YOUR

YOUR SECOND CHILD?

HELP YOUR TODDLER COPE

ISSUE 105 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

R32.50 (VAT incl.) Foreign R28.51,
N$32.50 (Namibia)

QUICK FIXES
TO COMMON
PREGNANCY
PROBLEMS

BABY
PROOF
YOUR
TO HELP LOVE LIFE
YOU
AFFORD
A FAMILY
INSIDE
THE
CHOOSE WOMB
THE RIGHT WELCOME TO
YOUR BABYS
BIRTH FOR WORLD PG30

YOU AND GESTATIONAL

your pocket DIABETES
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT YOU CAN DO
10 POWERHOUSE FOODS FOR A POWERHOUSE BABY
C@ntrol MSS
 32

18
58

62
94
MUST READS
October/November 2015
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

28 18 Lunch on the go
Healthy meals for eating al desko

ON THE COVER 46 Keep your bump in shape

22 Quick fixes to common
pregnancy problems
28 Inside your babys world
How to exercise safely
70 Win with Purity
Purity hampers up for grabs
82 Bladder infections

As we went
32 10 powerhouse foods you How to treat them safely
should be eating now
10
to print,
94 Overdue? What to do
36 Gestational diabetes: what
Ana was
Plus when to consider induction
is it? YOUR SECOND CHILD?
HELP YOUR TODDLER COPE

still waitingn 30
96 Protecting your newborn ISSUE 105 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2015

38 Second baby? Help your

R32.50 (VAT incl.) Foreign R28.51,
N$32.50 (Namibia)

How to do it safely from day one QUICK FIXES

for her so e SAVVY

TO COMMON
PREGNANCY
toddler cope BUDGET
PROBLEMS

BABY

Tesla to b
PROOF
TIPS YOUR
42 Choose the right birth for TO HELP LOVE LIFE

born
YOU
AFFORD INSIDE
you and your budget A FAMILY THE
CHOOSE WOMB
Cover Ana Trujic Photographer Aubrey THE RIGHT WELCOME TO
YOUR BABYS
BIRTH FOR
72 Baby proof your love life
WORLD PG30
Jonsson Stylist Jess Lupton Clothes Grey YOU AND GESTATIONAL
your pocket DIABETES
T-shirt dress with blue stripes R415 Annabella WHAT IS IT?
WHAT YOU CAN DO
74 Budget savvy tips Maternity. Chain necklace R39.99 Mr Price 10 POWERHOUSE FOODS FOR A POWERHOUSE BABY

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 3
 Jenny Collins, Edi to r
WELCOME
F
rom the moment
we discover that
we are pregnant,
we start worrying.
Its unbelievable
the things that can
make us stress out. From what we
are eating to the ingredients in our
face cream to having our hair done,
the smallest thing can send us into a
total flat spin. I think this is perfectly
normal for a pregnant mom because
we are already in protective mama
mode. But when something goes
wrong or is out of the ordinary and
suddenly you are classified as having
a high-risk pregnancy, things get
even more stressful. It makes me sad
that this time of joy and introspection
has to turn into a constant and
serious worry for some of us. Instead
of enjoying our babys movements,
we are anxiously counting kicks.
COME AND CONNECT WITH OTHER MOMS
W WWW.YOURPARENTING.CO.ZA
T @YOURPREGNANCYZA
F WWW.FACEBOOK.COM YOURPREGNANCY
M WWW.YOURPREGNANCY.CO.ZA
loving this
PREGNANCY CALENDAR
Our annual pregnancy calendar is always
a hit. As somebody with older kids I can
attest how they love hearing about how
they kicked me or made me sick (they
especially enjoy that!). Mark your special
moments on the calendar with pics of your
growing belly and share it with your baby
one day. You can start building this treasure
today, no matter how pregnant you are.
4 YOUR PREGNANCY
Editor Jenny Collins
Deputy Editor Jessica Blase
Specialist Editor Tina Otte
Instead of looking forward to our Art Director Debbie Farrell
scans, they are moments of worry Designer Portia Segalo
Designer Natasha Kiewitz
until the all-clear is given. It is very Lifestyle & Shopping Editor Joanita Cilli
hard to remain calm and stress-free Digital Editor Sophia Swanepoel
Digital Assistant Aayesha Fridie
when the future of your baby is so
uncertain. Arming yourself with as MARKETING
much information as possible and Marketing Executive Lutho Vuso
lutho.vuso@media24.com
doing whatever you can do as a mom
is as much as you can do. You have to NATIONAL ADVERTISING
Pinpoint: Zoe Smith: zoe@pinpoint.co.za,
become the advocate for your child
011 454 6051/2
and make sure you understand all Brigitte Kolver: brigitte@pinpoint.co.za,
the jargon and medical issues that 011 454 6051/2
Classifieds Brigitte Kolver
any doctors may throw at you so brigitte@pinpoint.co.za
that you can make informed choices
about your pregnancy, your babys SUBSCRIPTIONS, RENEWALS & ENQUIRIES
Call: 0861 000 608, 021 405 1622
birth, your birth experience and Fax: 021 405 3256
beyond that. Read Loren Walters Email: subscribe@yourpregnancy.co.za
SMS: YPsubs to 32361 (R1 per SMS)
story on page 66 on her complicated www.my-mags.com
risky pregnancy which, happily,
had a positive outcome. Stay strong, CONTRIBUTORS
Adele Ferreira, Aubrey Jonsson, Caroline Olavarrieta,
everyone, until next time Charn Young, Jess Lupton, Julia Boltt, Kelli Fuchs, Lila Bruk,
Lori Cohen, Margot Bertelsmann, Melany Bendix, Rebekah
Funk, Sr Linda Britz, Tracey Hawthorne, Yolandi North, Ziska
Baumgarten, Marysol Blomerus
PUBLISHING
Publisher Nikki Ruttimann
Head of Circulation Gadija Gamieldien
Circulation Manager Adele Minaar 011 296 4344
General Enquiries (Cape Town)
Anita Grindlay-Whieldon 021 408 1278
Office Manager Maphuti Mongatane 011 263 4954
CORPORATE
Published by Media24, Naspers Centre,
40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: 021 406 2121
CEO: Media24 Esmar Weideman
GM: Lifestyle Charlene Beukes
CFO: Media24 Magazines Raj Lalbahadur
Printed by Paarl Media Cape and distributed by On the Dot.
Copyright Media24. All rights reserved. No part of this
CALENDAR publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, without the prior permission in writing from the
YOUR 40 WEEK
MEMENTO OF publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken
THIS PRECIOUS
TIME to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given
O
THE Y UR PREG
to readers, the editor, proprietors and publishers cannot
96
T NA
EN
NC
M
MO
YC
accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience
ALEN
PECIAL
DAR INC
STICKERS
ERY S
INSIDE
EV
that may arise therefrom. Your Pregnancy has the right to
LU
RK
DE
S9 A
6F
OM
UN
STICKERS T
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
make alterations to any material submitted, and cannot be
held responsible for the loss of or damage to any material
submitted for publication. All prices quoted were correct at
the time of going to press, and may vary from shop to shop.
 WINNING LETTER
INBOX A HARD TRUTH
SHARE YOUR STORIES & CONNECT WITH
MOMS-IN-WAITING. SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO
LETTERS@YOURPREGNANCY.CO.ZA

I am currently 26 weeks
I was dilating and on the
verge of giving pre-term
pregnant with my birth that the baby is not big
PREGGIE MYTHS
second child. I started enough to survive the real
I am eight months pregnant
to feel flu-ish on world. With the second baby
and expecting my first baby
Friday and by Sunday I bled and just lost the baby.
boy. Being a first time mom has
I was admitted to the The doctor told me these
made me discover the different
emergency room as things happen and I need to
beliefs (whether facts or myths)
I wasnt able to breathe. be strong. Then about two
that every other person around
While there I was years ago someone told me
me has about pregnancy. Such
rushed into another about a fertility specialist and
beliefs include:
room as two very my husband and I decided
Having a big nose and
serious accidents came to give him a chance. In my
pimples indicates youre
in. My heart aches for first consultation with him
expecting a baby boy.
the family that came in I could already see hope and
Having a pregnancy belly
with their three-year- when I told him about my
line (linea nigra) that is straight
old old son was found misfortunes he was so mad
from the top to the bottom
upside down in the that my first doctor didnt
indicates a baby girl and a skewed line indicates a boy.
pool. So here I sit 26 weeks try anything to save my son.
Having a perfectly round shaped bump indicates a baby
pregnant, admitted with At long last we conceived
girl and a bump bigger on one side indicates a boy.
pneumonia and sobbing my and carried to term and my
Eating yellow-orange fleshed fruits and vegetables will
heart out over this poor child. gynaecologist did everything
cause your baby to have jaundice.
Then another mommy-to-be he could to ensure that this
Thank you to YP magazine, I have learnt that some of the beliefs
gets admitted and is 30 weeks time we will be victorious.
are false and misleading. Each and every woman is different
pregnant. She was in early I thank him so much for
and will have her own unique pregnancy experiences. As
labour and now her baby is his efforts.
for me, Im healthy, looking radiant and flawless with my tiny
fighting for his life. Everyone JOWY
bump and waiting with excitement for the moment I will have
my bouncing baby boy in my arms. keeps telling me to slow down
THANDEKA because Im making myself FOREVER GRATEFUL
sick. With all I have witnessed I buy every issue of your
EDS NOTE You are so right Thandeka everyone has their
the last three days in hospital magazine, even though
own preggie truths they want to tell you. But good for you for
it has made me realise that we all my children are over
educating yourself on what is true and false. While it is fun to
rush through life, too busy to the age of one. I still get so
speculate whether you are having a boy or girl, none of these
look after our kids, too busy much inspiration as well as
myths really hold true. Also, eating yellow-orange fruits and
to play with them or to give information from reading
veggies will definitely not cause your baby to have jaundice. In
them love and attention. I your magazine. I have three
fact these are very good for you and contribute to your babys
health so eat up! have decided to slow down
and breathe. One small thing
WIN A DELUXE MOTHER & BABY HAMPER FROM PALMERS can change your whole life
for the better. We need to
Our winning letter receives a Deluxe Mother & Baby hamper from Palmers valued at enjoy our kids more and love
R1 000. Clinically and dermatologically tested for your peace of mind and proudly paraben them more.
free, you can trust Palmers JEANNE-MARI
to keep your familys
skin feeling silky soft and A LONG HARD ROAD
luxuriously smooth! For I am a 27-year old mom to a
more information please beautiful, bubbly 10-month-
visit the Palmers Facebook old baby girl. She really is the
page www.facebook.com/ light of my life. Ive had two
PalmersSA miscarriages the first one at
23 weeks and the second at 10
SEND YOUR LETTER AND CONTACT DETAILS TO: weeks. With my first loss the
YOUR PREGNANCY LETTERS. EMAIL: LETTERS@YOURPREGNANCY.CO.ZA
doctor simply told me when

6 YOUR PREGNANCY
 INBOX
children, all IVF babies that
we are so blessed to have
and needed to be tube fed.
These three little boys are a
in rehab and I was all alone.
When he got out, I moved
SEND
US
YOUR
PICS
in our lives. My first two gift to us, and when people back in with him but things
boys are twins. After two hear they are IVF babies were very different. I was not
unsuccessful IVF rounds and often some judge, but if we attractive to him anymore he
lots of money spent, my Aunt can teach people about IVF even told me I dont look as WIN A GIFT CARD!
Ursel paid for another round we would say it is about the good as I used to. No matter Send us a beautiful
and the twins were our most amazing doctors, nurses and how hard I tried to look high-resolution photo of
wondrous surprise. And when staff who have these amazing good for him it didnt make you with your gorgeous
we heard they were both boys talents to help people and a difference. He started going newborn baby and you
then the nerves really kicked offer the opportunity to love out alone and I was stuck could win a Baby City gift
in. They decided to make an another human being thats with my big belly watching card worth R500. Submit
early introduction to life and a part of you. This is truly a TV alone. I couldnt take it your entries, with all your
came at 31 weeks. Gabriel was blessing or an inspiration to anymore so I decided to go relevant contact details,
1.2kg and Morgan was 1.5kg. those who may fight the battle back home. Even after all that ID number and babys
These little guys were fighters of struggling to conceive. my baby is still strong. Im birth date to: Your
as they were tube fed for many I can honestly say all the 36 weeks now and Im proud Pregnancy Youre Here
weeks and at times stopped stress, tears, anger, sadness is that Im pregnant. The only At Last, PO Box 95312,
breathing, but through our all worth it. When you hold thing that keeps me going is Grant Park, 2051 or
love they grew and grew. your babies all the grief and my baby. email your pics to: letters@
I also suffered as I needed to sorrows disappear. ANONYMOUS yourpregnancy.co.za
have blood transfusions and KIRSTIN EDS NOTE: Hang in there
was very weak. But I read Mommy, you are already strong
to them, sang songs to them MY BABY KEEPS and a great mom.
and sat by their sides hour ME GOING
after hour watching all their I discovered that I was JOGGING MOMMY
movements and changes. The pregnant when I was seven Before I fell pregnant
nurses at the hospital became weeks. Then my boyfriend I considered myself a sexy
my family (they truly were and I started having problems. woman, and never found
amazing). We even sat and I used to cry a lot and I was the need to do exercise. But
had tea or a biscuit together at stressed about not being ready then my baby daddy bought
times. These two little fighters to be a mom. I was worried me a copy of YP and there
are now at a wonderful that my baby would grow were these exercise routines
school, also thanks to their up without a father. When in the magazine. I started
Uncle Dave and Aunty Ursel I was growing up I used to doing them in my house and
who supported us and offered dream of having a big family I couldnt believe how good
us funds. Four years later, and a loving husband but I felt. Goodbye backache!
after another two rounds of things dont actually go the Now, my baby daddy joins me
IVF, and my parents gracious way you want them to. When in going for walks around the
help with payments, we had I was 20 weeks I went for local park. We are both feeling
Jordan Tyler Daly, who also an ultrasound and the baby great and now I know for sure WINNING SHOT
decided to arrive early at 36 was perfect and active, even that I am giving my precious Elizabeth Molate and
weeks. He weighed 2.4 kg and after the depression I had. At baby the best start in life. baby girl, Oamogetswe
also needed ICU attention that time my boyfriend was PORTIA (meaning, shes welcomed).

RULES FOR ALL COMPETITIONS, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND GIVEAWAY PAGES

1 The prize will be awarded to the first correct entry drawn at random. 2 The competition is only open to readers in South Africa. 3 The judges decisions
are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 4 Staff members of Media24, their advertising, PR, and digital agencies, and their immediate family
members, may not enter. 5 Entries must reach us by 30 November 2015. 6 Prizes are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. 7 The winner will
be contacted by the sponsor to arrange delivery of the prize. 8 Winners will appear on www.yourparenting.co.za 15 days after the competition has closed.
9 Entry into the competition constitutes acceptance of the conditions. 10 Discounts and gifts only available to subscribers with a South African postal address.
11 Prizes must be claimed within 12 months of the competition date or forfeited. 12 The subscription gift promotion is not valid in conjunction with the Vitality
offer. 13 The Vitality subscription offer is only for active Vitality members. 14 Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery after the offer closes. 15 By entering
a competition, you agree to receive further communication and direct marketing material from Media24 (Ltd).

8 YOUR PREGNANCY
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 take some time
to wind down
and relax

FOAM BATH
Woolworths R79.95
www.woolworths.co.za

BACK BRUSH
Mr Price R29.99
www.mrphome.com BABY FACE CLOTH
SET Mr Price
Home R69.99

cravings
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Bath treats for mom and bub

SOAP DISH
Mr Price R59.99 DUCK FACE
www.mrphome.com CLOTH
Ackermans
R12.95 www.
ackermans.
co.za

GREY BATH MAT

Mr Price R139.99
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STRETCH MARK
OIL Clicks
R34.95 www.
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Sheet Street R39.99
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Photographer: Emielke
JHB 49209/OJ

When your baby starts to move,

its time for Huggies Nappy Pants. R

ke o
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With an all round stretchy waistband and up to 12 hours of dryness,

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R

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 BUBBLE WASH BATH CRYSTALS
Ackermans R18.95 Mr Price Home R89.99
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BATH MAT
Game stores
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SHOWER CREAM
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Beautiful scoenbtes
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Make bath time memorable SCENTED SOAP

BATH BALLS Woolworths R49
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bath toys
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12 YOUR PREGNANCY
 WINNING
PHOTO!
snaps

Lueshi and proud Preston at 32 weeks WIN A CARRIWELL Elzaan and her fairy princess Leiya-Lov

VOUCHER VALUED
AT R1 000
The Carriwell Maternity Expand-A-Belt
turns your favourite pants and skirts into
maternity wear. This innovative product helps
expectant moms use their current wardrobe
favourites, and so save a small fortune on
maternity wear. The elasticised belt ensures
your comfort and freedom of movement at all
times and you can easily add fabric panels to
cover the exposed zipper area when needed.
All belts come with three cotton panels in
black, navy and white. The lucky winning
photo receives a R1 000 Carriwell voucher.

Send us a beautiful high-resolution photograph

of you with your gorgeous bump or your baby.
Send your photo with both your names and date
of birth to: Your Pregnancy Youre Here at Last,
Almaz is an excited first time mom-to-be letters@yourpregnancy.co.za Rhoda looks radiant at 34 weeks

Hlobisile and baby Grace feeling the love Martha loving that beautiful dress! Boitumelo already in love with Maselwane
 The Switch
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2 Mobile with three adorable toys
3 Large wheels with brakes
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 BUMP TALK THE LATEST PREGNANCY
BUZZ AND TRENDY FINDS

ALL ABOUT THE TOYS

5 STRANGE
FACTS
ONE
APPS IM
EXPECTING
Your baby will urinate about
Track everything
a litre of fluid per day in the
thats happening
second half of your pregnancy.
to you and your baby day by
And then they drink it.
day and week by week.

TWO 4.6 STAR RATING FREE

Pregnant women and new PREGNANCY

mothers can lactate at the
sound of a baby crying, even
if its not their own baby.
Get ready to spoil baby-to-be! The world famous toy store
Hamleys has just opened its doors at Greenstone Shopping
Centre in Gauteng and the Waterfront in Cape Town, and its a THREE
must for any expecting mom. Stocked with more than 15 000 Babies cry in the womb. Not
toys ranging from the traditional to the high-tech, its easy to get because theyre upset, more as
lost in this shop for hours. Be sure to add a Hamleys toy or two practice for their big day.
to your baby shower gift list. Stores opening nationwide soon.
FOUR
Studies have shown that
Morning sickness cure babies do taste strong flavours
in their amniotic fluid and will
favour those tastes as they
grow up.
FIVE
Pregnant women really do
experience a heightened sense
of smell, which is basically the
bodys way of steering them
away from food that would be
bad for the baby.
INGREDIENTS
From Healthy Eating During Pregnancy by Erika Lenkert with Brooke Alpert
TRACKER
Based on your due
date, youll receive
personalised information and
the latest parenting news, and
join a tight-knit community of
other parents and moms-to-be
like you. 4.3 STAR RATING FREE
WEB MD BABY
Track your babys
development
and get trusted,
doctor-approved advice.
4 STAR RATING FREE
NEW DAD
PREGNANCY
FOR DADS
Surprise your better
half with tidbits of information
about the development of your
baby, while making sure that
she is comfortable and happy.
3.5 STAR RATING FREE

1
/2 small red onion, sliced thinly and halved (about 1/4 cup)
2 Tbl fresh lime juice
WIN DADS CORNER
1 Tbl extra-virgin olive oil
DAD SANELE SO PROUD
6 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
OF HIS GORGEOUS
11/2 cups ripe seedless watermelon, cut into thin triangles
BABY YADAH AND WIFE
11/2 cups rocket, loosely packed SPHOKAZI Dads, share
1
/4 cup fresh mint, chopped and loosely packed your tips, photos or stories
1
/3 cup crumbled pasteurised feta cheese here and stand a chance of
winning a fabulous hamper
DIRECTIONS from Clicks valued at R550!
In a serving bowl, combine the onion, lime juice, olive oil and
olives, and mix until combined and the onions are coated. Let stand
for 15 minutes. Add the watermelon, rocket, mint and feta. Toss so
the dressing coats the lettuce and serve.
*Serves 4

16 YOUR PREGNANCY
 The new

Birth 67 cm 76 cm 105 cm
(approx. (approx. (approx.
6 months) 12 months) 4 years)

Pebble 2wayPearl

2wayPearl

ISOFIX

Pebble 2wayPearl
Rearward facing Rearward facing
Birth to approx. 12 months Approx. 6 months to 4 year s
Forward facing
15 months to appro x. 4 years

2wayFix
Birth to approx. 4 years

5 key points of i-Size

Improved protection at higher forces for side and front impact
and a much better protection of head and neck

Rearward faced travelling mandatory up to 15 months old

i-Size requires ISOFIX, which has less chance of being incorrectly

used than belted car seats

i-Size car seats will t almost all ISOFIX cars

Length classic ation for easier choosing the right car seat

Enjoy your new life

NUTRITION

LUNCH ON
s/
Chickpea
re not
hummus a of
er source
only a sup a n t fo r the
(imp o rt
folic acid u r b a bys
ent of yo
developm e m ) b u t also
st

THE GO
nervous sy urce of
low fat so
provide a source
d a good
protein an o re ced u
of fibre (t
on).
const ati
ip

HEALTHY DESKTOP MEALS

RECIPES AND STYLING ZISKA BAUMGARTEN
PHOTOGRAPHY ADELE FERREIRA

Its hard enough to eat healthy

meals at home, but how can you
make sure you get all the nutrients
you and your growing baby need
when youre at work? Avoid the
office canteen with these easy,
nutritious lunchbox ideas that
you can prepare the night before.

If you
live a low-carb
n
lifestyle, you ca
ps with
replace the wra
d roll your
butter lettuce an
g into a leaf
hummus and ve
Yo u ca n al so add
wrap.
ch ick en into
leftover fish or tra
w ra p fo r ex
your
protein.

18 YOUR PREGNANCY
 Hummus & veg wrap
1 tin chickpeas, drained 1 To make the hummus, whizz up all the ingredients except the
1 clove garlic vegetables in a blender or food processor. To save time you can buy
cup tahini (sesame paste available from major supermarkets) hummus from your supermarket.
cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Divide hummus mixture into four and spread each portion onto a
juice of 1 lemon wrap.
teaspoon salt 3 Cut the vegetables into finger shapes or thick matchsticks and
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper place a selection on the bottom third of each wrap.
4 wholewheat wraps 4 Fold the sides of each wrap in, then roll up into a cigar shape. Cut
vegetables of your choice (we used red bell pepper, in half and pack into your lunch box.
courgettes and avocado) Serves 2

Eating
a varie
vegetab ty of
les ensu
your ba res
by has
to all th access
e vit
and min amins
erals he
needs.

