Pregnancy

#Pregnancy

Planning for your pregnancy

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

If you are thinking about pregnancy, visit your doctor for a preconception consult. They will provide you with expert advice on planning your pregnancy. The preconception period (3 to 6 months prior to pregnancy) is the time to make life changes that can help boost fertility, reduce problems during pregnancy and assist in recovery from birth. Folic acid If you and your partner are planning to conceive, you should start taking a folic and iodine supplement before you get pregnant. Folic acid helps to provide the best health outcomes for your baby when they are growing. Taking folic acid daily

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#Pregnancy

Giving birth – contractions

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus (womb) tighten and then relax during labour. They help open the cervix and move the baby down the birth canal. Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that don’t open the cervix. You can take a warm bath or shower or use a heat pack to relieve the discomfort of contractions. If you are giving birth in a hospital or birth centre, you may be offered medicines or epidural anaesthesia to help ease any discomfort. What is a contraction? Contractions refer to when the muscles in your uterus (womb) tighten and

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#Medicines information #P #Pregnancy

Pregnancy and medicines

By Sama Mohamed

  If you are thinking about taking a medicine while you’re pregnant, there are a few things to consider. This is because your baby’s growth and development can be affected by what you take. Each medicine is different. To make the best decision for you and your baby, learn what you need to be aware of. What should I be aware of when taking medicines during pregnancy? While many medicines are safe to take during pregnancy, a small number of medicines can harm your baby. The effect of the medicine on your baby can depend on the stage of your pregnancy.

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#P #Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia

By Sama Mohamed

  What is pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a serious medical condition that can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It typically causes high blood pressure and can affect several of your body organs, including the liver, kidney and brain. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems for you or your baby. Pre-eclampsia is the most common serious medical disorder that can occur during pregnancy. Mild pre-eclampsia can occur in up to 1 in 10 pregnancies, and severe pre-eclampsia in up to 1 in 100 pregnancies. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent life-threatening complications. What risk factors may increase my chances of

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#P #Pregnancy

Postnatal depression (PND)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Postnatal depression is common, affecting up to 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads. Common symptoms of postnatal depression include low mood, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of hopelessness. Unlike ‘baby blues’, postnatal depression lasts longer, is more severe and doesn’t usually go away without help. Your doctor or healthcare nurse can give you advice about support and treatment that may be right for you. If you are struggling, ask for help. It’s important to seek help if you think you may have postnatal depression — this is a common condition, and

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#P #Pregnancy

Placenta praevia

By Sama Mohamed

What is placenta praevia? The placenta is an organ that develops at the same time as your baby. It is attached to the lining of your uterus (womb) during pregnancy. The placenta allows for oxygen and nutrients to pass from you to your baby. It also makes hormones that support your pregnancy. Sometimes the placenta develops in the lower part of your uterus. It usually moves up by the third trimester as your womb grows. But in about 1 in every 200 pregnancies it stays in the lower part of the womb. Placenta praevia is when your placenta stays low in your uterus

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#P #Pregnancy

Pelvic floor exercises

By Sama Mohamed

  What is the pelvic floor? Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles which support your bladder, uterus and bowel. These muscles form a ‘sling’ which attaches to your pubic bone at the front and your tailbone at the back. Your urethra, vagina and anus pass through the pelvic floor. A strong pelvic floor helps you to maintain good bladder and bowel control. Your pelvic floor is also important for good sexual function. The pelvic floor has an extra job during pregnancy — to support your growing baby. During labour and birth, your pelvic floor muscles need to relax and stretch to allow

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#M #Pregnancy

Morning sickness

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea or actual vomiting (being sick) during pregnancy. You are more likely to have morning sickness during your first trimester. There is no research to show that morning sickness causes harm to your baby. Some women are more likely to morning sickness than others — it’s hard to predict.   What is morning sickness? Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea or actual vomiting (being sick) during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night. When will I get morning sickness? You are more

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#I #Pregnancy #Women's health

Incontinence (urinary)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Urinary incontinence, or poor bladder control, is very common. There are different types of urinary incontinence, each with different causes and treatments. Lifestyle changes or physiotherapy can often cure or improve the condition. Symptoms can range from occasionally leaking some urine, to wetting yourself. Planning ahead can make living with urinary incontinence much easier. Urinary incontinence What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence, or poor bladder control, is very common in Australia. It affects children, men and women, but is most common in older people. If you have trouble controlling your bladder, a simple lifestyle change or physiotherapy may be all that’s

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#H #Pregnancy

hCG test

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is also known as the pregnancy test. The hCG test can be a blood or urine test. The hCG test can be done to detect and monitor pregnancy. It can also be used to detect and monitor some types of cancer. What is being tested? The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is also known as the pregnancy test. This test measures the amount of the hormone hCG in your urine or blood. The hCG test can be used to both confirm and monitor a pregnancy. hCG is usually present only when a

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#H #Pregnancy

hCG levels

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that’s found during pregnancy. It can be measured in your urine and blood. Your hCG levels are highest towards the end of your first trimester. Your hCG levels gradually go down over the rest of your pregnancy. What is hCG levels? Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is found when you’re pregnant. It’s made by your placenta. When you’re pregnant, hCG can be found in your urine (wee) and blood. Blood tests that measure your hCG levels can also be used to check how well your pregnancy is progressing.

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#Endocrine disorders and diseases #G #Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. Diabetes is a condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. If you’re pregnant, it’s recommended that you have routine screening for gestational diabetes between week 24 and 28. Treatment for gestational diabetes usually involves monitoring your blood sugar levels, changing your diet and may involve taking medicines including insulin. Having gestational diabetes makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future.   What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. It is different

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#E #Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows outside your uterus (womb), usually in one of your fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy is a type of early pregnancy loss. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if it causes heavy bleeding. There are some things that can increase your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Treatment can involve taking medicine or having surgery. What is an ectopic pregnancy? Ectopic pregnancy is one kind of early pregnancy loss. It is a potentially life-threatening complication that occurs in about 1 in 100 pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilised egg does not

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#B #Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Breastfeeding provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. Any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial for you and your baby. Breastfeeding is a set of skills that both you and your baby will learn. Ideally, your baby will begin breastfeeding soon after they are born. Breastfeeding your baby What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby. It provides all the nutrition your baby needs during their first 6 months of life. It also helps to create a loving bond between you and your baby. The first

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#A #Pregnancy

Abortion

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts An abortion (also known as termination) is the medical process of ending a pregnancy, so it does not result in the birth of a baby. There are many different reasons people may choose to have an abortion. Depending on how many weeks you have been pregnant, the pregnancy can be ended by taking a special type of medicine, or by having a surgical procedure. Abortion is legal in all states and territories in Australia, but the laws on abortion differ from state to state. Counselling can help you decide between your options, and can help you come to

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