Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 - January 2020 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

A new South African app called My Pregnancy Journey is one you might want to try. The app boasts weekly gynaecology videos, weekly yoga videos, weekly sonar and 3D images of a growing baby, weekly 4D videos and daily articles on everything from your body and the growth and development of your baby to information on nutrition, exercise and labour. There is also a journal for you to document your pregnancy journey and print it out afterwards. Other tools are a baby kick counter and contraction counter, as well as a hospital bag checklist and birth plan guide. Search for “My Pregnancy Journey” in your app store or check it out on the website mypregnancyjourney.co.za…

OUR TWINS MAKE SIX My husband and I have two boys and were excited when we found out we were expecting our third (and last!). At our first doctor visit, we were told we were expecting twins. I freaked out, and my husband had to be strong for the both of us. A lot in our lives will have to change with their arrival. We’re starting preparations early, including making some good financial decisions for our extra-large new family. It’s also given me more focus at work – I’m a mining engineer. I’m building more systems to ensure things run smoothly in my absence and when I get back. I’m now so excited by this new adventure, and we can’t wait to find out what we’re having – fingers crossed…

BE ENTERTAINED! JOHANNESBURG PANTOMIME 2019 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK The Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre 2 November to 22 December Everyone loves a good panto, and it’s a bit of a Joburg Christmas institution. Take the family and your bump and enjoy Janice Honeyman’s Jack and the Beanstalk this year – the story of poor country boy Jack, the family cow, the magic beans, the enormous beanstalk, the unfriendly giant and the enchanted hen that lays the golden eggs. Adding the giant’s henchman – a truly evil panto villain – and the essential good fairy, this “giant of a pantomime”, will have you in awe of Jack the Joller’s madcap efforts to be its courageous hero. It’s sheer spectacle! CAPE TOWN OUTDOOR SUNDAY YOGA Lourensford Estate; every Sunday…

“Many problems in pregnancy arise due to a problem with the placenta,” notes Dr Dalene Barnard, a gynaecologist in Pretoria. The placenta is responsible for exchange of nutrients between you and your baby. Conditions caused by placental insufficiency – a placenta unable to provide optimally for the baby – include pre-eclampsia, pre-term labour, placental abruption, growth restriction of the baby and late miscarriage. “A daily low dose of aspirin taken during pregnancy significantly improves the function of a ‘sick’ placenta,” she says. “Internationally, low-dose aspirin has become a wonderful aid to improve the outcomes of high-risk pregnancies.”…

• For a parenting plan, we recommend going to an attorney who specialises in age-appropriate parenting plans. Or you can approach the Office of the Family Advocate for mediation. This is a free service. To find your nearest one, visit justice.gov.za. The attorneys here offer mediation and will try to reach an understanding between both parties. If you and your partner are able to agree, they will then draft a family plan (at no charge). • For emotional and psychological support, Jean-Marie Olwage, a psychological counsellor, suggests moms who can’t afford private counselling approach the Amato Pregnancy Counselling Centre (amato.co.za) or Famsa (famsa.org.za) for free counselling. For social support, there’s the online support group she manages, Solo Parenting (facebook.com/soloparenting).…

NEWBORN BABIES CAN’T very easily tell their parents if they’re experiencing discomfort or pain, because language only develops much later on. As a result, new parents often puzzle over the cause of their children’s cries, with many a parent eventually claiming that they can, thanks to experience, accurately identify the difference between a hungry cry and a tired sobbing session (don’t worry, this skill comes with time). But the contents of your child’s nappies could help you understand what the matter is, while also helping you feel reassured that they are on the right track to healthy development. THE FIRST TIME Don’t be shocked when you change your baby’s nappy for the very first time. You can expect to discover a black- to dark-green-coloured, sticky stool in that nappy. But…

