Category: Pregnancy and childbirth

For some people, finding out that they are pregnant can be a stressful experience. The initial news might feel overwhelming, making you feel like you’ve lost control or lack the resources to manage the upcoming changes. Stress can arise from various sources, such as an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy following previous negative experiences like a miscarriage or the death of a baby. These past traumas can heighten anxiety and fear about the current pregnancy.

Smoking during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing baby. From complications during pregnancy to long-term health effects on the child, the dangers are profound and well-documented. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about maternal and fetal health.

In Australia, alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in social and cultural activities. However, recognizing the potential risks, the country has established guidelines aimed at minimizing the health hazards associated with alcohol consumption. These guidelines offer crucial advice for individuals who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their alcohol intake.

Typically, pregnancies span 40 weeks, culminating in childbirth. However, babies born before the completion of 37 weeks gestation are classified as premature or pre-term infants. Remarkable advancements in medical technology have significantly improved the survival rates of premature babies, with over 90% now overcoming early challenges and progressing toward normal development.

The pelvic floor encompasses a network of muscles that provide crucial support to organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowel. These muscles create a supportive “sling” structure, anchored to the pubic bone at the front and the tailbone at the back. Within this framework, the urethra, vagina, and anus traverse through the pelvic floor. Maintaining a robust pelvic floor is instrumental in preserving bladder and bowel control, as well as promoting optimal sexual function.

Swelling in the ankles and feet is a common occurrence for many pregnant women, often causing discomfort and concerns about its effects on daily life, such as tight shoes and self-consciousness. Understanding the underlying reasons for this swelling can provide reassurance and insight into managing it effectively.

Yoga is an ancient philosophical, spiritual and physical system of practices that originates from ancient Indian teachings. It combines exercise, breathing techniques, meditation and ethical principles with the goal of achieving harmony between body and mind. Yoga can be both a physical practice and a spiritual philosophy, and it has many varieties and approaches.

Proteinuria is a condition in which protein (protein) is present in the urine in amounts greater than normal levels. Normally, small traces of protein may be present in the urine, but its concentration is usually very low and is not detected in routine urine tests.

Exercise and moderate physical activity have many benefits for pregnant women. However, before starting any physical activity during pregnancy, it is important to consult your doctor to ensure there are no medical contraindications.

Heartburn is a burning sensation and discomfort in the chest area that often spreads up the throat. It usually intensifies after eating food, especially fatty, spicy or sour food, as well as in a horizontal position or when bending the body forward.

The debate surrounding the benefits and potential harms of coffee consumption during pregnancy is a topic of ongoing discussion among healthcare professionals and researchers. While some studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake, typically equivalent to one or two cups of coffee per day, may not pose significant risks to pregnant women or their babies, others caution against its consumption due to its potential association with adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm birth. 

Back pain during pregnancy is usually caused by a woman gaining weight. An increase in weight leads to a change in the center of gravity, and under the influence of hormones, the ligaments in the pelvic joints relax.