Mum and Bub Health

Cheatsheet Content

### Puberty Facts (True/False) - Puberty is a period of change. **True** - Puberty begins at the same age for everyone. **False** - Puberty involves physical changes but not emotional changes. **False** - A girl's first period is called a menarche. **True** - A menstrual cycle is always 28 days long and a period lasts for 4 days. **False** - Girls begin menstruating because their bodies are preparing for potential pregnancy. **True** - The ovaries produce the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. **True** - Both boys and girls experience hormonal changes during puberty. **True** - All girls will have the same menstrual cycle length. **False** - Semen being released from the penis is called ejaculation. **True** - The testicles produce the male hormone testosterone. **True** - Boys stop growing taller as soon as their voices deepen. **False** ### Signs of Pregnancy Common signs of pregnancy can vary, but may include: - Missed period - Short period with little blood loss - Noticeable changes in the breasts (swelling, tenderness, darkening of nipples/areola, veins showing up more) - Needing to go to the toilet more frequently - Constipation and bloating - Headaches - Increased vaginal discharge - Nausea or vomiting - Changing taste in mouth (metallic taste) - Sudden dislike to some foods - Sudden craving for certain foods - Extreme tiredness/fatigue #### What is happening to my body? Many changes occur in the body during pregnancy. These changes are promoted by the hormones Progesterone and Oestrogen. These hormones are produced and released by the ovaries. #### I Think I'm Pregnant If a woman suspects she is pregnant, she should see her doctor. A doctor can usually confirm a pregnancy after the second period is missed. The doctor may use a urine sample or blood test. It's important to confirm pregnancy with a medical professional. #### Confirming Pregnancy with Chemicals One of the main ways of confirming pregnancy is to test a sample of urine with chemicals. Chemical pregnancy tests can detect substances which the body produces only in pregnancy. These are available in pharmacies and grocery stores. Some tests can be done within days of your period being overdue, while others require a longer waiting period. The best time to do a pregnancy test is at the beginning of the day as your urine is concentrated and has a higher level of the substances which the test detects. These tests are quite accurate, and many women like to do the tests before they go to their local doctor. ### Changes During Pregnancy Diagram The diagram illustrates common changes experienced during pregnancy: - Headaches - Nausea/vomiting and changing taste - Larger and darker nipples/areola - More veins/swelling/tingling/throbbing/burning in breasts - Heartburn - Bloating/constipation - Needing to go to the toilet more frequently + increased vaginal discharge - Extreme tiredness/fatigue ### Looking After Mum to Be When a woman wishes to become pregnant, or discovers that she is pregnant, she should take good care of herself to ensure the best for herself and the baby. Key recommendations include: - **No Heat Risk:** Avoid hot tubs, saunas, etc. - **Eat Balanced Healthy Meals** - **Drink Plenty of Water** - **Get Enough Sleep & Rest** - **Go to Regular Check-ups** - **No Smoking/Drinking/Drugs** - **No Caffeinated Substances** - **Have a Support System:** Friends, family - **Mental and Emotional Care** - **Not Too Much Physical Activity** - **Avoid Spicy/Raw Foods:** Such as sushi, chili ### Stages of Foetal Development The development of the growing foetus is normally divided into three periods or trimesters. #### First Trimester: 0–13 weeks This stage begins on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) and lasts until the end of the 13th week. An egg matures in the ovary and upon ovulation, it is fertilized by sperm in the fallopian tube. The fertilized egg, or zygote, rapidly divides and implants itself into the uterine lining by the end of the first week, becoming an embryo. Critical structures, such as the neural tube and major organs, begin to develop. Early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness are common during this trimester. #### Second Trimester: 14–28 weeks The second trimester, often considered the most comfortable phase of pregnancy, spans from week 14 to week 28. By this time, the baby has undergone significant development and is now fully formed, though still small. Key milestones include the development of facial features, limbs, and internal organs. The baby’s skin becomes less transparent and begins to take on colour as fat layers develop. By the end of the second trimester, the baby can move, and many mothers begin to feel these movements. The organs continue to mature, preparing the baby for life outside the womb. Common experiences for mothers during this trimester include a decrease in morning