Postnatal Depression

Taken from the NHS Choices, here is an article containing some information about postnatal depression.

If after giving birth the feeling of tearfulness hasn't cleared up within a few weeks, talking to your midwife or GP can help.

As many as eight out of 10 women get what's known as the 'baby blues'. It normally begins within a few days of the birth, and common symptoms include bursting into tears for no reason, or feeling fantastic one minute and miserable the next. Fortunately, the symptoms only last for a short time.

If you become more unhappy or upset, or if your low mood lasts longer than a week, you might have postnatal depression.

Postnatal depression affects one in 10 new mums. You're more likely to develop postnatal depression if:

• you’ve been depressed in the past,
• there's a family history of postnatal depression or depression during pregnancy,
• you've had a difficult pregnancy, or problems with your baby’s health,
• you feel isolated, with nobody close to talk to,
• you've had a recent bereavement,
• you have little money or nowhere settled to live, or
• you have twins or triplets, mainly because of the additional stress of caring for more than one baby.

But postnatal depression can happen to anybody, no matter what your circumstances, and no matter how much you love your baby.

If you’re feeling low, talk about it. Tell your partner, a friend or anyone you’re close to who’s a good listener. In milder cases, which are common, just having someone to talk to can often make you feel better.

To read the full article and to find out signs to look our for and ways you can get help & support please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/postnataldepression.aspx


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Travel during pregnancy

Ever thought is it safe to travel during pregnancy? Here is some information taken from the NHS Choices website to guide you on what’s best.

With the proper precautions, and armed with information on when to travel, vaccinations and insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

If your pregnancy has no complications, the best time to travel is when you are 14 to 28 weeks pregnant.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you require urgent medical attention.

It’s a good idea to take your medical records with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary. Have a check-up before you travel and don’t go unless you get the all-clear from your doctor.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.

To read the full article on when to travel, vaccinations, food and drink abroad please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/travelhealth/Pages/Travelandpregnancy.aspx


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Where to give birth

Taken from the NHS Choices website, here is an article containing some information on the different places you can give birth.

Most babies in the UK are born in hospital, but some are born at home or in a midwife-led birth centre. Your midwife will know what’s available in your area.

Giving birth is generally safe wherever you choose to have your baby. It's your choice, and you can change your mind if you want to.

Your midwife will discuss the local options available to you, although you're free to choose any maternity services if you're prepared to travel to them. You can also get more information from:

* children's centres,
* your GP surgery,
* local maternity units,
* the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which can put you in touch with local mothers (see Useful links), or
* a supervisor of midwives (contact a maternity unit and ask to speak to the supervisor of midwives).

Wherever you choose to give birth, you'll be able to write your own birth plan, which includes all your preferred choices for the labour and birth.

To read the full article on where you can give birth please go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/Wheretogivebirth.aspx


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Eating well for Pregnancy

Here is some information on how to eat well during your pregnancy taken from the NHS Choices website.

Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy can help to protect the health of you and your baby. It's also a good idea to eat healthily if you're trying for a baby because a healthy pregnancy starts well before conception.

Take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day while you're trying to get pregnant, and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid reduces the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. A neural tube defect is when the foetus's spinal cord (part of the body's nervous system) doesn't form normally.

Folic acid tablets are widely available from pharmacies, or you can talk to your GP about getting a prescription.

Don't worry if you get pregnant unexpectedly and weren't taking folic acid supplements. Start taking them as soon as you find out, until you're past the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

• Do take your folic acid supplement every day.
• Do eat plenty of food rich in folate (the natural form of folic acid), such as green leafy vegetables, including spinach and watercress, nuts, pulses, wholegrains and fruit juice.

And:
• Don't take supplements that contain vitamin A, because too much vitamin A can cause foetal abnormalities.
• Don't eat liver or products that contain it, such as paté. Liver contains a lot of vitamin A.

To read the full article on which foods are safe to eat during pregnancy go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/pregnancy/Pages/healthyeating.aspx


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