NOTE: The information contained in this section does not replace the care of a health professional. If you are in any doubt about the health or well being of your child seek professional assistance. Please make sure that your question for Alex related to pregnancy or childbirth. Remember there are other Huggies Help Panel members who are able to give advice on feeding or settling your baby. ________ Question: He might sleep for 2 hours at a time on any given night "Hi Alex, I am an Australian living in Vietnam and my wife is Vietnamese. I would like to ask you for advice regarding our baby boy. He is nearly 2 and a half months old, and he is an appalling sleeper. If we are lucky, he might sleep for 2 hours at a time on any given night, but that will be followed by 1 hour of screaming (e.g. he'll cry for 10 minutes, then fall silent for a few minutes, then back to the screaming for several minutes, etc). He'll be completely fed, etc, and my wife will even give him another feed just to be on the safe side, and as soon as he is put back down, he'll be back to the crying.
In the daytime he is actually a bit better. We have tried everything - putting him in different rooms around the house to see if he prefers the atmosphere in a particular room more than another, but he still keeps crying all the time. My wife in particular is losing a lot of sleep from this. What would you suggest? " Alex Answers: Hi, You need to talk to a local health professional in your area that is able to give you regular hands on advice for you and your baby. A wakeful baby at night is always difficult for the parents but it is the baby’s only time to try to increase its milk supply. The mother’s hormones that increase milk are higher at night so this is why the baby is more awake at this time. It is advisable for the mother to try to have a sleep during the day to help cope better at night. You can also try to stimulate the baby more during the day – give him some time on the floor playing, go out for walks etc so that they work out that the daytime is for play and night time is for sleep. You can also try feeding lying down in the bed so that the baby settles faster. You could also try putting the baby in the pram and rocking it to help the baby go back to sleep. This is only a short time that the baby will be doing this and it will settle down soon. Best wishes, Alex Question: I've been experiencing really bad cramping in my leg "Hi Alex, this may be a silly question but iv been experiencing really bad cramping in my leg i wake up during the night and my leg is always cramped up i drink plent of water and im 24 weeks preg, iv heard that this can occur during pregnancy? Sorry it's a silly question iv just never had cramps before. thanks x " Alex Answers: Hi, Leg cramps are more common in pregnancy. They can be relieved by raising your legs in the evening before bed, eating bananas to increase your potassium, or with heat (either a heat pack or a warm bath). Sometimes it is just trial and error to see what may work for you. Best wishes, Alex Question: Are cortisone injections safe during pregnancy? "Hi Alex, Are cortisone injections safe during pregnancy? I have extreme hip/joint pain and was recommended by an Orthopedic surgeon yesterday, to have cortisone injections as he thinks the area is inflamed. I'm 28 weeks pregnant with twins and cannot walk unaided. I suffer from hip seizures and pain when walking. It's been like this for the past 5 weeks. I've been to Physio and they have said it might be sciatica, sacrilliage joint pain or my hip flexes. Nevertheless it seems my hips have rotated forward and this is causing me severe pain and discomfort. I'm at my wits end with this pain.. Please help? Thank you, MLZ Twins. " Alex Answers: Hi, It does sound as if you do need some treatment. The one off dose of cortisone should not have any detrimental effects on your babies. It is far better to try to relieve your discomfort and there may not be anything else that will relieve the pain. Best wishes, Alex Question: Does this means I'll have to be induced with my next child too? "Hello Alex, I was induced with my son at 42 weeks which led to a compicated labour requiring vacumn extraction im wondering if this means i'll have to be induced with my next child too? (not pregnant yet but trying)Thank you Kathy " Alex Answers: Hi Kathy, Every pregnancy is different so you may go into spontaneous labour next time. You need to be really sure of your dates so that you know your due date is sure. IF you have a longer cycle your due date will be later than average. Best wishes, Alex Question: How likely am I to suffer from placental abruption? "Hi Alex, Hope you can help relieve some stress. I started bleeding at 6.5 weeks and went in for a scan that day. Everything seemed fine and baby's hb was clearly visible although gave me a week of work and I had bed rest that whole week. I had only 1 days of heavy bleeding and have had brown blood ever since. I'm now almost 9 weeks pregnant. I have had weekly scans showing that the baby is growing well with a hb. At my 8 week scan my gyno noticed a blood clot and advised this is the reason I would have bled. The clot is close to the cervix and measured 2.5cmx0.75cm wide. The gyno did not seem overly concerned and said unless I see brown blood not to worry.
