All women are tested for Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy to ensure this common complication is monitored, treated and kept under control.
Some women are at a higher risk of developing Gestational Diabetes than others, such as women who have had previous complications with this diagnosis in prior pregnancies, over 30's, a family history of the disease, certain cultural backgrounds, in an overweight category, particular ovarian complications and hormonal imbalances. However many women develop this diagnosis and do not fall into any of these above mentioned categories.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational Diabetes usually develops around 24+ weeks and occurs when a women's body is not producing enough insulin to regulate and maintain the blood glucose levels for herself and her growing baby.
Maintaining normal glucose levels are vital in pregnancy and ensure the safety and health of both mother and baby. The placenta produces a range of hormones which provide the baby' ability to grow and develop healthily. Although these hormones are important for the baby, they can sometimes deprive and block the mother's insulation levels. This is called Insulin Resistance, and leads to Gestational Diabetes when the mother is not producing the doubled amounts of insulin required.
Around the 24 week mark, you will be required to do a Glucose Tolerance Test (sometimes referred to as GTT) to determine your levels and make any necessary diagnostics. Some women (those at a higher risk rate) may be required to do this test earlier on in their pregnancy.
Your Doctor will talk you through the process, but it is basically a series of blood collection samples over a period of time (within a few hours). You will be required to fast (which means no food or drink, except plain water) overnight (prior to your GTT appointment) and is usually done at a hospital, pathology centre or blood collection agency. A blood sample is taken on your arrival to test your 'fasting blood glucose' levels, and then you are required to drink a glucose drink (a very sweet tasting 'juice') where more blood samples are taken after periodically waited times (usually after one hour and then again after two hours).
The results are sent to Dr Chong (or your referring Doctor) to be analysed and discussed with you.
If you are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, Dr Chong along with other specialists will educate, support and assist you in maintaing and treating this diagnosis. If GD is left untreated, major health concerns and issues are more common to occur in both mother and baby during both the pregnancy and the birth. Treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the levels and lifestyle. Sometimes some simple changes in diet and exercise are the answer, and other times injections of insulin are needed. Your Doctor will guide you through all of this.
In most cases, the mother does not have Diabetes once given birth (you will be tested at the hospital and post-birth) and this pregnancy-induced condition does not mean the baby will be born with Diabetes (unless it is left untreated during the gestational period).
If you are not diagnosed with GD, you will continue your pregnancy as is, ensuring you are making healthy choices that positively affect you and your growing baby. Full-term pregnancy rates are more likely in non GD patients.
Preventing Gestational Diabetes:
For some women (as mentioned above) Gestational Diabetes is more likely to occur no matter how healthy, happy or balanced they are. A GD diagnosis is not always a bad reflection of your choices towards poor health, so don't for a second beat yourself up about this manageable condition.
However there are ways to protect yourself from a higher chance of diagnosis, such as:
- healthy, nourishing and mindful eating // read our post here about nutrition during pregnancy
- regular (but safe) exercise
- weight control (before and during) pregnancy
- a healthy lifestyle (sufficient sleep, rest, movement, happy relationships)
If you have any concerns or questions, please talk to Dr Chong at your next appointment.
You may also like:
- Dealing with Aches & Pains During Pregnancy
- Green Smoothies to Drink During Pregnancy
- Sleeping Well During Pregnancy
- Avoiding and Treating Stretch Marks
So you're into the third trimester now and heading into that exciting yet daunting final phase of pregnancy.
What now? Get organised, that's what.
It's time to head to the shops to stock up on some birth and baby essentials and get your hospital bag/s packed.
You may have already bought (or been given) a lot of baby things, but it can be quite overwhelming to work out what needs to be stored in the nursery, what needs to be stored away for the future and what needs to be left out for the impending birth and your baby's first moments and days.
Like a holiday, you don't want to over-pack, but you don't want to under-pack either. So to help you during this exciting but confusing time, we've put together a checklist of what you need to pack for the big event.
Simply CLICK HERE to download our free checklist. Print it or save it to your phone so you can take it shopping and have it easily accessible while you get ready for your upcoming trip to the hospital. Once your bag is packed, have it in an obvious spot in the house (and tell your partner where it is) so it can be grabbed on the go, when labour begins (or when you're heading to your c-section appointment.) Some people keep it in the car boot from 36 weeks, to ensure they always have it on hand for unexpected situations.
