FAQ | The answers to all your questions

Once my waters break, how long is it safe to wait before contractions begin?
For some women who are full term (ie. 37 weeks and over) and whose waters break, contractions don’t begin immediately – this is referred to as PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes). In other words  [read more]

Does amniotic fluid regenerate once your waters break?
A common misconception amongst pregnant women is that the amniotic fluid regenerates once the "waters have broken". This however is not true and means that if a woman's waters were to break before 40  [read more]

How and where do I get a birth certificate?
All children born in South Africa must be registered within 30 days of their birth at the Department of Home Affairs (in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.) A parent, parents, g  [read more]

When do you need to start antenatal classes?
Unfortunately most antenatal classes are not scheduled with just your pregnancy in mind. They are run in batches from time to time. What we suggest is find out from your Gynae who he/she recommends  [read more]

How soon can I test to find out if I’m pregnant?
This depends on two things – your personal cycle and the type of pregnancy test you use. Some pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy before the date that you are due to begin your period (as early as  [read more]

When will my baby sleep through the night?
If your child is content and healthy, there is no reason why he should not be sleeping through by 4 months. According to experts the term ‘sleeping through’ can mean anything from a 5 hour stretc  [read more]

Is it safe to use a safety belt while pregnant?
Not only is it safe but it's a must - if mom is safe, baby is safe. According to research the best way to protect your baby is to keep yourself out of harm's way.  The belt should be positioned prope  [read more]

What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
Seafood high in mercury Raw seafood Undercooked meats, poultry and eggs Certain soft cheeses Alcohol and caffeine Peanut products Click here for more in-depth info on what foods to av  [read more]

What is a chemical pregnancy?
With a chemical pregnancy, a couple will take a pregnancy test and if it's taken at just the right time, it will show up positive, but if they happen to take another pregnancy test a few days later th  [read more]

My partner is not interested in me sexually. Does he find my pregnant body unattractive?
You are feeling beautiful but your partner shows no interest - what's up with him? Let's have a look at what might be going on in that logical yet sensitive mind of his: His lack of interest mi  [read more]

Is sex safe during pregnancy?
Get the go-ahead If your gynae gave you his stamp of approval there is absolutely no reason why you and your partner cannot enjoy a healthy sex life. If your gynae says “no sex”, find out exactly  [read more]

What are my chances of expecting twins?
Twin pregnancies occur more often today than they ever have - general statistics show that in the 21st century as many as three in 100 natural pregnancies and one in four pregnancies with fertility dr  [read more]

How do I know when I am ovulating?
Ovulation signs and symptoms Breast sensitivity Cramping of the abdomen Increased vaginal secretions Practical tools and tips to determine if you are ovulating: Measure your basal body  [read more]

What options are available to treat infertility?
Depending on the reason for the infertility, there may be several treatment options. For example: Timed intercourse – Assuming there are no obvious medical reasons for either partner to be consid  [read more]

What is IVF?
Mbali Lechler, managing director of FertilityCareSA, an egg donation and surrogacy programme based in Cape Town, says IVF is an acronym for in vitro fertilization ('in-vitro' meaning 'in glass'). In -  [read more]

Seven ways to stay upbeat when feeling down about infertility
A woman facing infertility can feel lonely in a world that seems filled with babies and where it appears that every other woman gets pregnant with ease. It is often incredibly difficult for those who  [read more]

What causes infertility in men and women?
There are numerous reasons for infertility in men and women. In women, tubal damage secondary to infections, inability to ovulate and uterine disease like fibroids are possible factors. However, betwe  [read more]

What is Infertility? How is it clinically defined?
According to Dr. Femi Olarogun, a fertility specialist, the definition of infertility is the inability to conceive despite regular exposure to unprotected intercourse. It affects roughly 15% of women  [read more]

Is it okay to use a night light in my baby’s room?
Using soft light or a night light in your baby’s room is perfectly fine, especially if it makes it easier for you to check on your little one. Babies under 6 months however, are used to a dark envir  [read more]

When will my baby have a growth spurt?
Most babies have obvious growth spurts around 3 – 4 weeks, 6 - 8 weeks, 12 – 14 weeks, 16 weeks, 6 months and 9 months. What is a growth spurt and how do I deal with one?  [read more]