Super smoothie
While cup milk 1 Place all the ingredients into a blender
are a
berries d
od (an 1 tablespoon honey and whizz until well blended. If the smoothie
upe fo
r
great s h vitamin C), avocado is too thick, add a little more milk.
wit u
packed be pricey. Yo
c a n w ith 2 bananas 2 Pour into a glass jar or wide necked screw
they e m
place th cup frozen berries top bottle and pack into a small cooler bag
can re it you have
a fru ouse.
n y cup spinach to take to work.
in the h
Serves 2

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 19
NUTRITION

Superfood salad bowl

1 cup baby spinach leaves
cup cooked bulgur wheat
cup bean sprouts
cup leftover roast chicken, cut into bite-size
pieces
cup sliced almonds
cup fresh blueberries
1 avocado, peeled, stoned, cut into cubes
and sprinkled with a little fresh lemon juice to
prevent it going brown
For the blueberry-ginger dressing:
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
salt and pepper to taste
*If you dont have all the ingredients for your
dressing, you can substitute this with lemon
juice and olive oil (just whisk together)
1 Divide the salad ingredients between
two Tupperwares or glass jars.
2 Place all the ingredients for the
dressing into a blender (or use a
stick blender or food processor)
and whizz it up. Take the
dressing to work in a
separate container and
drizzle over superfood
bowl just before eating.
Serves 2
You
is a
Bulgur wheat dont need
ra in an d is rich
wholeg a jar to try these
, iro n, zinc
in folic acid recipes. Simply pack
re . If yo u do nt have
and fib your lunch goodies
you can use
bulgur wheat into a Tupperware
ho leg ra in such as
any w or old ice cream
etc.
barley, qu oa in
container.

Avocado
is a good
thy
source of heal
d O m eg a 3s
fats an
ba bys
good for your
brai n an d ey e
development.

Chicken
is a healthy
protein option.
ilding
Protein is the bu
m us cle s
blocks of
rta nt w he n youre
impo
growing a new
person

20 YOUR PREGNANCY
 Homemade instant noodles
cup vermicelli rice noodles
yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
a handful baby spinach leaves
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
red chilli, finely chopped (leave out if
youre suffering from heartburn)
2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 chicken or vegetable stock cube
1 lime, washed
handful of fresh coriander, chopped
Protein of your choice (leftover cooked
chicken or beef)
1 Begin by preparing your bowls at home the night before (or even two days
in advance). Divide the ingredients between two heatproof jars or containers
with sealable lids. Start with the vermicelli pasta at the bottom. Next layer
in the yellow bell pepper and baby spinach leaves and top that with ginger,
chilli and spring onions. Then crumble over the stock cube. Cut the lime in
half and place in the jar. Finally sprinkle the chopped herbs on top.
2 At lunchtime: boil the kettle and remove the lime halves from your jar. Pour
a cup of boiling water (or just enough to cover all the ingredients) into your
jar/Tupperware. Use a fork to stir everything until the stock has dissolved.
Close the lid and let it stand for about two minutes, then open and squeeze
the lime juice over the top.
Serves 2

Spinach
is a superb
source of folic
acid and iron.

Cut
the vegetables
ssible.
as finely as po
us e al l kinds
You can
like carrot
of vegetables
tte rib bons (use
or courge
eler to cut
a vegetable pe
to th in strips),
the veg in
baby corn
mushrooms,
an d pe as.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 21
TA L K I N G P O I N T

QUICK
fixes
TO ALL
YOUR
PREGNANCY
PROBLEMS
While there are women who sail
through pregnancy without a
moment of morning sickness to show
for it, most of us experience our fair
share of pain and discomfort along
the way. These useful tips might help
ease those common niggles

BACKACHE
WHY
Extra weight in the front, softening of
ligaments due to pregnancy hormones
and the pressure of the baby on your
pelvic joints. A change in your centre of
gravity also affects this.

FOOD FIXES
Watch your diet and dont be tempted
to overload on fatty foods. Rather
eat small amounts frequently. Try to
maintain steady weight gain.

IDEAL EXERCISES
Do the angry cat exercise on all fours,
pull your belly button to your spine
and press your lower back towards
the ceiling.

22 YOUR PREGNANCY
SAFE MEDICINE
See a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
You could also try wearing a support
belt. Do not sit for extended periods.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
A chiropractor can realign vertebrae
in the lower back. Several yoga
positions ease backache. Acupuncture
and reflexology also give relief. Use a
therapist qualified in pregnancy though.
TRY THIS Avoid curvature of your
lower back by maintaining a good
posture. Keep your back supported
when sitting. Make sure your mattress
is firm.
HEADACHES
WHY
They can be caused by hormonal changes,
back strain, eye strain, food triggers or
noise or light irritation. Headaches may be
a sign of something more sinister like high
blood pressure. If you have swollen hands
and feet and blurred vision you may be
suffering from preeclampsia. Notify your
caregiver urgently.
FOOD FIXES
Eat frequent small meals and nutritious
snacks to stabilise sugar levels. Eat slow-
release carbohydrates (porridge, bread,
pulses, wholegrains). Avoid caffeine,
artificial sweeteners, fatty and high-sugar
foods, cheese, chocolate and citrus fruit.
IDEAL EXERCISES
Do exercises to stretch the neck. Try not to
tense your neck or jaw.
SAFE MEDICINE
Paracetamol.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Apply gentle pressure between eyebrows
with your thumb. Treat yourself to
an Indian head massage or, for severe
headaches, put ice packs on your eyes and
neck. Drink chamomile or ginger tea. You
can also put lavender oil on a compress
and apply to your temples. Acupuncture,
reiki, reflexology, massage, homeopathy
and chiropractic could all help.
TRY THIS: Get plenty of fresh air, rest,
avoid stress and drink plenty of water.
Avoid noise and light triggers.
Image: Jupiter Images
HEARTBURN
WHY
The uterus pushing up against the
stomach can promote acid reflux. Also,
pregnancy hormones relax muscles
in the body, including those in the
gastrointestinal tract. Food then moves
slowly through the digestive tract, giving
you heartburn.
FOOD FIXES
Avoid fatty foods and fizzy drinks.
TRY THIS: Eat small meals regularly to prevent acid build up. Sleep with several
pillows, wear loose clothes and drink fluids between meals.
CONSTIPATION
WHY
Softening of the walls of the digestive
tract causes slower digestion and puts
pressure on the intestines.
FOOD FIXES
Get your fibre fix. Drink plenty of
water and eat wholegrains and raw,
unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Try
legumes, bran cereals, brown rice,
seed bread, nuts and seeds.
IDEAL EXERCISES
Brisk walking.
SAFE MEDICINE
Duphalac, Metmucil, Fybogel.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Chamomile tea, rooibos tea, fresh
ginger and prune juice can help.
Try an abdominal massage with
mandarin oil. Be sure to massage in
a clockwise direction.
TRY THIS: Swallow a tablespoon
of linseed with water twice a day.
IF YOU HAVE
SWOLLEN HANDS AND
FEET AND BLURRED
VISION YOU MAY BE
SUFFERING FROM
PREECLAMPSIA. NOTIFY
YOUR CAREGIVER
IDEAL EXERCISES
Kneeling on all fours can release the
pressure on your stomach.
SAFE MEDICINE
Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesium,
Rennies.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Slippery elm, powdered peppermint,
fennel, caraway and dill. Herbal teas:
lemon balm, chamomile, peppermint.
FATIGUE
WHY
Nature casts upon you a natural lethargy
to slow you down while your babys
most critical development is taking
place. Fatigue is also common in the last
trimester when you are feeling heavy
and the weight of pregnancy is really
taking its toll. It could also be a sign of a
lack or iron.
FOOD FIXES
Increase iron (green leafy vegetables,
seeds, dried fruits, chicken, fish), folate
(nuts, green leafy vegetables) and
Vitamin B (eggs, milk, cheese).
IDEAL EXERCISES
Deep abdominal breathing, yoga and
meditation.
SAFE MEDICINE
Combin B, Ferrum phos and Calc phos
tissue salts improve the absorption of
iron. Try Nutilite Vitamin B. Take an iron
supplement under prescription if you
become anaemic.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
There are points along the meridians that
an acupuncturist can treat to build up the
blood, or these points can be stimulated
with moxa cones or acupressure, or
try reflexology with foot gel. Be sure to
consult an expert who has experience
with pregnant women and always check
with your caregiver before.
TRY THIS: Drink water throughout the
day. Take one tablespoon of molasses
twice a day. Avoid caffeine.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 23
TA L K I N G P O I N T
INSOMNIA
WHY
General physical discomfort, heartburn,
leg cramps, worry, restless leg syndrome,
low blood sugar, vitamin B deficiency.
FOOD FIXES
Calcium helps induce sleep so eat
almonds, yoghurt and sesame seeds for
evening snacks. Sources of vitamin B
include pulses, green leafy vegetables,
nuts, wholegrains and meat. Have a light
supper.
IDEAL EXERCISES
Get plenty of fresh air during the day
and do some form of water aerobics or
swimming.
SAFE MEDICINE
Iron, calcium or magnesium supplement.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Try meditation before bed time, a
lavender bath or a shoulder rub. Burn
lemon or mandarin oil in a vaporiser.
TRY THIS: Do slow, deep abdominal
breathing. Dont watch television
before bed.
NAUSEA
WHY
Pregnancy hormones, low blood sugar,
stress, fatigue. If this persists and you
cant keep anything down, you may
need to be admitted to hospital. Severe
vomiting is known as hyperemesis
gravidarum and can cause dehydration.
FOOD FIXES
Nausea is linked to B6 and zinc
deficiencies. Good sources include
wholewheat bread, chickpeas, seeds,
nuts, raisins, milk, yoghurt, white fish,
green leafy vegetables, yeast, extract,
fortified breakfast cereals, pulses,
broccoli, apricots, sardines, chicken
and tofu.
IDEAL EXERCISES
Deep breathing into your abdomen
TRY THIS: Rest as much as possible and drink plenty of water. Have lemon tea
after supper. Snack on Pro-vitas and citrus fruit. Always have an energy snack in
your car or handbag. Do not rise on an empty stomach. Carry peppermints.
24 YOUR PREGNANCY
LEG CRAMPS
WHY
Poor circulation, dehydration and a
magnesium and calcium deficiency.
FOOD FIXES
Bananas are the best natural form of
magnesium. Eat lots of milk products,
green leafy vegetables, wholegrains,
wheatgerm, nuts, seeds, soya, dried
apricots. Drink plenty of water.
IDEAL EXERCISES
Stretch before bed by flexing feet.
SAFE MEDICINE
Tissue salts relax muscles and relieve
cramps. Try Mag phos and Calmag.
You may need a bone mineral
complex of magnesium before bed.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Gently massage your legs with a
natural plant oil, like wheatgerm or
grapeseed, to improve circulation.
Avoid massaging over varicose veins.
TRY THIS: Walk or swim for at least
ten minutes every day. Stand with your
feet on the cold floor.
before meals. Yoga and meditation can
ease nausea by relaxing the diaphragm
and inducing general relaxation.
SAFE MEDICINE
Vitamin B6 in low doses. Homeopathic
choices include Ipecacuanha,
Colchioum, Natrum mur, Sepai
Melissengeist, Magen, Pulsatilla,
Ipecac.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Ginger is the key herb because it is
rich in zinc. Eat crystallised ginger or
ginger biscuits or drink ginger tea.
Other herbal teas to try are chamomile,
fennel, spearmint and peppermint.
Try acupuncture, acupressure and
reflexology. Place a drop of peppermint,
rose or chamomile oil on a tissue and
inhale when you feel nauseous.
ITCHY SKIN
WHY
Stretching, dryness, increased blood flow.
If you have intense itching, especially
with no rash, and it is worse at night, you
need to consult your doctor. This could
be a liver disorder known as intrahepatic
cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).
FOOD FIXES
Important foods are protein, vitamin
A, B, C and essential fatty acids. Eat
nuts, seeds, oily fish, carrots, broccoli,
sweet potatoes, watercress, melon,
meat, wholegrains, pulses, avocado and
cashew nuts.
SAFE MEDICINE
Echinacea or primrose oil capsules.
Chamomile cream. Avoid cortisone
creams unless prescribed.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Mix oats with water and gently rub on
the skin. Use homeopathic alternatives
such as Urica cream.
TRY THIS: Avoid hot baths or showers.
Moisturise your skin while it is damp
and avoid scratching rigorously.
STRETCHMARKS
WHY
As the skin stretches, the elastin and
collagen in the deeper layers of the skin
may weaken and break.
FOOD FIXES
Eat foods rich in zinc (ginger, cheese,
wholegrains) and vitamin E (lettuce,
peanuts, seeds, milk and eggs).
IDEAL EXERCISES
Keeping your skin toned with regular
exercise will improve tissue elasticity.
SAFE MEDICINE
There are some good stretchmark creams
on the market. Go for one that penetrates
into the deeper layers of the skin.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Apply calendula cream or cocoa butter.
Massage the skin with a gentle oil, like
mandarin or wheatgerm.
TRY THIS: Sudden weight gain
increases the risk of stretchmarks. Keep
your skin well moisturised.
TA L K I N G P O I N T
YOGA AND
MEDITATION CAN EASE
NAUSEA BY RELAXING
THE DIAPHRAGM AND
INDUCING GENERAL
RELAXATION
OEDEMA (SWELLING)
WHY
Your body carries more extracellular
fluid during pregnancy and this can
cause normal swelling of the feet and
ankles that subsides once you put
your feet up. If the onset is sudden
and severe, affecting the face,
hands and legs, it could be a sign of
preeclampsia. This should be checked
out by your doctor immediately.
FOOD FIXES
Onion and garlic are good circulatory
tonics. Natural diuretics, which help
in the release of waste, are celery,
asparagus, artichokes, grapes,
blackcurrants and parsley. Vitamin
C is a mild diuretic so increase your
intake of citrus fruits, red berries,
peppers and green leafy vegetables.
IDEAL EXERCISES
Regular exercise stimulates
circulation, which speeds up the
release of waste products in the
tissues. Its this accumulation of waste
and water that causes the swelling.
Swimming is excellent for this.
SAFE MEDICINE
Try Nat Sulph (no 11) tissue salt
for water elimination and Combin L
for circulation.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Go for a lymph drainage massage
to stimulate the lymphatic system,
which absorbs waste and toxins from
surrounding tissues. Herbal teas, such
as dandelion and nettle, stimulate the
kidneys to process more fluid. Drink
plenty of water.
TRY THIS: Get plenty of rest while you
elevate your feet. Lie on your left side
when sleeping or resting.
26 YOUR PREGNANCY
VARICOSE VEINS SAFE MEDICINE
WHY
Pressure on the circulatory system due to
Apply commercial preparations
of calendula, aloe vera or witchhazel.
increased weight and blood volume may
enlarge veins, especially in the legs. NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
FOOD FIXES Place your leg in hot water for two
Eat vein-strengthening foods and foods minutes and then cold water for two
minutes. Or direct a shower spray onto
that prevent swelling and constipation
(see piles). the affected area, first with hot and
then cold water. Water constricts or
IDEAL EXERCISES
Good circulation helps prevent varicose
dilates blood vessels, depending on its
temperature, and cold water stimulates
veins so get regular exercise. circulation.
TRY THIS: Avoid standing for long periods. Put your feet up whenever possible.
Avoid salty foods. You may need to wear support stockings.
TINGLING HANDS/FEET IDEAL EXERCISES
WHY To stretch the carpal tunnel, do gentle
The carpal tunnel is a narrow band of circling and flexing of your wrists in ice
tissue and nerves that can get compressed cold water or crouch down and press
when theres swelling. This will restrict your hands gently flat on the floor.
blood flow and pinch the nerve,
causing tingling. NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
An osteopath will manipulate the wrist
FOOD FIXES to improve lymphatic drainage. You
B vitamins are good for the nerves. Good could also try acupuncture, shiatsu and
food sources are sesame seeds, chickpeas, homeopathy, or arnica oil massage, but
bananas, Marmite and hazelnuts. only after 20 weeks.
TRY THIS: Sleep with your arm on a pillow. You can give your wrists a nice massage.
PILES
WHY
Pressure in the pelvic region as a result of weight gain, constipation or sitting for long
periods can restrict blood flow and cause pooling.
FOOD FIXES
Eat vein-strengthening foods that are rich in vitamin C such as parsley, garlic and
onions. Avoid constipation by drinking lots of water and avoiding processed foods.
Eat linseed to soften stools (you can swallow it with water).
IDEAL EXERCISES
Do pelvic floor exercises. Yoga and other forms of gentle exercise help ease varicose
veins and haemorrhoids.
SAFE MEDICINE
Hemorrha Plus cream is a homeopathic preparation. Or try the tissue salt Calc Fluor
and Nat Mur no 9.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Apply cotton wool balls soaked in witchhazel or commercially available preparations
of calendula or aloe vera.
TRY THIS: Apply St Johns Wort ointment that has been kept in the fridge, a cold
witchhazel or nettle tea compress or ice cubes made from water in which leeks
were boiled.
TA L K I N G P O I N T

BY MELANY BENDIX

INSIDE
Welcome to your AND REBEKAH FUNK
unborn babys
wonderful world.
For nine months

THE
your babys life
support system
consists of three
vital parts: the
placenta, the

WOMB
amniotic sac and the
umbilical cord. This
is what life in your
womb looks like:
28 YOUR PREGNANCY
THE PLACENTA:
NUTRITION
Resembling a thick pancake or
round cut of steak, the placenta
temporarily forms in your
womb/uterus.
WHAT IS IT?
This is the only organ the
human body makes and then
disposes of. It is the first organ
to develop after conception,
before any of your babys
own. In most pregnancies, the
placenta partially lines the
top or side wall of the uterus.
By full term at 40 weeks, the
placenta should weigh about a
sixth of the babys total weight.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
It operates much like a
train network, transporting
nutrients, glucose, hormones
and oxygen from moms
bloodstream to babys. Tiny
blood vessels carrying foetal
blood run through the placenta,
which is full of maternal blood,
but the two blood supplies
never mix, so your blood never
mixes directly with babys.
Likewise, the placenta also
acts as a disposal system,
ridding the womb of your
unborn babys carbon dioxide
and wastes by transferring
them to the mothers blood
supply, explains Dr Thandi
Mtsi, a Gauteng obstetrician
and gynaecologist.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE
PLACENTA AFTER BIRTH?
If the mother delivers vaginally,
the placenta typically follows
between five and 30 minutes
later as part of the third stage
of labour, or afterbirth, Dr
Mtsi says. However, if its a
caesarean section the surgeon
will remove the placenta
from the uterus during
the procedure.
In Western communities, the
placenta is usually removed
during birth and burnt by
Image: Jupiter Images
the hospital or clinic. Some
mothers, most commonly those
of Nguni or traditional isiZulu
(and Muslim) culture, have
special rituals and beliefs about
the placenta, notes Christine
Klynhans of Midwives-
Exclusive in Pretoria. Theyll
take the placenta home to bury,
or burn pieces of it together
with incense to communicate
with ancestors.
Many cultures attach
spiritual meaning to the
placenta, as the placenta gave
baby life and was babys
companion for nine months in
the womb, Christine explains.
Other cultures use placenta
for medicinal or nutritional
purposes, drying it and put Its here...
Perfectly made to
into capsules for the mother
to swallow after birth. Its
fit little pouts
growing in popularity around
the world.
Scientists remain divided on
the health benefits of eating
the placenta, as there have
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babys nose. Constructed with 100% medical-grade and BPA-free
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silicone, this durable pacifier
pacifier is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
decrease insomnia. Recommended for babies 0 months+.
UMBILICAL CORD:
TRANSPORTATION Free of
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The great exchange of nutrients
and waste between mom and
baby happens in the umbilical
cord, the so-called lifeline of
pregnancy.
WHAT IS IT?
The umbilical cord is formed
from the yolk sac, which
provided nutrients to a growing
New!
embryo in the first weeks of
pregnancy until the placenta
had time to fully form, and the
allantois (an embryonic tissue),
which handles waste disposal.
Typically, the umbilical
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TA L K I N G P O I N T
baby can twist, stretch, roll
and kick without damaging
the placenta.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The cord, which can grow up
to 60 centimetres long, attaches
the placenta to the foetus at
the naval or belly button. The
umbilical cords function is to
bring oxygen, nutrition and
antibodies from the blood in
the placenta to your baby, and
return any waste back to the
placenta. Its made up of two
small arteries that transport
deoxygenated blood to the
placenta (to be processed by
the mothers body) and one big
vein that returns new nutrient-
and oxygen-rich blood to
the foetus. For protection, all
three of these blood vessels
are surrounded by a gooey
substance called Whartons
jelly the same material that
makes up the vitreous humour
(or interior gel) of an eyeball.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE
CORD AFTER BIRTH?
When a baby is born, or
preferably a few minutes after,
the cord will be clamped a
few centimetres away from
babys belly button and a few
centimetres from the placenta.
The cord will then be cut in the
middle.
Since the cord has no nerves,
cutting it wont be painful for
you or your baby but it will
leave a small stump at babys
naval, says Port Elizabeth
midwife Mynie Bester.
Between five and 15 days after
delivery, this stump will dry
out, turn black and drop off.
After this happens, it usually
takes another week to 10 days
for the belly button to heal
completely.
To prevent infection, Mynie
recommends keeping the area
dry and clean until the stump
drops off and the naval is
completely healed.
30 YOUR PREGNANCY
THE AMNIOTIC SAC:
PROTECTION
Foetuses are good swimmers
after all, they spend about nine
months bobbing around the
amniotic sac.
WHAT IS IT?
A thin but tough, two-
membraned balloon filled
with clear, yellowish amniotic
fluid. This fluid is mostly made
up of water, and later on in
the pregnancy, tiny amounts
of babys urine. Foetuses are
able to swallow and breathe in
amniotic fluid.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This sac is your babys home,
gymnasium and protection
from outside knocks, bumps
and other external pressures,
explains Gauteng midwife
Christel Jordaan.
The amniotic sac allows the
foetus ample room to swim
and move around, which helps
build muscle tone. To keep the
baby cosy, the amniotic sac is
filled with fluid and maintains
a slightly higher temperature
than the mothers body,
she adds.
WHAT HAPPENS TO IT
AFTER BIRTH?
So what happens to this fluid
when the babys born? Youve
seen it in movies: a slow trickle
or sudden gush of liquid the
tell-tale sign that a would-be
mom should hightail it to the
hospital because her water has
broken, although its usually
never as fast or as dramatic
in real life. When your water
breaks, the amniotic sac
ruptures and the amniotic fluid
[about a litre] leaves the body,
Christel explains. She adds
that without amniotic fluid,
a baby is no longer protected
and is at risk of infection, so
call your medical practitioner
immediately to deliver the
child if this happens. YP
10 SENSORY
DEVELOPMENTS
IN THE WOMB
Babys five senses dont kick in at birth. Touch,
taste, smell, hearing and sight begins in the womb
1
Just three weeks after conception, your baby develops the sense of
touch. Skin sensitivity then extends to genital areas by 10 weeks,
the palms of the hands by 11 weeks, the soles of the feet by 12
weeks, the abdomen and bum by 17 weeks, and the rest of the
body (except for the top of the head) by 32 weeks.
2
The neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord are formed,
develops at three weeks. By around eight weeks all the basic parts
of the brain are in place, and will remain active as it grows.
3
By eight weeks all your babys senses have been established, yet
they mature at various rates. For instance, the sense of sight is only
fully developed after birth, since the womb is too dark for baby to
see anything. Yet some doctors have reported that babies will
turn away from bright lights shone at the uterus.
4
By the fourth month, the foetus has all the taste buds of an adult,
using them to gulp and inhale amniotic fluid and taste what moms
been eating. Scientists have begun exploring the theory that fussy
eating may begin in the womb. Exposing baby to diverse cuisine
of strong tastes (curries, garlic, vanilla, carrot, or mint) has been
shown to influence your childs culinary preferences later in life.
5
Newborns are comforted by their mothers smell because they were
likely first introduced to it in the amniotic fluid, researchers say.
In fact, if a mother washes one breast immediately after birth, the
baby has been shown to prefer to nurse from the unwashed one.
6
Babies begin sucking their thumbs from 20 weeks and the choice
of which thumb to use can already be an indication of whether
baby will be left or right handed.
7
Newborns can recognise (and be comforted by) the storybooks
their mothers read aloud repeatedly. They can also distinguish
between languages, songs and voices they heard in the womb.
8
Low frequency sounds (above middle C) tend to be more audible
than higher frequency ones in the womb. Mens voices penetrate
the womb more clearly than womens, yet mothers voice is
preferred above all others because baby not only hears her voice,
but feels the vibrations of it too.
9
Towards the end of pregnancy a baby can sense what mom is
feeling, including anxiety, depression or stress.
10
Babies can also experience their own emotions: ultrasounds
revealed anger, fear and affection in the womb. Babies also
appeared to react with shock, withdrawal, and aggression to
needles that intruded into the womb.
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 10now
TA L K I N G P O I N T

FOODS
YOU NEED
TO BE
EATING
These nutritional powerhouses
will help you build a strong, bright
and healthy baby
BY LILA BRUK,
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
 Pregnancy is a time when you need to optimise your eating to make sure that you are taking in
the best possible options for you and your growing baby. To help you get the correct nutrients,
here are ten pregnancy superfoods to give you an extra nutritional boost.

