Yes it’s extremely important. Having a big baby has implications and can determine your mode of delivery.

A big baby can cause slow progress of labor, birth injury etc

If your baby’s weight is high and you are diagnosed with fetal macrosomia (Big baby) , your doctor will not allow you to have the baby by yourself. You may need a cesarean section.

They may also have to check if there is any condition behind it and provide the necessary care.

In the extreme end if baby’s weight is also extremely low, the doctor will decide which mode of delivery will help the baby to be born safely

In all, I will say checking your baby’s weight before birth, usually done through a scan is very important and can save you and your baby’s life!

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The cord is what transports oxygen and nutrients to your baby in utero.

Did you know its length matters?

Its length should be between 50 to 70 cm at term. A long cord is above 70 cm long. A short cord is usually between 35 to 40 cm long.

A short umbilical cord can lead to placenta abruptio, reduced oxygen and nutrients to your baby

An umbilical cord that is too long can also cause fetal entanglement, cord prolapse, and true cord knots. These conditions can reduce blood supply to the baby and cause brain injury.

Most complications associated with a long or short cord can be prevented and reduced if you are monitored properly during pregnancy and during labor.

Make sure you get a skilled person to attend to you at birth.

Don’t leave your pregnancy to chance

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Hi Midwife Sally, can fibroids be cured?

I suggest you see a gynecologist

Fibroids are treated surgically by removing them

In practice I have seen a lot of women use herbs and other things they believe will melt it. Many of which doesn’t bring any results

It’s better to see a gynecologist to get it removed.

It can cause you to bleed heavily during your menses.

It causes infertility in some cases if left untreated

It may also cause severe lower abdominal pains.

Don’t keep it for too long. Success rate for the surgical removal is high.

It won’t affect your fertility if it’s removed.

Save your life! Help a friend!

Don’t complicate it by using herbs and other medications

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During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxing, helps to soften the ligaments and joints of the pelvic bones.

There is a bone at the back called coccyx (Tail bone!) , this bone has ligaments that softens and opens up so the baby can have room to grow and also allow passage of the baby.

The shift, loosening and opening of the bones and ligaments is what causes the back pain.

This is what you can do to reduce the pain

🔴You can massage it to reduce the pain

🔴Don’t assume one position for a long time

🔴Rest in between your activities

🔴Exercise also helps to reduce the pain

🔴Support your self with pillows during sleep

If it persists, kindly report to the hospital for the prescribed pain relief

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After the birth of your baby

The cord is cut to separate the baby from the mum

After the cord is cut, a cord clamp is immediately used to  clamp it so bleeding will stop.

It’s Important for mums to observe after the baby has been brought to you to make sure the cord clamp is in position and secure.

There should be no bleeding from the cord

Cord clamps if not fastened properly can be loose on the cord and baby will be bleeding from the cord

You should also make sure it’s not faulty

Midwives and doctors will check all these before bringing your baby to you.

Just make sure you also double check

The blood volume of baby’s is not so much, so any small amount of blood loss can be detrimental to the baby.

Inform your doctor immediately you notice any sign of bleeding

In case you are home, use a clean rope to tie it to stop the bleeding. Then rush to the nearest hospital

It’s an emergency!

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One of the things that will always be checked during pregnancy is your urine protein and glucose.

It’s done with a simple urine test strip.

It has Color indicators for the specific substance that’s being tested. It changes color to determine the presence of protein or glucose. If color remains the same it negative! Some test strips can be used to check the presence of several substances.

It’s significance

1. Protein 1+, 2+,or 3+ could be an indication that patient is developing pre eclampsia. It may come with other symptoms like severe headaches, swollen hands and feet as well as high Blood pressure more than 130/90mmhg

2. Glucose. Presence of glucose could be an indication that one may be developing gestational diabetes. Other signs include increased thirst, and also polyuria

This test does not conclude that you have pre eclampsia or gestational diabetes. Further investigations will be done to confirm. There could also be some margin of errors in how sample was collected.

Follow your midwives instructions on how urine sample should be taken for the best results

Also make sure all further investigations requested by your doctor or midwife is done.

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Presentation refers to the baby’s body that leads, or is expected to lead, out of the birth canal.

