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The 10 pregnancy symptoms you should not ignore

No matter how much you have read up on pregnancy, or how much advice you get from other pregnant moms, there may still be times when you worry about certain feelings and symptoms. But how do you know what’s “normal”, or when it’s time to see a doctor? Here are the main pregnancy symptoms that should set off alarm bells. If you experience any of these, call your doctor right away.

1. Pain in the lower belly 

Severe pain on either or both sides of your lower belly needs investigating. While you could have stretched a ligament, which is common during pregnancy, it could also indicate something more sinister, for example a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature labour or placental abruption.

2. Pain in the middle or upper tummy area

Sharp or severe pain in your middle or upper tummy, with or without nausea or vomiting, could be caused by severe indigestion, heartburn, a stomach bug, or food poisoning, which could be indirectly harmful to pregnancy. If you’re in the second half of your pregnancy this pain could also indicate pre-eclampsia, a serious condition which requires immediate medical attention.

3. Running a fever

If you have a fever with a temperature above 37.5 degrees C, but with no cold, flu or other symptoms, call your doctor within the day. If your temperature is more than 39 degrees C, call your doctor immediately, as you may have an infection which will need treating. If your temperature rises higher than 39 degrees C for an extended period of time it can be harmful to your baby.

4. Blurred vision and flashing spots

If you experience double vision, blurring, flashing spots, dimming or similar vision disturbances in the second half of your pregnancy, call your doctor straight away. These vision symptoms may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

5. Swollen hands and feet

Swelling or puffiness in your hands, face and eyes is common in late pregnancy, and in most cases it’s not a cause for concern. However, if your swelling is severe or comes on suddenly, with a headache or problems with your vision, you may have pre-eclampsia.

6. A headache that won’t go away

If a bad headache lasts for more than 2 or 3 hours, and you have vision disturbances and severe swelling in your body in the second half of your pregnancy, again, this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

7. Vaginal bleeding

Spotting or very light bleeding without pain is common in early pregnancy, and it may simply be what is known as breakthrough bleeding. Even so, let your doctor know if you bleed at any stage during your pregnancy. It may indicate a serious complication if it’s:

  • Heavy bleeding, combined with persistent back or abdominal pain
  • Bleeding that’s different from your normal period, i.e. darker in colour or lighter in flow than usual, together with severe, persistent, one-sided pain in your tummy
  • Sudden, painless bleeding, which can happen if you have a low-lying placenta (this will be seen at your 20 week scan)
  • Dark bleeding with clots

8. Fluid leaking from the vagina

If you are leaking fluid from your vagina before 37 weeks it may mean that your waters have broken early – let your doctor know. You should also call your midwife or labour ward to find what’s best to do if your labour doesn’t start within 24 hours of your waters breaking.

9. Sudden thirst

If you’re suddenly thirsty, and your urine is dark yellow, it could be a sign of dehydration. If you’re thirsty and urinating more often than usual it could be a sign of gestational diabetes. Both of these increase the risk of complications for you and your baby, so let your doctor know.

10. A burning sensation when I urinate

This may mean a urinary tract infection if you feel a painful or burning sensation when passing urine, pass cloudy, bloody or smelly urine, have a raised temperature and feel feverish, or experience pain. If you have any of these symptoms then see your doctor, so they can treat your UTI.

If you’re not sure about a symptom, or simply feel uneasy, trust your judgment and call your doctor. Remember, you can always talk to one of our doctors. Just sign up here if you’re not a member, or log in here if you are. We are here for you – 24/7/365!

Source:

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore#ixzz2rCiyRP6S

What are the normal symptoms of pregnancy?

For expectant moms, pregnancy is generally a roller-coaster of hormones and emotions, ranging from excitement and anticipation to fear of the unknown. The good news is, it’s natural and entirely normal to feel this way – so take a deep breath and enjoy the journey to parenthood. If you’re a first time mom, then this is where you need to be. We spoke to Dr Russell Thomson, one of our resident doctors at Hello Doctor about common symptoms and what to expect in each trimester. Dr. Thomson suggests scheduling a visit with your doctor as soon as you suspect that you might be pregnant in order to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy. Remember, each woman is different and each pregnancy is different so try not to constantly compare yourself to other pregnant women. The only thing you need to focus on is staying healthy and making sure your baby gets the nutrients it needs for healthy development.

So, what are the early pregnancy symptoms?

