Contents What can be done about Headaches During Pregnancy?Headaches during pregnancy can occur the same in pregnant women as they can at any other time, with the causes being the same as would be the case as if you were not pregnant. These usual headache triggers can...
Pregnancy Concerns
Can pregnant women eat pineapples and papayas?
Can pregnant women eat pineapples and papayas? While many say eating pineapples and papaya should be avoided in pregnancy because they can trigger miscarriage and the onset of premature labour, this opinion are based on theoretical consideration and some laboratory...
Can pregnancy increase the risk of breast cancer?
Pregnancy is the most significant modifiable factor known for breast cancer risk in women. Although an initial increase in risk occurs immediately after parturition in women older than 25 years, the overall lifetime risk of breast cancer decreases after pregnancy. The...
Checklist for pregnancy care
We are often asked about ‘what happens when’ with pregnancy care. With that question on mind I have put together the table below as a guide. 8 Weeks First visit with me for most patients I will give you a referral for routine pregnancy tests, NIPT Screening (if...
Should I use Google and chat rooms for pregnancy information?
An anxious patient contacted me on Thursday evening. She had a pregnancy-related discomfort and decided to search on Google for the reason. She became concerned about what she read. She came to the conclusion from what she read that she had a particularly serious...
Checklist for when deciding to have a baby
I am asked from time to time: “How can I prepare to have a baby?” So, I have put this checklist together which covers the points that are relevant before you start trying. Health fund. Make sure you have appropriate health fund cover that covers you for confinement in...
Checklist for when baby is almost due
I am asked from time to time in advanced pregnancy: “Baby is almost due – what do I need to do?” Pack Your Bag. By about 36 weeks pregnant have your hospital bags packed. Make a written note of last minute items you will need to add. It is better if you should have...
Medicines
Any medicine is to be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have any queries please ask your general practitioner or me. As a general rule medical preparations that you can buy ‘over the counter’ (not on prescription) in a pharmacy or supermarket are safe...
Do I Need to See the Dentist? – Obstetric Excellence
Contents Dental Care During PregnancyPregnant Women are More at Risk When It Comes to Oral HealthX-Rays and PregnancyDental Treatment in PregnancyDental Care During Pregnancy Yes. It is a good idea to engage a dentist for your dental health. Now that you are pregnant,...
Sciatica pain in pregnancy
Sciatica pain is due to compression sciatic nerve In pregnancy this can be caused by the pressure of the gravid uterus and in advanced pregnancy of the baby on the sciatic nerve. I once had a gynaecology patient who had severe sciatica and a large fibroid uterus...
Urinary incontinence and pregnancy
Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing pregnancy and postpartum problem. It is usually urinary stress incontinence. Stress incontinence happens when the bladder sphincter muscle does not function well enough to hold in urine in the bladder. Recently I was...
Grieving after a miscarriage
A common question after an early pregnancy loss is: “How do you recover from a miscarriage? My family thinks I should “be over” my miscarriage by now, but I’m still grieving. Is this normal?” It is very hard for others to understand the grief of miscarriage. If you...
Can I exercise in pregnancy?
Exercise and Activity Walking is an excellent idea. As well, antenatal exercise classes are available through the hospital and privately. You can inquire about the hospital classes when you book. See also in link section exercise in pregnancy. Working Normally I am...
How do I stay healthy during my pregnancy?
Pregnancy is an exciting time when you have new life (your baby) developing and growing in your uterus. I am regularly asked “what can I do?”, “what can’t I do?”, “what can I eat?”, “what can’t I eat?” etc. A mother-to-be wants to look after her precious cargo in her...
Can I have an iron infusion?
It is becoming more popular for pregnant women to request an iron infusion because of tiredness in pregnancy. The iron infusion will only benefit if there is an iron deficiency, which can be checked by a blood test. Most tiredness in pregnancy is not due to iron...
Diabetes in pregnancy
There are two types of diabetes encountered in pregnancy. On most occasions it is gestational (pregnancy induced) diabetes. This is diabetes that has its onset in pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. Gestational diabetes is a relatively common adverse...
