Course Content
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Congratulations, mama-to-be! Your pregnancy journey is just beginning, and it's going to be an incredible adventure. In this module, we'll help you understand the incredible changes that are happening inside your body, as well as the stages of pregnancy you can expect to experience. But this isn't just about the physical changes you'll be going through. It's also about understanding the deep emotional journey of pregnancy. We'll help you explore the joy, wonder, and even the challenges of this incredible time in your life. By the end of this module, you'll feel empowered with knowledge and a deep understanding of your pregnancy journey. You'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby, and you'll be ready to embrace the incredible journey ahead.
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Hello and Welcome!
04:36
Your Amazing Uterus
19:49
The Exit
15:39
The Tree of Life
15:12
Your Baby’s Watery World
15:34
Your Baby’s Lifeline
13:49
The Passage of Birth
21:04
Your Hormone Helpers
09:57
Breathing In – Breathing Out
28:34
Your Birth Blueprint
18:34
The Rainbow Relaxation
21:04
Next Steps
Understanding Your Pregnancy
Congratulations, mama-to-be! Your pregnancy journey is just beginning, and it's going to be an incredible adventure. In this module, we'll help you understand the incredible changes that are happening inside your body, as well as the stages of pregnancy you can expect to experience. But this isn't just about the physical changes you'll be going through. It's also about understanding the deep emotional journey of pregnancy. We'll help you explore the joy, wonder, and even the challenges of this incredible time in your life. By the end of this module, you'll feel empowered with knowledge and a deep understanding of your pregnancy journey. You'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby, and you'll be ready to embrace the incredible journey ahead.
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Overview of the stages of pregnancy
Common symptoms and changes to expect during each trimester
Introduction to prenatal care and its importance
Kick Counts and Baby Movement
Optimal Nutrition During Pregnancy
One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is to prioritize good nutrition. Eating a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy can help ensure that you're getting all the nutrients you and your baby need to thrive. But we know that eating well isn't always easy, especially when you're dealing with morning sickness, food aversions, and cravings. Don't worry though, we're here to help! With a little planning and some simple tips and tricks, you can make sure you're getting the right balance of nutrients in your diet. Some key nutrients to focus on during pregnancy include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. You don't need to eat for two, but you do need to make sure you're getting enough of these nutrients to support your growing baby. We'll provide you with plenty of delicious and nutritious recipe ideas to make meal planning a breeze. And we'll also cover some common myths about pregnancy nutrition and give you the facts you need to make informed choices. Remember, taking care of yourself during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Let's get started on this journey together!
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Optimal Nutrition During Pregnancy
Iron in Pregnancy
Folate in Pregnancy
Calcium in Pregnancy
Vitamin D in Pregnancy
Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy
Exercise in Pregnancy
I know that pregnancy can be a busy and sometimes overwhelming time, but I want to make sure that you're taking care of yourself every step of the way. One important aspect of self-care during pregnancy is exercise. Exercise during pregnancy can have many benefits for both you and your baby. It can help you manage your weight, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, improve your mood, and even make labor and delivery easier. But I understand that the idea of exercise during pregnancy can be daunting. You might have questions about what types of exercise are safe, how much is enough, and what to do if you're experiencing common pregnancy symptoms like fatigue or back pain. Don't worry, I'm here to help and at the end of this module you will feel confident and comfortable exercising during pregnancy. We'll cover the types of exercise that are safe and effective, modifications you can make as your pregnancy progresses and tips on how to listen to your body and adjust your routine based on how you're feeling. Remember, exercise during pregnancy is all about taking care of yourself and your growing baby. It doesn't have to be a chore, either. We'll give you plenty of fun and enjoyable ideas for staying active throughout your pregnancy.
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Safe Exercises and Modifications
59:34
Prenatal Yoga
03:26
Sleep in Pregnancy
I know it's tough to get some good shut-eye when you're growing a human inside of you. But trust me, getting enough sleep during pregnancy is essential for both you and your little one's health. In this lesson, we'll dive into the importance of sleep during pregnancy, how it changes during different trimesters, and some helpful sleep aids to ensure a comfortable night's rest.
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The Boppy Pillow and more
06:09
Stress in Pregnancy
There are many factors that can contribute to stress during pregnancy, such as changes in your body, worries about the health of your baby, financial concerns, and preparing for the arrival of your little one. It's normal to feel anxious and worried at times, but excessive stress can lead to negative physical and emotional effects. taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as taking care of your physical health during pregnancy. It's okay to ask for help and support when you need it.
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Depression in Pregnancy
Mindful Pregnancy
21:05
Prenatal Tests and Screening
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Blood Tests During Pregnancy
04:00
Dating Scan
03:00
The NT scan aka Nuchal Translucency Scan
01:17
The Anomoly Scan aka Anatomy Scan
02:27
The Growth Scan
Non Invasive Prenatal Test NIPT
04:18
Common Discomforts and Complications
As you embark on this exciting journey, you may experience various discomforts and complications that can be confusing and alarming. However, it is essential to remember that many of these symptoms are normal, while others may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention. You may be wondering if you are considered a low-risk or high-risk pregnancy. The good news is that the vast majority of pregnancies are low-risk and have a positive outcome for both mother and baby. A low-risk pregnancy means that you have no significant health issues or pre-existing conditions that could potentially complicate your pregnancy. This is great news, as it means that you are more likely to have a smooth and uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. In fact, over 80% of pregnancies are considered low-risk. However, if you do have a pre-existing medical condition or develop certain conditions during pregnancy, you may be considered high-risk. These conditions include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, high blood pressure, preterm labor, and multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.). These conditions can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and require more frequent monitoring by your healthcare provider. While being categorized as high-risk may feel daunting, it's important to remember that healthcare providers are trained to manage these conditions and provide appropriate care. In fact, with proper monitoring and treatment, the vast majority of high-risk pregnancies have positive outcomes for both mother and baby. According to statistics, only 10-15% of pregnancies are considered high-risk. And of those, the majority of women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. Thanks to modern medical technology and skilled healthcare providers, the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies have decreased significantly in recent years. If you are considered high-risk, your healthcare provider will work closely with you to manage your condition and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. This may include more frequent check-ups, specialized tests or treatments, or early delivery. In conclusion, the majority of pregnancies are low-risk and have a positive outcome for both mother and baby. If you are considered high-risk, rest assured that with proper care and monitoring, the risks can be managed, and the majority of women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. If you are a member of The Due Date Club you can hop on one of our regular Live Q and A sessions with me (The Virtual Midwife) or one of our guest experts. Sometimes all you need is reassurance. It is essential to trust your intuition and listen to your body and you will learn more about this in the Hypnobirthing Course. If you feel that something is not right or if you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, always talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.
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Bleeding in Pregnancy
08:27
Relaxin and Relax-In
01:33
Low Lying Placenta
15:00
Gestational diabetes
36:32
Too Little Water
06:29
Too Much Water
Preeclampsia
00:00
Diet and Preeclampsia
Thrush in Pregnancy
Birth Choices
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Who Will Provide Your Care in Pregnancy
The Difference between a Midwife and a Doula
Where to Have your Baby
01:04:14
How to Have Your Baby
Who to Have With You During Labor and Birth
A fun exercise
00:00
Last Words
I hope you've enjoyed this course and you're feeling inspired, motivated and informed. I look forward to getting to know you in the Due Month Groups where I post regular updates and more fun and interactive exercises and activities. Save the date for the next Ask The Midwife session if you have any questions or just want to chat! See you there, Love Karen
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This is not goodbye!
Just Found Out
About Lesson

