Health and Wellness

Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n

Ideally, you should assess your health and fitness. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle

Your nutritional status at the time of conception and in the crucial early weeks of pregnancy is significant for the successful outcome of the pregnancy. 

Feeling healthy, stress-free and relaxed will only help the chance of you and your partner falling pregnant.

Pregnancy is usually diagnosed several weeks after conception. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid risk factors if you are planning to become pregnant.

Are you planning to have a baby soon? Find out our preconception checklist to facilitate the conceiving process and have an healthier pregnancy.

The fertilised egg divides into two identical cells – then four, then eight, then 16, and then many billions, and 266 days later – your baby.

Women have XX and men have XY chromosomes. 

Confirm a suspected pregnancy immediately to avoid unnecessary risks to your baby.

Diagnostic ultrasound
The most important scans are performed at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. These early scans often prove the most accurate in determining the date of birth.

The average stay in hospital is about three days, if there are no complications. Use the time to rest and gather as much information as possible.

After the birth your body undergoes rapid physical and hormonal changes.

Check your basic progressive exercise programme with your caregiver.

Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby’s life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.

Foetal movement counts (after 28 weeks)
Be aware of your baby’s pattern of movements on a daily basis by counting four foetal movements in the hour after a meal every day.

The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.

Ultrasound

Energy

You need extra energy:

As a mom, whether you have a child yet or not, you look into the lens of the future to envision memorable moment after memorable moment together.

Exercise leads to improved circulation, which in turn can reduce the severity of varicosities (varicose veins).

Your safety and that of your baby are of prime importance at all times. You may begin to exercise in early pregnancy and continue for as long as you feel comfortable.

Take particular care of your back during and after pregnancy – protect it from strain and possible injury.

Stimulating the cardiovascular system through aerobic exercise helps to maintain and improve your fitness during pregnancy.

It is important to monitor your response to your exercise programme by taking your pulse-rate before, during and after exercise.

First trimester

Your fitness is likely to decrease. Listen to your body and only do what you feel comfortable doing.

Second trimester

As your pregnancy advances, the uterus exerts an increased upward pressure on your diaphragm. As you near your due date you may find that you breathe less deeply, although more efficiently.

Before exercising, during or before pregnancy, it is advisable to eat high fibre, high carbohydrate snacks, such as an apple, dried fruit, banana or whole wheat muffin, as your metabolic functions

Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.

Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.

“I am pregnant – can I exercise?”

Discovering that you are pregnant brings about a variety of new feelings.

Physical environment

Distractions like breathing, visualising or fixing on one point can take your mind off the pain.

Breathing reflects the activity in your body and, of all the body’s involuntary unconscious physical responses, breathing is the easiest to control. 

The Pros

• Offers immediate relief.

• Decreases tension and offers good pain relief.

Make sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival with our checklist. Get organized and feel confident for the big day.

Enjoying finger food