Pregnancy Cravings

Obstetrics - Food Cravings, Food in Pregnancy, Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

The Science Behind Pregnancy Cravings From peanut butter and chocolate to strangely specific salads, cravings are a well-known phenomenon of pregnancy – more than half of expecting mothers experience them to some extent. But why do they occur? Here’s a quick look at some of the science behind these odd appetite swings. Different Trimesters, Different Tastes Some studies have revealed that women can experience a heightened sense of taste in regards to certain types of food during different stages of their pregnancies. For example, in your first few months, you might be constantly craving sugary treats. Then, in your second or third trimester, you might develop a taste for salty snacks. Stress and Tiredness Cravings may not always be a direct result of your growing baby. Pregnancy typically comes with more stress and less sleep than you might usually experience. When life gets tougher or circumstances feel overwhelming, it makes perfect sense for our bodies to call out for foods that make us feel better. Deficiencies Some theories suggest that a pregnant woman’s cravings can reveal the nutrients or vitamins she is currently lacking, thus naturally guiding her towards the foods that she and her baby need to be stronger. While there isn’t a great deal of proof behind this concept, is does seem somewhat logical. If you’re pregnant or planning to be soon, food cravings are just one of the many changes to prepare yourself for. Get in touch with our clinic today to book a consultation; we can talk through everything with you to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. 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.

Things To Tell Your Obstetrician

Obstetrics - Brisbane Obstetrician, Greenslopes Obstetrician, Obstetrician, Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

4 Things your Obstetrician Needs to Know Having a trusted obstetrician by your side can make all the difference to your pregnancy. But, as with your regular doctor, your OB’s ability to assist you relies on how openly and honestly you communicate with them. Here’s an overview of the topics you should never hesitate to bring up with your obstetrician. 1. Your Medical History It’s important for your OB to have an accurate and comprehensive picture of your past. Conditions that no longer affect you or procedures you underwent years ago might not seem relevant to your pregnancy, but you may not be aware of complications that might arise due to such things. It’s better to over-share with your obstetrician and let him/her determine what is or isn’t significant. 2. Your Pregnancy Milestones As you reach milestones within your pregnancy, such as crossing into your second trimester or feeling the first kick, it’s great to keep your obstetrician in the loop. Make sure to book and keep to all your important routine check-ups – but don’t hesitate to reschedule an appointment if something occurs earlier than expected. 3. Any Odd Occurrences If something unexpected happens – no matter how trivial it might seem – be sure to contact your obstetrician. Even if the only outcome is finding out what you’ve experienced is perfectly normal, at least this will give you peace of mind. And if it really is something out of the ordinary, the sooner your OB can investigate, the better. 4. Your Mental Well-being Pregnancy can be a taxing and tumultuous time for any woman. If the stress takes a serious toll on your emotional well-being, be sure to speak to your OB (as well as your GP). They may recommend creating a mental health plan to help you. In some cases, simply discussing your concerns with your trusted doctor can be enough to lift some of that weight off your shoulders. For more information about what you should speak to your obstetrician about, simply get in touch with us on 1300 464 464 or through our contact page. […]

3 Things To Do When Trying To Get Pregnant

Fertility, Obstetrics - Fertility, Folate, Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

For some women, pregnancy seems to miraculously occur within weeks of making the decision to have a baby – or even without deciding at all! For others, however, it may not be quite so easy. If you’re trying to fall pregnant and need some ideas to speed things along, here are some tips to consider. 1. Book A Pre-Conception Consultation An appointment with an obstetrics and gynaecology clinic like ours can be an important first step towards successfully conceiving. This pre-conception consultation will allow you to find out how ready your body is to bear a baby. It is important to check that your immunisations are up-to-date, and if you are not immune to Rubella (German measles), vaccination prior to pregnancy is advised. Folic acid supplementation prior to conception is also important to prevent neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida). You’ll also be able to discuss what steps you can take to increase your odds of falling pregnant. Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology offers infertility investigations as well, so you can determine if there may be anything with you or your partner that might be a barrier to getting pregnant the traditional way. 2. Schedule Your Conception Track your ovulation as accurately as you can when trying to fall pregnant. Once you’ve worked out a general pattern, you can schedule your attempts at conception to coincide with your most fertile time periods: typically the day of your ovulation and the three days prior. However, making love based on a timetable may not be so romantic, and may add stress to the relationship whilst trying to conceive. Furthermore, it is sometimes not possible to accurately track ovulation. So the best advice is to have regular unprotected intercourse in trying to conceive naturally. 3. Strengthen Your Partner’s Sperm It takes two to tango, and it definitely takes two to create a baby. There are a number of things your man can do to give his sperm an extra edge. Lifestyle changes your partner can make to help things along include: Reducing alcohol intake Cutting back on (or preferably quitting) cigarettes Boosting his […]

