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.

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Question: My nipples and aerola are itchy. Is this normal?

"Hi
I am 25 this is my first preganacy and about 2 weeks ago my nipples and aerola have started to become dry and I was wondering if it was okay to Palmers Preganacy Cocoa Butter on them. (I have already done this a couple of times).
I am wearing cotton bras and when I take the bra off in the evening, my nipples and aerola are itchy. Is this normal?
Your advice would be appreciated. "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
If your nipples are dry then they are likely to become itchy. You could try expressing some of the colostrum and rubbing that into the nipples as this will help dryness. Otherwise you can use a very small amount of moisturiser occasionally on your nipples and don’t use soap on them.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I'm 10 weeks pregnant and already showing, is that normal?

"hi alex
i'm 10 weeks pregnant that's my first pregnancy and i have no sickness at all i feel great and i'm already showing is that normal? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
It is not usual to show quite so soon. If you have accurate dates then this is the most reliable way of knowing what stage of pregnancy you are in. You can also not have morning sickness though you may have other signs of pregnancy such as feeling bloated or frequency of urine. This is all very common and to be expected.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: If I get too stressed out and upset could it bring on early labour?

"Hi alex,
I'm 33 weeks along now and over the last few weeks i have been under alot of stress, and it's not going away. I was just woundering if i get to stressed out and upset could it bring on early labour? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
Stress at any time is not good for you and if it is long term it is not good for the pregnancy. Try to find a way to manage your stress, such as counselling, as this may help reduce the stress. There is no definite link to stress and premature labour.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: Just wondering if gastro would effect an early pregnancy?

"Hi alex just wondering if gastro would effect an early pregnancy (8 weeks) "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
The baby is usually very well protected from these sorts of illnesses. If it is severe and you have very high temperatures for an extended period this can increase the risks of miscarriage.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: Lately my vagina has been very itchy and sore. It does not sting when I urinate

"Alex
I am 37 weeks pregnant a few months ago I had a really swollen tonsil and was put on pencillian. Lately my vagina has been very itchy and sore. It does not sting when I urinate. I am concerned there is something wrong and this will be passed onto the baby during labour.
Regards "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
You may have thrush which is very common in pregnancy. Please see your pharmacist and ask for treatment.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: She won't sleep in the day

"Ruby is 21 months old and in the last month has decided she doesnt want to have a sleep in the day. Usually she would have a sleep at 12.30 for 1-2 hours. I have ended up feeding her to sleep with the bottle but now that is not working and even if I leave her in her cot for up to 40 minutes she still wont go to sleep. She does still need her sleep in the day and I want to keep that routine going. What do I need to do to get her into a good daytime sleep routine as Im a bit stuck at the moment.
Thanks
Bronwen "

Alex Answers:

Hi Bronwen,
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 take a hot spa bath?

"Hi Alex
I'll be 24 weeks pregnant when I go away for the weekend soon; can you tell me if it's safe to take a spa bath?
If so, what's a safe temperature?
Thanks, Katie "

Alex Answers:

Hi Katie,
It is safe to use spas during pregnancy. Try to keep the temperature so that you are not feeling faint or thirsty as this is a sign that it is too hot or you have been in there for a little too long.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I've heard that second babies are shorter term and shorter labours

"Hello Alex, my name is Emma i'm 22 and im 30 weeks with my second bubs, my first question is i've heard that second babies are generally shorter term (anywhere from 37 weeks etc) and shorter labours (my son was only 5 hours of labour from start to finish) is this a fact or just an old wives tale and also ive heard drinking raspberry leaf tea is good from 36 weeks but can bring on early labour whats your advice?
Thanks
Emma "

Alex Answers:

Hi Emma,
Usually with your second baby the labour and birth can be faster and with fewer complications than the first. The length of pregnancy is not usually affected at all. Raspberry leaf tea is recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy to assist your body to prepare for labour but it does not cause early labours or births.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: She doesn't seem to be a hungry

"Hi Alex, I was just wanting to know, my 3 month out baby girl has just started over the last week not having as many wet nappies. She will sleep all night and wake at 6 in the morning and her nappie is not that wet. It may be wet a little bit but mostly dry,it also is like this through the day. She is having anything between 100mls to 160mls of formula per bottle every 3 to 4 hours. The only thing that i have done differently is change formula's, i was usuing s26 alpha pro gold and now s26 soy because my daughter has eczma (but not bad). Would this make a difference? also she doesn't seem to be a hungry. Thanks Danielle... "

