Obstetrics

Dr Ken Law
10:11 pm

Postnatal Depression

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Being pregnant and giving birth can be both emotional and overwhelming. We are told the excitement of becoming a mum for the first time (or again) is meant to be one of the happiest days of our lives – but for some, due to all sorts of reasons such as a traumatic birth or a sleepless baby, it isn’t always the case. It is normal to get a dose of the baby blues a few days after giving birth – but for some women negative feelings and sadness do not go away and can lead to postnatal depression, which if left untreated can be very serious. Baby Blues Approximately 8 in 10 new mothers will have a case of the baby blues soon after giving birth which is a result of hormone levels fluctuating. Feeling sad for no reason and completely overwhelmed are common traits of the baby blues, but within a few days this normally settles down. If these feelings do not subside and they get worse then it could mean the development of postnatal depression. Some of the common postnatal depression symptoms include: inability to cope guilt low self esteem lack of appetite frequent crying feelings of anxiety suicidal thoughts Treatment If you are experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression speak to your family and share how you feel, and tell your Obstetrician as they will be able to get you help and get it properly diagnosed as quickly and effectively as possible. Remember regardless of what you may read, postnatal depression is real. It is a condition and it does not mean you are not a good mother. If you’d like to discuss postnatal depression in more detail with an experienced obstetrician, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Have you considered Cord Blood and Tissue Banking?

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There are so many things to prepare for whilst waiting for your baby to arrive. Thinking about whether to keep your baby’s umbilical cord blood or tissue is probably not high on your priority list – but it is well worth looking into and considering. The umbilical cord in the past was always immediately discarded after birth, but it actually contains a rich source of blood and tissue stem cells which can potentially be used for a variety of medical purposes. There are two good reasons why you might decide to have your baby’s cord blood and tissue banked: The stem cells from the cord blood and tissue could be used in the future should your baby or a family member need stem cells as part of treatment against a life threatening disease such as leukaemia, other blood disorders, autoimmune diseases, cerebral palsy and brain injury. The stem cells can be donated and used for medical research. Worldwide, cord blood has been used in over 30,000 transplants in the treatment of over 80 conditions. How is the cord collected? If you decide that you would like to bank your baby’s cord and tissue, it has to be done at the birth. The cord is collected as the umbilical cord is cut, and instead of being thrown away, it is collected, frozen and stored with no harm to you or your baby. How much does it cost? Depending on the company that you use, prices may differ. You can obtain detailed information directly from Cell Care, Australia’s largest and most experienced cord blood and tissue bank. Their pricing  is based on the number of years you wish to keep the cord for, or you can pay annually. You can also choose to store just the cord blood, or both the cord blood and tissue. Find out more about Cellcare on the GSOG website. How to find out more Chat to Dr Law when you have your next appointment and he will be able to provide you with further information should you need it.

Whooping Cough Vaccination in Pregnancy

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  • Whooping Cough Pertussis vaccination in pregnancy

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious and very serious respiratory infection that causes a long coughing illness. Pertussis is still common in Australia, and is one of the most challenging of all vaccine-preventable diseases to control. In babies and elderly people, whooping cough can lead to pneumonia and can also be life threatening.  Babies less than six months of age are at greatest risk of severe disease, and dying from whooping cough if infected by Pertussis under six months of age.  The majority of deaths due to whooping cough occur in babies less than six months old.  For these young babies infected by Pertussis, the mortality rate is up to 1 in 125.  Deaths occur due to pneumonia or brain damage. Vaccination of pregnant women remains the best protection for babies agains whooping cough.  Pertussis vaccination in mothers result in transfer of protective antibodies across the placenta to the baby.  There has been much debate around the whooping cough vaccine, and the best time to administer it – in order give the best protection to newborns. Currently newborns do not receive their first vaccine until they are six weeks old.  Therefore the best strategy to protect young babies is vaccination during pregnancy.  Research shows that pertussis vaccination in pregnancy can reduce whooping cough in infants less than 3 months of age by up to 91%. Whooping cough vaccination in third trimester of pregnancy The whooping cough vaccine (dTpa) has been used in pregnant women in the UK and US since 2012, and careful monitoring of this practice (in over 40,000 women) confirms that the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Newborn babies are not able to receive their first vaccination for whooping cough until they are six weeks of age, so maternal vaccination during the pregnancy helps to protect them until they can receive their own. Recent studies have in fact shown that the whooping cough vaccination is most effective when it is given to the pregnant mother in the third trimester at around 28 weeks as it takes two weeks to pass the antibodies to the unborn […]

