Have you ever thought about processed and ultra processed food? Perhaps you have been eating UPFs because of your busy lifestyle and now that you are pregnant you need to reconsider this part of your lifestyle. Recent research in Ireland and...
Recent scientific studies have continued to unveil the multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. Here’s a roundup of some of the latest findings: 1. Infant Health and Development Neurodevelopment and Gut Health: A study by the University of...
The intricate relationship between diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women is a crucial component of pregnancy management, especially for those who are overweight or obese. Optimal dietary practices during pregnancy not only support the mother's health...
Nutrition during pregnancy is a crucial aspect of ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby. A healthy pregnancy diet, rich in essential nutrients, plays a vital role in supporting optimal maternal and fetal health. By...
Proper nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role in the health and development of the foetus. Research has shown that the quality of the mother's diet during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the offspring, including their food-related traits and risk...
During pregnancy, it is crucial to ensure that expectant mothers receive proper nutrition to support both their own health and the development of their baby. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the essential nutrients that play a vital role in a...
Date of Study: November 9, 2023 Source: Brigham and Women's Hospital Summary: A review of 15 years' worth of data found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was linked to reduced rates of asthma and wheezing in children compared to standard prenatal...
Date of Study: March 1, 2023 Source: American Academy of Neurology Summary: High blood pressure disorders during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of thinking problems later in life, according to a study. Researchers found that those with these disorders...
Date of Study: February 2, 2023 Source: American Academy of Neurology Summary: Women with migraine may have a higher risk of pregnancy complications like preterm delivery, gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia, according to a preliminary study. Researchers...
A lot of people have had the uncontrollable desire to eat a particular food. These cravings (also known as food cravings) are pretty common, particularly during pregnancy. During this period, the mother's body undergoes a range of behavioral and physiological and...
Chemicals are now everywhere. They are in food as colorants, preservatives, and even traces of pesticides and heavy metals. When looking individually at these foods, they are quite safe. However, people consume many food items during the day. Thus, most are consuming...
Covid-19 related restrictions and their adverse impact on physical and mental health are no secret. However, its impact is even more on vulnerable groups like pregnant women. Some women are more likely to experience negative emotions during pregnancy, causing anxiety...
Covid-19 is a highly contagious infection caused by a mutated coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It causes mild respiratory disease in most. However, in some, it may cause a more severe infection of the lower respiratory tract, hyper inflammation (also called cytokine...
Pregnant women are being encouraged to get vaccinated against Covid-19, especially as new evidence that it poses no risk has recently been presented. The Health Security Agency, known as UKHSA, has examined over 350,000 deliveries in England since the beginning of...
The National Institutes of Health (US), the UK Medical Research Council, Wellcome, and the National Institute for Health Research (UK) funded the study, which discovered how a protein on the brain uses information regarding the energy balance of the body to regulate...
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai and the University of California collaborated on a study that allowed them to develop a new method of detecting a potentially fatal disease known as placenta accreta spectrum disorder, which can happen during pregnancy. When the placenta...
In collaboration with researchers at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have found a simple and quick method for measuring the immune response of T lymphocytes to the...
Cortisol levels in the mother's blood during pregnancy may influence the rapid development of fetal brain systems, which are frequently altered in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies on cortisol levels during pregnancy and the neurologic development...
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health conducted a study that found that children who had been exposed to elevated amounts of the trace elements selenium and manganese during their mother's pregnancy had a lower risk of developing high...
A healthy diet between conception and the second trimester of pregnancy, according to a study conducted by the NIH / Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development can have a positive effect by lowering the risk of common pregnancy...
According to a study conducted by Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the reason why some babies react more strongly to perceived danger lies in the infant's digestive system. We can find in the human digestive tract the...
Why is maintaining trusting relationships important for shared decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth? A study published by Midwifery suggests that mums should maintain a good relationship of trust with healthcare professionals to facilitate shared...
Medical study reveals that exercise during pregnancy may save from health problems as adults A study carried out by the University of Virginia Health System has suggested that when Mums-to-be exercise during pregnancy the chances of their children developing...
