Birth

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia Who is at risk for Pre-eclampsia? Does high blood pressure mean I have pre-eclampsia? Does swelling mean I have pre-eclampsia? What tests can show if I have pre-eclampsia? What are the risks of Pre-eclampsia to the baby and me? What is the treatment for Pre-eclampsia? If my doctor decides to deliver the baby early, will I have to have a Caesarean section? Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia Description of Pre-eclampsia Pre-eclampsia (say "pre-ee-clamp-see-ah"), which is also called toxemia, is a problem that occurs in some women during pregnancy. It can happen during the

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Small For Gestational Age

Small For Gestational Age What problems do IUGR babies have during birth? What problems are common in the nursery? Will my baby catch up in growth? Will my baby be normal? What is SGA (Small For Gestational Age)? This is a term used after birth to describe a baby whose weight is less than the 10th percent for his/her number of weeks of pregnancy. IUGR and SGA refer to the same process. What causes IUGR/SGA? There are many causes. In 30-35%, the cause is not known. Some causes arise

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Cervical Incompetence

Cervical Incompetence Treatment of Cervical Incompetence Description of Cervical Incompetence Cervical incompetence is a condition in which the cervix begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface) before the pregnancy has reached term. Occurring in the second or third trimester, cervical incompetence is a cause of late miscarriage and premature birth. When a cervix is incompetent, the muscle of the cervix is weak and the pressure of the growing baby causes the weak cervix to open. There are no contractions. If a woman is known to have a weak cervix

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The Causes of a Premature Baby

The Causes of a Premature Baby Folloing the links for the subject matter {module The Causes of a Premature Baby}  {module preemiesforafrica.org|none}

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The Apgar Test

The Apgar Test The Apgar score is a test that is done on your newborn to assess his physical condition immediately after birth. The name of the test is also an acronym for the five criteria that are evaluated in your newborn, designed and introduced by Dr Virginia Apgar in 1952. Activity - this shows the health and tone of his muscles 0 = Limp, no movement1 = Some movement of arms & legs2 = Active movement Pulse – this shows the rate and strength of his heartbeats 0 = No heart rate1 = Fewer

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Taking your Baby Home

Taking your Baby Home The time has come for you to take your new baby home, we have a few tips to help make it an exciting and stress-free experience. Feed your new baby just before getting ready to leave the hospital Make sure you have that very important car seat Clean clothes for the baby – baby grow, socks, hat and blanket You also need to be comfortable in the clothes you wear When you get home, take your baby for a walk around the house, his new house You might be

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Stages of Labour

Stages of Labour The mom goes to the hospital and puts pyjamas on and then she waits in her bedroom for the doctor to fetch the baby from a special place. But it’s really boring because Gran and my brother and I had to wait, like 20 hundred hours, for my baby sister to find the hospital!Braedan 5 years old  By the end of your 8th month of pregnancy you are no doubt tired of being pregnant. You’re anxiously awaiting your baby’s birth so that you can finally meet the little

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Problems during labour

Problems during labour It’s very normal for women to go into labour a little anxious about what will happen. Not only is there the obvious worry about pain associated with contractions or caesarean sections, but there’s also a nagging worry about whether or not the baby will be delivered safely. There are some complications that could make delivering your baby a little bit more difficult. But with your doctor and/or midwife at your side, your baby should be absolutely fine. Meconium Aspiration Meconium is the green-black, tar-like stool that your baby passes shortly

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Natural Pain relief

Natural Pain relief PAIN RELIEF TYPE Relaxation WHAT HAPPENS Breathing techniques can help to release the tension in your muscles. Relax your face which will automatically relax your other muscles. To distract you from the contractions and help you to relax through them, focus on a mental image or listen to a special piece of music. HOW IT WORKS Relaxing tense muscles encourages the body to produce endorphins, which are natural pain killers. ADVANTAGES Safe for

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Medicated Pain relief

Medicated Pain relief PAIN RELIEF TYPE Gas & Air (Entonox) WHAT HAPPENS Mixture of Nitrous oxide and oxygen is inhaled through a mouth piece or face mask. HOW IT WORKS Provides mild analgesia and relieves tension. ADVANTAGES Safe for mom and baby. Mom controls the use. There is no restriction on the mother’s movement. It can be used in a birthing pool. It clears quickly from the system and helps to establish a breathing pattern for

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