Normally thrown away after birth, the umbilical cord is now recognized as a rich source of stem cells, one of which is:

  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Found in the cord tissue and cord lining, MSCs are widely studied due to their remarkable ability to modulate the immune system as well as to repair and restore tissue damage.1 Advancements in stem cell therapeutics have led us into a new era of healthcare where clinical indications once thought untreatable can possibly be treated now, these include autism, cerebral palsy, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke.

1 Couto PS, Bersenev A, Verter F. The first decade of advanced cell therapy clinical trials using perinatal cells (2005/2015). Regen. Med. 2017;12(8):953-968.

How Cordlife Philippines Supports Families Through Stem Cell Banking

With over 15 years of expertise, Cordlife Philippines empowers families by providing safe and reliable umbilical cord stem cell banking services, including cord blood, cord tissue, cord lining and mesenchymal stem cell banking. By storing your baby’s stem cells, you are investing in your family’s future health and ensuring access to future medical solutions for your child or even other family members.

Cordlife Philippines follows stringent international quality standards to ensure the viability and long-term preservation of stem cells. This commitment to excellence ensures that parents can make a confident choice when it comes to securing their baby’s future health. As the country’s first private cord blood bank to be DOH-registered and ISO 9001:2015-certified, Cordlife is also AABB-accredited (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies).

AABB is a symbol of quality recognized internationally for umbilical cord blood banking. Many countries and hospitals around the world are already using this accreditation as yardstick to affirm that the umbilical cord blood unit has been collected, tested, processed, and stored according to gold standards of quality before accepting the unit for transplant or infusion.

Why Stem Cell Banking Matters for Mothers and Babies

During pregnancy, a mother’s health and her baby’s well-being are intertwined. Stem cell banking offers a proactive approach to healthcare, providing a safety net for families in case of future medical challenges. It is a decision that can offer peace of mind, knowing that you have taken a step towards protecting your child’s health from day one.

Cordlife Philippines also offers unique value-added benefits beyond the storage of stem cells, one of which is its pregnancy insurance, Cordlife Shield. With Cordlife Shield, mothers are protected in pregnancy from 7 of the most common pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and their babies from 16 types of congenital illnesses from birth until 6th month of age.

As we celebrate International Women’s Month, let’s honor the strength of mothers who make informed choices for their families. Stem cell banking is more than just a medical advancement—it’s an investment in life, hope, and the future of regenerative medicine.

Secure Your Baby’s Future Today


Cordlife Philippines is dedicated to helping mothers and families make the most of this incredible advancement in medical science. Learn more about cord blood, cord tissue, cord lining, and mesenchymal stem cell banking, and how stem cells can change the future of healthcare. Because every mother deserves the assurance that she’s making the best choice for her child’s well-being.

Are you a Cordlife Client? Earn Up to P100,000 with Cordlife’s Refer-A-Friend Program!

27 February 2025
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Are you a Cordlife Client? Earn Up to P100,000 with Cordlife’s Refer-A-Friend Program!

Are you a happy Cordlife parent? If so, you can now enjoy even bigger rewards with Cordlife Philippines’ newly upgraded Refer-A-Friend Program! By sharing the benefits of Cordlife’s Cord Blood Banking and other Stem Cell Banking services, you can earn up to P100,000 this 2025--simply by referring 5 expecting parents successfully to Cordlife Philippines.


How It Works

For every successful referral, you receive Gcash rewards, accumulating as follows:

That’s a total of P100,000 for referring just five pregnant friends who will sign up for any of our Stem Cell Banking services until December 31, 2025!

Why Choose Cordlife Philippines?

Cordlife Philippines is the No. 1 OB-GYN recommended cord blood bank in the Philippines with over 20,000 Filipino Parents trusting us with their children’s stem cells. We are a trusted name in stem cell banking with a strong commitment to securing families’ future health with our holistic stem cell banking protection. By preserving your baby’s cord blood, cord tissue, cord lining, and/or expanded stem cells with us, you invest in long-term medical protection. Our Stem Cell Banking services give families peace of mind, knowing they have access to potential life-saving treatments in the future.

Who Can Join?

Our referral program is open to anyone. But if you’re an existing Cordlife client, you’re automatically eligible to the upgraded rewards scheme of up to P100,000! Simply refer expecting friends and let them know about the benefits of Cordlife Cord Blood Banking. Once they sign up, you start earning rewards!