Alex Answers:

Hi Danielle,
I'm a midwife dealing with pregnancy, childbirth and newborns. It's best to direct your feeding questions to Leanne, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I have had Synthesis Pubis Dysfunction during my pregnany

"I have had Synthesis Pubis Dysfunction during my pregnany. On Monday at 34 weeks I felt the discomfort change from being on my whole pelvic and leg area to being more like a heavy feeling right at the front of my pelvis very slow down like something was lying right on the bones. Could this be the baby engaging or is it too early for this to happen? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
Your baby may be lying lower in the pelvis and perhaps engaged. It more than likely will not cause an early birth.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I'm 36 weeks pregnant & just found out I'm positive for GBS

"Hi! I'm 36 weeks pregnant & just found out I'm positive for GBS.
My Doctor has basically told me that I have 30 mins to get to hospital once my water breaks to get the medication. Just wondering what would happen if I'm actually more then 30 mins away from the hospital? Is my baby at a higher risk? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
GBS is present in many women and it is a normal part of the vaginal makeup. In very rare cases it can cause infections in newborns if it is passed to the baby. It is prevented by giving the mother a does or two of antibiotics during labour. The baby will also be checked for any signs of problems after the birth. In some cases there is only a very small amount of time to give the antibiotic and it is still effective in preventing an infection.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: What can I do to prevent misscariage?

"Hi Alex,
I am 8 weeks prgnant with my first and are very scared of misscarige what can avoid to prevent it ? also i am really bloated i look like am showing already is that normal ?? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
There is no definite way to prevent a miscarriage and there is generally a one in four chance of miscarriage up to 12 weeks. Bloating is normal and it can make you feel as if you are showing very early but the uterus is still well down in the pelvis.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: She wants me to hold her littarly 24 hours of the day

"hello, my name is jessica and i just had a baby 7 weeks ago. I had a baby girl. She wants me to hold her littarly 24 hours of the day, the sleep deprovation i can handle but the mummy hold me all of the time is hard because i cant do things. I feel bad if i let her cry so i pick her up. If she goes to sleep and i put her down she wakes up i dont know what to do please help! "

Alex Answers:

Hi Jessica,
It's best to direct your sleep related questions to Maree, or see your Early Childhood Health Centre.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I had low amniotic fluid with my first child aswell

"Hi Alex I was just wondering if having a AFI of 9.25 at 22 weeks gestation is dangerously low? I had low amniotic fluid with my first child aswell but it wasn't diagnosed till 36 weeks gestation.
Thanks for your help "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
I am sorry but you will need to talk to your specialist about the levels that you are describing. This is a specialist area and I am not familiar with this value as you have described it. In the third trimester the normal levels of amniotic fluid can range from 500ml to 1500ml.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: She has been waking in the middle of the night to play

"hi my daughter alissa is just on 9mths old. she has never been a good sleeper from the day she was born. i had to rock her or pat her etc. during the day she sleeps ok in her cot but night time she will only sleep in her cot for a few hours then ends up in bed with me. lately she has been waking in our bed in the middle of the night to play and this can go on for 1-3 hrs. im at my wits end and dont know what i can do. ive put her back in her cot, but she will cry/scream for ages until i give in and bring her back in my bed. the longest ive let her cry for is 1 1/2 hrs( trying to settle in between). her cot is in my room also. help!!!! thanks michelle "

Alex Answers:

Hi Michelle,
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: They have given me the odds of 1 in 169 chance of something being wrong

"hi alex,
i had my ultrasound last week which said the nuchal fold was 3.6 which is higher than we would like. They said everything else is fine, legs, nose, eyes all good and my bloods were really good too. They have given me the odds of 1 in 169 chance of something being wrong. i had the cvs this week and eagerly await the results next week. In your opinion would you say i more than likely have nothing to worry about?
thanks "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
Yes more than likely you have nothing to worry about. These tests can sometimes cause extra concern to parents but usually the results all come back as normal.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: How do you go from two sleeps per day to one?

