Great advice for exercising during pregnancy
Pre Natal Exercise Exercising during your pregnancy can help build the stamina that is required for labour and delivery. …
Health and Wellbeing
Keeping mentally and physically fit during pregnancy is of prime importance. Exercise will help you maintain a healthy thought process by releasing endorphins and circulating blood and oxygen to your brain and all around your body. Exercise will help you feel content, happy, and 'switched-on'. You may have some serious doubts about exercise, let alone exercise while pregnant, so lets look a bit further to find out just how achievable and fun it really can be.
In addition to exercise you may need to make some adjustments to your diet, working environment, and vitamin supplementation. Read on, and prepare yourself for one of the most exciting times of your life.
Specialist advice on third trimester nutrition
Fertility Associates dietitian, Alice Gormack shares her advice on third trimester nutrition. Welcome to the home stretch, …
From breastfeeds to bounce: expert tips on looking after your bust
Breasts are the unsung heroes of motherhood but often soldier on without the support they need. Renée Vincent explains why and how we should show them more love. The childbearing years can be hard on a woman’s breasts. With changes during …
Safe swaps for festive foods during pregnancy
Baby on board? Dietitian and pregnancy nutrition expert Claudia Vavasour from Fertility Nutrition shares her simple food and drink swaps for the holiday season. Being pregnant over the summer holiday season doesn't have to mean missing out on all …
The ins and outs of prenatal supplements
Dietitian and pregnancy nutrition expert, Claudia Vavasour, from Fertility Nutrition, discusses the ins and outs of prenatal supplements and what your body and baby actually need. One of the most common questions I’m asked in my practice as a …
Should you be drinking coffee when pregnant?
Fertility dietitian, Claudia Vavasour from Fertility Nutrition shares the latest on the effects of caffeine on you and your baby during pregnancy. Ah coffee, just the thought of it helps to get us up in the morning, and what would life be …
Morning sickness: what's the deal?
Morning sickness can feel all-consuming. Fertility dietitian Claudia Vavasour from Fertility Nutrition explains what's really going on and how to help. I will never forget being pregnant with my daughter and feeling nauseated day and night until …
Natural ways to manage pain in pregnancy
Back pain, reflux, headaches, pelvic pain, difficulties sleeping, hip pain, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and abdominal pain... these are all common - and normal - issues for a pregnant woman. The aches and pains during pregnancy …
How gestational diabetes can affect your baby
Gestational diabetes affects one in 20 pregnant women and can seriously compromise your health and the health of your unborn baby, explains Dr Emma Parry. Pregnancy is a challenge for both body and soul. Managing the rapidly changing energy …
18 ways to take time out for you
Getting time to yourself to relax is important for you and your baby. Here are some great ways to spend your relaxation time...after all, you deserve it! 1) Get some private time everyday, find places in the house or at the park that makes you feel …
Watch your back: preventing & treating back pain in pregnancy
Pregnancy often brings with it a whole range of new niggles, aches and pains. Your ankles swell, your feet are sore, you've got heartburn like never before, and your back... Oh, your aching back! It's not just that you've gained weight, it's that …
Diabetes and pregnancy discussion
History of diabetes Insulin was discovered for the use of diabetes in 1921. Prior to this discovery, juvenile diabetes meant death within 3-4 years. Pregnancy for diabetics prior to 1921 simply did not happen. Until 40 years ago at least half of all …
Looking after your body in pregnancy
Growing another human can take its toll. Dr Michelle Wise reiterates the importance of looking after your own body, as well as your baby on board. The most helpful step you can take towards enjoying a safe and healthy pregnancy is engaging early …