Prenatal Blood Tests

If you are having your antenatal care in South Africa you can expect that you will have what is called “Antenatal Blood Screen” are your first visit. This includes 

Hemoglobin test  or Hb 

This test is part of the Booking Antenatal Blood Screen to detect anemia by checking your hemaglobin level or Hb.  

Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. During pregnancy, you need double the amount of iron that non pregnant women need  to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby.

Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

  • Hepatitis B: This test checks for the hepatitis B virus, which can be passed from mother to baby during delivery. If a mother tests positive, the baby will receive medication and a vaccine shortly after birth to prevent infection.

  • Syphilis: This test checks for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious complications during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can cause stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

  • Rubella: This test checks for immunity to rubella, a viral infection that can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

  • HIV: This test checks for the human immunodeficiency virus, which can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Treatment during pregnancy can reduce the risk of transmission.

This test is part of the Booking Antenatal Blood Screen. Any bacterial infections identified would be treated with antibiotics  and attempt to prevent infection of the infant.

Blood Type and Rh Factor – Do you know your blood type?

This test determines your blood type and whether you have a protein called Rh factor on the surface of your red blood cells. If you are Rh-negative and your partner is Rh-positive, you may require additional testing to monitor your pregnancy for Rh incompatibility.

The video below explains the significance of knowing your blood type. This test is part of the Booking Antenatal Blood Screen.

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