If there is one lesson that years of working across this industry have reinforced, it is that real life rarely goes according to plan. Many pregnancies are unplanned or happen sooner than expected. At the same time, women are juggling professional responsibilities, family life, financial pressures and, all too often, limited access to a diverse, […]
Healthy beginnings don’t wait for the ‘right moment’ Read More »
The Bump, Birth and Beyond baby Expo is an event not to be missed for mothers-to-be and new parents in Johannesburg. A wealth of information from obstetric and maternity experts, fun activities for children and plenty of baby-related inspiration await in a weekend dedicated to preparing for parenthood. Specialised maternity facility Netcare Park Lane Hospital,
All things baby: Expert insights at Bump, Birth and Beyond Expo Read More »
The physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy can come as a surprise to some first-time mothers, while subsequent pregnancies can also bring some new, unexpected symptoms. “Knowing the common niggles that are often part of the pregnancy journey can be reassuring for the expectant mother, as it can be an anxious time. It is always
Know the niggles: Tips for moms-to-be in managing common discomforts Read More »
Observed each year on 3 March, World Birth Defects Day highlights the importance of prevention, early detection and quality care for babies born with congenital conditions. While not all birth defects can be prevented, steps taken before and during pregnancy including vaccination, supplementation and early clinical care can significantly lower certain risks and improve outcomes
7 pregnancy care and vaccination steps that help reduce birth defect risks Read More »
In today’s world, preparing for a new baby doesn’t just mean packing a hospital bag and setting up a cot. It often means navigating an overwhelming flood of advice, product lists, online forums and well-meaning opinions – all before your little one has even arrived. For South African moms-to-be, the excitement of pregnancy is increasingly
Preparing for baby: Cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters Read More »
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change – not just for your body but for your skin. Alongside the excitement of preparing for a new arrival, many moms-to-be notice new skin concerns: dryness, itching, stretch marks and the occasional ‘mask of pregnancy’: dark patches caused by hormonal shifts. Understanding what’s normal, and how to care
Top skincare tips for moms-to-be: How to nurture your changing skin Read More »
Pregnancy comes with many firsts: the first scan, the first flutter that makes you stop mid-sentence. That first late-night panic when you Google “Is this normal?” and fall down a rabbit hole of conflicting advice. While the Internet is often the first place people turn for answers, pregnancy is a time when what is trending
During National Pregnancy Week (3–7 February), the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is urging pregnant women to take depression and anxiety seriously and not to stop psychiatric medication without medical advice. In South Africa, between 16% and 50% of women experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy, and up to one in 10 is at high risk
Untreated depression can endanger both mother and baby Read More »
World Health Day celebrated annually on 7 April, is aimed at raising awareness about key public health issues and promoting improvements in health and well-being worldwide. This year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, focuses on maternal and newborn health, stressing the vital role that nutrition plays in shaping a child’s future. It serves as an
The Crucial Connection: Maternal nutrition and child development Read More »
The physical strain pregnancy puts on an expectant mother’s body should not be underestimated. An obstetrician gynaecologist offers her insights for alleviating discomfort and promoting wellbeing with exercise and stretching throughout pregnancy. “Incorporating a simple stretching routine into your daily schedule can help relieve muscular tension, support maternal and baby health, and prepare the body
Get moving for a healthy, more comfortable pregnancy Read More »