Where's my brain? What happens to your memory in pregnancy
Are you pregnant and feeling like your brain is on permanent hiatus? You're not alone - one researcher says that the memory of a pregnant woman is like that of a 60-year-old. Dr Melanie Woodfield looks into the research on 'preggy brain' and …
Skin changes during pregnancy
What kind of changes can you expect of your skin during pregnancy? 🌷 Glowing! There is an increase in blood flow which causes your checks to look rosy. You will also have a greater oil production, which gives your skin a shine. 🌷 Mask of …
How reflexology (foot therapy) can help in pregnancy
Reflexology can be beneficial pre-conception as well as after the birth of your child, always with a focus towards bringing back balance and maintaining a healthy body and mind, explains Simonne Walmsley. Pregnancy is an enormously special time. It …
Pregnancy warning signs that may need to be checked out
The way a woman’s body transforms and adapts to incubate a tiny human is nothing short of miraculous. Most of the time it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, when it’s supposed to do it, but naturally there can be complications. Whether you’re …
What you should know about candida during pregnancy
A candida overgrowth can make you feel "sick all over" and if you're pregnant you're extra susceptible, writes Natasha Berman. Most women have had an occasional bout of thrush - a yeast infection caused by candida that results in vaginal …
Baby on board: keeping fit in pregnancy
Pregnancy may seem like the perfect time to throw exercise out the window and wallow on the sofa, ice-cream tub in hand, for nine months of blissful lounging. But exercising during pregnancy not only helps you to feel better, it also prepares your …
Five great habits to start while you're pregnant
Pregnancy is the perfect time to start a new regime of healthy habits. SNACK SMART Pregnant women are advised to eat small and often, to keep energy levels up. Get into the habit of stocking nutritious snacks in your pantry, fridge and …
The essential facts about pregnancy health
Are you really eating for two? Can stress affect your baby? Dr Nick Walker highlights the essential facts about pregnancy health and wellbeing. Soon after conception, the tiny group of living cells destined to become your baby begins to move. It …
Eight essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy
Nutritionist Anna Hansen explains why eight little nutrients make a big difference for a healthy pregnancy. 1. Folate Folate is a B vitamin which reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. You should take a 800µg folic acid …
5 pregnancy sleep issues and how to treat them
Whether you have a full bladder, leg cramps or just that 'beached whale' feeling whenever you lie down, naturopath Natasha Berman has some all-natural advice to help you combat those oh-so-pregnant symptoms and get a good night’s sleep. 💤 The …
Pregnant at the beach – how to make things easier
Being pregnant during the summer months has lots of great advantages – floaty summer dresses, afternoon naps in the sun, cooling off with ice cream (for the baby, of course), and if you live near the beach – plenty of beach days! Follow our guide …
The benefits of osteopathy for pre-conception and pregnancy
The benefits of osteopathy for pre-conception and pregnancy are not widely known. Osteopath Sarah-Jane Attias, newest recruit to the OHbaby! team of experts, explains how she and her colleagues can help. Every week we get several calls to our …
Pregnancy sleep tips
Pregnancy massage specialist Samantha Thurlby-Brooks gives you her top 10 tips for achieving maximum comfort as your tummy grows. You would think in preparation for the months of wakeful nights with your newborn your body would allow you all the …
Vision and pregnancy
Contact lenses during pregnancy may not be your best option. Find out why... It may not seem fair - the list of extreme changes that women have to go through when they become pregnant is long and for some never ending, starting with morning …
Need an energy boost? These natural remedies will do it!
