Have you been in that situation where you feel your abdomen is going to burst, starting from the umbilical area especially when you are walking? Especially around the 3rd trimester
You may be wondering what’s happening. It’s usually caused by the expansion of the abdominal muscles making room for the growing uterus
It’s usually uncomfortable and may come with a little pain around the belly button
In most cases it’s harmless and discomfort goes away with some rest, gentle massage and slowimg down a little.
Occasionally if the pain is severe you need to be examined by a doctor to rule out umbilical hernia.
What has your experience been?
Share with us!
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A first time mum, my pregnancy journey was a smooth one, no severe symptoms, I do everything normally, no cravings nor vomiting, I go about my activities normally. I have never miss my drugs or ANC and I do ask questions anytime I go for ANCto the extend that one sonographer ask if I have been n doing chew and pour
because I ask so much questions thanks to midwife sally and team. This Journey is a whole lot as it involved physical, spiritual and emotional struggle. I remembered one Monday Morning I was going to buy waakye when I met a lady passing by, she called me I went close to her and what she said was(madam the baby in your womb will die if you don’t take care) eish Jesus where from this, this early morning all what I said was my baby shall live to declare the work of God, and I remembered psalm 71, I became more prayerful. At 36 weeks I changed to a bigger facility even though it wasn’t too close to my house, was ask to donate blood and other things which I gladly did because the class has given ideas about all those things,
Two weeks to my EDD I join the advocacy class organized by midwife Sally, I was encouraged so I advocated for myself at work and I stayed home to fully prepare and wait for my baby. 39 weeks no sign my gynecologist did a membrane sweeping for me but no show baby was just enjoying all the food I eat, I walk a lot, did perineal massage, dancing too. At 40 still no show, membrane sweeping was done again cervix was still closed, I became worried, extremely tired, I called midwife Sally and she advised me. My gynae told me I will be induced at 41 if still no show. I packed and went to the hospital for the induction, @ 10 I was given the first dose of cytotec orally for contraction to initiate, contraction started alright but cervix was closed. At 4 pm second dose was given I was enduring the pain cervix was still closed after SV.
At 11 pm third dose was inserted, pain was unbearable, my tears all dried up so I ask for pain relief, I was given but still was in pain. I opted for CS because I wasn’t able to bear the pain anymore even though baby was fine but cervix was still closed. One midwife came to me and encouraged and gave me hope to pray more. 7 am they came to check and still cervix closed,17 hours and cervix was not even 1 cm opened
eiii God I know you are a miracle working God, I kept hoping and God being so good at 8 am they came to check again and I was 6cm opened!!!! (like Eii what God can not do does not exist,)was enduring the pain, I was checked around 9 am and I was 9cm woow, midwives came in around 9:40 and I was 10 cm opened I was asked to now push for my little angle, on my fourth push that was around 10:10 my bundle of joy arrived (9:45 – 10:10am)weighing 3.5. 24 hours of contraction but it was worth it. All praise to Baba God I prayed, listen to all the advice from midwife Sally and team and the class members God bless you all
Have you ever wondered how you survived 9 months in your mums womb!
Thanks to this magical organ which forms when a woman gets pregnant.
It serves as a connection between mum and baby.
It has three parts, the maternal surface that attaches to the mothers womb, the fetal surface which faces the baby and the cord which contains a vein and two arteries that transport oxygen, nutrients and other needed substances.
The placenta during pregnancy attaches to the upper part of the uterus. It produces hormones that help to maintain pregnancy.
The placenta at a point during pregnancy, when baby is fully matured may stop functioning effeciently. It is important that all pregnant women do not allow their pregnancy to go beyond 42 weeks gestation. At 41 weeks you and your doctor should decide mode of delivery if labor has still not set in.
It can also have problems like placenta previa where placenta, is not in the right location. It can cause problems, but can be managed
After delivery placenta is birthed. A retained placenta or portion remaining after delivery can cause bleeding. Report to the hospital immediately you have severe bleeding after delivery.
After delivery, some cultures have different ways of handling it. If requested, it will be given to you under hygienic conditions. You decide what to do with it as your culture permits.