I still remember the exciting time of packing my hospital bag for my first birth. I bought everything new (including the underwear and pyjamas - affordably of course as I knew they would most probably get soiled, stained and grown out of) and enjoyed the process of sorting, organising, packing and ticking off the list. It truly was a special time.
Just don't leave it to the last minute - it's better to be prepared than rushed, especially when you don't have complete control on the when, how and where of child birth.
Feel free to share this list with your friends and family. Simply send them over here to our blog to grab their own copy for free.
Happy packing ladies :)
For most pregnancies; yes it is safe to travel and fly when pregnant, however there are several factors you need to consider.
Life can not just stop when we become pregnant - many women still have to work which can mean interstate or international travel is required, and also many women like to have a 'babymoon getaway' with their partner to enjoy some together time before the new baby is born. These can still occur, as long as it's done in a healthy manner.
Most women choose to travel during the first and second trimesters, and then slow down and build the baby's 'nest' during the third trimester. Make sure you check with your Doctor before you embark on any travel no matter how far along your pregnancy is.
When is the best time to travel?
Usually around 14-28 weeks. By this time you can read your body and your pregnancy confidently but you're also feeling better (morning sickness usually subsides during this timeframe) and your energy levels are increasing. If you're pregnancy so far has been uncomplicated and your Doctor is happy with your baby's development, there is no real reason why you can't enjoy a small getaway during this time.
Be Mindful of:
- A lot of airlines are not comfortable with allowing pregnant women flying with them after 28 weeks. This is in case of premature labour or emergency situations. Be sure to research (online or phone the airline) before you book the flights to ensure you will be able to travel on the desired dates.
- Most travel insurers will not cover your pregnancy after 24 weeks. This means you are travelling at your own risk and will not have protection if you go into early labour or have complications while travelling. This is another factor you need to consider and look into before jetsetting off.
- How long will you be sitting/standing/without sleep? Too much sitting or standing during pregnancy can cause swelling, fluid retention, varicose veins and back aches. When planning travel - think about the toll it will have on your body if you will be on a plane/car/train/bus etc for long periods of time. Ensure you are putting you, your baby and your health above all other plans.
- Invest in some compression Flight Socks for long travel periods. I wore these when flying to the USA from Australia during my 3rd pregnancy.
- Do you get motion/travel sickness? (check what medications or natural alternates are available that are safe to take during pregnancy.) We also recommend these travel-sickness wrist bands.
- Will you have easy, safe and reliable access to doctors, hospitals and/or medical staff at your travel destination?
- A clearance letter from your Doctor is a good idea - this is to state that he's happy with your pregnancy and gives the all-clear for you to be travelling. Keep this letter to show airlines/hotel staff etc.
- Food. What food options are available during the travel period? Is it nutritious and safe to eat during pregnancy or do you need to bring your own snacks or source other food options?
- Avoid heavy lifting of suitcases etc. Travel with a partner, colleague or friend who can help you carry and lift the travel luggage and trolleys.
- Consider traveling somewhere closer to home if possible, instead of embarking on hugely taxing long-distances, especially after the 2nd trimester.
When is it NOT safe to travel?
- If your pregnancy has been very complicated.
- If you've had a history of miscarriage/pre-term labour/pregnancy problems.
- After 30 weeks (unless you've been given medical clearance and/or travelling locally)
- You are pregnant with twins (or more) and have been advised not to travel.
Always check with your Doctor before planning, booking or heading off on any type of travel.
Enjoy life during pregnancy though, and make the most of not having to travel with prams, cots, car seats and multitudes of baby essentials. That will have to be touched on, in a whole other post :)
Other posts you may enjoy:
- Preventing & Treating Stretch Marks
- Green Smoothie Recipes
- Sleeping Well During Pregnancy
As we all know pregnancy isn't always a simple science and can come with risks and complications. Ectopic Pregnancy is something that we very limited control over avoiding, as there is no preventable cause of this type of pregnancy. I was lucky that my first pregnancy was 'normal', healthy and fairly uncomplicated. So when we started trying to conceive for our second child, I assumed it would be much the same. Unfortunately, my second pregnancy was quite the opposite and I ended up in hospital very unwell and in emergency surgery, as we discovered the pregnancy was ectopic.
