Blog
Home Pregnancy Tests
Sunday 19th November 2017
HOME PREGNANCY TESTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW While headaches, nausea, and a missed period can be symptoms of early pregnancy, the only way to confirm it is to take a home pregnancy test. Find out when and how to carry out the test for the most accurate result. Am I pregnant? Around six days after fertilisation, the cells that will become the placenta start producing a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin)1. After two weeks - probably around the time your period is due - the hCG levels should be high enough for a…
How To Recognise Signs Of Labour
Wednesday 16th August 2017
You've been anticipating childbirth for the last nine months, so of course you're anxious to be able to tell when the big moment is arriving. How will you know when it's time to grab your hospital bag and get to the delivery room? Thankfully, your body will give you some solid clues. Read on to learn about the common signs of labor. When Will I Go into Labour? You have your baby's due date—but a due…
10 Ways To Get Better Sleep
Wednesday 16th August 2017
You're so tired, and all you want is a restful night of sleep. So what's stopping you? Skip the late-night snacks We know baby's hungry, but seriously, don't consume anything—we're talking about food and drink—less than two hours before bedtime. "There's the likelihood that it will cause reflux or heartburn," Move to the side You probably know you should sleep on your side if possible, since it'll reduce the amount of pressure on your uterus and help you breathe better. Plus, the position will help relieve backaches. And there actually is a good side. According to the American Pregnancy Association,…
Pregnancy trends to look out for this year
Wednesday 16th August 2017
Exercising until the end More women are not slowing down when it comes to exercising while they are pregnant. Tone up for a fit and healthy pregnancy with these 5 exercises. Midwives are more common Pregnancy trends show that more women opt for a midwife to deliver their baby, as they are looking for personalised care with less intervention. Hospitals are going wireless More hospitals are now using wireless foetal telemetry…
Pain Relief During Labour
Thursday 13th July 2017
Giving birth is a unique experience and it's impossible to predict how you will feel physically. Some level of discomfort is to be expected but if things go beyond your expectations, it's reassuring to know pain relief is available. Understanding different methods of pain relief and when they might be administered should make your labour more bearable. TENS machine Prevents pain signals from reaching your brain Especially effective in the first stages of labour Helps your body release 'feel-good' endorphins Can be controlled to match pain…
Birthing Positions
Monday 17th April 2017
It's natural to feel nervous about giving birth. Understanding your options and the benefits of different birth positions can help you feel more prepared. It's…
1-4 Weeks Pregnant
Sunday 16th April 2017
Although you may not even know you're pregnant, by week 4 your body is already going through some significant changes. Learn when your baby's genetic make-up becomes set and how your placenta will soon begin to form to support them, along with nutrition tips for weeks 1-4 of pregnancy. The start of your baby's journey Fertilisation takes place around 14 days after the start of your last period. At that point, the fertilised egg that will eventually become your baby is technically called a zygote. During the 90 hours after fertilisation, the cells divide and…
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) In Pregnancy
Sunday 12th March 2017
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot develops, often in the deep veins of the legs but occasionally in the pelvis. It can be fatal if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Having a DVT is not common in pregnancy, but pregnant women are more likely to develop thrombosis than non-pregnant women of the same age. A clot can form at any stage of pregnancy…
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Sunday 12th March 2017
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of detecting a dangerous swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta - the main blood vessel that runs from the heart, down through the abdomen…
Stroke & Carotid Artery Disease
Sunday 12th March 2017
Carotid artery disease is a common cause of stroke. What is carotid artery disease? The carotid arteries supply oxygenated blood to the large front part of the brain. This part of the brain controls thought, speech and personality as well as our sensory (our ability to feel) and motor (our ability to move) functions. Carotid artery disease is the name given to narrowing (stenosis) of one or both of the carotid arteries, located at the front of your neck. The underlying…
Weight Gain In Pregnancy
Thursday 9th March 2017
Weight gain is a normal and natural part of a healthy pregnancy. Learn how much weight you should gain depending on your BMI, how to gain weight safely, and why dieting is not recommended. Weight gain: a natural part of pregnancy Weight gain in pregnancy is healthy, natural and necessary. Aside from the additional weight of your baby and increased fluids, your body gradually lays down some fat stores. "Your calorie requirement during pregnancy only…
Vitamins & Supplements For Conception
Sunday 26th February 2017
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet before conception and during pregnancy will help to supply adequate nutrition to your growing baby. Taking supplements that contain key nutrients prior to conception and during pregnancy will enhance your healthy diet and help provide additional support as your baby grows. But which vitamins are most important to take while trying to conceive? Discover the roles of folic acid and vitamin D, and why you should include them in your pre-conception diet. Adding…