"HI
I have a 17mth old girl and was wondering how do you go from 2 sleeps per day to one. SHould i be doing this now or waiting a bit longer. "

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: I have some really bad varicose veins in the groin of one leg

"Hi Alex,
I am a mother of two with one on the way. Currently 26 weeks. This time around though I have some really bad varicose veins in the groin of one leg, they are big, blue and bulging. I am wearing medical stockings and trying my best to take it easy.
My main concern though is the birth and whether I will be able to push. I find even laughing hard or sneezing puts unwanted pressure on these veins.
What do you suggest I do to help prepare my body for the months ahead? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
Varicose veins can cause much concern and discomfort especially during pregnancy. The stockings will help support your legs as will resting each day with your legs elevated. During the birth the veins should not cause any problems and pushing probably won’t add extra stress as it is the arteries that are pressured when pushing.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I have heard of cmv and virus's that can cause babies to be still born, is this true?

"hi Alex, my name is Cassie and i am 9wks prgnant with my 1st. i am working full time in the babies room of a child care centre and am finding it really difficult to get up and down off the floor, it's just really uncomfortable, is this normal? i am also wondering about catching nasty bugs from changing the babies nappies (up to 40 changes a day) i have heard of cmv and virus's that can cause babies to be still born, is this true? and also it's really hard for me to be picking up theses babies and toddler sized children, i can feel my stomach tense and then strech when i do. is this safe? should i stop picking them up? im also really tired, i go to bed at 7 every night, is this normal? sorry about all the Q's and thanks for your help. "

Alex Answers:

Hi Cassie,
Your baby is very well protected for now and getting up from the floor and physical work will only cause tiredness and will not harm the pregnancy. The babies at child care should not transmit any nasty illnesses to you or your baby. It is advisable to use gloves when changing the nappies and to also wash your hands afterwards.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I am a chocoholic so is it ok to eat sweets?

"hi,
I plan on breast feeding,is there foods i should be not be eating,i know i should be eating lots of fruit and vegs but not sure on foods to stay away from, also i am a chocoholic so is it ok to eat sweets.
thanks "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
You will find out the foods that your baby does not like you eating when the baby has an upset tummy the day after you have had chilli or something similar. It is good to eat a variety of foods when you are pregnant so that your baby is exposed during pregnancy to more foods so will hopefully tolerate more.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: What can I do for my itchy adbomen?

"hi i m ahving itching on my abdomen regularly i m 17 weeks...wat can b done? "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
It may be from your abdomen stretching or it may be dermatitis. See your GP or pharmacist for advice on possible treatment.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: The GP and found out that blood was present in my urine

"hi alex!i'm 37 weeks pregnant and i have just been to the GP and found out that blood was present in my urine. Getting pretty worried ,i hope it doesn't affect my pregnancy. Can you please help some how. "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
Blood is occasionally present in pregnancy as a normal side effect of pregnancy. It can also sometimes indicate a urine infection and your GP will be able to tests for this. If it is not an infection it will disappear after the birth.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I am going to be induced and was wondering what the general procedure is

"Hi
I am going to be induced this coming Wednesday and was wondering what the general procedure is - I know that it is likely to be different at each hospital but I would like to know what I might be able to expect.
Thanks "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
Inductions can sometimes go over several days as usually your carers will try to get your body to go into labour without too much stimulation. Firstly they may put some gel into your vagina that helps get the cervix ready for labour and it can also sometimes start labour. They can insert several doses over a few days. If this doesn’t bring on labour they will try to break the waters and stimulate labour with an artificial hormone through a drip. This is when labour properly starts. And you progress from there.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I think I've been having a false labour but I'm not sure

"Hi Alex,
I think I've been having a false labour but I'm not sure. I'm close to 39 weeks pregnant and about midnight starting getting similar to menstral cramp pains. So I slept as much as I could and by 6.30am the pain was much stronger and coming every 8 minutes for about 40 - 50 secs. I also had some dioreah and a small amount of brownish discharge.

