All4Baby » PREG_05 https://all4baby.co.za From Pregnancy to birth to baby and beyond. The place to find, chat, and share. Thu, 10 Jul 2014 16:09:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=466 Your first trimester pregnancy symptoms explained! https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/pregnancy-symptoms/645/first-trimester-pregnancy-symptoms-explained/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-trimester-pregnancy-symptoms-explained https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/pregnancy-symptoms/645/first-trimester-pregnancy-symptoms-explained/#comments Wed, 14 May 2014 11:46:34 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=645 Congratulations! You're pregnant. Somewhere in between the excitement and disbelief, you will be hit with a few (or all) of these first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

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While missing your period is probably the most tell-tale pregnancy symptom, there are other symptoms that will remind you daily of your growing miracle.

From sore boobs, to morning sickness and a sensitive snout, here are the five most common first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

Achy chest

For some moms-to-be, tender boobs is the first pregnancy symptom that they experience (even before a missed period). You can blame this discomfort on pregnancy related hormonal changes as well as increased blood flow to your chest.

This pregnancy symptom shouldn’t bother you for too long. And while it does, be sure to invest in a supportive bra that has enough room for your growing ladies.

Morning sickness. All day sickness. Just sickness.

This pregnancy symptom hits 50 to 90 percent of women at the six week mark. Dubbed “morning sickness”, the nausea and overall “icky” feeling can occur anytime throughout the day and not just in the morning.

What’s to blame? Hormones of course.

You can minimise the nausea by following these tips;

  • Eat frequent small meals
  • Nibble on dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning
  • Drink ginger ale
  • Be sure to take in Vitamin B6 and B12

If you are struggling to keep anything down and as a result, losing weight, then it is best to consult your doctor  as you could be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.

A heightened sense of smell

Hormones are to blame for this pregnancy symptom as well.

Overnight, your sense of smell will increase to superpower level. But, before you pull out the cape and get excited,this also means that your favourite dish will probably smell like rotten fish.

If it really bothers you, try to stay away from strong smelling odors.

Needing to go to the loo. All the time.

Frequent urination starts approximately two to three weeks after conception. After the embryo implants itself into the uterus, it produces the hCG hormone – which means another hormone is to blame for this pregnancy symptom (thanks, hormones).

Unfortunately, this symptom will probably be with you until the end. As baby gets bigger, he or she will put more pressure on your bladder which will also result in frequent urination. So, best you get used to this one.

Sheer exhaustion

Your body is working overtime to nourish your baby. No wonder you feel like you have been hit by a truck. Unfortunately, there’s no good news with this symptom. Your fatigue will only get worse as your pregnancy progresses, and then your baby will keep you out of sleep.

Don’t hesitate to hit the snooze button or take the afternoon nap that your body demands.

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Air fresheners may lead to hormonal imbalances, birth defects and reproductive problems https://all4baby.co.za/falling-pregnant/480/air-fresheners-may-lead-hormonal-imbalances-birth-defects-reproductive-problems/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=air-fresheners-may-lead-hormonal-imbalances-birth-defects-reproductive-problems https://all4baby.co.za/falling-pregnant/480/air-fresheners-may-lead-hormonal-imbalances-birth-defects-reproductive-problems/#comments Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:29:07 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=480 Recent research has shown that air fresheners pose a great risk to women, specifically expectant moms who may suffer birth defects. This is since they contain chemicals that few moms and moms-to-be are aware of.

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Very few people know the potential health risk associated with using air fresheners in their homes.

Many of these products could contain toxic chemicals known as phthalates which can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and even reproductive problems.

A recent investigation of 14 common air fresheners by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates in 12 products, including some fresheners marketed as “all-natural” and “unscented.”

None of the air fresheners listed phthalates on their labels. The air fresheners NRDC tested included aerosol sprays, liquids that emit a continuous scent, and a solid.

NRDC’s testing was limited, but the results do suggest that more comprehensive, in-depth testing of air fresheners is warranted.

Air fresheners are used indoors, heightening the threat of exposure to families.

A study (by the University of Bristol called “Children of the ’90s”, which has followed the health and development of 14,000 children since before birth) didn’t analyse the ingredients in air fresheners, just the effects:

  • 32% more babies suffered diarrhea in homes where air fresheners were used every day
  • These babies had significantly more earaches in these homes as well.
  • Air fresheners also affected mothers—those who used them daily suffered nearly 10% more headaches.
  • Perhaps most surprising is the finding that women who lived in homes with daily air freshener use had a 26% increased risk of depression.

Researchers have suggested that strong regulations need to be set in motion to protect consumers, such as having all manufacturers test and submit data on the levels of toxicity and health effects of inhaling the chemicals.

All is not lost if you wish to keep your home smelling fresh. Simple ways to freshen your surroundings naturally include:

  • Opening the shades and windows to bring in air and sunlight
  • Burn pure beeswax candles that purify and clean the air
  • Leave an open box of baking soda open
  • Use indoor plants
  • Simmer cinnamon and cloves, fresh ginger or herbs in water on the stove top
  • Use potpourris

Learn more about effectively removing  odour & bacteria at www.hygizone.com.

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Why healthcare cover is important in pregnancy https://all4baby.co.za/birth/types-of-birth/186/healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy https://all4baby.co.za/birth/types-of-birth/186/healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2014 07:30:18 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=186 Healthcare cover during pregnancy is a necessity to ensure that you and your unborn baby are covered.

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Ensuring that you are covered during your pregnancy is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Healthcare insurance during pregnancy and afterwards helps to give you peace of mind that, in the event of a medical emergency, you and baby are covered, and that your baby will have the best chance at life.

Your health matters

As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, schedule your first pre-natal appointment. You should go for your first pregnancy checkup as early as seven to eight weeks for a risk assessment, and continue to go regularly throughout your pregnancy.

These checkups are important, as an initial risk assessment allows your gynaecologist to provide you with a personalised care approach and identify any potential problems early to allow for the best care possible for both you and your baby.

These checkups include routine tests such as blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Your doctor will also provide you with dietary guidelines, as good nutrition is critical during pregnancy. It is important to note that you should be eating twice as well during your pregnancy, and not for two people.

Protect your growing baby’s health

To protect your baby’s developing health; you should stop smoking, and avoid alcohol to prevent your baby from being born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Exercise regularly and ensure you get enough rest for your body and mind.

You should also ensure that the food you eat is hygienic and well prepared and cooked to prevent any illnesses caused by food from affecting your baby.

Healthcare cover for you and your baby

The type of cover you will receive depends on what kind of health plan you have. It is important to check that your preferred doctor and hospital are included within your healthcare’s network to avoid co-payments.

Decide where your baby will be born

Deciding where your baby will be born is an important part of your pregnancy. While natural birth is generally covered in full, a caesarean is generally only covered if it is a medical necessity. You would also need to check if your healthcare covers a home or water birth.

For more information on Discovery, visit www.discovery.co.za

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