FOOD NUTRIENT WHY YOU NEED IT WHAT YOU DISH IT UP

NEED PER
DAY
Folic acid Folic acid is essential for the 600 micrograms Baby spinach works really well in

1
development of your growing
babys nervous system. This is
especially important during the
SPINACH
first trimester when the babys
neural tube the precursor to
the babys nervous system is
developing. An insufficient folic
acid intake has been linked to
the condition spina bifida.
salads. Use it instead of lettuce for
a much more nutritious option. Try
it in a salad with flaked almonds,
dried cranberries and cottage cheese
or (pasteurised) feta. Spinach is
also delicious lightly sauted for a
side dish, or added to soups, stews
and curries.

2YELLOWTAIL
Omega 3 fatty Omega 3 fatty acids, and 300 mg of the Yellowtail is a meaty, robust fish,
acids specifically the fatty acid DHA, omega 3 fatty acid so it can handle strong flavours. In
are extremely important for DHA addition, yellowtail is a green fish
your babys brain development on the Southern African Sustainable
and vision. Seafood Initiative (SASSI) list and thus
S P IC Y comes from a sustainable population.
TRY T AIL
O W It is also lower in mercury than most
YELL llowtail fillet
0 g ye o n other game fish. Mercury can be
Coat 1
8 aspo
ture of one te o o n dangerous during pregnancy as it can
mix p
with a ne teas
co ria nder, o sp o on affect your babys brain development.
ground e tea
c u m in and on w ith Fish that is high in mercury (salmon,
ve
ground ll. Ser
ve o il and gri r, g re e n swordfish, tuna) should be limited to
oli owe
d caulifl s.
steame ara gu once a week.
nd asp
beans a
Zinc Zinc is an important nutrient for age <18: 12 mg Cashews are great on their own
your babys brain development age >18: 11 mg as a snack or thrown into a salad

3CASHEWS
and assists specifically with
development of the structure
and functioning of the brain.
or stirfry. You can even try cashew
nut butter instead of your standard
peanut variety. This is available from
Dis-Chem and health stores.
Calcium Your growing baby needs age <18: 1 000 mg Yoghurt is an extremely convenient

4
sufficient calcium to help build age >18: 1 300 mg
their own healthy bones. Taking
in sufficient calcium during
YOGHURT
pregnancy is essential to ensure
that your body doesnt have to
take calcium from your own
stores. If your calcium stores
are depleted from your bones
this can increase your chances
of osteoporosis in later life.
snack, widely available, tasty and rich
with calcium. Try to choose options that
are either plain or that have less sugar
added as many varieties are packed
with sugar. If you want to sweeten your
yoghurt, try adding fresh fruit. A great
way to use yoghurt is to use it in a
dressing for a cucumber salad.

Iron There is research that shows that 27 mg Many women find pieces of meat

5
a sufficient iron intake helps to (e.g. steak or chops) offputting during
prevent premature delivery, as pregnancy especially during the first
well preventing iron deficiency trimester. Therefore mince can be an
EXTRA LEAN
(anaemia), which is common easier option. Use extra lean mince to
BEEF MINCE during pregnancy. cut down on saturated fat and use it
to make bolognaise sauces, meatballs,
cottage pie or burgers.

Images: Thinkstock OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 33

TA L K I N G P O I N T

FOOD NUTRIENT WHY YOU NEED IT WHAT YOU DISH IT UP

NEED PER
DAY

Choline Choline is very important for 450 mg Eggs are extremely versatile, highly

6
preventing neural tube defects nutritious, quick to cook and cost-
and so is an important nutrient effective. Try using eggs in salads
during pregnancy. boiled or poached, or create a different
EGGS
take on an egg mayo sandwich by
adding in fresh rocket, cherry tomatoes
and sauted mushrooms.

7
PILCHARDS
Vitamin D Vitamin D is needed for 600 IU
calcium absorption and plays
an important role in bone
Many people are not excited by
pilchards, which is unfortunate
because this little fish is a nutritional
health for you and your baby. powerhouse and is an excellent source
AKES
FISHC 425g can of omega 3 fatty acids, while being
h
nd mas p the low in mercury. Pilchards are also cost-
Drain a c ha rds; kee s until
to p il e effective, as well as being a green fish
of to m a d po to on.
ta
Boil tw o peele n d s eas on the SASSI list, which means they are
sauce. mash, a e
in w e ll, o tato, on
soft. Dra p ilc h ards, p n ion, not an endangered species. In order
ether th
e ped o
Mix tog g g , on e chop a so n . to get the maximum vitamin D from
eaten e and s e
lightly b le m o n juice, o ure d pilchards, you have to eat the pilchard
and n a fl
parsley atties o bones too dont worry, theyre very
orm in to six p ell with flo
ur.
F d dust w soft and therefore the best way to
a n w w .
board l brown
.w use pilchards is to make them into fish
Fry unti r.c o .za
luckys ta cakes (with the bones included) or use
in a stew.
Beta-carotene Vitamin A is important for the 700 micrograms Carrots can easily be added to salads

8
babys developing nervous or stirfries, but a great way to use them
system. However, too much is to make a Carrot Ginger soup out of
vitamin A can be toxic to carrots, low sodium chicken broth,
CARROTS
the baby during pregnancy. onions, garlic and fresh ginger.
Therefore, you want to avoid
high Vitamin A foods such
as liver. Beta-carotene is the
precursor to Vitamin A and is
much safer during pregnancy.

Magnesium Severe deficiency of Age <18: 400 mg Sunflower seeds can be eaten on

9
magnesium can lead to
preeclampsia and poor foetal
growth. Some research has
SUNFLOWER
even suggested that magnesium
SEEDS helps to prevent the uterus from
contracting prematurely.
Age 19 30: their own as a snack, but are also
great thrown into salads, muesli or
350 mg
trail mixes. They are also delicious
Age >31: 360 mg
sprinkled over the top of a slice of toast
with cottage cheese.

Fibre Many women find that their 25 35g Oat bran is an excellent source of

10
digestion becomes sluggish
during pregnancy and that they
are more prone to constipation
OAT BRAN
and haemorrhoids. As a result,
it is essential to have sufficient
fibre to prevent constipation
and to keep the digestive
system functioning correctly.
fibre. Specifically, oat bran is very
high in soluble fibre, which helps to
make the stools easier to pass and
also helps to control blood sugar and
cholesterol levels. Oat bran can easily
be added raw to yoghurt, soups and
stews, but it works wonderfully cooked
as a porridge. Add some fresh fruit
for some extra fibre and a dash of
cinnamon for some spice.

34 YOUR PREGNANCY
TA L K I N G P O I N T
NOT SO SWEET
Gestational diabetes mellitus, or diabetes in pregnancy, can happen to anyone.
But there are things you can do to lessen your risk of getting it, and to look
after yourself in the best possible way if you do get it
Y
oure tired, youre drinking
more water than usual, and
youre peeing often. But
youre pregnant, so thats
normal, right?
It could be normal, but you could also
have gestational diabetes. The signs
of gestational diabetes can be difficult
for the pregnant mother to pick up,
as theyre similar to the side effects of
pregnancy, explains Dr Josh Matambo,
a gynaecologist at the Essence Womens
Centre in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
If you dont have any additional
signs and symptoms, such as excessive
weight gain or recurrent infections, a
blood test is the only way to diagnose
gestational diabetes.
WHAT PUTS YOU AT RISK
OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES?
Only two to five percent of pregnant
women suffer from gestational diabetes,
says Johannesburg-based clinical
dietician Kate Tattersall. Its more
common in women who were overweight
before they fell pregnant, who had
raised blood sugar levels before they
fell pregnant, whove had gestational
diabetes in a previous pregnancy, or who
have a family history of diabetes. And,
interestingly, certain ethnic groups are
also more at risk, specifically Africans
and Asians.
Importantly, weight gain is closely
linked to gestational diabetes, so a poor
diet and lack of exercise can be triggers.
If you struggle with excess weight, try
to lose the weight before trying to fall
pregnant, Kate advises.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS
TO MOM AND BABY?
Unfortunately high blood sugar can
36 YOUR PREGNANCY
BY TRACEY HAWTHORNE
cause problems for both mom and baby.
FOR THE MOM
It can cause high blood pressure, which
can result in preeclampsia, a dangerous
condition that may mean your baby will
have to be delivered early.
High blood sugar levels can contribute
to bladder, kidney and vaginal infections.
It can cause you to go into labour early,
and make the delivery harder and the
recovery longer.
High blood sugar may cause your
baby to grow too big to deliver vaginally,
and you may have to have a caesarean
section.
FOR THE BABY
An early delivery can mean that the
babys organs arent fully developed
before birth, and this can result in a
respiratory distress syndrome, which
means the lungs dont work properly
which could mean time spent in the
NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
The babys liver may also not work
well, which can result in jaundice.
If your blood sugar levels stay high,
your babys body will make extra insulin,
and this can result in the baby having low
blood sugar at birth.
Very rarely, the baby could die in the
womb.
WHAT TO DO IF IM
DIAGNOSED WITH
GESTATIONAL DIABETES?
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed,
its important to follow your doctors
instructions, which will include dietary
advice in order to reduce the risk of
complications, says Dr Matambo.
Your doctor will want to regularly
check your blood sugar to make sure its
staying within the normal range. This can
be done in the doctors rooms, or you can
do it at home yourself (your doctor will
teach you how). If youre doing home
testing, remember to write down the
results after every test, and take them to
every doctors visit.
In some cases, your doctor may
prescribe insulin, which you will need
to inject daily. Your doctor will work out
your dose and teach you how to inject
the insulin.
WILL YOU HAVE TO MAKE
CHANGES TO YOUR DIET?
Eating right is one of the keys to
managing gestational diabetes.
Kate advises:
Eat small, regular meals containing
healthy foods throughout the day to keep
your blood sugar stable.
Focus on foods that are rich in vitamins
and minerals, such as fruit, vegetables,
wholegrains and dairy.
Choose fibre-rich foods such as brown
rice instead of white rice or sweet potato
instead of white pasta.
Proteins and fats help slow the rate at
which carbohydrates are digested and
cause a slower release of sugar into the
bloodstream. Eat low fat proteins, such
as skinless chicken, lean cuts of red meat,
fish, eggs and low fat dairy. Eat healthy
fats, such as avocado, nuts (raw and
unsalted), seeds and olive oil.
Avoid obvious sources of sugar, such as
honey, sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolates,
fruit juice and fizzy drinks.
Check food labels and avoid processed
foods with any of these sugars listed in
the first four ingredients: sugar, honey,
molasses, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose,
glucose, corn sweetener.
Dont eat junk food these are high
 WHAT IS BLOOD SUGAR
AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Your body turns the food you eat into
a kind of sugar called glucose. This
glucose goes into your bloodstream,
and a hormone called insulin allows
your bodys cells to use the glucose
as energy. Insulin therefore helps to
keep your blood sugar level from
getting too high (hyperglycemia) or
too low (hypoglycemia).

WHY AND HOW DOES

THIS CHANGE DURING
PREGNANCY?
The glucose your body makes also
goes to your baby through the
placenta, and the baby uses this
energy to grow. During pregnancy,
hormonal changes may cause the
insulin in your body to not work
effectively, and therefore not turn the
glucose into energy. This means that
the sugar levels in your and your
babys blood can get too high.

in energy and low in nutritional value.

Theyre also often high in sugar. One
takeaway burger, small chips and a Coke
can contain as much as 6 000 kilojoules,
which for some women is their total daily
requirement, Kate points out.

WHAT KINDS OF EXERCISE

SHOULD YOU DO?
The safest exercises during pregnancy
are brisk walking, swimming or water
aerobics, and you should exercise every
day. Speak to your doctor before you
embark on any exercise programme,
particularly if you didnt do much or any
exercise before you got pregnant.
Stop exercising immediately if you feel MASS MATTERS...
short of breath, dizzy or faint, if you have You can use the body mass index (BMI) to work out your ideal non-pregnant weight. To do
pain in your back or abdomen, or if your this, divide your weight in kg by your height in metres, then divide the answer by your height
heartbeat feels irregular. again. Eg: 62kg divided by 1.6m = 38.75 divided by 1.6m = 24.2.

WILL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR BMI CATEGORIES HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOU SHOULD
RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER UNDERWEIGHT less than 18.5
GAIN IN A NORMAL PREGNANCY?
THE PREGNANCY? IF YOUR WEIGHT IS NORMAL 1116kg
Except in very rare cases, yes, but having NORMAL WEIGHT 18.5 to 24.9
gestational diabetes is a warning sign IF YOU ARE OVERWEIGHT 711kg
OVERWEIGHT 25 to 29.9
that youre at risk for getting diabetes IF YOU ARE UNDERWEIGHT 1218kg
OBESE more than 30
later in life (or in your next pregnancy),
IF YOU ARE EXPECTING TWINS 1620kg
so you need to take good care of yourself. These are estimates. Speak to your doctor or
Keep your weight in the normal range by dietician about your specific needs and aims.
eating well, and exercise regularly. YB

Image: Jupiter Images. Source: Health Society of South Africa www.healthsociety.co.za OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 37
TA L K I N G P O I N T
TIME FOR
NUMBER
TWO After your first pregnancy and birth,
your second baby may feel like a breeze.
But youll have some new challenges to
face like your toddler
W WHEN BREAKING THE NEWS TO YOUR YOUNG
hen Anne Larkin*
discovered she was
pregnant again,
she was thrilled.
Her daughter Liza
was finally sleeping through at the ripe
old age of 18 months, and Anne loved
being a stay-at-home mom. But in the
eighth week of her pregnancy she was
struck down by hyperemis gravidarum,
a chronic form of morning sickness, that
sent her to hospital numerous times
where she had to be rehydrated and kept
overnight for observation. I literally
vomited night and day. All I wanted
to do was sleep, but Liza was used to
having my undivided attention. I felt
guilty about neglecting her and even
began to have dark thoughts wishing my
pregnancy would end, she says.
Anne was lucky to have the support of
her mother, who lived nearby and was
38 YOUR PREGNANCY
BY LORI
COHEN
CHILD, KEEP IT SIMPLE. TOO MUCH INFORMATION
IS OVERWHELMING AND CONFUSING
able to step in to see to the needs of the
demanding toddler. Annes case was an
extreme one, but coping with pregnancy
and motherhood the second time around
can place some unexpected demands on
you both physically and emotionally.
COPING WITH ANOTHER
CHILD WHILE PREGNANT
Many parents feel guilty about
displacing their first child with another
baby, says counselling psychologist Julie
Koursaris. While a new sibling may be
upsetting for your older child, it is also
an extremely common experience, which
most children negotiate successfully.
You may think your toddler is too young
to share the news with, but Julie says that
as your pregnancy progresses you will
become increasingly preoccupied with
the arrival of the new baby. Your child of
any age is likely to pick up on this. They
may sense that Mommy is less available
to them and could respond with sadness
and jealousy, says Julie. Let your
child know about the new baby at the
same time as you tell other people; you
dont want him hearing the news from
someone else.
When breaking the news to your
young child, keep it simple. Too much
information is overwhelming and
Images: Thinkstock

confusing. Explain that there is a baby
growing inside Mommys tummy. It
may be useful to explain to your child
that he too grew in your tummy and to
show him pictures of when you were
pregnant with him, says Julie. Provide
realistic information regarding what the
baby is likely to be like in the earliest
weeks. For example: The baby may
cry and Mommy will have to hold and
baby feed the baby often. You can also
prepare them for the fun parts and assure
them that in time they will be able to hold
the baby and make the baby laugh.
WHEN THE BABY IS BORN
Childrens reactions to having a new
sibling differ. This is based on their age,
personality and of course how you are
coping with things (yup, theres no way
to avoid the guilt creeping in). The birth
of a sibling is a great gain for a child, but
Be careful!
TAKING YOUR TODDLER TO THE
PARK CAN HELP BURN OFF ENERGY
AND GIVE YOU SOME QUALITY
in some ways negative feelings.
TIME TOGETHER. BUT REMEMBER,
also represents Naming feelings
PREGNANCY HORMONES RELAX
a loss. Loss of his and discussing them
YOUR LIGAMENTS AND YOU ARE
place as the centre helps your child
AT HIGHER RISK OF DAMAGING
of his parents manage them and makes
YOUR BODY AND BACK
worlds, loss of their them less powerful and
time and attention, and overwhelming, she says.
loss of his position as the baby in Some children respond to the birth of
the house, says Julie. a sibling with increased independence.
While your toddlers behaviour may Commend your child for all the things
try your patience (what you have left he has mastered. When he helps with the
of it after those sleepless nights), Julie baby say something like: Thank you for
says you need to try to be empathetic being such an excellent big brother.
to their situation. Increased whining
or aggression often make parents cross, HERE ARE SOME OTHER
and while your toddler may need you BEHAVIOURS YOUR CHILD
to set boundaries, he also needs you to MAY DISPLAY:
help him regulate his feelings. Name his REGRESSION
feelings for him and talk about them. It In response to seeing how much love
is good to discuss positive feelings your and attention the newborn is getting,
child may have towards the baby, but your older child may go through a phase
it is also important to speak about the of wanting to be a baby. He may wish
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 39
TA L K I N G P O I N T
IT IS NOT HARMFUL TO BABY YOUR OLDER CHILD A
LITTLE BIT WHILE HE IS STILL ADJUSTING TO HIS NEW
ROLE IN THE FAMILY
to wear a nappy like the baby does or
may engage in things like baby talk and
thumb sucking.
How to deal with it:
It is not harmful to baby your older child
a little bit while he is still adjusting to
his new role in the family. If your child
takes some temporary steps backwards
on things he has already mastered such
as toilet training, be patient and dont
shame him, says Julie.
ATTENTION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR
Your child may be clingy and make
increased demands for attention. For
example while nursing your newborn
your toddler may start whining and
asking for something to drink.
How to deal with it:
Avoid getting into a power struggle with
your older child. It may be useful to
distract him with a game you can play
while nursing. Let him know that you
can see how hard it is for him when you
cant respond to him immediately and
40 YOUR PREGNANCY
reassure him that as soon as the baby is
finished eating you will be able to attend
to him, suggests Julie.
SLEEP PROBLEMS
Some children exhibit difficulty sleeping
after the birth of a sibling. Your child may
take longer to fall asleep or may wake
more frequently in the night.
How to deal with it:
Where possible get help. It may be
useful for dad to attend to one child
while mom is with the other. Your older
child may in fact take refuge with dad
while he may be feeling cross at mom
for having another baby.
It may be tough but remember the
birth of a sibling will teach your older
child to share and to delay gratification.
It will also teach him that you are still
there for him, even when he has to share
you. Further, he will gain an increasing
sense of himself as an independent
person and his social and emotional
world may open up as a result,
says Julie. YP
* not her real name
HERE ARE SOME
STRATEGIES TO PUT
IN PLACE TO GET
YOU THROUGH
THESE TRICKY NINE
MONTHS:
1
HELP YOUR CHILD
BECOME MORE
INDEPENDENT
During pregnancy with a second child,
parents often begin to make physical
and psychological space for the second
baby that can include moving your
child into a big bed or enrolling them
in playschool. Starting playschool will
give you some time off to rest but will
also give your child a growing sense
of independence, says counselling
psychologist Julie Koursaris. However,
she warns that independence cant be
rushed and these transitions must be
managed sensitively. It is useful to work
through difficulties in adjusting to play
school before the baby arrives so that
he is not overwhelmed with too many
stressors at once.
2
INCLUDE YOUR
CHILD IN
PREPARATIONS
FOR THE NEW BABY
For example, let your child help you
pack the babys clothes and spend time
with you in the nursery. Use this as an
opportunity to talk about the impending
arrival of the baby. Listen carefully for
any anxieties your child may be trying
to communicate to you. They may wish
to know if you will still love them when
the baby is born or if they will still be
your baby when the baby arrives.
Acknowledge your childs concerns and
reassure them, says Julie.
3
DONT AVOID
DISCUSSING THE
SCARY STUFF
You will need to prepare your child for
the fact that you will be going to hospital
for a few days when the baby is born
and let them know who will look after
them. It is often more overwhelming for
a child to have to deal with adjustments
that he does not understand and has not
had the time to process with the help of
an adult, says Julie.
TA L K I N G P O I N T

the
RIGHT BIRTH
BY MELANY BENDIX

for you
Choose the birth you want and can afford

The
decision on
the kind of bir
th

A
t some stage pain relief), elective caesareans,
during your non-elective caesareans and
pregnancy emergency caesareans.
you have The decision on the specific
to decide kind of birth for each patient
where and how youre going is always based on a thorough
to give birth. Its important medical history and obstetric
to know what your options monitoring by her doctor,
are, emphasises Heather explains Marinda Coetzee,
Pieterse from Pretoria-based spokesperson for Mediclinic
Midwives-Exclusive, because South Africa.
the type of birth you have While Mediclinic does not
is largely dependent on offer water births, other private
the choice of caregiver and hospital groups such as Life
hospital/facility you choose. Healthcare and Netcare offer
Heres a basic guideline of this option at select hospitals.
what to expect:
PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
PRIVATE HOSPITALS Private hospitals always offer
BIRTH OPTIONS the option of an epidural.
Most private hospitals offer Other pain relief medication,
vaginal births (with or without ranging from Entonox gas to
is always base
d
opiates such on a thorough gynaecologist.
as pethidine, Patients
are usually medical are carefully
also available on history monitored by a
request. dedicated midwife
Not all private maternity during the labour process
wards come equipped with but the gynaecologist will
TENS machines as standard, handle the birth, she explains.
but you will be able to either Some private hospitals,
rent one via the hospital or however, allow mom to
bring your own. TENS stands choose whether she would
for transcutaneous electrical like her primary caregiver
nerve stimulation which to be a gynaecologist or a
sounds scary but is a non- midwife. But remember that
invasive, drug free method of even hospitals which allow
controlling pain. midwife-led births dont
allow just any midwife: each
CAREGIVERS hospital gives a set number
The standard practice at of midwives birthing rights
private hospitals, according the right to practice at that
to Marinda, is that your hospital. So you would need
primary caregiver will be your to ensure your chosen midwife