You may have heard of guarana and ginseng? Yes, they’re the herbal ingredients in those sugary energy drinks – but they’re in tiny amounts. The idea of naturally boosting your energy levels with herbal infusions and tonics has been around for ages. …
My baby's 'bad timing' ended up a blessing in disguise
Six months pregnant with number two, and a husband diagnosed with a brain tumor, Carly Thomson discovers that the ‘worst’ timing can be a blessing in disguise. You know those rare and wonderful seasons when it feels like life is all going to plan? …
Acupuncture during pregnancy
Suffering from severe morning sickness, Vicki Febery decided to investigate acupuncture as an alternative to conventional medicines. She shares her skin-tingling experience. Karma! It struck and struck hard. I believe that I deserved to suffer …
10 safe herbal teas for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas
Pregnancy can bring on some really unpleasant aches, pains and reactions, but with a precious baby growing inside, or growing through your milk, should we just forego pharmaceuticals, and suffer instead? Qualified herbalist Leah Dooley shares some …
When pregnancy is a pain
Carrying another human being inside you puts extra strain on your body. Renée Vincent shares her tips on what you can do to ease those growing pains. Magazines and social media overflow with images of glowing women floating blissfully through …
How to strengthen your spine and ease back pain in pregnancy
Research shows that women have a stronger backbone than men, and that their lower vertebra is designed to reduce back pain during pregnancy*. However, despite that, up to 70% of pregnant women in the United States still report experiencing lower …
The importance of iron in pregnancy
When it comes to iron in pregnancy, it’s very important to get the balance right. Midwife Esther Calje explains. Whilst iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are common problems in pregnancy, they are often not managed well. What is it …
What being Rh negative means for your pregnancy
Similar to an autoimmune condition, Rh disease occurs when the Rh-negative mother's body detects Rh factor in the baby's blood and develops antibodies to protect itself. The body sees the Rh factor as an infection, and sends antibodies cross the …
Pregnancy WOF
Pregnancy and birth really put your body through its paces. Follow OHbaby! expert and physiotherapist Renée Vincent’s checklist to ensure you’re on the road to a speedy recovery. By the time you’re holding your newborn, your body will have been …
Making the most of the first 1000 days. Part One: Pregnancy
This is the first in our series of four articles, focussing on the 250 days (approximately) that span conception to birth. We know every parent instinctively wants to give their child the best possible chance to reach their full potential, so we’ve …
Did you know that gum disease may be why you haven’t conceived?
When it comes to trying to conceive, don't brush off the importance of oral hygiene, says Dr Amanda Tavoularis of dentably.com. So, you’re ready to try getting pregnant. You and your doctor both agree that it’s the right time for kids. Everything …
A real pain: symphysis pubis dysfunction
For some pregnant women, the growing weight of their baby, combined with their softening, stretching muscles, will cause their pelvic joints to begin to separate, resulting in a very painful condition called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction …
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy, and the first few months following birth, are times of huge change. It is vitally important for an expectant mother to nurture her own body, so that she may, in turn, nourish the life within her. Many women find that regular pregnancy …
A quick guide to asthma in pregnancy
If you experience asthma it may become worse during pregnancy (particularly in the second half of your pregnancy). However this is only the case if you experience severe asthma, if your asthma is only mild it will most likely remain the same. An …
A to Z of pregnancy
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently and pregnancy is very often different for each baby. Indigestion and heartburn may have been a significant issue when carrying baby number one, but with baby number two the Gaviscon could sit in the …
Why chewing gum when pregnant can help your baby's teeth
Your first line of defence against your child’s dental decay starts when you’re pregnant, writes dentist Andrea Shepperson A 2009 study showed half of New Zealand children suffer from some level of tooth decay. Dental decay, however, is …
Tiredness
During pregnancy it is normal to experience sleep disturbances. Depending on what trimester you are in: Early in pregnancy you may desire naps during the day and then find that you cannot sleep at night, this is due to hormonal changes. Later in the …
Healthy beginnings
Wondering what to eat - and what not to eat - during pregnancy? How much exercise should you be doing, anyway? And what's the deal with supplements? Specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Anil Sharma talks about the most important things you …
