Pregnancy Clinic
Did your pregnancy dreams include visions of a neat rounded belly, and little kicks that made your heart flutter? While it's true that pregnancy has its share of wonderful moments and experiences to cherish, it also has a raft of less than fabulous pregnancy symptoms - including many you'd rather not discuss in public and many you'd probably like to forget (which you will, by the way, since forgetfulness is another symptom).
There are pregnancy symptoms you expected (like morning sickness – which also arrives in the evening) and symptoms you almost definitely didn't (like constipation, nosebleeds and bleeding gums). It's probably reassuring to know that you're not alone suffering these ailments - you're actually joining millions of other expectant women who are also wading their way through a different selection of pregnancy complaints. But it also helps to have some tried and true remedies at your (swollen) fingertips that will allow you to navigate around the majority of pregnancy grumbles.
Pregnancy Life
What antenatal classes are right for you? Depending on where you live and what kind of person you are will make a big difference to what antenatal classes will best prepare you for the birth. Think about what kind of ideal birth you hope for but also be practical about all the birth options you might have to opt for, and this will help you focus on what kinds of class will suit you and your partner.
Professional care
Choosing an independent midwife
In most cases, a midwife will guide a woman throug...
Parties & Celebrations
Who hosts a baby shower?
The person who hosts your baby shower is usually e...
Pregnancy Life
Eating out when you're expecting
Grabbing some time together as a couple during pre...
Work
Telling the boss
You are not obliged to tell your employer than you...
Labour & Birth
Labour: what to expect
Labour on average lasts around 12 to 15 hours, but this can be much longer or shorter. It tends to be longer with a first baby but no two women are the same, so trying to compare your expectations with the experiences of others won’t necessarily help.
At certain stages pain relief or other procedures may take your birth experience in a different direction, but the outline below helps you understand the key stages of labour.
Pregnancy Health
Morning sickness
Nausea, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy, is a common problem. However it can vary from feeling a bit queasy to getting seriously ill. The good news is that for most women it passes after the first trimester, and in the meantime there are a few tricks you can try to ease it as much as possible. It’s also good to know how to spot the more serious problem of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
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