Pregnancy

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What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Expert

When the baby kicks and touches the womb, the womb will contract and these mild contractions are known as Braxton Hicks. Sometimes, Braxton Hicks contractions can occur even without the baby kicking. It could be electrolytes imbalance caused by hormonalchanges. We have to distinguish this with a person going into early labor. A person go into early labor will have contractions that are increasing in frequency and intensity that does not go away. Braxton Hicks contractions go away after some time. It is natural thing in pregnancy and there's nothing much you can do about it. There's no need to take medication.

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Should I worry if Braxton Hicks contractions become more painful? What should I do? When should I call emergency?

Expert

As long as it's not early labour and the contractions doesn't increase in intensity and frequency (just dull ache), strictly speaking there's no need to worry because it's common. If you're worried or unsure, please see your gynae. One of the things the doctor may eventually even do is to assess that your cervix is not opening up by internal examination. If your cervix is opening up with mild contractions, this predicts that you may be going into labour soon. If you're not due yet (e.g 32 weeks), this could mean premature labour and early action can stop labour from progressing.

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Is it safe to have an X-ray during pregnancy?

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X-ray should not be considered during pregnancy as far as anybody can help it, but if there is a necessity to do an X ray (e.g. look up for abnormality) then typically x-rays are very safe. For example, x-ray of the chest produces a 0.5 unit of radiation, and you need about 50 units to hurt the baby. If you can help it, don't do it. If you need to do it, go ahead. When doing an x-ray, the radiologist will give you a pad to cover the parts that are not undergoing x-ray.

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How to sit and stand up in pregnancy?

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No proper way but whatever you do, we try to tell patients to straighten their back while standing up to reduce strain and trauma to the back. So even when it comes to picking things up when you're pregnant, it is best not to bend your back forward but to squat down with a straight back then pick the item up. Essentially, just normal back care. You shouldn't be bending forward when sitting and if there is back strain, you can have a stool and prop the legs up to feel better. To relieve back strain, you can lie down and put your legs up in a 90 degrees angle. This can also help reduce swelling of the legs for people with very bad water retention.

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Which foods should I avoid in case of gestational diabetes?

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Generally those foods with high calories, high sugar content (ee.g. fruits like durian) and carbohydrates. A more vegetable-centric diet is better than a meat-centric one.

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Is it safe to carry my older child while I'm pregnant?

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If you need to do so, do it in moderation. Carry and walk for short distances. Preferably, the child should be less than 10 to 15kg to be on the safe side.

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Is it a bad idea to change doctors at the end of my pregnancy?

Expert

The doctor-patient relationship is always based on the level of comfort because you're going to entrust your life and the baby's to the doctor. You must feel comfortable. If you're not comfortable, there's no harm in changing. Most people would not change because the doctor already know you and you have built up with certain rapport. Should you think there is a need to change for whatever reason (e.g you may not agree to do a c-section but the doctor offers), you can always seek another opinion and see whether you're comfortable with the other doctor.

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What is a NIPT test? Why should I opt for this?

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A Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) generally involves taking the blood of the mother to look for foetal cells to look at the genes/chromosomes of the baby. It is a chromosome assessment screening test, looking out for chromosomal problems, specifically chromosome number 21 (down syndrome), 18 (Edward syndrome) and 13 (Patau syndrome). Different companies offer different brands of NIPT tests.

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Why do my eyes feel so dry now that I'm pregnant?

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It's common to experience dryness in your eyes, hands, mouth and skin due to hormonal changes.

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What is toxoplasmosis?

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Toxoplasmosis is an infection usually originating from cats faeces and if you have the infection - especially within the first 16 weeks of your pregnancy - very often the doctor may discuss with you the option of abortion of the pregnancy because toxoplasmosis infection affecting the baby can cause many organ damage including such as blindness and heart problems.

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