Obstetrics

Dr Ken Law
10:52 am

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. […]

Obstetrician Looking After Your Pregnancy

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Let’s face it: pregnancy is no walk in the park. It’s challenging at times, there are lots of frustrating moments, and – of course – there’s the pain. An expecting mother really needs a support network of friends and family during this tough period, but these aren’t the only people who can help. A trusted obstetrician is an invaluable professional to have on your side before, during, and after your childbirth. Here’s a look at how an obstetrician can help you. During The Pregnancy With their specialised skills, obstetricians are perfectly positioned to monitor a pregnant woman’s health and wellbeing, as well as that of her growing baby, with the help of ultrasounds and other tests. They can check for specific problems and conditions while also offering general advice for maintaining your health as your body changes. Perhaps most importantly, an obstetrician is a knowledgeable yet friendly face whose guidance and support prepares you physically and emotionally for delivering your baby. During Labour During the big day (or days), your obstetrician will work closely with your dedicated team of midwives. The obstetrician monitors the progress of your labour, and checks on the well-being of the baby throughout your labour.  The obstetrician will guide you through the labour, and delivers your baby when the moment arrives. After Pregnancy and Labour Your obstetrician plays a vital role in ensuring your good health and recovery after the birth. Your OB will check on your postnatal recovery, and make sure you are well after your discharge from hospital. If you need a Brisbane obstetrician to offer professional services and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy, look no further. Dr Ken Law, our experienced Greenslopes maternity OB, has assisted many Brisbane women through their trimesters. He and the rest of our supportive team look forward to making your pregnancy as comfortable and pleasant as it possibly can be. Contact us to make your first appointment today. 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 […]

Choosing An Obstetrician

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Are you looking for a Brisbane obstetrician you can trust and rely on to help you through your pregnancy? Making the selection can be tricky, but it’s important for your health and the well-being of your baby to make a good choice. Our last post talked about how an Obstetrician can help you during the birth of your baby.  Today’s post follows on from that and talks more about how to work out which obstetrician is right for you. Expertise If you have any conditions or illnesses that could complicate your pregnancy, you should seek out an obstetrician who has experience in treating and working with patients who have the same or similar issues. This way, any complications that arise won’t be new territory for your OB.   The Whole Team Each visit you have with your obstetrician should be a supportive experience from beginning to end. This means the environment of their practice and the attitude of their staff need to make you feel comfortable. Your ideal obstetrician will have a caring and compassionate team to help them help you. Experience and Professionalism Your obstetrician’s ability to support you properly throughout your pregnancy depends heavily on his or her experience. A professional with years of practice will have the confidence and expertise to help you navigate the tricky times that lay before you. You also want to find an obstetrician who knows how to balance friendliness and honesty with professionalism. The right physician for you will know how to reassure and support you while also thoroughly preparing you for your journey – and they won’t cut any corners during your procedures and check-ups. Communication and Intuition Getting along with your obstetrician is hugely important. If communication is lacking or your gut tells you a doctor isn’t the right match for you, it could be a great idea to look around for other options. If you’re looking for a practice that checks all these boxes, you can trust us to deliver. Our Greenslopes maternity obstetrician, Dr Ken Law, is a specialist in this area with over a decade of experience […]

Pregnancy Cravings

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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.

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