Well I had my Ob appointment the very next day and it was all doom and gloom. He told me I'm not out of the woods and explained all the things that can potentially happen as a result of the clot. He explained that I can still miscarry and if not I can have pregnancy complications such as placental abruption and early labour. He really scared me. I know he was just being thorough.
He prescribed Progesterone pessaries every second night and 5mg of Folic Acid. He told me that once I reach 12 weeks that my chances of m/c decrease. He advised I have a 10% chance of m/c right now and that will reduce to 3% at 12 weeks on average although reminded me everyone is different. My question is how likely am I to suffer from placental abruption. I really want to enjoy this pregnancy but feel as though it's bittersweet. Thank you, Kathy " Alex Answers: Hi Kathy, I feel that you may have received a bit too much information for now. Try not to worry about all the possibles for now and just see how you go week by week. The placenta has not even formed until 12 weeks so I am not sure how they can predict such a problem. If you are having regular check ups once the higher risk period has passed you can start looking at any further complications later in your pregnancy. Best wishes, Alex Question: Can a low placenta cause any harm to my baby and what are the complications? "Hi Alex I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and was told at my 2o week scan that my placenta is low. Is this any harm to my baby and what are the complications involved? Thanks Bec " Alex Answers: Hi Bec, A low placenta in early pregnancy usually causes no problems to mother or baby. You may need another ultrasound at around 34 weeks to check if the placenta has risen as the lower segment of your uterus forms. Best wishes, Alex Question: I have been given 2 due dates, 2 weeks apart "hi im curantly pregnant with my second baby, (have a little boy Kain 12 months,). my question is that i have been given 2 due date i had that with my first but they were only 5 days abart but for this baby they are about 2 weeks different. the fist was 16th june and the second 5th of july, i went off the pill on the 29th of september and that was when my last period started. i was just wondering which date is right or could neither of them be? i'm having an ultasound on the 9th of december should i just stop thinking so much and just wait until then. " Alex Answers: Hi, It can be sometimes difficult to work out your due date if you have just stopped the pill. The period that you had may have been a pill induced period and not a period after ovulation so it may not be an accurate prediction of dates. You need to wait for your ultrasound and then there will be a better prediction. Best wishes, Alex Question: Dr suggested replacing meals with water! "Hello Alex, I have tried to find an answer to my querie but had no success, maybe you can help. My daughter just came back from her GB and he told her, that her 4 months old baby is extremely overweight and that she should replace three of her meals with just plain water. I just cannot believe this GPs suggestion. Would it not be better to at least feed formula at half strength? Michaela was born on 12 July and now weighs 7kg. She gets breast fed and only has one bottle of formula a day. On the other hand, would it not be sensible to have a blood test taken to make sure Michaela is healthy? There may be another cause behind her being 'overweight'. My daughter assured me that she gives her the formula according to exact instructions and when she breast feeds it is only a few minutes at a time as Michaela prefers many small meals rather than a few big ones. She is not on solids. Why might our baby be 'overweight'? I am so puzzled and would appreciate your help. Thank you so much Regards Evelin " Alex Answers: Hi Evelin, The baby is not overweight. If she is 7kg at 4 months this is fine. She may look chubby but this weight is inside the recommended weight for a baby of this age. Visit your Early Childhood Health Centre for a more accurate check up. Best wishes, Alex Question: My GP is astounded that I have not been induced or at least given a date "Hey Alex, Im 40 weeks and 1 day preg, 40 years old and having my 4th child. Im suffering with SPD, back ligament probs (some days i only shuffle to the toilet) and the start of a chest infection. I've been to my GP and she is astounded that I have not been induced or at least given a date. what are your thoughts on my situation and how can i get my point across to the hospital that ive found out is very short staffed (qld public). Im also concerned about how the chest infection can affect bubby. thanks Mav " Alex Answers: Hi, I am sorry that you are