An online announcement has revealed that His Majesty King Charles III’s beloved Scottish home, Balmoral, has now closed – all the details
23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
The painkillers considered safe to use during pregnancy — and the ones to avoid
Pregnancy can be an anxiety-inducing time for mums-to-be, who are understandably desperate to do everything ‘right’ to keep their baby as safe as possible.
The last thing women need is a world leader delivering medical misinformation. Yet, we live in a world where Donald Trump is the US president.
On Monday, Trump claimed paracetamol use is linked to autism. And disturbingly, doctors in the US will soon be advised not to prescribe the pain reliever to pregnant women.
As well as claiming paracetamol – which is called Tylenol in the US – had caused a ‘meteoric rise’ in cases of autism, Trump made unsubstantiated comments about pregnancy and vaccines, at a time when childhood deaths from measles and whooping cough are rising due to vaccine hesitancy.
It’s true that most medicines taken during pregnancy cross the placenta and reach the baby. What Trump has failed to mention, is that some illnesses are far more dangerous to an unborn child than the medication used to treat them.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has urged pregnant women not to pay ‘any attention whatsoever’ to the US president.
‘In fact, don’t even take my word for it, as a politician – listen to British doctors, British scientists, the NHS,’ he added.
With that in mind, Metro spoke to British doctors and pharmacists about the drugs pregnant women should and shouldn’t be taking for pain relief.
Paracetamol — ‘the first-choice’ painkiller
Paracetamol is recommended as the ‘first-choice painkiller’ for pregnant women by the NHS.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, the UK’s regulator, said: ‘There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
‘Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.
‘Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.’
Untreated pain and fever during pregnancy has been linked to an increase in birth defects, preterm birth, low birth weight and miscarriage.
The NHS does advise pregnant women to use paracetamol ‘at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration’.
A major study in 2024 in Sweden, involving 2.4 million children, found no link between paracetamol and autism.
Aspirin — low doses considered safe
Low-dose aspirin, such as 75mg, is considered safe to use throughout pregnancy, but always check with your midwife or doctor.
‘Low-dose aspirin may even be prescribed by your medical team to prevent or delay the onset of preeclampsia,’ explained pharmacist Deborah.
‘And it can be prescribed to reduce the risk of miscarriage as it improves blood flow to the placenta and prevents blood clots that may interfere with the pregnancy and pose a risk.’
Ibuprofen — avoid unless prescribed
The use of ibuprofen during pregnancy is not advised by the NHS unless prescribed by a doctor.
Deborah Grayson, a qualified British pharmacist who runs Practice With Confidence and is known as the Godmother of Pharmacology on TikTok,told Metro this is because Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen ‘can have risks at all stages’ during pregnancy.
‘There are some risks to consider when taking ibuprofen during the first and second trimesters. These include a slightly increased risk of miscarriage, particularly with frequent use, and the potential for effects on the baby’s kidney development,’ she said.
‘In the third trimester, the risks associated with ibuprofen become significantly more serious, and its use is generally not recommended. One major concern is the premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, a vital blood vessel in the baby’s heart, which can lead to severe heart and lung complications if it closes too early.
‘Additionally, ibuprofen may reduce the amount of amniotic fluid, which serves to cushion and protect the baby from shocks and movement. It can also impair the baby’s kidney function and interfere with prostaglandins, which are hormones that help initiate labour, potentially resulting in prolonged or more difficult labour.’
Codeine — avoid unless prescribed
The NHS advises avoiding opiate painkillers during pregnancy. Pharmacist Deborah explained: ‘Opiate painkillers, when used regularly during pregnancy, can cause dependence in the developing baby with a risk of withdrawal in the newborn stages.
‘There are also reports of malformations in the heart and lungs if used in the first trimester. Administration during labour can also reduce respiration (breathing) in newborns.’
Again, as with all medications, codeine should only be used when there is a ‘clear clinical need’, under medical supervision.
‘Alternative measures for pain include CBT, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture, all of which are completely safe during pregnancy,’ the pharmacist added.
