Pre-Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia affects both mum and baby. The cause for pre-eclampsia is currently unknown. When someone has the condition, the only cure for it is to deliver the baby. This is due to the fact that the placenta is not functioning as it should be; blood flow lessens between mum and baby. Therefore making it a risk for the baby and mother's health. Midwives told me that this was due to the fact that my baby was quite smaller.

Pre-eclampsia is hard to tell by symptoms. Physical symptoms include the swelling of hands, feet and face - oedema. I had noticed this in my pregnancy but was never diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. It was at one of my routine antenatal checks that they discovered that I had very high blood pressure and protein in my urine.

This led to me being immediately taken to the emergency maternity ward where they carried out more checks. They monitored the baby's heartbeat, my blood pressure, tests on my knees, took some bloods and checked my urine again. My legs were slightly raised to try and ease the swelling. I was seen by the doctor shortly after being referred to the HDU where he said pre-eclampsia gave me a high risk of having fits due to the high blood pressure and that they would be inducing me after monitoring my blood pressure and giving me medication to try and lessen and maintain it. They also took note of now much urine I passed and how much water was being consumed.

So please make sure you go to your antenatal checks!!!

After giving birth, baby and I were healthy. My blood pressure was monitored over night again where I was given medication to try and bring it down. When I was taken into the maternity ward my blood pressure was checked every couple of hours instead of being strapped to the monitor all day. I was given the same medication at this ward and was discharged by the doctor and prescribed the medication as soon as my bp was back to normal.

Luckily, with my experience baby and I were healthy and I did not experience any fits. The swelling had gone down incredibly shortly after giving birth. My legs were kept slightly raised and "special" knee high length socks were given to me to wear. (I can't for the sake of me remember what they were called lol). Before the swelling had gone down they got really worse...

Wise words of the doctor who had discharged me were: "Things will get worse before they get better"

She advised me that during my next pregnancy I would have to be monitored closely in case I get pre-eclampsia again and that my bp should be checked every now and again.

For further information, please visit the NHS website as I found this extremely useful on the facts about pre-eclampsia that explains it so much better medically!

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pre-eclampsia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

My Birthing Experience

Following on from "My Pregnancy Experience" post comes My Birthing Experience...

So my regular check up with the midwife which had been transferred with my GP ended up as a surprise as I was immediately sent to the emergency maternity ward. This was due to the fact that I had Pre-Eclampsia. I had my suspicions for the past few weeks as my legs, feet and hands grew increasingly swollen. My blood pressure on the day was very high and protein was found in my urine. This confirmed the pre-eclampsia.

Luckily during this appointment I was with my mum! I didn't realise how serious pre-eclampsia was at the time and thought I was just going to the ward for more checks. The midwives re-did the tests and monitored baby's heartbeat. They informed me that baby was okay but had to be delivered, therefore, I would not be getting discharged. I was extremely scared at this point. Funnily, all I could think about was Food! I remember craving for a really big burger just so that I would feel like I would have the energy to push baby. (Was that the hormones or what?)

A couple of hours later I was sent to the High Dependency Unit. The doctor had spoken to me about the dangers of pre-eclampsia. (Details will be given in my next post). They said that I would have to have my blood pressure monitored until the early hours of the morning before being induced, and again after giving birth. At about 6-7am I was induced and 3 and a half hours later experienced contractions. At this point in time, I was completely unaware of what they were - being a first time mum and all.

These contractions were me going into labour as they did not slow down and got increasingly painful. Taking deep breaths helped me so much as I refused the gas and air; it made me feel nauseous. Right after my waters broke, I was taken into one of the labour rooms. It is a feeling unlike any other. Just before giving birth my body felt like all energy had gone and was taken over by the contractions. The body works in mysterious ways; as soon as it was time to push, all the adrenaline and strength came back, (it was also the support of baby's papa :) )

My labour lasted for about 30 minutes. I can't imagine how some women could endure labours lasting 48 hours! Pushing the baby happened so much faster than I had expected. As soon as baby girl arrived, she was put on my chest for skin to skin contact. I felt elated to finally have her in my arms. She was so tiny, precious and just beautiful.

That was definitely the best day of my life!

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

My Hospital Bag

A few essentials for mama and baby...

Essentials for MAMA

Plenty of maternity pads - although the hospital provide these bring some just in case! And make sure you have some ready at home.

Packs of normal knickers (from Primark or somewhere cheap); you'll probably only use these up until the bleeding stops and dispose of them after.

Bras - I had no idea I'd be in hospital for a couple of days so pack 2 or 3.

