10 things you should know about restless legs in pregnancy:
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a discomfort or agitation in the legs during pregnancy. Often described as a jumpy, pulling, jittery or tingling sensation through the legs. It is often an unexpected symptom of pregnancy that is not
Pregnancy
Preparing for Pregnancy
A Guide to Wellness with Five Helpful Considerations
One aspect that often gets overlooked is the importance of pre-pregnancy preparation. Emotional and physical preparation can greatly enhance a woman's overall health and optimise her chances of a healthy pregnancy. It also improves
What is a Doula?
A doula is a professional childbirth assistant. The word doula comes from Greek origin, meaning 'woman servant or caregiver'. A Doula will holistically provide continuous care and support for you and your family before during and after birth. This care will be in line with your plan for birth and
Air Travel During Pregnancy
When is it safe to fly while I'm pregnant?
Pregnant women often question whether flying during pregnancy is safe, and whether the environmental factors, such a cabin pressure or altitude associated with flying pose risk to their unborn babies. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Christmas and Pregnancy
With Christmas just around the corner we wanted to share some useful resources and articles to shed a bit more light on some common pregnancy considerations when it comes to travel, food safety and sun protection.
Here is a fantastic article, written by our midwife Penny, which outlines some
Vitamin D in Pregnancy
Vitamin D is important for maintenance of healthy muscles and strong bones. It assists the body in controlling the absorption of calcium and phosphate where they are needed. If vitamin D levels are too low, these minerals may become deficient in the blood, causing them to be released from the bones,
What is Pelvic Floor muscle training?
What is the pelvic floor?
The Pelvic Floor is a complex web of muscle, connective tissue, and fibrous material. It sits on the outside and the inside of your pelvis and supports the 3 muscles of your pelvis – your bladder, uterus, and bowel. You have a deep layer and a superficial layer of your
Some Helpful Tips for Practicing Yoga in Pregnancy
Here are a few useful tips and guidelines on practicing yoga in pregnancy. So that you know what to expect and feel like you have some tools to know what we want to focus on and avoid. Of course, everybody is different, and whilst something could feel amazing for one person it may feel not so great
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ginger is well recognised for nausea relief and if you’re suffering from that all day hangover vibe ‘morning sickness’, this might just be a great afternoon wholesome pick-me-up, with it's double hit of ginger.
Ingredients
175g wholemeal spelt flour1½ tsp baking powder1 tsp ground ginger½ tsp
Hyperemesis in Pregnancy
Hyperemesis versus 'Morning' Sickness. So-called ‘Morning’ sickness is estimated to affect up to 85% of women, however, generally throughout the day, rather than being isolated to the morning as its name would imply. Pregnancy related nausea and vomiting is generally fairly mild, and tends to cease
Pregnancy Immunity Booster Root Juice
Why not try this yummy “Root Juice” to help boost your immunity in pregnancy. This juice will help increase energy, strengthen bones, help clear skin, balances metabolism and reduce inflammation and swelling.
.Ingredients
• 3-4 celery ribs with leaves• ½ beetroot with leaves• 2 large
Pregnancy and Preschool Ailments
Where children gather in large numbers, outbreaks of viral illnesses often occur throughout the year. Pregnant mums are often concerned about the significance to them and their unborn offspring. However, most common outbreaks do no harm to the pregnant Mum and her fetus. Rather, they are simply
Why do compression garments help me during my pregnancy and after birth?
Compression garments, also known as maternity support garments or post-natal recovery garments can be used through the entire length of your pregnancy and in the initial post-natal period. They have specialised panelling and material to give you the support and stability where you need it
Essential Oils Helpful for Labour
Essential oils can be really soothing and helpful in pregnancy. They can also be really effective as a natural remedy to help manage pain during labour and delivery. Here's a selection of our favorite essential oils and how they can be used in labour. Penny recommends finding your personal favorites
Connected Parenting Courses
Dr Morris | Sydney Mother & Baby has teamed up with Connected Parenting to offer all of his patients in the third trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks and beyond) FREE unlimited access to the Connected Baby and Connected Family Online Courses.
These courses are designed to help you navigate
Creamy Kale One Pot-Pasta
This quick pasta recipe is packed full of healthy vitamins needed in pregnancy.
Kale and broccoli (especially when cooked) are high in folic acid, which is important for the formation of healthy red blood cells.