Why Your Mom-to-be Friends Will Thank You

Many parents worry about cord blood banking costs, but with Cordlife, they can get access to world-class services, flexible payment plans, and value-added complimentary medical benefits. Your referral can make a huge difference in their decision to protect their family’s future.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to help others while enjoying amazing rewards. Visit this page today to learn more about the Cordlife Philippines Refer-A-Friend Program and start earning!


Interested in Cord Blood Banking? Know someone who is? Refer them today and secure their family’s future while earning big rewards!

Love & Protection: How Cord Blood Banking is a Gift for Your Baby’s Future

18 February 2025
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Love & Protection: How Cord Blood Banking is a Gift for Your Baby’s Future

As parents, we always want the best for our children—from ensuring their safety to securing their future. This Valentine’s season, show your love in a way that lasts a lifetime by considering Cordlife’s Cord Blood Banking. More than just a trend, stem cell banking is a decision that offers unparalleled protection and peace of mind for your family.

The Gift of Health and Security

Cord blood is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate and repair damaged tissues. These powerful cells have been used in the treatment of over 80 diseases, including certain types of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. By choosing to bank your baby’s cord blood with Cordlife, you are giving your child a safety net for potential future medical treatments.

Why Choose Cordlife Cord Blood Banking?

  1. Trusted & Recommended – Cordlife is a pioneer in stem cell banking in the Philippines with world-class processing and storage facilities locally, situated in UP AyalaLand Technohub, Quezon City. It holds the prestigious status as the country’s first and only DOH-registered, ISO 9001:2015-certified, and AABB-accredited private cord blood bank.  It is also the number 1 recommended cord blood bank by Filipino OB-GYNs.
  2. Future-Proofing Your Family’s Health – With advancements in stem cell research, the possibilities for treating more diseases continue to grow each day.
  3. A One-Time Choice with Lifelong Benefits – Collecting and storing cord blood at birth is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that could serve as a valuable resource for your child or even other family members.

How It Works

The process of cord blood banking is simple, safe, and painless. After your baby’s birth, the cord blood is collected by your OB-GYN and is processed at the Cordlfe Philippines laboratory to ensure the viability of the stem cells. It is then securely cryopreserved at our facility, managed by highly qualified laboratory biotechnologists, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring, and equipped with multiple safety and security systems to uphold the highest standards, ready for potential future use.

A Valentine’s Gift That Lasts

This season of love, go beyond the usual material gifts. Secure your baby’s future by investing in Cordlife Cord Blood Banking - a once-in-a-lifetime decision that speaks volumes about your love and commitment to your family’s wellbeing.

Ready to take this step?

Contact Cordlife today and learn more about how stem cell banking can be a life-changing gift for your baby.

Empower a pregnant friend by referring them to Cordlife PH’s cord blood banking service

11 March 2024
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Introduce Cordlife PH's cord blood banking to a pregnant friend before she gives birth, and get up to P12,000* worth of GCash rewards for every successful referral!

Empower a pregnant friend by referring them to Cordlife PH’s cord blood banking service

Referring a pregnant friend to cord blood banking can empower them in several ways:

Giving them access to valuable pregnancy information

By referring your pregnant friend to cord blood banking, you are equipping them with valuable information about an option they might not have considered before. Many expectant parents are not aware of the benefits of cord blood banking, so your referral can help them make an informed decision about their upcoming baby's future health.

Helping them protect their baby's health

Cord blood banking allows parents to store their baby's umbilical cord blood, which is rich in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These stem cells can be used as treatment for a variety of critical illnesses, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and metabolic diseases. Through the banked cord blood of their baby, your friend can take proactive steps to protect their child's health and well-being.

Related read: Why bank umbilical cord blood?

Peace of Mind

Knowing that they have taken steps to safeguard their child's health can provide your friend with peace of mind during pregnancy and even beyond. Cord blood banking offers reassurance that, in the event of a medical emergency, there may be treatment options available for their child using the banked stem cells.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

By learning about cord blood banking and making that one choice to bank their baby's cord blood, your friend can feel empowered in their new role as a mother. They are taking proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of their child, which can be a powerful and empowering experience.

Cord blood banking with Cordlife PH

Cord blood banking with Cordlife PH also offers a variety of value-added benefits including access to pregnancy insurance, financial transplant assistance, and enrollment to Cordlife ALLIANCE, a community cord blood banking program, among many other complimentary value-added services.

