Articles
Top 10 - Pregnancy Problems
1. ANAEMIA. This is a condition in whch you don’t have enough red cells in your bloodstream and it is very common during pregnancy because your body needs extra iron so that your baby has a sufficent blood suply and can recive all the nessary oxygen and nutrients. If you become anaemic you may feel tired and look pale. Your doctor/midwife can do a blood test to check your haemoglobin level and may prescribe you an iron supplement. 2. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS). Is a common complaint of pregnancy caused by fluid retention. The condition... Read full article
Focus on Maternity Units
In today’s modern society, many hospitals have chosen to offer a midwife led facility giving mums the chance to labour and birth in a more relaxed ‘at home’ atmosphere. These midwife led, ‘home from home’ style units encourage a relaxed natural labour and delivery, in many cases reducing the need for intervention. Okehampton Maternity Unit A: Cavell Way, Link Road, Okehampton, EX20 1PN T: 01837 658013 Okehampton Maternity Unit is located in the Community Hospital at Okehampton, which was opened in 2003. It is a midwife led unit with three... Read full article
Top 10 - I’m Pregnant so I can’t…
1. ...change the cat litter tray because of the risk of toxoplasmosis 2. ...wear high heels. Good opportunity to shop for new pumps. 3. ...feel embarrassed about constantly cleaning. You can blame it on the nesting. 4. ...get in trouble for forgetting things. Its the pregnancy brain. 5. ...feel bad for eating lots of yummy foods. As I can’t help the cravings. 6. ...fight the nausea! You will have to... Read full article
Top 10 - Morning Sickness “Cures”
1. Cracker/Dry Biscuits. Eating a few crackers or dry biscuits before you get out of bed in the morning can help to ease the feeling of sickness. Crackers in particular can help to absorb some of the stamach acid and are easey to digest 2. Ginger. Ginger is a natural anti-sickness remedy and is perfectly safe to take in pregnancy. Try pouring boing water over a slice of the root or a ginger teabag and... Read full article
Trimester Two - Follow the Journey
Week 13-14 Your Baby His body his catching up with his head and he is about 10cm long now. Although he is getting oxygen through the placenta he is starting to practise breathing, his eyelids are still fused shut but are sensitive to light. Your Body You should have more energy now that you are in your middle months. Your tummy will look rounder and you may notice a dark line called the Linea Nigra... Read full article
A guide to pain relief
What pain relief should I have ? When should I have it ? What pain reliefs can I use with each other ? These are all common questions that new mums-to-be worry about. Check out our guide to prepare you for the delivery room. GAS AND AIR How it works It is also known as Entonox (50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen). You breathe it in through a mouthpiece or mask at the start of a contraction ... Read full article
Trimester One - Follow the Journey
From conception to 12 weeks is an amazing time for you and your baby’s growth. Week 1-2 Your Baby The growing embryo is made up from over 200 cells after 6 days of floating from the fallopian tube to the womb, it implants itself in the womb wall and starts its 40 ish weeks of growth in the gestation sac. Your Body Your body will be producing oestrogen and progesterone in varying amounts to prepare... Read full article
Top 10 Pregnancy Symptoms
1. SICKNESS Can occur very early on in pregnancy, even before you know you are pregnant. More commonly known as “Morning Sickness” it can in fact occur at any time of the day and can last for long periods of time or just short bouts. Sickness is caused by elevated levels of hormones. Small frequent meals and taking things slowly can help. Usually sickness can start to subside by 14 - 16 weeks. 2. MISSED... Read full article
