Important Dates to Remember

Weeks 5 to 6

Book your 12 week Obgyn / Midwife appointment. Book as soon as you find out to avoid disappointment. Places fill fast. 

Week 12

First Obgyn/ Midwife appointment and continuing with monthly checkups - will request blood tests to confirm blood group, RH antibodies, Hep. B, HIV, Rubella. 

Week 11 to 14

First Ultrasound and Nuchal Translucency Scan (NT scan checks for down syndrome / including blood tests) 

Week 18

Ultrasound 

Week 26 to 40

Your Obgyn / Midwife may requested another ultrasound if you have suspected complications or just to check the growth of the baby. 

Week 28

Glucose Blood Test 

Week 35

Your Obgyn / Midwife may request weekly visits between now and when your baby is born. 

Week 40 to 42

Your baby is due. Often babies are a little late but your Obgyn/Midwife will be able to guide you as to whether induction is necessary.

How to beat morning sickness

• Eat small meals frequently 
• Try drinking Ginger Beer / Ale 
• Keep a handful of snack in a your handbag, as soon as you start to feel a little queasy eat something light as it will help keep your stomach feeling comfortable. 
• Preggie Pop's (lollipops) uniquely formulated to ease morning sickness / nausea - great to use in early labour for added energy & dry mouth. 
• The smell of a cut lemon or lime or even putting some lemon essence on a handkerchief and sniffing it when you start to feel nauseous. 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat a dry cracker or toast before getting out of bed. 
• Avoid bad smells like cigarette smoke, garbage etc.

Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy? 

It is when a fertilised egg develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes, but sometimes in the ovary or even in the cervix (the later is very rare). 

When is it usually discovered? 

Usually between the fourth and the tenth week of pregnancy. 

What happens? 

As the pregnancy progresses the fertilised egg grows and will cause pain and bleeding. If the pregnancy is continued it can cause the tube to rupture and internal bleeding will be present. If a tube ruptures it is considered a medical emergency and it can be fatal. The pregnancy is not viable and it cannot be transferred into the uterus. If you suspect ectopic pregnancy contact your qualified health care practitioner or hospital immediately to prevent any further damage, which may reduce your chances of conception later on. 

What causes women to have an ectopic pregnancy?

If there is a narrowing of the tube which might prevent the egg from exiting the tubes and entering the uterus then it just stays put and implants itself into the wall of the tube. 

Are some women at higher risk than others? 

It is possible for any women to have an ectopic pregnancy but there are some women who might be at higher risk than others. 

If you have tubal endometriosis 

Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Chlamydia 

Any abdominal surgery 

Taking the mini-pill 

Previous ectopic pregnancy 

Over 35 years of age 

What are the signs of an ectopic pregnancy? 

One sided pain in the lower abdoment which is persistent 

Faint, diarroea, vomiting or pain 

Vaginal bleeding - can look dark and watery. 

Pains in the shoulder 

Pain whilst urinating or having a bowel movement. 

How is it treated?

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected you will most likely be taken to hospital for a laparoscopy, where a small thin camera is inserted in through your abdomen. The surgeon will then examine the tubes and if necessary remove the ectopic pregnancy obviously trying to keep the tube as intact as possible. If the tube is ruptured then abdominal surgery may be required rather than a laparoscopy to remove the pregnancy and the damaged tube. Will I be able to conceive again? If there has not been any damage to your fallopian tubes than your chances of conceiving are the same. However, your chances of an ectopic pregnancy will be increased (10% chance of having another one). If one of your tubes were damaged, the chance of conceiving are reduced. If both of your tubes were damaged then you may need to speak to someone about IVF Treatment. When can we try again? As a guide, after a laparoscopy its best to wait 3 months but if you have had major abdominal surgery (either for ectopic or appendix etc) you should wait for approximately 6 months which will give the chance for the area to heal.  Your fertility specialist will be best to guide you according to your situation. 

Miscarriage

Miscarriage can be hard for any women to go through, even if its an early miscarriage it can be just as emotionally painful as one that is later, particularly if you are dealing with infertility issues or have been trying for a long time. I 

What is a miscarriage?

t is the loss of a fetus up to the 20th week of pregnancy, after the 20th week the loss of the fetus is known as a stillbirth. Pregnancy loss is quite common with approximately 20% of detected pregnancies ending in miscarriage, and most of them occurring within the first 12 weeks. If you are suffering recurrent miscarriages, you should speak to your fertility specialist for further testing and advise. 

What are the symptoms?

the most common sign of a miscarriage is heavy bleeding or cramping and less common symptoms being backache or chills / fever. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you should consult with your medical professional as soon as possible. 

From a personal perspective, the morning before my miscarriage began that evening. I had unusual feelings and I even commented to a friend that 'this pregnancy doesn't feel like it is mean to be'. At that stage there was no cramping and no bleeding or any visible sign of miscarriage. I've spoken to other women who have also had miscarriages and many of them experienced a similar sensation, so whether it is mothers instinct or purely the hormones changing, who knows - either way it was a horrible feeling. 

What causes a miscarriage?

The most common cause is due to genetic abnormalities within the embryo / foetus. However problems such as a uterine infections, poor production of progesterone in early pregnancy, fibroids and uterine abnormalities. 

Will I have another miscarriage? 

Most (90%) pregnancies after a miscarriage go on to have a normal pregnancy. But because you have had one miscarriage then your chances of having a another one is slightly higher. If you have repeated miscarriage then further testing may be required to find out what is causing the miscarriage.

