DR. DAWN HARPER

PREGNANCY

DR. DAWN HARPER | PREGNANCY

DR. DAWN HARPER | PREGNANCY 2/3

I am expecting my first baby next month and want to breast feed but I have inverted nipples. Will I be able to?

About one in ten women have flat or inverted nipples and most of them manage to breastfeed. You may find it helpful to use a niplette during pregnancy. This is a small device that looks like a thimble and can be placed over the nipple. Suction is then applied to draw the nipple out. You can also use it in the first few days after delivery before each feed. When your milk comes in, it won’t work but some of my patients have found using a breast pump before feeds helps until the baby has got used to latching on.

I am suffering badly with morning sickness. Please help!

In theory morning sickness is worst first thing because you haven’t eaten overnight but in reality it can happen at any time of the day. It is caused by a combination of low blood sugar and pregnancy hormones so eating little and often helps. High carbohydrate foods like dry toast and cereals are best and ginger has natural anti

sickness properties. Try putting a drink and a ginger biscuit beside your bed at night for you to have before you get up and avoid strong smells which often trigger nausea. I found that my sickness was worse when I was tired too – make sure you get plenty of rest and accept any offers of help

I am 8 months pregnant and have been having contractions which my GP says are Braxton Hicks. What are these and how will I know the difference when the real thing comes?

Braxton Hicks contractions are “practice contractions”. They are your body’s way of preparing for labour. Most women feel them during the last few months of pregnancy. They last about 30 seconds and although uncomfortable they shouldn’t be painful, it’s more of a tightening sensation really. They do get more frequent as your pregnancy progresses and if you get a run of them it’s a good opportunity to practice your relaxation techniques. The real thing will be easy to recognize – the contractions will become more intense so that you have to stop what you are doing and they will be regular coming every 5 to 20 minutes.

PREGNANCY

DR. DAWN HARPER | PREGNANCY 3/3

My partner and I have always enjoyed time alone together. He seems so excited about the prospect of our baby due in a couple of months time, but I am worried that out relationship will never be the same again.

The important thing is to keep talking – tell you partner how you feel. Everyone likes to be loved and appreciated. You clearly have a close relationship and for all you know he may well have the same concerns privately. In fact, it’s easy for new dads to feel a bit sidelined when a baby arrives as your attention will be focused on your son or daughter, so tell him now how much you value your time together. A new baby will change your routine and it can be difficult to be spontaneous but with a bit of organizing and good communication the arrival of your little one could make your relationship even stronger.

I have read a lot about post natal depression but is there such a thing as antenatal depression. I am 30 weeks pregnant and instead of blossoming, I seem to spend most of my time in tears.

There certainly is such a thing and some experts believe it is just as common as postnatal depression so you are not alone. Sadly as you are finding it is not talked about as often which can leave women

like you suffering in silence. Hormones do funny things and we all get weepy from time to time but it’s not right for you to be spending most of your time in tears so please talk to your midwife or GP – they will want to know and they will be able to help.

I had pre eclampsia with my first child and am now expecting my second although with a new partner – will I get it again?

The risks of pre eclampsia are greatest in the first pregnancy but I’m afraid a previous episode does increase your likelihood of it occurring again and in fact your body will know that you have a new partner and react as though this is a first pregnancy, so it is possible. Have a chat to your specialist who will be able to assess your risks and may suggest low dose aspirin or calcium supplement which have helped some women but don’t start them without consulting your obstetrician – they are not right for everyone.