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Do’s And Don’ts in Pregnancy

Obstetrics - Alcohol, Brisbane Obstetrician, Dietitian, Exercise, Folate, Greenslopes Obstetrician, Listeria, Pregnancy, Toxoplasmosis - 25/01/2016

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 Pet For New Baby

Babies - Brisbane Obstetrician, Greenslopes Obstetrician, Obstetrician, Parenting, Pets, Postnatal Care - 22/01/2016

If you are planning to have a family, when the time comes if you already have a family pet such as a dog, it is important to prepare them for the new addition to the family. They’ve gotten used to the way things are and their whole world is about to change, and some pets can take it very well and others not so well. Here are some tips for preparing your dog for your new arrival : Make your dog part of the preparation As you bring new things home ready for the baby such as the bassinet, stroller, and clothes; let the dog have a good sniff and look at the items so that he/she gets used to the new objects in the home. Once your baby is born – whilst in the hospital bring home some of the clothes that they have worn, and again let the dog have a good sniff so that when you do bring the baby home he/she will already be familiar with the smell of your baby and hopefully won’t not be as wary. If your dog is not used to babies then a great suggestion is to play a recording of a baby crying to get them used to the noise, especially if your dog is sensitive to noise. By the time you bring the baby home the noise will not be so strange to them. Practice walking around with a doll in your arms (or a cushion if you don’t have a doll) and see how the dog reacts. If the dog jumps up you have time to train them not to before you bring your baby home, and also to be aware of any potential issues. Attention Consider whether it might be good to hire a dog walker for the first few weeks/months of bringing your baby home, as you may find that there isn’t as much time to walk the dog. Having a dog walker take the dog out will help to keep the dog exercised, but also give him/her much needed attention, and make time where you […]

Obstetrician Looking After Your Pregnancy

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

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

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

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 […]

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. […]