1st Trimester

Drinking and Pregnancy

Drinking and Pregnancy As you imagine your growing baby, dream about what she’ll look like, what her voice will sound like and what she’ll make of her life, you hope and pray that no harm will ever come to her. You put a pool cover on your swimming pool, secure all cupboards, lock away all poisons and ban all smokers from your home. Should you lock away your alcohol? Should you politely turn down that glass of wine on a Friday night and instead opt for a glass of soda? Some say having a glass of

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Down Syndrome in Depth

Down Syndrome in Depth Testing for Down Syndrome Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging. Joseph Campbelle! Pregnant2Day previously gave an overview of what Down syndrome is, who is at risk, what prenatal tests are available and what to do when faced with a positive test result. (To read this overview, click here). In this article, we expound on the prenatal tests available and their associated risks. Please bear in mind that our aim is merely to present you with facts that will help you

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Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome It’s become a controversial issue; should you screen for Down syndrome? And if the foetus shows signs of having a genetic abnormality, what should you do? Is abortion an option? Many parents of Down syndrome children will say having a child with this condition is extremely difficult but incredibly rewarding. What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes mental retardation and physical defects. It’s caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21. Essentially what happens is at the time of conception; a

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Diet during Pregnancy

Diet during Pregnancy What we really mean when we say “DIET” during pregnancy, is a HEALTHY eating guide. Your body needs the right fuels to function efficiently and cope with the demands of your growing baby. A pregnant women needs to increase her daily calorie intake from 2000 to 2200 but only in the last 3 months. The following foods can help you to obtain these extra calories: 200ml of semi-skimmed milk + 1 slice of wholemeal bread with cottage cheese. 1 large banana + 150ml of orange juice or other fruit

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Depression

Depression Depression during pregnancy Pregnancy is supposed to be at time of joy and anticipation, but for many it’s a time of anxiety and sadness. It’s believed some 10 – 20 percent of women could experience depression at some stage during their pregnancies. {module go to TOP link Module|none} What is Depression? Depression is a mood disorder that involves chemical changes in your brain. When you’re pregnant, a surge in hormones could affect your brain’s chemicals, making you feel extremely sad or anxious. Depression can be described as feeling sad, unhappy or

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Cravings

Cravings Food cravings during pregnancy Have you ever had an unexplained craving for something incredibly salty, a craving that just won’t go away? Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, thinking that you absolutely, positively must have a pickled onion sandwich with thick, thick butter? Do your friends think you’re absolutely nuts for eating the same thing over and over and over again? Well you’re not alone. Research has shown that most women say they craved at least one thing during their pregnancy. For some, it’s something really sweet,

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Choosing a Caregiver

Choosing a Caregiver Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.Elizabeth Stonee! Making the decision to have a child may have been momentous – but you will soon discover that there are countless important decisions awaiting you. Not the least of which is choosing the right caregiver for the antenatal care of you and your baby. The first thing to remember before you embark on the journey of reading and discovery to understand the facts and options out there

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Body and Mind Changes

Body & Mind Changes Have you ever heard the phrase porridge brain? Have you seen a hugely pregnant woman waddle down the road with swollen feet and thought, Shame? There are pregnancy related side-effects that your doctor will, no doubt, discuss with you. But here are some that your doctor, mother or best friend may have forgotten to tell you about: Forgetfulness You may find that you struggle to remember even the most obvious things. You’ll walk into a room, stop and then wonder why you’re there. With the surge in hormones and

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Are you Pregnant?

Are you Pregnant? C’mon, fess up! There have been times when your period has been a couple of days late. Your stomach has immediately started tying itself into knots, you become sweaty, breathless and anxious. Are you pregnant? When a pregnancy isn’t something you’ve planned for, this is probably a time of stress and uncertainty. But when you’ve been trying so hard, it’s something that will make you want to shout from the nearest roof top. You may become incredibly impatient, wanting to know for certain that you are in fact with childHere are

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