When will my baby turn head down?
When will my baby turn head down? As you progress through pregnancy the baby’s position becomes a more important consideration. At about 30 weeks about 25% of babies are not in a “cephalic” (head down) position. It is normal for the baby to turn head down even by...
Dizziness and Fainting
Why do I get dizzy? Dizziness in pregnancy is common. Some pregnant women are more prone to it than others. The most common cause is called postural hypotension, which is a gravity-induced drop in blood flow to the brain. Postural hypotension is more likely in...
Indigestion and Heartburn in Pregnancy
What causes Indigestion and Heartburn in Pregnancy? Indigestion and heartburn is due to the reflux of the acid contents of the stomach into the lower oesophagus. Indigestion and heartburn are very common in pregnancy and can be the first sign that a woman is pregnant....
Itchy Skin in Pregnancy
Why am I itchy? Why is my skin is itchy in pregnancy is not an uncommon question. It is often related to hormone changes in pregnancy. With the considerable abdominal stretching, it is not unusual to be aware of itchy and dryer skin. In advanced pregnancy, it is not...
Being overweight and pregnant
Management of childbirth in the excessively overweight patient was a topic of discussion at a recent department meeting at one of the hospitals I attend. Obesity is increasing in incidence in the community. Now approximately 50 per cent of women who become pregnant...
Seat Belt when in the Car
Do I need to wear a seat belt when in the car in pregnancy? It is safer for you and your baby and it is the law when traveling in a car. This applies to both front and back seats. You can only travel without wearing a seat belt if you have a legitimate medical reason...
Sex Determination
How can I determine the sex of my baby? With conception While there are many ideas and anecdotal stories in actuality there is no reliable way of making sure your baby is going to be of a particular sex when planning your pregnancy. No approach such as what you eat or...
Aches and Pains in Pregnancy
I feel so heavy! Pelvic heaviness can be apparent in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is due to increased blood flow to the pelvis and an increase in uterine size because of your pregnancy. It is also due stretching of the uterus supporting ligaments. Because of...
Armpit Lumps in Pregnancy
What are these lumps in my armpits? Lumps in both armpits or axillae at the same time is usually due to axiliary extensions (or tails) of breast tissue. As such they are typically more of an issue in advanced pregnancy and especially when your milk comes in....
Backache in Pregnancy
Why does my back ache? While backache can be a problem in the first trimester, it is usually more common as pregnancy advances. There is more strain on your back with weight of the enlarged uterus. As well there are physiological and hormonal changes affecting your...
Baby Brain
Is baby brain real? Answer YES Also called “placental brain”, studies have shown that pregnancy impairs memory for up to 80 per cent of pregnant women and new mothers. Pregnant women can have impaired cognitive ability, particularly increased forgetfulness and poor...
Baby’s Movements
When should I be aware of my baby moving? You will become aware of your baby moving between 16 – 22 weeks of pregnancy. You will usually be aware sooner in your second and subsequent compared to your first ongoing pregnancy. If you have an anterior placenta you are...
Behavioural Changes in Pregnancy
Why am I so moody? Pregnant women are frequently more emotionally sensitive than usual and are often less able to cope with normal stresses. They can become upset more easily than they usually would, cry more often and sometimes without a significant reason, cope less...
Belly Ring in Pregnancy
Do I have to remove my belly ring now that I am pregnant? The answer is no. But don’t be surprised if you choose to remove it as your pregnancy advances. This can be because: With abdominal wall stretching in advanced pregnancy your ring can become very uncomfortable....
Brown Abdominal Line
Why do I have a brown line down my tummy? This is called the linea nigra. The linea nigra is dark vertical brown line down the middle of the abdomen. It is common and due to the hormone changes of pregnancy. As well there can be increased pigmentation of the...
Bleeding Gums in Pregnancy
Why are my gums bleeding? In pregnancy there is increased blood flow in mucous membranes, including the gums around your teeth which can lead to bleeding gums. Pregnant women are more prone to dental caries, gum disease and a build up of plaque around your teeth....