42 YOUR PREGNANCY
has birthing rights in the
hospital, says Heather.
The same rule applies to
doulas as not all hospitals
allow them, and those that do
only work with an approved
list. A doula is someone that is
there to emotionally assist you
through labour.
Even if its not standard
policy to allow a doula, its
worth asking as some hospitals
do allow them to attend births
by special arrangement. This
is becoming commonplace as
doulas become more widely
accepted in private care,
according to Dr Johannes
van Waart, an obstetrician/
gynaecologist affiliated to
Mediclinic in Cape Town. We
as obstetricians are in general
happy if the patients would
like a doula to attend the
delivery, he says.
COST
A private hospital birth can
cost anything from around
R10 000 up to R45 000,
depending on the hospitals
rates, your obstetrician/
gynaecologists, anaesthetists
and/or paediatricians rates,
what type of birth you have
and how long you stay in
hospital for.
Ballpark figures of a vaginal
birth with a standard three-
day stay can cost up to R30 000,
while a caesarean can easily
cost R45 000.
If baby needs special
medical attention in high care
or the neonatal ICU, then the
bill can be significantly higher
as much as R16 000 per day,
depending on the level of
care needed.
The good news is that most
private hospitals in South
Africa do not charge rates
higher than what your medical
aid pays for delivery and
hospital care, so if youve got
decent medical aid then the
bulk, if not all, of your costs
will be covered.
GOVERNMENT
HOSPITALS
BIRTH OPTIONS
Its vaginal birth unless there
is a medical reason for a
caesarean.
Caesarean on request is
generally not available [at
government hospitals and
clinics], confirms Dr van
Waart. Variants on vaginal
delivery, like water births, are
also not available.
Heather notes that this
model of care is in line with
that of hospitals in most other
countries: There are only a
few places in the world that
offer caesareans on demand
for social and convenience
reasons, the South African
private sector being one
of these few.
PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
Pain relief in government care
depends on the clinic you visit.
In general epidurals are not
available. The proportion of
patients receiving epidural
anaesthesia in government
care is small, confirms
Professor Gerhard Theron,
head of the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynaecology at
Stellenbosch University.
Youre more likely to receive
opiate based pain medication,
such as pethidine. But this
will be at your caregivers
discretion. Gas, massage and
heat treatments are usually on
hand in government hospital
maternity wards.
CAREGIVERS
You dont get to choose who
delivers your baby, as this
is determined by hospital
protocol. The care provider
is determined by the obstetric
needs of patients, explains
Prof Theron. A low risk
TA L K I N G P O I N T

line with government policy, pregnancy and want to deliver CAREGIVERS

THE POLICY which provides free state naturally with no medicated An experienced midwife is

OF ONE BIRTH
health services to pregnant pain relief. compulsory. Tertia Alkema, a
mothers and children under In obstetric circles a home private doula working in the

PARTNER IS the age of six.

If you have medical
birth is only considered
a reasonable option if the
Johannesburg area, points out
that you must also appoint a
STRICTLY insurance, Prof Theron says
you will be charged more
pregnancy is assessed as low
risk, without complications,
back-up gynae in case you
need to be transferred to a
ENFORCED AT or less according to the scale an easy vaginal delivery is hospital. Most gynaecologists

GOVERNMENT
of benefits provided by your anticipated and attended by a who work with midwives only
health insurance, so you very experienced midwife with work with specific ones, so you

HOSPITALS shouldnt have to pay in extra. backup of a hospital delivery

pregnancy will be delivered by
a midwife. More complicated
pregnancies will be cared
for by medical officers and
registrars (doctors training
to become specialists), while
twins, breech deliveries and
assisted deliveries (with a
vacuum cup or forceps) will
be done by doctors. Patients
with severe complications will
be cared for by specialists in
maternal and foetal medicine.
As for a doula, its highly
unlikely one will be allowed in
addition to your birth partner,
as the policy of one birth
partner is strictly enforced at
most government hospitals.
COST
Heres the great news the cost
is zero, if you have no private
medical insurance. This is in
OUT OF HOSPITAL
BIRTH OPTIONS
You have a choice: vaginal
birth at home or vaginal birth
at an independent birth centre,
which are run by private
midwives and aim to offer
a home-like environment.
Usually you can choose to
have a water birth at home or
at a birth centre.
For home births your
midwife will inspect your
house to advise on your setup,
go over your birth plan and
provide you with a list of basic
requirements, such as towels,
hot water bottles, maternity
pads and linen savers. Shell
also visit a few times after
the birth to check up on you
and baby.
To have your baby at home
or at a birth centre, you need
to be healthy, have a low risk
unit and an obstetrician in
close proximity, stresses Dr
van Waart.
Heather agrees and adds
that you should always choose
a midwife who is experienced
and comfortable with assisting
you at home. The midwife
should also be registered with
the SA Nursing Council and
Board of Healthcare Funders,
she adds.
If youre a candidate for
an out of hospital birth, then
theres no reason not to consider
a home or birth centre delivery,
says Heather. It is a lovely,
relaxed and completely natural
place to birth your baby where
you feel safe and secure.
PAIN RELIEF OPTIONS
Pain relief is usually limited
to non-medical methods, such
as TENS machines, massage
and baths.
need to check this beforehand.
In addition to a midwife, you
can have whomever else you
want at your home birth a
doula, your mom, sister, best
friend the whole family,
although this isnt always
advisable. Discuss whom you
want there with your midwife
and be guided by her advice.
COST
For a home birth, the biggest
cost will be your midwifes
fee anything between R5 000
and around R10 000. The
next biggest cost is renting a
birthing pool, around R1 000
to R2 000. A few medical
aid plans will pay for some
or all of your midwifes
fee, while many will pay
for birthing pool rental. Its
worth asking. If you choose a
birthing centre, you will need
to find out the costs directly
from them. YP

It all boils down to three factors whether
you want to be able to choose your
caregiver; have the option of guaranteed
pain relief medication and ultimately what
you can afford.
If the patient wants a caregiver of her
choice, then private delivery is clearly
the only option, says Dr van Waart, an
obstetrician/gynaecologist affiliated to
Mediclinic. Private care is also the way to
go if you definitely want an epidural. Pain
relief for delivery is generally available in
both the private and government sectors,
but the epidural option as pain relief is
HOW TO CHOOSE?
more readily available on request in the
private option, he explains.
Of course private care is going to cost
more a lot more. However, most of these
costs will be paid by the medical aid,
says Dr van Waart.
It all comes down to affordability,
says Heather. If you dont have medical
aid and cant afford a private hospital,
I would suggest a government hospital.
She believes the care in government
hospitals is generally much better than is
widely believed, while there is also the
benefit of a higher chance of natural birth
at a state hospital.
The downside of choosing a
government hospital, Heather notes, is
that emergencies do come first. If youre in
need of a caesarean, for example, but its
not life threatening, you may have to wait
for several hours while more urgent cases
go ahead of you.
Whatever your choice, remember this
not everything is in your control. You could
have your heart set on a natural water birth
but end up having emergency caesarean.
So make your choice, but be prepared for
baby having very different plans.

44 YOUR PREGNANCY
EXERCISE

KEEP YOUR
BUMP
IN SHAPE
T
How to exercise safely he days where
pregnancy was
during pregnancy your golden
ticket to sit on
BY MELANY
the couch and
BENDIX
eat ice cream for nine months
are long gone. Regular
exercise during pregnancy is
now highly recommended by
medical experts worldwide
to keep you and your baby
healthy, and to keep those
unwanted extra kilos at bay.
Exercise is one of the best
ways to control weight gain
during pregnancy, confirms
Fika Ntshaba, a biokineticist
and pregnancy training
specialist for Virgin Active
in Gauteng. Keeping fit
also makes it easier to return
faster to your pre-pregnancy
weight, strength and
flexibility, she says.
But its not only about how
you look regular exercise
can make you feel better on
the inside too, she adds. This

REGULAR EXERCISE CAN includes improved digestion,

relief from constipation and
MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ON less pregnancy-related back
pain due to maintaining a
THE INSIDE TOO. IT CAN better posture. Bonus!

IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTION, Exercise also gives you

that extra boost of energy

EASE CONSTIPATION AND you need to get through

daily life, and it gives you a
HELP RELIEVE PREGNANCY psychological lift that can
counteract feelings of stress,
BACK PAIN anxiety and depression

46 YOUR PREGNANCY
 YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
BY OUR EXPERT
DR ETTI BARSKY
SPORTS PHYSICIAN AND PREGNANCY
EXERCISE SPECIALIST
Should I continue to exercise if I get sick, even if
its only a common cold or flu?
As with any exercise, if you have a fever and any joint
or muscle aches and pains, then you should not train.
When you are pregnant it is crucial to listen to your
body even if your head would really like you to push
a little harder. The rule of thumb is: if youre feeling
unwell from the neck down, then dont train.

I get abdominal cramps when exercising. Is this OK?

It depends on what type of cramps they are. There are
many different types, ranging from regular cramps if
exercise intensity is a bit high, to round ligament pain
which can wind you but is not serious, all the way to
labour pains. Its important to stop exercising if you
feel them and chat to your doctor to get the all clear to
continue your programme.

Can I carry on with all my day-to-day activities,

like cleaning the house and lifting things?
Yes. The important thing with lifting things especially
heavier objects is to protect your back and not hold your
breath. So, instead of bending down to pick something
or someone up, bend your knees and squat down. Pick
up the object or child and as you come up breathe out.

which are common during exercises. And no heavy

pregnancy, says Fika.
Dr Etti Barsky, a sports
physician and partner at
pregnancy exercise specialists
Preggi Bellies South Africa
(www.preggibellies.co.za),
points out that staying fit can,
in some cases, assist to make
labour easier, shorter and
less complicated. Plus it can
make your recovery after birth
quicker, she adds, regardless
of whether youve had a
natural birth or a caesarean.
KEEP IT LOW KEY
You can do almost any type of
exercise when pregnant, with
a few exceptions (see Play
it Safe on p48). The key is to
keep it relaxed and gentle.
This means you must
avoid strenuous and vigorous
exercises, as well as high
impact and weight bearing
weight lifting, advises Fika.
Also avoid positions where
you have to lie flat and those
that require long periods of
standing still, she adds. Other
than these guidelines and a few
other things you should bear
in mind (see Must Remember
overleaf), you can start your
own exercise programme at
home, or hit the pool, gym or
exercise bike pronto but only
after youve got the all clear
from your healthcare provider.
It is definitely essential to
get clearance because of the
risks and contraindications
involved, advises Fika.
Etti agrees and says exercise
is generally either limited or
not allowed at all during high
risk pregnancies or where
there are complications,
such as severe anaemia, an
incompetent cervix or if

Image: Jupiter Images

EXERCISE
you have a cervical stitch
in place.
But if youre having a
straightforward, low risk
pregnancy, getting the go-
ahead to exercise is quick and
easy. If youre doing your
own exercise programme
at home, simply run what
you plan to do by your
healthcare provider at your
next visit. If youre signing
up to gym, a letter from your
healthcare provider stating
youre fit to train is usually all
thats required.
Some specialist training
programmes, such as
Preggi Bellies, can include
professional screening before
sign-up. We are able to
assess if you can train or not,
says Etti.
START TODAY
The best part is that you can
start your pregnancy fitness
routine at any time. Its
always advisable to keep fit
before conceiving, then when
you do become pregnant it will
be easy to follow through and
continue exercising, explains
Fika. But if you havent
exercised before pregnancy,
you can start at any stage,
provided you get clearance.
If you can afford to, training
under the supervision of a
pregnancy fitness expert is
recommended. But a tight
budget is no excuse not to keep
fit; there are plenty of ways to
workout without paying a cent.
The Internet can be your
best gym buddy: there are
hundreds of trained fitness
specialists offering free
pregnancy workouts online.
For example, breakingmuscle.
com offers free, downloadable
PDF workouts designed for
each trimester. There are also
workouts available on YPs
website: www.yourparenting.
co.za.
48 YOUR PREGNANCY
YOU MUST AVOID STRENUOUS AND PLAY IT SAFE
VIGOROUS EXERCISES, AS WELL AS YES!
HIGH IMPACT AND WEIGHT BEARING Gentle, low impact exercises
such as swimming, walking,
EXERCISES indoor cycling and special
antenatal fitness and yoga
STEP INTO SHAPE classes are all highly
recommended for pregnancy,
Keep in shape with this gentle walking programme, says Johannesburg-based
designed for beginners by Fit to Deliver (www. biokineticist Fika Ntshaba.
fittodeliver.com) a global organisation promoting
pregnancy fitness NO!
Sports where youre likely
FIRST TRIMESTER Start with an easy pace, walking for up to
to put your bump at direct
30 minutes three times a week. Dont do this for three days in a
risk of injury should be
row: walk one day, rest the next, and so on.
completely avoided, urges
SECOND TRIMESTER Step up the pace of your walk. Power sports physician Dr Etti
walk if you can. Do this for 30 minutes or longer up to five Barsky. Rather play it safe
times a week. and say no to sports like
THIRD TRIMESTER Aim to power walk for 30 minutes or for netball, hockey, basketball
the same time you could manage during your second trimester, and all forms of martial arts.
but stick to flat ground. Aim to walk as many times as you did Exercise at altitude is also a
during your second trimester, up to a maximum of five times no-no as is strenuous training.
a week. If you are a competitive
sportswoman, pregnancy
REMEMBER! Before each walk do a seven to 10 minute gentle
is not the time to train for
warm up of leg swings from front to back and side to side, as
competition, she warns.
well as some shuffles from side to side. End off each walk with
Another sport you really
a 10 minute cool-down and stretch.
shouldnt do is scuba diving,
due to the risk decompression
If you prefer having You need to make sure that illness poses to your unborn
an instructor guide your the exercise guides you in baby. Decompression illness,
workout, search pregnancy what to avoid, what needs which is common among
workout in YouTube for to be worked and try train in divers, can cause little
a range of workouts, from front of a mirror so that you bubbles filled with nitrogen
yoga and 10 minute workouts can watch your posture, to form in your tissues and
designed for moms-to-be, to says Etti. bloodstream. Whereas
workouts for each trimester. Another recommended mom can usually expel these
Just be sure to do a bit of exercise for pregnancy is bubbles through her lungs,
research to make sure the walking (see Step into babys lungs cannot. These
instructor you choose to Shape). Anyone can do it, and bubbles could get stuck in
follow is suitably qualified. it doesnt cost a thing. YP babys system and move
into his vital organs, spine
MUST REMEMBER: or brain and cause serious
injury, or even death.
1 DO STAY COOL AND DRINKS LOTS OF WATER DURING
EXERCISE, ESPECIALLY IN HOT WEATHER. KEEP
OUT OF THE SUN WHERE POSSIBLE.
Theres been no conclusive
scientific study which proves
decompression sickness is
harmful to unborn babies
2 DONT LIFT WEIGHTS ABOVE YOUR HEAD.
THIS CAN PUT TOO MUCH STRAIN ON
YOUR LOWER BACK, ESPECIALLY DURING THE LAST TRIMESTER
(who would risk it?). But
its important to note that
anecdotal evidence and
WHEN YOUR LOWER BACK WILL ALREADY BE UNDER PRESSURE. studies conducted on animals
show there is a risk of serious
3 DO WATCH YOUR HEART RATE. IDEALLY IT SHOULDNT
GO OVER 140 BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE).
harm and even foetal death.
Red dress R550 Yummy
Mummy Maternity. Silver
weave clutch R59.99 Mr
Price. Drop necklace R85
Topshop. Gold multi-stack
ring R299 Country road

HIT
THE
TOWN
Be the centre of attention
and look your best at
every occasion
Photographer Aubrey Jonsson Stylist Jess
Lupton Makeup Kelli Fuchs Model Ana Trujic
Striped maxi dress R499
Meamama Maternity. White
sneakers R99.99 Mr Price.
Wood and bright thread bangles
R59.99 for set Mr Price. Gold
bar clasp bracelet R220 Tessa
at YDE. Hexagon ring R299
Country Road. Coin statement
necklace R69.99 Mr Price.
Linen blazer R790 Yummy
Mummy Maternity. Black
maternity leggings R89.99
Mr Price. Striped top R299
Meamama Maternity.
Double stone ring R399
Country Road

Ink blue twist dress R529
Annabella Maternity.
Statement necklace R79.99
Mr Price. Silver bracelet R399
Country Road. Double stone
ring R399 Country Road.
Annabella Maternity www.
annabellamaternity.co.za, 082
972 1110. Country Road 011
290 2500. Meamama 021
706 4098, www.meamama.
co.za. Mr Price 011 784
3710. Top Shop 011 685
7070. Witchery 011 290
1011. YDE 011 784 0375.
Yummy Mummy Maternity &
Yummy Baby Flagship Store
0860 YUMMY MUMMY, info@
yummymummytummy.co.za
BEAUTY

HELLO,
CHECK
OUT MY
SKIN
GLOW
Easy steps to radiant skin
Avoid
produc
ts with
Drink water. Retino
it (many l or Vitamin
Youve heard a
contain nti-aging pr
A
, be ca us e its these in oducts
before not try gredien
nk in g more water an ts).
true . D ri in vita atural fix? Fo Why
sential for min C ods ric
is not only es ( c it rus, br h
baby, it also strawb occoli,
your growing erries)
c a
bl oo d flow to the preven n
t saggin help to
increases g of the
g it look
skin, makin skin.
m or e ra di an t.

cleanse exfoliate hydrate nourish

Cleanse
OPTIPHI hydration your skin
properly
therapy R550, selected and remo
make-up ve
salons and spas before go
to bed. L ing
eaving m
on all nig akeup
ht can cl
the pores, og
causing
outbreak
s.

EUCERIN
Aquaporin
Active R189.99
ESSE Clay Mask, R240 (240ml) Clicks,
esse.co.za Dis-Chem,
pharmacies

DR HAUSCHKA Facial can be us

Toner, R134 (930ml)
body and ed all over the
natural f is a great all-
tocara4.co.za

ace moistu
riser
OH LIEF Natural
Olive Hand
Wax, R110
MAMA MIO Gorgeous Glow
Wellness
Balancing Facial Wash, R465
Warehouse,
(100ml) poisebrands.co.za
ohlief.com

56 YOUR PREGNANCY Photographer: Aubrey Jonsson

 The product
most recommended
by gynaecologists
for pregnancy
stretch marks.
Ipsos, 2014

The one thing my pregnant

friends and I discussed at length
was stretch marks once youve
got them, theyre there for good!
I used Bio-Oil throughout,
morning, noon and night... in
fact, I havent stopped using it
since Liams birth. Now that Im
pregnant with twins, Im going
to be using it more than ever!
Whats also nice is that its not
oily you can put it on and then
get dressed immediately and it
doesnt stain your clothes. Youve
no idea how many friends and
family Ive told about Bio-Oil!
Tracy with Liam

Bio-Oil helps reduce the possibility of pregnancy stretch marks forming

by increasing the skins elasticity. It should be applied twice daily from
the start of the second trimester. For comprehensive product information,
and details of clinical trials, please visit bio-oil.com. Bio-Oil is available
at pharmacies and selected retailers at the recommended selling price of
R72.99 (60ml). Individual results will vary.
 r P r e g n a n c y
GET A You
OV ER
AKE
Want a

M
Your Preg
n
makeove ancy
your deta r? Email

readers to
ils and re

o o f o u r preggie
pic
cent
in tw yourpreg to letters@
We roped pregnancy looks
nancy.co
Title it I .za.
ir wa
update the
a makeo nt
ver

before

STYLISTS COMMENT:
Although she was a week away
from the birth of her twins, nothing
was going to stop this brave
mommy-to-be from getting glammed
up. Mmaseiso still manages to pull

after
off this very simple dress I chose to
show off her beautiful bump and
highlight her features as a woman.
We added a touch of flair with
a feather necklace, double stud
earrings and a diamante ring.