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside of the female's uterus - usually in one of the fallopian tubes. In most cases the embryo can not survive as the blood supply and space inside the fallopian tube is limited. In a small percentage of cases, the fertilised egg positions itself to the cervical wall, ovary or abdominal cavities - however this is very rare. If left in the tube, rupture can occur which is a medical emergency and must not be ignored. Internal bleeding, infection, shock and severe pain results of this internal rupture and need urgent medical assistance and surgery.
Symptoms can vary from woman to woman. For me, I had period-like bleeding & cramping which lead me to believe I was having a normal monthly period. This continued for 2-3 days. It was when the bleeding became very heavy and inconsistent, and teamed with severe pains down low on my left side that made me realise my symptoms were not typical. Several work colleagues commented on how pale I was and asked if I was feeling ok. As the day progressed and I was unable to stand up straight due to the crippling pain, I realised all was not well. I left work at midday and took myself to the emergency ward. Lucky I did, because on arrival I fainted.
Other symptoms can be:
- sometimes an ectopic pregnancy can begin like a normal pregnancy with the same typical pregnancy symptoms (a positive pregnancy test, nausea, a missed period, tender breasts)
- stomach cramping
- lower back pain
- pelvic pain
- feeling light headed
- vaginal bleeding or spotting
- severe sudden pain
Diagnosis of an Ectopic Pregnancy:
Diagnosis usually occurs because symptoms are severe (and usually when the fallopian tube has ruptured) and the female has sought medical assistance. A diagnosis is made through all or either of these procedures:
- blood tests
- ultrasound (external and/or internal)
- keyhole surgery (laparoscopic)
- pelvic examination
Risks and Treatments:
An ectopic pregnancy can not be ignored. Once the fallopian tube has ruptured, urgent surgery (and sometimes a blood transfusion) is needed. The surgery is done through small incisions (I had 3 - one on each side of my lower pelvis and one into my belly button) called laparoscopic surgery. The embryo is removed and all attempts are made to repair the fallopian tube. If it can not be repaired the tube is removed or left disconnected. This is an overwhelming experience for a female - especially those who wish to have more children in the future. Take peace in knowing that in most cases; you can still have future pregnancies even with only one working tube remaining.
I fell pregnant again 6 months later and had a lot of early tests to ensure that this pregnancy was in the uterus and growing at a steady rate. Nine months later I gave birth to a thriving, healthy baby boy.
If you have had an ectopic pregnancy, your risk of having another is higher. So, ensure you talk to your doctors and health care providers about this so they can monitor your pregnancy/future pregnancies carefully.
Call 000, go to a hospital or talk to your doctor/obstetrician if you have any severe symptoms or concerns. Talk to Dr Chong about all of your pregnancy needs.
Causes & Preventions:
There is no one reason why an ectopic pregnancy occurs, and not one way to prevent them from occurring. You can however, strive to keep your reproductive system in good health through a good nutritious diet, sufficient sleep and an active healthy lifestyle. Ensure you get regular pap smears and pelvic/cervical check ups and always prevent and quickly treat any sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STD's / STI's)
You may also like:
- - Nutrition in Pregnancy - -
- - Folate Acid in Pregnancy - -
- - Aches and Pain in Pregnancy - -
- - Treating and Preventing Stretch Marks - -
We're constantly told about eating well, especially during pregnancy, but just how important is good nutrition for you, your pregnancy and your baby's development?
Essentially, what you eat and drink is what your baby eats and drinks. You are passing everything you consume through to them - both the good stuff and the bad. Good nutrition can have positive benefits on your growing baby such; mental alertness, immune function, birth size, organ development, pregnancy duration and to halt any chance of (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) NAS or (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) FAS. Therefore we need to be very mindful, educated, open minded and selfless when it comes to nourishing our little growing human.
This can mean making sacrifices - like quitting (or in some specialised cases simply decreasing) smoking, alcohol, drugs, some medications and caffeine. And without sounding too blunt - this really is the start of a lifetime of selfless, sacrificial, healthy choices that you are going to have make all the way through motherhood (not just pregnancy), because once that little bundle enters the world - it is not all about you anymore.