The Fourth Trimester

Obstetrics - Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

Your Baby’s Health In The First Three Months The first three months after giving birth are sometimes referred to as the ‘4th trimester’ due to this phase being just as difficult as being heavily pregnant (if not more so!). While it’s important to look after yourself emotionally and physically during this time, it’s also vital to be acutely aware of your newborn’s health and development. Keeping Your Appointments Never skip any /postnatal appointments with your GP or Paediatrician. Any scheduled consultations are important as they allow your trusted medical practitioner to oversee the growth and well-being of your baby. Recognising Positive Milestones Within these three months, there are a number of behaviours you can anticipate from your baby. These typically include: Smiling and laughing out loud (sometimes slightly after the three-month mark) Looking at your face when you talk to him/her Free movement of arms and legs Feeding well Reacting to notable sounds. Watching Out For Warning Signs Newborns can’t tell you something is wrong, but they will communicate problems in other ways. Signals that could indicate a health issue can include: Unusually high-pitched crying Never calming down when you pick him/her up Stiffness (particularly in the back and neck) One limb being weaker or more floppy than the other Often maintaining a tight fist Crying for longer than normal or more frequently than other babies. If you notice a sign such as the ones above, consider making an urgent appointment with your doctor to address your concerns and investigate further. One of the great things about attending a caring clinic like Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology during your pregnancy is that we go above and beyond to provide you with as much information as possible – including the milestones and signs to identify during your baby’s first months out of the womb. Book a consultation with us today by phoning 1300 464 464 or contacting us through our website. As mentioned, the best first step you can take is having an appointment with an experienced OB/GYN. Please contact us to book your consultation or simply call us on 1300 464 464 to discuss your […]

Baby’s First Birthday

Babies - Parenthood - 22/01/2016

How to Make Your Baby’s 1st Birthday Special Your newborn’s first birthday is a big deal – even if they won’t remember it or have any idea what’s going on! Here are some tips to help you make it a fun occasion for everyone (including yourself!). Big Bash vs. Intimate Gathering Depending on your preferences and the size of your home or venue, you need to decide whether to make your bub’s first birthday a large celebration or a more private get-together for just your closest friends and relatives. Whichever avenue you choose, don’t do it half-heartedly. A full-size party should feature a buffet of food, fun decorations everywhere, and plenty of games and entertainment for the kids. For smaller affairs, pay attention to detail – cook your family’s favourite meal, use your fanciest wine glasses, and find (or bake!) a cake everyone will love. Record as Much as Possible Nothing quite compares to the nostalgia of looking over old photos of your child’s earliest birthdays. With today’s tech, there’s no excuse for neglecting to film some short videos and take plenty of pictures – you can do it all from your smartphone. With your cute baby, a delicious-looking cake and the right filter, you’re bound to get a fair few likes on Instagram as well! Treat Yourself Honestly, a baby’s first birthday is about the parents just as much as the child. Getting through the first 12 months is quite an accomplishment – especially if it’s your first baby! Take a break during the festivities to relax and indulge in something you love, whether it’s some luxury chocolates or a much needed nap. Don’t forget that turning 1 is also an important milestone in regards to your child’s development. As mentioned, the best first step you can take is having an appointment with an experienced OB/GYN. Please contact us to book your consultation or simply call us on 1300 464 464 to discuss your needs with our friendly staff. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific […]

Keeping Fit While Pregnant

Featured, Obstetrics - Brisbane Obstetrician, Exercise, Pregnancy, Yoga - 21/01/2016

Great Activities for Soon-to-Be Mums As your pregnancy progresses, it could get more difficult to motivate yourself to exercise. Of course, the exercise itself will become harder too as the weight of your baby increases! Fortunately, there are a number of activities that are well-suited to mums-to-be. Here are a couple you could try if you’re committed to keeping fit while you’re expecting. Swimming As your body gets heavier than usual, exercising in the water – where your body naturally feels lighter – is a great idea. Try a water aerobics group class so you can socialise while staying fit. Walking and Running Even a gentle 30-minute walk can do wonders for your health, though a brisk jog would be ideal. The great thing about walking or running is that it can be done just about anywhere and anytime, making it the perfect option for pregnant women with busy schedules. Pilates and Yoga Pilates and yoga are very popular amongst pregnant women for good reason; either can be a great way for you to work on your flexibility, core strength, and general well-being in a supportive group setting. Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology has a great Pregnancy Strength and Movement Class which is run by an instructor who is experienced in exercises during pregnancy. Find out more details here. Generally, there aren’t too many exercises or sports that can’t be participated in while you’re expecting, so don’t assume your weekly exercise has to stop until your baby arrives. As long as your chosen activity doesn’t pose any risks, such as falling or hitting your baby bump, it should be fine. If your favourite sport is physically strenuous, just aim to take it a little bit easier than usual! Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. The above article is for general information only, and you should consult your obstetrician for specific personal advice. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Staying Social

Babies, Featured - Brisbane Obstetrician, Exercise, Pregnancy, Yoga - 21/01/2016

Pregnant and Popular: Staying Social While Expecting It’s too easy to fall into a negative mindset about pregnancy and feel as if having a baby is all about sacrifices. Fortunately, your social life is absolutely not one of the things you have to give up while expecting. Here are two tips for keeping up with your friends during your pregnancy. Entertain from Home Especially in your third trimester, going out can become an ordeal. When you have the energy and time, you definitely still should. But if travelling and spending time beyond the comfort of home is getting too stressful, consider hosting get-togethers for your friends at home. BYO-platter parties are a particularly good idea; you won’t have to stand for a long time in the kitchen preparing food for everyone. And don’t worry – true friends won’t have any qualms about trading in the café setting for your living room or deck for a month or two. Try Some New Activities Are your friends’ favourite activities a little too strenuous for a pregnant woman? Ask them if they’d like to try something more laid back for a while. And if they don’t? Doesn’t matter! Try something new by yourself and you’ll even have the opportunity to make new friends. For example, if your social calendar typically features intense cycling, swap the bike for a pair of walking shoes for now. If you’re unsure whether a hobby of yours is okay to continue while you’re pregnant, feel free to call us to chat about it or check out one of my previous blog posts which is all about keeping fit during pregnancy. Pregnancy doesn’t mean sacrificing time spent doing things you love. With a few lifestyle adjustments, you can maintain your social life without missing a beat. 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.