23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Joanna Lumley's trench coat has a quirky twist – and it's the only way to wear the classic jacket this season
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23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
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23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This is what happens to your body if you get less than six hours of sleep a night
Queen Rihanna once said that she only gets three or four hours sleep a night, while Sydney Sweeney claims that she can cope on just two.
Meanwhile, Madonna once told Rolling Stone that she struggles with insomnia, and can ‘get through the day’ on six.
According to the NHS adults need, on average, between seven and nine hours sleep a night.
The reality though, is that we’re a sleep deprived nation.
New research into Brits’ night time habits has revealed that we’re surviving on just six hours and 50 minutes of sleep a night, on average. That’s an annual deficit of 426 hours every year.
Half of those surveyed admitted they regularly survive on just four hours, and 44% said they can cope on less than three.
If you have the odd bad night, it’s not that much of a big deal, but if you’re consistently struggling to sleep, you could face a whole host of issues from increased anxiety to a loss of productivity.
A 2023 study even revealed that getting less than six hours of sleep a night can reduce the body’s immune responses to vaccinations.
We spoke to the experts to find out exactly what happens when you’re not well rested.
Weakened immune system
When we’re asleep, our bodies are working extra hard, fighting off infection.
Dr Sue Peacock is a consultant health psychologist and sleep expert. She explains: ‘Research shows that there is a complex link between sleep-wake cycles and our immune systems.
‘While you sleep, your immune system produces protective, infection-fighting substances such as cytokines. It uses these substances to combat foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
‘These cytokines also help you sleep, giving your immune system more energy to defend your body against illness.’
So if you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re not producing as much of these magic cytokines. ‘This lowers the body’s response to infection,’ explains Dr Sue.
‘It increases our vulnerability to disease, and it may take you longer to recover from illness.’
How much sleep do you get a night?
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I always get at least seven hours
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I can survive on six or less
A 2023 study also revealed that less than six hours sleep a night reduces our immune response to vaccinations.
Researchers at the French National Institute of Health reanalysed the results of seven studies that compared antibody responses of individuals who slept for seven to nine hours per night, vs those who slept for less than six.
The research, published in Current Biology, revealed that sleeping for less than six hours reduces the immune response to vaccination in men. The effect was more variable in women, where fluctuating hormones were said to play a part.
The impact was also greater for adults aged 18 to 60, compared to older adults.
Increased anxiety
Unfortunately, sleep and anxiety can be a bit of a viscous circle. A lack of sleep causes anxiety, but anxiety can also cause a lack of sleep.
Dr Sue says: ‘Unfortunately, one can exacerbate the other.
‘Anxiety can have a negative effect on your body’s ability to fall asleep, as your brain is in “fight or flight” mode, thinking of all the potential outcomes for whatever is causing the anxiety.
‘Furthermore, anticipatory anxiety and specific anxiety about sleep can lead to sleep disturbance and insomnia, which then creates a feedback loop that can make both conditions worsen.’
Research has also found that a lack of sleep can make us feel low.
‘It can cause us to have a reduced capacity for remaining positive when faced with emotionally challenging events,’ says Dr Sue. ‘You might also feel less able to enjoy positive experiences.’
Menstrual irregularities
A lack of sleep can also play havoc with the thyroid hormone, causing issues for those that have periods.
Dr Katharina Lederle, a sleep and body clock specialist, said: ‘The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) increases during sleep deprivation, and in healthy young women in their follicular phase, is associated with a significant increase in TSH level.
‘High levels of TSH causes menstrual irregularities, anovulation (when an egg isn’t released), amenorrhea (when you don’t get periods) and recurrent miscarriages.’
Weight gain
Ever wondered why you’re ravenous after a bad night’s sleep?
Whilst we’re sleeping, hormones such as cortisol, leptin and ghrelin are regulated – which are the hormones that are important in the control of weight.
A lack of sleep decreases the levels of these hormones in the blood. ‘Long term lack of sleep increases appetite, overeating and weight gain,’ explains Dr Sue.