Important Dates to Remember

Weeks 5 to 6

Book your 12 week Obgyn / Midwife appointment. Book as soon as you find out to avoid disappointment. Places fill fast. 

Week 12

First Obgyn/ Midwife appointment and continuing with monthly checkups - will request blood tests to confirm blood group, RH antibodies, Hep. B, HIV, Rubella. 

Week 11 to 14

First Ultrasound and Nuchal Translucency Scan (NT scan checks for down syndrome / including blood tests) 

Week 18

Ultrasound 

Week 26 to 40

Your Obgyn / Midwife may requested another ultrasound if you have suspected complications or just to check the growth of the baby. 

Week 28

Glucose Blood Test 

Week 35

Your Obgyn / Midwife may request weekly visits between now and when your baby is born. 

Week 40 to 42

Your baby is due. Often babies are a little late but your Obgyn/Midwife will be able to guide you as to whether induction is necessary.

How to beat morning sickness

• Eat small meals frequently 
• Try drinking Ginger Beer / Ale 
• Keep a handful of snack in a your handbag, as soon as you start to feel a little queasy eat something light as it will help keep your stomach feeling comfortable. 
• Preggie Pop's (lollipops) uniquely formulated to ease morning sickness / nausea - great to use in early labour for added energy & dry mouth. 
• The smell of a cut lemon or lime or even putting some lemon essence on a handkerchief and sniffing it when you start to feel nauseous. 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Eat a dry cracker or toast before getting out of bed. 
• Avoid bad smells like cigarette smoke, garbage etc.

Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy? 

It is when a fertilised egg develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes, but sometimes in the ovary or even in the cervix (the later is very rare). 

When is it usually discovered? 

Usually between the fourth and the tenth week of pregnancy. 

What happens? 

As the pregnancy progresses the fertilised egg grows and will cause pain and bleeding. If the pregnancy is continued it can cause the tube to rupture and internal bleeding will be present. If a tube ruptures it is considered a medical emergency and it can be fatal. The pregnancy is not viable and it cannot be transferred into the uterus. If you suspect ectopic pregnancy contact your qualified health care practitioner or hospital immediately to prevent any further damage, which may reduce your chances of conception later on. 

What causes women to have an ectopic pregnancy?

If there is a narrowing of the tube which might prevent the egg from exiting the tubes and entering the uterus then it just stays put and implants itself into the wall of the tube. 

Are some women at higher risk than others? 

It is possible for any women to have an ectopic pregnancy but there are some women who might be at higher risk than others. 

If you have tubal endometriosis 

Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Chlamydia 

Any abdominal surgery 

Taking the mini-pill 

Previous ectopic pregnancy 

Over 35 years of age 

What are the signs of an ectopic pregnancy? 

One sided pain in the lower abdoment which is persistent 

Faint, diarroea, vomiting or pain 

Vaginal bleeding - can look dark and watery. 

Pains in the shoulder 

Pain whilst urinating or having a bowel movement. 

How is it treated?

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected you will most likely be taken to hospital for a laparoscopy, where a small thin camera is inserted in through your abdomen. The surgeon will then examine the tubes and if necessary remove the ectopic pregnancy obviously trying to keep the tube as intact as possible. If the tube is ruptured then abdominal surgery may be required rather than a laparoscopy to remove the pregnancy and the damaged tube. Will I be able to conceive again? If there has not been any damage to your fallopian tubes than your chances of conceiving are the same. However, your chances of an ectopic pregnancy will be increased (10% chance of having another one). If one of your tubes were damaged, the chance of conceiving are reduced. If both of your tubes were damaged then you may need to speak to someone about IVF Treatment. When can we try again? As a guide, after a laparoscopy its best to wait 3 months but if you have had major abdominal surgery (either for ectopic or appendix etc) you should wait for approximately 6 months which will give the chance for the area to heal.  Your fertility specialist will be best to guide you according to your situation. 

Miscarriage

Miscarriage can be hard for any women to go through, even if its an early miscarriage it can be just as emotionally painful as one that is later, particularly if you are dealing with infertility issues or have been trying for a long time. I 

What is a miscarriage?

t is the loss of a fetus up to the 20th week of pregnancy, after the 20th week the loss of the fetus is known as a stillbirth. Pregnancy loss is quite common with approximately 20% of detected pregnancies ending in miscarriage, and most of them occurring within the first 12 weeks. If you are suffering recurrent miscarriages, you should speak to your fertility specialist for further testing and advise. 

What are the symptoms?

the most common sign of a miscarriage is heavy bleeding or cramping and less common symptoms being backache or chills / fever. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you should consult with your medical professional as soon as possible. 

From a personal perspective, the morning before my miscarriage began that evening. I had unusual feelings and I even commented to a friend that 'this pregnancy doesn't feel like it is mean to be'. At that stage there was no cramping and no bleeding or any visible sign of miscarriage. I've spoken to other women who have also had miscarriages and many of them experienced a similar sensation, so whether it is mothers instinct or purely the hormones changing, who knows - either way it was a horrible feeling. 

What causes a miscarriage?

The most common cause is due to genetic abnormalities within the embryo / foetus. However problems such as a uterine infections, poor production of progesterone in early pregnancy, fibroids and uterine abnormalities. 

Will I have another miscarriage? 

Most (90%) pregnancies after a miscarriage go on to have a normal pregnancy. But because you have had one miscarriage then your chances of having a another one is slightly higher. If you have repeated miscarriage then further testing may be required to find out what is causing the miscarriage.