Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

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.

What to expect during labour

Giving birth is one of the most natural processes, but the prospect of pain and possible complications are 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.

Here, we take a closer look at what to expect during the first, second and third stages of labour.

The first stage of labour

This is usually the longest stage, and it’s when contractions make your cervix dilate (open up) slowly.

  • When you’ve dilated more than 3cm, you are in “established labour”, and you are “fully dilated” when the cervix has opened 10cm – which is wide enough for your baby to pass through.
  • It’s not necessary to go to hospital before you’re in established labour, and you’ll likely be given the option to return home and eat, drink and rest as much as possible before you need to go back.
  • Once you’re in established labour, it usually takes between 6 and 12 hours before the cervix is fully opened and the baby’s head can be seen. It’s important not to push until you’re fully dilated, even though it is a natural instinct. To help overcome the urge, try breathing out slowly and gently.

The second stage of labour

Your cervix is fully open and you give birth to your baby. You help your baby move down the birth canal and through your vagina by pushing with your contractions.

  • You need to find a comfortable position to be in, which might seem impossible at this stage. Many women find that lying on their side, or on their knees and elbows is more comfortable. The added benefit is that these positions also reduce the pressure of the baby’s head on the cervix.
  • Once your cervix is fully dilated, it’s time for you to start pushing. Don’t worry though, your midwife will guide you and let you know exactly what you need to do and when. You’ll be encouraged and supported throughout the process!
  • During the actual birth, when your baby’s head is ready to be born, the midwife will tell you to stop pushing and rather puff or pant. This allows your baby’s head to come through slowly and gently, and minimises the risk of tearing. Sometimes, to avoid a tear or to speed up delivery, the midwife or doctor will cut an episiotomy, for which you will be given a local anaesthetic if your epidural is wearing off. As soon as your baby’s born, the tear or cut will be stitched up.

During the third stage of labour, you womb contracts and this helps with the delivery of the placenta. You might be offered an injection after your baby’s been born, to help speed up the process.

How do you know when you’re really in labour?

The main signs of labour are a ‘show’ and strong, regular contractions that are painful and last more than 30 seconds at a time. A show is the plug of mucus which breaks away from your cervix. Not all women get a show, so you can still be in labour even if you haven’t noticed a show.

Another sign of labour is when your water breaks, and this can present as a trickle or a gush of water. In early labour, your back might also ache and you might find yourself heading to the toilet more often – as a result of your baby’s head pressing on your bowel.

Once your contractions reach a stage when they last 30-60 seconds and are 5 minutes apart – it’s time to call your midwife or the hospital.

Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com 

Recovering after childbirth

You’ve done it! After 9 months of ups and downs, body changes and anticipation, you’re going home with your new baby! It’s exciting and your new-born is taking up all your attention, but don‘t forget to look after yourself.

You may have been told that your body will be back to normal in 6 weeks, but it takes a bit longer to adjust after pregnancy and birth. Getting rest and taking care of yourself are vital steps to getting both your strength and energy back. Here are some key steps:

Watch out for problem signs. If you develop a breast infection or fever, feel persistent pain in your pelvic region or suddenly start bleeding heavily again, call your doctor.

Get some sleep! It may throw out the previous household schedule, but things have changed: sleep when your baby sleeps. Don’t try to get chores or admin done when baby is asleep – regain your strength in these first few weeks by getting sleep when you can.

Don’t become housebound. Make time to get out of your house each day – take a walk to the corner shop, park or just around the block. Fresh air and a change of scenery are truly good for your recovery and mood.

Cut yourself some slack! Don’t panic about perfect housekeeping or cooking gourmet meals! Focus on hygiene and controlling clutter, but avoid any spring-cleaning binges; there’ll be time for that later. Let your partner or family help with cooking, or factor in some healthy take-aways.

Practical health. If you tore during delivery or had an episiotomy, sitting in a few inches of  warm water several times will soothe any pain and help to keep away infection. If you have swelling, an ice pack will help.

Stick to healthy eating. Even if you’re getting the odd take-away, try to stick to the healthy diet that you followed during your pregnancy. This will help you with breast-feeding and to lose that pregnancy weight! Make sure you’re getting all your nutrients and give alcohol a miss if you’re breast-feeding.

Dealing with the “baby blues”. Lack of sleep, the reality of motherhood and changes in your hormone levels will have you feeling down and weepy for a few days – this is normal! If these feelings last for longer than two weeks, or get worse, be sure to talk to the doctor. Post-partum depression is a real condition and your doctor can help you to manage it. Don’t try to cope with it on your own.

Getting back in shape. Pregnancy affects your body and so does delivery. You will lose about 4.5kg after giving birth, but don’t expect to shed the rest of your baby-weight at once. Losing it slowly, but surely, over the next few months is the way to go. Start with a daily walk and increase your regular exercise as you get more energy and strength.

The most important thing

Enjoy your baby and this time. The first few months are a big adjustment, but they come with their own bit of grace: your newborn has very simple requirements. Establish your own routine as you learn what your little one needs – and remember to look after yourself!

Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com

Source: Women’s Health

Putting the FUN into fertility

Amazingly, you have only around a 20% chance of conceiving each month – and this is only if everything is working as it should be. This percentage decreases with certain factors like increasing age (especially over 30), certain medical conditions and medication, being overweight, smoking and lack of exercise.

Continue reading “Putting the FUN into fertility”