FERTILITY 48 Just for men MONTH 1 50 Expert advice: I feel depleted 51 Your changing body MONTH 2 52 Every bite is for baby MONTH 3 56 Bamboozled by DNA tests: Amnio or CVS? MONTH 4 58 The A-Z of pregnancy MONTH 5 62 Backed up? 63 Expert advice: I want twins! MONTH 6 64 Plan a home birth MONTH 7 66 Loving the child within MONTH 8 68 Real moms on c-sections MONTH 9 70 Stand and deliver 72 Expert advice: I’m the crazy lady & I’m scared of the nurses YOUR BODY 74 Recovering after birth 77 Expert advice: Tandem feeding & Advice from Gogo…

THE ENORMOUS HORMONAL changes taking place during pregnancy trigger a variety of symptoms. Some women will experience all of the symptoms of early pregnancy, while others may have only a few. Most symptoms – such as a missed period, morning sickness or fatigue – can also be caused by stress, illness or other events, so a suspected pregnancy needs to be confirmed with urine or blood tests. MISSED PERIOD The absence of the menstrual period is often the first sign of possible pregnancy. However, some women experience light bleeding around the time of their expected menstruation. A missed period can be caused by other factors including... ✓ Excessive exercise ✓ Low body weight ✓ Stress ✓ Hormonal imbalances ✓ Breastfeeding MORNING SICKNESS Around half to two-thirds of all pregnant women…

THE FEELS DOWN THERE If you have had a vaginal birth, with or without an episiotomy, you’ll be feeling a little tender down there. This may last for a few days or perhaps a few weeks after the birth. This is understandable if you think about what has happened to the vaginal and perineal tissues as they stretched over your baby’s head. If you tore slightly or if you were cut, then the stitches can feel uncomfortable. Remember, the vagina is a muscle, and muscles stretch and can bounce back. Continue to do your Kegel exercises. After a vaginal birth, the thought of having a bowel movement is enough to cause immediate constipation. You’re not sure if you want to sit on the bidet the entire day or to lie…

Koko Mogokonyane Medical social worker Linda Britz Breastfeeding consultant Email your question for our experts to: letters@yourpregnancy.co.za. Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. ON NANAS AND NYONI Q: My baby is a week old, and I’m experiencing a clash of generations. Gogo says the baby has inyoni and wants to give her a herbal concoction, but I don’t want that. I prefer to listen to the paediatrician. How do I explain this without causing offence? Maybe I should just pretend I gave it? A: Koko says: A clash of generations is usually characterised by different beliefs, opinions and actions. This matter needs to be dealt with delicately. You need to consider…

MINTY MOJITO 1 bunch fresh mint 2 tablespoons sugar 3 limes (2 juiced and 1 sliced) soda water 1 Smash most of the mint (keep a few leaves for garnish) and all of the sugar in a mortar and pestle (or use a small bowl and end of a rolling pin). Add lime juice and mix well. 2 Place crushed ice in two glasses, pour mint mixture over, and top up with soda water. Decorate with a few mint leaves (we used a flower) and a slice of lime. STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI 1 cup strawberries, washed and hulled ½ cup castor sugar grated zest of 1 lime ½ cup lime juice 1 litre soda water Garnish: fresh strawberries and slices of lime 1 Place all the ingredients (except garnish) in a…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Don’t wait for an accident to happen before you begin baby proofing your house. Rather install some safety features every weekend, so you avoid a crazy scramble starting on the day your baby becomes mobile.” KARIN, BABY CITY AREA MANAGER: “Do as much research as possible on items that you would like to buy. Attend shows like Baby City Mama Magic to get information from suppliers before buying.” ROXY, BABY CITY UMHLANGA STAFF MEMBER: “Invest in top-of-the-range products that will last you. Even though prams, car seats and camp cots are expensive, investing in good-quality products with a warranty and back-up service will last you through the years.” KARIN, BABY CITY AREA MANAGER: “For your baby shower, request vouchers instead of specific items. That…

ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Take care of your skin by using a good stretch mark cream during and after pregnancy. If you’re having a c-section, invest in a good scar serum and use it properly on your healing wound.” RAGANIE AND STEVEN, BABY CITY WOODMEAD BRANCH MANAGERS: “Raise your feet and relax often. Try not to stress; if you are stressed the baby will also be stressed.” ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Pack more maternity pads than you think you will need to in your hospital bag. You never know how long your hospital stay might be after birth, and you’ll go through many maternity pads in the first few days and weeks. I left the birth clinic having to wear one of my baby’s…

TINA OTTE A mother, grandmother, midwife, childbirth educator and author, Tina has been involved in the pregnancy and birth field for more than 30 years The knowledge of being pregnant can make you feel very special. The need to do the right thing and start to look after this pregnancy becomes all-consuming. Suddenly everything you do, everything you drink, eat, smell and touch becomes hugely important. You’re pregnant from the moment of conception, but feeling pregnant isn’t immediate. Pregnancy grows on you over many weeks, but the challenges that accompany pregnancy start soon. The first three months can often be the most challenging. While many women seem to sail through this time, others feel as if they’ve been left on a raft in high, wild seas. You can feel so…

If you and your children were inoculated against polio, you were part of the solution – well done! South Africa has been certified polio free by the World Health Organisation. The last wild case of polio in South Africa occurred in 1989, but because of deficiencies in our routine immunisation coverage and surveillance systems, our polio-free status was rescinded in 2017. Since then though, a lot of work has gone into fixing systems to ensure the safety of our children against this cruel disease. Well done to the department of health for their commitment and hard work!…

MY RAINBOW BABY After being married for a year , my husband and I wanted to start our family. Many people think falling pregnant is simple, but for many couples, it isn’t. I fell pregnant, but at five weeks along, I miscarried. I miscarried my second pregnancy at five weeks too. I was fit and healthy; there seemed to be no reason why I couldn’t keep my pregnancies. A few months after my miscarriages, I went to the doctor for a routine check-up, and there to my surprise, a miracle. I was 12 weeks pregnant with a very healthy baby . God not only answer ed my prayers but showed us that patience and perseverance is key . My husband and I feel truly blessed and thankful that we were…

WHO IS STAŠA JORDAN? I was born Staša Kersevan in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1978, to a multi-ethnic family comprising Croats and Serbs. By naturalisation after World War II we were given Italian citizenship. I studied political science at the University of Cape Town, and I went on to do a master’s degree in public policy design and research at the University of Pretoria. In 2003, I was looking at HIV-positive mothers and investigating human-milk banking, and so the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) was born. Around the same time I was also becoming a mother. YOU HAVE A 16-YEAR OLD SON, LOGAN, AND A TEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, SOPHIA. Yes, it was with the birth of Logan that I was inspired toward maternal and child-health policy and public-health dynamics. This opportunity to…

DESPITE NEWS OUTLET hysteria around the implementation of NHI (national health insurance), which will theoretically force the collapse of our private healthcare industry, most of us 57 million ordinary South Africans use the government healthcare system. After all, only about 10 million South Africans belong to the medical-aid schemes that make private hospitals accessible to ordinary citizens. And this is not necessarily a bad thing. Even though the state healthcare system is ailing, and there have been significant failings (remember the Life Esidimeni tragedy?), there are also pockets of excellence. The doctors and nurses you’ll see in the private sector are the same ones who once practised or still practise in the state (because all doctors are state-trained, and many remain there, at least part-time). It’s also only in the…

REGISTERED LACTATION CONSULTANT LINDA BRITZ Weaning should be done slowly, and only if you and baby are ready. If there’s a good reason to do it quickly, then it’s advised to take prescribed medication to help decrease the hormone that produces milk. Your breasts will feel full at first. Gentle massage in the shower or bath is recommended to ensure a comfortable process. The dose of medication can be repeated if necessary. Within a few days, your breasts will feel softer. However, gentle weaning is really the easiest way to go. Replace day feeds with a healthy snack and water. After a few days, replace either the morning or evening feed by offering full-cream cow’s milk or a follow-on growth milk around the meal times. Your milk supply will decrease…

