Latex or acrylic paints aren’t made using solvents, and for this reason, they are generally considered safe if the area is ventilated thoroughly. Oil-based paints, on the other hand, contain harsh solvents and require chemicals for clean-up. They are not recommended for use by women who are expecting.

Latex (or acrylic) paint

This is the most common type of paint. It doesn’t contain solvents, can be cleaned up with soap and water, and is generally considered safe to use and be around while you’re pregnant as long as the area is well ventilated.

Oil-based paint

Oil-based paint contains solvents and requires turpentine or mineral spirits for clean-up. Some studies over the years have shown that exposure to solvents may increase the risk of having a miscarriage so using oil-based paint or being around the fumes during pregnancy is generally not recommended.

Lead paint

Lead based paint was commonly used prior to the 1970’s. Pregnant women should avoid removing old paint because of the risk of lead exposure. Exposure to lead paint increases the likelihood of lead poisoning and mental retardation. Scraping or sanding any kind of old paint, or being in a place while scraping or sanding is taking place, should be avoided.

You can be fertile again within weeks of your baby’s birth, so you’ll need to decide about contraception even before you’re ready to have sex again.

Below is a list of types of contraception on offer:

PLEASE REMEMBER:
Talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of each contraceptive method, and how they affect breastfeeding so that you are able to make a more informed decision.

The Female condom

The female condom is a thin polyurethane pouch that’s inserted into your vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy. Soft rings at either end hold the pouch in place. What’s great about them is you can use them as soon as you’re ready to become sexually active again.

The Male condom

You may find condoms are the easiest type of contraceptive to use, because these can just be kept handy when needed.

Diaphragms and caps

Diaphragms and caps are soft, circular domes made of rubber or silicone. You insert your diaphragm or cap into your vagina each time you want to make love.

The combined pill

Usually just called the pill, it contains two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. You take the pill every day for 21 days and then have seven pill-free days once in every 28 days, where you would experience a light period.

Contraceptive Patch

The patch is a thin, beige square that you apply to your skin like a plaster. It releases a daily dose of oestrogen and progesterone through your skin, into your bloodstream. You apply a new patch once a week for three consecutive weeks and then go without a patch for a week before starting the cycle again.

Intrauterine system (IUS)

An IUS is an implant that fits inside your uterus. It releases a steady dose of progesterone for up to five years. The IUD works by sitting inside the uterus and stopping sperm from reaching the egg or stopping a fertilised egg implanting. The IUD, otherwise known as the coil, can be fitted six weeks after a vaginal delivery, or eight weeks after a caesarean. The delay is to allow the uterus to return to its normal size and, in the case of a caesarean, for scar tissue to heal.

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A parent, parents, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child must complete the correct form (available at home affairs) and it must be submitted to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs if you are in South Africa, or the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate if you are overseas.

Once the child’s birth has been registered, an abridged birth certificate is issued free of charge, usually a day or so after the registration application has been submitted.

You could also go through the following agencies to assist you with this process:

• Passport Centre
• Bunny hop