Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health
Life Balance Hub is your guide to a harmonious life. Discover inspiration and practical tips on family, health, fitness, and achieving everyday balance.
Fetal heart rate monitoring tracks your baby’s heart rate at various stages of pregnancy and during labor to assess their well-being. This monitoring can be performed using different methods, including external devices placed on the abdomen or internal sensors. Regular monitoring helps detect any potential issues early, ensuring prompt intervention if needed.
In the first trimester, it’s common to experience fatigue due to the significant changes happening in your body, though energy levels often improve after around 14 weeks. As you approach the end of your pregnancy, increased weight and changes in sleep patterns can contribute to feelings of exhaustion.
“Normal” bowel function varies from person to person, but many people find it challenging or painful to pass stools. If you experience constipation, your stools may become hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass, often requiring you to push or strain. Some individuals with constipation may feel that their bowels haven’t been fully emptied, even after a bowel movement, leading to a persistent urge to go.
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine (wee), feces (poo), or gas, and it can range from minor leaks to complete loss of control over the bladder or bowel. This condition may manifest as urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, or difficulty controlling bowel movements. It can also involve a sudden, urgent need to use the toilet, which can be challenging if a bathroom is not immediately accessible. Incontinence can result from various factors, including age, medical conditions, or childbirth, and effective management strategies are available through consultation with healthcare professionals.
A doula is a non-medical companion who provides support before, during, and after childbirth. They offer physical and emotional assistance, helping to create a positive and empowering birth experience. Doulas do not replace your birth support partner, if you have one, during labor and birth. Instead, they work collaboratively with your partner to enhance the support you receive, ensuring a cohesive and comforting presence throughout the process.
Physiotherapy is a branch of medical science that studies how humans move. It uses physical therapy to promote healthy movement and reduce pain. Physiotherapists are trained health professionals who assess, diagnose, and recommend treatment options to help restore proper body functioning. In Australia, they must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it’s crucial to be mindful of your diet and the supplements you take. Certain vitamins and supplements can support your health and the development of your baby, while others may pose risks or be ineffective. For instance, folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects, whereas excessive vitamin A can be harmful.
The neural tube forms during the early stages of pregnancy, specifically within the first 4 weeks, when cells fuse to create a tube-shaped structure. This crucial development occurs often before many women even realize they are pregnant. The neural tube will later develop into your baby’s brain, spinal cord, and the surrounding protective tissues. Proper formation of the neural tube is essential for normal brain and spinal cord development, and deficiencies can lead to serious conditions such as neural tube defects.
During pregnancy, it’s important to maintain a diverse and nutritious diet to support both your health and your baby’s development. While many foods are beneficial, some should be avoided to prevent potential health risks. Additionally, there are foods that are safe but should be consumed in moderation to avoid adverse effects.
Morning sickness is a common experience for many pregnant individuals, characterized by nausea and vomiting, typically occurring during the first trimester. While it’s often referred to as “morning” sickness, these symptoms can occur at any time of the day. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for morning sickness is important for expectant mothers to navigate this aspect of pregnancy more comfortably.
Varicose veins occur when blood vessels become enlarged and swollen, often appearing blue or purple beneath the skin. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood volume can lead to varicose veins, affecting up to 4 in 10 pregnant individuals. These veins commonly develop in the first trimester and can cause discomfort or pain.
Vaginal discharge is a natural body fluid that plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal cleanliness and moisture, preventing infections. Normal vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. It should typically be clear, white, or cream-colored and odorless. However, an abnormal discharge, often caused by infections, medications, or other health conditions, may indicate an imbalance in vaginal bacteria or irritation.
