Baby Car Seats

Baby Car Seats

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Pregnancy can certainly be a bumpy road at times – sometimes literally! In this blog post, we’ll look at when to use baby/child seats, why it’s so important to do so, and how to choose the correct seat. Seven Years In Australia, following the law means having a car seat for your child from the day they are born to their 7th birthday. Yes, this applies to taking your newborn home from the hospital, so make sure to plan ahead and purchase your first car seat before your water breaks! Why is This Important? During a car crash, a young child is significantly more likely to sustain a serious injury if they are using a regular seat belt rather than a kid-friendly restraint. In fact, a proper seat belt can actually be the cause of harm during an accident, as these are not designed to fit or protect little bodies. Different Stages, Different Seats Seven years is a long period and your child will grow a lot during this time. As such, you should regularly check if your existing seat is still suitable and upgrade if necessary. Alternatively, you may be able to find a ‘convertible’ seat that can be adjusted to suit your child throughout the seven years. Up until turning six months old, your baby should travel in a rear-facing seat or a baby capsule. After this, their seat can be either rear- or front-facing, but there must be a harness built into it. Once your child is four years old, you can move to a booster seat if you prefer (just be sure to use this in conjunction with a correctly fastened seat belt). These age brackets are great guidelines, but every child is different. If your son or daughter is unusually tall, you may need to move to the next phase sooner. If you have any questions or uncertainties about keeping your child safe while travelling, please don’t hesitate to send us a message and we can point you in the right direction of where to get the right advice. Alternatively companies such as Kidsafe offer […]

First Words

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After countless interrupted nights and screaming marathons, you’ll be ecstatic the first time your baby’s communication evolves beyond pure crying. But no infant simply starts talking one day – it’s a complicated process of observing and learning. Gibberish From about 4 months old, your baby will start making word-like sounds without any clear meaning. This is the beginning of an important phase in which your child tests out what sounds he or she can make. Around the 7-month mark, your baby’s babbling will start to become more sophisticated, with changing intonations and more pronounced speech patterns – which you may recognise from your own way of talking! First Words For most babies, the first word spoken (with knowledge of what it means) occurs around the first birthday. From here, he or she will continue growing their vocabulary – learning words much more rapidly than they can actually say them – until they start actually stringing together short sentences between their second and third birthday. How You Can Help Your baby will be learning to talk from observation and example, so have conversations with him or her regularly – even if it feels a bit silly! Reading to them from a book can also help (and this might feel less ridiculous than telling them about your day). Also, practise being a good listener. Show interest in what your baby is saying – even if it makes no sense at all – and leave gaps in your ‘conversations’ for him or her to absorb your words and ‘respond’. If you notice at any point that your baby has stopped making progress with their speaking or has reverted to an earlier stage, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor and/or a speech pathologist. If you need any general guidance on your child’s early development, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

What to Expect in Your Third Trimester

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If there’s one word to summarise the third trimester, it’s big. Some activities will seem like a big effort. Your baby (and your belly) will grow bigger rapidly. And, at the end, your life will change in one of the biggest ways imaginable. Here’s what to expect during the final 3 months of your pregnancy. Your Body’s Changes Aside from the obvious growth to accommodate your baby’s development, you may notice a couple of other aesthetic changes in your body. For example, it’s common for women to experience varicose veins and stretch marks during this phase – even if they haven’t earlier in the pregnancy. There are a few internal symptoms you are likely to come across as well, including: Aches (particularly around your abdomen and back) Tiredness (eat healthily and generously to keep your body fuelled) Persistent heartburn (especially in the final weeks) Poor bladder control and preemptive milk leaks from your breasts Lowered sense of balance (don’t worry – you haven’t gotten clumsier for no reason!) Many women also report having unusually strong and strange dreams during the third trimester. No need to panic – it’s just your hormones playing up while you sleep. Of course, when it’s time to go into labour, you’ll also experience the giveaway symptoms: contractions and/or your water breaking. You know the drill – give the hospital a call pronto! Your Baby’s Development Your baby is completing his or her pre-birth growth and getting ready to enter the big wide world. More specifically: Baby’s skin will change from transparent to opaque Cartilage will turn into bone All five senses will be working Baby’s brain will grow rapidly, allowing him or her to blink, regulate body temperature and even dream. If you encounter any problems during this trimester, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 464 464. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

