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: Sleep question "Our baby is five and a half months and rarley sleeps long periods during the day often cat napping 10 - 20 min then wakes up. What do I do to make her sleep longer periods? " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your sleep related questions to Maree, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Does having two sacks mean twins? "hi alex,
i had a scan last friday and they told me there were two sacks, but they told me they were small or im not asfar pregnant, how do i work out how far along i am. i have not had a period since the 19th jan so i worked out to be about 8weeks. and being two sacks does that mean twins " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. It does sound as if it is too early to determine if it is twins but it may be as the two sacs can indicate. Unfortunately it is very difficult to see much on a very early ultrasound. You may have to wait a few more weeks for another ultrasound to check what is happening. If you had regular periods (every 28 days) then dates are usually reliable for determining the length of your pregnancy. If you had irregular periods or they were further apart then the pregnancy is longer.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Is there a baby insect repallant? "Hi,
i have a wonderful 5 month old son and my husband and work mates are all planning on going camping in the next few weeks. Can you suggest anything that will help me. What should i pack, take, prepare, do anything please?? and is there a baby insect repallant??
thanks heaps
cassie " Alex Answers: Hi Cassie,
Thank you for your enquiry. You only need to take what you use every day at home - such as clothing, nappies and a large plastic bowl for a bath. The baby will find lots of new sights and sounds to enjoy. Check with your pharmacist if there is any repellent that may be suitable for a baby of your son's age.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Do you think sweeps work and how are they done? "Hello,
I was due 18/3 and my midwife has booked me into hosptil on Monday for a sweep and a stretch, Just reading some of the things that people have written but still have questions. As a midwife do you think sweeps work and how are they done. Also going to be monited. This is my 2nd. My 1st labour was mayb 10hrs but think was left in birthing pool for 5hrs. Started 4cm and was same when out. Had not food or drink will after delivery. started around 1130pm finished round 945am. I can feel the head if I put my finger up (YUK) and my new midwife has been saying for last 3wks that the head is while down there!! And yes it feels like a bowling ball is there for sure. Will I have a quick labour as the head feels like it could slip out and is there any thing I can do to help things alone??
Many mnay thanks, Denise" Alex Answers: Hi Denise,
Thank you for your enquiry. The strip and stretches can work and it does sound like a good option in your case. This labour more than likely will be faster than your first.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Wean her of the breast "Hi Alex
My baby is now approaching 13 months and I am trying to wean her of the breast. I am finding this process very difficult. I have managed to wean her from the day feeds, but not from the night feeds. Have you got any suggestions how I can wean her from the breast completely.
The other problem is she is not drinking cow’s milk or formula; we have tried many techniques from different sources (bottles/cups etc) the milk is given to different people offering her the milk. Nothing is working. She refuses to drink milk unless it’s from the breast.
The other issue is she is not sleeping through the night, what are the techniques to get her to sleep through. Currently I have to give her milk to settle her back to sleep.
Thank you
Chigdem " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your sleep related questions to Maree, your feeding questions to Leanne, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Eat her veggies "my baby s nearly 7 monthes im having trouble getting her to eat her veggies so i have just beenm giving her custard twice a day and 5 bottles is this ok when should i start becomin more strict on what she eats " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your feeding questions to Leanne, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Why is a regular urine dipstick for glucose not used? "Why is a regular urine dipstick for glucose not used in place of polycose or Glucose Tolerance test for Gest. diabetes for low risk women?" Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. It has been found that the routine testing of urine for glucose and other abnormalities does not help to diagnose any conditions of pregnancy. Women without any tendency to diabetes can show glucose in their urine during pregnancy. Many carers do not test urine routinely any more during pregnancy. The short glucose tolerance test is more accurate at diagnosing diabetes as every woman is given the same does of glucose and then a blood test is taken. Sometimes this can also be inaccurate as it can depend on what the woman has recently eaten. A more accurate tolerance test takes longer and then a diagnosis can be made.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Wondering about blood pressure during pregnancy "hi i was just wondering about blood pressure during pregnancy. My bp at 17weeks was 110/70 then at 21 wks was 90/60 then at 25wks 120/80 and now at 28wks its 130/80, is this normal it seems to be all over the place? " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. It does look as if it is a bit all over the place. Please discuss this with your carers but the levels are still fine.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Can you help me determine how far I am? "Hi, I'm pregnant with my third child (my LMP 20/9/07) due 26 june, I had an ultrasound at 8wks and they told me I was only 5wks6dys,so that changed dates to 6 july, had another ultrasound at 20wks and they said the size of the baby was normal and due 9 july. Since then I have been seeing my doctor regularly, fundal height at there dates now is 24cm by there dates of being 22+5 gest.age. I have always had my cycles every 28 days, never even a date late and am sure of my LMP, but I don't know who do I beleive, the midwives, the doctor or the ultrasound results. Its so frustrating, so now on the 27th march, there going to do ultrasound to determine and recaculate my dates. How do you go from being almost 27 weeks back to 24.5, this just ridiculous. Can you help me determine how far I am.
