As you enter pregnancy, you may realise that food can be a great source of joy or sorrow. You may crave for some foods, while some could put you off and in fact, have you rushing to the bathroom – to throw up. You will get an irresistible urge to eat something in particular. A… [ Continue Reading ]
Pregnancy ยป
From conception to pregnancy to delivery, the entire process is just as exciting as it is challenging. Being prepared for the change can help. A guide to being pregnant, delivering & managing change.
Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
If you are on your feet for a long time during the day, the veins in your legs will get distended and look like zig-zag nodules. These are called varicose veins. This is caused by the growing pressure of the blood flowing through the veins. When you are standing for a long time, you strain… [ Continue Reading ]
Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
Cramps in the calf muscle, thigh and feet are common during pregnancy. They usually happen at night in the last trimester. The pain shoots down from the calf to the foot, making the calf muscles taut and very painful. They may feel tender for several hours or even for two to three days, making walking… [ Continue Reading ]
Trip to the Gynaecologist
It was on. We were going ahead with the baby. After hearing the ‘good news’, the mom-in-law squealed with delight, while the mom did a jig at the other end of the phone, and we, the post-honeymooners, put on what we thought should be the proud-parents-to-be smile. We called up so many people to let… [ Continue Reading ]
Haemorrhoids (Piles) During Pregnancy
It’s been a long day for Anu. As she relaxes with her evening coffee, she feels a jab of pain close to her anus. A trip to the gynaecologist the next day confirms her fears. It is piles. Piles, which look like soft purple lumps protruding through the anal ring, are actually swollen veins. They… [ Continue Reading ]
Pregnancy No-No’s
During pregnancy, we all know that one should stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and drugs of any kind. But what if your intake of seafood is very high? What if you keep cats in the house? Do you now need to get rid of them? You don’t need to be paranoid when you’re pregnant. As… [ Continue Reading ]
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn, a very common problem during pregnancy, is caused by the uterus pushing against the stomach, forcing acid into the oesophagus. The secretion of the hormone progesterone is elevated during pregnancy which softens and relaxes all muscles, including the lower oesophageal sphincter, the region between the oesophagus and the stomach. The sphincter usually acts as… [ Continue Reading ]
Don’t Worry Be Happy
The old wives tale about cheerful women delivering healthy babies seems to be true. The American Psychological Association has announced research showing that optimism can reduce the chance of delivering low birth weight or pre-term babies for medically high-risk pregnant women. Psychologist Marci Lobel and her colleagues examined 129 pregnant women between 20 and 43… [ Continue Reading ]
Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation is caused by the secretion of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone, which makes the body supple. As a result, the intestine relaxes and loses its power to propel its contents towards the rectum. What to do Increase your fluid intake. Try drinking at least three litres of fluids every day. Include a reasonable amount of… [ Continue Reading ]
What clothes will your new baby need?
Have you planned the clothes you baby will need when you bring her back from the hospital? What about the clothes that she will need during the first few months? Here is a list to start you off. Home from the hospital gear: Travel outfit (jacket, hat, blanket and coverall with legs to accommodate car… [ Continue Reading ]