sickness and increased energy levels, along with physical changes such as a growing belly and potential back pain as the body adjusts to the developing foetus. #### Third Trimester: 28–40 weeks The third trimester extends from week 28 until birth, typically around week 40. During this crucial period, the baby experiences rapid growth and maturation. The lungs develop more fully, and the baby begins to practice breathing movements. The brain undergoes significant growth, and the baby’s body systems continue to mature in preparation for delivery. By the end of the trimester, most babies assume a head-down position in preparation for birth. Expectant mothers may experience a variety of physical symptoms, including increased fatigue, swelling, and Braxton Hicks contractions as the body prepares for labour. Regular prenatal check-ups become increasingly important to monitor the health and development of both mother and baby, ensuring a safe delivery. #### Embryo VS Foetus - **Embryo:** The baby is referred to as an embryo from the time of implantation (around the end of the first week) until the end of the eighth week (up to 8 weeks). During this stage, the foundational structures and major organs begin to develop. - **Foetus:** After the eighth week of pregnancy, the baby is referred to as a foetus, which continues until birth (typically around 40 weeks). In this stage, the foetus undergoes significant growth and maturation, with further development of the organs and systems in preparation for life outside the womb. ### Labour Labour is divided into 3 stages: - The first stage is the slow opening of your cervix (neck of the womb), which happens with regular contractions of your uterus. - When your cervix is fully opened (dilated) the delivery (birth) of your baby follows. - The third stage is the separation and delivery of the placenta from your uterus. #### Early Labour Early labour usually happens at home. You may need to ring the hospital at the beginning of your labour to discuss a plan rather than waiting for contractions to become strong and regular - especially if you have had an operation on the uterus (such as a previous Caesarean section) or are expecting an early labour. - Phone the hospital where you are booked in to have the baby and speak to a midwife. - The midwife will ask about your pregnancy, your baby’s movements and what is currently happening with your labour. Usually, you will not need to be in hospital during the early stages of labour. When your labour starts, it’s important to keep calm and encourage your partner or the people with you to feel calm. A calm and relaxed environment will help you to deal with any discomfort you may be feeling and to make the best decision about when to go to hospital. #### Is it labour? You may have felt tightening of your uterus during your pregnancy. This tightening can happen more often and more strongly in the last few weeks of pregnancy. They can be quite regular, last for one to two minutes and may or may not be painful. They are known as **Braxton Hicks contractions** and are not labour. #### The beginning of labour One of the signs that labour may be about to start is having a bloodstained mucus discharge from your vagina. This discharge is called a ‘show’ and is quite normal. When your contractions start, they may be quite irregular in length and strength. It is a good idea to keep yourself busy in early labour. - Distract yourself with a relaxing activity such as watching TV, reading a book, or going for a walk. - Contact someone to keep you company. - If you go into labour at night, try to relax and get some sleep while your contractions are still irregular. Some women find keeping active and moving around helps with the pain. It also helps your baby move into position ready for the next stage of labour. In this first stage of labour, you may feel the contraction pains in your abdomen or back, or both. To help, you can: - Have a hot water bottle or hot pack placed on your back to give some relief. - You may find that a back massage whilst sitting upright will help. - Leaning forward over a beanbag/ball or sitting back-to-front in a chair with some support pillows may take some of the pressure off your back and abdomen. #### What to do next When your contractions are becoming stronger and regular you may like to start timing them and writing down the time (over half an hour or so). - See how many minutes there are from the beginning of one contraction until the next one begins. - You can also time how long the contractions last. As your contractions become more regular (approximately 7-10 minutes apart), it is a good idea for you or someone else to phone the hospital. - Phone the hospital where you are booked in to having the baby and speak to a midwife. - The midwife will ask about your pregnancy, your baby’s movements and what is currently happening with your labour. - You will be advised to come in or stay at