Obesity is also more likely in those that don’t sleep well.
Sleep: the statistics
- Of the adults polled in the survey by Dyson, 19% said they were constantly tired.
- This lack of sleep has an effect on our waking hours, causing mood swings (37%), a lack of motivation (33%), getting annoyed easily (33%) and feeling anxious (12%).
- When it comes to parenting, 12% said it makes them angrier with their children
- Couples have taken action to get a better night’s sleep, with 26% admitting they now sleep in separate beds.
Loss of productivity
This one probably comes as no surprise – if you don’t get enough sleep, you’re far less productive during the day.
Dr Katharina explains: ‘One US study found that employees who averaged five hours of sleep a night lost 2.22 days of work a year, compared to the 1.48 of those that got eight hours.
‘A lack of sleep negatively impacts all the things we need to do our jobs well: cognitive performance, decision-making, memory and attention span.’
Other health issues
Not getting those sleeping hours in can actually affect your health in many different ways.
‘Research suggests people are at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke and heart attack,’ says Dr Sue.
‘There’s also an increased risk of diabetes and other chronic conditions.’
Not only that, but a lack of sleep is also associated with memory and cognitive impairment – it even increases your risk of Alzheimer’s.
How to get a better night's sleep
Vicki Beevers, CEO of The Sleep Charity shares her tips:
- Be strict about not using electronic devices in the hour before bedtime, this includes your mobile phone, TV and tablets. These devices are highly stimulating and give off light, which can trick your body into thinking its still daytime, which in turn suppresses melatonin – the hormone that helps us to feel sleepy
- Have a regular sleep and wake time to keep your body’s circadian rhythm on track
- Exercise in the day time – but not too close to bedtime.
- Eat well, avoid alcohol and sugar loaded snacks at night
- Create a relaxing routine to help you to wind down before bed
- Ditch the apps that monitor sleep, they are often inaccurate and raise anxiety around sleep issues
- Know you aren’t alone if you have issues sleeping, research suggests so does 40% of the adult population. For support, call The Sleep Charity’s national helpline, on 03303 530541.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
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23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Exclusive: Jodie Kidd on how rural living impacts her personal style – and her exciting new venture
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23 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
These sleek new trainers from Sans Matin are set to be everywhere this autumn
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Looking for a new, reliable pair of trainers to take you through autumn, winter and beyond?
Sans Matin has just dropped their newest footwear edit – and we predict it’s going to be a huge hit.
The Hera Collection, named after the namesake queen of the Greek gods, channels a classic sports-inspired aesthetic reimagined for today – and we can see them becoming our new staple trainer.
Blending everyday wearability and unwavering craftsmanship with that ‘wow, I love your shoes!’ star quality, the trainers ooze sophistication and style, designed to be a reliable pair for any occasion.
Hera Low Top Trainers – Scarlet Red Leather & Suede
These Hera Low Top Trainers boast a soft leather upper with contrasting suede panelling, gum outsoles and Sans Matin’s signature delta-triangle detail, making them incredibly wearable for every day.
While Sans Matin has solidified itself as a premium footwear brand that goes all-in on chunkier styles, the Hera trainers are a much more relaxed look, pairing premium materials with refined detailing that’ll look gorgeous with everything from jeans to dresses.
Transcending footwear trends, the low-top trainers boast a soft leather upper with contrasting suede panelling, gum outsoles and Sans Matin’s signature delta-triangle detail, making them incredibly wearable for every day.
Finished with the brand’s logo embossed on the tongue and their classic Greek letters stamped in gold, these sleek trainers combine totally effortless style with redefined quality and unparalleled comfort.
Think: sleek, contemporary, chic sport style, crafted with quality in mind and ready to take you from brunch to work to evening drinks with ease. What’s not to love?
The trainers are available in both men’s and women’s designs , with the women’s collection offering three colourways to suit any season: Soft Teal, Denim Blue and White; White and Taupe; and Scarlet Red and Stone, and the men’s available in Soft Teal, Denim Blue and White, and White and Taupe.
