Antenatal Care

Later in Pregnancy

Fetal movements

By 20 weeks gestation most women are aware of the baby moving. There will be times throughout the day where you will not feel the baby move, this is usually because the baby is asleep.

You should feel at least 10 movements within a 12 hour period. If you are concerned that your baby has not moved or that the movements are decreased please do not hesitate to either call the rooms on 43236140 or;
After hours delivery suite numbers;

• North Gosford delivery suite 43238169, if you have Private Health Insurance
• Gosford District Hospital delivery suite 43203439

Braxton Hicks contractions

These are painless irregular uterine (not labour contractions), contractions which usually start at about 20 weeks increasing in regularity after the 35th week of pregnancy. The tightenings are very normal and can be quite uncomfortable at times.

Body changes and discomforts during pregnancy

Body aches: You may feel aches and pain in the back, abdomen, groin area and thighs. 

Breast changes: As the due date approaches, hormone changes will cause your breasts to get bigger to prepare for breastfeeding; your breasts may feel full, heavy or tender.

Constipation: Constipation can occur at any time during pregnancy. This is often the result of an increased level of progesterone acting on the intestine, or other causes such as iron supplements. Higher levels of hormones slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels; signs of constipation include having hard, painful, dry stools – fewer than three bowel movements per week. Mild laxatives may be necessary such as Movicol, Normacol, and  Duphalac can be safely used during pregnancy. Increasing your fluid and fibre intake during pregnancy will also help.

Fatigue/Sleep problems: Many women find they’re exhausted in the first trimester. In the second trimester tiredness is usually replaced with a feeling of well being and energy,but in the third trimester exhaustion often sets in again; as you get bigger, sleeping becomes more difficult as well as lack of sleep from babies movements, bathroom runs, leg cramps and an increase in the body’s metabolism.

Hemorrhoids: Up to 50 percent of pregnant women get hemorrhoids; they can cause itching, pain and bleeding. Hemorrhoids usually improve after delivery. 

Numb or tingling hands: Swelling, tingling and numbness in fingers and hands is called carpal tunnel syndrome; these symptoms are due to swelling of tissues in the narrow passages in your wrists.

Swelling: Many women may develop mild swelling in the face, hands or ankles.

Urine frequency and leaking: Your baby pushes down on the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles; this pressure can lead to more frequent need to urinate, as well as leaking urine when coughing, sneezing or laughing.

Heartburn and indigestion: Reflux and heartburn are common later in pregnancy as the baby grows. Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus can cause heartburn and indigestion; food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish causing many women to feel bloated. Smaller more frequent meals and the avoidance of fatty, rich or spicy foods will all help to minimise the effect of heartburn. Many women will require antacids such as Mylanta or Rennie tablets to help ease the discomfort and occasionally prescription medications may be necessary.

Stretch marks and skin changes: Stretch marks are red, pink or brown streaks on the skin; most often they appear on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and breasts – this is caused from stretching of the skin. 

Back pain

During pregnancy back pain may develop as the uterus enlarges this puts a greater strain on the lower back. Ligaments become softened and lax due to increased hormone production. Sciatica and pelvic instability may also develop.

Treatment can include:

• sleeping on your side with a pillow between the legs with your knees slightly bent
• hot packs
• forward tilting exercises of the pelvis
• always maintain good lumbar support when sitting
• physiotherapy