Deciding which surname to give your child is another challenge of single parenthood. If you’re still married, the child will be registered under the father’s surname, unless you both agree otherwise. If you’re unmarried or divorced, the child can be registered under either parent’s surname. Bear in mind that even if you decide to give baby your surname, “It does not reduce the father’s rights and responsibilities in any way,” according to Cheryl Webb, managing consultant at the Family Law Clinic. The surname is one of the “big decisions” both parents should agree on, unless you have been granted sole custody or have had the father’s rights removed by a court of law. Cheryl adds that baby having your surname also doesn’t make it any easier to take her anywhere…

SMOOTH, RADIANT SKIN It’s important to exfoliate your skin, especially now that it’s stretching over your bump, which can cause itching. Dry brushing is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells, and it’s easy to do. Before you get in the shower or bath, use a shower brush, loofah or dry face cloth to brush or scrub your skin. Use firm strokes, going in the direction of your heart to encourage circulation. You’ll soon find dry brushing almost addictive, and it will become a part of your daily beauty routine. You can also use exfoliating body washes and scrubs to get similar effects. It’s best to use them on damp skin. Be careful when standing in the shower or bath while you scrub – your centre of…

Q My clinic sister has told me that my baby can sleep on her side, but in all the baby-care books I’ve read they say that a baby should only ever sleep on her back. What’s the correct advice? I’d also like to know if I could use a sleep positioner with my newborn? A Sleep positions for babies has been a topic of note for many years. Much research and study has been done, because young babies spend most of their time asleep, lying in a crib or bed. In Europe and South Africa, parents have been advised to practise the side position for some time. When a baby is on her side, the airways are kept open, because the tongue is lifted off the back of the throat.…

Start here Have you been having regular unprotected sex for a year without pregnancy resulting? NO If you are both still quite young (under 30), keep trying. “To maximise your natural fertility, switch from Y-fronts to boxers to let your testes hang as loose as possible – this will help them drop their temperature to slightly below body temperature, which is ideal for sperm production,” says urologist Dr Sean Doherty. Have sex every three days. “We think that the best quality of sperm is achieved by ejaculating every three days. This means your body should be full of sperm cells that are neither too mature nor immature.” So get busy, but after 12 months, you should start involving medical personnel in your fertility journey. YES Consult your doctor – a…

WHEN YOU’RE EATING for two, you have double the decisions to make. And while those cravings take your food game to the next level, you want to make sure you eat right for both you and your growing baby. To help guide your palate through the next few months, we asked the experts for their top picks for the pregnancy plate and the foods you absolutely should not be eating. Foods you Should be eating ✓ LEAFY GREENS Think of going green in more than one way as a mom-to-be. “Incorporate spinach, kale, cabbage and broccoli into diet. They contain iron, folate, magnesium, vitamin C and fibre,” says Johannesburg-based registered dietitian Shani Cohen. “During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases by up to 50 percent. You need…

MANY WOMEN IMAGINE themselves lying on a bed and labouring in a passive way, being treated like a patient. But birth is not passive! It demands that you stand up and pay attention. Your reward is most likely to be a shorter, less painful and more satisfying experience with fewer interventions. ACTIVE LABOUR An active labour means you’re actively involved in what’s happening to your body during labour and delivery. It involves freedom of movement as you use your body in any way that makes labour more tolerable. Positioning and movement play a big part in active labour. Many studies have shown that when the mom is upright and mobile, the following is true: • the strength of the uterine contractions is greater • the contractions are more regular and…