home for a little longer. Usually, it will be time to go to hospital when: - Your contractions are about 5 minutes apart, or - You no longer feel comfortable being at home, or - Your waters break (it doesn’t matter whether you are having contractions). When you do decide it is time to go to hospital, it is important to call the hospital and let them know you are coming in. - At some hospitals, you may find that you need to go to the maternity section and others to the emergency section. You can ask your doctor or midwife where you should go. ### Labour Stages #### First Stage: Latent Phase This stage begins when labour contractions start and continues until the cervix fully opens (about 10cm) as the muscles of the uterus contract to help the baby move down. - **Latent Phase:** The early part of the first stage of labour, when contractions begin but are typically mild, irregular and spaced far apart. The cervix slowly softens, thins out, and dilates to about 3-4cm. #### First Stage: Active Phase The active phase is the part of the first stage of labour when contractions become stronger and more regular, and the cervix dilates more quickly from about 4cm to 10cm as the body prepares to give birth. #### First Stage: Transition Phase This is the final part of the first stage of labour, when the cervix dilates from 8-10 cm and contractions become very strong, long, and close together as the body prepares for pushing and giving birth. #### Second Stage: Birth This stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of the baby, as the mother pushes and the baby moves down the birth canal. #### Third Stage: Afterbirth This stage happens after the baby is born and involves the delivery of the placenta, which is pushed out of the uterus. #### How long does labour last? - The **latent phase** is the earliest and least painful part of true labour. During this phase you may experience some pain and discomfort, but often the pattern of contractions is not regular. Most people stay at home during this time. - The **second or active phase** of the first stage of labour is where your cervix starts to open. At the same time your contractions usually become more regular, around three or four minutes apart and last up to a minute or so. The cervix dilates to around 7cm. This is usually considered to be the start of true labour. - The **transition phase** is when the contractions become more intense, painful and frequent. It may feel like the contractions are no longer separate but running into each other. The cervix may take around an hour or so to dilate the final 3cm. It is not unusual to feel a strong urge to go to the toilet as the baby’s head pushes against the rectum. The birth of your baby will occur soon. For women having their first baby, an average first stage of labour usually lasts around 12-14 hours, but it can be many hours longer. This stage of labour for women having second or later babies’ averages about 7 hours. This is only a guide, and you may find that your labour is shorter or longer than these times. #### Cervical Dilation Chart This chart visually represents cervical dilation in centimeters. To give birth vaginally, you need to be 10 cm dilated. ### Birth Options #### Vaginal Birth The most common method of childbirth, where the baby is delivered through the birth canal. It can be spontaneous or assisted using tools like forceps or a vacuum. Vaginal births typically have shorter recovery times and fewer complications for mother and baby. #### Caesarean Section (C-section) A surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It can be planned or done in an emergency and is often used when vaginal birth poses risks. Recovery is often longer, with higher risks of infection. #### Water Birth The mother gives birth in a pool of warm water, which can ease labour pain and reduce the need for pain medication. It's a natural birth option that offers relaxation, but it comes with slight risks of water inhalation by the baby. #### Home Birth Birth takes place at home with a midwife or doula. This option provides a comfortable, familiar environment and more control over the birth experience. However, access to emergency care is limited, so it's not recommended for high-risk pregnancies. #### Induced Labour Medical process of initiating contractions to deliver a baby when waiting for natural labour could pose risks to the mother or baby. It is commonly done if the pregnancy goes beyond 41-42 weeks, if the mother's water breaks without contractions, or if health conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes arise. Other reasons include concerns about the baby's growth, placental issues, or multiple pregnancies. Labour can be induced using medications or other methods, typically under medical supervision in a hospital setting. #### Natural Labour This is a vaginal birth without the use of pain medication, where the mother experiences the full labour process. While