SEND YOUR QUERY TO YOUR PREGNANCY PROBLEMS, PO BOX 95312, GRANT PARK, 2051 OR EMAIL
problems@yourpregnancy.co.za AND ONE OF OUR EXPERTS WILL ANSWER IT
Feeling your baby move is one of the highlights of being pregnant – enjoy it. This is how your baby lets you know that he is alive and kicking. You may have already noticed that you perhaps have a very active baby that likes to move and exercise his muscles (I call these babies hot chilli peppers), or perhaps you have a baby that is quieter (these are the cool cucumbers). Your baby’s movements are
A a form of self expression and
communication. You need to take those opportunities to tune in and talk to your baby when he alerts you to his presence. This is a great bonding moment.
Q
I am 28 years old, single and pregnant. I lost my mom in 2013. I was forced to leave my studies so I could take care of my younger brother. Now I am pregnant and I feel unprepared. Most of the time I find myself crying because of my situation. I am worried about the financial and emotional aspect of being a parent. I don’t know who to talk to and how to face this alone.
A KARIN SAYS
The journey into motherhood is a challenge in itself and most women find it scary and exciting at the same time, so you are not alone. It sounds like you have already had some training in parenthood love and sacrifices by the way you have taken care of yourself and your brother so selflessly after your mom’s passing. I can understand that during the process of you becoming a mother for the first time that you would miss your mom even more, and be angry about the fact that you cannot share this experience with her. I agree that it is not the ideal situation to be pregnant without the security and support of a father to the baby or your family, but you have to make the best of this situation. I am glad that you are reaching out, because this is the first step to getting the emotional support you need. It is important to reach out to the available resources in your community, like your church and other social services, your antenatal clinic, other friends and family members. They might be able
TINA SAYS
NICQUI GRANT DIETICIAN
to assist you emotionally as well as practically with clothing and accessories, or perhaps even food or financial support options. I would strongly advise that you surround yourself with other pregnant women or women with small children, who can form part of an emotional support network of women who are moving through a similar life stage as you. Use your antenatal visits to talk to your midwife/nurse/doctor, and continue to read up about pregnancy and birth. You want to empower yourself with as much knowledge and skills to build your confidence and abilities, and to gain some sense of control over your situation. Speak to your baby and reassure your baby of your love. The most important thing you can give your child is your love and acceptance and the dream of a better future.
SR LINDA BRITZ LACTATION CONSULTANT
DR LOUISE GILBERT MEDICAL DOCTOR WITH AN INTEREST IN HIV MEDICINE
SCHALK VAN DER MERWE BIOKINETICIST
Your womb baby is constantly getting oxygen and nutrients, yet he does not breathe in the same way as we do until the moment of birth. At 12 weeks of pregnancy the left and right lobes of the lungs are starting to grow and branch out with small contractions, not breathing air, but stimulating the chest muscles to develop. Breathing movements can be seen as early as 15 weeks in utero. At this time, the respiratory system is not fully formed, but breathing itself is not necessary because the mother is supplying all the oxygen via the umbilical cord. That is why your baby can develop and exist in a watery environment and even be born into water safely. The breathing movements are actually necessary to exercise the muscles of the lungs (they need a lot of practice) so that they can take on the lifelong job of breathing. These movements stimulate lung growth and are a challenge because the lung sacs are filled with fluid, but this challenge helps to build strong muscles. During the second trimester, breathing movements increase and in the third trimester they become the most important exercise for your baby.
Q A
JUNE/JULY 2015 109
When does an unborn baby start to breathe?
TINA SAYS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116