experiencing problems. The hospital may be looking at your history and are probably aware that you went into labour spontaneously with your other children or had no complications so there is no need to intervene. It is always better for mother and baby if labour is spontaneous. A chest infection will not cause any problems with the baby but you need to check that you are not getting fevers as you may need antibiotics. Best wishes, Alex Question: I am 40 weeks and 2 days and my baby hasn't engaged yet "hi, i am 40 weeks,2 days pregnant with my secound child. At my last hospital appointment wich was 3 days ago, they said to me that baby hasnt engaged yet. I am worried as my first child was 9 pound 14 and i am very small frame only weighing 42 killo before boath of these pregnancy's and am short, I gave birth to my son natraul he was helped out with forceps.Ive had an ultrasound to c how big baby is at 37 weeks and he was 6 pound 15. they are saying this baby dosent look like he will be as big as my other son but still desent size, they are wanting to induce me. I was booked in for tomorrow but now because baby Isnt engaged they dont want to just yet. they are giving me till nxt thursday to go into labour myself, they also told me to induce me with baby not engaged is dangerous, they said something about he could maby get the umbilicalcord round hes neack because he's high up, we didnt get into to much detail for they just want to wait and see what happens between now and then before discussing all of that. my son also was 2 weeks overdue and my waters broke on there own the night before I was meant to go in to be induced, so he was late. Im worried to wait so long for this baby in the mean time he's getting bigger and bigger. can I still get Induced If bubs head hasnt engaged and what are your thoughts on all of this I really, really do not want to have a cecerian, and am trying to stay positive. I belive in my bodys ability to birth this baby natrauly. What do you think? and what are my options if bub dosent engage or if I dont go into labour by myself? thankyou teressa " Alex Answers: Hi Teressa, It is always best to try to let your body go into labour naturally. IF you were late with your first then you will probably be late with this one too. Try not to worry about the size of the baby if it hasn’t engaged then it still has lots of room and you have successfully given birth before to an above average baby so your pelvis is a good size. Your baby will probably engage close to going into labour. It is unsafe to induce a baby when it is not engaged as the cord can come down first and be trapped which causes extreme stress to the baby. Best wishes, Alex Question: My husband seems to think I might have to give up driving the tractor "Hi Alex. We live on a farm and therefore I am driving the tractor on a regular basis doing farm work. I have just found out I am pregnant and my husband seems to think I might have to give up driving the tractor. I dont' want to as I really enjoy it and if I stop we won't get everything on the farm done in time. He wants me to find out if driving the tractor (and being a bumpy ride when cultivating dirt) is ok for my bub. We have looked up that the loud noise is ok as the baby is protected inside - is this right? But we can't seem to find anything about driving a tractor and the bumpy ride?? Please advise as I feel comfortable at the moment doing this. Obviously if I start to feel sick or uncormfortable I would stop. Thanks again Gill " Alex Answers: Hi Gill, It is fine to continue driving the tractor. Your baby is very well protected and the noisy bumpy ride will cause no problems. Go for it! Best wishes, Alex Question: Can a child forget to enjoy having his mum around? "Hi Alex, I'm not quite sure whether you can help me but i have just returned to work full time and have had to put my child in child care full time, as you can appreciate it was very hard to let him go. He is almost 4 months, this is my question? can a child forget to enjoy the plessure of having his mum around? I feel that now that I am with him every morning for and hour or so it's just not the same. Is this normal? what do you suggest i do? Who can i talk to, i'm really quite upset about it. Thanks Vittoria " Alex Answers: Hi Vittoria, It is very common it feel guilty when your baby starts childcare. Your baby will always know you are his mother and will be different with you rather than others. Try to talk to other mothers who have had to do the same. Enquire at your Early Childhood Health Centre. Best wishes, Alex Question: When is the normal time for your period to return after having a baby? "Hi Alex, just wondering what is the normal time for your period to return following having a baby. my son is 7 months old and iam still breastfeeding. " Alex Answers: Hi, There is no normal time and every woman is different. It may return when the baby is established on solids or it may take a few months after this or some women have their periods return straight away. Best wishes, Alex