Early changes to breasts and nipples
A woman's breasts undergo massive changes within two to four weeks after conceiving a baby.
Benefits of pregnancy exercise
You can minimise the bad effects of some pregnancy symptoms by maintaining a regular exercise routine, and there are many benefits to take advantage of.
Preventing stretch marks
Nearly 9 out of 10 pregnant women develop stretch marks on their breasts, tummy, hips buttocks and/or arms. Stretch marks may appear early or later in your pregnancy.
Varicose veins in pregnancy
Varicose veins occur to some degree in most pregnant women. Varicose veins are blood vessels that are engorged with blood. They occur primarily in the legs but may also be present in the vulva and rectum.
Haemorrhoids during pregnancy
Pregnant women most often develop haemorrhoids during the second and third trimester. Hormone changes and the growing foetus are contributing factors.
Labour signs and braxton hicks
Do you know how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labour pains?
Rhesus disease
Rhesus disease can occur in pregnancy when there’s a Rhesus incompatibility between mother and baby. The condition is unusual but serious when it occurs.
Pre eclampsia
Find out about pre eclampsia the most common complication of pregnancy with 5-10% of pregnancies being affected by the condition.
Obstetric cholestasis
Obstetric cholestasis is a rare condition that occurs in pregnancy and affects both the liver and the flow of bile from that organ.
Miscarriage and stillbirth
The loss of a baby during pregnancy is just as devastating no matter what it is termed, but technically a miscarriage describes the loss of a baby before 20 weeks of pregnancy and stillbirth describes the loss of a baby after 20 weeks.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes effects 3 -10% of pregnant women and those who suffer the condition have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus after pregnancy.
Early symptom: increased saliva
Many women notice they produce more saliva. Some women find excessive salivation during pregnancy makes morning sickness and nausea more unpleasant.
Ectopic pregnancies
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants inside the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. It is a non viable pregnancy and an extremely serious condition that needs urgent attention.
Ovulation phase of menstrual cycle
When a woman ovulates, she releases a mature egg from one ovary (or two eggs if she is having twins). The egg is released into the adjacent fallopian tube and can survive in the woman's body for around 12 to 24 hours. Sperm needs to reach the egg before this time lapses. When a woman ovulates, she releases a mature egg from one ovary (or two eggs if she is having twins). The egg is released into the adjacent fallopian tube and can survive in the woman's body for around 12 to 24 hours. Sperm needs to reach the egg before this time lapses.An egg is most likely to be fertilised to conceive a baby if the sperm are already present, waiting in the fallopian tube, so they reach the egg soon after it is released.
Bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle
The start of the bleeding phase (or period) is Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Bleeding patterns are very individual for each woman and can last from 2 to 8 days but on average are 4 to 6 days.
Fertile Phase Of The Menstrual Cycle
The fertile phase of the menstrual cycle is the time you can conceive or become pregnant. As one dominant egg matures in an ovary, it releases the hormone oestrogen, with levels starting to rise in the woman's body during the days leading up to ovulation (releasing the egg).
Pre-fertile phase of the menstrual cycle
This is the time from when the bleeding finishes and when the fertile phase begins. During the pre-fertile phase, the lining of the uterus starts to thicken, regenerating after the period has finished. At the same time, a group of eggs in the ovaries start to ripen.
Contraception – Implanon
The contraceptive Implanon works in a similar way to progesterone injections, by stopping ovulation, thinning the lining of the uterus and thickening the mucous in the cervix. It lasts for three years, unless removed before this time and is more than 99% effective.
Post fertile phase of the menstrual cycle
The time after ovulation is the post-fertile phase of the menstrual cycle. The post-fertile phase lasts for about 14 days (ranging from12-16 days) until the bleeding starts again.
All You Need To Know About Ovulation Prediction Kits
Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPK) are readily available in a range of stores and are designed to help you predict when you are going to ovulate and therefore when you are fertile. Join us as we take a look at the two types of OPK's available, how they work, and how much value they will add to your journey to conception.
Prelabour contractions or first stage labour
Early and active 1st stage contractions are usually defined as pains that come every 2, 3, 4 or 5 minutes (timed from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction). They usually last more than 40 seconds and up to 70 seconds each time. Prelabour contractions are usually further apart, shorter in length (or very long eg. 2 minutes) and can often be erratic.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
From about 8 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus begins to generate small waves of contractions. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions
Foetal distress during labour
Foetal distress can occur during pregnancy, or more commonly during labour. Foetal distress can be due to a wide range of reasons.
Your diet during pregnancy
There are many aspects to consider to ensure you have a healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy. Most essential vitamins and minerals can be obtained through eating a variety of nutritious foods.
About cord prolapse
While cord prolapses are rare, they are life threatening for the baby. The aim is to deliver the baby as soon as possible, usually by emergency Caesarean.
Baby Shower Ideas
A baby shower can really be whatever you want to make it – as long as you’re happy and the event encourages friends and family to celebrate with you the impending arrival of your baby.
Baby shower themes
You either love a theme or you don't. They can be simple or elaborate, but whatever you choose, enjoy!
Placental abruption
A placental abruption is a rare complication that happens when the placenta lifts off the wall of the uterus. Read about the signs and how to manage it.
Stages of the menstrual cycle
Pregnancy can often result in changes in a womens menstrual cycle. Read about the 5 stages and changes that can occur here.
Lifestyle changes during pregnancy
When a woman finds out she is pregnant, it is not unusual for her to develop a renewed motivation to consider a few lifestyle changes (if she has not already started these in preparation for the pregnancy). Find out how to make these changes safely here.