MMASEISOS MMASEISO
COMMENT:
Before the shoot I felt like I didnt
MOLAUDI
have style as a mom-to-be and 9 MONTHS
I wasnt feeling confident about
my clothes. The makeover made
PREGNANT
Silver dress
me feel confident, comfortable R550 Yummy
Mummy Maternity,
and beautiful in my new look. I felt
necklace R69.99
happy to show off my pregnancy. Mr Price, ring
I would do the shoot over and R199 Woolworths,
earrings R349
over again.
Country Road

58 YOUR PREGNANCY
MAKEOVER

CINDY
THORBURN
8 MONTHS
PREGNANT
before Blue wrap dress R589
Annabella Maternity,
beaded necklace R160
Studio W at Woolworths,
chain bracelet R499
Guess at American
Swiss, gold bracelet
R220 Tessa at YDE,
earrings R179 Witchery

STYLISTS COMMENT:
after
Cindy is pregnant with baby number
three and looking fabulous. The
wrap dress is a sure winner when
it comes to elegantly showing off
the female form and a pregnant
tummy a mother can be proud of.
Stockists:
Cindy looks even more radiant in
American Swiss
cobalt blue. It is modern and fresh,
www.americanswiss.co.za
yet more feminine than the usual Annabella Maternity
colours Cindy is accustomed to. The www.annabellamaternity.co.za
accessories are powerful yet simple Country Road
statement pieces to add to Cindys www.countryroad.com
confidence. Meamama
www.meamama.co.za
CINDYS COMMENT: Mr Price
Its my third baby and a huge www.mrprice.co.za
Witchery
surprise seven years after my last.
www.witchery.com
Before the shoot I was scared
Woolworths
and excited at the same time. The
www.woolworths.co.za
dress and hairstyle softened my Yummy Mummy Maternity
appearance and made me feel www.yummymummytummyco.za
more feminine. Everybody was so
nice and it really turned into a once- Stylists Caroline Olavarrieta & Jess
in-a-lifetime experience plus I even Lupton Photographer Aubrey Jonsson
get to keep a picture of it! Make-up and hair Kelli Fuchs

LOOK WHAT ELSE OUR TWO LUCKY MAKEOVER MOMS WENT HOME WITH!
A STUNNING GIFT HAMPER FROM PIGEON AND LANSINOH TO THE VALUE OF R900
Get off to a good start with Pigeon and Lansinohs Breastfeeding Kit and give Dad a chance to
breastfeed when expressing with Pigeons new Manual 2-Phase Breast Pump. Keep dry and
comfortable with Pigeons new HONEYCOMB Breast Pads, while the Lansinoh Nipple Cream will soothe
sore, cracked nipples. The Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy will help relieve any engorgement or pain.
Available from baby stores, Dis-Chem, selected pharmacies and retail outlets. Visit www.sp-africa.com
for more information. Each makeover mom received a Pigeon and Lansinoh Hamper worth over R 900.
Visit www.sp-africa.com for more.

60 YOUR PREGNANCY
REAL life BY CHARN YOUNG

OUR BIG
HAPPY FAMILY
Mark and Charn
Youngs first child
together, Lily, was
a real blessing.
She united their
whole family
together

I
have two wonderful
children from my
previous marriage, my
daughter Ruby and
my son Yardan. Mark
also has a daughter, Zoe. But
our daughter, Lily, is his first
biological child, and our first
child together.

CHANGE OF PLAN
Lilys birth was technically
called a planned caesarean,
but in many ways it was not.
I had in fact planned and
Mark and hoped for a natural birth with
Charn with as little medical intervention
their newborn
as possible. However, it was
not to be. I was diagnosed
with placenta praevia (where
the placenta is lying very
low, blocking the opening
of the cervix) and there was,
unfortunately, very little
chance of giving natural birth.
I still prayed throughout
the pregnancy that this might
change. We waited until 40
weeks in the hopes that our
little girl might still be able to
push her way through, but no
such luck for us.
Charn was
nervous for THE BIG DAY
the c-section We arrived at the hospital

62 YOUR PREGNANCY

shortly before noon, feeling
extremely anxious and overly
nervous. Although the doctor
had explained everything to
me step by step, I was still
terrified. Having given birth
to my daughter and my son
naturally, my biggest fear
was handing over my babys
birth to doctors and having no
control over it myself.
After what seemed like a
lifetime and not to mention
the hundreds of forms that
needed to be filled out my
husband was told to change
into his scrubs and I was finally
wheeled into theatre. The
anaesthetist explained to me
what was about to happen. He
was such a happy and relaxed
doctor and immediately made
me feel at ease even though
I was terrified of needles and
on the verge of tears. A nurse
came and stood in front of
me, holding my shoulders. It
was the hardest thing to keep
still so the anaesthetist could
administer the spinal block.
Almost immediately the
lower half of my body felt
warm and tingly. I was so
grateful that this part was over.
My husband was not allowed
in the theatre for that part of
the procedure, and I was so
happy to have him by my side
when they finally let him in.
I was beyond myself with fear
Lily makes
her way into
the world
and anticipation. I started to
feel very nauseous and dizzy
and I told the anaesthetist
right away. But he had warned
me that this might happen
and they added something to
The Greatest Baby Expo
the drip which made me feel is Coming to Town!
a little more normal again.
MEETING LILY CAPE TOWN JOBURG
Finally my doctor and his 30 OCT-1 NOV 26-29 NOV
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ready to get started. The blue
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Complete your details below to
to feel a lot of tugging and
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pulling on my lower half. It for the MamaMagic Cape Town or
felt awful, but not painful. Joburg Expo ON WEEKDAYS ONLY
Someone once described it as
a feeling that my body was a Full Name:
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rummaging around in the Tel / Cell:
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exactly how it felt. Email:
I really struggled with that
Pregnancy Due date:
sensation. I remember crying
and asking my husband
1st Childs Date of Birth:
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just wanted them to stop
2nd Childs Date of Birth:
rummaging inside me.
After what felt like an
Where do you live (area)?
eternity, at exactly 3.38pm
my beautiful baby girl, Lily,
was lifted out and she started
crying immediately. In fact
mamamagic.co.za
she screamed the house
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and it felt like forever until
they gave her to me. It was
very uncomfortable to hold
REAL life
her though. The position of the
blue screen and the dizziness
made it very difficult for me
to hold on to her for long.
So, my husband took her and
I watched him fall in love with
his firstborn the child he
never thought hed have.
And it was so
overwhelming, beautiful and
magical and everything a
birth should be no matter
which way she entered this
world. They took her to the
nursery to get cleaned up
and my husband went with
her. I was left alone while the
doctors put me back together.
All I could think of was
getting through this to be with
my baby. Once the doctors
were done, I had terrible
shakes and I cant remember
64 YOUR PREGNANCY Images by Marysol Blomerus of www.capetownbirthphotography.com. Marysol is a qualified member and co-founder of the South African Birth Photographers Association.
The family
united for
Lilys birth
much of the recovery room
that they wheeled me into.
I only remember that there
was a lovely nurse who held
my hand. She whispered
encouragement and told
me that I did great and that
I would feel better soon. She
told me that my baby and
husband were waiting for me
in our room.
My recovery was quick.
The nurses were awesome,
and the painkillers rocked.
I slept with my baby in my
arms during the entire stay.
It was nothing like the scary
hell I had imagined. And
even though it was not what
I had planned on, or what happy memories. Thanks to though, I was not in the room
I wanted, the experience was Marysol Blomerus, our birth with them, I got to witness the
calm and I can look back on photographer, I got to witness raw emotion he felt when he
the actual birth with such Mark bond with Lily. Even held her close. YP
REAL life
HOPE
CARRIED
ME THROUGH
MY DIABETIC
PREGNANCY
AS TOLD TO YOLANDI NORTH
For Loren Walters having her first
child was easy, but nothing could
prepare her for the ordeal she was
going to face the second time around
M
y son Jalon
was born
in 2010. I
was not
diabetic
at the time and had no sign
of gestational diabetes either
(see our feature on page 36
for info on this condition). His
birth weight was 3.2kg.
In November 2013, after a
few months of having severe
nausea, loss of appetite and
falling asleep at random
(which was actually me
slipping into and out of a
diabetic coma), I was rushed
to hospital. I was diagnosed
with type one diabetes.
(See table for the difference
between type one and two).
My dad passed away at the
young age of 42 after a long
battle with this disease.
I was shocked and in denial.
I was put onto insulin and
66 YOUR PREGNANCY
medication. This caused me to
lose around 30kg.
DEALING WITH
THE DIAGNOSIS
Four months after being
diagnosed, I was still coming
to grips with my condition,
when I found out that I was 12
weeks pregnant.
My body took a while
to adjust to the diabetic
medication and was not
working well with the
contraceptive that I was
taking. I thought that the
irregular periods were due to
the diabetes. There were also
no signs or symptoms (as with
my first pregnancy), which is
why it took so long for me to
realise that I was expecting.
HAVING FAITH
AGAINST ALL ODDS
Upon finding out I was
Loren Walters
faced many
challenges
pregnant I was admitted to
hospital. During this week
in Groote Schuur Hospital,
the professors did their
rounds twice a week. On one
occasion, the doctor did an
HbA1c test to check my blood
sugar at conception. She was
not happy with the results.
She showed me lots of
information and explained
the risks for me and baby
birth defects, abnormalities
and how babies of diabetic
moms have difficulties in
surviving. How, statistically,
they do not make it past four
months and that miscarriages
are prevalent. I was given
the option to abort, but had
to decide straight away.
I burst into tears. I had mixed
emotions anger at my dad
and sadness because I was
just starting to fall in love with
my baby. I was shocked about
the extreme risks involved,
but I was also determined.
I looked at her and said
that I am not giving up this
blessing. Shortly after that
I phoned my husband. We
were both devastated, but my
husband also had unwavering
faith that everything would
be okay.
BATTLING TO CARRY
ON NORMALLY
After the week in hospital,
I was back at work. The
changes in medication, diet
and adjusting to the work
environment was tough.
Taking insulin four times a
day at work was so difficult.
I had constant sugar lows at
my desk. There were times
when I did not pack enough
food for the day, then there
were the highs which left
me tired and dizzy. I had
to force myself to eat. The
nausea made everything more
difficult. I could barely get an
apple in. I also struggled to
concentrate.
I had to go to the hospital
once a week and getting
the day off from work was
at times impossible. My
tummy was becoming more
uncomfortable. Eventually
my boss and I reached an
agreement that I would
take unpaid leave days. The
32 week scan showed an
abnormal increase in amniotic
fluid. So not only was I
carrying big, but I had too
much amniotic fluid. I began
to dread the weekly visits
because any small thing (like
glucose in urine) meant that I
would have to be admitted.
A MACROSOMIC
BABY
At 30 weeks I was told that I
was carrying a macrosomic
baby. A macrosomic baby
simply means a big baby
with a birth weight of over
4.5kg. Because the baby grows
too large in utero, it can
lead to birth complications
for the mother and health
complications for baby.
I felt like I could give
birth there and then. I was
extremely tired, but battled
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
TYPE 1
Often diagnosed in
childhood.
Not associated with being
overweight.
No production of insulin.
Common occurrence of
episodes of low blood sugar
level (hypoglycaemia).
Not preventable.
to sleep. I would sleep almost
sitting up because I struggled
to breathe. My back gave me
problems. By 32 weeks Chloe
weighed 2.8kg.
THE BIRTH
Right at the beginning of
the pregnancy I was told
that I would have to have a
caesarean section. This really
scared me, but the doctors
advised me that natural birth
was too risky. The c-section
was scheduled for Monday, 20
October 2014. But by Sunday
morning (19 October) at
7am I was already five
centimetres dilated.
At 11am that morning I
went through to the theatre
and Chloe was born weighing
five kilograms. The caesar
was painless and without
complications. After her birth
Chloe was sent straight to the
neonatal ICU and I was sent
to recover in the ward. I was
devastated to be separated
from my baby early on but she
needed medical attention.
T YPE 2
Mostly diagnosed in over
30s, although more and more
children are diagnosed with
Type 2.
Associated with being
overweight, lack of exercise.
Have too little insulin or
cannot use effectively, worsens
with time. Patient eventually
has no insulin production.
Fewer episodes of
hypoglycaemia, depending
on treatment being used.
Mostly preventable with
a healthy lifestyle.
REAL life Beautiful
baby Chloe
lights up life

A TOUGH WEEK FOR maintain its own sugar levels.

MOM AND BABY I desperately wanted to be
Only 12 hours after the with her, but I had to be back
c-section, I was up and at the ward for my medication
longing to see my baby. and meals. On day three I was
I eventually made it to the allowed to breastfeed and a
nursery and was shocked to week after giving birth we
see her in the NICU with so were finally sent home. After
many wires attached to her. two weeks at home I was still
I was not allowed to breastfeed crying about everything we
or even pick her up. had been through.
The doctors told me that However today we are both
she had a dangerous blood doing really well and have
sugar reading of 1.3 at birth, gotten through it. My ordeal DID YOU
and that she is very lucky to made me stronger. I cherish KNOW?
every single moment with my SHARON STONE
have survived. This was due HAS TYPE 1 DIAB
to my high sugar levels. She beautiful little girl and I live ETES,
HALLE BERRY HA
for my children. In the end S TYPE 2
had a drip through her navel AND SALMA HA
I am so grateful for a perfect YEK HAD
and was monitored constantly GESTATIONAL DI
healthy little girl. YP ABETES
until her body was able to DURING HER
PREGNANCY
PREGNANCY WITH DIABETES
In pregnancy your insulin requirements the time baby has already grown for should furthermore be examined in each
can rise up to three times of your pre- two to four weeks. High blood sugar trimester and your blood sugar should be
pregnancy levels, so managing your levels before 13 weeks of pregnancy monitored regularly.
blood sugar levels and your diabetes can cause serious birth defects, the risk Talk to your doctor about adjusting
medication when expecting is vital for of miscarrying and other complications. your diet to ensure that you and baby
your own health and that of your baby. You have to maintain ideal blood glucose get enough kilojoules and to avoid sugar
Controlling your blood sugar becomes levels (as explained by your doctor), eat highs and lows. A suitable, safe form of
harder during pregnancy (normally the correct balanced diet, exercise and exercise should also be discussed with
during the second and third trimester) take the correct medication. your medical practitioner and included as
due to pregnancy hormones, but diabetic part of your healthy lifestyle.
mothers can have healthy pregnancies MANAGING DIABETES You should be able to carry your baby
with the correct monitoring, a healthy DURING PREGNANCY to term without problems if your diabetes
lifestyle and medication in place. If at all possible, women with pre-existing is well controlled. Your doctor will advise
Meeting with your doctor or nurse diabetes should self-monitor their blood if an early delivery is necessary. If you
before falling pregnant is crucial to ensure glucose levels. This will have to be took insulin during your pregnancy, then
that you have a healthy pregnancy. It is discussed with a healthcare practitioner, insulin might be given via injection or
vital to have controlled diabetes even but should be in line with the pattern intravenously when labour begins. Insulin
before falling pregnant, because you of testing and type of insulin that was requirements often drop quickly right after
might only find out you are pregnant by used prior to the pregnancy. Your eyes giving birth.

Pregnant moms with diabetes often have babies with considerably larger bodies than other babies. The
condition is called macrosomia and literally means large body. It happens because the baby receives
THE EFFECTS too much sugar from moms placenta due to the mothers high blood sugar levels. Babys pancreas

OF DIABETES subsequently produces more insulin to try and use up all the sugar. The extra sugar is converted to sugar
which makes the baby fat. If the baby is too large for a vaginal birth, a c-section might be necessary.
ON YOUR High blood sugar levels during your pregnancy and specifically the 24 hours before the delivery may
cause your baby to have dangerously low blood sugar right after the birth. The reason for this is that the
UNBORN babys body produces high levels of insulin to use up the extra sugars, and when the source of the sugar

BABY is taken away quickly, the babys blood sugar will drop instantly. If this is the case, then baby will be
monitored closely and given glucose intravenously. Insufficient calcium and magnesium levels may also
occur, but can also be rectified with medication.

68 YOUR PREGNANCY Sources: Dr. Ntsiki Molefe Osman, medical advisor at Novo Nordisk; webmd.com
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BLEEDING IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER PAGE 78

fertility FALLING
PREGNANT
BY JULIA BOLTT

BABYPROOF
Youve chosen the cot,
YOUR
RELATIONSHIP
picked out the pram and
painted the nursery the
perfect shade, but have
you addressed the really
important issues? Have
you and your partner had
a meaningful conversation
about the parenting issues
that could bond you more
closely or cause stress
and resentment later on?

Y
oure having a baby. There
are some nerves, because
you know it will change
your life, but theres also
lots of excitement about the
impending arrival. But to really prepare
your relationship, its important to talk
about what lies ahead and how you
approach potentially touchy topics like
who takes care of the baby when mom
goes back to work, what your style of
parenting will be and what your approach
to discipline is. After all, if one of you
intends to sleep with baby in the bed while
the other has a cry it out approach, the
chances of conflict are high.
DONT OVERTHINK IT
Although its useful to discuss the general
division of duties (for example, explaining
that dad will have to change some
nappies), many parents find that they
cope with practical issues very differently
to how they expected to cope before the
baby was born and that they just figure it
out as they go along.
One of the biggest issues that happens
is when one parent-to-be anticipates
problems with the way their partner may
parent. During the pregnancy, one partner
will start worrying about little aspects
of their partners behaviour, generally
negative aspects. They start worrying that
those negative aspects are going to become
problems for their children, and they start
nit-picking their partner, explains clinical
psychologist Jeanine Lamusse. It doesnt
help at all, and often you dont realise that
this is whats going on. It just seems that
youre starting to fight a lot more and are
worrying a lot more, she comments.
This is because youre looking at your
partner as a prospective co-parent. If you
find yourself doing this, take a step back
and get a sense of what you are worrying
about, she advises. Its always useful to
chat to your partner about your concerns,
but rather than framing them in a personal
attack, talk about these concerns in a more
abstract way. Talk from a me space
I feel that this is going to be a concern
and what kind of impact you imagine it
will have on parenting or on your child
so that your partner can help you unpack
that, she recommends.
STOP AND LISTEN
Parents who have different parenting
styles will often start talking to each
other in a way that becomes attack and
defend. Doing this polarises you to a
point where there is no meeting of the
minds or opportunity for compromise
and no chance of giving your child a
sense of their parents working as a team,
cautions Jeanine. If this is happening, its
very important to work out a different
way of communicating where youre not
attacking each other, she stresses. When
you do have differences, its important
that you stop and listen. You might
actually find merit in your partners point
of view. They might hear you and you
might find a new way of approaching an

72 YOUR PREGNANCY Images: Thinkstock

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issue. It can actually strengthen you, she explains.

If you are battling to communicate without conflict, now
would be a good time to get some couples counselling, or at least
a mediated discussion with a neutral third party, advises Jeanine.

FIND COMMON GROUND

I recommend that new parents find a maximum of three
parenting books and then both read those books beforehand.
This allows you to start off with common ground and a common
frame of reference from where you can discuss your parenting
styles and attitudes, recommends Jeanine (see Recommended
reading list below).

BE PREPARED FOR CHANGE

No matter what youve discussed with your partner, no matter
how solid you think your parenting plan is, be prepared for it to
change after youve discussed what your boundaries are. After
all, you cant account for is your babys temperament. There will
be three people involved now, not just two. You may intend to
parent using time-outs for discipline, but if your child doesnt
respond to that form of discipline, its simply not going to work.
Its useful, while youre pregnant, to say: These are ideas that
we have, and I am going to see what kind of child we get and
take it one step at a time, recommends Jeanine. You need to
have a broad sense of how youre going to manage things and
establish that with your partner, but you must have a willingness
to change and adapt, advises Jeanine.

STAY CONNECTED
A new baby represents massive change for both of you, but
sometimes its easy to lose sight of the fact that the baby
represents a huge change for dad as well as mom. If you can
hold that in mind, then you can learn together, says Jeanine. You
wont have the same amount of time for each other and thats
not a bad thing, but part of a healthy, growing process that youre
embarking on. Find different and new ways of connecting with
your partner, recommends Jeanine. Whether its the tried-and-
trusted date night, a morning cup of tea in bed together or
another approach altogether, coming together as partners is key
to a healthy relationship. While things can be quite difficult in
the beginning, this doesnt mean a rupture in the relationship.
Its about taking it one step at a time, she says. YP

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

Baby Sense by Megan Faure and Ann Richardson R155
available from www.exclusives.co.za
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids
Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish R232
available from www.exclusives.co.za
Children Need Boundaries by Anne Cawood R134
available from www.exclusives.co.za
month 1
30
Keep your eyes open for end-of-range prams.
YOUR BODY When a new model is about to come out, retailers like to
AND BABY
BUDGET SAVVY
TIPS TO HELP
AFFORD A BABY
Theres no way to sugar coat it: having a baby is
BY MELANY BENDIX going to cost money. But it doesnt have to cost that
much if you plan well and spend your money smartly
F
rom small savings that add
up over time to big once-off
discounts, here are our top
tips for parents-to-be. Start
being financially savvy no
matter how far into pregnancy you are.
PREGNANCY & PLANNING
1
Get a belly band to
save on maternity
clothes. Its a band
of stretchy material you
wear around your waist
so you can still wear
your trousers and
skirts when they no
longer zip up.
2
Hold
off on
getting
maternity
HANDY TIP
move stock and discount these items.
clothes until you really need them. It is
exciting to buy maternity clothes but you
can save a lot by making do with what
you have and/or borrowing.
3
Your bra size is likely to go up a
cup or two while pregnant and
this isnt going to change after
birth. Instead of buying bigger bras for
pregnancy and nursing bras after baby,
wear nursing bras while pregnant.
4
Dont splurge on special
breastfeeding tops. Make
sure youre committed to
breastfeeding before buying these items.
5
Fight your nesting instinct and
hold off until after your baby
shower to go shopping.
6
Put nappies on your baby
registry, and ask for larger sizes
because your baby may only
use newborn nappies for a week or two
before he outgrows them.
7
Get only the bare minimum of the
essentials. Sure, you want to be
fully stocked and ready, but your
baby may react badly to a particular bum
cream, or she may not take a dummy at
all. So get only one of what you need and
stock up once you know its a sure thing.
8
Get everything major in gender
neutral colours if youre planning
on having more kids; itll save
you in the long run.
9
Freeze plenty of homemade
meals before D-day: cooking is
not going to be a priority in those
first few weeks and this will save you on
take-out costs. And its healthier.
Image: Thinkstock
month 1
YOUR BABY AT MONTH 1
Size Your baby is about 1mm long the size of a poppy seed. Progress
YOUR BODY The fertilised egg burrows into the uterus lining. The amniotic sac forms.
AND BABY Body & Brain The embryo will divide to form the beginning of a body.