  • A missed menstrual period (often the very first sign a woman notices)
  • An upset stomach, nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling excessively tired and fatigued (and no amount of sleep seems to help)
  • Craving certain foods that you wouldn’t normally eat
  • Racing off to the toilet more often, especially at night
  • Tender and swollen breasts
  • Implantation bleeding – this happens when the embryo attaches to the uterus during the third or fourth week after your last menstrual period. It’s often mistaken as a normal period.

What Happens Week by Week?

A full term pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks from the start of your last normal menstrual period. These 40 weeks are grouped into three trimesters. Let’s take a look at each of them.

First trimester – Week 1 – 12

The first trimester is arguably the most important, and the hormonal changes going on inside you affect almost every organ system in your body. Hey, no one said growing a baby was easy! Most pregnancy symptoms are experienced in the first trimester, and it’s during this period that you’ll generally feel your worst – nauseous, tired and moody. The good news is, these horrible symptoms do pass, and most women start feeling much better once they hit their second trimester. PHEW! Find out more about what to expect during the first trimester of your pregnancy.

Second trimester – Week 13 – 28

With the first trimester out of the way, most women start feeling more like themselves again, especially when the worst of the symptoms have eased up. However, now that most of the early symptoms are gone, it’s time to start coming to terms with your changing body. In the second trimester, your abdomen starts expanding as your baby grows. What’s most exciting about this period is that before your second trimester ends you’ll feel your baby move for the first time. Find out more about what to expect during the second trimester of your pregnancy

Third trimester – Week 29 – 40

By the third trimester you’re in the final stretch, however, sometimes symptoms experienced in the second trimester continue, plus the third trimester comes with its own challenges (unfortunately.) The most common complaints that pregnant women speak about during this period, is that they struggle to breathe normally and they have to go to the toilet more often. This is entirely normal though, and it’s due to the fact that your baby is getting bigger and putting more pressure on your organs. Find out more about what to expect during the third trimester of your pregnancy

Find out what to expect during labour

Giving birth is one of the most natural processes a woman can go through, and yet many women are nervous about it and don’t know what to expect. The pain, the possible complications – they’re all valid concerns. The truth is, the more you know about the labour process, and the more prepared you are when the time comes, the better it is for you and your baby.  Find out what to expect during labour.

How pregnancy makes you lose your mind

You’ve lost your keys again. And, for the third time this week, you found your cell phone in the fridge. No, you’re not going mad – it’s just pregnancy brain.

Pregnancy brain, also called momnesia or pregnesia, is the forgetfulness and brain fog many pregnant women experience. It’s a real and frustrating hallmark of pregnancy, affecting as many as 50 to 80% of expectant moms.

If you suffer from pregnancy brain, you may forget why you walked into a room, where you put your purse, whether you switched off the washing machine, or leave objects in strange places.

A gush of hormones

Pregnancy unleashes a flood of hormones in your body. These hormones trigger major physiological changes, and interfere with your thinking and memory. On top of that, surging hormone levels can make you tired. Fatigue can shorten your attention span and slow your thought process.

Not getting enough good quality sleep, which is a common struggle for many pregnant women, may also play a role. Sleep deprivation and disruption can affect how mentally sharp you feel, and lead to memory loss. It can make you more anxious and stressed, which can impact your ability to concentrate and remember things.

New priorities may also help explain why pregnancy has you feeling like a ditz. You may spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about your baby, and how motherhood will change your life. These thoughts can be overwhelming and distracting, and may leave you feeling forgetful and absentminded.

On the upside: some experts believe that memory change during pregnancy is evolutionary. It’s been suggested that pregnancy brain helps you forget other things, and focus more on caring for your child. This may prepare you to become a better mother.

According to Dr Laura Glynn, a psychologist at Chapman University in California, even the slightest movement of the foetus in the womb can affect a woman’s brain and make her become more sensitive. This may help mothers become more attuned with their baby and prime them for caregiving.

The good news is that pregnancy brain is temporary, and doesn’t reshape or rewire your brain.

How to mind your mind

  • Work from a to-do list. Track your daily doings and mark them off once you’ve completed them. Stick Post-it notes around the house to help you remember simple things.
  • Set reminders on your cell phone, tablet or laptop.
  • Delegate as much as you can so you’ll have fewer things to remember or worry about.
  • Get a dose of choline. This mineral is the building block for the memory-forming brain chemical, acetylcholine. Fill up with eggs, chicken, fish, spinach, and peanuts.
  • Up your Omega-3s. This nutrient is essential for brain health, and may help boost memory. Find Omega-3s in salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
  • Avoid trying to do everything at once. Focus on one task at a time. You’ll feel more clearheaded and less forgetful.
  • Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is needed to learn and make memories, and stay mentally alert.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself when you do forget things. Take a deep breath and try to keep calm. Stressing will only cloud your preggy brain even more.
  • Laugh it off. Have a sense of humour about this airhead stage, and get your partner to do the same.