it may involve more pain, it allows for greater awareness and shorter recovery without the side effects of medication. #### Differences between C-section and Natural Birth A natural birth is when the baby is delivered through the birth canal after labour and pushing, while a C-section (Caesarean section) is a surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through a cut made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. #### Potential Risks of Water Birth and Home Birth - **Water Birth:** Small risk of infection if the water is not kept clean. The baby could have breathing difficulties if there are complications during delivery. - **Home Birth:** It can be harder for medical staff to respond quickly if an emergency happens. There is a higher risk of complications if not managed properly. ### First 24 Hours at Home with Your Baby You've probably heard that all a newborn baby does is eat, poop, cry, and sleep. Sounds simple, right? It may be, for some, but chances are it won't seem that way at first. Knowing what to expect from your newborn will make your first day's home together a little less overwhelming. #### What to expect: Newborn feeding Because their stomachs are tiny, newborns need to eat small amounts – about 1 to 3 ounces – frequently. Some want to nurse or have a bottle every two to three hours, while others will be hungry more often. While some babies announce their hunger with strong cries, others will give more subtle cues such as sucking on their hands. In their first few days, newborns typically lose about 7 percent of their body weight. While this is normal, you'll want to feed your baby every two hours or so until they're back at their birth weight. Newborns are sleepy, so you may need to wake your baby up to feed and give gentle encouragement to stay awake while eating. The goal is for your baby to be back to their birth weight at their 2-week check-up. #### What to expect: Newborn burps, hiccups, and spit-ups When your baby swallows, air bubbles can become trapped in the stomach and cause discomfort. Burping allows your baby to remove some of that gassiness to relieve the pain. Some newborns need to be burped frequently, while others burp on their own and need very little assistance from you. If your baby is fussy or uncomfortable during or after a feeding, that’s a cue to burp them. You need to bang your baby’s back like a bongo – a gentle circular motion or soft pats will bring up the bubbles. There are several burping positions to try, including holding your baby with their head resting on your shoulder, sitting upright on your lap with the fingers of one hand supporting the chest and chin, or laying your baby tummy-down across your lap. #### What to expect: Newborn pee and poop Breastfed newborn will have at least five wet diapers a day. A formula-fed baby may have more than that – up to ten per day. You’ll want to keep track of your baby’s pee and schedule, as the doctor may ask about their urine and bowel movements at the one month check up. A large range for what’s a “normal” number of bowel movements, too. Breastfed babies vary widely, going from once every four or more days to as often as every feeding. Formula-fed babies typically poop a few times a day. The very first bowel movements – usually occurring during the first day or two, even when you’re still at the hospital – are called meconium. These first poops have a black, almost tar-like consistency. The following won’t look much like grown-up poop, either. Be prepared for greenish-yellow poop that looks like mustard yellow poop. If a breastfed baby, a formula-fed baby’s poop tends to be softer and vary in colour. Call the doctor if your baby’s stool contains whitish mucus or streaks or flecks of red, which can indicate a problem. #### What to expect: Newborn crying There’s no getting around this one: Your newborn will cry. How often, how hard, and how long is entirely variable and will change over time. For the first few days, many newborns are remarkably quiet and sleepy. But by two weeks old, a typical newborn will cry about two hours a day. (Crying usually increases until about six to eight weeks of age, then starts to taper off.) Over time, it’s easier to figure out why your baby’s crying. At this point, run through the most likely culprits – diaper change, hungry, overfed, uncomfortable – and you’ll probably find the source. If not, another reason for early fussiness can be overstimulation. Some infants get fussy when they’re amidst too much commotion or activity. There will be times, however, when your baby cries with no clear cause, and you’ll need to figure out what soothes your baby. #### What to expect: Newborn sleep Your newborn’s tiny tummy will likely keep them from dozing more than a few hours at a time before they wake up to eat. All the short naps will add up, though – your newborn will sleep about 16 to 18 hours total each day. You may want to track when