Handy Ideas For Setting Up Your Nursery

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Preparing for your new baby arrival is a fun time, and some pregnant women go into their ‘nesting’ phase getting everything ready before baby arrives. Depending on your personal preference, it might be a very simple set up you want to go with, or if you are a bit more extravagant – it can be a real quest to create the “perfect nursery”. Below are some ideas/tips that you might want to consider: Change table A change table and equipment to change your baby, as well as get rid of things such as nappies, are important to have on hand when setting up your baby nursery. If that is where you are going to be changing your baby then this needs to be in your nursery. Change tables can be bought very cheaply from stores such as Target and Big W or specialist baby shops, and often have shelves underneath the table where you can store all your essentials such as wipes, nappies and nappy rash cream, etc. Nappy bin If you are using disposable nappies then it is really handy to have a bin to put them in near to your change table. The pedestal ones can work a treat. There are more sophisticated nappy disposal systems if you want to spend more money. Black out curtain Once your baby is in their own room it may take a little while for them to settle, and being in a bright room can keep them awake, so consider investing in a black-out curtain or buying some material that when put over the curtain makes the room completely dark. Electric candles/light Sounds silly but having a dimmed light/candle is a really useful thing when needing to check on your baby in a dark room but not wanting to disturb them. The electric candles such as the Enjoy Candles brand are great as they are low light but give you enough to see and not disturb your baby, or alternatively a small portable LED light would do the same. Feeding chair A nice comfortable chair is a great idea for the nursery […]

Non-Drug Pain Relief in Labour

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  • Labour

Each and every woman is different when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth. When it comes to thinking about pain relief options some women have very firm views on what they want i.e. an epidural, pethidine etc. Whereas other women prefer not to have a labour that involves involves drugs. If you are considering non-drug pain relief in labour here are a few options to consider: TENS machines A TENS machine involves having pads put on the lower side on each side of the spine that give out electric pulses and sends signals to the brain to convince it that the pain is less than it actually is.  The pads connect to a battery unit and you can then control how powerful the electric pulses are. Tip: If considering a TENS machine you can hire them out before labour. Check to see if they have classes you can attend to see how the machine works or get someone to show you when you pick it up. Hot or Cold options   Some patients find that a warm shower or bath helps when in active labour – or even a heat pack or a cold pack. Massage Often this is where partners can help in a big way during labour – by giving their pregnant partner a massage. In giving a massage it can help to soothe and relax you to keep you going as well as to stimulate endorphins which will help with your overall mood. Tip: Be sure to tell your partner when and when not to massage you as you may find that you really don’t want to be touched at certain points in your labour. Also be mindful of using essential oils – check which ones are safe for pregnancy. Breathing techniques Prior to labour it’s a great idea to practice breathing techniques and in labour it can help you to both focus and also stay relaxed. There are often classes available that help with this and some baby yoga classes will focus on breathing too. Of course with all of these things always be mindful […]

Coping With Brisbane’s Heat During Pregnancy

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  • Pregnant Woman in Sun

With the temperatures here in Brisbane soaring – if you are pregnant the heat can often feel even hotter carrying around your growing baby. Here are some tips to help tackle coping with the heat this summer: Keep your fluids up Hydration is important for everyone but when pregnant it is very important to ensure you drink enough fluids – so water, herbal teas, and milk.  At least 6-8 glasses of water per day is recommended. By the time you actually feel thirsty you are already starting to become dehydrated, so make sure you drink your fluids regularly. You might also want to minimise your salt intake as too much salt can lead to water retention. Tip – take a bottle of water in the car/on public transport and when out and about with you. Stay out of the sun Stay out of the sun where you can – especially when it is the hottest part of the day, and don’t forget that your skin may be sensitive during your pregnancy – so be careful. Some women can experience cholasma whilst pregnant which is causes pigmentation on the face – if you go in the sun these may darken also. Tip – make sure you wear a high factor sunscreen when out and about. Swimming to cool down If you have a pool a nice dip is the perfect way to cool off – preferably not in the direct sunlight, or if you don’t have a pool then pop along to your local public pool. Alternatively you could invest in a small paddling pool to dip your feet in on those extra hot days* or even have a nice cool shower (but not ice cold!). Tip – please consult council pool guidelines for paddling pools and safety, and always consult your doctor if you are intending on starting any new exercise. Wear fabrics that are breathable Wear fabrics that are lighter and cooler on the really hot days such as cotton, and in the evening when in bed consider your bed clothes and bed fabrics as they may make you […]