• Eat regular nutritious meals. • Sleep as often as you can. • Prioritise. • Soak your tender perineum in shallow warm water with coarse salt dissolved in it. Or make up a solution of witch hazel and a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil and pour into a spray bottle. Spray your perineum and pat dry after every trip to the loo. Even after a caesarean. • Do your Kegel exercise no matter what kind of delivery you had. This will also work your deep core muscles. • Keep your vaginal area clean, and change your pads often. • Take whatever pain medication has been prescribed. • Get help if you’re struggling with breastfeeding. Don’t wait until your breasts are so sore that you are ready to…

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND • Don’t hold your breath. Although you might not be able to take deep breaths, your breath should still be smooth and soft. • Avoid rapid movements like jerking or jolting your body. Move slowly through the exercises, and be mindful of how you place your body. PRACTISING YOGA DURING pregnancy not only aids with digestion and blood circulation but also makes it easier for you to breathe. As your baby grows and takes up more space inside you, there’s less room for you to take deep breaths. When practising yoga, become mindful of your inhales and exhales. The more you focus on your breath, the easier it will become to take deeper breaths. You’ll also enjoy a state of mental peace and physical well-being.…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Breastfeeding cushions really save your back while you’re still getting the hang of it. Your growing baby will love playing with the cushion on the floor.” KARIN, BABY CITY AREA MANAGER: “Check with your medical aid before buying a breast pump, as some medical aids cover the cost.” ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Go for seamless maternity bras. Your breasts will fluctuate in size a lot during the first eight weeks as your body adjusts to your milk supply. Seamless bras move with you, so you won’t feel restricted.” YOLANDI JORDAAN, DEPUTY EDITOR OF BABA & KLEUTER: “I bought a good electric pump with my first baby. I used it for all three of my children. Don’t go cheap! With my third…

ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “It’s important to sterilise baby’s bottles and dummies before each use, for the first 12 months of their lives, as their immune systems aren’t as hardy as their older sibling’s and as ours.” YOLANDI JORDAAN, DEPUTY EDITOR OF BABA & KLEUTER: “Make sure that the steriliser you buy is tall and big enough to take different brands of bottles. You never know what you will use in the end and with your next baby.” HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Yes, of course you can boil all the baby’s feeding equipment in a big pot of water on the stove, but it isn’t very good for them. Also, if the pot boils dry you could lose everything – a very expensive mistake.” YOLANDI…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “One of the most useful gifts I got from a friend was a reclining bath support. It really made bathtime a breeze and I used it practically every day until my babies could sit safely without support.” ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “I had my father make me a wrought iron stand on wheels, which the baby bath could fit into. This meant no crouching over a bath, hurting my back and knees. If you know someone handy, get them involved!” HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Babies lose a lot of heat through their head, so those hooded towels are really great for wrapping up after bathtime. Besides, they look super cute too, so have the camera ready.” CHARNÉ CASEY, ART…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “You won’t regret spending more money on a proper pram or travel system. Rather save a bit on the cot and room décor. I made the mistake of buying cheap prams and they fell apart and had to be replaced. Better quality, even at a price tag, would have saved me money in the long run.” HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Keep in mind the size of your boot when you buy a pram and also the dimensions of the pram once folded. You don’t want to buy a pram that can’t fit in the boot. Also, if Dad is tall, definitely let him also try out the pram before you buy it. The handle height has to work for him, too.” CHARNÉ…

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WIN A CARRIWELL ®  HAMPER VALUED AT R2 000 Carriwell’s Seamless Padded Nursing Bra moulds to your changing body. The easy one-handed nursing clasps expose the entire breast, maximizing skin-to-skin contact. The moulded cups help support your breasts, and are soft and removable from this seamless ultra-fine microfiber nursing bra. The cups reduce fabric stretch, which increases support for fuller busted moms. The soft cups help conceal any accidental milk leakage. Send us a beautiful, good-quality photograph of you with your gorgeous bump or baby. Send your photo with both your names and date of birth, and where you’re from to: Your Pregnancy Snaps, letters@yourpregnancy.co.za…