We've spoken about the importance of Folate/Folic Acid during pregnancy, but what about all the other food groups and nutrients our growing, changing body (and baby) needs?
- The best way to stay healthy during pregnancy is to eat as fresh and as a natural as possible. This way you are not over-consuming salty, sugary, processed meals; which can create havoc on your digestive system, overall wellbeing and your baby's development. To achieve this, simply ensure you are consuming a good dose of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Swap the packaged or greasy takeaway lunch for a homemade salad with some nuts/seeds and a boiled egg or some tinned tuna. When a sugar craving hits - go for a piece of fruit or a small square of dark cocoa chocolate. A squirt of honey and cut up fruit on some good quality yoghurt is another way to fill up, beat sweet cravings and snag some nutrients.
- Ensure you're getting a decent dose of iron during your pregnancy. Iron deficiency is commonly diagnosed in pregnant women. Good iron levels allow your red blood cells to efficiently carry oxygen around your body; resulting in a healthy and strong placenta. Keep up your iron levels through red meat consumption, leafy green vegetables (such as; kale, spinach, broccoli, beans, avocado), wholegrains, legumes and tofu.
- Increasing your protein is also recommended during pregnancy as it supplies the strength and building blocks for your unborn baby. Protein is found in meats, nuts, soya, eggs, dairy, beans and lentils. Simply add some nuts, beans and lentils as a side to your nightly meal to ensure your protein levels are up. (2 eggs with baby spinach and avocado on wholegrain bread with a handful of nuts (cashews and walnuts) was my staple breakfast during my 2nd pregnancy...easiest way to start the day with a dose of filling and nourishing protein.)
- A daily supplementary prenatal vitamin is also recommended (remember it's required to supplement, not replace a balanced diet)
We're also told to avoid several foods due to the risks they bring to you and your baby. The main reason is due to their high possibility of Listeria Poisoning (a common bacterium) found in uncooked, raw or rare foods. This poisoning can make you (and your baby) very ill with flu-like symptoms, urinary tract infections and sometimes a lot worse - increasing the chance of miscarriage, premature birth and immune breakdown.
Some of these foods to avoid are:
- uncooked fish & seafood (including sushi)
- cold deli meats (ham, cold chicken etc)
- soft serve ice-cream
- raw pate
- soft cheeses (brie, camembert, blue cheese)
- raw eggs
Smoking, recreational drugs and alcohol should also be avoided during pregnancy. And even caffeine should be decreased to around 200mg/day (which is approximately 2 mugs of instant coffee) and be mindful that lots of foods and other processed options can contain doses of caffeine (such as Coke, energy drinks, chocolate bars and flavoured milks).
Avoid crash diets and guilt-ridden-withdrawals during pregnancy, and simply focus on eating balanced, variety-packed , nutritious options that your growing baby will benefit from.
Hey, what do they say? Happy baby = Happy Mummy! So true.
Eat up Mummas.
You may also like:
- Dealing with Aches & Pains During Pregnancy
- Green Smoothies to Drink During Pregnancy
- Sleeping Well During Pregnancy
- Avoiding and Treating Stretch Marks
You would've heard the saying...."It takes a village to raise a child."
Well, today's post is where I encourage you to embrace your village and to use them for their worth! Now that I am a mother to two, and a step mother as well, I can tell you firsthand that having a supportive village is vital in surviving ...and thriving in motherhood.
Being a mother (especially for the first time) is no easy feat. Yes it is a blessing beyond all others, and an exciting beautiful ride. But it is also tiring and repetitive and challenging. It is overwhelming and exhausting and sometimes very lonely. Mothering infants and small children can be very taxing and constricting on us, our relationships and our mental status.
This is why it is important to have a network and community around you that you completely trust. It may be your parents, siblings, extended family or circle of friends. It could even be your neighbours, playgroup association or work colleagues. And even in today's world - you may have joined some secure online groups/forums/organisations that you rely on and turn to for support. Whoever they are, embrace them, their knowledge and their offerings to help.
My husband and I are lucky in that we live fairly close to both his parents, and mine. Our children are growing up with their Grandparents' presence playing a very strong role. I love this and feel very grateful that we have this family bond for our children. I'm also VERY grateful that we have trusted and loved 'babysitters' on call - making my return to work a lot easier, but also having the physical support when times are tough and you simply need a day (or two) off from parenting.
I know not everyone has this opportunity (their family may not live close or be in a position to help), so I encourage you to surround yourself with people who you trust, and who embrace you as a new family/mother. Whether you need them to watch the baby for an hour while you have a long hot shower and read a book for a short break, or to head to the shops on your own (a luxury once you become a Mother), or while you and your partner head out for a quiet dinner together. Whatever it is that you're needing (for your sanity, self-worth and busy schedule) ensure you have a village to help you out.
Because, do you know what I've slowly learned? It's much easier (not impossible....just easier) to be a patient, happy, healthy, excited, grateful, loving and thriving mother when you have support.
In a nutshell Ladies, embrace your network/village/community/family and allow them to play a role in raising your little one. Don't push them away because you feel guilty or inadequate or even too confident. It's ok to ask for help, or to take on other people's suggestions or offerings, and it's definitely ok to lean on your village.
From around 16 weeks, some women experience Braxton Hicks Contractions. These are basically irregular uterine tightenings that should be painless (yet can feel a little weird for the first time). For most women they don't happen often and when experienced they only occur approximately 1-2 times in an hour period, and sometimes not on a daily basis. Your uterus muscles contract and tighten throughout your whole pregnancy, it's only as your baby grows bigger that you start to feel these contractions occurring.
If you feel your stomach with your hands during a Braxton Hicks contraction you will notice how firm and tight the whole area has become. You will also feel the relax and drop as the contraction releases again.
Research shows that Braxton Hicks Contractions are your body's way of preparing for the upcoming task of labour. Your uterine muscles are toning and ripening with every contraction, and some experts believe the cervix is also being stretched and prepared for birth through the notion of this tightening and relaxing.
Your muscles and hormones are working in balance to fully prepare you, your baby and your body for the birth process, which could still be months away.
It can be a little overwhelming to experience contractions, especially if this is your first pregnancy, or if your due date is still a long way off.
So, what are the difference between Braxton Hicks and Labour Contractions?
- Braxton Hicks Contractions are irregular, unpredictable and very inconsistent (whereas actual Labour Contractions usually start to follow a rhythm or timed pattern)
- Braxton Hicks are rarely painful. They can be slightly uncomfortable and take you off guard, but they should not be unbearable.
- Braxton Hicks can be lessened and/or stopped if you change activities (eg: if you've been on your feet all day and are experiencing BH Contractions, try lying down to calm them. Or if you've been lying down or sitting down a lot that day, try moving around.)
- Braxton Hicks should not last long (around 30 secs), compared to labour pains.
Ensure you are well hydrated, rested and fit during your pregnancy to not only maintain good prenatal health, but to strengthen and protect your body (and uterus) during these changes.
Treat Braxton Hicks as practice contractions for when the real thing happens at the end of your pregnancy. The further along in your pregnancy, the more intense they may feel (because your uterus and baby are larger). In fact, during my second pregnancy, most Braxton Hicks contractions I experienced took my breath away for a few seconds, as they were immensely intense. Focus on your breathing during this short period of time and allow your body to really feel & grasp the sensation of a contraction.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with contractions, contact your Doctor, Midwife or Birth Specialist:
You may also like these blog posts:
- Dealing with Aches & Pains During Pregnancy
- Preventing and Treating Stretch Marks
- Treating Spider or Varicose Veins
- The Importance of Folic Acid During Pregnancy
Many women at some stage in their life develop Varicose Veins. For most, they first notice these coloured lines under the skin (mainly on their legs) during pregnancy. This is because as the uterus grows it puts pressure on the largest vein down the right side of your body, which in turn puts more pressure down onto the veins in your legs.
Varicose Veins become present due to their swelling nature and obvious increase in size. They are usually a purple/blue colour, and can be easily seen through the thin layers of your skin.
For some people, they do not have any other symptoms with these veins. Whereas, others can find them painful or itchy, or some even explain a throbbing sensation that can make their legs feel heavy and fatigued. You may find these symptoms are more obvious and prominent in the evening.