Nowadays, everything is integrated and connected online. The health sector is also starting to function in the same way. Previously, medical images were generally confined to the walls of an office or hospital, and sharing information required travel and wasted time...
With the development of current technology, everything can be done online or through mobile apps. You don't have to go far to get information. It is precisely to make life easier for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant that the National Maternity...
Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, full of nourishing foods is important for you and your developing baby. As a mum-to-be, you can make food choices that ensure that your baby gets the best start in life. The Hollestic app aims to help you achieve this by providing...
One of the subjects that has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years is postpartum maternal depression. It affects around 10-12% of new mothers, but it also affects new fathers with at least 8% of cases. As far as the father is concerned, this theme...
Date of Study: May 2, 2019 Source: University of Saskatchewan Summary: Male and female rats whose mother experienced a simulated viral infection during pregnancy behave abnormally, consistent with behavioural alterations in autism or schizophrenia. Male and female...
Date of Study: May 13, 2019 Source: Rutgers University Summary: Men who delay starting a family have a ticking ‘biological clock’ — just like women — that may affect the health of their partners and children, according to researchers. The study, which reviewed 40...
Date of Study: May 14, 2019 Source: The Lancet Giving a single dose of preventative antibiotics to all women after childbirth involving forceps or vacuum extraction could prevent almost half of maternal infections including sepsis — equivalent to over 7,000 maternal...
Date of Study: February 4, 2019 Source: Rutgers University Summary: Hormone concentrations during early fetal development — that may affect the child’s development and increase the mother’s risk for breast and ovarian cancer years later — are significantly affected by...
Date of Study: May 13, 2019 Source: Open Access Summary: Background Risk factors for maternal infection are clearly recognised, including caesarean section and operative vaginal birth. Antibiotic prophylaxis at caesarean section is widely recommended because...
Date of Study: May 2, 2019 Source: George Washington University Summary: Doctors discovered that using the mobile app, Babyscripts, led to a reduction in prenatal in-person visits. Research showed that both provider and patient satisfaction were also maintained. In a...
Date of Study: May 7, 2019 Source: Springer Link Summary: While you may have heard about the benefits of nuts for health in general, this medical study which was carried out in Spain, has highlighted the link between nut intake in the first trimester with more...
Medically checked by Sarah Madden, Midwife Manager (31.08.2023) A caesarean section is a procedure that is carried out so that a baby can be born without needing to go through the birth canal. In some instances a caesarean section may be elective, which means it has...
Asherman Syndrome FAQs What are the Treatment Options for Asherman Syndrome? Asherman Syndrome Treatment OptionsAlthough it may be possible to minimise scarring, this is a lifelong condition. Treatment may improve the scarred tissue sufficiently in order to...
In an ideal world antenatal care should begin before conception Ideally antenatal care should actually commence even before you conceive. This is because how healthy you are both before and during your pregnancy can impact the health of your baby, right through their...
Assisted Vaginal Birth FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty...
What Is Dilation FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme...
Stretch Marks FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme...
What is effacement in pregnancy? FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards...
Is it safe to have sex when pregnant FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks...
Quickening FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme...
Show FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme Discover our...
Membrane Sweep FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme...
Pregnancy Hormones FAQsWhile a normal, healthy pregnancy can have a number of wonderful moments, women undergo a series of physical (both internal and external), emotional and psychological changes in their day to day life during pregnancy. And the majority of these...
Not all abdominal cramps and pain are a cause for worry while you are pregnant. It is often normal to have some level of discomfort during pregnancy. - Your feet get swollen, your breasts may feel more tender and sore and your back can get easily tired. But...
As a pregnant woman, you probably already know the importance of consuming a healthy diet, to pass on all the necessary nutrients and building blocks to your developing baby, to heighten her chance of healthy growth. Protein in pregnancy is one of the many vital...
Post-Natal Depression FAQs What are the Treatments for Post-Natal Depression? Medication: Anti-depressants for post-natal depressionIn cases of moderate to severe post-natal depression, medication may be the choice recommended by your doctor. An improvement can...