You only 15 minutes, less than 10 ingredients, a sauce pan and a blender!
Pregnancy Tips for Surviving our Sydney Summer
Being pregnant over a hot summer period has its challenges. Here are our best tips to help make it a little easier.
Hydrate well – Good hydration helps keep your body cool and decreases water retention. We recommend drinking at least 2.0 litres per day especially over the hot summer months and more
Folate/Folic Acid in Pregnancy
The terms folate and folic acid are interchangeable. Folic acid simply refers to the manufactured form of folate; for example, as it is found in vitamin supplements. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin, obtained entirely through diet and/or supplementation.
Folate plays an important role in the
Nutrition in Pregnancy
There are many benefits to a nutritious diet for your baby, including increased immune functioning, mental alertness, and correct birth size.
In modern society - with so many processed foods readily available, women working through their pregnancies, and having babies later on in life- times have
Ginger Bread Men
Sharing a simple Gingerbread cookie recipe that is sugarfree and friendly for all of our diabetic mums. Fab all year round, but even more special at Christmas! You can’t beat the smell as they’re baking and then all that fun decorating them makes the recipe one of our family
Festive Season Information
Christmas Travel.
Airlines and health care providers do have guidelines for flying in pregnancy. If you are flying overseas during the Christmas season, you will need to be under 32 weeks gestation. If taking a domestic flight, you need to be under 36 weeks gestation. Good hydration and knee high
Prepair Carrier Screening
Prepair Carrier Screening is offered at pre conception appointments and early pregnancy appointments at Sydney Mother and Baby.
This blood or saliva test, informs couples of their risk of having a child with three common inherited conditions; Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X and Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Mini Christmas Puddings
This delicious festive treat is an easy recipe and only takes 10 minutes to prepare. It also contains nuts which are a good source of protein and iron in pregnancy.
Merry Christmas from the team at Dr Morris!
Ingredients
750g Christmas pudding or fruitcake (fruitcake is a lighter less rich
Low GI Hummus for Pregnancy
This healthy low GI Hummus makes for a tasty snack at any time of day. Hummus and fresh vegetables are also a great pre-dinner alternative to antipasto and soft cheeses in pregnancy.
Not only is Hummus delicious, but main ingredient chickpeas are rich in fibre, manganese, iron and are an
Eating Seafood in Pregnancy
Unless you are a vegan or vegetarian, it’s ideal to have seafood feature in your diet regularly! This may include white fish, pink/oily fish and shellfish such as prawns, lobster, bugs as well as scallops and mussels. Eating seafood provides a valuable source of protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc and
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that appear in the uterus. Commonly called Leiomyoma or Myoma fibroids. They are categorised in three ways:
Submucosal – fibroids that grow into the uterine cavity.
Intramural – fibroids that grow within the wall of the uterus.
Subserosal –
Pelvic Discomfort in Pregnancy
Pelvic discomfort affects approximately one in five pregnant women. You will typically experience it at the front or back of the pelvis, hips, legs and groin.
The pelvis is made up of 4 bones: two hip bones, the Sacrum and the Coccyx. These bones resemble a basin shape at the base of the spine
Becoming a Dad
Becoming a Dad is an unimaginable journey where emotions, patience, and confidence will be challenged.
To help our dads get through this intimate time intact, we offer these suggestions as a guide to help you to feel useful in the delivery room.
Dad Advice - Top Tips
Have your homework done - be
Supplements
A frequently asked question is “do I need to take supplements?” It is often suggested that many women of childbearing age are not meeting the recommended guidelines for healthy eating.
In pregnancy, there is an increased need for many vitamins and minerals. The increase for some vitamins is minimal.
Pubic Symphysitis or (SPD)
What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)?
The pelvis is comprised of four bones, strengthened by a network of strong ligaments. The ligament that connects the bones of the pelvis together is called the Symphysis Pubis (SP). During pregnancy, the SP becomes softer due to the action of the hormone
Iron
Iron is particularly important for the formation of haemoglobin, which is the component of our blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. It is also very important for the production of energy, and the synthesis of DNA. Inadequate iron can lead to iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency
Group B Streptococcus
What is group B strep? (GBS)
Group B streptococcus, also commonly known as group B strep or GBS, is a naturally occurring bacterium that resides in the lower intestines of up to a third of all healthy adults, and in the vaginas and rectum of up to a third of all healthy adult women.