THE BIRTH
IF THE DOCTOR GIVES as soon as nappies, wipes and bum cream
THE ALL-CLEAR THERES
10
Ask if there is a discount are crossed off the shopping list.

NO REASON YOU CANT

26
for paying your doctor or Always carry a snack pack
midwife early some offer the R5, R10 and R20 you
up to 25 percent off if you pay in full by
around 30 weeks.
LEAVE AFTER DAY ONE shell out for snacks every
time youre out adds up to bigger notes at

11
Cash is king: if there are attachments that shouldnt be shared (you the end of the month.

27
discounts to be had, itll can usually buy these separately). Get familiar enough

17
be from paying cash for Ask for samples, with your paediatrician
hospitals and doctors upfront. everywhere: at the that you can call and

12
If you dont have medical hospital, at the pharmacy, discuss a concern before making an
aid but still want a private at the paediatrician. appointment. Often they can tell you if

18
hospital birth, ask around It pays to buy in bulk when its worth coming in or not, saving you a
for special maternity packages. it comes to things like consultation fee or two.

13 28
Go home as soon as you nappies. At the end of each

19
can. Three days is the Keep a piggy bank on
standard stay in a private hand for when essential
hospital after birth, but if your doctor items like nappies are on
gives you the all-clear theres no reason special so you can stock up and save.
developmental stage, do a
clear-out and sell clothes,
toys and other goods on second-hand sites
such as Gumtree. Then use the money to

20
you cant leave after day one especially Sign up to loyalty clubs, buy what you need for the next stage
since each day in a private maternity ward especially to those that second-hand, of course.

29
can cost up to R3 000, or even more. often reward baby-related Start saving for school now.

14
Check if there is a difference purchases. Schools all the way from

in cost between a private
room and room-share.
Youll have nurses and visitors popping in
and out anyway, so private is relative.
21
Save big by making your
own baby food. You dont
have to be Nigella to mush
food and freeze it.
pre-school to high school
offer sizeable discounts if you pay for the
full year upfront. If youre smart and save
wisely now, youll be able to get the early

15 22
If you dont have Dont bother with fancy bird discount every year and earn interest
comprehensive cover or toys; your baby will like on your savings in between.

30
any medical aid at all, Tupperware, pots and If your annual household
consider a home birth. If youre eligible pans and cardboard boxes just as much. income is R180 000 or less,

23
(assessed by a medical professional to be Dont buy shoes until after
healthy and having a low-risk pregnancy) your baby is walking.
it can be far cheaper than a private Socks will do until they
hospital. Or go to a government hospital take those first steps.
you qualify for a Fundisa
Fund. This government assisted fund
encourages parents to save for their
childs education by offering a bonus of

24
its free. Consider cloth nappies as much as 25 percent for each year of
you can save R10 000 or saving (maximum R600 per child). If,
BABY & BEYOND more if your baby wears for example, you save R100 a month for

16
Hire an electric breast nappies full time until hes two and a half. a year, a bonus of R300 will be paid into

25
pump from a lactation Potty train as soon as baby your childs education savings account at
consultant. Buying one is ready. Youll feel your the end of that year. Visit www.asisa.org.
new is pricey, and its only the plastic wallet heave a sigh of relief za for more information. YP

Not only is breastfeeding free, its good for baby. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to
ITS FREE!

six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. The longer and more you breastfeed, the more youll save.
Trouble breastfeeding? Most government clinics will have a sister who knows a thing or two about breastfeeding, while
maternity state hospitals usually have lactation consultants on staff. And its all mahala.
Theres no charge for weighing, measuring and making sure baby is developing properly at government clinics. These visits
can cost R100 or more a time at private well-baby clinics.
Theres also no charge for vaccinations at government clinics.
Dont pay a stranger to babysit get your nearest and dearest to spend quality time with baby while you have a well
deserved break.

76 YOUR PREGNANCY
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month 2
BY TINA OTTE
Bleeding in early pregnancy can be scary
heres what you need to know
N
othing is more frightening
than finding blood on
your panties or linen
when you are pregnant.
Yet research has shown
that one in five pregnant women will
bleed during the first trimester.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
One would think that a pregnancy starts
the moment the sperm and egg collide,
but actually a pregnancy is only secure
when the conceptus attaches itself to the
lining of the uterus.
In order for a blastocyst (the result
of the union of the sperm and the egg)
to survive and grow into an embryo,
it needs to find a place in the wall of
the prepared uterus. Between five to
seven days after ovulation the level
of the hormone progesterone is at its
highest, and this stimulates the growth
of the blood vessels that supply the
endometrium, which is the lining of the
uterus that comes away every month if
a pregnancy does not occur. This is then
recognised as your period.
When attachment of the blastocyst does
take place in the lining of the womb, it is
called implantation and usually occurs
about nine days after fertilisation. The
blastocyst attaches itself by burrowing
into the spongy uterine wall. Some
women will experience a bit of spotting
that is known as implantation bleeding.
It occurs because the tiny blood vessels in
the endometrium become disturbed at the
site where the implantation happens and
a small amount of blood dribbles down
through the cervix. This is normal and no
cause for alarm, even if you experience
78 YOUR PREGNANCY
YOUR BODY
AND BABY
some mild cramping.
Bleeding from an implantation site is
very different from the regular bleeding
from a full period, which occurs when
the entire lining of the uterus (the
endometrium) comes away as the body
signals that no pregnancy has taken
hold and the womb sweeps itself clean
and starts preparing once again for the
possibility of new life during the next
cycle. Implantation bleeding is usually
light and scanty and may last one or
two days.
Because implantation bleeding occurs
at about the same time that your period
may start, many women think this is a
small, light period and are surprised to
find out that they are indeed pregnant
and further along than they thought.
Once the next period does not
occur, and you know you are indeed
pregnant, your doctor may have to use
other methods to date your pregnancy,
especially as you are likely to be unsure
of the last date of your proper period.
Also at this stage you have had no other
signs of pregnancy. Your breasts have not
started to enlarge and there are no outer
visible signs that you are pregnant. Some
women have reported nausea at this early
phase, due to the changes in hormones.
WHEN TO WORRY?
Implantation bleeding has no ill effects
on the embryo, but bleeding in the first
twelve weeks can make you worry about
the wellbeing of your baby and the
possibility of a miscarriage.
Almost all women think about the
possibility of a miscarriage during
pregnancy, but in fact only about 20
YOUR BABY AT MONTH 2
Size Your baby is about the size of a
raspberry and growing fast. He could
measure about 1.25cm from head
to bottom. Progress Many of the
finishing touches are being made to
your babys major organs including
brain, heart and lungs. Blood is
flowing from one side of the heart
to the other, bypassing the lungs.
Body & Brain His little face has
developed, with the upper lip and
nostrils set in the little nub of the
nose. His ears have now moved to
the side of her head and have a flap of
skin that will become an earlobe.
percent of all pregnancies are lost to
miscarriage, most within the first three
months. In most cases the cause is
unknown, but reasons could include:
chromosomal problems (problems
with the early development of the
baby), hormonal problems, extreme
emotional distress, uterine abnormalities,
infections, cigarette smoking, trauma,
alcohol, problems with an incompetent
cervix, as well as some drugs and
Rhesus incompatibility.
Bleeding or spotting, if associated with
cramping, fever or chills and pain that
comes and goes and is felt in the small of
the back radiating to the lower abdomen
with loss of bloody tissue, is cause
for concern.
If you suspect that you may be having
a miscarriage, or you are unsure why
you are bleeding, contact your doctor or
midwife immediately or go to be checked
at the hospital where you are planning to
have your baby.
It is always a good idea to check out any
bleeding at any stage of your pregnancy,
if only for reassurance. YP
WHAT IS AN ECTOPIC
PREGNANCY?
Another huge consideration for a
pregnant woman is ectopic pregnancy.
This occurs when the pregnancy grows
in the fallopian tube instead of the
uterus. Ectopic pregnancies occur in
one out of every 60 pregnancies, and
can be life-threatening to the mother.
Serious pain and internal bleeding can
occur with ectopic pregnancies, so it
needs to be checked out.
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month 3
WHAT
IS NIPT?
Meet the new non-invasive screening test that can pick
up Down syndrome by 10 weeks gestation
U
ntil fairly recently,
parents who wanted or
needed to do genetic tests
on their foetus stood on
the horns of a dilemma.
These tests were expensive, invasive, most
accurate only from the second trimester,
and (probably most worryingly) elevated
your risk of miscarriage. You really had to
have a persuasive reason if you wanted to
do the test such as being at an increased
risk of genetic disorder in your family,
being of advanced maternal age (over
35), and/or showing other signs of a
possible abnormal pregnancy.
If your doctor recommended an
amniocentesis or a CVS (chorionic villous
sampling) for you, a needle would draw
up a little bit of amniotic fluid from your
womb or from your placental tissue,
respectively. Because this is invasive,
your body might reject the foreign body
and cause a miscarriage, something that
happens in one in 200 to one in 100 cases
of amnio testing. So the risks to determine
whether your baby may have any of a
range of foetal chromosomal anomalies
(such as Down syndrome) are high.
This picture is changing thanks to a
new blood test called NIPT, which stands
for non-invasive prenatal testing.
NIPT only involves drawing blood from
a pregnant mother, and so it removes
the risk of miscarriage associated with
invasive procedures.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A few years ago, it was discovered
that free-floating, non-cell-bound
DNA from the foetus is present in the
mothers bloodstream, explains Dr
Jaysen Knezovich, laboratory director
80 YOUR PREGNANCY
YOUR BODY
AND BABY
BY MARGOT
BERTELSMANN
and medical scientist at Genesis Genetics
South Africa. This discovery offered
scientists the intriguing possibility of
studying the mothers blood (but actually
the foetus DNA) to discover facts about
the baby she was carrying.
Our DNA is packaged into structures
called chromosomes. We normally have
two copies of every chromosome, with 46
chromosomes (in 23 pairs) in total. Down
syndrome, for example, is characterised
by the presence of one extra chromosome.
Imagine 46 volumes of an encyclopaedia
on a bookshelf, says Dr Knezovich. It
is relatively easy to count them and see if
there is one extra volume. This is what
NIPT does it counts the chromosomes in
the foetal DNA sourced from its mothers
blood. NIPT is over 99 percent accurate
in picking up Down syndrome and it is
indeed most often used for this purpose.
Other genetic conditions, which
might be buried deep inside a few gene
mutations, are harder to spot than
chromosomal ones. To screen for every
condition and genetic abnormality
we know of would be like having to
proofread the entire 46 volumes of the
encyclopaedia, and being expected to spot
a spelling error on page 4678 of volume
21, says Dr Knezovich. Unless you know
what you are looking for, it is virtually an
impossible task. Because of this, NIPT
is only used to count the number of
copies of a few chromosomes, which are
associated with genetic conditions such as
Down syndrome.
However, the sex of a baby can also
be read from its chromosomes pairs of
XX chromosomes are female, XY pairs
are male. This is why NIPT is sometimes
also used for knowing if you are carrying
YOUR BABY AT MONTH 3
Size Your babys feet are almost 1cm
long. From crown to rump, your baby
grows from about 2.5cm to about 7.5cm
long this month. Progress The most
dramatic development is your babys
reflexes. Your babys fingers will begin
to open and close, his toes will curl, his
eye muscles will clench, and his mouth
will make sucking movements. Body
& Brain His intestines, which have
grown so fast that they protrude into
the umbilical cord, will start to move
into the abdominal cavity. Babys eyes
have moved from the sides to the front.
a girl or a boy and its accuracy is 97 to
99 percent. A study conducted last year
by the UKs National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR) found NIPT to be safe
and effective, and this has opened the
test up to broader usage internationally.
Whereas you could obtain the test three
years ago in selected centres only, it is
now available across South Africa, and
the cost, while still in the region of a
belt-tightening R7 000, has come down
from the previous R15 000 and can be
expected to fall further in future, like most
new technologies do.
WHEN IS IT DONE?
NIPT is done from 10 weeks of pregnancy,
which is earlier than the second trimester
testing of amniocentesis or CVS, and leaves
more time for parents to decide whether
they want to continue a pregnancy, or
what treatment options, even prenatal
ones, and birth options might be available
for them. But does NIPT completely
replace amniocentesis and CVS? No.
As Dr Knezovich says, amniocentesis
and CVS remain the gold standard
diagnostic tools presently. This means
only these tests can be said to diagnose
the presence of a condition positively.
But when a patient comes in and her
ultrasound and blood test results show
suspicions of an abnormal pregnancy,
and that there is a good indication for
further testing, then NIPT is an excellent
screening tool as the next step. A positive
result for a chromosomal abnormality
on NIPT would then definitely lead to a
recommendation for an amnio or CVS to
confirm the result, and a negative NIPT
result would generally mean no further
tests are needed, says Dr Knezovich. YP
MORE THAN A MAGAZINE
JOIN OUR COM MUNIT Y
Travel with Your Pregnancy magazine
on the path to being a great parent
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T PG96

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WINNING TO COMMON
START PREGNANCY GET YOUR WHAT TO
YOUR FIRST
TRIMESTER BUDGET
PROBLEMS
ENERGY EAT
TO PROTECT
STEPS SURVIVAL
SAVVY BABY BACK YOUR BABY
TO THE
BEST
GUIDE
PAGE 28
TIPS
PROOF
YOUR
TODAY Plus
MEAL
BIRTH TAKE TO HELP LOVE LIFE STAY PLAN
EVER OUR YOU FLU
INSIDE free
QUIZ SICK
AFFORD ALL
WHAT A FAMILY
A GENTLE
C-SECTION KIND OF THE NATURAL
THE
TIME?
MAKE IT SPECIAL MOM
WILL CHOOSE WOMB REMEDIES
AND SAFE TRY
THESE
ACHES
YOU BE?
THE RIGHT WELCOME TO
YOUR BABYS
MEDS PG36
NAUSEA

& PAINS
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IN THE
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LABOUR
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month 4
TOP TIP
When you think you have finished urinating, place your hands
YOUR BODY on your abdomen and lift the baby a little to release trapped urine.
AND BABY Then rock back and forth.

That BY JULIA BOLTT

burning
sensation
Its an irritation for any woman, but when
youre expecting a baby its something
you may experience more often a bladder
infection. But should you worry?

A bladder
infection ca
n be
cleared up q
uickly and
easily with a
ntibiotics. If
untreated, a left
UTI can cau
kidney infect se a
ion that cou
lead to othe ld
r problems,

T
heyre annoying, does make you more at risk
and something of developing one. Thats
that isnt often because pregnancy hormones
discussed, but cause changes in the urinary
most women tract. Pregnancy hormones
will recognise the feeling a including progesterone lead
burning sensation during to a relaxation of the bladders
urination, feeling a constant musculature and delayed
need to go to the bathroom, emptying. This leads to an
cloudy urine, lower abdominal increased risk of acquiring
(stomach) pain or even blood an infection, explains Dr
visible in the urine. These are Jana Rossouw, a specialist in
all symptoms of a bladder gynaecology and obstetrics at
infection and theyre also a Tygerberg Hospital in Cape
good reason to seek medical Town. A growing uterus
help, particularly when also presses on the bladder
youre pregnant. and prevents it emptying
completely, which creates a
WHAT DID I DO? pool of urine where bacteria
Why does it seem like can flourish.
youre more prone to
bladder infections while STAYING HEALTHY
youre pregnant? Well, Generally, the same advice
pregnancy doesnt cause that applies when youre
bladder infections, but it not pregnant remains true
when youre expecting. Its
important to stay hydrated
by drinking enough water
daily and this is particularly
true in pregnancy. Current
advice is to drink at least
eight glasses of water a
day approximately 1.5L of
liquids. Cranberry juice has
an anti-inflammatory effect
and may help prevent bladder
infections it contains a
substance that prevents
E.coli bacteria from sticking
to the walls of the bladder
but consult your healthcare
provider before taking
cranberry supplements.
Cranberry juice is also not
a substitute for antibiotic
treatment of an infection.
And it may be an old joke
that pregnant women always
need the toilet, but dont
try to hold it in frequent
including pre
mature
labour.
urination is important, as
is taking your time to make
sure you empty your bladder
completely. Needless to say,
general perineal hygiene is
of the utmost importance,
including always wiping from
the front to the back, wearing
cotton underwear, and
avoiding douches and strong
soap. Other advice includes
emptying your bladder before
and after sex, and avoiding
tight clothing.
TREATMENT
OPTIONS
A bladder infection will need
treatment with antibiotics.
Fortunately, many common
antibiotics are safe for use
during pregnancy and your

82 YOUR PREGNANCY
 YOUR BABY AT MONTH 4
Size The second trimester signals the start of your babys
biggest growth period. Although genetic factors that influence
her size will only begin to take effect at about 20 weeks, your
nutrition and general health are already playing a vital role.
Progress Baby is big enough and strong enough to wiggle,
twist, kick and squirm but you are likely to only feel this from
your fifth month. Body & Brain Your babys arms and legs are
now in proportion with each other and to the rest of his body. His
ears are on the side of his head and can start hearing sounds.

healthcare provider will be she comments. Rather avoid it.

aware of those that are not
safe during pregnancy. If the
infection is detected when you
arent showing symptoms
for example, during a routine
checkup amoxicillin would
be given, advises Dr Rossouw.
However, if you are already
experiencing symptoms from
a bladder infection, your
sample will be cultured in a
laboratory to see which culture
is present and the antibiotic is
chosen according to the test
results from the laboratory.
The drug chosen may be
different in different trimesters
in order to take the developing
baby into account, explains
Dr Rossouw. But know
that Citro-Soda has not been
tested on pregnant women,
as studies in this population
group are difficult to justify,
WILL THIS HURT
MY BABY?
With proper care, most
bladder infections seldom
cause serious health problems.
However, a severe bladder
infection may complicate
and cause an ascending
infection into the kidney
system (pyelonephritis). This
may cause a fever, which
may predispose a patient
to going into labour. If this
happens preterm, it may be
a significant complication,
cautions Dr Rossouw. Please
contact your gynaecologist if
you are experiencing burning
urination, she advises.
If caught early, bladder
infections are easy to treat,
so dont delay making an
appointment. YP

HERES WHAT THE EXPERT HAS TO SAY...

DR JANA ROSSOUW
EVERY TIME I GO TO THE
DOCTOR HE CHECKS MY URINE.
WHY?
We check for signs of glucose (sugar) which
may be indicative of possible pregnancy-
associated diabetes mellitus [gestational
diabetes] as well as protein, which may
be a sign of hypertensive or kidney-related complications, says
Dr Jana Rossouw, a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics at
Tygerberg Hospital.

I HAVE WHITE DISCHARGE. IS THIS NORMAL?

The rule of thumb is: if your discharge is not foul-smelling or does
not cause itching, it is most likely normal pregnancy-associated
leucorrhoea (whitish vaginal discharge). This is the vaginas natural
response to pregnancy hormones, advises Dr Rossouw.

Image: Jupiter Images

month 5 YOUR BODY
AND BABY
TOP TIP
Warm baths relax muscles that often get sore during pregnancy;
they can also help soothe backache and leg cramps.

Posture
pregnancy
BY TINA OTTE

During pregnancy
your body undergoes many
marvellous adaptations to
accommodate the growing
life inside of you. One of the
major changes is the shift in
your centre of gravity, which
affects your posture

T
he enlarging belly seems
to pull your body forward
so that the spine assumes a
greater curve than normal.
The lower back (the lumber
spine) becomes more hollow, while the
upper back becomes more rounded. This
causes the lower back muscles to shorten
and weaken and therefore places great
strain on the entire back.
The abdominal muscles, which are one
of the back muscles greatest supporters,
also change. Instead of being short, thick
and strong, they elongate and stretch by
as much as 20cm to accommodate the
expanding uterus. They also separate
down the middle in the latter part of
pregnancy and the back picks up the slack,
taking on more strain. Heavy growing
breasts also play a part in causing upper
back discomfort.
Thats not all. If your pelvic floor is
weak your internal organs are not well
supported from the bottom and this
causes heaviness on the lower back
causing more aches and pains. Short,
tight hamstrings bring about a change in
the correct position of the pelvis and this
impacts tremendously on the body.
We cannot forget to mention the role
of pregnancy hormones. Oestrogen,

84 YOUR PREGNANCY
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progesterone and relaxin make your

ligaments softer and more elastic to
allow the pelvic area to accommodate the
growing uterus.
TOP TIPS
4 EXERCISE
This is a wonderful form of medicine
that has huge benefits with very little
risk if prescribed by a qualified person.
Moderate, regular and gentle exercise
will strengthen all the postural muscles

1 POSTURE, POSTURE
Never more important than when you
are pregnant. Now that you understand
the reasons for the joint aches and strains,
you need to become more aware of your
posture. When standing or walking,
imagine that you have a string attached
to the top of your head that makes you
walk tall. Your chin should be pulled back
and not poking forward, your shoulders
and ribcage should be lifted up and back,
and when you stand, try to tuck in your
bottom so that you feel your tummy
muscles working to support your spine.
Make sure that you dont tighten your
shoulders.
of the body that will not only help you
during pregnancy but also during labour
and after the baby is born. Swimming is
an excellent all-round exercise, which
strengthens your body and keeps you fit.
Try and exercise for 20 minutes three times
a week. Check with your doctor before
embarking on an exercise regime.
5 YOUR ENVIRONMENT PLAYS
AN IMPORTANT ROLE
If your work involves standing for any
period, try and exercise your feet while
you do so. You can also place one foot
at a time on an object (in front of you)
approximately 10cm high and alternate
legs without allowing the pelvis to slide

2 AVOID LIFTING
HEAVY LOADS
If you do, balance parcels between both
arms. Do not bend down with straight
legs, always bend your knees into a squat
position and keep your back straight. If
you are picking anything up from the
floor bring it close to your body, before
lifting it. Wear low-heeled shoes and sleep
with a small pillow or cushion between
your knees.
sideways. Try to always work on a surface
that is high enough so that you dont have
to stoop. If the working surface is too
low, transfer your weight to one leg and
after a while transfer it to the other leg.
When sitting, see that your spine is well
supported. Ensure that your buttocks are
against the back of the chair and that you
place a small cushion in the small of your
back. An upright chair with a high back
is more comfortable than a low chair or
sofa. Both feet should be flat on the floor

3 WEAR A BRA THAT FITS

Throw away your old bras and invest
in some strong new ones. As soon as you
can investigate and get fitted for a sports
bra it will supply support to the breasts
as they grow along with your pregnancy
and as a result there will be less stress and
strain on your upper back.
or supported by a small stool to reduce
pressure in the veins of the legs. If ironing,
lower the ironing board and sit while
youre doing this chore. When preparing
a meal, sit while you peel onions, chop
vegetables and so on. Keep a small pillow
or rolled up towel in the car to place in the
small of your back when driving. YP

YOUR BABY AT MONTH 5

Size During this month your baby may grow from about 142g or about the size of a
mango to match the size of a small doll by the end of the month weighing about 450g
and measuring about 20cm from head to bum. Progress This month kicks off a real
growth spurt for your baby. Cells are dividing, expanding and maturing in every part of
babys body. Body & Brain Your babys mouth and nose are well developed. His hands
and fingers are clearly visible and the nail beds have been laid down.

