Your secret pregnancy

Most moms-to-be don’t want their pregnancy to become public knowledge until the end of the first trimester, when it’s firmly established.

If you’re a celebrity, it is practically a requirement that you keep your pregnancy secret in order to generate a frenzy of excitement among the media that keeps you on the front page.But even if you’re not J-Lo or Christina Aguilera, you will have your own reasons for keeping your news quiet for a little while. Maybe you don’t want your new employer to find out yet, or perhaps you can’t stomach the thought of your mother-in-law’s reaction until your nausea and nerves have stabilized.So, how do you keep everyone fooled, if you’re (a) feeling worse than you ever have before, or (b) so excited you can barely concentrate on your normal routine? A few little secret plans and clever tricks can help…

Social occasions

It’s recommended that you avoid alcohol in pregnancy but if giving it up would be an instant giveaway among your friends and colleagues, then develop a sudden taste for gin and tonics and fake them – a tall glass of sparkling water and a slice of lemon will fool everyone around the table. Just remember you’ll need to start insisting on buying your own drinks at the bar! Of course, you could also pretend you’re on a detox plan that specifies no alcohol and recommends whatever strange food combinations you might be craving!

At the office

Hauling yourself out of bed at oh-dark-thirty to get to the office on time can be a real downer, especially if you have to keep dashing to the bathroom to be sick once you get there. The stomach flu is a good excuse if you’re obviously sick, but if not, try to blame all those trips to the bathroom on the extra water you’re drinking as part of that detox diet! Eating a gingerbread cookie can help to settle your morning stomach, as can sipping peppermint tea.

If sitting on a crowded train during your morning commute is unavoidable, carry a bottle of water to sip, and a good book to get lost in or another form of diversionary tactic. If you’re feeling nauseous, you’ll need to try to take your mind off it to endure the journey. Also leave plenty of time so that if you do need to get off for some fresh air you won't be late for work!

Try to steer clear of strong smells that make you feel worse. Avoid the office smokers and cologne drenchers at all costs! If you can smell your colleagues’ perfume (or worse) try not to mention it, as this can be a giveaway to any moms you work with who will likely have experienced the keener sense of smell that seems to accompany pregnancy!

At home

It may seem obvious, but the better you look after yourself at home the better you’ll feel when you’re out and about. Make sure you get plenty of rest when you can. Sleep deprivation won’t help your emotional state and it’s important that you feel mentally prepared for the world at a time when your hormones are making you feel a little odd. Many women report feeling extremely tired in early pregnancy and you might find yourself collapsing on the couch as soon as you get in from work. Ask your partner not to smoke in the house or create other unpleasant odors, such as strong cooking smells or wearing overpowering cologne.

If your partner is helpful or you have the energy to do it yourself, batch cooking soups and pasta bakes and freezing them is a good way to ensure you get a nutritious meal when you can’t face preparing one from scratch. Morning sickness may be making you feel ill, especially if you‘re suffering from it all day, but try to eat a well balanced diet and don't forget to take your folic acid supplement.

Above all, do make sure you take the time to explain to your partner that you’re going to need some extra help and support during the first trimester. Don’t forget, most moms-to-be feel much better by the middle trimester, so promise some later payback as an incentive! This should send him trotting into the kitchen…

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.