E-cigarettes have been around for quite a while now and a lot of smokers find them useful when they are trying to quit smoking. However, there is a lot that is still unknown about these electronic cigarettes and vaping. Therefore, other nicotine replacement products...
Fibroids in Pregnancy FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty...
This guide about fetal movement has been put together to reassure you of the various ways and times this experience may happen. It also includes guidelines about how to monitor your baby’s movement once it has become a pretty constant factor.. One of the most...
Endometriosis FAQs Endometriosis can sometimes make it difficult to conceive and in some cases, it can be a cause of infertility. In some cases, surgery may be suggested by your specialist. During the procedure, endometriosis tissue is removed, which could increase...
Most of us know the term, DNA, but unless you are involved in some aspect of the scientific or medical world, it’s unlikely to be a subject that you discuss very often However, when you conceive, it may be a topic that naturally becomes more interesting for you. This...
Miscarriage is a devastating occurrence. Many women have miscarriages; often it could be the case that you may have work colleagues or acquaintances who have recently suffered a miscarriage, but they haven’t told you about it. It can be very hard for you to talk...
When you want to build strong bones in both you and your baby, it is important to eat phosphorus in pregnancy. Phosphorus is also incredibly important for bodily functions like blood clotting, kidney function, tissue and cell repair, muscle contractions and a normal...
To ensure that your baby will have healthy blood cells during those important nine months, iron in pregnancy is essential. However, you may be one of the many women who don’t even realise that they simply aren’t getting enough iron. Sources of iron in pregnancy Lean...
Apricots in pregnancy nutritional values include the below: Click on the highlighted nutrients below to learn more about their individual benefits. Iron Folic Acid Calcium Magnesium Vitamin C Vitamin A Phosphorus Silicon Copper Cobalt Early Pregnancy Scans...
Apples offer a range of benefits in pregnancy, as they contain Vitamin C, the B complex vitamins – B-6, thiamin and riboflavin, dietary fibre, phytonutrients, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus Apples along with other fruit during pregnancy may even help make...
Just as each of us as individuals has different personalities, each individual baby is different. This expert article about baby personality types will help you to get to know your baby and understand your baby’s temperament will help you understand better how to...
If you are pregnant and need to calculate the gestational age of your fetus and understand what is gestational age, then read on. What is gestational age? Once you start attending a medical practitioner and going for early pregnancy scans, you will hear the term...
During pregnancy, iodine is a very important part of your diet. In general, you should be eating a healthy, varied diet according to the food pyramid, with a special awareness about some of the most vital nutrients that your body needs at this time. Please refer to...
Now that you know that you're "eating for two", you may be wondering what exactly your pregnancy calorie intake should be. So how many calories a day to you need when pregnant? The simple answer to this question is that you will need between 2,200 calories to 2,900...
If you are the parent or caregiver of a teenager who has become pregnant, you will need to really support her in understanding and taking on board healthy teenage pregnancy nutrition. While the news of her pregnancy may have come as a shock to begin, your acceptance...
During pregnancy there are a number of important nutrients that should be part of your varied, healthy diet. Once you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, there's a good chance you are getting the Vitamin C you need. To check exactly which...
When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, there is so much information out there, that it can become confusing and cause an overload. This article aims to give you a down to earth overview of the role of fish and omega fats during pregnancy. It includes: 1. Fish during...
During pregnancy, you need to consume 3 portions of dairy products, or calcium-fortified food alternatives. If you are an adolescent who is pregnant, you will need to bring these recommended portions up to 5 per day. Calcium is central for bone health. Your...
During pregnancy diet is of the utmost importance, both for you to be healthy and for your baby to get all the nutrition he needs to develop. This article investigates some of the essentials of pregnancy diet and nutrition that will help you work towards a healthy...
Leg cramps are unconscious muscle contractions affecting calves, legs and often the upper-leg. The painful sensation is very normal during pregnancy, frequently occurring during the night. Even though most common throughout the 3rd trimester, you might experience...
Welcome to the first in a series of guest articles from Fiona O'Farrell, who is a Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Sleep Consultant Specialist, with over 15 years experience. Did you know your baby’s development during his first year of life lays the...
