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Cleft Lip and Palete

Staff WriterJanuary 8, 2011 August 6, 2020 2nd Trimester

Cleft Lip and Palete A cleft lip and palate is one of the more common problems found in newborn babies, with an estimated one in 800 infants being born with this condition. During the first few months of pregnancy, parts of the baby’s face will form separately and then join together. The lip and palate should usually close completely, 10 weeks after conception. If they don’t, a cleft will form. What is a Cleft lip? A cleft lip is an opening of the upper lip, between the mouth and the nose. It

Breast Changes

Staff WriterJanuary 8, 2011 August 6, 2020 2nd Trimester

Breast Changes As you have probably noticed among women there is a huge variation in breast size, shape, colour, nipple shape, size etc. Small women with big breasts and big women with small breasts, the good news is that the size of your breasts has no impact on their capacity to make milk. Women with very small breasts can make as much milk in 24 hours as women with large breasts, although a small breasted women can’t store as much milk at one time, therefore feeding may have to happen more frequently. Whatever your

Birthing Options

Staff WriterJanuary 8, 2011 August 6, 2020 2nd Trimester

Birthing Options One of the most asked questions, as you near the end of your pregnancy, will probably be “Are you going to have natural birth or a ceasarian?” You’ll then consider who you’re speaking to; an obviously pro-vaginal-drug-free kind of woman or a too-posh-to-push mama, and adapt your answer accordingly. You’ll also, no doubt, be given loads of free advice from well meaning women who’ve gone through the birth process once, twice, three times and (gasp) even more. They’ll even tell you their horror (and often exaggerated) stories; about how they tore, how

Antenatal Classes

Staff WriterJanuary 8, 2011 August 6, 2020 2nd Trimester

Antenatal Classes Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”Barbara Katz Rothman When you decide to visit a foreign country, you undertake a great deal of planning. You make sure you have knowledge of the local customs and currency; you study maps to ensure you won’t get hopelessly lost and overwhelmed – because you know that knowledge is power. Similarly, when entering the complex new world of parenthood, knowing what to expect will instil you

X and Y Chromosomes

Staff WriterJanuary 8, 2011 October 9, 2020 1st Trimester

Nobody will ever win the Battle of the Sexes. There's just too much fraternizing with the enemy. Henry Kissinger When pregnant moms are asked whether they are hoping for a boy or a girl, the most popular answer is “I don’t mind at all, as long as it’s healthy!” But, deep down, most of us do have a preference – be it the dream of a nursery all in pink or adorable clothes in every shade of blue. For some, being able to determine the gender of the baby becomes somewhat of an obsession. They focus on everything from dietary changes

When to call the Doctor

Staff WriterDecember 20, 2010 October 9, 2020 1st Trimester

During your pregnancy, you’re bound to have the odd tweak or tingle that you’re not entirely sure about. Should you be cramping, even if it is only a slight cramp? Are your feet supposed to be so swollen? Why isn’t your baby moving as much as she should be? Many pregnant women become neurotic about their unborn babies' welfare, Many pregnant women become neurotic about their unborn babies' welfare, and rightly so! In most cases, there’s no need to panic, but there are times when you should phone your doctor. Phone your doctor if you: Are bleeding Have fluid leaking from your vagina

Weight Gain

Staff WriterDecember 20, 2010 October 9, 2020 1st Trimester

Heard the term “eating for two”? Well banish that thought from your mind. There is no such thing as eating for two. For some women, pregnancy is a time to indulge on all those treats that they couldn’t touch when they weren’t pregnant. As they stuff the second chocolate or handful of chips into their mouths, they think “What the hell, I’ll lose the weight once the baby is born.” Think again. Research has shown that a woman who is overweight or obese, is more likely to have problems during her pregnancy. The incidents of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes are likely

Ultrasound Scans

Staff WriterDecember 20, 2010 November 2, 2020 1st Trimester

Who would have thought that sonar and radar used in the Royal Air Force in the 1950s would become a fundamental tool, used throughout pregnancies, to examine the foetus? Your first ultrasound will be an interesting experience. Your caregiver, or a sonographer, will first apply a special gel to your abdomen to reduce signal loss, apply the probe to your abdomen and move it around to find the best position. Once in place, the transducer then sends and receives ultrasound waves, which is translated into images on the screen. The movement on the screen allows you to see the heartbeat, whereas

Smoking During Pregnancy

Staff WriterDecember 20, 2010 August 6, 2020 1st Trimester

Smoking During Pregnancy Researchers at Bristol University claim up to 60 percent of cot deaths can be prevented, if mothers stop smoking while pregnant. Frightening isn’t it? The reality is that your baby is more at risk of dying or developing a life-long health problem because of your smoking habit. It’s a habit that you’re going to have to kick for life, if you want to give birth to and raise a healthy child. {module go to TOP link Module|none} How does smoking harm your unborn baby? Tobacco smoke contains poisonous chemicals,

Pre-natal Tests

Staff WriterDecember 17, 2010 August 6, 2020 1st Trimester

Pre-natal Tests It is important to see your doctor promptly after pregnancy is confirmed. This is because some tests for foetal abnormalities are carried out before you have your first pre-natal appointment. There are two categories of tests. Screening tests assess the risk of abnormality, while diagnostic tests determine for certain whether the foetus has a chromosomal abnormality or structural defect, such as spina bifida. Some diagnostic tests are invasive and hence carry a risk to the foetus. For example, CVS and amniocentesis both carry a risk of miscarriage of around one per