PREGNACY/OBSTETRICS
Greece has been the country with the lowest perinatal mortality rate globally. At pelargos IVF we do private obstetrics. We realise that private obstetrics means to try to fullfill to the maximum possible degree pregnant’s desires. We perform our deliveries to the biggest and safest Maternity Hospitals in Athens. We follow Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines and mother’s & and baby’s health is paramount for us.
If a woman wants to try a pool delivery and fullfills our criteria, we shall do our best to achieve this. If a woman prefers to deliver through an elective caesarian section for tocophobia will be able to offer that. Destination is not always what only matters. Sometimes the travel itself can be equally important. We want our pregnants to remember their pregnancy as an unforgettable journey to the best destination in the world, family, and we ensure we offer them everything they need , to be safe and happy, throughout the journey.
FAQ
Sex and pregnancy. Answers to all the questions
Sex and sexuality are very important factors of women’s everyday life. No woman should feel ashamed to discuss this topic with her gynecologist, especially during her pregnancy. A woman in her pregnancy is just pregnant, not sick. It is important to flash back in her pregnancy pleasantly and not to be deprived of activities that make her happy with no real reason at all. Sex is one of them.
Sex is allowed during pregnancy, unless there is a specific problem. In this case your doctor will advice you against it. But if everything goes smoothly, sex cannot cause any problem. Your baby is protected, inside the amniotic sac and amniotic fluid, behind the cervix and the cervical mucus, which is there to prevent infection growing inside the uterus. Orgasm does produce micro contractions, but those have nothing to do with normal contractions and do not trigger labor or miscarriages. Oral sex is allowed , unless partner has got active Herpes lesions.
Anal sex is recommended to be avoided, in order not to spread infections from bowel to vagina, as well as on low lying placenta history and hemorrhoids. Despite that, when taking the right hygiene precautions and with care not to be followed by vaginal intercourse, risks are minimum. Of course, when there is history of low lying placenta, cervical incompetence, ruptured membranes, placental abruption or sexual diseases, your doctor might advice you to abstain. A woman’s body changes throughout pregnancy. If the couple’s libido will increase or reduce during pregnancy, depends on several different factors and can differ for each couple.
It is important for every couple to be informed properly about the fact that usually sex will not harm the baby, as this reassurance can offer them psychological discharge. High estrogen levels can increase libido. Normal vaginal discharge and hydration of the vagina in pregnancy, can favor intercourse. Enlargement of external genitals can increase sexuality, whereas their hypersensitivity can cause pain and discomfort in intercourse. The same applies to breasts.
On the other hand the fact that contraception is not needed and femininity grows during pregnancy, can positively contribute to the couple’s libido, but stress that the baby may be harmed is a negative factor. Combination of the above makes each couple’s reaction different, as far as it regards sexuality in pregnancy. After pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, low estrogen levels and pain make intercourse difficult. If delivery was vaginal and suturing took place, sex is recommended to restart after a minimum period of 3 weeks. Usually though, it takes longer.
Coffee and pregnancy
You do not need to completely quit coffee if you are addicted to it, but you definitely need to cut down. A big study from 2008 has proved that more than 200 mg of coffee/day, doubles the miscarriage rates. This lead American college of obstetricians and gynecologists, to recommend coffee consumption of less than 2 cups per day, especially in the first trimester. We need though to be aware of the fact that coca cola, tea, energy drinks and chocolate also contain caffeine.
So ideally consumption of up to two cups of coffee per day does not cause problems, but overconsumption is strictly forbidden. Increased heart rate and insomnia, which can be caused by coffee’s overconsumption, can aggravate already existing normal pregnancies’ side effects.
Other studies that are not randomized, note that overconsumption of caffeine has been associated with intra uterine growth restriction and increased rate of Intrauterine deaths. So pregnancy offers a good chance not to completely quit a nice enjoyment like coffee, but to restrict it to reasonable levels.
How much weight should I put on during my pregnancy?
