Pregnancy and Paediatrics

This section provides expert tips on pregnancy, babies and looking after children up to 12 from our leading paediatricians, general practitioners and gynaecologists.

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Children (1 to 12 years)

Don’t miss the signs of heat exhaustion in children

Heat exhaustion can be scary—and kids are at increased risk. Learn how to spot and prevent this common condition. 

Babies (up to 1 year)

Can preterm births be prevented?

Pregnancy can take a scary turn when preterm birth becomes a possibility. Three Mediclinic experts weigh in.

Babies (up to 1 year)

Prematurity: The difference a week makes [infographic]

Preterm birth can be a scary reality for some parents in South Africa. “Any infant born before 37 weeks’ gestation is described as preterm,” explains Dr Samantha O’Ryan, a neonatologist at Mediclinic Panorama.

Diabetes

Pregnant and diabetic? What you need to know..

Two situations can occur: a woman with pre-existing diabetes wants to have a baby or, diabetes presents itself during the pregnancy of an otherwise healthy mother (this is referred to as gestational diabetes). Dr Andre Diedericks, an Ob-Gyn at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, explains these two situations.

Children (1 to 12 years)

Is ADHD a learning disability – and can it lead to other mental health issues?

How does attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder develop? Does it impact a child’s intelligence later in life? And are there any mental health conditions associated with the condition? Paediatrician Dr Hannelie Potgieter, based at Mediclinic Potchefstroom, busts a few prevalent myths.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Trauma patients with a critically low temperature will often be wrapped in a space blanket to reduce heat loss.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Immunisations save lives and help stop diseases from spreading.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To make the most of every second, we strive to synchronise all our clocks in the hospital.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our nursing units are designed to minimise the distance between nursing staff and patients.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Some of our hospitals have operating tables that can support patients of up to 370kg in weight and 2.2m in height.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • A jumping rope uses almost every muscle in the entire body during exercise.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our radio-translucent theatre beds enable X-rays to be taken on the spot, without having to move the patient or disturb the procedure.
    #MediclinicFacts
birth control, contraception, advances in birth control
Gynaecology

Birth control: contraception methods then and now

While today we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to contraception, the birth control pill only came to the market 58 years ago. We look back to see how far

Babies (up to 1 year)

What’s in your breast milk?

We’ve heard it time and again, “breast is best”, but what exactly does breast milk contain that makes it so good for your baby?

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The only one in Africa and one of only 13 in the world, the P-I BrÅnemark Institute of Excellence at Mediclinic Morningside, specialises in facial reconstruction.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • To ensure sterility, our surgical instruments are twice wrapped in sterile fabric.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Scrub areas in theatre are a minimum of 2.1m wide to accommodate at least two people at a time.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our radio-translucent theatre beds enable X-rays to be taken on the spot, without having to move the patient or disturb the procedure.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We found a practical solution to a shortage of theatre nurses by becoming a registered teaching institution.
    #MediclinicFacts
breastfeeding. breastfeeding benefits for mom
Babies (up to 1 year)

Your Body on Breastfeeding: health benefits for mom

Most mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for their baby but they don’t realise there are benefits for them too.

Children (1 to 12 years)

Epilepsy surgery for children – from a neurosurgeon’s perspective

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures, or convulsions that occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy South Africa estimates the condition affects one out of every 100 people in South Africa, with 75% of those experiencing their first seizure before the age of 20.

Preemie
Babies (up to 1 year)

How Mediclinic doctors help your preemie

Not all babies born prematurely will have complications, but those born under 28 weeks, are at greater risk. Dr Aziza van der Schyff, a paediatrician at Mediclinic Constantiaberg, explains how preterm babies are cared for at a Mediclinic Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Children (1 to 12 years)

Your children on medicine: all you need to know

A sick child is every parent’s nightmare. But helping your kids develop a healthy attitude to taking medicine is the first step to ensuring a speedy recovery.

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