Lockie Cunningham, CEO and Co-Founder of Sans Matin said: ‘Launching this collection marks an exciting new chapter at Sans Matin. This is the first collection we’ve designed from start to finish with our new Portuguese manufacturers.
‘The Hera Collection embodies our dedication to creating shoes that are not only beautiful in design, but also crafted from the highest quality materials to bring you unparalleled comfort.’
So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of trainers to take you through autumn, winter and beyond, the Hera’s are sure to be your best bet.
Honestly, we can see everyone wearing these by the end of the year.
Shop the Hera Collection:
Personally, we can’t get enough of the Teal pair – although the Red also has that certain something…
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22 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Baby, 1, has deadly health issue so rare it doesn’t even have a name
A mother says that her baby has a health condition so rare that it doesn’t even have a name.
Amanda Thomas, 35, from Glamorgan in Wales, is the mother to one-year-old Jack, who lives with a condition that has no cure.
Doctors told Amanda her son had a mutation of PPFIBP1, a gene that acts as an instruction map for nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.
He is one of 16 other known cases worldwide.
They also warned Jack may only have one year left to live and he could soon be unable to sit, talk or walk.
The mutation can also cause microcephaly, a condition where a baby is born with a head that is smaller than usual.
Jack is now blind and lives with frequent, drug-resistant seizures, which Amanda described as ‘heartbreaking’.
‘No parent wants to be told that they will outlive their child,’ she said.
‘Having to plan for that eventuality is heartbreaking. I sometimes think there’s no way I can cope, but I have to, for Jack.
‘As a family, we’re just enjoying each moment we have with him; taking it day-by-day.’
Amanda, a former social care worker, noticed her son couldn’t make eye contact.She found his right eye turned outwards and became fixed before he suffered a life-threatening seizure.
She and her husband, Nicholas, 44, took their son to A&E, but were sent home by doctors initially, after they said all newborns do ‘weird’ things with their eyes.
Amanda recalled blaring alarms and nurses rushing to tend to Jack.
She said: ‘I could see them resuscitating him; I truly thought he was slipping away from me.’
The couple agreed to genetic testing, which found they both had a faulty copy of the gene.
The couple was prompted to take the test after doctors found fluid in Jack’s neck during their 12-week scan.
The parents were told Jack would only have a 25% chance of survival.
Amanda added: ‘I felt shocked and numb. I had so many questions, but couldn’t speak.
‘All I wanted to hear was that he was going to be OK – but no one could tell us that.
‘The hardest part was being told that sufferers usually pass away during childhood.
‘It’s a grey area; he could have one, five, or 10 years left. No one knows.’
Although Jack currently undergoes physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help strengthen his core, Amanda has since set up a GoFundMe to raise money for his treatment.
The family have so far raised £1,280 of their £20,000 target, which could help towards a specialist wheelchair, a sensory room for Jack, a bigger car and money towards treats for Jack’s siblings.
She wrote on her fundraising page that Jack’s three other siblings, who do not have the faulty gene, are ‘incredibly strong but feeling the emotional strain’.
She also hopes to raise awareness about Jack’s unnamed condition and hopes to find others who have been impacted by the disease.
By posting on social media about Jack, she met a woman from Georgia in the US, whose daughter died from the disease, aged two.
Amanda hopes to enjoy every moment with her family.
‘We just enjoy him. We celebrate those little milestones that may not mean much to others,’ she said.
‘We do enjoy days out and have managed a little caravan holiday so far – which was challenging – but we made lovely memories.
‘The joy he brings us is amazing, and we are so proud of him.
‘I used to think the house not being tidy and the washing piling up was so important.
‘Now I’m realising the most important thing is that our son is still with us. And right now, that’s all I could ask for.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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22 Sep, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Inspired by Harry Styles’ marathon moves? Gear up with men’s activewear must-haves from Lululemon, H&M, Hoka and more
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Whether you’re pulling a Harry Styles and reaching for that PB marathon time (the One Direction star was spotted completing the Berlin marathon in an impressive 2:59:13 under the pseudonym ‘Sted Sarandos’ this weekend – well done Harry!), looking to refine your padel skills or have your sights set on a Hyrox championship, there is one thing you need – the gym kit to match.