Why you should chill out during pregnancy
While it's good to be prepared for baby, and nesting is an important part of getting ready for the life-changing event that is having a baby. But stress and anxiety can really damage your health and sense of wellbeing and being too busy can be …
A decent night's sleep
If you're pregnant or nursing a newborn, you'll know that sleep is a precious commodity. But why is it so hard to catch those zzz's, especially when everyone around you is saying, 'Get as much sleep as you can'? Sleep specialist Dr Alex Bartle …
Exercise basics for mamas and mamas-to-be
The current research on exercise preconception, during pregnancy and post-pregnancy is very positive! Pre Conception: The first six months prior to conception is vital in terms of having the female and male bodies in optimum condition. This can be …
Prenatal supplements: the essentials
Our diets alone don’t tend to have all the nutrients our growing babies need in utero. Dr Emma Parry expands on the case for prenatal supplements. We all know that a healthy and nutritious diet is important for our general health. When you’re …
Balancing act
Obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Anil Sharma sheds light on what's really important when looking after yourself and your growing bump during pregnancy. The one thing you can be sure of receiving during pregnancy is advice. What to eat, what not to …
Pregnant mums urged to get free whooping cough vaccine
Be aware of bad coughs this holiday season, especially if you have a baby under one-year old. The Ministry of Health has declared a national outbreak of whooping cough following the reporting of 1,315 cases of the highly contagious disease since the …
Stretch marks
Stretch Marks = Love marks! Stretch marks are the physical signs of your growth into motherhood. But there are some things you can do to limit their appearance. It's estimated 75-90% of all pregnant women get stretch marks. Most likely, they'll …
Why are some babies breech?
Why is it some babies prefer to make their entrance to the world bottoms-up rather than head first? Here's the low-down on being breech. Let's begin with a little history about the word breech, which, at least according to Google, has been used …
Chill, baby: summer pregnancy tips
When you're pregnant, your body acts as an incubator for your growing baby. In return, your baby offers a source of heating for your body. This can be great in the winter months, but can make things very uncomfortable in summer, especially in your …
One hot mama
Being pregnant in the heat of summer can be seriously uncomfortable. Here are some tips to help you keep your cool. My daughter was born in February, and her summer due date was a fact that nobody could let pass without commenting, “You’ll be …
Six reasons why aqua fitness is great for pregnancy
Just add water! For the ultimate low-impact workout, swimming and aqua exercise are perfect for keeping fit during pregnancy and toning up after giving birth. Lisa Yates explains. Swimming is one of the most versatile, low-cost total body workouts …
Under pressure: pre-eclampsia signs and treatment
From headaches to swelling, to ‘silent’ symptoms, pre-eclampsia presents itself in a variety of ways. Dr Nick Walker explains what to look out for and what can be done. Marama*, 25 years old and expecting her first baby, went to see her midwife …
Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
Smoking There is a lot of evidence to suggest smoking is harmful to the unborn baby before, during and after pregnancy. The chemicals in a cigarette will transfer from your circulation to your baby's blood. It also reduces the amount of oxygen and …
Why is my baby not growing?
About 10% of pregnant women hear the chilling news that their child is not thriving well in the womb. From then on it’s a race for survival. However, for all but a small percentage of these women the prognosis is good as long as you’re under the …
Float away the stresses and strains of pregnancy
Swimming while pregnant can be sweet relief, due to the buoyancy provided by the water, but did you know there are specifically designed pods available to deliver enhanced benefits of flotation? Naturopaths Asti Renaut and Natasha Berman …
How to get your pregnancy off to the best start
Support your body as it goes about the miraculous job of growing new life. Why supplementIt’s hard work growing a baby. As OHbaby! naturopath Natasha Berman (qbaby.co.nz) points out, babies in utero are growing at a rapid rate of knots, yet …
Pelvic organ prolapse
With the joys of imminent motherhood to look forward to, you no doubt have little time to worry about something that may (or may not) be a problem for you in the future - prolapse. Dr Anil Sharma explains. Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, occurs when …
Can raspberry leaf tea shorten labour?
Would you drink two cups of tea a day if you thought it could shorten your labour? Dr Melanie Woodfield investigates raspberry-leaf tea to try to find out whether it lives up to the hype. Both prior to and during pregnancy, many women use dietary …