4 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

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If you are pregnant or are thinking about trying for a baby then my blog post today is just for you. It is all about how to have a healthy pregnancy. Keep Exercising! Whilst extreme exercise is not recommended if you are used to exercising, trying to get pregnant or whilst being pregnant does not mean that you have to stop everything – it is more about looking at continuing exercises that will help you and your baby. Extreme exercise such as Cross Fit and intense running and cycling is not recommended but exercise such as swimming, yoga and walking are great to get in the habit of doing whilst pregnant. You can check first with your Obstetrician if you are concerned about starting a new exercise during pregnancy. Consider toning down more intense daily jobs! Be mindful of the day to day work you do and also work around the house. When pregnant, especially as you get further into the pregnancy, be careful with tasks such as heavy lifting of objects and chores that may over exert you or put you at risk (e.g. handling raw meat or cat litter). Don’t take eating for two literally! Whilst you will eat more when pregnant often people can take that statement very literally, and then gain a lot of excess weight when pregnant – which can cause all sorts of complications when pregnant and make it hard after pregnancy to get the weight off again. Here is a great article with some recommended weight figures to consider. You can discuss your weight with your Obstetrician if you have any concerns. In addition, cutting back on caffeine, eating a healthy diet and avoiding certain foods in pregnancy are also strongly recommended. It’s still okay to enjoy a massage during pregnancy! If you are in need of a massage and are worried about things you have read about massages in pregnancy – for starters don’t worry, and secondly all you need to do is find a registered masseuse that is experienced in pregnancy massage. There are lots of websites with practitioners – here is one […]

Postnatal Depression: Symptoms and Solutions

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Approximately 8 in 10 new mothers will have a case of the baby blues soon after giving birth. This is generally a fleeting sadness that passes within a couple of days. However, for some women, this feeling lingers and can develop into a more serious condition: postnatal depression. The Symptoms  Symptoms of postnatal depression (or PND) vary from individual to individual. However, general signs to look out for can include: Feeling like you can’t cope or that life has no meaning Feeling as though you are inadequate Negative thoughts or feelings of guilt Lowered self-esteem and confidence Insomnia or disturbed sleeping Lowered libido Less or no appetite Panic attacks or feelings of anxiety Frequent crying or getting irritated easily Forgetfulness or inability to concentrate. The Solutions Your partner, family members and/or friends are vital in helping you get through postnatal depression. Be honest about your feelings and thoughts so that your support network understands your state and can help as needed. If you withdraw from other people, your family needs to recognise that this is a side effect of PND and doesn’t mean they should stop supporting you. If your symptoms are severe, you should take action early by consulting your doctor. Counselling, anti-depressants or a combination of both may be recommended to help you overcome postnatal depression. Just remember: this condition is just that – a health problem – and does not suggest that you aren’t a good mother. If you’d like to discuss postnatal depression in more detail with an experienced obstetrician, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Pain Relief in labour

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Nobody would call childbirth an easy or painless process. But thanks to modern medicine, you can now choose to make your labour more bearable than it would otherwise be. Let’s look at some options that are available to you when you’re giving birth. Nitrous Oxide Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide delivers pain relief through a mouth tube. When breathed in from the beginning of the contractions, this gas can help to take the edge off the pain from the contraction, though it doesn’t eliminate the pain altogether. Nitrous oxide is a popular choice because it gives the mother control over her pain relief – she can breathe in as much or as little of the gas as she needs or wants. The potential risks are minimal. Morphine Injection Morphine is an effective pain relief. The typical method of delivery is an injection to the bottom – something you might find embarrassing in other circumstances but probably won’t be bothered by while in labour! Medicine to treat nausea is usually given simultaneously because this is a common side effect of morphine. Epidural An injection of epidural anaesthesia is a common and usually effective form of pain relief for women in labour. After receiving the injection in the back, the body goes numb from the waist down. Epidurals are popular partly because they don’t affect the woman’s top half, allowing her to be present and alert during the birth. Speak to your doctor to get a good understanding of these before you make your decision. You’ll be ready to deliver a brand new child into the world! 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.

Partners in the Delivery Room

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It’s quite common for partners-to-be to feel a bit useless during labour. Nobody likes seeing their partner go through a tough and painful experience without being able to do anything to help.The good news is, expectant partners can do much more than stand around and get in the way! Here’s how you can help out in the delivery room. Understand What She Expects Your wife/partner might expect you to do everything during her delivery, or she might prefer you to keep back for the most part and let the doctor and midwife handle most things. Either way, the only way to know what she expects from you is to talk about it. Find out what kind of role she would like you to take on before and during the birth. If she wants you to be heavily involved, taking a birthing class together is a great way to feel a bit more prepared. Greenslopes Maternity offers antenatal classes for all their patients. Play Masseuse As a partner in the delivery room, you’ll likely find yourself on backrub duty at least once. There’s going to be a lot of soreness and stiffness in your partner’s body while she’s giving birth and afterwards. If you take the initiative by offering a soothing massage, she will almost certainly appreciate it. This is also a great way to comfort and distract your partner. Know the Hospital What’s the number to call when the contractions speed up? What’s the quickest route to the nearest bathroom? Where is the vending machine that has your partner’s favourite comfort food? Mum-to-be won’t have the patience to work out these details, so it’s up to you to understand the hospital’s layout and organise things as necessary. Provide Physical and Emotional Support From holding her up while she pushes to reassuring her she did a great job afterwards, you need to be the rock for your partner during and after labour. Yes, you’ll probably have an emotional breakdown (or two) of your own, but try to remain strong during the crucial moments and save these for later! Amongst all the […]

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