There are plenty of activewear retailers to head to if you’re channelling that ‘all the gear and no idea’ aesthetic, your muscles are bulging out of your existing gym gear, or you actually need to invest in the proper uniform instead of a baggy T-shirt and shorts you’ll wear to the pub later on.
When it comes to shopping for the best activewear for men, comfort and support are key, and there are some retailers that do this perfectly – plus they look stylish too, which helps.
Let’s not forget that now the evenings are drawing in earlier, the temperature is dropping and daylight is dwindling as winter is ebbing closer, athleisurewear with protective details, such as reflective patches, insulation and moisture-wicking properties, are more sought after.
High street retailers such as M&S and H&M have some high quality activewear, while the usual culprits, including Nike, Reebok, Vuori, Lululemon and numerous other labels remain a reliable go-to.
Whether you are a shorts all season kinda guy like Harry, a leggings or joggers fan, prefer a loose fit t-shirt or a skintight lycra vest, the key is fabric. No matter if you are training in the scorching heat or peak winter, sweat-wicking fabrics are a gamechanger to wick moisture away from the body and help regulate your body temperature. Of course, the design needs to be supportive to see you through your workout.
We have whittled down the best activewear pieces for men to shop and smash their PB out the park à la Harry.
Shop Our Top Picks
Merrell Men's ProMorph
Go anywhere with ProMorph running shoes. Designed for roads, trails, and everything in between, they feature our cushioned FloatPro+™ midsole and a Vibram® outsole for reliable comfort and grip—so you’re ready for any run, any day.
Vuori Short Sleeve Clearview Seamless Tech Tee
This is Vuori’s ‘first ever fitness tee without seams’, which is ideal for those working out a lot and susceptible to chafing that can interrupt a workout. The faux-hole texture allows your skin to breathe in a sweaty gym session. Plus, it boasts four-way stretch for an ultra-comfortable fit.
HOKA Clifton 10 Running Trainers
Now we know we suggested hiking trainers, but a pair of running trainers are equally essential – and yes, you do need a separate pair for the different workouts and terrains to offer cushioning, support, but also a lightweight design to fly around the track.
H&M Double-layered sports shorts with DryMove
If you haven’t sampled H&M’s activewear range – you need to.It’s made from top quality fabrics, supportive, and oh-so affordable. We particularly love these double layered shorts to offer support, comfort and no faux pas on the squat rack.
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Sleeveless Shirt
If you don’t like being restricted by short or long sleeves, then a sleeveless shirt is your option. After all those hours spent in the gym, why not show off those biceps? But you can layer under, or over, a long sleeve layer for added insulation.
On Running Weather Jacket Insulated
Working out all weather requires you to layer up to shield from the elements, and this weather Jacket gets our seal of approval. It’s lightweight to wear when running without weighing you down, but it’s also weatherproof so you won’t be drenched after running in the rain (come summer or winter – we live in the UK after all).
Nike Dri-FIT T-shirt
We own almost everything at Nike, and it’s the one stop shop we rely on for all our sports attire. The Dri-FIT range is ultra soft on the skin and comfortable to wear all seasons and for all activities, plus it’s sweat-wicking, which helps cool you down post-workout.
Reebok Mens Trunks Anselm SN61
The Reebok Men’s Trunks Anselm SN61 are a pack of three comfortable, form-fitting trunks made from soft, stretchy fabric. They feature a branded waistband, come in a mix of blue shades, and are easy to care for with machine washing.
M&S Colour Block Half Zip Top
M&S’ own activewear range is not one to be sleeping on. One item that has remained in our activewear wardrobe for years is a Half Zip Top. It’s perfect to wear working out for extra warmth and coverage, whether it’s in the gym, on a run or a padel court, spring, summer or winter.
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