kind regards shannon. " Alex Answers: Hi Shannon,
Thank you for your enquiry. If you had regular periods every 28 days and were not on the pill your dates are the most accurate. If you have had no problems with dates with your previous children then you should stick to your period dates. Also a due date is still always an estimated date and you are still at term if you give birth up to 2 weeks after the due date.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Can you leak amniotic fluid? "Hi,
just a quick quesiton, can you leak amniotic fluid??
a im 23 weeks and for a few week now i seem to have been leaking a watery substance with a odd smell kinda salty from time to time. at first as gross as it is i just assumed that it was pee mixed with sweat from the heat, as i have read your pelvic floor mussels relax, and have been doing those excersises. but the last couple of days, i havent been doing anything to cause a sweat to help make that odd smell, and i have noticed today that even straight after i go to the loo, if baby jumps around i seem to leak!! is my bladder just filling up in a matter of seconds?? or if bubs squashing out fluid??
i would appreciate any advise, as this is my first bub and am confused and starting to get a little worried!
thanks,
Karen " Alex Answers: Hi Karen,
Thank you for your enquiry. It is advisable to visit your carer or your local hospital for a check up. It is best to be sure but if it is the amniotic fluid you may need some treatment.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I did 2 home pregnany tests this week but it comes up negative "Hi there I have 2 bambini under the age of 3. My periods are regular every month even after bambino 2. But this month I havnt got it yet, its around 10 days overdue! Hmmm I did 2 home pregnany tests this week (1 just now) but it comes up negative. Im confused, do you think Im pregnant? I have heard that stress can delay it for a few days, but I wouldnt say 10 days is a few!
What do u think?" Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. If you are not using contraception then you could be pregnant. Otherwise it could be a slight variation in your cycle this month that can happen sometimes.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Sleep question "Our three week old daughter tends to have one or two "awake" times during every 24hr period. These last for between 1 and 3 hours. How can we encourage her to be awake during the day, instead of at three in the morning? When she is awake, she likes to be cuddled and have lots of attention. This is getting very tiring during the nights. If she is awake during the day I only need to get up for 30 minutes to feed a couple of times a night. Also, when she is asleep, she is asleep and won't be woken. Any ideas to help shift her routine would be appreciated " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your sleep related questions to Maree, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Feeding question "hi alex
my name is simran and my girl is 9 months old and she only like puree food and if any lumy food i give her will not eat is this normal or what i do ?
and at times she eat food and at times become fussy so if u could pls tell me how much is enough for her in quantitylike 100 g each meal and so on ? " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your feeding questions to Leanne, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Is it normal for your stomach to feel cold? "Hi Alex,
Is it normal for your stomach to feel much colder compared to the rest of your body?
Cheers
Leah " Alex Answers: Hi Leah,
Thank you for your enquiry. Your stomach can feel a little cooler and this is fine.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I'm having palpitations every day "Hi Alex,
I'm having palpitations every day (I seen see my heart movements near my tummy) - is this common during pregnancy?
Cheers
Leah " Alex Answers: Hi Leah,
Palpitations are quite common in pregnancy but you still need to have a check up, so visit your GP.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: He doesn't swallow "my son is 19 months old now am having difficulties in feeding him. he always keeps food in his month without swallowing for 10 to 15 minute. he does this during lunch or dinner. is there something i can do ? please help me am afraid he will lose weight. " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your feeding questions to Leanne, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I have a red rash underneath my umbilicus "Hi Alex,
My name is Nicoll I am 29 weeks pregnant and have noticed a red rash underneath my umbilicus. It is very red and itchy ,it is only in this area. Could this be PUPP or some such condition?
