Pregnancy & Birth - Medic8 Health Guide

Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of many women’s lives, but it can also be a confusing and challenging time for many. Pregnancy is an extremely positive experience for some women, but for others it can be emotionally and physically draining; some women feel very poorly, emotional and tired during pregnancy but what you need to remember is that everyone is different and it is impossible to predict how pregnancy will affect each individual.

A daunting time

Pregnancy can be daunting, especially for first time mothers, as it is such a unique experience. Many women will worry about the development of their baby and how their lifestyle will affect the baby. This comprehensive guide to pregnancy will address all the issues surrounding pregnancy and will provide advice and information for couples that are expecting a baby, with articles that cover everything from healthy eating and breathing exercises to antenatal care and labour.

Be equipped for pregnancy

The information in this guide will help you to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy and will equip you to deal with the first few weeks of life with your new baby. Many women feel scared about pregnancy and childbirth, thanks to stories in the media or tales from friends and relatives. The fact is that every pregnancy is different and what happens to somebody else won’t necessarily happen to you. If you read all the information and keep an eye on your health by eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest, you and your baby should be fine and you should be able to enjoy your pregnancy.

This section will cover a range of issues to do with pregnancy, labour and child birth, including health and lifestyle during pregnancy, tips for getting pregnant, antenatal care, tests and scans, birth defects, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, labour and birth, infertility, post natal depression and ultimately caring for a newborn baby

The guide will also aim to answer some of the most popular questions asked about pregnancy, getting pregnant, childbirth and the period after birth.

This guide is split into the following sections:

• Getting pregnant
• Pregnancy
• Giving birth
• Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide

this section looks at issues relating to pregnancy, labour and child birth.

amniocentisis

pregnant women over 35 should consider whether to have an amniocentisis to test for foetal abnormalities. this article details the procedure, the risks and benefits.

chorionic villus sampling (cvs)

cvs is a test on the placenta to check for possible genetic abnormalities in the foetus. this article looks at how the test is performed and the risks of the procedure.

ectopic pregnancy

this is a potentially life-threatening condition of early pregnancy and all women should be aware of the symptoms. modern treatment aims to preserve future fertility.

folic acid

folic acid has been shown to reduce the incidence of spina bifida when taken before conception and in early pregnancy. this article profiles the supplement.

pre-eclampsia

pre-eclampsia is a condition related to increased blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine. this article looks at the risks related to the condition.

rubella

german measles is normally a mild illness but is serious in pregnant women because of the risks of birth defects. this article provides an overview of the illness.

slapped cheek disease (fifth disease)

slapped cheek disease is a mild illness among children but can be serious in pregnancy. this article looks at the symptoms and what can be done to help.

ultrasound scanning

ultrasound scanning is a common diagnostic technique. it is often used during pregnancy and to diagnose medical problems. this article outlines how the scan is performed and what preparation is required. Medic8® Family Health Guide : Pregnancy and Birth