Health Issues in Pregnancy
What you eat, drink and smoke affects the wellbeing of yourself and your growing baby. It is important that you share and discuss any concerns you may have with your midwife. We are not here to judge you; we are here to help you make the best possible decisions and some changes where necessary to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.
SMOKING, ALCOHOL and OTHER SUBSTANCES:
It is highly recommended to not consume alcohol or smoke tobacco or take any other illegal substances during your pregnancy & breastfeeding journey as they affect the development of the baby and have adverse outcomes on your wellbeing. Research has shown higher incidents of preterm birth, stillbirth, children with learning disabilities and other adverse outcomes. Please discuss any concerns with your midwife. Advice on a Quit smoking service is available.
CONTACT WITH ANIMAL FAECES:
Contact with animal faeces, especially cat faeces, is associated with contracting toxoplasmosis. Avoid animal litter trays and always wear gloves while gardening.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)…
This is a germ that lives in the bowel in some women. When it is active it migrates from the anus and lives in the vagina and on the perineum (the skin between the anus and the vagina).
As adults we have a resistance built up against this infection and have no symptoms from it. A new born baby may contract this bug if it is currently active when the baby’s water sack breaks or when they are birthing through the vagina. The CCDHB are recommending that all women are screened by swab between 35-37 weeks and if active are treated with antibiotics during Labour to avoid baby contracting the bug and getting sick. Your midwife will discuss this with you between 35–37 weeks at which time you can make a choice about this subject and a course of action. The NZCOM statement is based on a risk basis only.
Foods with Magnesium to help with leg cramping-
Nuts and Seeds, Bananas, Brown Rice, Fish, SoyaBeans, Dark Chocolate, Avocados, lowfat yoghurt. Research indicates that these can also reduce: Heart attack, Diabetes, Migraines and Depression
SMOKING, ALCOHOL and OTHER SUBSTANCES:
It is highly recommended to not consume alcohol or smoke tobacco or take any other illegal substances during your pregnancy & breastfeeding journey as they affect the development of the baby and have adverse outcomes on your wellbeing. Research has shown higher incidents of preterm birth, stillbirth, children with learning disabilities and other adverse outcomes. Please discuss any concerns with your midwife. Advice on a Quit smoking service is available.
CONTACT WITH ANIMAL FAECES:
Contact with animal faeces, especially cat faeces, is associated with contracting toxoplasmosis. Avoid animal litter trays and always wear gloves while gardening.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)…
This is a germ that lives in the bowel in some women. When it is active it migrates from the anus and lives in the vagina and on the perineum (the skin between the anus and the vagina).
As adults we have a resistance built up against this infection and have no symptoms from it. A new born baby may contract this bug if it is currently active when the baby’s water sack breaks or when they are birthing through the vagina. The CCDHB are recommending that all women are screened by swab between 35-37 weeks and if active are treated with antibiotics during Labour to avoid baby contracting the bug and getting sick. Your midwife will discuss this with you between 35–37 weeks at which time you can make a choice about this subject and a course of action. The NZCOM statement is based on a risk basis only.
Foods with Magnesium to help with leg cramping-
Nuts and Seeds, Bananas, Brown Rice, Fish, SoyaBeans, Dark Chocolate, Avocados, lowfat yoghurt. Research indicates that these can also reduce: Heart attack, Diabetes, Migraines and Depression
