Pregnancy
It’s totally normal to have a lot of questions on your mind right now. Sister Ansju Blackbeard, a midwife and antenatal and postnatal adviser at Mediclinic Sandton, is here to answer the most common ones:
How can I tell if I’m having Braxton-Hicks or real labour contractions?
You can think of Braxton-Hicks as a trial or practice contraction. Your stomach will tighten, just like in real labour, but instead of being painful, it will just feel uncomfortable. The pain also won’t get stronger over time like real contractions do. If you’re unsure, it’s best to go straight to the labour or maternity ward at your hospital instead of the emergency room. That way, you can speak directly to a midwife. It’s also a good idea to meet the midwives before your due date – you can do this by booking a tour of the maternity ward at the Mediclinic hospital where you plan to give birth.
I’m having some worrying symptoms. How do I know if I should go to hospital?
If you suspect that your water has broken, go to the hospital right away – don’t wait to be sure. You should also go to hospital if you have severe pain that keeps getting worse, bleeding, or unusual discharge.
Why do I have backache and abdominal pain? Is this normal?
Lower back and abdominal pain are common in the third trimester because your growing stomach changes the way you stand and move, putting extra strain on your lower back. Most of the time, this pain is due to poor posture.
Belly pain is usually caused by your stomach muscles stretching. The ligaments in your abdomen can stretch only so much before they start to feel strained. This is normal and usually nothing to worry about.
Should I be worried about my swollen feet?
When you're pregnant, your blood volume increases by 50%, which means your heart must work much harder to keep it flowing through your body. Sitting for long periods makes this even harder because it can restrict blood flow in your legs.
Swelling can get worse in hot weather, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Try to keep your feet up when you can and take short walks to improve circulation. Soaking your feet in warm and cold water or getting a gentle massage (always moving towards your heart) can also help.
Warning: If your hands start swelling too, get your blood pressure checked.
What can I do about my heartburn?
Eat smaller meals, more frequently, and keep them bland – spicy, fatty foods are key triggers for heartburn. During the third trimester, eating more protein is important to help maintain your muscle strength as your body gains weight – but keep your portions small. Over-the-counter heartburn remedies can also help.
There are so many baby “must-haves” in the shops. How do I know what’s truly necessary?
Uncertainty about what your baby really needs can add to your stress. There are so many gadgets and items on the shelves, making shopping feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that your baby doesn’t require most of these things – what they truly need is a safe place to sleep. You only need about six outfits for a newborn, so don’t buy too many. Also, hold off on washing them until after giving birth, as you won’t be able to return them if your baby outgrows them quickly. It’s worth investing a bit more in essential items like a proper car seat, a pram, and a crib.
My baby is moving less than usual. Should I be worried?
It’s normal for your baby to move less as your pregnancy progresses, because they have less space to do roly-polies! If you’re worried, try drinking some ice water or something containing sugar, like apple juice. If this doesn’t prompt movement, try to move them gently, using your whole hand – don’t poke. Speak to your doctor if you still have concerns.
How do I know if I can have a natural delivery or if I’ll need a C-section?
Your doctor will guide you through this decision around 36 weeks into your pregnancy. They want to ensure you have as much time as possible to understand your options, allowing them to provide the best advice. They will take several factors into account, like the baby's position, your placenta, and your pelvis before making a recommendation.