Illustration: Susan Newham

month 6 YOUR BODY
AND BABY
YOUR BABY AT MONTH 6
Size Your baby is now the size of a
small pawpaw. Progress By 24 weeks
the foetal lungs have started to make
surfactant the detergent-like molecule
that helps the lungs expand and take
in air. The nervous system is maturing
and the baby startles when she hears a
loud noise. The eyes open and close. She
is swallowing amniotic fluid, and her
heart is pumping 30l of blood through
the system each day. Weight She gains
about 500g approximately the same
amount that she gained during the first
half of your pregnancy.

I
ts not something everyone is
comfortable chatting about but
by understanding what causes
constipation, you can learn
ways to prevent and manage it.
Remember always to tell your caregiver
before you try any remedy: natural
or otherwise.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

HORMONAL ISSUES
Pregnancy hormones cause a general
slowing down of your bowels. Specifically,
progesterone relaxes smooth muscles
throughout the body, which in turn leads
to constipation.

CHANGES IN DIET
Very often during pregnancy women eat
unusual, different foods, which can affect
your digestion. For example, when a
woman finds out shes pregnant she may
start eating more fibre (fruits, vegetables,
wholegrains) but a sudden increase in
fibre can cause constipation and thus an
increase in fibre needs to be gradual.

POSITION OF UTERUS AND BABY

BY REGISTERED Your growing uterus puts pressure on the
DIETICIAN LILA BRUK

BLOCKED
bowels making it more difficult to have
full bowel movements.

STRESS
The stress and anxiety that many women
experience during pregnancy can also
slow down digestion.

Pregnancy is associated with HOW TO PREVENT IT

many body changes, but the FIBRE
one no one likes to admit to is It is essential that you have sufficient
dietary fibre. Fibre is found in fruits and
the dreaded C constipation vegetables, legumes, bran cereals, brown

86 YOUR PREGNANCY
 SOPHIE THE
GIRAFFE MOBILE
R499 www.pyrelle.co.za
rice, seed bread, nuts and seeds. Many
find that increasing specifically soluble
fibre in the diet can help with constipation.
Soluble fibre is found in the flesh of fruits
and vegetables, oats and legumes. If you
ate little fibre before your pregnancy,
introduce it slowly perhaps with a fruit
in the morning.
WATER
You can eat all the fibre you want, but
if you dont drink enough fluids you
will find that your constipation does not
improve and your stools become very
hard and difficult to pass. If you find it
difficult to drink plain water, add a dash
of lemon juice or stick to herbal teas and
soups, which will also contribute to your
fluid intake.
EXERCISE
If youre not moving on the outside, you
wont move on the inside. Light exercise
can help to improve digestion, as well
as help to alleviate stress and keep your
weight gain in check.
BREATHING
Try some deep breathing to help to de-
stress and make you feel more relaxed.
SMALL REGULAR MEALS
Large meals can also cause your digestion
to become sluggish. Therefore it is best to
keep to small regular meals and snacks
throughout the day.
IRON SUPPLEMENT
Some iron supplements can also lead to
constipation. Discuss with your doctor
whether there is a slow-release iron tablet
that you can change to.
PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT
A probiotic supplement can be beneficial
to improve digestion, but once again
WHEN TO If you experience severe pain, cramping and/or bleeding, then it is advisable to call your doctor. Try to avoid
CALL THE straining as this can lead to (or worsen) haemorrhoids. These are varicose veins around the anus that start off
like little peas and can swell to feel like grapes when they protrude. You may not know you have them until you
DOCTOR see fresh blood on the toilet paper. Its important to keep this area clean and dry. Speak to your doctor about
special creams that can be used to shrink haemorrhoids.
Image: Jupiter Images
What you eat influences your childs preferences after birth. So eating well now
and making healthy choices has a long lasting effect on your childs health too.
discuss with your doctor first to make
sure its safe.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Before trying any natural remedy, discuss
with your doctor.
FIBRE SUPPLEMENTS
There are many fibre supplements on
the market, which claim to improve
constipation. However, not all of them are
safe during pregnancy. A good option is
psyllium husk-based fibre supplements,
which is generally considered to be safe
during pregnancy.
DIGESTIVE BRAN
Many use digestive bran to combat
constipation. However, depending on the
amount of fibre you already have in your
diet, this can in fact worsen the problem.
Therefore, it is best to use a small amount
and increase gradually depending on
your tolerance.
PRUNE JUICE
Some women swear by prune juice during
pregnancy. Once again this comes down
to individual tolerance and you need to
try a little first and see if it works for you.
PROBIOTICS
These are the natural bacteria found in
the gut, which play a role in digestion. By
supplementing with probiotics, it can help
to treat or manage constipation.
DIGESTIVE BREAKFAST MIX
cup of high fibre bran cereal
175ml fat-free yoghurt
1 grated apple
1 tsp pectin (available from health shops)
Mix all the above ingredients together,
soak overnight and eat in the morning.
FACT
5
FOOD
FIXES
1
LEGUMES (e.g. chickpeas, beans
and lentils). Legumes are an
excellent source of soluble fibre,
as well as being high in protein, which
is particularly important for vegetarian
or vegan moms-to-be. Replace half your
mince mixture with lentils for a legume
boost.
2
OAT BRAN is also high in soluble
fibre and is extremely versatile it
can be added to yoghurt, soups,
cereals and even salads.
3
WATER is essential for optimum
digestion. Aim for at least eight to
10 glasses per day.
4
APPLES are rich in soluble fibre,
which helps to improve digestion
and make stools easier to pass.
5
PRUNES are known to be a great
source of fibre and are a common
digestive remedy. Just be sure to
not overdo it and keep to three at a time
as they are high in fruit sugar.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 87
month 7
Felt a shooting pain in the bum or legs? It could be sciatica
P
r e g n a n c y
brings with it
many physical
discomforts.
After all, when
you are growing a new
human within the confines of
your body, there are going to
be massive changes to every
single system in your being.
The most noticeable and
visible changes are going to
be to the musculo-skeletal
system and the change in
your centre of gravity as your
belly grows.
Many women accept that
some sort of back pain is
inevitable and unavoidable,
but some of this pain is a
direct consequence of poor
posture and body mechanics
at a time when your ligaments
are lax and the fact that you
are gaining more weight
over a shorter period of time
than normal.
Lower back pain (LBP)
can occur as a result of many
things while you are pregnant.
For a small percentage of
women (about one in a
hundred) LBP may be as a
Dont stand with locked
knees, or with all your weight
on one leg.
Avoid crossing your legs.
Pay attention to good body
mechanics and good posture.
Try and maintain an even
and healthy weight gain.
Wear sensible shoes with a
88 YOUR PREGNANCY
YOUR BODY
AND BABY
BY TINA OTTE
result of an irritable sciatic
nerve. Sciatic nerve pain is
not a condition in itself, but a
symptom of LBP.
WHY THE PAIN?
The sciatic nerve passes
through the buttocks and
into the thighs and supplies
the muscles of the lower leg.
This includes the calf, ankle,
and the area behind the knee.
It also supplies feeling to the
sole of the foot, the ankle, the
entire lower leg, and the back
of the thigh.
Sciatica refers to back pain
caused by a problem with
the sciatic nerve. When there
is injury or pressure on the
sciatic nerve, it can cause pain
in the lower back that extends
further and includes the hip,
buttocks, and leg. The pain of
sciatica is usually felt from the
lower back, to the area behind
the thigh and can radiate
down below the knee.
It makes sense then that
during pregnancy the weight
and position of your baby
could cause pressure on
the sciatic nerve, causing
TIPS ON MANAGING SCIATICA PAIN
low heel or no heel.
Fast relief can be found by
adopting a position that shifts
the weight of the baby away
from the sensitive spot causing
the pressure. Kneeling on all
fours and rocking forward
and back can bring
tremendous relief.
anything from a mild ache,
to a sharp, burning feeling,
or excruciating discomfort
that affects your ability to
walk. Feelings of tingling,
numbness and weakness
may also occur along with
the pain. Some women
have described the pain as a
sudden jolt or electric shock.
At times you may feel pain in
one area of your leg and have
numbness in another area
of the same limb. Often it is
only one side of the body that
is affected. Sitting for long
periods of time and coughing
or sneezing may bring on an baby, as you shed your excess
attack of sciatica.
Lower back pain which fluid retention so typical of
worsens at night may be the pregnancy. YP
result of the uterus putting
pressure on the vena cava
blood vessel causing venous
congestion in the pelvis and
lumbar spine, which could
affect the sciatic nerve root.
Because it is not easy
to move your baby off
the sensitive spot, sciatic
nerve pain may only be
fully relieved in the months
following the birth of your
Make sure that you sleep
on a firm, well supporting
mattress and sleep on the side
of your body that has no pain.
Use pillows to elevate your
knees and keep the knee
joint soft.
Hot and/or cold packs may
bring temporary relief.
SUPERMAN UV
SWIMSUIT R130
www.woolworths.co.za
YOUR BABY AT
MONTH 5
Size He is now 40cm but
tightly tucked up in a ball
that measures 30cm the
size of a small watermelon.
Progress A baby born at
this stage would still need
help with breathing, but the
lungs have matured to an
extent that survival outside
the womb is possible. Your
babys external appearance
is fully formed, but many of
his organs are continuing
to mature. Hes establishing
a sleep/wake cycle, so
many of his movements
are happening while hes
asleep. Body & Brain The
expanding brain begins to
wrinkle to fit into the skull.
The baby reacts to loud
noises. Babys wrinkly skin
is smoothing as he gains
more fat.
weight and you lose the excess
If you
find the pain
intolerable, di
scuss
your pain relie
f options
with your doct
or. He may
prescribe med
ication that is
safe for you an
d your baby.
This willl help
you tolerate
your discomfo
rt by
taking the edge
off
Pelvic floor exercises always
help by increasing circulation
in that vital area and ease any
inflammation.
Pregnancy massage, yoga,
Pilates, stretching classes
and swimming are also
recommended as ways to
ease sciatic nerve pain.
month 8
YOUR
BY TINA OTTE
BEAUTIFUL
Reaching the eight-month milestone
may seem like you are almost there
but there is still quite a bit of
maturing that needs to take place
U
p until this point your
baby has grown from
something the size of a
grain of wheat to a nearly
functional human being.
And even though we now know that the
most important developmental steps
including laying the foundation for major
organs as the heart, lungs and brain occur
before the end of the first trimester, your
baby needs the time of the last weeks of the
third trimester to finish the work that was
started.
The last few weeks are dedicated to
getting bigger and fatter. However the
rate of growth will taper off as you reach
your physical limits. When you are so close
to the end of your pregnancy, you may
be tempted to wish your baby out. Try
to savour and celebrate this time before
baby arrives, because every day in the
womb is crucial for your babys health and
development. Heres why:
MAJOR BODY SYSTEMS
Final maturing and completion of the
major body systems are taking place now.
Your baby no longer looks like a wrinkled
old lady but takes on a more pinkish and
smooth appearance as more fat is laid
under the skin. Your baby wont grow
much more in length at this point, but will
continue to gain weight this is important
to help him regulate his body temperature
outside of the womb. Your babys central
nervous system has reached a stage of
development where it can direct breathing
motions (baby is spending 80 percent of his
time breathing amniotic fluid).
90 YOUR PREGNANCY
YOUR BABY AT
YOUR BODY MONTH 8
AND BABY Size Your baby is around
48cm. Your bump has
also grown, on average
measuring 32cm from the
top of your uterus to your
pelvic bone. Progress Even
though your babys lungs
wont be fully developed
until just before birth, they
are starting to warm up
already. Weight Your baby
is on average 1.7kg and
you should be starting to
gain around 450g a week.
Dont eat more, just eat
more healthily to aid this
important process.
SKIN
The lanugo (fine hair covering the body) months (years in fact) to develop fully.
and vernix will almost completely The eyes are developing to enable them to
disappear before birth, except for a few focus and the eyelids to blink. Your baby
on the back and in the folds of skin. This can also probably tell light from dark. Your
shed lanugo is swallowed by baby and abdominal muscles are quite stretched and
accumulates in his bowel. This will form thin at this stage and baby can pick up the
the green-black ooze called meconium, and change in light levels when you take your
will be the babys first bowel movement clothes off.
after birth.
HEARING
SIGHT Your baby can hear a great deal; not only
There is not much to see in the womb, and the rumblings of your internal organs, but
in fact the smallest muscles in the body are also voices and music from the outside.
found in the eyes, so the eyes take many Prenatal stimulation experts recommend
HERES WHAT THE EXPERT HAS TO SAY...
TINA OTTE EYE COLOUR?
Eye colour is not something you can choose. The parents genes
determine a babys eye colour. But it isnt as simple as a blue
eyed parent always making a blue eyed baby. Since each person
receives genetic information from both parents, a child can have a
completely different eye colour than both of their parents. There is
more than one gene controlling eye colour. The old story of dark
eyes being dominant over blue eyes has been disputed, and eye
colour depends on how much melanin there is in the iris, as well as how much light filters
through the stroma, which is a delicate interlacement of fibres. Melanin is a pigment that
is found in the skin and also the eyes. More melanin means darker eyes and less melanin
means lighter eyes.
It is pretty feasible to say that brown eyed parents are likely to have brown eyed
children, unless they have parents/grandparents with light coloured eyes, and these
genes are hidden or recessive. So if they carry light genes, there is a chance that
they will have babies with light eyes. Blue eyed parents will most likely have blue eyed
children. If you look at children of blue eyed parents, they probably all have blue eyes,
but of different hues (melanin distribution, light refraction, as well as a number of colour
genes).
A baby may change their eye colour up to 18 months of age. Usually however,
whatever they are at six months is what they will stay.
 FACT
At 26 weeks the babys auditory nerve is fully functional. This
means your baby can hear you so talk and sing to baby.

BeSafe Pregnant iZi FIX

is designed to aid safe
travel for pregnant women
and encourages seat belt use
during pregnancy

Automobile crashes are the

Other than a
that you start reading to your unborn greatest cause of death for
steady increase in
pregnant females(1 and the
and play music and have family size, little else seems to leading cause of traumatic
members talk to your baby at this be going on during the last fetal injury and mortality in
stage, if you have not already few months. Even though the the United States(2.
started in month six. developmental changes that In a 3 year study of injury
are happening are not nearly Incorrect placement and mortality in selected
of the car belt
THE KICKS as dramatic as in the first states, 82% were a result
months, this time is still of maternal injury in motor
By the end of the month, your babys vehicle crashes(3.
crucial.
muscles are constantly contracting and An average estimate from
There may
relaxing. The kicks and tumbles that you several sources indicates
be quite a bit of
have been feeling may turn into wiggles that each year in the U.S.,
hair on your babys approximately 160 preg-
during this month. Space is becoming an head at this stage. The nant women are killed in
issue and there is not enough for your hair colour your baby motor vehicle crashes and
baby to move as vigorously as he may is born with may not an additional 1600 foetuses
Placement with the
have before. If all goes well, your baby necessarily be the hair BeSafe Pregnant iZi FIX are killed when the mother
will soon turn and settle into a head colour it will grow survives.(4
down position. into. 1) Weiss, 2001; Weiss and Strotmeyer,
2002
2) Weiss and Strotmeyer, 2002 3)
TASTE babys palate starts to be prepared for the Weiss 1999 4) Weiss 1999;Klinich, K.
D., Schneider, L. W., Eby, B., Rupp, J. D.,
In the last trimester your baby is tastes to come in the months ahead. Some and Pearlman, M. D., 1999; Pearlman,
M. D., 1997,
swallowing up to as much as 750ml of of the swallowed amniotic fluid will pass
the surrounding amniotic fluid every back into the mothers system via the
day. Flavour of the foods that you eat is cord and the rest is urinated back into the
passed into the amniotic fluid and the amniotic fluid. YP

Image: Jupiter Images

month 9
FACT
As pregnancy progresses, a woman breathes less deeply until
YOUR BODY lightening (when baby drops into the pelvis) occurs in the last days of her
AND BABY pregnancy.

THE love
HORMONE
Oxytocin helps you to
be a great mom in many
ways. Understand how
it works and you can
relax your bodys got
it sorted!

1
CREATES AN ENERGY STORE
At the beginning of your
pregnancy, your oxytocin
levels immediately start to
rise. This increase alters metabolism,
and means that pregnant women
tend to put on weight in the first
trimester. This provides an energy
store, which can be used later when
the foetus is growing faster and
needs more kilojoules.
 YOUR BABY AT MONTH 9
Size Your baby will pick up about 200g a week. A full term baby can weigh
anywhere between 2.7kg and 4kg. Progress By 38 to 39 weeks your baby is
considered full term. He is busy practising for life outside: breathing amniotic fluid,
sucking on his thumb and even blinking.
2
ENHANCES INTIMACY
By the last trimester, oxytocin
levels in your blood are
significantly higher than they
were in the first trimester. The raised
hormone levels cause you to be more
open in your relationships and more
likely to have friendly interactions with
your family.
You feel less independent and more
willing to accept help. This has an
important biological function, bringing
you closer to those who can support you
once your baby arrives. Women often
find they start to discuss things with
their mothers on a far deeper level.
3
PROMOTES CAUTION
Oxytocin levels also encourage
you to be more careful during
late pregnancy. It causes you to
be cautious about the world around you,
and helps you make sensible choices
to keep you and your growing
baby safe.
4
INDUCES CONTRACTIONS
At the beginning of labour,
spikes of oxytocin in your
blood help to induce uterine
contractions. The frequency of these
spikes increase as labour goes on,
peaking during the actual birth of your
baby. The release of oxytocin also helps
to decrease your sensation of pain.
5
DECREASES STRESS
Oxytocin is linked to the reward
system in the brain. It makes you
feel good, which helps to reduce
your stress levels after the birth, which
may have been exhausting and perhaps
difficult for both mother and baby.
6
INCREASES BONDING
There is a scientific reason why
moms are encouraged to make
skin to skin contact with their
babies after birth touch is one of the
strongest stimulators of oxytocin release.
This flood of oxytocin helps you feel
Images: Thinkstock
connected to and in love with your baby,
and promotes the desire to care for her. A
babys skin has already been stimulated
during contractions in a natural delivery,
raising her oxytocin levels. Immediately
after birth, the efficiency of skin to skin
contact between mother and baby is
heightened and exponentially increases
oxytocin levels. After skin to skin
contact with her newborn, a mother
will experience her highest-ever level of
oxytocin.
7
COMFORTS YOUR BABY
The sucking, skin on skin
activity of breastfeeding
triggers an oxytocin release in
both baby and mother.
8
HELPS YOU FORGET
Oxytocin helps you to forget
the discomfort of birth. It has
a slight amnesiac effect on the
mother, dulling the memory.
9
LETS DOWN MILK
Its oxytocin that stimulates
your milk to flow when youre
breastfeeding. The hormone
directly causes the muscles that are
responsible for letting down your milk
to contract. As you breastfeed, oxytocin
levels go up in small spikes, similar to
the end of labour. The oxytocin release
is tremendous, stimulating the bond
between you as well as giving more milk.
10
BOOSTS RELATIONSHIPS
There is a period after
birth when women are
more committed to their
baby than their partner. High levels of
oxytocin, and another hormone called
prolactin, make it possible for you to
focus on your baby to the exclusion of
almost everything else. But use oxytocin
to stay close to your partner too,
stimulating higher levels with plenty
of hugs. A fathers oxytocin levels rise
when he holds his newborn child, so he
will be in the mood to bond too. YP
month 9+
TWITTER
Pineapple juice, pineapple slices, shot of castor oil, hour long
YOUR BODY walk & bounce on my ball. I will get this baby out!
AND BABY @shan_byrne

P
redicting when a
baby will arrive
in the world isnt
an exact science.
Your doctor or
midwife will estimate your
due date by counting 40 weeks
from the first day of your last
period but there are many
factors that can shift this date
either way, the most obvious
one being that you may not
remember exactly when your
last period began.
An ultrasound scan will give
an excellent idea of how far
your baby is but even then,
only a small percentage of
babies make their appearance
on their exact due date. In fact,
a study by the US National
Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (published
in 2013 in the journal Human
Reproduction) found that the
length of pregnancy can vary
naturally by as much as five
weeks. While the research
team found that the average
length from ovulation to birth
was just over 38 weeks (268
days), they also found that
delivered when predicted.
Irene Bourquin, nurse,
midwife and author of The
Very Practical Pregnancy
Handbook, advises not telling
family and friends the exact
date youve been given. The
month of the birth is better,
she says, as, like a marathon
runner getting ready for the
race, women gear themselves
for that date, and it can be
wrong. Once the date has
passed and the excitement
wanes, the mom may be
tempted to pressurise her
NATURAL
REMEDIES
Dont listen to old wives
tales or try any weird
remedies that have been
passed down over the years
with no research-based
evidence that they work,
advises nurse and midwife
Irene Bourquin. Drinking
castor oil or eating a very
hot curry, for instance, will
both probably stimulate your
bowels to work, but have no
provable effect on labour.

40
along the development road only four percent of women doctor to induce her. YP There are some harmless
remedies you can try
that at least will do no
BY TRACEY HAWTHORNE harm. Acupuncture and

WEEKS &
acupressure both relax the
mum, says Irene. And
sex is a nice distraction

COUNTING
until labour begins. Semen
contains prostaglandin,
which ripens the cervix, and
oxytocin is produced when a
D-day has come and gone, and youre still pregnant. How woman has an orgasm, and

much longer should you wait, and will your baby be fine? it can jump-start the uterus to
produce contractions.

