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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Teenage pregnancy
Sex education and improved access to contraception has reduced the rate of teenage pregnancy. Currently, just five per cent of Australian children are born to women aged 19 years and under. Teenage women have a higher complication rate during ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - morning sickness
Most pregnant women will experience morning sickness, usually in their first trimester. Possible causes include high levels of hormones, blood pressure fluctuations and changes in carbohydrate metabolism. Severe morning sickness that causes ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - week by week
The length of the average pregnancy (gestation) is counted as 40 weeks, starting from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period. The unborn baby's development can be followed week by week throughout the pregnancy. The unborn baby spends ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - stages of labour
Labour is divided into three stages - the dilation of the cervix, the delivery of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta. Labour typically takes between seven and 24 hours. Labour is divided into three stages - the dilation of the cervix, the ... [... more]
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Pregnancy and smoking
Smoking while pregnant exposes a woman and her unborn child to an increased risk of health problems including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature labour and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Australian data indicates that approximately ... [... more]
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Lupus and pregnancy
Around half of all lupus pregnancies are normal. In some cases (6-15 per cent), there is a reduction in lupus symptoms during pregnancy. However, some of the problems a woman with lupus may face include: Around 40 per cent of women with lupus ... [... more]
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Pregnancy and diet
Pregnancy creates extra demands on the body for nutrients such as protein, iron, folate and vitamin C. Pregnant women need to focus on boosting their nutritional intake, rather than their energy (kilojoule) intake. Good nutrition during pregnancy ... [... more]
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Pregnancy and sport
Pregnancy is a natural condition, not an illness. Unless you have complications, it should be possible to enjoy your sport at some level throughout most of your pregnancy. Before you decide whether to continue playing your chosen sport throughout ... [... more]
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Teeth and pregnancy
Pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, including gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Proper hygiene at home and professional help from your dentist will ensure that your teeth remain healthy throughout the ... [... more]
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Pregnancy - your options
Unplanned pregnancies are very common. It's estimated that there are around 200,000 unplanned pregnancies in Australia every year. Unplanned is not always unwanted and many people choose to become parents despite the lack of planning; others ... [... 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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