Bleeding in Pregnancy
I am bleeding! Bleeding in pregnancy is not normal except for a small amount with mucous heralding the onset of labour (called a ‘show’). In early pregnancy bleeding is usually due to threatened miscarriage and is covered in question on Miscarriage. In more advanced...
Breast Changes in Pregnancy
My breasts look different now that I am pregnant. A woman’s breasts experience a number of changes in pregnancy. These include: Breast fullness from the time of conception. Breast heaviness which becomes more marked especially in advanced pregnancy. Breast tenderness...
Constipation in Pregnancy
I’m constipated! Constipation is common throughout pregnancy, often with onset in the first trimester. It can also be a problem after you have delivered your baby. What can be done? Constipation can be minimised by eating more fresh fruit, high fibre food,...
Contractions in Pregnancy
I think I am having contractions! Is that ok? A pregnant woman will often become aware of uterine contractions to a varying extent during the course of her pregnancy, especially as it gets more advanced. Such contractions are irregular, tend to be infrequent and not...
Cramps and Spasms
I have leg cramps! Leg cramps and muscle spasms are common. It is thought due to blood flow and electrolyte changes in pregnancy though not all pregnant women get them and the incidence and frequency vary What can be done? Stretch the muscle that has gone into spasm...
Cravings
I have these unusual food cravings! It is normal. Pregnant woman can get the most amazing cravings. They can develop a longing for a food they would not normally eat or unusual combinations of food or timing of eating. It can be useful in early pregnancy to help...
Dad During The Pregnancy – What Is Your Role?
What is my role in the pregnancy? You are a very important person! During pregnancy the mother of your baby is likely to be more tired, uncomfortable and emotional than usual. You can give her the extra support, attention, understanding, encouragement and love that...
Dry Skin During Pregnancy
I have Dry Skin - What can I do? Dry skin during pregnancy is a common skin condition and is characterised by a lack of the appropriate amount of water in the most superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis. Dry skin is also common after childbirth, be mindful of...
Engagement of your baby’s head
What does engagement of my baby’s head mean? Your baby’s head is engaged when the widest diameter of the head passes through the brim of your pelvis. A pregnant woman will often know this because of a very intense feeling of fullness in her pelvis. Some women have...
Fluid Retention
What happened to my ankles? Fluid retention is common as the pregnancy advances. Fluid retention can result in significant weight gain and can make you feel more uncomfortable in pregnancy. Occasionally it will be a problem even in the first trimester. Leg swelling is...
Haemorrhoids
I think I have haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids or piles are swelling and inflammation of veins in the rectum and anus. Haemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, especially in advanced pregnancy and with a vaginal delivery. In pregnancy haemorrhoids are probably due to...
Hair on Abdomen
Why do I have extra hair growth on my tummy? Some pregnant women will notice a significant increase in hair on the abdomen while pregnant and while breast feeding. This is due you hormone changes in pregnancy. Sometimes it also occurs on a woman’s breasts. What...
Hair, Skin and Nail Care
I look a mess. What can I do? Pregnancy hormones have an impact on skin, hair and nails. Typically there is more growth, often skin and hair are oilier and sometimes there is a tendency to increased acne. As your skin retains more moisture (which can smooth out any...
Looking Too Big In Your Pregnancy
Why do I look bigger than my weeks? Looking too big for your weeks of pregnancy is more common in pregnancies subsequent to the first ongoing. Looking too big can mean you are showing sooner and friends making the comment that you look more advanced in your pregnancy...
Miscarriage
What is a miscarriage? Miscarriage which is also called spontaneous abortion is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. In the first third of pregnancy, a miscarriage is called a first-trimester miscarriage. A miscarriage that occurs in the...
Morning sickness
I feel sick! Nausea is common in the first trimester. It usually settles by 12 to 14 weeks. While the term “morning sickness” is used the nausea is often not confined to the morning. Also, nausea varies in severity considerably from one person to another and one...
Muffin Top Look
A friend mentioned the “muffin top look”. What is it? The “muffin top look” is a term introduced by Australian comedians Kath and Kim. While it occurs unrelated to post pregnancy, it is most prevalent in women who have had a baby. The muffin post pregnancy muffin top...
