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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…

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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 date is just an estimate, and there's really no telling exactly when baby will arrive. If you go into labor before 37…

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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…

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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…

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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 levels No known effects on the baby TENS machines are widely available for hire online and from chemists − make sure you get a machine specifically designed for use…

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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 also important to know what to expect if you need an assisted delivery or a caesarean, in case things don't go to plan. Being in a good position During labour, there are certain positions that can make the birthing process easier. The most important thing is to make yourself as comfortable as possible, and don't be afraid to experiment. Being upright, able to…

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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 subdivide into a pinhead-sized solid mass of cells that…

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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…

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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 to the rest of the body. This swelling is far more common in men aged over 65 than it is in women and younger men. An AAA usually causes no symptoms, but if it bursts, it's extremely dangerous and usually fatal. Around 8 out of 10 people with a ruptured AAA…

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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 cause of carotid artery disease is usually atherosclerosis (the build-up…

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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 increases in the third trimester, when you need an extra 200 calories per day." During your first and second trimesters your energy needs are the same as before pregnancy. Eating for two simply means maintaining a healthy diet: this…

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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…

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