and where your baby sleeps, to identify patterns and answer any questions from your baby’s doctor. Luckily, newborns have the amazing ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere – in the car seat, baby carrier, bassinet, or in your arms. Many new babies love being swaddled, too. Being snugly wrapped up mimics the environment your baby is used to from being in the womb. No matter where your baby sleeps, always put them on their back and remove all loose blankets, as well as bumpers, pillows, quilts, and toys to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also, never leave a sleeping baby unattended on a couch or bed as the risk of rolling or falling is always present, even if your baby can’t roll on their own yet. ### Newborn Care #### What to expect: Newborn bathing Keeping your baby clean in the first couple of days is pretty basic. For now, you won’t need the baby bathtub. While your baby’s umbilical cord stump is still hanging on, it should not be immersed in water. Sponge baths are enough to keep a newborn clean for the first week or two. In fact, too much bathing could dry out your baby’s skin. Use a warm, damp washcloth or unscented wipes to gently wipe around neckfolds and other areas where breast milk, formula, or moisture might accumulate, finishing with the genitals. If you notice any redness or irritation in the diaper area, a swipe of diaper cream or petroleum jelly should help. #### What you really need: Newborn clothes Cute outfits will probably take a back seat to ease and comfort at first – after all, you want clothes that are easy to change, and that work well for you. Many parents use some combination of T-shirts, one-piece bodysuits, and footed pajamas, plus a swaddling blanket or a sleep sack in cold weather or at night. If your newborn dislikes having clothes pulled over their head or umbilical cord stump is sensitive, kimono-style one-piece outfits that snap at the sides can come in handy. Use your common sense as well as your own internal thermostat to gauge how many layers to put on your baby. Many people adhere to the age-old “what you’re wearing plus one layer” rule. #### What to expect: Your transition home Bringing home a baby is a life-altering change, and you shouldn’t expect to adapt to it the moment you walk through the door. In fact, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few months to get your bearings. While you’re navigating this huge adjustment, remember to cut yourself some slack and let go of your ideas about how things “should” be. Your body is dealing with fluctuating hormone levels, healing from giving birth, and is seriously sleep-deprived. Your mind is adjusting to this new stage of life. You may laugh, cry, be frustrated, get excited, and feel a mix of emotions. You may find that caring for a newborn – simple as those needs are – takes up an astonishing amount of time, making it hard to fit in even the basics for yourself. About 70 to 80 percent of new mothers experience the “baby blues” during the hormonal roller coaster that is the first few weeks after delivery. Luckily, the baby blues are short-lived, generally fading within two weeks. All moms should be aware of them, though, and of the signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Compared to the baby blues, PPD lasts longer and is more severe. PPD affects 1 in 10 women. Getting treatment is important for both you and your baby, so if you have symptoms of PPD, talk to your partner or someone close to you for support and discuss your symptoms with your doctor. #### Post-birth body changes for mum Your body is also going through major physical changes. About 72 hours after giving birth, your milk will come in. Often, this coincides with your first day at home. Until now you’ve been producing the coveted, antibody-rich colostrum, which is often called your baby’s first milk and will improve your baby’s immune system. You’ll know when the real deal comes in because your breasts become noticeably fuller, firmer, and heavier. While many people assume breastfeeding comes naturally, it’s not uncommon to hit some bumps in the road – especially early on. “Even if you were coached by a lactation consultant or nurse at the hospital, you may need more help after you head home,” says board certified lactation consultant and childbirth educator Sabrina Easterling. A lactation consultant can be invaluable for troubleshooting problems with breastfeeding and getting adequate assistance and education in these first few days. With help, you’ll start to learn the finer points – from getting the perfect latch to finding your favourite hold. If you had a vaginal delivery, you’ll probably be quite sore. If you had a tear or an episiotomy, it may be extra painful. Apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the area to reduce swelling. Some women swear by witch hazel pads for reducing inflammation, too. When you go to the bathroom, use a squirt