Below are a number of brief articles I have written on some common pregnancy issues. They are in a easy to view and download PDF format. I hope you find them useful.
Five things to do before falling pregnant
If you are planning to fall pregnant in the near future, here are a couple of pieces of advice I’d like to share which will help to ensure you are as ready as possible for the physical challenges pregnancy can bring.
How do I know if I’m pregnant?
If you’ve been planning a pregnancy, the 2nd line on the home pregnancy test usually gives it away, but there are some normal physical changes that occur in pregnancy that can make the “could I be???” a bit more likely.
Immunisations in pregnancy – Part 1
In simple terms, immunisation is a process where our immune system is prepared or ‘primed’ to deal with exposure to infectious agents (bacteria or viruses).
Immunisations in pregnancy – Part 2
So we’ve dealt with the “how” and the “why” is pretty straight forward – prevention is better than cure so now onto the “when” and “what”.
What’s happening to my body?
The short answer is “lots of things all at once!” The hormonal changes that go along with pregnancy cause changes in pretty much every part of the body with some having more of an impact and being more obvious than others.
Ultrasound in pregnancy
These days, ultrasound examinations have become part and parcel of both the diagnosis of and the ongoing assessment during pregnancy.
Bleeding in early pregnancy
Bleeding in pregnancy occurs in 20-40% of all pregnancies. While relatively common, it can obviously be quite distressing if it happens.
Exercise in pregnancy
A common question I am asked is whether it is safe to continue with exercise and other activities during pregnancy. The simple answer is “yes”…
Other activities in pregnancy
Work, travel and sex..
Food and pregnancy
So, what exactly can you eat and what should you avoid in pregnancy? Thankfully there are far fewer things to avoid than things you can enjoy!
Pregnancy and the pelvic floor
Studies (and the experience of many women) have shown that pregnancy itself, as well as childbirth, can have an impact on how this important group of muscles do their job.
Twin Pregnancies
“We’re having what?”
Between 1-3% of all pregnancies in the developed world are now twin pregnancies. This is largely due to the increasing use of assisted reproduction.
Sex in Pregnancy
Well clearly the two are related, but is sex during pregnancy OK or are there potential problems with engaging in amorous activity while you are pregnant?
Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy
TOXOPLASMOSIS – Does the cat really have to go? Pregnant cat lovers don’t despair. Your beloved feline friend is not a reason to be worried for your baby.
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Whoever called it “morning sickness” had probably never been pregnant. Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy and can affect up to 9 out of 10 pregnant women.
Reflux
What is reflux and why does it happen in pregnancy?
Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach make their way back up the oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) and cause irritation. This is most commonly felt as a burning sensation in the upper tummy or chest, but can also cause…
Pregnancy and the Carpal Tunnel
What is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a structure in the wrist formed by the wrist bones and a fibrous sheath of tissue. It contains a number of tendons which enable movement of the fingers and the median nerve…
Group B Strep
What is GBS?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria which is found in the gastrointestinal and genital tract of 10-30% of women. It is usually harmless in non-pregnant women, but it can cause problems for pregnant women and newborn infants. For a pregnant woman, carrying GBS usually causes no problems, but it can lead to urinary tract infection. More serious infections are very rare but, if they do occur, can lead to premature delivery.
Asthma in Pregnancy
Asthma is one of the most common chronic medical issues in our society, so it is no surprise that a significant number of pregnant women suffer with asthma. Symptoms can include cough, wheeze and breathlessness and are often brought on by exercise, viral respiratory tract infections or exposure to smoke, pollens and other substances.
Chickenpox in Pregnancy
Chickenpox is a reasonably rare condition in adults as a large proportion of the population have either had chickenpox as a child or been immunised. It is contracted by close contact with someone who has chickenpox, before the blisters have crusted over. If a woman who is pregnant contracts chickenpox it may have serious consequences for both her and her baby.
Pregnancy causes changes in just about every part of the body. Some changes, like changes to the skin, are more obvious than others and even though they are normal, they can still sometimes cause concern. Here are some of the normal changes to the skin that can happen during pregnancy.
Most women will start to feel baby moving around the 20 week mark. Some might feel movements as early as week 16, and some not until week 30! There are many factors that influence when baby’s movements are first felt, including whether or not this is your first pregnancy and where the placenta is located.
Whether it be for work or for that last getaway before life irrevocably changes (for the better), the safety of air travel is a common question for many pregnant women. There are a few issues to consider…
Blood Group, Rhesus and Anti-D
From about 6 weeks of pregnancy, the developing baby’s blood cells will have their surface proteins present. Let’s consider the Rhesus-D antigen…
A commonly asked question (especially getting closer to the day of delivery) is “How big is my baby?”. It’s not surprising that the issue of baby’s size
can weigh on Mum’s mind (pardon the pun)…
While large babies often grab the headlines, the other reason for monitoring a baby’s growth is to look out for babies who may be too small.
Transfusion of blood from the placenta into baby’s circulation increases the number and concentration of red blood cells, reducing the rates of anaemia in newborns. This may be of particular benefit for babies of mothers who have had low iron stores in pregnancy or who are born prematurely.
Skin to Skin Contact after Caesarean Section.
After a baby is born, one of the simplest things that can be done to assist in their transition to life outside the womb is to initiate skin to skin contact between the baby and their mother
Headaches in Pregnancy
Headache is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy – partially due to headaches being pretty common anyway and partly due to some of the effects of pregnancy (particularly if you’ve had to give up a significant coffee habit!).
Post-Partum Contraception
Usually “Don’t even think about coming near me” is a pretty effective contraceptive option in the early stages after a baby is born. However, if a couple are not planning on having their babies close together, there are other options available to them for more effective and longer term birth control…
I will be adding to these topics regularly. If there is a topic you’d like me to post some information on, or if you have a question you’d like answered, let me know by filling out the contact form on this page.