GBS
FAQs in pregnancy
Here is a list of common FAQs related to pregnancy
Allied Health Practitioners: Acupuncture, Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Massage, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist.
All the above services maybe able to provide you with additional care in your pregnancy to improve symptoms associated with the
Yellow Card For Pregnancy
Is the yellow card in your handbag?
This yellow card will be given to you in a red sleeve at your second appointment with Dr Morris or between 12 and 16 weeks.
It is an important communication card, between Dr Morris, the midwives and the delivery ward teams. This card will contain all of your
Introduction to Prenatal Yoga
New complimentary class!
This is an information session taught by our prenatal yoga teacher, Portia, about the safe practice and benefits of yoga in pregnancy. The class will take place fortnightly. Ask at reception for upcoming dates.
The class will teach you the fundamental breathing
TENS for Pain Relief in Labour
What is a TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a very non-invasive, drug free method of controlling pain. A TENS machine consists of a small box, the battery powered stimulator and either one or two pairs of electrodes with connecting lead. TENS are used all
The Placenta Part II: Delayed Cord Clamping and Cord Blood Banking
Delayed Cord Clamping
This is the birth practice whereby the umbilical cord is not clamped or cut until pulsation of the umbilical cord has ceased. A three-minute cord delay allows approximately ninety percent of the blood remaining in the placenta to transfuse into the baby. This blood is a rich
The Placenta part I – A vital organ
The placenta is an incredible organ, which protects and houses the growing and developing foetus over the pregnancy term. The health and efficiency of this organ is vital to your baby’s wellbeing.
The word “placenta” originates from the Greek word ‘plakous’ meaning flat cake, which gives an idea
Anti-D in Pregnancy
Blood types and the HDN (Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn) condition
Blood typing is categorised in two different ways – the ABO and the Rhesus (Rh) systems. There are four main blood group types A, B, AB and O. In the Australian population, about 85% of us have another factor called Rh D. The
Changes in Pregnancy No One Talks About
Pregnancy can be an exciting journey, and every pregnant woman will experience different changes in her body during this time. At our antenatal classes, we talk about the usual symptoms that can occur, including the ones people don't often talk about in public. Our Midwife Penny has outlined some
The ‘Yellow Card’
Your 'Yellow Card', officially known as your Co-operation Card or Antenatal Record Card is something we ask you keep in your handbag at all times, even in early pregnancy. You may also have been a little unsure about what the different abbreviations mean. Penny Stanbury, midwife at Dr Morris |
Low GI Banana Loaf for Pregnancy
Low GI foods can help maintain a better blood sugar and insulin control, increase your energy and improve your mood.
This is a healthy alternative to a regular banana bread and a great morning tea or breakfast snack in pregnancy.
Ingredients
¼ cup all bran½ cup skim milk1 cup sifted
Thai Beef Salad
Iron is one of the best ways to keep your blood healthy and also boost your immune system. Both necessary during pregnancy. This beautiful Thai Beef Salad, rich in leafy greens is packed with Iron and Folate which is good for healthy cell production and will help minimise the risk of neural tube
Non-Alcoholic Fruit Punch
Enjoy your Christmas and holiday celebrations with a delicious glass of pregnancy friendly fruit punch. This light and refreshing punch makes a great alcohol free alternative for the festive season and is so simple to make.
Ingredients
• 2 litres of grape juice
• 1 bottle of
Exercise in Pregnancy
Exercise is safe and healthy to do in low-risk and uncomplicated pregnancies. If you have a high risk-pregnancy it is important to get clearance from Dr Morris prior to starting a new exercise program.
It is recommended to do 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most if not all
Pregnancy Probiotic Smoothie
As winter has finally come to an end and the weather is starting to heat up, why not whip up a tasty pregnancy probiotic smoothie.
Not only is this smoothie a delicious treat, but it is rich in Vitamins C, B6, antioxidants, omega 3
and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
Ingredients:
¾ cup of plain
Probiotics in Pregnancy
Probiotics are living microorganisms, essentially good bacteria and yeasts that are helpful for maintaining balance in your digestive system and immune system. Our bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad, and probiotics are similar to the good bacteria found in the human gut. We are born with
Ultrasound Scans in Early Pregnancy
This is a guide to ultrasound scans and their significance for early pregnancy.
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Ultrasound scans send high frequency sound waves through the uterus to allow us to assess pregnancy and fetal wellbeing.