The answers vary. As a general rule the ideal weight addition for a pregnant woman is between 8-11 kg. Of course it all depends on the initial weight. Do not forget that most of the weight that a pregnant woman puts on throughout her pregnancy is placental weight, fetal weight and weight caused by fluids retention and amniotic fluid.
Overweight and obese women, need to take care of their weight more. These women are already in increased risk of pregnancy related hypertension, diabetes or even preeclampsia. So special diet is required for them. Despite that, diet needs to be controlled and healthy for any pregnant woman, aiming not to lose weight, but just to keep it under control.
Every woman who is obese should preferably go on a diet in order to lose weight, before pregnancy. Not only in order to increase her pregnancy chances, but more importantly because normal weight women are in reduced risk of pregnancy complications. Pregnancy related diabetes, risk of IUD, venous thrombosis, caesarian section and instrumental delivery rates, as well as infection rates, post delivery bleeding and hypertension/preeclampsia issues are less in non obese women.
Can I be pregnant and go to the gym?
Of course you can. Actually keeping yourself fit during pregnancy helps you control your weight, reduces your stress and makes your body adjust to pregnancy changes better. It can also help you going back to your pre pregnancy levels quicker after delivery. Specific pelvic floor exercises help in pushing during a normal delivery.
Do not forget. You are not sick. You are just pregnant. On the other hand, exaggerating in pregnancy is not a good thing at all. So if you have never actually exercised before pregnancy it would be better to take it easy. Maximum of 15-30 min of aerobic exercise 3 times per week is enough. It is important not to exhaust yourselves, dehydrate or lose your normal breaths when pregnant and exercising.
If you do well, you can gradually and carefully increase it. Always stretch you muscles before and after training. Make sure you do not exercise in warm environments and consume lots of water during your time spent in the gym. Special yoga and Pilates classes for pregnant women exist. It is very important that your personal trainer is familiar with pregnancy exercises. From the 2nd trimester on it would be better to avoid lying on your back for long time, as well as over stretching.
Contact sports like boxing, kickboxing and judo are advised to be avoided. The same applies to sports that have high risk of accidents like bicycling, skiing and horse riding. Scuba diving is not recommended, as well as exercising in altitudes of more than 2500 m.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage can be really stress relieving. Also it has been proved that it can help with sciatic nerve pain, which is sometimes experienced in third trimester. Generally massage helps to stimulate soft tissues. As a result, swelling and edemas can be relieved. Muscle aches, stress hormones and even depression rates could be reduced, as many studies have proven. Even labor outcomes can be improved according to a few studies.
It is very important though, to have your massage with a therapist who is specialised. There are massage therapists trained in prenatal massage.
A massage therapist should pay attention to positioning. After 18 weeks of pregnancy, a pregnant woman should not lie down on her back. This can cause hypotension, because of the possibility that a large blood vessel, called the vena, could be compressed. There are special beds, which allow a pregnant woman to lie face down. Others will place you on your side with pillows. Pelvis and lower abdominal massage is better to be avoided in the first trimester. Mild Swedish massage though, without too much pressure is allowed.
Aromatherapy
There is no research regarding aromatherapy and pregnancy. Because of this, aromatherapy should preferably be avoided.
Facials
Facial treatments either as a relaxing technique or a healing process should preferably be avoided during pregnancy. We know that skin in pregnancy, especially facial, could become very sensitive. Therefore, it is suggested to take extra caution with anything that can affect it.
Waxing
Due to physiological changes and the skin’s hypersensitivity in pregnancy, waxing is more painful. The good news is that it is generally safe to have even large areas of your body waxed. Just be sure that your esthetician or dermatologist is sensitive to your comfort level during waxing—and that all the hygiene rules are followed. If you want an appointment with our collaborating aesthetic dermatologist, contact us in order to refer you.
Coloring, Perming, and Straightening Hair
Chemically treating hair during pregnancy has long been a subject steeped in controversy. While there have not been any conclusive studies done, most healthcare providers will suggest waiting to color or perm hair until after the first trimester, minimizing any possible effect on the developing fetus. In addition, changing your hair color or texture can be a smelly business, and sensitivity to fumes is usually at its peak during the first trimester.