“To get some much-needed sleep!” Kgatle Babezille Mahlatse “A second baby will do for me.” Reggie Ramalepe “2020 will be a great year, as we will be welcoming our bundle of joy!” Gugu MakaVunokuhle Vilakazi “I would love to become a mommy. Gosh, how we would love a little blessing – there are just a few little obstacles we need to overcome first. Here’s hoping!” Esmeralda Jolliffe “I’m going back to work in February – my baby will be six months old. I don’t think I’ll ever be prepared enough, but I trust his grandparents will take good care of him.” Yamkela Zibobo…

“PREGNANCY IS A natural event for which a woman’s body is perfectly designed,” says Dr Dalene Barnard, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Kloof Mediclinic in Pretoria. “However, high-risk pregnancies are when a woman or her baby has a characteristic condition that has been recognised by medical research to increase the chance of an adverse outcome for the mother and/or the baby.” Some of the most common of these are for women at the extremes of their reproductive life (in their teens or over 35), those who are substantially overweight, women with pre-existing medical conditions, and women expecting multiple babies. AGE EXTREMES Pregnant teens, especially those who don’t have support from their parents, are at risk of not getting adequate critical prenatal care. Prenatal care screens for medical problems in mother…

“I work as a doula volunteer at the Hillbrow midwife obstetric unit and at Discoverers in Gauteng. I wish people knew that in general it will be okay. There are amazing midwives and doctors. And by being nice to the staff, you’ll go a long way. Also, bring linen savers and pads with you.” Doula Heleen Tshibumbu “I wish dads/birthing partners knew to ask for the opportunity to do skin-to-skin with their baby after a caesar. By default, the baby is put into an incubator (while waiting for the mom to come out of theatre or wake after general anaesthetic), and Dad doesn’t know what to do with himself. They beam with pride and appreciation when I organise for them to hold their little one immediately. All it takes is…

Q: My baby daddy left me, but now says he wants to be involved again. I’m due in a few weeks. How do I know if he’s ready for the responsibility? What should I do? A:“From a legal standpoint, having walked out on his pregnant partner makes no difference to the father’s parental rights and responsibilities,” says Cheryl Webb, managing consultant at the Family Law Clinic. He’s still fully entitled to assume these. The best way to approach a situation like this, advises Jean-Marie Olwage, a counsellor, is by focusing on what’s best for your child and not your emotions. “The better the two of you can work together, the better it will be for your child in the long term.” A good way to determine whether he’s serious about…

I FEEL DEPLETED Q: I’m only seven weeks pregnant, but I’m already so very, very tired. I can barely keep my eyes open after lunch and I have absolutely no pep whatsoever. If it goes on like this, I think I’ll lose my job, and my relationship too, as I don’t think I’ll ever feel like sex again. This tiredness makes me very nervous about what’s to come, as I can just imagine how tired I’m going to be when I have a big bump to lug around. A: Tina says: Fatigue is a natural and normal aspect of pregnancy. The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what a miracle your body is performing, and it’s important to follow your body’s cues and take heed. If you stop…

THERE’S MUCH CONFLICTING information online about amniocentesis versus chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tests. Often, the information coming from America isn’t even available in South Africa, and this leads to even more confusion. You will read the opinions of internationally renowned hospitals and listen to obstetricians and gynaecologists speaking about them on video. You may have heard American doctors speaking about vaginal CVS – usually not even mentioned by publications in this field. Does the American ob-gyn mean “cervical” CVS? Or is vaginal another method only Americans have? What do they recommend, and what are the costs? Best to ask the local healthcare practitioners and professionals. Dr Lizle Oosthuizen, an obstetrician gynaecologist at Cape Fertility (capefertility.co.za) is adamant: foetal assessment centres are the experts on prenatal genetic tests. Walking distance from…