Regards
Nicoll" Alex Answers: Hi Nicoll,
Thank you for your enquiry. Please show your pharmacist and get some medication. More than likely it is dermatitis from some item of clothing.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I am not sure if I have thrush or not "hi i am not sure if i have thrush or not i am red and sore down there sinigs a bit when i go to the loo, dont think i have an uti, i have no real distage ,smell , i have cream but says on the packet to seek drs advice before using,not sure what to do as its hard to get in to see a dr. i am 24 weeks preg " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. It does sound like thrush which is very common during pregnancy. Visit your pharmacist and they will give you some treatment.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I'm feeling as if I'm water logged "Hi, my name is Grace and I am a 18yo mum-to-be. The last three days I have been feeling as if I'm water logged. I just feel as if my head is full of water though I have not been swimming for months. It is even effecting my sense of smell though I'm not ill. What is happening to me? " Alex Answers: Hi Grace,
Thank you for your enquiry. It may be best to visit your GP for a check up. I am not sure what this could be but it is best to be safe and have a check up.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: There are days where I cry at the drop of a hat "Hi,
I'm the new mum to a 5 month old boy, who I absolutely love and have never had any negative thoughts about, but there are days where I cry at the drop of a hat, yell at my partner and supportive parents, and then feel guilty that I'm not coping with being a mum. I also sometimes feel like I'm not myself anymore, and I don't know who I am anymore! I feel like I've been made to change my identity since having our son. I have days where I feel like I don't want to be a mum anymore, and wish for my old life back. Most days I enjoy being a mum, but I realise those feelings when I'm "having a bad day", and am usually able to do something to avoid what I call a meltdown (crying and feeling out of control). My partner is great, but gets frustrated with me because he doesn't know what to do to help. Are these normal feelings? I'm concerned that I may be suffering from PND. Could you please help? Thanks. " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. All of the feelings that you have expressed are very normal and exactly what most first time mothers experience. It is good to talk to other new mums to feel that you are not alone. http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=94
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/inpregnancypostnatal/babyblues.cfm Above are two websites that provide very comprehensive information on post natal depression and even a self test. If you feel that you may have post natnatal depression please talk to your GP.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Could I have just pulled muscles getting in and out of my 4WD? "i am 31 weeks and i have lower adomel pain i have been getting up and out of a high 4WD could i just pulled mussels . I have been like this 4 4 days now baby still moving main pain is left side i have been in a car with gears and the one that i drive on a daily does not have any . help me out please sould i worry or just take it easy i got a doctors app Tueusday tHANKS" Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. It does sound like a pulled muscle and this more easily happens during pregnancy. Take it easy and mention it to your doctor at your next visit.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I will need a stitch in my cervix with this pregnancy "I have been advised that i will need a stitch in my cervix with this pregnancy as our last pregnancy ended due to cevical incompetance at 20 weeks. what are the risks with having this done and what happens if i go into premature labour while the stitch is still in?" Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. This procedure has been done for many years and is a good treatment for cervical incompetence. The main risk is infection and you will be given antibiotics after the stitch is inserted. If you do show signs of premature labour you will be asked to go into hospital for treatment as is the case with all women. The stitch does not usually cause premature labour. Once the stitch is removed (after 36 weeks) you will be initially watched for sings of labour and then allowed to go home and everything is treated as normal. Good luck.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: If he is breach, can I ask for him not to be turned? "Hi,Im 36 weeks & my baby may be in breach, will no more when i have a scann, if he is, can i ask for him not to be turned? And ask for a "C Section"? " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. The scan will check the position of the baby and then a decision will be made if they think that the baby can be easily turned. They will discuss all this then. It is always best to try for a vaginal birth as it has fewer complications for the mother and baby than a caesarean. If the baby is successfully turned there is still plenty of time for your body to get ready for labour and birth. Try not to be scared of labour and birth as your body is designed to cope and do what it needs to do for birth to happen.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Is there a limit on c/sections? "Hi. I was wondering what the limit is on having a c/section. I have had 1 emergency, 3 elective and an ectopic pregnancy. Should I even consider another baby or should I stop and be happy with the kids I have. I just feel like I should have one more. Or is it just a hormonal thing. I had my last bub 4 months ago. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Rachel " Alex Answers: Hi Rachel,
There is some evidence to suggest that there is a higher risk of complications with a greater number of caesareans. Talk to your doctor about your particular situation and the possible risks.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I've been having pains, similar to a period pain cramp "I'm 18 weeks pregnant with my first bub and have been having pains, similar to a period pain cramp, inside my pelvis for the last week or 2. The pain can last for 20secs or a couple of hours, and is really quite painful. Nothing else happens. Just wondering if this is normal or not. Have not been able to see my normal GP as they are away - back soon though.