Benefits to the referrer

As a way to say thanks, Cordlife PH also  incentivizes referrers with rewards in form of GCash credits! Learn more about Cordlife PH’s referral program or start referring today at www.cordlife.ph/en/RAF


Books to read when you are expecting

17 August 2022
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Books to read when you are expecting

pregnant woman read a book for baby in belly

As soon as you know you are pregnant, you may receive lots of advice from friends and family. However, not all of the advice is factually correct and reliable. For more reliable resources, you can turn to doctors, pregnancy-related websites, and pregnancy books. Nothing beats the age-old book for easy accessibility and usage. There is a wide variety of them to choose from. Most of them are authored by medical experts or experienced mothers.

Chicken soup for the expectant mother's soul

Mothers all over the world are a symbol of strength and unconditional love, and chicken soup books signify endless tales and stories of just that. As one turns the pages of the chicken soup, it takes the readers through the memory lane of the days where one can actually feel from the protagonist’s point of view. For all expectant mothers, this just might be the book to feel that strength and passion again.

You can read some excerpts from this book here.

The working woman's pregnancy book

Dr. Marjorie Greenfield draws from her experiences as an obstetrician and working mom and from more than a hundred interviews with mothers, ranging from factory workers to high-powered attorneys, to create a unique resource for working women. Dr. Greenfield's book includes checklists for multitasking working moms-to-be, helpful illustrations, stories and advice from experienced mothers, and information on everything from planning a pregnancy to balancing life after the baby is born. The Working Woman's Pregnancy Book is a great expert resource that will help any working woman through her pregnancy by giving her information, reassurance, and power.

The mother of all pregnancy books

A book for all mothers, an ultimate guide to everything and anything. Author Ann Douglas has provided an epic in its own right. She breaks down everything for you, from the day you find out you are expecting to the big day. She nails this one for everyone's fathers' and mothers' important decisions, problems, you name it, she has it all answered. There are tips on how to get your body ready for pregnancy and how to increase your chances of getting pregnant quickly. The top ten worries for each trimester—with a hefty dose of reassurance. A glossary of pregnancy and birth terms, as well as a glimpse into life after the baby is born. This book is the manual for those looking for real-world advice to help them throughout all the stages of pregnancy, from conception to birth! 

You can read some excerpts from this book here.

The mother of all baby books

"The Mother of All Baby Books" is the instruction manual that Mother Nature forgot to include with the new arrival -- a hands-on guide to coping with the joys and challenges of caring for your new baby. "The Mother of All Baby Books" offers the straight goods on what it's really like to become a parent, a frank discussion of the top ten worries of new parents, the facts you need to make up your mind about breastfeeding, circumcision, immunization and other important issues, with comprehensive answers to all your baby-related questions.

Read some excerpts from the book here.

Dad's pregnant too!

This is the first book of its kind. It was written by Harlan Cohen for couples and fathers-to-be. From the first positive test, to the first time seducing your pregnant partner, to the first push, to the first week home following the birth, Dad's Pregnant Too! The book exposes and explores everything an expectant dad needs to know (but no one ever tells him). Dad's Pregnant Too! is the most comprehensive guide to help expectant fathers understand their partners, themselves, and what's really going on inside their belly.

Read some excerpts of the book here.

A child is born

Linden's long-established natural care book offers an important additional dimension. In clear, accessible language, he explains what newborn babies and small children need to harmoniously develop the full potential of body, soul, and spirit. Based on a broad perspective, he offers many practical suggestions. Beginning with the growing embryo during pregnancy, the author guides the reader through the birth; the postnatal period and breastfeeding; care of newborn babies; meals for babies; and caring for children when they are sick.

You can read some excerpts from this book here.

The unofficial guide to having a baby

Having a baby is one of life's most joyous (and overwhelming) events. The choices you make now will affect your baby's health long after he is born. How should you change your lifestyle now that you are pregnant? How can you be sure that your baby is developing properly? What should you expect at each doctor's visit? And how on earth will you survive labour? The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby gives savvy parents-to-be like you a foolproof appraisal of what works and what doesn't—revealing things even your doctor won't (or can't) tell you, with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization.

You can read some excerpts from this book here.

Pregnancy: the ultimate week-by-week pregnancy guide

The book presents the most up-to-date, comprehensive pregnancy guide, delivering an unforgettable visual journey of developing life. The week-by-week pregnancy format is easy-to-follow, enjoyable to read, and follows the standard development schedule used by the gynecological profession. Parents-to-be can see how their baby changes each month by looking at eight pages of amazing full-colour pictures taken while the baby is still in the womb. The exclusive interactive due-date wheel makes it easy to determine the conception date, week of pregnancy, and delivery date.