water bottle instead of wiping, which can be painful. Many women experienced severe constipation after delivery, and stool softeners can help. Also, for about six weeks after delivery you’ll probably need to wear a full-size sanitary pad to absorb the flow of blood called lochia, which ranges in colour from red to yellow to white. A c-section is major abdominal surgery, and if you had one, you’ll need someone to help you with almost everything for at least a week – from basic household tasks to picking up your baby for feeding and diaper changes. In fact, many doctors advise their patients not to pick up anything heavier than the baby until they get the doctor’s all-clear at the first postpartum check-up. You’ll probably leave the hospital with some form of pain medication, and it’s a god idea to track what medicine you take and when. Call your doctor if you notice blood or pus seeping from the incision, as that could indicate infection or a blood clot. As with those who’ve had a vaginal delivery, you’ll want to avoid straining on the toilet. One of the most shocking things about your post-baby body might be the one thing that didn’t change: You may still look pregnant. If so, don’t fret, it typically takes weeks – or months – for your body (especially your belly) to fully recover. In the meantime, it’s perfectly normal to keep wearing maternity clothes after giving birth. ### Immunisation #### Definition Immunisation is the process of protecting a person from a disease by giving them a vaccine that helps their body build immunity. #### What is a vaccine? A vaccine is a substance that helps protect the body from a specific disease, and it works by introducing a weakened or inactivated part of a germ so the immune system learns to recognize and fight it off quickly in the future. #### Types of Vaccination Vaccines can be given by: - Injection - Orally #### How do vaccines work? Vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection. We come into contact daily with people in many different settings, for example at schools and shopping centres, and during this contact it is easy for infectious diseases to be transmitted. The greater number of people immunised, the less risk of people becoming infected and spreading the disease to others. #### Who benefits from vaccines? In the short term, immunisation protects individuals from a specific infectious disease and its immediate complications. But immunisation may also have long-term protective effects – from cancer and other chronic conditions. An important feature of immunisation is that it also benefits the entire community. When a significant proportion of individuals in a community have become immune to a specific disease through immunisation, people who are still susceptible to the disease are less likely to come into contact with someone who is carrying the infectious agent. This is known as **herd immunity**. #### What is herd immunity? If enough people are immunised against a contagious disease, it is possible to protect most of the community from the disease. This is called ‘herd’ protection. If you have good herd protection (at least 95% are immunised) then even those who are not able to be immunised, for example very young infants, or people with medical conditions, are protected from the disease. #### Childhood Immunisation During the first few years of your child’s life, he or she will need several immunisations to offer protection against the most serious childhood infections. Young children need more doses of vaccine because their immune system is still developing and does not work as well as the immune system of older children and adults. #### Vaccine Side Effects Common side effects of receiving a vaccine include: - Soreness, redness, or pain at the injection site - A small hard lump appearing at the injection site - Swelling - Vomiting - Diarrhoea - Decreased appetite - Sleepiness - Irritability - Mild fever - Headache #### Before your child is vaccinated It is important that you are aware of information about the benefits and risks of vaccination before any vaccine is given to your child. At your vaccination appointment your health provider will provide you with information about the particular vaccines your child will receive and will describe any common or rare side effects that your child may experience and how they can be managed. In some cases, it is recommended that vaccination be withheld or delayed due to underlying medical conditions. Let your health provider know if your child: - Has had a severe reaction following any past vaccination. - Has had a history of severe allergy where vaccination is not recommended. - Has had a live vaccine within the last month (e.g., tuberculosis, measles, yellow fever). - Has had an injection of immunoglobulin or whole blood transfusion in the last 3 months. - Has a disease that lowers immunity, (e.g., leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers