Most women find pregnancy is the best of times, but for a few it can be the worst of times
The natural act of having a baby now seems to bring a confusing maze of choices for new parents to make.
Birth in a hospital or at home; vaginal delivery or Caesarean section; plenty of pain relief, epidural or no pain relief; underwater birth; and which lead maternity carer (LMC) they want to go with. LMCs (usually midwives these days) are there to help but, with 64,160 births last year, they are in short supply.
Most women learn they are pregnant using a home pregnancy test kit or by blood test. Having missed a period, you may develop nausea (many women never actually get this), sore breasts, tiredness, a need to pee often and a dislike of, or craving for, some foods.
It is best to choose an LMC as soon as possible - call 0800 Mum 2 Be (0800 686 223). Most pregnancies are normal but some mothers can have problems due to high blood pressure and swelling, diabetes of pregnancy, infections, age or may have had previous problematic births or stillbirth.
If there is any bleeding or unusual pain, get it checked immediately by your GP or LMC; it might be minor but it could signal miscarriage or ectopic (also called tubal) pregnancy. Tests may be offered to detect genetic or other abnormalities such as spina bifida or Down syndrome.
All women can have a mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan to show the baby’s growth - an exciting moment.
The baby will be born at around 40 weeks, counting from the first day of the last menstruation. From that day (ideally even before) it is essential to take special care of yourself and the baby.
Nutrition is important. Eating lots of folate, iodine and vitamin-rich foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, wholegrain breads, beans and pulses, tofu and breakfast cereals will set you up well, plus calcium sources such as milk and yoghurt (teenage mums need extra calcium). Mums are normally expected to put on about 12-14kg during pregnancy.
A daily 0.8mg folic acid supplement taken four weeks before conception to 12 weeks after conception is recommended to reduce the risk of spina bifida. As for drinks, it is good to get plenty of water and keep off the alcohol (tobacco and recreational drugs, too, for that matter).
Troublesome varicose veins, stretch marks, morning sickness and constipation go with the territory but your LMC can help you find remedies.
Once your baby arrives, breastfeeding is the best, safest and cheapest method. It is not always easy to start, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from your LMC or contact the La Leche League (see below). Learn how to express milk as well. Sore breasts or cracked nipples need immediate attention or they will become another obstacle to breastfeeding.
The "baby blues" can make you feel sad or lonely and it affects nearly 80% of mums temporarily. If it lasts more than two weeks, see your GP.
As a parent, trust your judgement and involve your partner in decisions. It nearly always works. There is also support available if you need it from Parents Centres, marae-based clinics and Plunket.
| DIY: TIPS TO TO GET THROUGH NINE MONTHS |
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1 Get plenty of rest and take maternity leave before the birth if you can.
2 Keep up some regular physical activity, even in small bursts - it will help your energy levels and help control weight gain.
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3 Learn what foods to avoid, such as undercooked or processed meats, soft cheeses and other cold foods and shellfish - Listeria food poisoning is a danger to your baby.
4 Ask around or go online for affordable, fashionable maternity wear to lift the spirits.
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(Published in the Sunday News, 23 August 2009)
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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