You can read some excerpts from this book here.

Love you forever

A children's book that is also a tear-jerker. That's how reviewers describe Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. This short story begins with the birth of a little boy and follows his life. All along the way, his mother rocks him and sings a simple verse. "The writing is simple and flows well from one page to the next" as we follow the growth of this child, his mother expressing her undying love for him and going to extraordinary lengths to do so. Reviewers describe Love You Forever as a "must read for all mothers and especially grandmothers." Written as a children's book but with a strong message that resonates with all parents, Love You Forever has been known to bring tears to the eyes of grown men as the parent-child relationship evolves and turns over the years.

You can read some excerpts from this book here.

Right diet during pregnancy for an intelligent baby

17 August 2022
Body

Right diet during pregnancy for an intelligent baby

You can be a proud mother to the next Einstein

Toddler lying next to a bed alphabet letters

While a healthy baby is all most parents could ask for, studies in the area of higher intelligence have started to reveal why some babies are so incredibly smart. Have you ever wondered why there are some babies that meet developmental milestones at a very early stage? Here we are referring to babies who start walking at 9 months, draw a smiley face at 9 months, talk in long sentences at 24 months, count past ten at 24 months, etc. No one has ever been able to explain exactly why it is possible for these children to progress through their developmental milestones so much quicker than other children. And while not many are prepared to say it out loud, there are genetic studies emerging that now provide us with a glimpse of what a baby really needs to help him develop the best possible brain that he can. Simply follow these simple nutrition-based food guidelines to ensure the arrival of your bundle of joy as the "next Einstein."

Pop your prenatal vitamins

pregnant woman with vitamin pills in her palm

Taking your vitamins every day will help ensure that you get the balance of nutrients that your baby needs: folic acid and vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, vitamin C to produce collagen, vitamin D for bone building, and zinc for brain development.

Munch on fruits and veggies

Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants, which are good for your baby. “Antioxidants protect the baby’s brain tissue from damage," says nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, author of Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy. Aim for seven servings of fruit and veggies a day. Choose deep-coloured ones for the biggest antioxidant punch: dark leafy greens, strawberries, plums, and tomatoes, for example. Do make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables well, even fruits that have a rind (as cutting them will drag germs through the flesh).

Boost proteins

table full of food that is high in protein

Your body needs more protein right now to build cells and make hormones for your growing baby. So, increase your protein intake by an extra ten grams a day. Meat, chicken, and eggs are considered the best sources of protein. Boost your protein intake with yogurt, boiled eggs, chicken, and meat curry. Vegetarian moms-to-be can choose from soya beans, kidney beans, and lentils, as well as broccoli, cabbage, and spinach.

Pump up the iron

Your iron intake needs to double during pregnancy since iron helps to deliver life-sustaining oxygen to your baby. The trouble is, many women enter pregnancy already deficient. If your baby is deprived of oxygen in the womb, the risk of poor growth and lower IQ increases. Ask your doctor to test you for an iron deficiency. Then make sure your diet includes iron-rich foods like red meat, chicken, legumes, and fortified breakfast cereal.

Essence of copper

The nutrient copper is one of several very important nutrients for brain development, and studies have shown it to be responsible for the development of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus (the higher learning and higher thinking areas in the brain). A pregnant woman can provide her baby with sufficient amounts of copper simply by paying attention to the various foods she chooses to consume throughout the day. These foods include cashews, avocados, brown rice, eggplant, black beans, spinach, green beans, beets etc.

Choline counts

table full of food that is high in choline

Researchers from the University of North Carolina fed two groups of pregnant mice different diets during the period when their baby’s memory, the hippocampus, develops. One group’s diet included choline, while the other did not.  Examining their brain cells, researchers found the group that did not receive choline had epigenetic changes in the proteins that wrap genes in cells responsible for the creation of new brain cells.  The two proteins (G9a and Calb1) that are in charge of making and maturing new neurons in the hippocampus were changed in the group that didn't get choline. Choline is found in meat, nuts, and eggs.

