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general health

Pregnancy

WHY do some women bloom through pregnancy and others suffer, every single day? Nausea and vomiting can turn what should be a positive, joyful and natural experience into a grueling slog to grow a healthy baby.

Gally Haralambouf, a health education expert from St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, said: ''Whoever called it morning sickness got it totally wrong. The feeling of sickness can come at any time of the day, or night, and can last, for some women, quite a long time.

''A few feel permanently sick throughout their pregnancy, and while this only rarely affects the health of their baby it is very distressing for them.''

Nausea is thought to be brought on by a drop in blood sugar levels.

Levels are low in the morning, which is why many women feel at their worst first thing. But a growth spurt by the baby also affects blood sugar and hormone levels, causing waves of sickness.

During the first 12 weeks growth is rapid and the body is adapting to something new. Generally the feeling of nausea wears off as growth becomes slower and steadier.

But Gally said: ''For some women it would seem their babies grow in spurts, upsetting the body's levels and making them feel sick. The advice is to eat little and often, stay away from oily, fatty and rich foods and try and eat natural wholegrains.

Sometimes the sickness is so severe the mother will lose weight and they should go and see their GP.''

Tips to stop sickness include

Snacking every 30 mins. Try dried apricots, a handful of sultanas, a small yoghurt, banana, any fresh fruit, a slice of dry wholewheat bread, crackers or melba toast, a bowl of fortified cereal.
Ginger can help. Make an infusion of ginger and lemon and drink as tea. Nibble on ginger biscuits.
Increase the amount of green vegetables you eat. They contain masses of zinc, which helps the body process food and is often depleted in early pregnancy.
Vitamin B6, found in bananas, advocados, brown rice and fish has been shown to reduce nausea in some women. It can also be taken as a supplement but do not take more than 10 milligrammes a day.
Drink more water. The body uses more when pregnant and dehydration can often lead to headaches and a feeling of sickness.
Relax and rest whenever you can. Go somewhere quiet, close your eyes and concentrate positively on your baby growing.
Talk to your midwife or GP if sickness is very severe.

Pregnancy points

Folic acid
If you are trying to conceive take folic acid (a B vitamin).

It is crucial for the development of baby's bones and has been shown to reduce the risk of spinal defects such as spina bifeda. You should take a 400 micrograms supplement every day as well as eating food rich in folic acid, such as oranges, cabbage, yeast extract and fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin a
High levels of vitamin A during the first weeks of pregnancy may damage a developing baby.

If you are planning a baby, and during the first three months of pregnancy, do not take supplements containing high levels of vitamin A or eat vitamin A rich foods like liver, liver pate or cod liver oil.

Peanuts
If you, your partner or any previous children have a history of hayfever, asthma, eczema, or any allergies, you should avoid eating peanuts, or anything containing peanut products whilst you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You could pass on a potentially serious nut allergy to your baby.

Foods to avoid include peanut butter, unrefined groundnut oil and many processed ready meals and snacks.

Always read the label and if in doubt, don't eat it.

Alcohol
Recommendations on the safe limit have recently been reduced. Anyone trying for a baby, or who is already pregnant, should cut their alcohol intake substantially. No more than one or two units, once or twice a week.

One unit being half a pint of beer or lager or a small glass of wine.

Excessive alcohol can cause brain damage in your unborn child.

Hygeine
Be careful about uncooked meat contaminating other foods with salmonella and always wash your hands after handling raw meats. Throughly wash vegetables and salad stuff, especially if it is organic.

Disinfect your dishcloth daily - they harbour more germs than anything else in the kitchen.

Exercise
Now is not the time to take up new vigorous exercise but it is the time to walk more, swim more and begin gentle stretching exercises that will prepare your body for the birth. Ask your midwife or health visitor about special exercises to ease back ache.

Downs syndrome test
Doctors at the Chinese University in Hong Kong claim to have developed a test that accurately detects whether a woman is carrying a Downs Syndrome baby by analysing a sample of their blood using a fluorescent light probe.

The non-invasive test, currently subject to more detailed research, would be a major breakthrough if early results are confirmed.

Current testing, by amniocentesis, carries a slight risk of miscarriage.

Amniocenteses, where a needle is inserted into the abdomen to draw out amniotic fluid is usually carried out at between 16-18 weeks on older mums or those with a family history of genetic abnormalities.

And when the wait is over...
Tests are beginning this summer on a new drug that could end the agony, and dangers, of prolonged labours.

Early indications are that it can cut childbirth to two or three hours - instead of the current average 18 hours for first time mothers. It works by speeding up a woman's natural body chemistry and making muscles relax, without the painful side effects of the drugs currently used to speed up labour.

Trials begin in Scotland this summer but it is unlikely to be available generally until 2005.

Until then, essential oils may help reduce labour pains. Try frankincense to keep you calm and reduce anxiety and clary sage for pain, but ALWAYS check with your midwife before using.

Links
National Childbirth Trust
Active Birth Centre
Website for mothers over 35