If you find yourself suffering from constipation during pregnancy, you're not alone. Depending on the sources, statistics range from between 38% to 50% of all women that are pregnant, who experience constipation during some stage of their pregnancy. Bloating and pain...
Bleeding gums, sore gums and swollen gums can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes and a build-up of plaque, during a time when your gums are more vulnerable. This can lead to bleeding and inflammation, known as pregnancy gingivitis. During pregnancy, the...
Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy can be very worrying, although it is often not a signal of a problem. However bleeding can be the sign of a miscarriage, yet on the other hand it doesn’t mean that one is imminent. 20% to 30% of women do experience some type of...
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the result of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The condition is actually an umbrella term encompassing a number of problems and consequences which occur as a result of excessive alcohol consumption by a pregnant mother. The effects...
Exercising during pregnancy has a range of benefits, including contributing to the chance of a smoother delivery, as well as reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Even if the changes in your body make it tempting to avoid exercise, consider these benefits and...
There are cases of pregnancy where certain conditions tend to develop along the way thereby putting the baby and the mother’s health at a greater risk. Along the course of pregnancy, some pregnant women are exposed to certain substances, drugs, chemicals, infections...
The majority of expectant mothers (and even some fathers) experience sudden cravings for a specific food or combination of foods. In some cases, women crave a particularly unusual combination of foods. Many women experience an aversion to certain foods while they are...
Everybody has heard about the falling-in-love part of having a baby. We’ve all read stories about how, when the baby is born, the mother feels an incredibly intense rush of love like nothing she’s ever felt before. How, in moments, the bond between mother and baby is...
Most of us, whilst we’re pregnant, have a habit of not looking too far into the future past the birth. We are so consumed by what’s happening within us that the challenges of the postpartum period seem a whole world away. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to panic – far...
Discovering that you are pregnant is only one of the many stages you will go through over the coming months. Whether your pregnancy is planned or unplanned, and either way if you take a small amount of time to learn and understand to what extent you can influence your...
Implantation Bleed FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty...
Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D) is considered to be a global health problem, and has been labeled “an ignored epidemic”? (2) Not only this, but according to a research study, which was published in the European Journal of Clinical...
Vitamin E, like all other vitamins and nutrients, plays various roles in our health, and of course, during pregnancy. However Vitamin E has had some questionable press, such as one study that was carried out in Holland and made its way into the Daily Mail. The NHS...
An interesting study from the University College London discusses the question of whether outstanding performers are born or created. Traditionally many of us assume that areas of high performance such as people who play chess extremely well, or a fine sportspeople,...
“The huge improvement in health care we can achieve is unprecedented.” On 5th September 2014 the good news was released, that for the first time ever, there will be International standards to assess fetal growth and newborn babies’ size. This is the first time in...
You may or may not have heard of methyl rich foods. Everyone needs them in their diet, basically because without them you run the risk of expression of your bad genes. This is a simplistic way of explaining the issue, however methyl rich foods are super important for...
Folic acid both before and during pregnancy* is extremely important. This feature explains why. It is written in the Irish context and references various medical studies. *New advice in Ireland recommends folic acid daily in pregnancy, rather than the first...
When you’re pregnant there can be so many things people tell you to be worried about. While some of these concerns may turn out to be old wives tales or false alarms, there are a number which aren’t and one of these is the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon...
Pre-eclampsia FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme...
Estrogen or oestrogen is the main female sexual hormone, which is responsible for the regulation and development of the female reproductive system, along with secondary sexual characteristics. Oestrogen is a hormone, which is secreted by the ovaries. Oestrogen or...
Up to a certain point you may have felt like you were happily coasting along enjoying your experience of early pregnancy, in fact, you’ve been blooming and happily telling people your news. That was up until one day when you woke tp with a curiously strange feeling...
Cervical Insufficiency FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty...
Chicken pox is not a common concern during pregnancy but did you know that having a chicken pox during this period can also cause harm to your baby? Chicken pox is said to be very rare during pregnancy. In the United Kingdom, research shows that it affects 3 in every...