What to Expect in the Second Trimester

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Many mothers will tell you their second trimester was the most comfortable – the calm before the storm, you might say! Here’s a brief guide to what you can expect between the 14th and 27th week. Your Body’s Changes It’s the second trimester where you can expect your pregnancy to start becoming more pronounced. While the extra weight might not be welcome, you will be glad to see some of your first-trimester symptoms subsiding (or at least becoming more bearable). Your breasts should become a bit less tender and your morning sickness should ease – so you can enjoy eating again! With that said, there are some common symptoms that women experience during their second trimester, so it may not necessarily be smooth sailing for you. Things to look out for include: Congested breathing Some dizziness Slightly swollen feet and/or ankles Cramping in your legs Sensitive or bleeding gums Aches in your lower body Varicose veins If any of these symptoms seem irregularly severe or are giving you undue concern, we would encourage you to get in touch with our clinic to book an appointment. Phone us on 1300 464 464. Your Baby’s Development The second trimester is when your baby will start actually tasting the foods you’ve recently eaten, which is an exciting development. In addition to this, most babies will also develop the following during these weeks: Light hairs, including eyebrows and eyelashes Eyes and ears (and the ability to use them!) Your baby’s heart should begin beating regularly during this trimester, and this is when you might start feeling some spontaneous kicks. This stage of pregnancy might be the most pleasant for many women, but that doesn’t mean it’s stress-free. If you are having difficulties with this change in your life, please browse our wide range of blog posts for information that may be helpful to you. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

What to Expect in Your First Trimester

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The first 12-13 weeks might be the least physically obvious of your pregnancy, but you can still expect a lot of changes to occur within yourself. Here’s a quick guide to some of the things to anticipate during your first trimester. Your Body’s Changes You won’t adjust to being pregnant straight away; you might feel uncomfortable within your skin for a while before you get used to the changes you’re experiencing. Keep in mind that not much weight gain typically occurs during the first 12 weeks – the baby bump usually emerges in the second and third trimesters. The main 2 symptoms to expect during the first trimester are: Morning sickness (we have some tips for dealing with this) Changes to your breasts (halfway through the first trimester, they will most likely have grown and become more sensitive). There are also slightly less common symptoms you might experience, such as: Aversions to certain foods Heartburn Headaches Constipation Mood swings Remember that every person is unique – the way your body responds to pregnancy might be completely different to how things went for any of your friends who have had babies! Your Baby’s Development A lot of exciting things happen inside your womb during the first trimester. Your baby will begin developing: Various touch receptors Bones (including arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers and toes) Skin, hair follicles and nail beds Optic nerves, lenses and retinas A heartbeat A digestive system Tastebuds Muscles White blood cells Vocal cords. If you experience any concerning or severe symptoms during your first trimester, please contact us straight away to make an appointment. Call our friendly reception staff on 1300 464 464. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy

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Gestational diabetes affects up to 5% of expectant mothers and is marked by blood glucose levels that are higher than they should be. This form of diabetes most often arises around the 24th week of pregnancy and most women will cease to have it after giving birth. Some women can develop diabetes earlier in pregnancy.  A Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is recommended in all pregnancies at 26 to 28 weeks.  In addition, if you are at increased risk of having gestational diabetes, an early GTT is performed at 12 to 16 weeks. Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Some women are more at risk than others of having gestational pregnancy. For example, being over 30 or overweight can increase your chances. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes (or if you have a personal history of gestational diabetes), your risk is also higher than average. Women of certain ethnic backgrounds (including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Polynesian, Chinese, Melanesian and Vietnamese) are also more at risk. The Cause for Gestational Diabetes When you are pregnant, your placenta creates the necessary hormones to help your baby develop. However, these same hormones can also counteract your regular insulin production. This insulin resistance is what can lead to gestational diabetes. How to Manage Gestational Diabetes As with standard diabetes, the key steps to take are: Improving your diet Exercising regularly Regular monitoring of the blood glucose levels Diabetic educator review Dietitian review Regular reviews with your obstetrician. In some cases, a medication called Metformin may be prescribed, and sometimes insulin injections may be required. If you’re concerned about gestational diabetes, our clinic can help put your mind at ease. Book a consultation with us today by calling 1300 464 464. We can answer any questions or concerns you have and help you prevent or manage gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

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Pregnancy is a beautiful miracle, sure, but it also comes with a couple of not-so-pleasant side effects! If you’ve recently conceived or are currently planning a family, here are some of the common symptoms to anticipate – plus some tips on how to deal with them. Morning Sickness Feeling nauseous in the morning is perhaps the most well-known problem for pregnant women. As I have previously written in our article on “Morning Sickness”, not uncommonly the nausea and vomiting can last all day, and sometimes into the evening and night! There are a number of credible (and some questionable) methods for tackling morning sickness, with common strategies including: Drinking more water Trying different foods for dinner Eating ginger candy Eating smaller and more frequent meals Wearing comfortable clothing. If nothing seems to work, be sure to get in touch with us. We can investigate to see what might be causing your nausea and try some medications. Fatigue You’re eating for 2 (although this is not quite true, as we have written in our previous blog on “Food in Pregnancy”) and carrying extra weight – you’re bound to get tired more quickly than usual! When possible, take naps during the day, but always aim to get a decent sleep at night. Try having a warm bath or getting a massage to help you relax. Leg Cramps It is not uncommon to get some leg cramps, and this is often worse at night.  If your thighs or calves start to cramp at night, magnesium supplements may be helpful for some women. Backaches Many women experience lower back pain when pregnant. To reduce this, avoid standing in the same position for long periods of time. Pelvic exercises and using a footrest while seated may also help alleviate some of the pain.  Our pregnancy physiotherapists are very experienced in dealing with back pain during pregnancy (as it is very common), and may have targeted therapies and braces to help specifically with your back pain. If you’re experiencing significant symptoms, please call us on 1300 464 464. Helping you get through your pregnancy smoothly and safely is exactly what we’re here for! […]

Hands Off!

