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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From about 8 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus begins to generate small waves of contractions. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions
Foetal distress can occur during pregnancy, or more commonly during labour. Foetal distress can be due to a wide range of reasons.
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.
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.
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.
You either love a theme or you don't. They can be simple or elaborate, but whatever you choose, enjoy!
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.
Pregnancy can often result in changes in a womens menstrual cycle. Read about the 5 stages and changes that can occur here.
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.
We generally obtain adequate amounts of our required vitamins and minerals through a well balanced diet. However, there are some circumstances in which supplementing may be recommended and beneficial for people who are deficient.
Stopping smoking and drinking is something that is hard to do but will largely benefit you and your child. Learn some strategies on how you can do this
Acupressure, Shiatsu and Reflexology work on similar principles to acupuncture. Learn more about the differences and benefits here
There are many medical methods of induction available today, find out more about them here.
There are many possible reasons for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Any vaginal bleeding should be communicated to your caregiver so that possible health concerns can be investigated and ruled out.
There are possible side effects of having an epidural, read about what they are here.
Water births have many physical benefits, including pain relief and fast dilation of the cervix. Read more about them here
Understand what your cervical mucus is and why it is important.
The truth about how your skin can react to pregnancy, including causes and treatments.
Simple ways to make having a baby easier by ensuring you can afford it.
Regardless of whether you are a mum-to-be with a diagnosed Anxiety Disorder, or simply someone who’s experiencing “normal” levels of nervousness around the pregnancy and birthing process, it’s important to make sure you’re looking after your mental and physical health during pregnancy
What you need to know about early pregnancy loss, including how you can help prevent it and how you may feel after.
Early life nutrition can be a tricky topic to cover but here are 10 factors from the Early Life Nutrition report describing what may affect and influence your baby and child later in life.
Find out the best way to fit a car seat and what to consider before buying one