This continued till about 11.00am then the pains got further apart about 10mins, but the pain was still strong, ie. I couldn't talk during them, then they tapered off completely by about 2.30pm.
I didn't think Braxton Hicks contractions were supposed to be painful nor last for that long? I have had none until today. I feel exhausted just from a false labour is this normal?
Vikki "

Alex Answers:

Hi Vikki,
This can happen if you have had a baby before. You can get runs of contractions and then they just disappear. It all has benefits once labour starts as your body has had a bit of practice and has probably got everything ready. It may be also worth checking for signs of a urine infection as this can sometimes cause cramping.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I was induced, my waters broke, and 12 hours after I was still not dialating

"hi alex
i am 22 year old and i was 10 days over due with my first baby so i was induced my waters broke and 12 hours after i was still not dilating therefore i had to have a operation because the babys heart rate was playing up, so iam just wondering haveing an operation. whats the long term affects with my health and are there any comlications in future pregnancies.
thanks for the advice "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
A caesarean section increases your chances of having another Caesar for next birth. Otherwise if there were no complications at the time of the Caesar then you should have no long term problems.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I have been in and out of hospital for the last 4 weeks with contractions

"Hi there,
Im 35 weeks preganant and i have been in and out of hospital for the last 4 weeks with contractson having then on and off sometimes they are they bad i think im really going to have the baby but i get to the hospital and they say nothing is happening and i dont under stand,they cant really give me any answers either and is starting to drive me insane i never had anyof this with my 1st child any ideas whats going on?
Thanks H.F "

Alex Answers:

Hi H.F,
This is very common after you have had one child. You can have several runs of contractions and then everything disappears. Try not to worry too much the baby will come close to the due date and the practice contractions all help in making labour much faster when it actually is for real.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: Is it possible to fall pregnant before my periods have returned?

"Hi Alex,
I recently had a baby in Feb (she is 5 mths) and I am exclusively breastfeeding her. Over the last 3 days I have had what I remember as pregnancy symptons, ie nausea, tiredness, heavy breasts and cravings. Is it possible to fall pregnant before my periods have returned? and can I be pregnant and still supply my baby girl with all her needs only from breastmilk while pregnant? Also she is still feeding 2+ times through the night and still waking. Thanks for your advice. Rachel "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
If you think that you are pregnant you need to do a pregnancy test. It is possible to fall pregnant when breast feeding and it is not considered a fail proof method for preventing pregnancy. It is always advisable to use a form of contraception if you don’t want to be pregnant.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: How can I explain that he will never have a true father?

"Hi, my baby doesnt have a father and will never be able to find him as I was drugged and now have no recollection of that night. How can I explain that he will never have a true father and make this easy on my child as he's growing up without him feeling unwanted or like a mistake? Im worried that he will end up hating me for not giving him a father as I have now gone off men altogether and dont want a partner ever again. I love my baby boy but cannot forfill his fatherly role that is very important in a childs life. "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
You may need to get some advice and support through counselling. Talk to your GP for a referral to a counselling service. They will be able to help you talk about your concerns and offer some possible solutions and advice on approaching the situation with your son. You may also want to engage a member of your family to assist in some male time for your son.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I keep having contractions and dialating, only to return to normal after a few hours

"Hi im 34 weeks +3 with 1st bub and went into hospital 3days ago with contractions and had dialated 1 1/2 cms within 6 hrs had gone to 2 1/2 cms. But overnight the contractions slowed and when examined the next morning was only at 1 1/2 cms again but also lost my mucus plug. I then went home that morning because it seemed it had all stopped, only to go back the next morning contracting again (more painful this time) and dialated to 2 1/2 again! but within 2 hrs or so the contractions stopped so i went home again. How unusual is this and how much longer do you think ill have before i go into "real" labour?
Thanks "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
You may have an irritable uterus where the uterus niggles a bit at times but then settles down. More than likely you will go into proper labour close to your due date.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: How long does water retention usually take to go back to normal?

"Hello
I had my son a week tomorrow and was just wondering about water retention and how long it usually takes to go back to normal?
Any information on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
Lisa "

Alex Answers:

Hi Lisa,
Over the next six weeks you will notice that you are passing a lot more urine than before as your body loses the extra fluid that has built up during pregnancy.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: Is there a position I can sit or sleep in to turn my baby out of breach position?

