Pregnancy Articles
Pregnancy can such an exciting time in a woman's life, but sometimes a difficult journey to conception or perhaps your own life story can make pregnancy a very stressful time too. BellyBelly's pregnancy articles are designed to reassure, as well as provide accurate information to help your pregnancy become a more enjoyable and informed experience.
10 Common Ailments During Pregnancy - And What You Can Do To Help
During pregnancy, there are some common ailments or side effects, which you may experience throughout each trimester. We’ve compiled a list of the common ailments and side effects during pregnancy, explaining why you get them and what you can do to get some relief.
9 Reasons Why You Should Choose Independent Birth Education
Most couples don't even consider independent birth education, as they may get free classes at their chosen hospital or think they'll get the best information from the place they are giving birth at, so there is no need for anything more. But like many things, what you pay for is what you get. Find out 9 important reasons why it's worth investing in independent birth education - it really is an investment on your birth experience.
Amniocentesis - What Is An 'Amnio' and What's Involved?
An amniocentesis is a pre-natal screening test. Your family history, personal medical history or perhaps an ultrasound result may suggest to your doctor that you have a slightly greater chance of giving birth to an infant with a birth defect. Therefore your doctor may suggest that you undergo an amniocentesis, a test used to detect some foetal abnormalities.
Ante-Natal Depression - Depression During Pregnancy
Depression can become a significant problem for around 10% of pregnant women. Find out what signs and symptoms to look out for which may suggest that you have ante-natal depression.
Baby Formula: What They Wont Tell You About Baby Formula
Baby formula is considered the next best thing for a baby, only where there is no breastmilk available. While baby formula is not allowed to be advertised in Australia, you may see these same formula companies advertising 'nutritious' toddler drinks in similar colours and designs as the baby formula tins. Want to find out what the baby formula manufacturers don't want you to know?
Baby Name List - Baby Names For Baby Boys
Baby name woes? Finding the perfect name for your baby can be a long and exhausting process full of compromise and negotiation! If you are looking for a name for your baby, be sure to check out our baby name list for boys!
Baby Name List - Baby Names For Baby Girls
Baby name woes? Finding the perfect name for your baby can be a long and exhausting process full of compromise and negotiation! If you are looking for a name for your baby, be sure to check out our baby name list for girls!
Baby Shower Games - Fun Games For Your Baby Shower
Planning a baby shower for a friend? Or do you have a friend planning a baby shower for you? Be sure to print off this list of great games which are guaranteed ways to have extra fun at any baby shower.
Bleeding in Pregnancy - What Could the Bleeding Be?
Bleeding during pregnancy can be a very scary time for a pregnant woman. Around 30% of women experience bleeding in pregnancy and it doesn't always mean you could be experiencing a miscarriage. To find out some common reasons behind bleeding in pregnancy, read on...
Blessingways: What Are They and Why Do Pregnant Women Love Them?
Blessingways (also known as Mother Blessings) are growing in popularity in Australia, as word spreads amongst mothers to be. They can either replace or be done in addition to traditional 'baby showers.' Find out what a blessingway is, why it's different to a baby shower and why women love them so much - especially the mother to be!
CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)
Chorionic Villus Sampling is a test which involves obtaining a small sample of tissue, the chorionic villi from the developing placenta. The placenta, which has the same chromosome makeup as the baby, may then be examined for genetic, DNA or biochemical abnormalities eg Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis etc.
Doesn't Feel Right? Speaking Up and How To Do It
From the time you discover you are pregnant, you can find yourself the target of ‘helpful’ advice and you may at times have to assert yourself with family, friends and health professionals to get support for your choices around birth and parenting. Find out how you can get the outcome you really need with these great tips from Pinky McKay.
Doulas - What Is a Doula And Why Do So Many Women Want One?
What is a Doula? What can a Doula do for my partner and I? Find out everything you need to know about Doulas, and find out why an increasing number of women are now choosing to give birth with a Doula.
Down Syndrome - Expecting a Baby With Down Syndrome
Down syndrome occurs because of a chromosomal abnormality present at birth and is the most common cause of intellectual disability.
Due Date Calculator - Calculate Your Estimated Due Date
Due date calculator with adjustable cycle length and luteal phase. Our advanced due date calculator will give you an estimated due date for your pregnancy. 3-5% of babies are born on their estimated due date and around 40% are born after this date.
Ectopic Pregnancy - Signs and Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo attaches to a site outside the uterine cavity. Find out the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, and what happens should you have an ectopic pregnancy.
Gas During Pregnancy - A Windy Problem
Gas is one of those embarassing problems during pregnancy, and let's be blunt here - we're talking burping, farting and bloating. Find out the common culprits of wind, what you can do to get some relief and why you are more prone to gas in pregnancy.