Question: I have a anterior wall focal hypoechoic lesion likely to be of fibroid "Hi Alex i went for a scan and was told that i have a anterior wall 5.4x4.4x3.8 cm focal hypoechoic lesion likely to be of fibroid. i am 13 weeks could you please explain this to me in english terms and if it is likley to have any complications i have a history of pre term labour and a c section with my last due to bleeding. thank you, Kris " Alex Answers: Hi Kris, This is a small adhesion that can sometimes form in the uterus. They can grow or shrink at any time but usually don’t cause too much problem in pregnancy if they are small. They are not linked to causing pre term labour or bleeding in pregnancy. You may need to have it checked again after the birth and regularly to check if it is growing too big as it may get uncomfortable for you and some women do have them removed. Best wishes, Alex Question: He said something about there being a 'split in the fetal heart rate line' "HI, I just had a scan at 8 weeks. everything looks fine and the heart rate was 154bpm. But He said something about there being a 'split in the fetal heart rate line' or something simular. Could you tell me what this means? " Alex Answers: Hi, I am sorry but I am not sure what this term is referring to. The normal heart rate for a baby at 8 weeks is between 120 – 160 beats per minute. You need to ask the person that attended the scan or at your next appointment where the report will be so that they can read it for you. Best wishes, Alex Question: Can I eat mint jelly? "can i eat mint jelly? i just had a small amount with my lamb and started freaking out. " Alex Answers: Hi, Mint jelly is fine. Here is a link to safe foods in pregnancy: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/life%2Devents%2Dand%2Dfood/pregnancy/ Best wishes, Alex Question: I have an increased risk of down sydrome (1:103) "Hi, I had the down syndrome screening tests done at 11 weeks and was told I had an increased risk of down sydrome (1:103). I am 36 years old. I then had a CVS at 13 weeks and the results have come back this week saying there were no chromosomal abnormalities. My GP now wants me to have a 15 week blood screening just to be sure "the levels have come back down". Is this test necessary after getting the all clear from the CVS? Is the CVS accurate? I am worried about getting false positive results again from the 15 week screening which will again cause more anxiety. " Alex Answers: Hi, A CVS checks for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Downs Syndrome, it does not check for possible other abnormalities such as a neural tube defect which can sometimes cause the levels to be high. The CVS is very accurate. Your GP is probably being cautious but as you have had the other tests it is probably worth doing the test. Best wishes, Alex Question: How can I deal with the tantrums? "my daughter faith louise has started chucking big tantrums, she has never done this before and it scares me. some of the words that come out i couldnt beleive she would no them and it hurts. could you help me get her out of these tantrums and how to deal with them. thank you " Alex Answers: Hi, I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy, childbirth and newborns. It's best to see your Early Childhood Health Centre for advice. Best wishes, Alex Question: Is there anything we can do to try and get pregnant easier or quicker? "hi. me and my partner want to start trying for another child, we all ready had one and she is 3. but my partner has a really low sperm count is there anythin we can do to try and get preg easyer or quicker?? and id also like to no if having another baby while my daughter is only 3 would be a good idea?? shes been asking for a baby brother. thank you very much " Alex Answers: Hi, You need to visit your GP for a check up and talk to them about your options. It is always best to try to be as healthy as possible. There may be some other options available but they are usually used if you have been trying for a while. Best wishes, Alex Question: I meant to say that I stopped taking the pill and my last period was on the 9th "hi i asked a question the other day about my due date and i made a mistake i ment to sayt hat i stopped taking the pill and my last period was on the 9th of september i think i wrote the 29th sorry. thanks beck " Alex Answers: Hi Beck, You'll find my response to your earlier question above. Best wishes, Alex Question: I have a nasty dry horrible cough, what can I take for it? "Hi Alex, I have a nasty dry horrible cough that doesnt let me sleep of a night, what can you suggest that i take for it? thanks Belinda " Alex Answers: Hi Belinda, When you are pregnant there is a limit on what you can take. Paracetemol is safe and you may find inhalations may help. Otherwise enquire at your pharmacist. Best wishes, Alex Question: People have told me that you are supposed to wait two years to have another baby after a c-section? "My baby is now 9 1/2 months old and I had a c-section for this