Conceiving a baby - tips
Learn how to conceive a baby by learning more about male and female fertility. A couple is only fertile for a limited time during a woman's menstrual cycle. Having sex before and during ovulation increases the chance of pregnancy. Low body ... [... more]
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Contraception - diaphragms and cervical caps
Diaphragms and cervical caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside the vagina and cover the cervix (entrance to the womb) to prevent sperm from fertilising an ovum (egg). Other barrier methods include the use of male and female ... [... more]
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Childbirth - medical interventions
Giving birth may require medical intervention. Procedures can include induction, augmentation, episiotomy, forceps delivery or caesarean section. Some intervention procedures may not be necessary, but intervention can also make birth safer for a ... [... more]
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Abortion pill - RU486 (mifepristone)
Mifepristone, also known as RU486 or 'the abortion pill', is a drug that induces miscarriage early in pregnancy. It offers a choice to women who do not want to have a surgical abortion. It is important not to smoke, drink alcohol or use herbal ... [... more]
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Pregnancy tests - ultrasound
Ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check the baby's development and to help pick up any abnormalities. This test isn't 100 per cent accurate, but the advantages are that it's non-invasive, painless and safe. Ultrasound is a scan that uses ... [... more]
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Childbirth - pain relief options
Childbirth is usually a painful experience. Pain relief options include drug-free methods as well as medications such as nitrous oxide (gas), pethidine and epidural anaesthesia. Other options include hypnosis, acupunture, massage, breathing ... [... more]
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Pregnancy and travel
The safest time for a pregnant woman to travel is during her second trimester, provided she isn't experiencing any complications. If you are pregnant and want to travel, consult with your doctor, especially if your pregnancy is ... [... more]
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Phenylketonuria (PKU) - Better Health Channel.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited disorder. It occurs when the body cannot break down a substance in food, called phenylalanine. As phenylalanine builds up in the blood, it causes brain damage. Early detection and intervention with a special ... [... more]
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Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of the hands, feet and face. Most women with pre-eclampsia don't have obvious symptoms, so regular antenatal check-ups are ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - antenatal checks of your baby
An unborn baby's position can be checked by abdominal palpation during an antenatal visit. A midwife or doctor uses the technique on a pregnant woman to determine if the baby is in breech or vertex (head down) position and check the baby's size ... [... more]
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Ectopic pregnancy - Better Health Channel.
Ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Pain may indicate a ruptured tube, which is a medical emergency ... [... more]
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Amniocentesis - Better Health Channel.
Amniocentesis can detect foetal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis or spina bifida. A small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the sac in the uterus surrounding a foetus. Possible risks include infection, injury to the ... [... more]
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