Gender Dilemmas - Wanting a Boy - or a Girl
It's a fairly common scenario - dad-to-be dreaming of a son to wrestle with and take to the footy, and mum-to-be dreaming of a daughter to dress up for ballet lessons and do her hair... but could there be an unconscious reason behind how comfortable (or uncomfortable) we feel about each gender? Pinky McKay shares her personal experience with gender dilemmas.
Gender Disappointment: Feeling Disappointed About The Gender of Your Baby
Gender disappointment. When I found out Joshua was a boy at the ultrasound I was disappointed - disappointed and he was healthy and growing beautifully! How could I even think it?
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Approximately three to eight per cent of pregnant women will develop Gestational Diabetes around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.
Haemorrhoids: Fast Treatments For Haemorrhoids in Pregnancy
Haemorrhoids (or Piles) can appear during pregnancy, even if you have never had them before. While haemorrhoids are literally a pain in the bum, they are often short lived and easy to treat. Find out what you can do if you suffer from haemorrhoids or want to prevent them.
Hiring a Birth Attendant or Doula - Questions to Ask
So you've decided you'd like a Birth Attendant or Doula to support you for your upcoming birth - congratulations! It's a big step for some couples to decide that they need extra support, but rest assured, this kind of support is one you will be very glad you called upon.
Listeria and Pregnancy
Listeria infection or listeriosis, is an illness which can be contracted by eating food contaminated with bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes.
Love, Lust and Little Ones: What They Never Tell You
Not so long ago, you promised each other solemnly, 'a baby won't change OUR relationship!' The truth is, that once a baby comes to live at your house (that is, your very own baby), your relationship with your partner will never be the same again. Ever.
Low Lying Placenta & Placenta Praevia
During an ultrasound, you may be told that you have a low-lying placenta or your placenta may be covering your cervix (Placenta Praevia), meaning the placenta has implanted low down in your uterus. This is reported in around 5% of pregnancies at the 18-20 week scan. Find out what to expect should you have a low-lying placenta or Placenta Praevia.
Maternity Bras and Pregnancy
When I was approximately three months pregnant with my daughter, I noticed (shortly after my husband pointed it out!) that my pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit. Where to now? Who knew finding decent maternity bras would be even more complex than normal bras...
Miscarriage - When a Miscarriage Occurs and Why It Can Happen
Miscarriage can have a profound affect on the parents. No matter how early in pregnancy the miscarriage occured, the journey through grief is still needed. A comprehensive article on miscarriage addressing a range of issues.
Mucous Plug / Show - What Is It?!
During pregnancy, your cervix secretes mucous which forms a thick mucous plug. This plug forms on the cervix and it's purpose is to prevent any bacteria getting into the uterus - like an added layer of protection for your baby. Find out more about the mucous plug / show and if that means labour is about to start.
Nutrition in Pregnancy
A woman's reproductive role requires special nutritional needs - pregnancy is the most nutritionally demanding period of a woman's life.
Obstetricians - 11 Questions To Ask Before Choosing An Obstetrician
Obstetricians are specialists in birth complications and are one of the main options of maternity care available. So how do you choose the right obstetrician for you and your baby? From bad bedside manner to interventions or procedures you don't want or need, there are negative experiences to be had if you don't choose the right carer for your birth. Here are 11 MUST ask questions which will help you find the right obstetrician for the job. Includes a FREE downloadable interview form for you to print out!
Old Wives' Tales - Will I Have a Boy or Girl?
Old wives tales - we know they're not true but we love them anyway! There are plenty of old wives tales about the gender of your baby - so if you want to try your luck and see what old wives think your baby will be, read on! Boy or girl - what will it be?!
Optimal Fetal Positioning - Helping Your Baby Find A Good Position For Birth
Many difficult labours and even caesareans result from 'mal-position', where the baby's position makes it difficult for it's head to move through the pelvis. Find out how you can help encourage your baby into the most ideal position possible and why position can make a difference to the way you labour.
Pets and Your Baby - Preparing Your Pet For A Baby
If you think that your world has been turned upside-down having a baby, try and understand that your pet's world has completely been turned upside-down too. Find out how to best prepare your pets for the arrival of your bundle of joy.
Planning to Breastfeed? Prepare to Succeed
The majority of pregnant women plan to breastfeed their babies, but as we know, sadly breastfeeding rates drop off very quickly due to a variety of reasons. If you're planning to brestfeed, prepare to succeed with this helpful article by Sherylee Tutt.
Pre Natal Yoga
Yoga is a system of techniques for balancing the body, mind and spirit through relaxation, exercises, postures, breathing and meditation. As well as these four basic areas, Integral Yoga also addresses lifestyle issues such as diet, home and work environments, and relationships.