It is the desire of every pregnant woman to give their baby the best possible health. However, there are instances where the health of the baby is getting out the mother’s control. When pregnant women are exposed to certain diseases, it can cause potential harm not...
Good food hygiene should always be practised and particularly in pregnancy. The following guidelines will help you : always check the expiry dates while you are out to check that the salads, vegetable and fruits have been washed in clean water and you are unsure as to...
No matter how pregnant women try to be fit and healthy during the course of their pregnancy, there are still times when illnesses such as the flu inevitably come. Conditions such as influenza can really be harmful to pregnant women as it increases their risks for more...
After my first pregnancy, I was in the same boat as lots of pregnant women, carrying a dozen extra pounds that ended up taking residency and staying where they were. It’s normal to be inclined to think about weight loss after having a baby. You just had a baby and...
Women in the reproductive age (18-45) comprise at least half of all bariatric patients. If you have undergone bariatric surgery in the past and now want to get pregnant, it is essential to examine the best time to conceive to prevent an adverse outcome. A systematic...
If you and your partner are having some issues when it comes to conceiving, you may want to look at some easy to follow health tips. It can be a very stressful time and while there are some options out there, many are expensive and do not always offer a concrete...
It is extremely important for pregnant women to be extra careful with their health during pregnancy. There are a lot of substances, some of which can be easily found at home, that can affect a growing fetus. Many of these things don’t even affect the mother’s health;...
Back pain is just one of those things that you expect will happen during your pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to cope with it and reduce the pain. As your body changes, you’re bound to notice a few new aches and pains. By learning what to do...
Aromatherapy is an alternative form of healing that relies on the application of oils extracted from plants, and the belief that those oils can have a beneficial effect on our physical and psychological health.Though knowledge of some of the substances utilized in...
A new study in 2014, by the NYU Langone Medical Center, has revealed that early antibiotic use, in a study, carried out on mice could make them more susceptible to metabolic abnormalities and obesity later in life. Some mice were given low doses of penicillin for life...
An ongoing pregnancy associated with bleeding is called a threatened miscarriage. The first symptoms are usually vaginal bleeding with or without mild period type pain. The bleeding can occur at any time after a missed period. Threatened miscarriages are often noticed...
Ectopic pregnancy results when a fertilised egg becomes implanted anywhere outside the cavity of the womb (uterus). Most ectopic pregnancies develop in the fallopian tubes but occasionally in the ovary. As the fallopian tube is not large enough to accommodate a...
What does an Inconclusive Scan result mean? There are three main reasons you may receive an inconclusive scan result: it is simply too early to see the pregnancy or, the pregnancy is not growing as it should or there is a possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. If at...
Miscarriage Diagnosis Guidelines FAQs Transcript - Professor Fionnuala Mc Auliffe Miscarriage Diagnosis Guidelines Video Video title: Miscarriage Diagnosis By Ultrasound Scans Sometimes miscarriages occur in pregnancy and ultrasound is really important in making the...
Often, new Mums assume that because nursing a child is a natural process that it’s also an easy process. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Sure, some women and children take off with breastfeeding and never look back. There are a number of people, however,...
Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for mother and child. Both parties in the nursing duo benefit physically, mentally and emotionally from the act of nursing. However, there are sometimes difficulties which must be overcome for the breastfeeding experience to be...
Breastfeeding is absolutely one of the greatest gifts that a mother can give to her child. Not only does it provide much needed one on one time during those first crucial months of life, but nursing also provides both mother and child with protection against illness....
Amniocentesis FAQs Early Pregnancy Scans 6-11 weeks Nuchal Translucency 12-14 weeks Anatomy Survey 18-22 weeks Later Dating 12-17 weeks Gender Scan 19 weeks onwards Growth & Well Being 22 weeks onwards Post Dates & Liquor 40 weeks onwards Loyalty Programme...
If you have already booked a holiday, or would like to go on the last holiday before your newborn arrives, you may wish to know more about flying when pregnant. In this feature we’ve put together the following information: Flying when pregnant overview What are...