References

Pains during pregnancy: when is it urgent?

Pregnancy can be the most glorious time of your life. It can also bring on aches, pains, flatulence and loads of other unattractive side-effects. Remember, your hormones are at an all-time high and your mood swings bear the grunt.

All of which can lead you to jumping the gun… when is it really time to rush to the hospital? And when is it just normal pregnancy pain?

Go to the hospital if:

You have abnormal vaginal bleeding with cramping

  • An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the uterus. This can cause the Fallopian tubes to tear or burst. It results in severe bleeding and sharp abdominal pains.
  • A miscarriage is a loss of pregnancy before the foetus or embryo can live on its own outside the uterus. It also causes severe bleeding and cramping.

There is a decline in your baby’s movements and kicks

The amount of movements and kicks tell you that your baby is active and healthy. Babies move a lot during the growing period in the womb. If there’s been a gradual decrease in movement for more than two days, you experience less than 10 movements in a gap of two hours, reduced or no movement to sound, voices, or a pat; it’s an emergency.

Your face and hands swell suddenly 

At some point you’ll experience mild puffiness in the face, and swelling in the hands and ankles. Swelling that comes on with a headache that won’t go away, vision changes, chest pains, breathing problems, and more swelling in one leg than the other – needs your doctor’s attention immediately.

You get vision disturbances (blurring, double vision and dimming)

Changes in hormones, fluid retention, metabolism and blood circulation may have an effect on your eyesight. Should you think your vision has changed significantly have it checked out immediately.

You get severe nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness is very common in pregnancy. It’s the result of hormonal changes in the first 12 weeks. If you can’t keep your food and fluids down for more than 24 hours, you pass dark urine, have a high temperature, feeling weak or dizzy and vomit blood, it’s an emergency.

Sleep on it if:

You feel constipated

You can thank an increased production of the progesterone hormone for this. Progesterone relaxes your intestine walls. Food starts to move slowly in your digestive system to give the nutrients more time to enter the bloodstream and reach your baby. Your baby puts pressure on your rectum as well. Dehydration and lack of exercise could be the cause too.

You have breast changes

Change in your breasts is part of early pregnancy symptoms. They may feel heavy, tender, sore, full and have a tingly sensation. The discomfort decreases after several weeks.

There is an increase in vaginal discharge

Your vaginal walls thicken during the first weeks of pregnancy. Some women may notice milky discharge with a mild smell; it might happen throughout your pregnancy.

Sensitive to certain smells

This is caused by hormones and may lead to nausea and vomitting, which is normal in the first stages of pregnancy.

Urinating frequently

Extra blood flow makes the kidneys produce more urine after conception. Frequent toilet visits can be influenced by the pressure on your bladder by the growing uterus.

References

Water birth: is it better than normal birth?

No longer just a Hollywood hippie scene, water births are becoming increasingly popular. Water birth involves immersing yourself in water as you prepare to go into labour. With the help of a midwife or doula, you then birth your baby as you would in a hospital, except in this case, you welcome your little one under water.

A cool concept certainly, but is it safe?

The benefits of swimming into life

Water birth works on the premise that your baby, having lived in an amniotic fluid sac for his gestation period, will feel comfortable being birthed into a similar environment. Studies into the practice say that the method of birthing is softer and gentler for both mom and baby, in comparison to the harder, colder environment of a hospital room.

Water birth is more of a philosophy of non-intervention, says pregnancy expert and midwife, Tina Otte. “Water is a relaxing medium. When a woman in labour relaxes in a warm bath, buoyant and free from gravity’s pull, with sensory stimulation reduced, her body is less likely to secrete stress hormones.”

As Otte explains, water birth does have merit. Water makes for a softer landing and reduces injury and risk to the mom and baby. “The water softens the perineum, reducing injury while skeletal pressure is reduced, helping the mother conserve her energy.”

Water birth is also thought to be gentler for the baby. Babies are aquatic creatures throughout pregnancy. At birth, a newborn is bombarded with new sensations. When birth takes place in water this transition is less traumatic. The water offers familiar comfort after the stress of the birth.