Pre-Eclampsia in Pregnancy - Symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia
Pre-Eclampsia is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy, which can affect both mother and baby. Pre-Eclampsia usually arises during the second half of pregnancy and can even occur some days after delivery. Find out early warning signs of Pre-Eclampsia you need to be aware of.
Pre-Natal Testing & Screening
Close to 100 per cent of pregnant women choose to have an ultrasound to check for major physical abnormalities at 18 to 20 weeks, which is the most common and most obvious form of prenatal diagnosis.
Pregnancy and Flying - Tips for Flying While Pregnant
Flying during pregnancy is safe, but it is something which women may worry about especially later in pregnancy. Here are some guidelines from major airlines in Australia as to when they accept pregnant passengers, as well as some extra tips for flying during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Test FAQ's - How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
For all your pregnancy test FAQ's! If you're wondering, 'How does a pregnancy test work?' or 'When should I test for pregnancy?' and 'What happens next?,' read on to find out all these pregnancy test answers and more!
Pregnancy Tickers - Countdown to Baby With A Pregnancy Ticker!
Countdown to your baby's birth with our adorable pregnancy tickers! Our cute themed tickers may be used on forums, websites and anywhere you want to share your pregnancy countdown!
Pregnancy Week by Week - First Trimester of Pregnancy (Week 1 - Week 13)
Pregnancy Week by Week - First Trimester of Pregnancy. Read about how your baby will develop week by week in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.
Private Health Funds Covering Midwifery and Homebirth
This article is a summary of what different Australian Health Funds offer in terms of Private Midwifery (hiring your own midwife) / Homebirth cover. The details are believed to be correct at the time of writing; however they may change from time to time and I will endevour to keep them updated as I become notified.
Public, Private, Birth Centre or Home?
Private, public or home - what will you choose? Choosing where to have your baby can be very confusing, with options of going through a private hospital, a public hospital, birth centre or birth at home. We compare the different options including pros and cons to help you make your own decision.
Rhesus Negative Blood Group in Pregnancy
Approximately 15% of the population has rhesus (Rh) negative blood. If you are a mother-to-be with negative blood, there are some things you might like to know if your partner has rhesus positive blood.
Seeing the Dentist in Pregnancy
A healthy body is a privilege and certainly important for a successful pregnancy. Healthy teeth and gums are no exception and a lack of health in this area may lead to problems for you and your baby.
Signs of Pregnancy & Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy - find out what might be the first symptoms of pregnancy for you! Pregnancy symptoms can be different not only for each woman but each pregnancy too. One pregnancy may result in one or two mild symptoms, then the next many of those! If you want to know which early pregnancy symptoms to look out for, be sure to check out our list.
Smoking and Pregnancy - FAQ's on Smoking While Pregnant
There is no safe level of smoking in pregnancy, with the risks potentially fatal. But it's not too late to quit, no matter how pregnant you are. An information packed article from Quit Victoria dispels the myths surrounding smoking and pregnancy and has some great advice for those who are pregnant and want to quit.
Stretchmarks In Pregnancy
Stretch marks on the skin are more common in women than men, and vary in size and shape. They are caused by rapid weight gain, with pregnancy and puberty being the most common times for them to occur.
Thrush During Pregnancy - Why You Are More Prone To Thrush
Thrush is unfortunately more common during pregnancy. So can it be prevented? How is thrush treated and what's a safe treatment for thrush in pregnancy? Find out why thrush is more common during pregnancy and how you can stop it in it's tracks.
Unexpectedly Pregnant
Long before we decide to have children, most of us have probably fantasised to some degree about the time when we actually do decide to become pregnant, and how special and magical that might be. However, what happens when we fall pregnant at a time which isn't as magical and as special as we hoped?
Vaginal Exams - When Are They Really Necessary?
Vaginal exams are often performed on women during pregnancy and labour, which may feel uncomfortable and even embarassing for some women. So when are they really necessary, and do you have to have them? How do you tell a doctor or midwife that you don't want one? BellyBelly Midwife Brenda Manning gives us the low down on vaginal exams.
Waxing During Pregnancy
It couldn't possibly be as bad as labour, right? I became nervous as I pondered the thought - I even started to envisage the wax as a 15 minute appointment with a drug-free labour, but hoped for much better! I wonder if I screamed loud enough, they would let me have an epidural?
Who Cares? Choosing a Model of Maternity Care
As most maternity care in Australia is provided within a medical/hospital framework, understanding models of care will help you to make informed choices about your pregnancy and birth. The model of care that you choose in pregnancy may have an impact on the options and choices that are subsequently available to you during childbirth.
Will Your Baby Be Born in a Baby Friendly Hospital?
If you plan to birth your baby in a hospital, then choosing a Baby Friendly accredited hospital means that you have a better chance of establishing breastfeeding successfully and going on to exclusively breastfeed your baby for a longer period of time.
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