"Hi Alex,
I am 37 and 3 days pregnant. I am getting induced on the 8th of August. When I went to have an ultrasound yesterday (28th July) I was told that the baby is in breach. Will he turn before Monday the 4th of August? This is when I go for my last ultrasound before the big day. Is there any sort of position I can sit or sleep to help this along? I didn't want a C section but doc says it is on the cards.
Thanks
Yvonne "

Alex Answers:

Hi Yvonne,
At this late stage in your pregnancy the baby is unlikely to turn. You can ask your doctor if he does External Cephalic Version, where the baby is turned from the outside. They may be able to recommend a doctor for you. Otherwise you will be offered a caesarean section for the birth. It is not your fault that the baby is in this position some just stay this way.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: Could lying on my belly be bad for the baby?

"hello,
i have a few questions to ask. i'm 18weeks pregnant and when i lay on my belly to read or something i feel the baby going crazy. i tend to only feel the baby when i'm laying like this. could this be bad for the baby? am i restricting his spae by laying on my belly?
Also my partner likes to eat take away alot, when we get it i try and get healthy alternatives from there like wraps and salads. Could take away and fizzy drink be harming my baby? i dont eat much vegatables but i do eat alot of fruit. i also dont eat alot during the day because i dont get that hungry, i tend to eat something small like an apple or yoghurt at about 11, then something small in the afternoon usually milk and a musli bar and then dinner. is my baby not getting the nutrients it needs?
thankyou"

Alex Answers:

Hi,
You can really sit in any position that you find comfortable at this stage of pregnancy. It is advisable to eat a healthy diet and limit fried foods and soft drinks.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: If I get too stressed out could this bring on early labour?

"Hi alex,
my name is andy i'm 33 weeks
I just want to no,i've been under a lot of extar stress lately,and have had a lot on my mind,i am woundering, if i get to stressed out could this bring on early labour.I'm trying to stay calm and not stress out,but it gets quiet hard sometimes. "

Alex Answers:

Hi Andy,
Stress at any time is not good for you and if it is long term it is not good for the pregnancy. Try to find a way to manage your stress, such as counselling, as this may help reduce the stress. There is no definite link to stress and premature labour.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I'm just wondering if I could be pregnant

"hi alex im just wondering if i could be pregnant the past week i have been weeing lots more than usual and the last week my breast have been really sore and ive been tired im pritty sure i had sex about 11-12 days after my period and we used a condom so im not sure if it broke as it was late at night just wondering what u think if i could be or just be because my period is comming i should be due for it in about 2 days thanks "

Alex Answers:

Hi,
You may need to wait and see. If your period does not arrive then you will need to do a pregnancy test. These are accurate once you have missed a period.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: Is it normal to feel fed up with being pregnant in the late stages?

"Hi Alex,
I am having our first child and am now overdue. (due date today)
Firstly, is it normal to feel fed up with being pregnant in the late stages?
Secondly, I am experiencing common labour signs (show came 2 weeks ago, lightening in pelvis, constant lower back pains & painful period pains), however at my last Obst visit I was advised my cervix isnt ripe & the baby's head is high. Is this common for all first time mums to experience? Also, I was advised to allow an additional 7 days over the due date (being Tuesday 5 August) to see if a natural birth process occurs, however I am really fed up & have had enough. Should I request an induction or wait for the additional 7 days to see if the natural process commences. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Fed Up Nikki "

Alex Answers:

Hi Nikki,
It is very common to be fed up but your due date is really only an approximation and the baby is still considered at term when it is born up to 2 weeks after this date. It is always best to wait for as long as possible as natural labour is always better than an induced labour. Try going for long walks, swimming and some nipple stimulation to help you along.
Best wishes,
Alex

Question: I had my baby 2 weeks ago, I finished bleeding after a week...

"hi, I had my baby 2 weeks ago, i finished bleeding after a week or so, but when i go to the toilet for a no 2 i start to bleed bright red blood, only smalish anounts, is this ok? will it stop after a while? also i have constant headaches after haiving bub could this be due to the epidural?
thanks catherine "

Alex Answers:

Hi Catherine,
This is common at around 2 weeks and it should settle soon. If not please see your GP for advice. Headaches can be related to the epidural and it could also be hormone changes and tiredness.
Best wishes,
Alex