A 2009 report by the Cochrane Organization about water births found that:

  • Water immersion during the first stage of labour significantly reduced epidural and spinal analgesia requirements.
  • One trial showed that immersion in water during the second stage of labour increased women’s satisfaction with their birth experience.

Other research shows that there’s no evidence that a water birth would adversely affect the baby. A recent study published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health found that newborns born in water were no more likely to need hospital care, than babies born in hospital. This is one of the largest studies done on water births to date. “The findings suggest that water birth is a reasonably safe, low-intervention option for women who face a low risk of complications during the birthing process.”

How to swim safe

A water birth needs to be done with a professional. There’s the risk of aspiration, which is a concern. A 2014 study by the National Health Institute in America details this risk: “When a baby is born, everyone awaits that first cry, which signals that the newborn has emerged safely from the womb. The delay of that response is very stressful for most people. There are several mechanisms that prevent the baby from inhaling or gasping while it is still submerged in the water as the head is born and after the full body has slipped into the water.”

There other risks too.

  • Overheating. Water that’s too hot can cause dizziness, dehydration and discomfort for mom, as well as dangerously increasing the foetal temperature.
  • Infection could pose a problem. Just because you’re in water doesn’t necessarily mean the risk of infection is washed away.
  • “The incidence of post-partum haemorrhage is not increased after birth in water, however if bleeding is excessive, the mother must leave the water immediately. The pool should be near the labour ward to ensure that the transfer time is short,” explains Otte.

In the end, deciding what type of birth you want, is up to you, your partner and your doctor. Moms with higher risk pregnancies, such as twins, complicated pregnancies or large babies, may be advised to get a Cesarean, or at least be admitted to hospital where they can be monitored. Discuss your options with your Gynae, and – when in doubt – you can always go for a second opinion.

It’s your pregnancy, and you deserve to give your baby what is best!

References:

Pregnancy – it’s not nine months of no’s

So, you can’t drink anymore, but there’s still a ton of stuff you can do! Here are five of them:

1 Do exercise
Staying active will work in your favour. Exercise has been shown to relieve the symptoms of pregnancy discomforts like, back pain, swelling, bloating, fatigue and constipation. Choose low-impact exercises that are safe for you and your baby. Try brisk walking, yoga, indoor cycling, swimming or an aerobics class. Exercise minimise the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. They promote flexibility, boost your mood and may speed up your postpartum recovery process. Breathing exercises help your baby get oxygen too. Just get the go-ahead from your doctor first!

2. Have sex
Sexual desire may increase or decrease during pregnancy. According to studies, sex will not harm your baby. Your little one is safely protected by the strong muscles and fluid in and around your uterus. Depending on your comfort, most positions are fine. Oral sex is safe too during your pregnancy. Be sure to use a condom if you’re not in a monogamous relationship. Having an orgasm increases your contractions, which helps to strengthen your pelvic floor. This makes it easier for delivery and post labour. It boosts immunity and improves blood circulation, which both play a big part in restoring the body’s function. The release of hormones and oxygen is good for the baby.

3. Enjoy your morning coffee
Yes! You can still enjoy your favourite morning pick-me-up – and gosh – you sure need it while your body works at creating another life-form!  In fact, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists made it official: moderate amounts of caffeine should be safe. How much? Less than 200 mg per day. Remember: a brewed cup of coffee is about 137mg of caffeine, and tea is about 48 mg. So a cup or two in the morning will do just fine (and, with a ‘Ouma’-rusk, it may well pull you through those throngs of nausea).

4 Visit the spa
Always be safe and tell your masseuse that you’re expecting. The best time to go to a spa would be during your second trimester. A massage is a fantastic way to relieve aches and tension in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, legs and feet. Be mindful of your skin sensitivity at this point, as some treatments may not be suitable for you and the baby. A spa day can increase your blood circulation, the placenta and the baby. It can reduce anxiety and stress. It promotes rest and relaxation and support a healthy functioning state.

5 Drive where you need to
Doctors would advise to minimise this if possible. As your belly grows bigger, it will make driving unconformable. Check with your doctor before any trip, especially if you’re travelling long-distance. Be sure to always wear your seatbelt. Position yourself correctly and take regular breaks. Carry your essential snacks and water for your trip as your blood sugar levels may drop.

References

 

The do’s and don’ts for a safe pregnancy

You’ve got a bun in the oven, and a million worries to go along with it. Stop stressing, mama! Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do while you’re expecting.