These sound waves bounce off the baby and the echoes are turned into
Pet Care and Safety During Pregnancy
Many of us who are pet owners care and love our pets as part of our families. About 62% of Australians own pets and it is estimated there are 24 million pets in Australia.
During pregnancy, our love, care and attention for our pets should not change. However, some pet care responsibilities will
Your First Antenatal Appointment at Sydney Mother and Baby
Congratulations on your pregnancy and we look forward to meeting you at your first appointment.
We recommend coming in for your first antenatal appointment between 7-10 weeks of pregnancy. Prior to this appointment, you may have already visited your local GP to confirm pregnancy and attend early
Whooping Cough and pregnancy.
In late 2018 there were almost 2,500 cases of Whooping Cough reported to the NSW Department of Health, between the months of September and November.
It is vital that pregnant women and their families are aware of what this infection is and how we can best prevent it, in particular, to keep newborns
Sweet Potato Minestrone Soup
With the cooler weather approaching, here is a healthy diabetic friendly soup recipe that is nutritional for both mother and baby.
Perfect for an evening meal and to reheat for work the next day. Enjoy!
Sweet Potato Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
•1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
•3/4 cup diced
Sleep & Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of great anticipation, and excitement- after all, the news that you are expecting is always a time of tremendous change in your life. But along with the great excitement, can come serious disturbances to your regular sleep patterns.
Problems with sleep are often
Good Handwashing
Regular handwashing is the best way to keep yourself healthy and prevent the spread of illness in your family and community. Washing hands physically with soap and water removes germs by way of friction. A good vigorous 20-second rub of front and back of hands and in between fingers, then
What should I pack in my hospital bag for labour?
Our midwives have put together two helpful lists for the essentials needed during your birth and postnatal stay.
It is helpful to pack a smaller overnight bag for the delivery suite and a suitcase for your postnatal stay.
What to Bring to the Delivery Suite:
Your yellow card (in the red
Coconut and Pumpkin Seed Smoothie
This smoothie is packed full of vitamins and minerals to help boost one’s mood and help fight off feelings of anxiety.
Pumpkin seeds are excellent brain food loaded with zinc (helping alleviate symptoms of depression by regulating copper levels).
Avocados are rich in potassium great for supporting
Peanut Choc Lactation Bliss Balls
This super easy non bake recipe is great for an energy boost and healthy milk supply. The three main ingredients which we know are important in boosting breast milk supply are brewers yeast, flaxseed and oats.
Ingredients
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon
Chicken and Vegetable Curry with Basmati Rice
Gabriel Gaté - Recipe for Diabetes. ( Gluten/ Lactose Free )
Ingredients.
1 brown onion chopped
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 piece ginger ( 2cm piece )
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 tablespoons curry powder
8 skinless chicken pieces on the
Blood Testing in Pregnancy
ROUTINE ANTENATAL BLOOD TESTS.
Routine antenatal screening blood tests are performed early in pregnancy to determine if there are any underlying health concerns that may affect you or your baby during pregnancy. They are also conducted to determine your status of immunity for infections, which can
The Zika Virus & Pregnancy
Zika virus was first discovered in 1947, it is closely related to Dengue Fever and is spread by the Aedes aegypti and possibly the Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It was first reported outside Africa and Asia in 2007 where it caused an outbreak in Micronesia. Between 2013 and 2015 there were large
Date and Banana Flapjacks
Wanting to include dates in your pregnancy diet? Why not try these delicious Date and Banana Flapjacks.
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
25 mins
Total time
35 mins
These soft baked flapjacks are sweetened with dates and banana, and packed with wholesome oats, buckwheat and quinoa, making them the
The Date Fruit – A Nutritious Powerhouse
The Date – A Nutritious Powerhouse.
The date fruit comes from the date palm, a tree found in the Middle East and also native to North Africa. It is believed that dates originated in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) around 3,500 BC.
Dates come in a wide variety, and all are unique in flavour, size and
Five things you need to know about Whooping Cough.
Whooping Cough has been in the news more regularly. Our Midwife Angela Smith has summarised some important facts about the disease.
It is a bacterial infection, not a virus – signs and symptoms are very “flu like” with the addition of a prolonged episode of coughing. At the end of the coughing
Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria, found naturally in various locations such as soil, sewage, stream water, on animals, plants and food. Listeria infection in humans, listeriosis, is caused by foodborne pathogens in contaminated food products, where the growth of the bacteria has reached
Flotation Therapy in Pregnancy
During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters float therapy is a brilliant way to relax in a weightless environment that gives a lovely sense of wellbeing and calm in pregnancy.