I WANT TWINS! Q: We’ve decided to start trying for a pregnancy, and we both really, really would like twins. My best friends are twins, and my husband has many twins in his family. We just love the special dynamic, and we think we’d make great twin parents. Is there anything we can do to increase our chances of falling pregnant with twins? But not with triplets, because that is just scary. A: Dr Koll says: Twins are a wonderful blessing, but because of the risks associated with multiple pregnancies, you don’t wish them on anyone, least of all yourself. Twin pregnancies are high risk for both mother and babies. For the mother, there’s an increased risk of virtually every pregnancy complication that can occur – including miscarriage, pre-eclampsia (blood…

ATTACHMENT BEGINS IN the womb, and there’s so much you can do to prepare for your face-to-face meeting with your baby. The bond between you and your baby starts the moment you know you’re pregnant. And when you feel the first stirrings of life inside you, and you realise there’s something wonderful going on in there, you may start to comprehend that this is a person, separate from you and with all their own special qualities. Research is showing that rest, relaxation and being positive during your pregnancy are good ways to ensure you have a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy. The opportunities for parents to form a relationship with the baby in the womb are significant and remarkable. This contrasts sharply with the previous view that prenates did…

Tina Otte Midwife, childbirth educator and specialist editor of Your Pregnancy Sister Isabella Vilakazi Nursing sister Email your question for our experts to: letters@yourpregnancy.co.za. Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. I’M THE CRAZY LADY! Q: I’m seven months pregnant now, and I seem to have lost my mind. What is going on? The mood swings are insane. I feel like a completely different person. My husband seems to be bearing the brunt of it. I’m also forgetful and can’t seem to concentrate. A: Tina says: Oh, you are so normal, even if it feels like you’re losing it! Your body and mind are at the complete mercy of the raging hormones…

Your health is going to become more important than ever now that you’re a mother. And we all know there’s a very real possibility we could get illnesses like cancer and heart disease as we grow older. But what if there were a way to detect the likelihood of these, before they had the potential to develop? With advances in technology and genetic testing, you can. And it’s starts with something as simple as a cheek swab. As healthcare becomes more and more expensive and life expectancy increases, there’s a noticeable shift toward personalised healthcare through preventative testing and integrative medicine. Options such as genetic testing can help eliminate the trial-and-error method and assist doctors in prescribing the right medication using a patient’s genetic make-up as reference. At Longiva Medical…

A life-threatening pregnancy complication, HELLP syndrome is considered a form of pre-eclampsia. HELLP stands for... H (haemolysis – the breaking down of red blood cells) EL (elevated liver enzymes) LP (low platelet count) The main symptoms include feeling tired, pain in the upper right part of the belly, bad headaches and nausea or vomiting. Patients may also experience swelling, especially of the face and hands. However, as the US Department of Health & Human Services – Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center says, “Because healthy pregnant women may also have these symptoms late in pregnancy, it may be hard to know for sure if they are attributable to HELLP syndrome.” No one’s sure what causes HELLP syndrome, but having pre-eclampsia and being over 25 are both common risk factors. Sources:…

MARYKE HOOGHIEMSTRA 32 WEEKS PREGNANT OUR STYLIST SAYS... “Don’t be afraid to wear prints and vibrant colours while you’re pregnant! This dress is fun, fashionable and super flattering. I love how comfortable and confident Maryke is in this look.” MARYKE SAYS... “This makeover gave me the confidence boost I needed and helped me embrace the changes that come with being pregnant. I’ve been wearing mostly leggings and baggy tops, so this was a welcome change! The YP team was absolutely amazing and made me feel special. I loved my shoot; I felt beautiful and so blessed to be pregnant.“ LOOK WHAT ELSE OUR LUCKY MAKEOVER MOM WENT HOME WITH! A STUNNING GIFT HAMPER FROM PIGEON TO THE VALUE OF R1 170! Get off to a good start with Pigeon’s Breastfeeding…