Do:

  1. Get a flu shot.

You can and should get vaccinated against the flu, especially if you are carrying in the flu season – the World Health Organization recommends it. Being sick with the flu during pregnancy can increase the risk for birth defects and premature labour.

  1. Visit your dentist.

Pregnancy hormones can affect the health of your gums, making them more likely to bleed and become inflamed. This may lead to infection and tooth decay. Save your pearly whites with regular and thorough dental cleanings.

  1. Take vitamins.

A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. But this may not be enough to support your growing baby, especially if you’re prone to morning sickness or follow a restricted diet. Take a prenatal multivitamin complex. These helpers contain high doses of nutrients needed during pregnancy, including folic acid, iron, calcium, iodine, and Omega-3 fatty acids, and can assist with proper development of the foetus and help prevent birth defects. Ask your doctor to recommend a good prenatal vitamin.

Afraid to hit the gym because you’re pregnant? Don’t be. Exercise can help you build endurance for labour, combat insomnia, and keep your weight in check. Before you break a sweat, check in with your doctor first. Ask them about exercises that are safe and comfortable for you and your baby.

  1. Sleep a lot.

Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding, which can lead to sleeping difficulties. Being tired may worsen early pregnancy nausea and vomitting, so it’s important to get plenty of rest. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Set bedtimes and stick to them. Have a quick nap whenever you get the chance.

 

Don’t:

  1. Eat raw meat.

Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish are big red flags as they carry the risk of food-borne illness. And, since pregnancy suppresses your immune system, you have a high chance of contracting life-threatening illnesses that could cause severe birth defects and even miscarriage. Make sure that everything you eat is well-cooked.

  1. Take a scalding hot bath.

It’s okay to take baths while you’re pregnant as long as the water isn’t too hot. Hot baths can increase your core temperature and cause your blood pressure to drop. This can deprive your baby of oxygen and nutrients, making birth defects and miscarriage more likely. Long, steamy baths can also lead to dizziness and fainting. Enjoy a warm, not hot, bath. Anything up to your normal body temperature is safe.

Smoking is detrimental to your baby’s growth, development, and health. Studies show that babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a low birth weight and learning disabilities. Stub out that cigarette for good and avoid passive smoking. The best time to do this is when you and your partner decide to start a family.

  1. Drink alcohol.

Any amount of alcohol at any time during pregnancy can harm your baby. Alcohol can affect your baby’s development and cause your baby to develop a serious condition called foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Symptoms of FAS include low birth weight, learning disabilities, and behavioural problems. Alcohol can also increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. For the sake of you and your baby, quit. If you need help, talk to your doctor.

  1. Overdo caffeine.

Go easy on caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea and energy drinks. The caffeine can travel through the placenta and increase your baby’s heart rate. This can cause your baby to be born with a lifelong heartbeat irregularity or, in rare cases, lead to death in the womb or during delivery. Limit your caffeine intake to 200ml a day, roughly one cup of coffee.

References:

Serena played tennis while pregnant – should you?

Serena Williams’ hinted pregnancy has taken twitter by storm this week, and although it may be good for publicity, is exercise good for her baby?

The tennis player posted a picture of herself on Snapchat yesterday (19 April), with the caption ’20 weeks’. This means she was pregnant when she won the Australian Open in January. So, what would the doctor have to say about this?

“Generally speaking, pregnant women can play tennis early in pregnancy. In fact, the cardiovascular activity is good for mom, and as a rule of thumb: what’s good for mom, is good for baby. However, later in the pregnancy, it can be difficult to play – for obvious reasons. More importantly, though, there are real risks to the baby,” says Dr. Albert Viljoen.

You needn’t do what Serena did, but do something.
It’s important to remember that Serena’s body is used to the level and intensity of her sport. She didn’t suddenly pick up a racquet when she fell pregnant: this baseline condition of the body determines what you can do while you’re pregnant.

So, moms-to-be, before you take up a new sport, ask Hello Doctor. If you don’t have a high risk pregnancy, you should be able to do most exercises. Sports that are generally discouraged are those that put you at risk of falling, like skiing, mountain biking, gymnastics, surfing, trail-running or horseback riding.

Beyond your own health, exercise can also improve the health and brain development of your baby. For some ideas on what exercises you can try, have a look at the exercises you can do when you’re expecting.

How do you feel about genetically modified babies?