birth. I am now pregnant (not planned but happy as) again and people have told me that you are supposed to wait two years to have another baby after a c-section. Is this true as my midwife never said anything about waiting any amount of time. " Alex Answers: Hi, If there were no long term complications with your first birth then it is fine to be pregnant again. Best wishes, Alex Question: When do I start to look for a midwife? "When do I start to look for a midwife? I am having early pregnancy monitoring with my fertility specialist at the moment, but wondering what I am gong to do when this stops after my first trimester. " Alex Answers: Hi, You can start at any time. It is always good to be prepared so sooner rather than later is good. Best wishes, Alex Question: Three times using home pregnancy tests and got all faint positive lines "Hi, Alex I did a home pregnancy test yesterday three times using home pregnancy tests and got all faint positive lines, i guess im pregnant,mi periods were due thursday.My LMP was 18 October 2008.Im a little bit excited, when can i go for a blood test? and when do i need to organise my birth centre and my midwife. " Alex Answers: Hi, Congratulations! You can visit your GP in a couple of weeks for your pregnancy blood tests. You can contact the birth centre to reserve a place and talk to them about midwives. Best wishes, Alex Question: How soon after having a baby can you fall pregnant? "How soon after having a baby can you fall pregnant ?? " Alex Answers: Hi, Some women can fall pregnant about 6 weeks after they give birth. Some women take longer. Best wishes, Alex Question: Since having the flu he's been waking all night "Hi, I have a 6 month old son and at 4 months he started sleeping 10-12 hours a night. Approximately 2 weeks ago he got the flu and ever since he is waking up 5 or more times a night and my partner nd myself are lucky to get 5 hours sleep. I am also 4 months pregnant with my second child and my sons new 'routine' is causing me stress and I am feeling down and usless. I really need some advice as I have tried everythng I can think of but yet nothing is working for us! " Alex Answers: Hi, I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy, childbirth and newborns. It's best to direct your sleep related questions to Maree, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre. Best wishes, Alex Question: Is it safe to eat ham off a bone? "Hi alex I am 26 weeks pregnant and i was wondering is it safe to eat ham off a bone? Like the ones you buy from the meat department for christmas day " Alex Answers: Hi, Here is a link to safe foods during pregnancy: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/life%2Devents%2Dand%2Dfood/pregnancy/ If the meat is preprepared then it is not recommended. Best wishes, Alex Question: On the "no" list it mentiones no artificial cream and ice cream "On the "no" list it mentiones no artificial cream and ice cream does that mean all icecream (supermarket icecream) or just out of those soft serve machines? " Alex Answers: Hi, It means the soft serve ice cream and not the ice cream that you serve up at home. Here is a link to safe foods in pregnancy: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/life%2Devents%2Dand%2Dfood/pregnancy/ Best wishes, Alex Question: When I lay down I get bad heart burn and makes me want to throw up "Hi Alex I am about 33 weeks pregnant and am experiencing burps that smell like rotten egg. I don't have any cramping or diahorea but when i lay down i get bad heart burn and makes me want to throw up - which i haven't yet. Should i be concerned or is this a "normal" part of pregnancy? Many thanks Katherine " Alex Answers: Hi Katherine, You have indigestion which is very common in pregnancy. There are many preparations available to help ease the symptoms. Please enquire at your local pharmacy. Best wishes, Alex Question: I'm wondering what a curet is? "hello my name is Amy i am 27 yrs old and have 3 children and was wondering wat a quret is? thanks Amy " Alex Answers: Hi Amy, A curet is a dilatation & curettage. This is where your uterus is “cleaned out” with a short operation. Best wishes, Alex Question: I was wondering about being around cats during pregnancy "Hey , i am currently at 13 weeks. I was wondering about Cats during pregnancy. I live with a Cat i really dont have much to do with it, but it is mainly indoors at nights outdoors. How can this affect my pregnancy if at all? Heather " Alex Answers: Hi Heather, Cats during pregnancy can cause problems if they have a disease called Toxoplasmosis which does not greatly affect the cat but it can harm your baby if you become infected. If you have had the cat for a long time, more than likely you will be immune to this. However to reduce the risk it is best that you don’t clean out the litter tray and you let someone else do this. Best wishes, Alex Question: I'm HORRIFIED to discover I have varicose veins "down there" "Hi Alex. Im 32 weeks prego with bubs number 3 and HORRIFIED to discover i have varicose