If this is your second pregnancy, or another subsequent pregnancy, there may be some differences that you will experience from your first pregnancy. Of course no two pregnancies are the same, and no two women are the same. Purely because you have actually been...
Most people who go on to be diagnosed with epilepsy will experience their first seizure between the ages of five and twenty years old, though, in fact, a seizure can happen at any age. Many neurologists and neuroscientists are of the opinion that each person’s brain...
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and, commonly, the whites of the eyes. Usually jaundice is indicative a problem with the functioning of the liver. The most common cause of jaundice during pregnancy is acute viral hepatitis. However, jaundice can be the result of...
Acupuncture during pregnancy can be especially good to relieve morning sickness, as well as help you manage a range of other pregnancy symptoms you'd rather not put up with. It is generally considered to be safe, and some women who go for acupuncture during pregnancy,...
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Having high blood pressure has significant health risks and increases the chance of heart attack and other acute vascular disorders including, but not limited to, stroke. Controlling one’s blood pressure and...
Pregnancy, birth and caring for a new born baby can be extremely stressful. It can be a time when women who have never suffered mental health problems may do so for the first time and exacerbated in women with a history of or pre-existing mental health conditions. No...
Whether you are already pregnant or you are trying to conceive, you may have wondered if aromatherapy could be of benefit to you. In this article, we will look at what is aromatherapy, and its potential benefits, as well as issues, for women who are pregnant, as well...
This article is going to firstly look at what diabetes is and the different types of diabetes that can affect women during pregnancy. It includes recommendations for women who have pre-existing diabetes. Whether you have diabetes or not, the ideal situation is to...
Smoking is an expensive habit and no matter how much you feel you enjoy it, wouldn't you love to save up that money for a big treat like an extra holiday? Easier said than done, as smoking is extremely addictive and it can be very challenging to stop. There's no...
While teen pregnancies are at a record low, they still present us with some serious considerations, for both the teen parents and society as a whole. We have known for a long time that teens who have babies have an exponentially more difficult time just being...
In the fight against cancer, early detection is a very important step. If a person can identify the symptoms early on, it improves the chances of recovery. Here are some of the common symptoms that women should look out for. Ovarian cancer is often very tricky to...
Many pregnant women experience back pain. While there can be many causes of this pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction is one of the most common. The sacroiliac joints are located at the base of the spine in the small of the back. They connect the sacrum and pelvis. The...
Some women may develop diabetes mellitus for the first time when they become pregnant and the terms used for this are either pregnancy onset diabetes or gestational diabetes. Screening for this is done on women who are considered to be in the higher risk categories,...
The role of all glands in the human body is to secrete, that is, release, hormones into the blood stream. These hormones are chemical messengers that cause changes in the body. The thyroid is one such gland. It is located in front of the trachea (wind pipe) in the...
If you haven't practised yoga before, you may wonder if you can actually start during pregnancy. The answer to this question is yes you can, however it is better to wait until the second trimester, purely for safety. This doesn't mean that pregnancy yoga is risky,...
The body mass index is used to determine if a person is of a healthy weight for their height. The number is calculated by dividing body mass, measured in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. For example, a person weighing 70kg who is 1.52m tall (that is 5...
If you suspect you may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, then it can help to know in advance when early pregnancy scans can take place and what to expect. This article explains in lay-woman's language about what you should expect when you book an early...
Enjoying the art of massage is a wonderful way to ease the aches and pains of modern life. In pregnancy, as the aches and niggles increase, the benefits of prenatal massage do too. This feature investigates the benefits of prenatal massage, how it differs from normal...
Since it isn't too common, many pregnant women are caught by surprise when they learn from their doctors that they are suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome. The disease can expose their babies to higher risks for neonatal lupus, heart problems and even death. What is...
Herbal medicine has long been used to aid healing and recovery in different cultures all over the world. In Western culture, the use of herbs has become much more widespread and accepted over recent years. There is now easy access to herbal teas tinctures and...
