Pregnancy

Preparation

If you are considering becoming pregnant, it is vital that you make healthy lifestyle choices well before you are pregnant.  A healthy diet, with at least three regular meals a day, is an excellent foundation.  Minimising your intake of fats, sugars, and processed foods is also very important.  The consumption of alcohol and drugs should be stopped before pregnancy.  Consult your doctor regarding any current medication you are taking.

Sufficient vitamin intake, especially folic acid, protein, calcium, and iron, is vital for the health of your baby. Taking a folic acid supplement is particularly important, as it prevents spina bifida, a serious defect of the neural tube in the unborn child.  Folic acid needs to be taken one month prior to conception, and in the early stages of pregnancy.

Elevit 100 Tabs

Elevit 30 Tabs

Specific omega oil combinations may be beneficial for the development of the babies brain like efanatal and mumomega

Efanatal 60 Caps

Efanatal 180 Caps

Regular exercise is also important, in order for your body to deal with the demands of pregnancy, and the birth process.

Fertility

It is sometimes assumed that when contraception is stopped, pregnancy will occur soon after.  However, about 30% of women may take up to a year to conceive a child.  The key to getting pregnant relatively quickly is knowing your menstruation cycle, and when ovulation occurs.

If you fail to become pregnant after trying to conceive for a year, you may consider seeking medical advice.  There are many different causes for infertility, and a range of treatment options, such as:

- Treatment of sexual problems (eg impotence)

- Fertility drugs (to induce ovulation)

- Surgery

- Assisted reproductive technology - In vitro fertilization (IVF), electroejaculation, surgical sperm aspiration, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

During Pregnancy

A healthy lifestyle is just as important during pregnancy, as well as prior to conception.  Some adjustments may need to be made.

A common symptom of pregnancy is morning sickness.

The following are some tips to deal with morning sickness:

- Eat crackers before you get up from bed

- Eat several small meals, instead of large ones.

- Consume unflavored food (e.g. plain biscuits)

- Taking a supplement containing vitamin b6 may assist like elevit or Blackmores morning sickness formula

- Ginger 250mg four times a day

- Drinking plenty of fluids, and herbal teas such as peppermint or chamomile

- Avoiding fatty and spicy foods

- Blackberry or apricot juice

Stretch Marks

These are caused by stretching of the inner layers of skin, which leads to streaks on the breasts, thighs, abdomen or hips.  If you are prone to developing stretch marks, you have a zinc deficiency.  Zinc is essential for skin repair, and for best results should be taken with added magnesium and vitamin B6 for proper absorption.  Vitamin C is also important, by aiding the skin's elasticity through collagen production.

Treatments for stretch marks are available, in the form of creams and oils.

Bio Oil 60ml/125ml/200ml

Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action 200ml

Mustela Stretch Starter Pack 125ml

Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil

StriVectin-SD 177ml

Breast Feeding

Breast feeding requires a lot of practice and patience.  Learning the correct technique early on can help you avoid problems later.  Ensure you are comfortable while supporting your baby during breast-feeding.  Make sure your back is well-supported.  If you wish to express milk the medela mini electric breast pump is effective and easy to use. To keep your nipples dry between feedings, change bra pads often.  An ointment containing lanolin can provide relief from dry or cracked nipples.

Medela Nipple Cream 7g tube

Medela Nipple Cream 37g tube

Lansinoh Cream 7g

Lansinoh Cream 56g

After Birth Care

Vaginal discharge

Up to eight weeks after delivery, you will have a vaginal discharge called locia, which will be heavier during the fist few days.  Use sanitary pads rather than tampons, which will reduce the risk of infection.

Hemorrhoids

If you notice pain during bowel movements, you may have hemorrhoids, which are stretched and swollen veins in the anus.  To relieve the discomfort caused by this, soak in a warm tub and apply cold witch hazel pads to the area.  A topical haemorrhoid medication may also help.

Proctosedyl Ointment 30g

Proctosedyl Ointment 15g

Proctosedyl Suppositories 12

Bowel movements

To keep your stools soft and regular, incude fibre-rich foods in your diet, drink plenty of water and remain physically active. A fibre laxative or stool softener may provide relief from constipation.

We highly recommend Malcolm Harker laxatone as this is a bowel regulator and is safe and effective.

Malcolm Harker Laxatone 230ml

Leaking milk

Nursing pads worn inside your bra can help keep you dry Avoid pads that contain plastic, as they may irritate your nipples. Change pads after each feeding and whenever they get wet.

Medela Disposable Bra Pads (pack of 30)

Hair loss

During pregnancy, hormone levels are higher than usual, which leads to a decrease in hair loss.  After delivery, your body will shed the excess hair.  It will take up to six months for your hair to return to its normal state.  Avoid excessive sha mpooing, and using hair dryers and chemical products on your hair. Zinc and Silica supplements can be very beneficial

Blackmores Bio Zinc 84 tabs

Blackmores Bio Zine 168 tabs

Biosil 5mg 30 caps

Skin Changes

You might notice small red spots on your face, which are caused by broken blood vessels.  These spots should disappear in about a week.

You may also notice stretch marks.

Weight Loss

After giving birth, you may feel that your body is out of shape, however this is to be expected.  Most women lose a substantial amount of weight during birth, and the fist week after delivery.  After this period, a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime will aid you in returning to your pre-pregnancy weight.   

Helpful Links

Everybody.co.nz - Pregnancy

Littlies.co.nz - For practical parenting

kidspot.co.nz - NZ Pregnancy Forum