Varicose Veins are sometimes referred to as Spider Veins (as they can have a spider-like appearance to them) or sometimes are red in colour; that can look similar to sunburn. Spider Veins don't protrude or swell therefore are slightly different in appearance and substance to Varicose Veins.
You are more likely to develop these types of veins if they run in your family, if you are overweight, carrying twins or have had more than one pregnancy. People who spend a lot of time on their feet also run a higher chance of sporting these pesky little veins.
For most women, these veins ease (and disappear) after giving birth. However, if you're not so lucky - don't lose hope - as there are ways to help treat (and even prevent) these veins, such as:
- Compression Stockings from www.chemistaustralia.com.au starting from $33
- Travel Socks from www.chemistwarehouse.com.au starting from $19.99
If you are not currently pregnant, you can also look into other options such as creams, tablets and even surgery (if needed).
Most expectant mothers, especially first time pregnancies, start to experience aches and pains and discomfort from around 16 weeks. It's natural to worry about these new twinges, especially when we want smooth-sailing, healthy and full term pregnancies.
However let's cover why these aches are occurring, why so many of them are 'normal', and ways to ease them.
Firstly, the growth and weight gain of your uterus is a new experience for your body, and consequently strains and pains will start to be experienced . The internal attachments (ligaments) start to stretch and pull. This discomfort is often experienced most around the pubis (pubic tubercles) and groin (inguinal canals). As the pregnancy progresses aches and severe pains can be felt in 6 different places (some women get no pain at all, others get discomfort in up to all 6 areas):
1. Pubic area
3. Lower back - the two dimples at the lowest part of your back (sacroiliac joints)
4. The base/tip of your spine (sacrum)
5. Hip, Leg, Back (sciatica)
6. Under the ribcage
If you're lacking in strong core stomach muscles (and this can be caused from previous pregnancies), you are more likely to experience these 'twinges' during the second half of your pregnancy.
Some women find they also get 'tension headaches' from the pressure on their back and stomach, and struggle with this daily pain.
There are several ways you can deal with (or help treat) such discomforts:
- Emma Jane Maternity Support Belt $27 from ASOS - shop here.
- Ergonomic Maternity Support Brace $49.95 from MamaWay Maternity - shop here.
If you are still concerned about any aches or pains, and struggling to get through each day, please talk to your doctor.
Good luck Ladies, and here's to healthy pregnancies.
Almost every cafe, restaurant and food court these days seems to offer the famous 'Green Smoothie'. Have you jumped on board this Kermit-coloured train yet? Before you roll your eyes and throw it in the 'it's only a quick trend' pile, please reconsider. Smoothies are not a new thing by no means, but they've definitely become more glorified over the past few years due to everyone realising just how amazingly easy, delicious and healthy they really are.
I'll put my hand up - I'm an addict. Since late last year, making and consuming a daily smoothie has become a ritual of sorts. And I feel really out of whack, if I don't have my glass of mushed up goodness at some stage during my day.
Whether you're pregnant or not, a smoothie is a fantastic way to 'eat' a massive range of nutritious foods, in the one hit. They are super easy to make (all you need is a blender) and depending on their contents they can fuel & maintain you just as much as a 'whole meal' can.
Feel free to add anything and everything to your smoothie recipes, there are no rules. However, if you're pregnant, be even more mindful of using washed and fresh ingredients and being aware of unsafe foods during pregnancy and/or your allergies. The fibre from the fruit is a great way to combat constipation, yet you can also add iron and protein through nuts, seeds, oils and even avocado. The options are endless.
Here are two Green Smoothie recipes that are perfect for expectant women:
Simply blend all the ingredients together and ENJOY! This recipe contains Folate, Omega 3, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Iron & Calcium.
Berry-licious with a Hint of Green:
Simply blend all ingredients and ENJOY! The avocado in this recipe is a nutritious way to add some good fats into your diet. Along with the protein from the Almond Milk and all the antioxidants and folate in the berries, you're feeding yourself and your growing baby very well!
Smoothies are a great breakfast or snack. For a FREE eBook full of healthy smoothie and juice recipes - head here.
I always sneak some avocado, cucumber, coconut oil or spinach into mine (and my children's) smoothies as you can't taste these extras, but they are filling and super nutritious.
Happy Blending Ladies :)