Yes, no vaginal delivery can occur if your cervix does not dilate. It has to open to allow vagina birth. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. It is also known as the mouth of the uterus.
During pregnancy it is closed. It has to open from 0 to 10 cm, then we say it’s fully dilated. Your midwife will then ask you to push your baby out.
In some women it may stop dilating during labor even with severe contractions.
The midwife will continue to monitor with a patograph every 4 hours by performing vaginal examination especially in the active phase of labor. Assuming you repeat the same figure,4 cm continuously, they may decide to take further steps to prevent complications associated with prolonged labor.
They may choose to augment or move to the next step of performing a cesarean section.
Know that prolonged labor can lead to fetal distress, maternal exhaustion, obstetric fistula etc
At that point every minute counts. Cooperate with your doctor or midwife for the best outcome.
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Walking during pregnancy offers numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. It is a safe and accessible exercise that promotes overall health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walking strengthens the heart and improves circulation, helping to maintain cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy.
Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress
Physical activity like walking releases endorphins, which can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and mood swings common during pregnancy.
Manages Weight Gain
Regular walking helps manage healthy weight gain by burning calories and supporting metabolic health.
Eases Common Pregnancy Discomforts
Walking can alleviate common discomforts like back pain, constipation, and swelling in the feet and ankles by promoting circulation and muscle tone.
Enhances Sleep Quality
Walking during the day can improve sleep quality by reducing stress and helping the body feel more physically balanced.
Supports Joint and Muscle Health
The gentle, low-impact nature of walking strengthens the muscles and supports the joints, which can help your body cope with the extra weight of pregnancy.
Prepares for Labor
Walking keeps the body active and increases stamina, which may aid in endurance during labor. Additionally, the natural movement can help position the baby optimally for delivery.
Reduces Risk of Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension
Regular physical activity like walking can lower the risk of pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Improves Digestion
Walking promotes better digestion, reducing issues like bloating and indigestion, which are common in pregnancy.
Promotes Social Connection
Walking with a partner, friend, or group can foster social interaction, providing emotional support during pregnancy.
Tips for Walking During Pregnancy: • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. • Stay hydrated before, during, and after walking. • Avoid overexertion; listen to your body and rest if needed. • Choose safe
🔴This is one of the questions most new couples who are expecting for the first time will ask.
🔴While some are scared it can cause miscarriage others believe it can result in developmental problems
🔴Some men will also completely avoid their wives with the intention of protecting the unborn baby and also to give their partners some space.
🔴Some women will also avoid having sex due to the hormonal and emotional changes that occur with pregnancy
🔴It is worth knowing that sex during pregnancy is #safe and does not pose a problem to the mum or unborn baby. Baby is enclosed in its sac/membranes and the opening of the uterus the cervix is also closed. It also has a mucus plan that prevents anything from entering the uterus.
🔴What is important is to have considerations. The pregnancy hormones and the early signs and symptoms can make a woman not desire to be intimate. It’s important for her partner to be considerate to support her through the process. There are times she will want to be intimate, there are times she will refrain. Make use of her happy days.
🔴Some few women who have had repeated abortions or threatened abortions may be advised by their doctors or midwives to avoid sex especially if an incompetent cervix is diagnosed.
🔴Couples can have sex throughout the pregnancy period. It is only to be #avoided when your doctor or midwife advises you #against it due to your health condition or as mentioned above.
🔴During the last trimester, couples can still have sex. What is needed is to assume a position that will not put pressure on the abdomen and also the woman will be comfortable. It should also be gentle.
🔴During the last trimester when labor is about to set in, it is believed to help trigger the onset of labor. The semen also contains prostaglandin which also helps to soften the cervix and help labor to start.
🔴Its also important to know that, you really do not need sex to maintain your pregnancy. Baby is safe and mum is also safe. Women should not be compelled to have sex if they don’t feel like or are currently not in any relationship whilst pregnant. Labor will still be initiated naturally. #midwifery
Yes its extremely important. Having a big baby have 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 of fetal macrosomia (Big baby) , your doctor will not allow you to have the baby by yourself. You may need a caesarian 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, 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!
Have you ever wondered how you survived 9 months in your mums womb!
