We talk alot about delayed cord clamping in our antenatal classes and how important it is as an option.  I have just found another article from the BBC highlighting this again:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15736550

Gestational Diabetes

What is Gestational Diabetes?

This is a type of diabetes that develops for the first time during pregnancy.  It can effect up to 14% of women. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin.  Insulin is made ib the pancreas and has a couple of jobs.

- It regulates the amount of sugar available in your blood for energy
- It enables the sugar that is not needed in the body to be stored.

In pregnancy your body has to produce extra insulin to meet the needs of your baby.  If your body has trouble doing this then you will have too much sugar in your blood, you may then develop gestational diabetes. Symptoms of gestational diabetes can include tiredness, thirst, blurred vision and passing lots of urine.

The main problem in pregnancy is too much sugar in your blood passing across to the baby which can mean the baby will grow larger than normal.  After birth your baby may suffer with low blood sugar level and jaundice.  Your baby will need feeding soon after birth too help lift the blood sugar levels.

If you are suspected of having gestational diabetes in pregnancy you will most likely be sent for a GTT (glucose tolerance test).  Most commonly this is a couple of blood tests or alternatively urine tests. Gestational diabetes usually subsides after pregnancy and your sugar levels return to normal.

During pregnancy try to eat a healthy diet and take gentle regular exercise, this can help avoid developing gestational diabetes.

Braxton Hicks

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions (named after the English doctor who first described them in 1872) are relatively painless, irregular and infrequent contractions can start around week six and last until the weeks before delivery. Though they can start in the first months, you most likely won't feel them until much later in your pregnancy (if at all). These contractions are your body's way of practising and preparing for labour.

What are the signs of Braxton Hicks contractions?

You will feel tightening in your uterus that’s irregular, infrequent, unpredictable and short. They won’t increase in intensity the way the contractions of labour do. They’re also likely to go away if you change positions.

Are there any problems associated with Braxton Hicks contractions?

There are no known problems associated with Braxton Hicks and generally no need to contact your midwife. If the tightenings gain strength or frequency then in very rare cases this could be a sign of premature labour.

How common are Braxton Hicks contractions?

This is not an easy subject to get statistics for and as far as I know none are available. However, they are most common in the third trimester.

How did I get Braxton Hicks contractions?

They’re just a normal part of pregnancy. The tightness you feel in your uterus during a Braxton Hicks contraction comes from the tensing of the muscles in your uterus. Being really active, a full bladder, sex and dehydration can all trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.

How will Braxton Hicks contractions affect my baby?

Providing they are not linked to early labour they won’t! In fact, some say that these contractions are toning up your uterus and promoting the flow of blood to your placenta, so think of it as treating your baby to a massage.

Induction of labour - evening primrose oil

Welcome to the new website!
Our first blog is looking at oil of primrose oil for the induction of labour.
Evening primrose oil will not start labour like some believe. It will certainly help prepare the cervix but will not do anything else your body was not intending to do anyway.

Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of prostaglandins, which we know readies your cervix for labour. It can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). The general recommendation is two 500mg capsules per day until week 38, at which time you increase to 3-4 per day. The entire capsule can be inserted vaginally (inserted just before bed, it will dissolve before the first time you wake to use the bathroom), or you can use the oil on your fingers for your perineal massage, then also rub on your cervix (assuming you can reach it). Applying directly to the cervix is optimal, but the beneficial ingredients are absorbed through the external skin or the stomach also.
Lucy x