Bag for dirty clothes

Nighties/pyjamas - wear something that is easy to breastfeed in, possibly something with buttons.

Slippers

Dressing gown

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Hairbrush and hair bands

Outfits to go home in - remember your stomach won't shrink back straight after giving birth so pack something lose.

Moisturiser, Bio Oil, Shampoo, Body wash, Flannel

Towel - again some hospitals provide this!

Make up bag

Phone and charger

Pen and small notepad

Snacks!

Essentials for BABY

Pack of nappies

Wipes/cotton wool - cotton wool and water is a great way to top and tail your baby as well as cleaning their bottoms. You know that it is pure on their skin.

5 Baby grows and sleep suits - you may have to stay over a little longer than expected. Also Baby may get a bit messy when needing their nappy changed.

3 hats, 3 bibs

Gloves - newborn babies tend to have their hands at their faces-scratching them

Blankets

Going home outfit

Formula carton and bottle - these will come in handy especially as breast milk may take a few days to produce and baby will be hungry!

Olive oil - keep your baby moisturised with olive oil. Olive oil is one of the purest for your little one's skin.

Things PAPA might want to pack are his phone charger, bottle of drink, snacks, extra top.

Let us know what else you recommend to pack :)

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Pregnancy Tips

During my pregnancy I researched a lot of tips online and asked for advice from family. Here are a few I found to work the best:

Mints for Nausea
Chewing on a mint on my way to work would ease the feeling of my nausea. However don't over indulge, we do need to think of keeping healthy for the little one! 

Drink plenty of Water! 
I was advised that drinking lots of water helps with the elasticity of your skin. Now although this may not prevent stretch marks, it may reduce them and will keep your healthy glow as hormones during pregnancy can affect the skin. For example, during my pregnancy I went from skin type 2 to 1, then back again to 2 after giving birth. 

Drinking plenty of water will also help prevent you from being dehydrated. Being dehydrated whilst pregnant could lead to you feeling dizzy and nauseous. 

The Dreaded Stretch Marks...

Everyone dreads stretch marks!! Nothing will prevent them but in order to reduce them, I cannot stress enough - you must keep your skin hydrated so elasticity is well maintained. 

*Water Water Water* 

For skin care Bio Oil and Coco Butter worked the best. Now although they may not prevent stretch marks they could reduce the amount which appear on the skin.

My stretch marks weren't so deep, therefore, many of them faded pretty quickly. The red marks on fair skin will take a little longer to fade. 

Also, as your skin stretches rapidly, some women experience itchiness around their stomach. Don't scratch! Scratching it can cause scars which worsens the appearance of stretch marks. I didn't experience itchiness on my stomach but did with my breasts. Read the next tip to find out how I relieved this...

Get a Good Bra 
Breasts during pregnancy can also grow rapidly. Getting a good bra is so important - wireless was definitely more comfortable for this. I experienced extreme itchiness for about three nights and the only relief I managed to find was from putting plenty of talcum powder on them and fanning my chest with a piece of card. 

Talcum powder was advised by my mum and it worked!

Clothing for Winter Pregnancy 
My second and third trimester was all during the autumn/winter. Layers upon layers were not needed! My cousins advised me to wear a light jacket and they were right. As soon as I would walk towards the end of my road I'd be pretty
much very warm. I loved wearing soft materials and cotton. Leggings were a staple during the winter as I could not find the right jeans for my size. I also lived in my boots as my legs became very swollen. 

Few Finds I Loved
Topshop's maternity jeans were the best I could find (Leigh super soft jeans) 
ASOS was great for maternity dresses and basic tops 
H&M's knits and basics 
Knitted tights are a great alternative to leggings to wear with dresses
Adding a thin belt to a lose top accentuates the bump and makes a plain design appear dressier

Beauty During Pregnancy
Keep it natural. 
Pregnancy often makes some women's skin appear to glow. Some experience their skin to change type, so keeping it natural can help with these changes. Again keep skin hydrated with a moisturiser and focus on the eyes or lips instead. 

Hair During Pregnancy
My hair during pregnancy grew very thick. I felt that having it away from your face made you look neater in appearance. Also, it prevented skin from feeling irritated. (That must have been my hormones again!) 

Diet During Pregnancy
It is so important to keep healthy during pregnancy. Remember to listen to your body. Everyone used to tell me that if you are hungry, you must eat, as it means your baby wants food! And if you don't eat, baby doesn't eat. 

However don't over indulge, your meals don't have to be made so big that literally two people could have a course each from it. 