You customise your smartphone, modify your coffee order and choose a specific set of frames for your glasses. Your entire life is practically custom built. Thanks to genetic technology, you will soon be able to customise your children, giving you the option to choose eye colour, hair colour, and even making them resistant to HIV.

How does it work?
In the simplest terms: geneticists are now able to cut and paste the genetics of an embryo almost in the same way that you can cut and paste a line from this article. With this technique, called ‘germline editing’, we can snip out parts of the DNA inside a baby before they are born.

While there is a massive debate around the moral implications of creating our own X-Men in the near future, the reality is it’s already happening.

The first genetically modified babies are here
In April 2016, a baby with DNA from 3 parents was born, after a genetic modification was made to the embryo. Doctors led by John Zhang, from the New Hope Fertility Center in New York, performed this procedure without any legislative guidelines. When questioned, Dr Zhang said he did the procedure in Mexico, where “there are no rules”. “To save lives is the ethical thing to do,” he stated.

In this case, the mitochondria from a healthy mother was transplanted into the embryo of a mother who had a mitochondrial disease. The genes of the mother carries the fatal Leigh syndrome that harms the baby’s developing nervous system. This specific fault is carried in the DNA of the mitochondria – a structure inside the cells of your body, that works like a super-tiny battery for the cell.

So, you could say that the mom’s faulty ‘cell-battery’ was replaced with a ‘healthy cell-battery’ from another mom, saving this baby’s life. That, after the mom had suffered four previous miscarriages, and lost two children from Leigh syndrome. And, so far, this genetically modified baby seems healthy.

If it could cure or prevent diseases, why not?
Genetic modification is aimed at parents who have a high risk of passing on debilitating and even fatal genetic diseases to their children. And, if this technique proves to be safe, and potentially prevent cancer, blindness and other diseases, it’s only a matter of time until the procedure is implemented.

But what about a healthy embryo? Surely ‘upgrading’ your offspring wouldn’t be made legal? History tells us otherwise.

The slippery slope
Modern plastic surgery was developed by Sir Harold Gillies in London, during the first world war, to restore disfigured facial injuries. Today, however, more than 80% of plastic surgery consists of healthy, wealthy people, wanting to upgrade their bodies: far from the original noble cause to ‘restore the deformed’.

If this is the current reality of plastic surgery, we can only speculate what the future reality of genetic ‘surgery’ will be.

What are the down-sides?
At this stage, we can only speculate. The human body is incredibly complex: a universe of chain-reactions and interdependent systems are still being discovered. One definite down-side, though, is that although we have the copy, cut and paste buttons of genetic editing, we do not yet have an undo-button. The lessons we learn, will probably only be discovered down the line.

References

Groundbreaking surgery on an unborn baby!

We are so proud of our South African surgeons, who made history again! This time, it was Dr Ismail Bhorat, a foetal specialist from Durban, who did a rare operation on an unborn baby.

What was wrong with the foetus?

The 6 month-old foetus had a rare condition, called ‘pericardial effusion’: a collection of fluid around the heart. The fluid compresses the heart and lungs, affecting the heart’s ability to pump, and the unborn baby’s ability to breathe.

What makes this a ground-breaking operation?

There have been previous operations on unborn babies (known as in-utero). However, this particular operation has never been done before. Dr. Bhorat and his team had to rely on their experience with other operations, and trust the skills they’ve gained through years of training.

How do you know what to do, if it hasn’t been done before?

In South Africa, our surgeons get some of the best, and most extensive training in the world. Many training surgeons from around the world, come to South Africa to get experience.

When you do enough similar operations, you learn more about the human body, and gather the skills needed. By using the base of knowledge and skills that they do have, and working closely with a dedicated team, surgeons can do new operations and move the surgical profession forward.

How did the operation go?

Dr. Bhorat and his team drained 30ml of fluid from around the heart, in what is called the ‘pericardial space’. Soon after the operation, the baby was moving normally, and kicking again.

Now, a week-and-a-half later, the outcome seems to have been a great success!

Wasn’t it scary!?

It is quite natural for a doctor to be nervous.  However, doctors know how to channel their emotions and focus on what needs to be done.

In the words of Dr. Bhorat: “There is lots of nervousness but I think once the adrenaline kicks in, you’re really focused to actually do this. Also in the back of your mind [you think] if you’re not going to do this, the baby is going to die.”

 

For the full story, go to http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/breakthrough-operation-on-unborn-child-in-durban-a-first-in-sa-20160914