There are various presentations

1. Cephalic presentation.. Baby is coming with head first

2. Breech presentation…. Buttocks first

3. Shoulder presentation… 

4. Compound presentation… Many parts together 

The most favorable for vaginal birth is the cephalic presentation where baby comes with the head leading

The other presentations vaginal birth is also possible but with more skills. The midwife or doctor should be experienced to avoid complications

Also know that presentation can be known through scan or abdominal examination, so you and your doctor or midwife can make an informed decision concerning your birth

In all forms of birth seek skilled birth! And yes the presentation of the baby with other factors can also determine your mode of delivery

Don’t leave your pregnancy to chance. 

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I find myself telling new mums how easy it can be to keep your newborn healthy and strong. With these basic and inexpensive tips, your newborn will be strong and healthy…..

🚼Keep baby in a clean and well ventilated room. Baby’s easily get infections and it is necessary to clean the home before the baby arrives.

🚼Baby should sleep in mosquito net to prevent malaria.

🚼Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended. Breast Milk has all the nutrients your baby requires. Breastfeeding is golden!!! Feed on demand. Breastfed babies do not easily get sick and are within the right weight.

🚼Baby should be protected for excessive cold and excessive heat. Keep the baby warm by dressing the baby in cotton cloths. Do not over dress the baby. The dressing should suit the weather.

🚼Wash hands before breastfeeding baby. Any one who wants to touch the baby should as well wash hands and be in clean clothes before doing so.

🚼Reduce visitors and do not allow people who have cold or respiratory tract infections to hold the baby

🚼 If baby has any danger sign, seek medical care immediately example fever, diarrhea, jaundice, convulsions, vomiting, bleeding circumcision etc

🚼Take care of the cord as ordered by your midwife. If it bleeds report to the hospital as soon as possible

🚼Make sure your baby gets immunized against diseases as recommended

🚼Child walfare clinic (weighing) is crucial as it will help to monitor the growth and well-being of your baby.

🚼Circumcise your male child at the hospital or within a sterile field. If there is bleeding circumcision visit the hospital immediately.
Ensure both mum and baby get enough rest.
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The statistics around breast cancer is unacceptable! 1 in 8 women are likely to get breast cancer in their lifetime.

But we can do something about it. Remember Early detection saves lives!

In a middle income country it is still relevant that  women conduct self breast examinations to help detect changes in the breast and report if they feel lumps as well.

Though not 100 percent accurate in determining whether a woman is going to have breast cancer or not, it is still relevant

Perform procedure in front of a mirror if possible, especially during inspection to help identify skin changes

You can do it while standing, sitting or lying down.

Perform self breast examination without your clothes on in privacy please!

It’s best done  monthly at the same period… Just before or after your menses

What to look out for

🔴Lumps in the breast usually painless

🔴Skin changes in skin around the breast.. (Especially if it becomes like the peel of an orange).

🔴Change in size and shape

🔴Abnormal breast discharge

🔴Sores on the breast or nipple

🔴If your nipple is retracting, kindly speak to a doctor about it.

Other recommended investigations include mammograms among others. Speak to your doctor or midwife.

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This is one of the most frequently asked questions after birth. Many women  assume they can’t get pregnant after birth since menstruation hasn’t started. Some also have the perception that it takes three to six months for fertility to return and so use it as a free period only to end up with surprises and unplanned pregnancies.

Let’s get this clarified. As women our bodies are different and we can’t generalize everything. We are unique. After birth the hormone prolactin helps in the production of milk, the more you breastfeed the more it is produced and  helps prevent pregnancy since the levels of other hormones that aid fertility will go down.

So women who breastfeed day and night without any other substitute can rely on this for some time to prevent pregnancy reliably for six weeks.  How reliable and effective this method is depends on the individual and also how well she breastfeeds. It may work for someone for six months but not for everyone!!!

Another issue is that some women think you can’t get pregnant until you start menstruation. This is totally false. You can be pregnant! Ovulation can occur even if you haven’t menstruated. Some women become fertile just six weeks after birth. Menstruation can also resume as well.

My advice.. Breastfeed exclusively day and night and visit the family planning unit for counseling and also to take a method of contraception during your postnatal visit at six weeks. There are methods that do not interfere with breastfeeding. If you want to use the natural family planning method, midwives can as well help you.

Avoid surprises by taking the right steps…

Thank you.

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