Oh my goodness, you've done it. Your period is due or overdue and your pregnancy test/s are positive! Congratulations!! There is so much information to share with you, so many options for you to consider. Which blood tests are recommended, ultrasound scans to discuss (which and when and what do they cost?) and have you thought about where you would like your baby to be born and who you would like to help you with the birth? I have a one-page check list for you which summarises the current routine tests and care, so let's start with that.
I also have some short videos (and brief summaries) which discuss the different tests that are recommended in early pregnancy and some of the reasons these tests are done.
Links
Good information is available from sites such as raising children, pregnancy, birth & baby, RWH and MMH.
Expecting twins, triplets etc?
Pregnancy and exercise
Pregnancy and alcohol
Quit smoking support
Food safety
General advice for common conditions including medication use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nourish & Nurture online nutrition advice by an expert Australian dietitian (paid content)
Breastfeeding information from ABA (yes, start thinking about it now!)
COPE is doing terrific work talking about the emotional aspects of pregnancy. Smiling Mind is a useful app both during pregnancy and after baby is born.
This Way Up has online pregnancy and postnatal mental health programs
For When can help link you into appropriate mental health services
SMS4dads sends free text messages, support, info & tips – especially for dads & dads-to-be, but suitable for parents or parents-to-be
Information on the pelvic floor
Electronic weight gain tracker
Not sure where to get help for almost anything in Australia? Ask Izzy
Pregnancy checklist
This one-page summary covers the basic information on currently recommended tests, immunisations, essential information and visits in pregnancy.
Pregnancy history checklist
This two-page document asks questions about your medical and family history, to help identify potential issues early.
What is happening in this space? Test? Supplement? Await further research?
Busy? Too busy? Way too busy? Perhaps it is time to reconsider your choices
Smoking is an expensive way to ruin your health. And baby’s health. Please quit.
In this video Betsy Peach, Genetic Counsellor, and I discuss what some of the issues are for genetic testing available in early pregnancy.
Whooping cough is an annoying infection in adults, with a cough which can last for 10 weeks or more, but which is very dangerous in newborns. Vaccination of every woman in every pregnancy is recommended, ideally between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. It is safe and it helps to protect mum and baby, especially for the vulnerable first 6 months of life.
Influenza is a serious infection which is even more dangerous in pregnancy. Vaccination of every woman in every pregnancy is recommended, regardless of the time of year. It is safe and it helps to protect mum and baby both during the pregnancy and after baby is born.
Some tests are screening and some are diagnostic. But what does that actually mean and why does it matter?
In the midst of all the excitement over a pregnancy, sometimes the news is sad. In this blog I talk a little about the impact of sad news and link to resources I hope you will find helpful.
What blood, urine and ultrasound scans are recommended in pregnancy for Australian women?
Why are early pregnancy scans recommended, when is the best time to have one and how much do they cost?