veins "down there". Im sore and swollen and feeling sorry for myself. I want to know if theres anything i can do to relieve the swelling? Or make them disapear forever??? haha. The baby is very low (my midwife checked him last week) she said he is sitting right down in my pelvis. Is it too early? Is it a sign he might come early? You can probably tell im working my self up a bit here... Besides being very uncomfortable im worried he might think hes ready to come out. Ive had a few uncomfortable braxton hicks but theyve gone away after i lie down for a while. Theyre quite strong but not painful maybey just a little ache? Thanks for your time... Joy. " Alex Answers: Hi Joy, If the baby is low it does not indicate that the baby will be early. It just likes ot be there. The varicose veins are unfortunate but they should not cause any problems with the pregnancy and will shrink afterwards. You can try ice packs to relieve the discomfort and try to elevate your legs when you can. Best wishes, Alex Question: Are sausages and mince meat okay to eat? "Hi Alex, I keep hearing and reading different things about foods I can and can't eat. The one thing in particular that i am asking about is Sausages and mince meat (spaghetti bol) Now that the weather is getting warmer- there are more and more BBQ and i would like to know if i can have sausages if there is no chicken or steak available. Thanks in advance for you answer! " Alex Answers: Hi, Yes sausages are fine. If they are heated and cooked through this is fine. Here is a link to safe foods: http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/life%2Devents%2Dand%2Dfood/pregnancy/ Best wishes, Alex Question: What would I need to do to make sure I can have a natural birth next time? "I have had two children who where both born by emergency ceaser. If I was to have some more children is there any chance of being able to have a natural birth. If so what would I need to do to make this happen " Alex Answers: Hi, Firstly you need to find a health professional that is willing to help you try for a natural birth. The risks for trying for a natural birth after two caesareans are the same as after one. Best wishes, Alex Question: 3 nights ago I had food poisoning and since then my milk supply has been quite low "Hi Alex, I am currently breastfeeding my 2 month old. 3 nights ago I had food poisoning and since then my milk supply has appeared to be quite low. I am assuming it is because I was dehydrated due to excessive vomiting and diarrhoea. I am drinking a lot of water and eat healthily and feeding my son whenever he wants to bring the milk supply back (which is about every 2 hours at the moment). Is there anything else I can do to prevent my milk supply drying up?? Thank you Cass " Alex Answers: Hi Cass, It sounds as if you are doing everything that you can. Your supply will replenish very quickly. Best wishes, Alex Question: What is the best way to steralize the kids bottles? "what is the best way to steralize the kids bottles, we have twins on the way so no doubt we will be using them very regulary. I have a steam steralizer on layby, but have since heard conflicting reports? Any suggestions? " Alex Answers: Hi, If a product is on the Australian market it has been checked for safety and proper usage. A steam sterilizer should be fine. Best wishes, Alex Question: It feels as if my internal organs are sagging down "hi, i had my second baby 2 1/2 weeks ago by very quick vaginal birth (my waters were broken and she was born 1 hour 15 minutes later). in the last week, when i have been walking around for a while, or after going to the toilet, it feels as if my internal organs are sagging down, so that it is a bit uncomfortable around the entrance to my vagina.also my cervix is much lower down towards the entrance to my vagina than before. is this normal, due to stretched pelvic floor muscles, and will go away, or could it be some form of prolapse? will pelvic floor exercises help ( i am doing these)? thanks. " Alex Answers: Hi, This is very common after birth and you need to be very vigilant about doing your pelvic floor exercises. After about six weeks everything will feel much better but you need to keep doing the exercises forever. Best wishes, Alex Question: I have recently discovered bumps inside my vagina that are itchy "I am 30 weeks pregnant and have recently discovered bumps inside my vagina that are itchy or at least causing irritation that feels like itchiness. I asked my obstetrician about them, he said it could be inflamed vericose veins, (but he didn't check them). what can I do to relieve the itching and is it likely to cause any harm to the baby during delivery? " Alex Answers: Hi, If you are getting extra discharge and it is itchy it may be thrush. There is medication for this at your pharmacy. If it is varicose veins you can try ice packs and elevating your legs when sitting. Sometimes a medication can be prescribed. It will cause no harm to you or your baby and they will shrink after the birth. Best wishes, Alex |