Pregnancy
Recent Guidelines Discourage C-Sections Due to Risks for Mother and Baby
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published new guidelines that strongly discourage cesarean sections unless they are medically indicated, on grounds that they can lead to complications for the mother as well as the newborn. The report was published in the organization’s March, 2013 edition of its journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and appears online on ACOG’s website.
The group states that vaginal deliveries should be the norm, and that every attempt should be made to avoid early cesarean deliveries. The recommendations are an attempt to reduce the skyrocketing rate of cesarean sections, by limiting “maternal-request” C-sections and early deliveries for presumed big babies.
Continue readingIt Takes Longer to Give Birth Nowadays than It Did 50 Years Ago!
Despite the startling technical advances that the field of medicine has made in the last few decades, women are taking longer to give birth now than they did 50 years ago.
Continue readingWhat is SPD?
A condition which causes women to experience recurring pelvic pain and mobility difficulties during their pregnancy is known as PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) and was formerly referred to as SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction). This is a fairly common pregnancy complication and the pain it causes can Continue reading
Is It Safe To Dye My Hair During Pregnancy?
There are differing opinions as to whether it is safe to dye your hair whilst you are pregnant. Only limited research has been carried out so there is not much evidence to prove that it is dangerous. It is generally advised to wait until your second trimester when your baby’s development is less vulnerable.
In some of the few animal testing studies taken place it was discovered that Continue reading
Are Caesareans Linked To Obesity in Later Life?
Recent research indicates that babies born by C-sections could be at a higher risk of becoming obese later on in their lives than those babies delivered naturally. The report suggesting this is in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and indicates that this could be because the child is not exposed to beneficial bacteria within the birth canal. But another thing to think about is that many overweight mothers are at certain risks which lead to caesarean section births so this may explain the link. Other factors that were analysed such as income, education levels and heavier birth weights and it was discovered that women with more qualifications had a higher caesarean rate. After accounting for all factors it was revealed that Continue reading
How Do I Get Myself Prepared For Being A New Mummy?
To be as prepared as you can be for starting a family, ask yourself some questions before you decide to try and conceive. Sit down with your partner and ask yourselves the following questions:
• Are you both as committed as each other in becoming parents?
• Are you ready to give up your lie-ins and Friday nights with your friends?
• Do you have enough support for childcare?
• Have you considered how being a parent may change you and affect those closest to you?
• Are you aware and prepared that your child may have a disability or be special needs?
• Are you on the same page as your partner in terms of how you want your child to be brought up? Do you agree on what religion you would choose for your child as an example?
The change to your life once you Continue reading
How Daddy Becomes The Perfect Birthing Partner
For fathers-to-be the preparation for birth and labour can be an anxious time. Many men find it hard to see their loved one in pain and feel helpless as they cannot take the pain away. As a prospective father there is so much you can do to help your partner and be the rock she needs you to be. You can look forward to an incredible journey which will result in the experience of a lifetime.
Ask your partner how she wants things to be when she goes into labour. Plan together so that you are Continue reading
All Your Pregnancy Nutritional Needs
Even before conception you need to be preparing your body for pregnancy by eating healthily. Pregnancy is the most important time in your life to be getting all the nutrients you need so that your womb is healthy and you can support your developing baby. You are forming your child’s health right from conception. This article is about all the nutrients you will need during each phase of your pregnancy to maintain yours and your baby’s good health.
To begin with before you even get pregnant ensure you are Continue reading
Medication For Gestational Diabetes
If you have gestational diabetes and you have not been able to control it with the advised changes to your diet and exercise regime then you will be prescribed medication. This prescription is usually given to you a couple of weeks after diagnosis but the timing can vary according to your blood glucose levels. You could also be given medication if an ultrasound scan reveals that your baby is large for his gestational age. The medicines available include Continue reading
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
The condition that is caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood is known as diabetes. There is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women and is known as gestational diabetes. In most people the glucose level in the blood is controlled by the hormone known as insulin. With some pregnant women the glucose levels in their blood rise and their bodies cannot produce enough insulin to transport it all to the cells. When a woman is first diagnosed with diabetes during her pregnancy Continue reading