Thanks for any help" Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. You need to have a check up as you may have a bladder infection or something similar and this may be causing the pains. This needs treatment.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I am experiecing extreamly low blood pressure "Hi, I am currently six weeks pregnant and am experiecing extreamly low blood pressure. We have a monitor at home and the readings I have been getting are: 95/52 (lowest) 107/52 (last nights reading). I only seem to feel the faintess when I am sitting down or have been walking and then stop to look at something. Is this something to be concerned about. Should I see my GP?" Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. Your blood pressure readings are fine but early pregnancy can cause your blood pressure to drop at times and this is very common. You need to remember to get up from sitting or lying down gradually and not to stand still in one place for a long time. This will ease as your pregnancy progresses.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Constant severe pain, pressure in my vaginal area "Hi Alex,
A quick question. I am 28 weeks pregnant with my second child and am experiencing constant severe pain, pressure in my vaginal area. It hurts to walk, put on pants and get up off the lounge. I had this with my daughter but only for a few weeks leading up to the birth. I still have 7 weeks left before maternity leave but i am finding it extremely hard to even get out of bed! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Michaella " Alex Answers: Hi Michaella,
Thank you for your enquiry. This may be due to the position of the baby at the moment and it may improve when the baby moves again. You could see a Physiotherapist for treatment and you should also do lots of pelvic floor exercises.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: He has become very attached "I have a almost 3 year old and for the last two weeks he has become very atached and wont stay with anyone he just crys for me all the time. He has been going to day car since he was 1 and i have just started his yonger brother. I am about to start working 3 nights a week and i did some training last week and he just played up the whole time for his dad. What can i do " Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Your Early Childhood Health Centre may be able to offer you some help.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: My boobs haven't started leaking yet, is this normal? "hi im 32 weeks pregnant and my boobs havent started leaking yet is this normal? when shoud i start leaking? " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. Many women don’t have leaking breasts when pregnant. A great preparation for breast feeding is to start trying to express a small amount of colostrum from your breasts several times a day.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Recently noticed some brown discharge "Hi Alex,
I will be 9 weeks on the 26/3/08 and have recently noticed some brown discharge (very small amount) several days ago then it disappeared but has started again today. Have no stomach pains and otherwise feel ok, is this normal?
Regards,
Linda " Alex Answers: Hi Linda,
Thank you for your enquiry. It is always advisable to be checked over as any bleeding in pregnancy is regarded as abnormal.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: I am a Type 1 Diabetic, expecting my first child "Hello Alex,
This is my first child but i am also a Type 1 Diabetic. I am seeing my specialist but she is not providing me with any information. I was in hospital last weekend due to high blood sugars (baby is okay) but the social worker wants me to quit work early as i am too stressed- could you tell me at least some of the things to expect while im pregnant. It seems a lot of doctors just expect you to go out and read as many books as possible now days. " Alex Answers: Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. It is advisable to try to keep your sugar levels as stable as possible during pregnancy and you will probably have to increase your insulin during the pregnancy. It is really up to the woman as to when she stops working unless there is a medical problem.
Best wishes,
Alex Question: Feed or resettle? "Hi Alex
I ham a mother of now 4 children and all have been painful to get good sleep or even settle but i now have a 8 week old and of a night time he has a good 5-6 hr and then wakes hourly or 2 hourly there after. What do you sugest? Feed or resettle?
Cheers another Alex" Alex Answers: Hi,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. Please direct your sleep related questions to Maree, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex | 