DHA importance

An infant's brain starts development as early as 4 weeks after conception. Therefore, the groundwork can begin even before a woman gets pregnant. That's why it's highly recommended that all women in childbearing years get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids with DHA in their diets. Researchers at the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition in London have revealed that low birth weight babies are born to mothers who are inadequately nourished during pregnancy. These babies have been found to be deficient in DHA. Because brain development disorders can be permanent, a good pregnancy diet must include plenty of omega-3 oils with DHA. This means eating more fatty fish like Atlantic salmon, Pacific cod fish, and tuna and supplementing with high quality, pure fish oil capsules, or both.

Be mindful of mercury

Fish is good for your baby’s brain. However, mercury contamination in some fish may be dangerous for your baby’s nervous system. The US Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women to avoid shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish since they contain the highest levels .Some lower mercury options include salmon, catfish, tilapia, and shrimp. And if you want to eat canned fish, choose light tuna, which has less mercury than other types of fish.

Avoid alcohol and smoking

woman rejecting cigarettes and alcoholic drinks

Although foetal alcohol syndrome is associated with heavy alcohol abuse during pregnancy, even moderate amounts of beer, wine, or liquor can harm a baby’s brain. Light to moderate drinking can lead to problems with learning, attention, recall, and social skills down the road. And smoking – active and passive – can retard the growth of your baby’s brain, so stay away from it.

Things to know about having sex during pregnancy

17 August 2022
Body

Things to know about having sex during pregnancy

Couple lying down on their bed

Is sex during pregnancy safe? What about when your belly and breasts get bigger? The following tips may help answer some of your questions. Here are some reasons you should keep your sensual self in high-gear during pregnancy:

  • Your body is geared up for better, easier sex: increased blood flow to the pelvic area causes engorgement of the genitals and heightens sensation.
Husband lightly kissing the belly of his pregnant wife
  • In-utero massage, a bath of the "love" hormones oxytocin and endorphins, an improved sense of overall well-being -- all products of the orgasmic response. Why wouldn't you give these things to your baby and yourself? By taking the edge off of your exhaustion, negativity and anxieties, sex can induce feelings of calm, centeredness and gratitude which allow for greater love, creativity and success. The positive benefits of a healthy sexuality on an individual and those around them cannot be overstated.
  • Strengthening the vital underpinnings of partnership, regular sexual contact between partners keeps them in tune, maintains a sense of closeness and connection and keeps you in sync. Sex increases your bond with your partner. You’re heading for a magical but stressful time so the closer the two of you are in the run-up to the birth, the better. Couples who focus on regular intimate touch and sensual intimacy communicate more lovingly and mitigate arguments more effectively.
husband and wife hooking their little fingers together
  • Hurting the baby is a common concern, but it shouldn’t be. Your baby is safe in your womb: apart from the barrier of your cervix, the amniotic sac is strong and your partner’s pennies won’t rupture it. Just assure your partner that while you may be carrying his child, you’re still his lover.
  • Okay, when you are in your second trimester and if you are lucky this is the time your sickness subsides; your energy levels rise and the sex drive returns. Many women become orgasmic or multiply orgasmic for the first time in their lives during pregnancy due to hormonal response, vaso-dilation and downward pressure exerting itself on all of your sexual nerves down below.
  • There are some positions which will bring bliss into your sex life while you are at it. Just try and be creative to bring that spice into your love life.
couple looking at the results of their test kit happily
  • Sex improves immunity and helps you stay healthier. Regular sex results in a 305% higher level of immunoglobulin A. This key component in your body has the ability to ward off diseases and can be enhanced dramatically by engaging in sexual activity at least once or twice a week. It can ward off heart disease, stroke, cancer and act as a natural remedy for colds and flu. Who wouldn't want to enjoy these health benefits?
  • Does sex really help you get your labour started? There are some truths to the idea that semen triggers labour, although the research shows this is not a risk before term. Intercourse- or giving oral sex can be one way to induce labour if you are overdue and much more fun than an induction drip.
  • What if sex isn't enjoyable? There are many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. While some sexual relationships may improve during pregnancy, others may stagnate or suffer. The best approach is to be open with one another about your feelings, needs and expectations.
Husband lightly kissing the pregnant belly of his wife

This may be an ideal opportunity to build on your sexual relationship, explore each other and find new ways of giving each other pleasure. The best way to overcome difficulties is to spend time talking. Try to build security and a feeling of closeness by focusing on your love for each other rather than just your sex life (or lack of it!). Chances are, if you feel intimate and close, satisfying lovemaking will follow. It might be a good time to indulge in a loving, sensual, and erotic massage to set the mood!

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