Standard float tanks contain approximately 500kg of Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt) which will allow effortless floating in a
Travel in Pregnancy
To many people, Christmas time means travel – planes, cars, ships or even buses and trains.
Here are some tips for travelling whilst pregnant.
When travelling, always carry your yellow card and medications in your hand luggage, in case of lost luggage. In case of emergency your yellow
Heartburn & Indigestion in Pregnancy
During the second half of pregnancy, many women experience a burning sensation in the back of the throat which often extends down into the chest. It may be accompanied by an acid taste in the mouth and occasionally with regurgitation of food. This is referred to as Heartburn, Indigestion or
Mothersafe
Mothersafe began in 2000, as a free telephone helpline and website for the women of NSW. Started by Dr Debra Kennedy, a renowned clinical geneticist, who returned from Canada and established the free service. Mothersafe offers evidence based advice to pregnant women and breastfeeding women, who are
Antenatal Blood Testing in Pregnancy
In early pregnancy you will be offered a range of tests to assess your general health, either at the GP when your pregnancy is confirmed or during your 1st trimester. These tests include several blood tests and a urine test to check for anything that may cause a problem for pregnancy and birth. The
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes (GD) is a common complication of pregnancy, occurring in about 10% of pregnant women. Whilst there are risk factors, such as having a family history of diabetes, having GD in a previous pregnancy, being overweight, being over 30 years of age, having polycystic ovarian syndrome,
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus or CMV is a common type of herpes virus that is passed between healthy children and adults.
In rare cases, it can cause complications for an unborn baby. Most recently CMV has been a hot topic in the media urging that pregnant women be well informed about pre-pregnancy screening and
The Alphabet of Pregnancy Terms
Health professionals are notorious for abbreviating diseases, terms and meanings etc. and the Midwifery and Obstetric worlds are no exception. In fact, they may be the worst of all. We are often amused when driving along and see a number plate whose letters have a specific meaning in our world, an
What is Non-invasive Prenatal Testing?
Most women enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Some babies, however, are born with problems and about one-sixth of these are due to chromosome abnormalities. There are 46 chromosomes in each cell of our bodies, arranged in 23 different pairs with one pair coding for sex (XY for boys and XX for girls). The
Umeboshi & Ginger Tea
Umeboshi plum is a pickled plum related to the apricot that is a specific Japanese remedy for nausea and digestive complaints. The alkaline properties of umeboshi plum neutralise body acids, aid in digestion and purify and cleanse the blood.
This recipe uses umeboshi plums to make a tea that is
Relaxing Footbath
A lovely way to wind down at the end of a day is to create for yourself this lovely ayurvedic footbath and include it into your evening ritual each night before bedtime. By drawing the circulation to the feet, we draw restless thoughts and stress out of the head and the aromas of herbs and bath
Evening Relaxation Yoga
With so many physical and emotional changes happening, it's no surprise that many women have insomnia and other sleep problems during pregnancy. Here are some lovely restorative yoga poses to help you relax your mind and your body before bedtime.
1.Bedtime pranayama
Chickenpox and Shingles
A simple blood test is readily available, and included in the routine antenatal screen, to check a pregnant woman’s immunity to Chickenpox. If you have had Chickenpox in the past, or have had the immunization, your result will show “immunity”. Your status will be documented on your
Warming Turmeric Tonic
This is a delicious and relaxing bedtime drink. Ideal to calm the mind and warm the body in preparation for a deep sleep.
The turmeric adds a warming touch and the honey soothes the throat and sets the perfect balance to the nutty taste of the milk.
Ingredients
250ml of cashew milk (you can use
Anti-Inflammatory Fruit Salad
Many delicious fruits can aid in the relief of inflammatory conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
This tasty fruit salad is packed full of bromelain, carotenoids, vitamins and enzymes with anti-inflammatory properties and immune system benefits.
Ingredients
1 pineapple
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel is the small space or ‘tunnel’ in the wrist, formed by the wrist bones (carpal bones) and a ligament (transverse carpal ligament). The median nerve and nine tendons used to flex the thumb and fingers, pass through the carpal tunnel from the forearm into the hand.
Due to the increased
