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What is this Amnio test, what can this test detect, why have the test most women ask?

Most Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that you have an amniocentesis when you about almost four months pregnant if you have risk factors. This is recommended to woman over 30 years old, but in some cases, the doctor may recommend this to a younger woman. However, having this test is entirely your choice. Before having this test, the doctor will send you for blood tests which can detect up to 60% of babies with Down Syndrome and therefore may help the argument for having the Amnio test. What does Amnio mean, Amniotic fluid in your womb? Rather known as Amniocentesis It helps identify if

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UIF Maternity Claims

If there’s one thing almost every pregnant woman in South Africa is confused about, it’s how to claim Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) maternity benefits. This is one of those situations where an expert’s opinion can make an enormous difference. Klaus Arnhard from UIF-Hero (www.uif-hero.co.za), a professional nationwide partner for claiming from the UIF, gives us all the necessary tips to make the claiming process quick and easy. What is UIF Maternity Benefits? Expectant mothers are entitled to benefits for the period of Maternity leave (no more than 4 months) as prescribed by the Department of Labour. Those benefits are paid from the UIF

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Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is increased in Maternal Obesity

Did you know that being obese increases your risk of passing on type 1 Diabetes Mellitus to your baby’s after their birth even with neither parent having Diabetes Mellitus themselves? A large Swedish study of more than 1.2 million children found that making active attempts to reduce weight before conception and during pregnancy may help reduce the chances of type 1 DM in children who are born from parents without Diabetes Mellitus. Did you know that being obese increases your risk of passing on type 1 Diabetes Mellitus to your baby The study carefully looked at 1 263 358 kids born between the

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Pregnant and managing acute Tooth Infections

Ladies looking to fall pregnant should take time off to see their local dentist in order to minimise acute tooth infections from occurring once they become pregnant. Good oral hygiene before and during pregnancy in good practice to prevent tooth cavities Good oral hygiene before and during pregnancy in good practice to prevent tooth cavities. Regular brushing, minimising glucose intake and a good balanced diet are important in preserving healthy teeth and help prevent dental related complaints and worsening tooth infections. Tooth infections occur when bacteria enters through tooth cavities Tooth infections occur when bacteria enters the tooth pulp (nerve part) through

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Mosquito repellents for Pregnant Ladies

Use topical mosquito repellents with the recognized active ingredients within them, but importantly at the appropriate chemical concentrations. The recommended active ingredient for pregnant women includes DEET at a twenty to fifty percent concentration. Reapply at least 6 to 8 hours after using DEET. Remember the topical agents wear off with outdoor activities like swimming and activities associated with sweating which may be more relevant with warmer climates. Be very aware of the importance of reapplication. DEET is safe for use from the SECOND Trimester onwards and can also be used while breastfeeding. Dressing appropriately and the correct application times and

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Natural Remedies for Curing Yeast Infections During Your Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience but, unfortunately, it also has its drawbacks. You may endure morning sickness, backaches, puffy feet, and other discomforts along the way. One common issue pregnant women often face is the pain and distress of vaginal yeast infections. Although yeast infections do not normally present any severe dangers to mother or baby, the condition is uncomfortable and galling. With all the other discomforts of pregnancy, who needs the added burden of a vaginal yeast infection? The problem is the medications a pregnant woman can take safely are severely limited. Fortunately, yeast is naturally occurring and there are

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Rib flaring, what is rib flaring and what can I do to get relief?

What is rib flaring? Rib pain or rib flaring during pregnancy can be a persistent problem, especially during the third trimester. Your rib cage may feel mildly sore or extremely tender and bruised. You may have discomfort on either side or both sides, though it is commonly worse on the right side of the ribs. Pain occurs in and under the ribs as your uterus grows. The demand for oxygen is increased in pregnancy because of the basal metabolic rate and the mass of the expectant mom increase as well. It is estimated that a woman will require about 20% more oxygen

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What is pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic Girdle Pain or PGP is a term used to describe pain in the pubic bone region below the tummy or pain across the low back or sacrum on one or both sides. It is a specific form of low back pain, and the term Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is included in the term PGP. PGP can start around the 18th week, and reaches peak intensity between the 24th and 36th week of pregnancy. Usually, in your first pregnancy, it starts later into the third trimester but PGP occurs earlier in second and third pregnancies. What are the symptoms? Common complaints of PGP include

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The Home Pregnancy Test

Buying a home pregnancy test is almost as exciting as buying that first baby grow or socks, then seeing the positive result appear is a moment you’ll never forget, in fact, I would not put it past you if you bought a second test just to make sure. The test detects a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your urine, they are very accurate. How early can I use a home pregnancy test? From the day your period is due, in theory, around two weeks after conception. The hormone will be more concentrated in your urine first thing in the morning,

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