If you feel like some pampering during pregnancy, massage for pregnant women can be a good option. Massage can also help ease back pain, stiffness and soreness, and as your endorphins get moving you'll start to feel uplifted. When booking a massage during pregnancy,...
The following feature about asthma and pregnancy has been put together to inform you about the following: What is asthma? Asthma and pregnancy – what you need to know Asthma In Pregnancy-How To Control Or Avoid It Pregnant women with asthma and fetal monitoring Asthma...
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that may be able to help some women before, during and after pregnancy. This feature looks at the possible benefits of reflexology for pregnancy. Reflexology is a natural complementary therapy that works on the basis that all...
Anxiety during pregnancy was not something that you had on your agenda for the 9 months that your new family member is growing inside you. However you are not alone, and many women experience anxiety in pregnancy. Did you know that between 5 and 16% of women...
A woman’s body goes through rapid changes during pregnancy and the back is one part of the body that will, quite literally, be taking the strain. This article takes a look at chiropractic care during pregnancy, its benefits and why it can be important. As your...
In our previous blog on Anxiety During Pregnancy-6 Sensible Advice Sections For You – we investigated the levels of anxiety during pregnancy, the signs of an anxiety attack and what you can do to reduce anxiety, and when you need to seek professional help. This...
We've all heard the saying that water is life. Many of us know that our bodies are composed of 70% water. This article takes a look at the potential benefits of hydrotherapy during pregnancy – read on to appreciate the role that water can play during this special time...
Drinking socially has been an integral part of Irish culture for centuries. Moderate social drinking can be good fun and an enjoyable way to socialise. There are times, however, when cutting out alcohol from your lifestyle can be a good idea. One of these times is if...
Tokophobia is a severe fear of childbirth, which prevents some women from having children. Actress Dame Helen Mirren has admitted to suffering from it. There is no doubt that some scenes from movies have given plenty of women a rational fear of childbirth. Gruesome...
As your pregnancy progresses you could be forgiven at times for thinking that you are losing control of your own body, as each passing day brings further changes and transformations. A technique which can help you take back control and manage the niggling aches and...
This article is part of a series, so the following may also be of interest to you: Pregnancy and Diabetes – What You Need To Know Before Conception and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus-What Is It And Who Is At Risk Type 1 diabetes (diabetes mellitus) affects 1 in 300...
There is nothing more important for a pregnant woman than the health and safety of her baby. Fortunately, you can protect your child by avoiding some risky factors that may complicate your pregnancy or cause harm to your baby. Learn about what things you should avoid...
Everybody knows about morning sickness. It’s probably the most-often heard complaint about pregnancy (and completely justified!), followed by swollen fingers and feet, back pain, and trouble sleeping. But there are some health issues associated with pregnancy that you...
As a coffee and chocolate lover, I am the first to appreciate that they are both very difficult to limit, or even cut out of your lifestyle. However during pregnancy there are a variety of risks associated with caffeine intake. Each main risk factor is analysed in...
Finding out that you are pregnant is big news and if it is your first pregnancy you may want to clear up any of those nagging doubts about what you should and shouldn’t do. Getting some early pregnancy lifestyle advice will enable you to be confident that you are...
Over the years, a lot of common myths about what pregnant mothers should or should not eat have been debunked. Many of the things that society used to think were not okay for pregnant women have since been proven to be harmless old wives' tales. Thanks to the...
Coronary heart disease, is a narrowing of the coronary artery: a large blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart. This narrowing is caused by fatty deposits in the artery itself and is the leading cause of heart attacks in the developed world. Cardiac disease of...
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the retrovirus which causes AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS destroys the immune system a complex set of glands, organs and tissues that help protect against and fight off diseases. HIV is bloodborne and it can only...
Water really helps people in so many ways. Water helps healing, relaxation, rehabilitation and fitness. Taken on the inside it ensures we're hydrated, and taken on the outside it keeps us clean! This feature investigates aquatic therapy and how it can help you before,...
Nutrition is essential for growth, development and for protection against disease. Pregnancy is a time of rapid growth and development and there is no other stage in a woman’s life where good nutrition is more important. Amongst healthcare professionals, it is widely...
DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.