Pregnancy

We answer important questions and give expert advice on the pregnancy process, from conception to birth.

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Expertise

How fertility treatments have evolved

Fertility treatments have come a long way from folk and medicinal remedies in the 17th century to the first experimentation with artificial insemination in the mid-19th century. We look at the latest research.

Babies (up to 1 year)

Common myths about breastfeeding – and the facts

A lactation consultant says most moms can breastfeed successfully – but some persistent myths have convinced many new mothers otherwise.

Pregnancy

HELLP syndrome in pregnancy

We asked a Mediclinic specialist about HELLP syndrome – a rare but life-threatening complication of pre-eclampsia.

Healthy Life

Foods to avoid in pregnancy

To avoid a possible listeria infection, pregnant women are advised to avoid some foods where possible and take precautions to cook certain foods thoroughly.

Gynaecology

Managing PCOS, a syndrome on the increase

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is becoming more common in South Africa and globally, affecting as many as one in 10 women. Women are experiencing irregular periods, sub-fertility and miscarriage, excess facial hair and fatigue, weight gain and abdominal pain – to name a few PCOS symptoms.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Mediclinic trains more than a thousand nurses annually at training centres throughout Southern Africa.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals have been awarded international accreditation for best practice in the management of environmental systems and practices.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our expert breastfeeding advice is based on the principles of the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic is one of the three leading private hospital groups in Southern Africa and the sixth largest private healthcare group in the world.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We place oxygen-releasing, toxin-absorbing plants, like Sanseviera Trifasciata, around our hospitals.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Mediclinic uses building materials that reduce background noise for minimal disturbance.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We monitor the temperature of our neonatal units as newborn babies are extremely sensitive to temperature change.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • We install alcohol rub dispensers at our facilities to prevent the spread of pathogens.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • You get 20% of the water your body needs from eating fruit and vegetables.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our hospitals are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
    #MediclinicFacts
Pregnancy

Common childhood illnesses in adults

Young children, with immune systems that are still developing, are more susceptible to viral infections like chickenpox, mumps and measles. But Pathcare virologist, Inéz Rossouw, says adults with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable and at greater risk of complications.

Exercise

Exercise during pregnancy

While pregnancy is certainly not the time to take up kickboxing, many exercise routines can be beneficial to both expectant mothers and their babies. Here’s what to consider when planning your pregnancy fitness regimen.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Mediclinic Cape Town is accredited as a mother and baby friendly institution, having scored 100% at a recent external review.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Nurses can observe patients at all times as critical care units are designed like a beehive with the nurses’ station in the middle.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • You get 20% of the water your body needs from eating fruit and vegetables.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • 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 are designed to minimise ambient noise to promote sleeping and the healing process.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Immunisations save lives and help stop diseases from spreading.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our 24-hour emergency centres feature state-of-the-art life-saving equipment.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Our world-class neonatal units feature high frequency oscillatory ventilators to minimise lung trauma in premature babies.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • Some of our hospitals have operating tables that can support patients of up to 370kg in weight and 2.2m in height.
    #MediclinicFacts
  • An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, providing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot-inhibiting effects.
    #MediclinicFacts
Healthy Life

Why calcium is essential in pregnancy

Dr Olufemi Owolabi, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mediclinic Ermelo, says your diet during pregnancy can impact your own and your baby’s bone mass – and the resultant risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Pregnancy

What could cause a miscarriage

Just found out you’re expecting, or planning a pregnancy? The fear of a miscarriage is very real for most prospective parents. Dr Jackson Ndhlovu, a gynaecologist at Mediclinic Tzaneen, talks us through what could cause a miscarriage and what you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

down syndrome
Children (1 to 12 years)

Down syndrome: understanding the health challenges

People who have Down’s syndrome tend to be at a higher risk of developing certain medical issues. We spoke to a Mediclinic paediatrician to find out what these are.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy myths busted

With the information overload that often overwhelms prospective mothers, it’s sometimes hard to separate fact from fiction. Our expert debunks some common pregnancy myths.

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