Manicures and Pedicures
Towards the end of your pregnancy a salon pedicure may be more a necessity rather than luxury—after all, it is hard to polish toenails that you cannot reach! Fortunately, there is no need for concern about the safety of having either your feet or your fingernails done. While many expectant women worry about chemical fumes from the products used, it is not really. Simply make sure that you have your manicure and pedicure done in a well-ventilated room.
Tanning Beds
While there is no hard evidence that tanning beds can harm your baby, there is solid proof that they can be quite bad for you. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration tanning beds expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin cancer. Skin that is stretched out—common in pregnancy—is also more easily damaged.
In addition, pregnant women are prone to a condition called chloasma (often described as “the mask of pregnancy”), in which the facial skin darkens in patches. Exposure to UV rays may aggravate this condition.
Tanning beds are not recommended.
Spray-on Tans
The spray-on or “airbrush” tans available in many salons are considered safe for external application during pregnancy. Their active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar derivative that stains the surface of the skin.
However, according to the FDA, DHA has not been proven safe for ingestion or inhalation. So take precautions when choosing a salon. If the salon does not offer protection for your eyes, mouth, nose, and ears while you are in the spray-on tanning booth, go somewhere else.
Tooth Whitening
A brilliant white smile is white-hot right now, but unfortunately tooth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. There is no data to indicate whether tooth whitening procedures are safe and therefore expectant mothers should err on the side of caution.
In addition hormone changes during and soon after pregnancy often affect gum tissue leading to a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis”—swollen, tender, and sometimes bleeding gums. The bleach in tooth whiteners can aggravate this condition. To keep your smile bright during your pregnancy, ensure good oral hygiene: brushing, flossing, and keeping up with scheduled dental visits.
What should my pregnancy diet include?
In pregnancy you feel that you have a growing appetite. Of course this does not mean that you should eat for two. Most important, like in every part of life, is the quality and not the quantity. In pregnancy it is so important to have a healthy and well-controlled diet, so that your baby will receive all the important vitamins for its correct development. Eat healthy, means to eat a variety of food.
In pregnancy we do not try to lose weight, even if we are obese. We only try to control our weight. A complete breakfast is very important in order not to reduce consumption of snacks and small meals that do not offer anything apart from putting on excessive weight. We recommend consumption of up to 5 fruits or vegetables per day. We need to take care to wash them well, before consumption, in order to reduce risk of toxoplasmosis contamination.
Carbon hydrates included in food like pasta, bread, rice, potatoes, should be an essential part of our everyday diet. This applies to pregnancy too. Proteins are equally important. You should consume poultry, cooked eggs and beans, which include large amount of proteins. Balance your diet by consuming up to two meals of fish per week. However, there is fish that you should avoid.
Finally vegetables are safe and a necessary part of a balanced diet, which is important in pregnancy. However, it is important to ensure that they are washed well to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Alcohol should be restricted to less than 2 glasses of wine per week, especially in the first trimester.
Cheese contains calcium and other vitamin traces that are important in pregnancy. Ensure though, that they are made from pasteurized milk and avoid soft cheese to reduce risk of listeria. Foods that include fat and sugar rarely offer to a healthy diet. It is better to restrict consumption of chocolate, cakes, ice creams, butter and biscuits to a minimum, since they can only add weight without offering much to your babies’ healthy development.
If you get hungry between your normal every day meals, it is better to prefer snacks like low fat yoghurt, fruits, milk with cereals, salads etc. Lots of small meals, rather than 2 large in quantity meals per day, can offer important help when women suffer from nausea and hyperemesis, during the first trimester. Avoid fatty, spicy, strong odored and fried food can also help to reduce pregnancy related vomiting.
Book a Skype consultation and long distance online weight management(what’s up application) with our clinical dietician based in London or our Athens based recommended team. They will take you through everything you need as far as it regards your weight management in pregnancy and not only.