Replace sweet food for healthier alternatives such as
Fruits; mangoes, avocados, pineapple, melon, watermelon, plantain,  - all fruits tropical I love!
Veg; yam, okra, pumpkin, beans, spinach 
I often replaced chocolate with flapjacks 
Soup soup soup 

Heartburn
I experienced a lot of heartburn towards the end of my third trimester. Making a few changes to my diet helped reduce this:

Drink less juice and caffeine 
Cut down on fatty foods
Soup helped calm the sensation down for me 

Walk

Walking is one of the best ways to try and keep fit while pregnant as hardcore exercise isn't recommended. It's also a great way to keep active during the last trimester. 

SLEEP!

Last but definitely not least, get as much sleep as you can. You won't be getting much of it when your newborn arrives. I wish I was more prepared and warned that your newborn would wake up every two to three hours for a feed. Due to the sudden demand and childbirth you would have just gone through, you'll appreciate any sleep that you get!

So sleep, relax, eat well and pamper yourself. 

Hope this helps! Get back to me for more tips you found useful! :)  

My Pregnancy Experience

Pregnancy for most has its highs and it's lows. From feeling your stomach rumble in the middle of the night craving for sweet nothings to the exciting moment you first feel your little one move inside your stomach; it is an unexplainably amazing experience unlike any other...

I remember the first sign of pregnancy I experienced was dizziness! At this point in time, I was completely unaware I was expecting. Finding the cause of this baffled me for weeks. Soon after, the sudden feeling of hunger came. If I ever missed breakfast, my stomach would churn and it would feel like something was eating away at it. 

The nausea came shortly afterwards... That felt horrible. I only vomited about three times throughout my whole pregnancy but was constantly very nauseous. And how could I forget... The overwhelming sensation of being able to smell anything and everything in such powerful abundance. 

However, what I enjoyed the most, was feeling the love I had for my baby grow right from the beginning as I embarked on my journey through pregnancy. It was an instant bond I felt with her click right from the start. The sudden urge to protect and pray for something so precious came to me like second nature. 

Pregnancy came with a list of appointments with midwives but I must say, the ones that I looked forward to the most were the ultra sounds. The first time I saw my little one on screen really touched me. It is as if, as I mentioned before, my love for her constantly growing. To finally see her on screen made me speechless and only the smile on my face could paint the picture of exactly how I felt. She was so tiny and although it may have only been a couple of black and white print outs I was given, you notice every single detail on them. She was beautiful. Everything was worth it. 

I will never forget the first time I felt her move in my stomach as it brought me so much joy and excitement. It was bliss. It started off as gentle pitter patter of kicks I would wait for as I lay to sleep, to her rumbling around every time I would eat. My baby loved food! The cravings I had varied throughout my pregnancy. During the first trimester I craved for all things healthy; yam, pumpkin, okra, avocado, grilled chicken and fish. I, on the other hand could not stand the smell of anything being cooked! Then my second trimester came where my sweet cravings for apple crumble (with cinnamon of course) and custard came. 

I felt the second trimester as most mothers would say, was the easiest to endure. My bump was just about showing and the nausea and dizziness slowed down. As my bump grew, I found the winter fashion excruciatingly boring. I disliked anything loud and flamboyant and preferred my cosy knits and leggings and a light jacket was a must; pregnancy really does raise your body temperature. My hair slowed down in growing length but got thicker and thicker through the nine months as hardly any fell out. And emotions were felt to the max from here to my third trimester. It's funny how hormones can trigger off so many changes where I almost felt like I wasn't myself at times; your body as it grows just does not feel like it belongs to you anymore. 

I think it is at this point in time we just want our baby in our arms. The "penguin wobble" came as well as having to take a wee every couple of minutes! I'm telling you I literally had to; for example, I would always make sure I would go before I left my house to walk to the station. By the time I had reached the end of two roads I would have to go again. I'd be out of breath and my five minute walk turned into twenty. Weirdly enough, aside all of this, my love for drinking water flourished. Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy is important. It is also good for the skin as it helps keep it hydrated whilst the bump thrives rapidly; it cannot prevent stretch marks but was advised it could reduce them. Tiredness also returned this trimester. All I wanted to do was meet my baby girl and that is what happened next as a surprise result during my 38 week check ended up with me being sent to the maternity ward... 

A lesson learnt from my pregnancy experience is that you should ENJOY it! Aside all the horrible symptoms just relax and take it easy. Enjoy the time you have left for yourself and your partner as you will be dedicating yourself to your baby as soon as they arrive. So be healthy and be lucky!