Myths and Tales about Pregnancy
Myths and Tales about Pregnancy Over the centuries there has been passed down many pregnancy tales (often called “old wives tales”) and myths. When a pregnancy outcome is consistent with the pregnancy tale the tale will often tend to be spread further and with...
Numbness on the top of my tummy
I have numbness at the top of my tummy. Is that ok? Numbness in the upper abdomen region is relatively common in advanced pregnancy. It is thought due to stretching of the abdominal wall and associated nerves with advanced pregnancy. The numbness, while annoying, is...
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
It feels like it is going to fall out! In the antenatal period commonly women in their second or more ongoing pregnancy and occasionally women in their first ongoing pregnancy will say “it feels like it is going to fall out” as pregnancy advances. Stress incontinence...
Pubic symphysis pain
Why do I have pubic pain? Pubic symphysis joint pain can be a very significant problem as pregnancy advances. It is due to relaxin and progesterone hormones causing softening of pubic symphysis ligaments. This allows the pelvis to become a lot more ‘elastic’ so that...
Sexual Intercourse in Pregnancy
Can we have sex in pregnancy? There are normally no restrictions on sexual activities in pregnancy. Because of anatomical changes with your larger uterus in advanced pregnancy different sexual intercourse positions may need to be adopted. When are there restrictions...
Size – I look too Big or I look too Small
“I look too big” or “I look too small”. Comments from others about inappropriate size for dates can cause much concern. The first thing to do is to establish whether or not others opinions are correct. This can be done by me through abdominal palpation, tape measure...
Sleeping on my Back
Can I sleep on my back in pregnancy? Many pregnant women are concerned and have been told, or have read, that it is dangerous to sleep or lie on their back in pregnancy. This is a particular concern if a woman is used to sleeping on her back as it is more comfortable...
How can I stop getting stretch marks?
Stretch marks are due to tearing of the deeper (dermis) layer of the skin. Usually, stretch marks appear as angry red lines While common in pregnancy, not every pregnant woman gets them. As well they can occur at other times when not pregnant such as with rapid growth...
Stabbing Pains in my Pelvis
I have stabbing pains in my pelvis. Is that ok? Usually the answer is yes but you should bring it to my attention to check. It is more common in advanced pregnancy and especially if your baby’s head is engaged in your pelvis, if you have had an advanced pregnancy and...
Swelling
Why am I so swollen? Swelling is caused by fluid retention in the body during pregnancy. It is due to hormone changes in pregnancy and is common. When it comes to pregnancy & swollen feet, it usually occurs in the feet/ankles and hands/wrists. It can also be...
Tiredness
Why am I so tired? Tiredness is very common. Tiredness tends to be more of a problem in the first and third trimesters. In the first trimester, it is the body getting used to pregnancy while in the third trimester it has to do with being advanced in pregnancy and the...
Urinary Frequency
Why am I going to the toilet so often? Urinary frequency is common even from conception. It can be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. It is related to hormone changes and the increase in blood volume that occurs in pregnancy. As well pregnant women are encouraged...
Vaginal Discharge
Why do I have so much discharge? It is common to have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy. It is due to the impact of hormones on the skin of the vagina and cervix. It is clear to yellow in colour and there is no irritation or significant odour. The amount varies from...
Varicose Veins
Contents What is Circumcision Why is a newborn baby circumcision done? Popularity declining Will your son agree with your decision? Surgical risk Plastibell circumcision technique Will you circumcise my son if I request it? Extra information on Baby...
Vitamin D Deficiency
I have Vitamin D deficiency. Is this a problem in pregnancy? More Vitamin D deficiency is being diagnosed in the community. This is due to a combination of more doctors checking Vitamin D levels in “well” people and also an increased incidence with people being...
Weight Gain in Pregnancy
What is normal weight gain in pregnancy? The usual weight gain in pregnancy is 10-12 kg, which works out to approximately one kg and a bit every month of pregnancy. Weight gain patterns vary considerably though. Larger women tend to gain less weight in pregnancy than...
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