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 Hands Off! How to deal with people touching your baby bump Just about every woman who has been through a pregnancy will have experienced at least one unwelcome belly touch. But not every individual is comfortable with this happening, especially if they don’t know the person well. Here are some tips for dealing with people touching your baby bump. Be Firm, Not Aggressive Society has made it common to affectionately touch a pregnant woman’s belly, so don’t make assumptions about the offender being intentionally rude. Explain politely and clearly that you don’t welcome their physical contact, but steer away from using an aggressive tone. Getting angry will only make the situation uncomfortable for you both. Wear a Shirt That Tells Them Do a quick search online and you’ll find a colourful range of maternity shirts with slogans like ‘Hands off!’ and ‘No touching the bump!’ This may not be appropriate for the train ride to work, but it could warn away a stranger while you’re doing the grocery shopping. Hold Their Hands Instead of pushing the person away, simply intercept their hands with your own… and hold them. This will give you a chance to explain that you don’t wish to be touched. And, if they claim that you touching their hands makes them uncomfortable, ask them how they think having their belly touched all the time would make them feel! The occasional rub from your partner or a friend is nice. But, when you’re pregnant, the belly touching can get irritating real quick! Hopefully these tips will help you deal with some unwanted invasions of your personal bubble. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Do’s And Don’ts in Pregnancy

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When you are pregnant, many people will try to give you advice on what to do and what not to do.  Here’s a summary, to keep you on the right track. Things NOT to do in Pregnancy Don’t Touch Kitty Litter Toxoplasma is a parasite that can be transmitted via the cat’s litter It can cross the placenta, and cause lesions in the baby’s brain, and neurological impairment. You don’t have to give your cat away, but it is indeed a good reason to get your partner to handle the kitty litter (for a change!) Don’t Use Electric Blankets Electric blankets can emit a low level electro-magnetic field, that may potentially affect fetal development.  It is therefore best to avoid using electric blankets during pregnancy. Don’t do High impact exercise Avoid anything high impact, like horse-riding, fast running, or heavy weight-lifting. During pregnancy, your joints are loosened by pregnancy hormones, and these high impact activities could potentially over-strain your joints. Don’t Drink Alcohol Click here for further information on alcohol use during pregnancy Don’t Eat Sushi Click here for further information on foods to avoid during pregnancy Don’t Smoke Smoking can increase your risk of premature birth, or having a baby with low birth weight or respiratory problems.  After delivery, smoking also increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There is no safe level of smoking. For help to quit smoking, call the Quit-line on 13 18 48. Things you SHOULD Do in Pregnancy Enjoy the pregnancy! Healthy Exercise Regular healthy exercise during pregnancy is encouraged. There are many things you can do, including: Walking Swimming Low-impact aerobics Pilates Yoga Healthy Eating “Eating for two” is an urban myth.  You only require an additional 800 kilo joules (200 calories) when you are pregnant, whereas the recommended daily requirement for a non-pregnant female is around 10,000 kilo joules.  The body absorbs more nutrients from food when you are pregnant.  Click here for further information on healthy eating during pregnancy, or see Dr Law’s dietitian for specific advice. Sex Sex is fine at any time during pregnancy, except in special circumstances (e.g. […]

Preparing Your Child for Another Baby

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Baby #2: Preparing Your Child for a Brother or Sister Going from being the only child to having a sibling is difficult. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to keep all your kids healthy and happy, without showing any signs of favouritism. But even if you divide your attention equally between your newborn and older child, 50% will still seem like a lot less than the 100% your eldest son or daughter is used to. It’s crucial to prepare them for this transition early: Make it Exciting Tell your child about the great things that come with having a brother or sister, like always having someone to play with and talk to. Involve them in activities like decorating the baby’s room or choosing tiny outfits to help them feel more excited than anxious. Be Honest While it’s great to focus on the positives, don’t avoid the negatives; a rude shock is much worse than an expected one. If your child is old enough to understand, explain factors like having to share toys and needing to be the mature one. Make Them Feel Important Tell your child they can help their new brother or sister grow up, from feeding them while they’re a baby to helping them with homework in the future. If your child feels they have a role to play in their younger sibling’s growth, they should be able to look forward to this transition instead of dreading it. If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of pregnancy, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’d be more than happy to discuss your concerns with you. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

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