WE DIFFER, the wife and I, on many, many things. Literature. Movies. Eggplants. Squirrels. But the one area we really just cannot see eye to eye, even after 12 years, is what music should accompany that holiest of holies, Christmas. Just let some disco has-been grind out some banging cover of Once in Royal David’s City, as a paean to capitalist gluttony – and Liz is happier than a bean on brown toast. It fulfils her very sense of holy scripture, it does, to bop along to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas. And Wham! Me? I’m a purist. My Christmas cockles only get warmed by befrocked choirs speeding Good King Wenceslas through the stately rafters of Westminster Cathedral, straight to heaven’s own ears. Be all that as it…

ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Let go of trying to keep baby clean while she eats solid food. She’s going to make lots of mess, so stock up on bibs and some patience, and enjoy this time. Make your life easier and freeze baby’s soft food in ice trays, too.” YOLANDI JORDAAN, DEPUTY EDITOR OF BABA & KLEUTER: “Make sure that the high chair you buy has a step for your child’s legs to rest on. Children swallow easier when their feet touch a surface.” HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Don’t let your baby snack in the car. If she chokes you won’t be able to help her as you’ll be driving. This is very dangerous. Another safety tip: If you’re using a clip-on chair, make sure…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “If you’re starting to stock up on nappies during your pregnancy, buy the next size up from newborn. You’ll be getting a lot of newborn nappies at your baby shower (guaranteed!) and you might end up with too many of that size, and babies outgrow them quickly.” PEARL RANTSEKENG, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR BABY: “If you’re a mother of a boy, be warned... if you’re already dressed in your best gear, ready to go out, please do put on a waterproof apron as boys have a tendency to pee on you just as you are about to close that nappy.” ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Always buy the best quality nappy brand you can afford. Cheap nappies are cheap for a reason…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “I’m a huge fan of wearable sleeping bags, especially in winter, as babies can’t kick them off. They also can’t creep up, so they’re safer than loose blankets.” HAPPY, BABY CITY UMHLANGA STAFF MEMBER: “Camp cots are so versatile. The upper level can be used from birth to three months, so mom doesn’t have to bend too much, especially good if she has had a c-section. After that you can lower it to the bottom level, which can be used up to two years.” MELANIE, BABY CITY UMHLANGA STAFF MEMBER: “My advice is to invest in a swing or bouncer, which helps to soothe and calm baby during the first three months when colic might rear its head. Especially if mom’s lifestyle is busy,…

CHARNÉ CASEY, ART DIRECTOR OF BABA & KLEUTER: “Invest in a good carrier for your baby. I used my baby carriers almost every day at home and while out. It keeps baby close and frees up your hands. Very useful, especially as a mom of twins.” YOLANDI JORDAAN, DEPUTY EDITOR OF BABA & KLEUTER: ”A good, comfortable baby carrier will be the best buy you make. It allows you to bond with baby and helps baby sleep easily during the daytime.” ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “When trying out a baby sling, make sure it feels snug and safe enough that you don’t feel the need to hold onto your baby, on top of wearing them. You should feel confident enough to have your arms free.” KARIN, BABY…

HELEN SCHÖER, EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “Some dads are happy to walk around with a pink floral nappy bag. Others aren’t. Keep this in mind when you buy your nappy bag, as Dad will also be using it.” CHARNÉ CASEY, ART DIRECTOR OF BABA & KLEUTER: “A nappy bag often becomes the everything-bag. Make sure it’s big enough and comfortable to carry, especially when it’s heavy.“ PEARL RANTSEKENG, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR BABY: “A nappy purse is a must-have, especially for when you need to pop out quickly to the corner shop. Trust me – it will come in handy!” ROBYN LAWRENSON, DEPUTY EDITOR OF YOUR PREGNANCY: “You will use a nappy bag for many years, so make sure the material is hardy. I was gifted a beautiful leather nappy…