WHAT IS AN INDUCTION?
This is a process to stimulate
the uterus to have contractions
so that labour can start,
explains gynaecologist Dr
Josh Matambo at the Essence
Womens Centre in Kwazulu-
Natal. Tablets or gel are
inserted into the vagina until
the labour pains start, and
often, once the cervix starts
to dilate, the membranes are
ruptured in order to speed up
the labour. If you do choose to
have an induction, make sure
theres a valid medical reason
for it, says nurse and midwife
Irene Bourquin.
GOOD REASONS TO
HAVE AN INDUCTION
Youre more than two weeks
over your due date.
Youre over 35 weeks and
your waters have broken but
labour hasnt begun.
Youre having placental
insufficiency (the placenta isnt
working efficiently).
Amniotic fluid has reduced.
BAD REASONS TO
HAVE AN INDUCTION
To make sure the baby is
born within a certain tax year.
To make sure the baby is
born under a certain star sign.
To fit in with your doctors
holiday plans.
To match the birthdate with
a family members birthday.

94 YOUR PREGNANCY
BATH THERMOMETER
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ALL YOUR OVERDUE QUESTIONS ANSWERED
HOW OVERDUE
IS TOO LONG?
A pregnancy must go a full
two weeks past the estimated
due date to be considered
overdue (or post-term). Your
cervix will be ripening, or
thinning out, at this stage, and
the babys head pressing on it
may cause you to feel a pain
that comes and goes, similar
to the one you experience
during a pap smear. Keep a
written record of your babys
movements and activities
once youre post-term, and if
theres a significant change (or
if it seems that your baby has
stopped moving), contact your
doctor immediately.
DOES BEING
OVERDUE HARM
THE BABY?
Although most babies stay
healthy, doctors do tend to
be a little concerned because
the risk of foetal distress and
stillbirth rises after 42 weeks,
particularly for women having
their first baby but both risks
are still very small. However,
says Dr Josh Matambo, a
gynaecologist at the Essence
Womens Centre in KwaZulu-
Natal, there is a risk that your
baby will become too big,
which could complicate a
vaginal delivery. At times, the
placenta fails to work properly,
resulting in the baby not getting
enough oxygen, he adds. The
amount of amniotic fluid might
begin to decrease and this can
pinch the umbilical cord as the
baby moves or your uterus
contracts. Finally, an overdue
baby is more likely to inhale
fecal matter (meconium), which
can cause breathing problems
or infection after birth.
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the labour when it does begin.
Carriwell SA (Pty) Ltd P.O.Box 272, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320
Tel: (031) 564 8805, Fax: (031) 564 9647 www.carriwell.co.za, info@carriwell.co.za
your newborn
FACT
Newborns nasal passages are still quite
YOURE narrow, and trapped mucus leads to some
A MOM pretty strange sound effects at times.

If you ha
ve
question
s or
concern
s about
vaccines the
newborn
given, y s are
ou can p

PROTECTION
ver y help hone the
VITAMIN K ful Ama
Vaccine yeza
Very soon after birth, your Helpline

FROM DAY
baby will get a Vitamin K 0860 16 on

ONE
injection into the thigh. It
prevents haemorrhaging
or bleeding in the newborn
period. A deficiency of
vitamin K is quite common
in babies, and can cause
haemorrhagic disease of the
newborn (HDN), a serious
bleeding disorder. So this
Vaccines, vitamins, and how to keep is a preventative measure
especially if your baby is
your new bundle safe from harm going to be circumcised or is
bleeding for any other reason.
BY MARGOT BERTELSMANN
0 160
POLIO
A doctor or nurse will also give
your baby a few drops of liquid
into the mouth this is the oral
polio vaccine. Poliomyelitis,
a viral inflammation of the
central nervous system,
was common two to three
generations ago, and causes
permanent disability. While
it has been eradicated in

T
he day your track of what drops and jabs HERES WHAT THE EXPERT HAS TO SAY...
beautiful baby your baby is getting, and when.
DOES MY BABY NEED TO GET VACCINATED AT
arrives is the And thats fine it will all be
EXACTLY SIX WEEKS (TO THE DAY) AND WHY IS
biggest day recorded on your babys Road
TIMING IMPORTANT?
of your life. to Health card, which will help
Paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair says, The government schedule,
And while it can be hard to you monitor his or her growth
which follows the World Health Organisation guidelines, is
understand when he is getting and immunisations. Just
to start at birth with oral polio and BCG and then commence
pricked and jabbed, this is also remember that the schedule
intramuscular vaccines at six weeks. Most vaccines have been
the day he must begin to be of vaccinations differs slightly
studied and have been used with some range of error. It is
protected from the dangers of between government and
however probably best, if following the government schedule,
the outside world by you, and private health services, and be
to try and adhere to the regimen as tightly as possible. And the
by the doctors you entrust with sure to stick to the schedule you
Amayeza Information Centres MD and medicine information
this important job. have started on. But to prepare
pharmacist, Lee Baker, adds: Ensure you dont give the
Youll likely be so distracted you or to jog your memory,
vaccine more than four days earlier than indicated.
on the day that you wont keep later heres a quick summary.

WHATS TO COME? At six (or eight) weeks of age, babies go in for the first of a range of shots, usually in combined
vaccines, against nasty diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B,
pneumococcal infection, and rotavirus. These shots are repeated in a staggered way according to the schedule you are following. It is
important that you take your baby for the correct immunisations at the right times.

96 YOUR PREGNANCY Image: Jupiter Images

 NUK PELVIC FLOOR FACT
Around his second or third day, you may notice your babys
TRAINER R549.99 skin become flaky as it adjusts to life outside the womb. This
www.takealot.com will rectify in a short time.

parts of the world, polio is

still seen in some African and
Middle Eastern countries. It is
important that your baby starts
his road to being protected
from polio but it is also
crucial that he walks to the
end of that road. Complete
the course of polio vaccination
by taking your baby for all
his booster shots (in slightly
different schedules in private
and government) up to 14
weeks, and again at 18 months
and 6 years old. The polio
vaccine is usually given as part
of a combined vaccine against
several dangerous diseases by
this stage of life.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB)
TB affects the respiratory
system and it is unfortunately
still very common in South
Africa people with HIV/
Aids are especially prone to it
and it is therefore important
that your child is protected
from the disease. The TB
vaccine may produce a pussy
swelling or a scar on the arm.
Dont squeeze or pick at the
spot. Your Pregnancy expert
paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair
adds: The injection site often
discharges and reaccumulates
caseous pus and should be
left open and cleaned with
a simple antiseptic or salt
water. Do watch for a swollen
gland under the arm. If thats
enlarging then inform your
doctor.
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection
of the liver. In some private
hospitals, some babies receive
a hepatitis B shot at birth, and
again at 6, 10 and 14 weeks
(other babies skip the birth
vaccine and get the first HBV at
six or eight weeks, depending
on the vaccine used). Hepatitis
GERMS AND YOUR NEWBORN
What do you do with your newborn until the six week
mark? Is he especially susceptible to disease until that
magical cutoff point? Yes, newborn babies have immature
immune systems, and they have just started breastfeeding,
so, while the maternal antibodies that are transferred by
breastfeeding are somewhat protective, according to
paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair, full term babies should
be kept sensibly apart. Children in particular and adults
who are ill should keep their distance. This doesnt
mean your babys older sibling cant meet the newborn.
But it does mean you should wash his hands and face
before he can touch the baby, and if the older child is
sick, unfortunately he does need to keep his distance for
a few days. Avoid going out with your baby as much
as you can. Travel by air or bus, or attending large
gatherings such as weddings, or being in shopping
malls, is not recommended until the initial vaccines have
been administered, says Dr Sinclair. Be sensible, but
obviously you need to make special arrangements for
very premature babies or other high risk infants.
B can pass to the newborn injuries and drug use. The
from an infected mother vaccine is always given at birth
during birth, and later through if the mother is hepatitis B
sexual intercourse, needle stick positive, adds Dr Sinclair. YP

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AND BABY
FACT
Small, big, lopsided, one big, one small it doesnt matter;
your shape makes no difference to your ability to breastfeed.

Weaning begins
when you
introduce your
baby to sources of
foods other than
breastmilk
BY SR LINDA BRITZ

TO SUCCESSFUL
WEANING
T
he World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends
that a mother exclusively breastfeed her baby for the Most full term, IF YOUR
first six months of life, and then together with the healthy babies, BREASTS
introduction of solid food, continue breastfeeding are ready to eat BECOME
for a further two years and beyond. solid food from FULL AND
six months of age. START UNCOMFORTABLE,
WEAN SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY. This is BY INTRODUCING ONE HAND EXPRESS
the ideal situation as it protects your baby during MEAL, and increasing to OR USE A BREAST
this time. The level of antibodies is increased, as three meal times, over a few PUMP TO RELIEVE
the volume is less. It also gives your baby time to weeks, so that as you add THEM A LITTLE. DO NOT
adjust. Taking into consideration her emotional wellbeing and the amount of solid food in TRY TO EMPTY YOUR
individual needs makes it easier. Your milk supply will slowly your babys daily routine, BREASTS. YOU DO NOT
decrease. This reduces the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis, he will naturally reduce the
WANT YOUR SUPPLY
giving you time to adapt to this change. number of breastfeeds.
TO BUILD UP AGAIN.

98 YOUR PREGNANCY
 SCHLEHEN BLACKTHORN FACT
BERRY ELIXIR R96 for 200ml Not only will a proper latch prevent damage to your nipples,
Clicks, Dis-Chem and pharmacies it also allows baby to drain the breasts effectively.

GET DAD
BE FLEXIBLE
Introduce previously BOILED, COOLED WATER INVOLVED The closeness you
in a sippy cup throughout the day. Until solids in helping to drop
share enhances your
are introduced, water isnt necessary. the last few feeds
relationship. Take your

SIX
gradually, by distracting and
time and be guided by
getting baby settled to bed at
IF YOUR your baby. Every child is
night. Plan to drop one feed at
BABY IS LESS unique.
a time, so you can both adjust.
THAN 12
MONTHS OF IF YOUR BABY IS HEALTHY
AGE AND IS AND THRIVING, AND HERES WHAT THE EXPERT HAS TO SAY...
BEING WEANED FROM
OVER ONE YEAR OF AGE,
BREASTFEEDING (OR
FULL CREAM COWS LINDA BRITZ
BREASTMILK FEEDING), CAN I STOP BREASTFEEDING
MILK IS ADEQUATE AS
SHE WILL NEED TO ABRUPTLY?
A DRINK, TOGETHER There may be a good medical reason for
HAVE BREASTFEEDS
WITH A GOOD VARIETY weaning abruptly, but it can be physically and
REPLACED WITH
OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD emotionally traumatic. It may result in sore,
APPROPRIATE SUBSTITUTE
AS SNACKS AND AT full, engorged breasts. Depending on the
MILK FEEDS.
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guidance on how to manage and dry up your supply, and
substitute with appropriate feeds. If there is a good reason to
Make sure you SPEND PLENTY OF do it quickly, then it is advised to take medication prescribed by
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Q&A
YOUR QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
TINA OTTE
is a mother, a midwife, a
childbirth educator and an
author. She has been involved
in the pregnancy and birth field
for more than 30 years.
For those who are pregnant and those
who are contemplating pregnancy, I want
you to think about the importance of the
time your baby spends in the womb.
You are going to, or you are, growing
another human within this magical place.
A place where we learn about nurturing,
protection, trust and love. Science is now
proving what generations of mothers have
Q Im a first time mom. What
questions should I ask my
gynaecologist at my first visit?
A TINA SAYS
Find a caregiver that will honestly
guide you through your pregnancy by
answering your questions and listening
to your many concerns with respect and
empathy. It will need to be someone
whose expertise you trust, who will give
you emotional support and encourage
you to make certain decisions and plans
regarding your babys birth. An important
consideration when evaluating caregivers
is their general philosophical approach to
pregnancy and birth. This is influenced
by their education, training and personal
experiences. Some caregivers see birth as
a family centred event and leave much of
the decision making to the parents. Some
100 YOUR PREGNANCY
&
A
Q
always known that life in the womb
sets the tone for who your baby will be
and how your baby will cope in life. It is
a critical period that has been neglected
by scientists, medical people, and even
parents. Until now. For the last three
decades, there has been much research into
the impact of the nine months before birth,
not only on a physical and developmental
level, but also on an emotional and
psychological level. This research is slowly
seeping into mainstream knowledge, and
it is extremely exciting. We now know that
you and your partner can already impact
positively on your babys development
and that your parenting has already
begun. Your baby is sensitive and wanting
to communicate with you. Your baby is
already using all its senses (and there are
more than five senses used in the womb) DR MERWYN JACOBSON
to explore its environment and to prepare REPRODUCTIVE SPECIALIST
for the outside world. Will it be a world
of feast or famine, of warmth or cold, of
love or anger? Your womb provides a
finger to the wind of what is coming.
TO FIND OUT MORE
ABOUT TINA GO TO
KARIN STEYN
www.tinaotte.com COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST &
HYPNOBIRTHING PRACTITIONER
prefer to assume most of the decision-
making and leave few choices to the
parents. Some rely heavily on technology
and interventions, such as electronic
foetal monitoring, and medications, in
caring for the healthy normal childbearing
woman. Others believe pregnancy and
birth usually do not require intervention,
and rely more on the womans ability to SR BURGIE IRELAND
contribute to a healthy pregnancy and NURSING SISTER
her bodys ability to give birth. Look
for a caregiver whose philosophical
approach appeals to you, and who is
qualified to provide care appropriate to
your needs. Issues that may arise could
be as diverse as pain relief, episiotomy,
positioning in labour, active birth, water
birth, intravenous therapy, birth plans,
epidurals and c-sections. Consider your
DR BRONWYN MOORE
feelings about these issues, and find out GYNAECOLOGIST
what your caregiver thinks. If your wishes
SEND YOUR QUERY TO YOUR PREGNANCY PROBLEMS, PO BOX 95312, GRANT PARK, 2051
OR EMAIL problems@yourpregnancy.co.za AND ONE OF OUR EXPERTS WILL ANSWER IT
and opinions differ greatly, find out why
your caregiver thinks as he or she does
and consider whether you ought to either
compromise or find a caregiver whose
opinions coincide with your own. As long
as pregnancy and birth remain normal,
parents can, if they wish, play a big part
in decision making. If complications
develop, the caregiver assumes a greater
role in this process. When choosing your
caregiver, it is also important to know
at which hospital or clinic he or she will
deliver your baby, and to decide whether
you are happy with this choice.
At first you may not know what
questions to ask, so take it slowly and
write down anything that may puzzle you
or provoke questions. Take responsibility
for yourself and your baby. Do not be
intimidated or afraid to ask questions.
What to ask:
Ask about qualifications and experience
of the doctor or midwife.
Ask about fees charged.
Who will take calls when the caregiver
is off duty or not on call?
Do they have delivery privileges at
more than one hospital?
Will they consider home birth?
Set up an initial appointment and have
your screening questions drawn up. Time
is of the essence during this appointment,
so select a few key questions that will
assist you in determining whether this
person has the same philosophy about
pregnancy and birth that you do.
Q Is it safe to follow the Banting diet
(low carb, high fat) while pregnant?
I cant find any solid evidence or advice.
DR LOUISE GILBERT
MEDICAL DOCTOR WITH AN
INTEREST IN HIV MEDICINE
A NICQUI SAYS
There are reasons why there is little
evidence. Firstly it would be unethical
to select a few pregnant women and
put them on a specific regimen, without
knowing the impact on baby. Secondly,
I do not believe there is a one size fits
all diet for anyone, let alone all pregnant
women. What we do have is some facts,
which allow us to put together a guideline
for pregnancy.
SCHALK VAN DER MERWE
1 The most important nutritional focus
in the first trimester is sufficient
kilojoules in order to allow for sufficient
fuel for the foetus to develop. How we
get those kilojoules is not that important.
In general I find that most women at
this stage are so nauseous that proteins
and fats are instinctively avoided and
carbohydrates favoured. I encourage the
avoidance of highly refined carbs as they
can have further metabolic repercussions
in the pregnancy such as inducing the
development of gestational diabetes.
NICQUI GRANT
DIETICIAN 2 All macronutrients have a role to play
the function of carbohydrates is fuel,
of proteins is growth and repair, and of
fats is hormones, structural components
of cells and the central nervous system. So
the eradication of any one specific group
can cause imbalances. I do agree that we
should be avoiding the highly processed
forms of any of these groups.
3 There are certain ingredients and
foods that are considered unsafe to
pregnancy, such as raw meats, as you can
get food poisoning from these and the
SR LINDA BRITZ toxins can cross the placenta and make the
LACTATION CONSULTANT developing baby very sick.
4 Certain micronutrients are required
in increased amounts. Just like your
kilojoule demands increase so too does
the demand of some micronutrients
such as calcium, folate and choline, etc.
Ensuring a varied balanced diet can assist
in covering these increased demands as
well as taking a good supplement.
So can we say Banting is safe in
pregnancy? The answer is we dont know.
My advice is eat a varied diet, choose
foods that are unprocessed and natural
and listen to your body within reason.
Q How long does it take for the
babys cord to fall off? My baby is
now two weeks old and his cord is still
on and doesnt show any sign of falling.
A TINA SAYS
Please dont be concerned about
your babys cord not falling off yet. The
cord can come off from day five to day 14
and I have seen a baby in my clinic that
had his come off after almost a month. As
long as you keep cleaning it, there will be
BIOKINETICIST no infection. Never pull it off as it may
cause trauma and infection.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 015 101
BONUS CORNER SMS 33404
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for terms and conditions.

102 YOUR PREGNANCY

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS CALL BRIGITTE KOLVER ON 011 454 6051 / BRIGITTE@PINPOINT.CO.ZA
THE CLASSIFIEDS
TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS CALL BRIGITTE KOLVER ON 011 454 6051 / BRIGITTE@PINPOINT.CO.ZA
 LAST WORD
PART

A YOUNG
THREE

MOMS
PROMISE
An old-school doctor remembers...
BY DR HENRY DAVEL

M
a r y
Stevens
was in
standard
six. She
had a smooth skin, straight
long dark hair tied back
in a ponytail. She excelled
academically and played for
the first team hockey. She was
your typical high school girl.
When her mother entered
my rooms she couldnt see
through her bruised blue eye.
Her droopy shoulders attested
to a powerless unhappiness.
She stood behind her daughter
with her hands protectively
on her.
Mr Stevens sat on the other
chair. His eyes were bloodshot,
and sleep from the previous
night stuck to his lashes.
I could smell stale alcohol.
Mrs Stevens said Mary was
tired, nauseous, vomiting and
sick. Her father said she was
neurotic and lazy. I asked them
both to leave the room.
I examined Mary and
did a pregnancy test.
Congratulations young lady,
you are so privileged, because
you are going to be a mother.
In those years a pregnant
schoolgirl was expelled from
school. Abortions on demand
Illustrator: Susan Newham
not yet 21.
Doc, the father of my baby
is 18. He stays close to our
home and I love him so much.
He has a secure job in the army,
and I dont want to lose our
baby, said Mary.
We were petrified of her
fathers reaction. We decided
I would tell him alone, while
she would inform her mother
in the adjoining room. The
father entered, staggering,
almost missing the chair
as he sat down. I said, Mr
Stevens, you have a very gifted
daughter. I want to be short
and to the point. Your daughter
is pregnant. He got up slowly.
His red face turned purple. He
brought both his clenched fists
down on my wood desk with
one alarming bang. I warned
them. I knew this was going
to happen. She seduced him,
he said. That would mean breaking my it too. I should be 30.
I felt sad that he blamed his doctor/patient confidentiality. Mary had two more babies
daughter. I called Mary and Mary had decided to before she turned twenty.
her mother into the room. keep the baby. I phoned the Her father stopped drinking
I said to Mr Stevens: This is fathers commanding officer. completely after that day in
your fault. You drove her into He had high regard for the my consulting rooms. He has
this young mans arms. The young soldier. We made a good job, and is happily
only father shes ever had is a arrangements for the young married. The last time I saw
coward who assaults his wife. man and Mary to get married Marys parents they had a
You should be ashamed. with a special license that they message, for me from her:
Mary had five years before needed because of her age. She said we must tell you
she completed her secondary They settled in the big city in that her daughter passed

were illegal, and adoption
was the only other option.
However, only one person
could make that decision, and
that was the mother of the
unborn baby even if she was
schooling. To spare her the
humiliation of expulsion
I gave her a sick note for the
remainder of her pregnancy.
The headmistress phoned to
ask for a diagnosis. I refused.
the army married quarters. She
had a healthy baby daughter.
I remember her last words
in my rooms: Doctor, when
this little baby writes matric,
I promise, I am going to write
matric with two distinctions.
She is 17, and Mary wrote the
matriculation examinations
with her, at the age of 30,
and passed. She never forgot
her promise. YP

106 YOUR PREGNANCY

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Umhlanga 031 566 1893/920 Blackheath 011 476 9797 Vanderbijlpark 016 985 1027/8/9 Bellville 021 914 1444/5
Westville 031 265 0135/6 Craighall 011 442 2920/30 Pretoria Tokai 021 701 0804
PMB 033 342 8801/4 Centurion 012 653 2361 Tableview 021 557 7532
Fourways 011 465 0454
Free State Faerie Glen 012 991 2277 Sable Square 021 528 7570/1
Bloemfontein 051 430 2522/05 Woodmead 011 802 8290/1 Zambezi 012 548 5065/2689 Somerset West 021 851 2140
Limpopo Kensington 011 615 2304/22 Mpumalanga Eastern Cape
Polokwane 015 296 0710/2/4 Alberton 011 907 4906 Nelspruit 013 752 4360/1/2 Port Elizabeth 041 368 3342
Northgate 011 794 8560
 SMART STATIONS
TRAVEL COT

The Graco Pack n Play Smart Stations is playard convenience at its best. The unique portable changing station
and the portable travel bed can be used in and out of the playard. The roomy storage will help keep you organized, while
the songs, sounds and bassinet vibration will keep baby soothed and relaxed.
Integrated changer storage keeps
diapers and wipes at your ngertips
Roomy storage organizer includes a
removable hamper
Music, nature sounds and bassinet
vibration keep baby soothed
Soft night light lets you peek in on baby
Overhead toy bar with detachable toys
to entertain baby
Easily converts to a portable playard
Signature Graco push-button fold
makes closing your playard quick and
hassle-free
Airy mesh on all sides for maximum
ventilation
Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss
travel and storage
Portable
0- Portable Changing
Travel Bed Station for
13 kgs gives baby hassle-
a comfy nap free diaper
spot changes
anywhere

National Stockists:
Namibia: The Baby Company Superstore Windhoek
Trade Enquiries: Bambino International (Pty) Ltd. 031 205 8309 www.gracosa.co.za