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With the correct care and quick response time, postpartum bleeding can be effectively treated.

Understanding postpartum bleeding and what to expect

When you are bringing your baby into the world, many moms can experience issues after giving birth such as postpartum bleeding. While not every woman will experience this after giving birth, it is important to understand what postpartum bleeding is and what can be done about it so you are better informed and prepared just in case.   What is postpartum bleeding? Postpartum bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), is a complication that can happen to some mothers after going through childbirth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 6-10% of women worldwide experience some form of postpartum bleeding after labour. A typically medical definition for postpartum bleeding is either: Postpartum bleeding needs to be treated immediately and correctly in order to protect the life and well-being of the mom.  Read more: Which is better, natural or c-section birth? What causes this?  During your pregnancy, the placenta attaches itself to the uterus and provides nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby. After you have given birth, your uterus needs to contract in order to stop any bleeding and ‘birth’ the placenta.  If the uterus does not contract effectively, the blood vessels in the area where the placenta was attached can continue to bleed, leading to postpartum bleeding. Delayed postpartum bleeding can happen up to 12 weeks after delivery. This later onset is usually caused by placental tissue remaining in the uterus or because of an infection that has developed. Shop now: Zoie Health’s New Mom Collection Why does this happen?  There are several factors that can increase the risk of postpartum bleeding. These can including: There is a correlation between women who experience postpartum bleeding having a higher risk of also experiencing postpartum depression. What can be done to manage this?  Timely and effective treatment is extremely important when it comes to managing postpartum bleeding. The first step is for your birthing team to figure out the amount of blood that has been lost as well as to determine what the cause of bleeding is.  The following interventions may be used: Other types of treatment can be used to help mothers dealing with postpartum bleeding after it has occurred. Blood transfusions are sometimes needed to help replace the loss of blood and to speed up recovery. How can you prepare? To prevent postpartum bleeding, healthcare providers may give medications or other interventions during labor and delivery, such as medications to induce contractions in the uterus or using controlled cord traction. This is when the umbilical cord is pulled on gently to order to help deliver the placenta after the baby has been born. When it comes to postpartum bleeding, quick and effective treatment is vital. Talk to your birthing team and discuss how you would like to deal with this type of issue should the need arise. Your team will help you make the best and most appropriate decisions for you and your baby. Having this as a part of your birth plan not only allows for rapid response from your team but also gives you a sense of empowerment to know that you are prepared and informed. Read more: Preparing for childbirth? This is the ultimate checklist Before, during and after labour, always consult with your healthcare professionals and birthing team to understand all your options and to make sure you receive the correct care at the right time. To book a virtual online consultation with our Zoie Health professionals, click here. Sources: Zoie Health professionals, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Find out exactly what medications and remedies to use for cold and flu during pregnancy.

Cold and flu during pregnancy? Here’s our list of baby-safe medications and remedies

Dealing with cold and flu during pregnancy may seem confusing but is very manageable if you know what to do. The first sign of a sniffle will probably have you reaching for your go-to medications but if you’re currently pregnant, you’ll want to make sure everything you use is safe for you and your baby. Some common and seemingly harmless products may cause some negative side effects for expecting mother. This is why many moms-to-be look for alternative treatments and choose to use a combination of natural remedies and pharmaceutical products during their pregnancy. Pregnancy-safe natural remedies Natural remedies are great options that can be used whether or not you’re pregnant. They often aren’t as potent as pharmaceuticals but offer more gentle relief for cold and flu during pregnancy. Here are some common natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms: It is important to remember that natural remedies should not replace medical treatment, and expecting mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any natural remedies. Shop now: Zoie Health’s Pregnancy Products Pregnancy-safe medications As pregnant women are generally excluded from clinical trials for safety reasons, there is a limited number for medications considered safe for expecting mother to use. Here are some commonly used medications that are safe for cold and flu during pregnancy: Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe you other medications. These decisions are made at an individual level and they will take into consideration your medical history and the severity of your symptoms as well as the potential risks and benefits of the treatment. Shop now: Zoie Health’s Online Pharmacy Medications to avoid during pregnancy While these medications are considered safe to use normally, they can cause potential harm to pregnant women. Avoid using these and look for alternatives. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen (Neurofen) and Aspirin (Disprin) are not recommended for cold and flu during pregnancy. While it is particularly important to avoid use during the third trimester, it is better to refrain from using these medications throughout your pregnancy. While they are considered safe to use normally, they can have a negative impact on your baby’s development so it is best to use suitable alternatives. Read more: The Ultimate Childbirth Checklist Additional measures for expecting mothers In addition to taking medications and remedies, here are some other steps you can take in order to help manage the symptoms of cold and flu during pregnancy. These simple steps include: It is important to always check with a healthcare provider before using any medications, remedies or treatments during pregnancy. This is to ensure the health and safety of both your and your baby during your pregnancy.  Our Zoie Health professionals are ready to assist you in finding the best treatment options to keep you and your baby safe. To book a hassle-free virtual consultation today, click here. Sources: Zoie Health medical experts, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Chest,

woman trying to conceive

7 Things To Know When You’re Trying To Conceive

Trying to conceive can be an exciting and emotional time in a person’s life. Whether you are just starting or have been trying for a while, there are certain things you should know that can increase your chances of conceiving. In this blog post, we will discuss some important things to remember when trying to conceive.

woman holding pregnant bump showing childbirth

Preparing For Childbirth? This Is The Ultimate Checklist To Welcome Your Bundle Of Joy Into The World

This is the childbirth checklist to use when you’re just a few weeks away from giving birth to your baby, and likely worried about whether or not you’re ready for the physical aspect of labour and if you’ve covered all your bases to make the experience as seamless as possible. You can never be too prepared considering how unique each labour experience is for everyone. We’ve compiled Zoie’s ultimate childbirth checklist for preparation! Attend A Prenatal Class Attending childbirth classes can help quell your anxiety because it will prepare you emotionally and physically for the big day. Most childbirth classes cover a variety of things such as relaxation techniques, breathing techniques, labour positions and how to care for yourself as well as your newborn. If you take your partner with you, this can also double up as the perfect bonding session. Zoie will have childbirth classes coming soon, so stay tuned. Get Your Sweat On You’d probably think this wouldn’t be part of a childbirth checklist, but hear us out. Everyone hopes their labour will be as quick and painless as possible but the reality is that you can’t guarantee anything. This is why it’s important to continue exercising during your pregnancy if you’re able to. Exercise will improve your strength and stamina which will be helpful when it’s time to push your bundle of joy out. Gather Your Team  Ensuring that your loved ones are involved in your childbirth will help relieve a lot of stress as well as responsibility. Hiring a doula is also a good alternative or addition to friends and family. You can find doulas on Zoie Health’s platform. Make A Birth Plan  Writing out an outline of how you want your childbirth to be handled by your partner, loved ones and medical staff can help you feel empowered. There are various things you can include such as how and where you want to deliver, how to manage pain, who you want in the delivery room and which medical interventions you want.  Prepare A Hospital Bag Imagine giving birth and then having to worry about a change of clothes. Doesn’t sound fun, does it? So ensure that you pack all the essentials that you will need so that you can focus on recovery as well as the birth of your newborn. Your hospital bag could include baby blankets, a baby outfit, nappies, nail clippers, you and your partner’s clothes, comfy pyjamas and shoes.  Prep A Postpartum Recovery Kit  Once you give birth the last thing you need is to worry about where to buy pads or any other toiletries and essentials you may need right down to your favourite snack. Ensure you make a list of everything you may need and ensure that you have it with you when you’re admitted into the hospital.  At the end of the day, this will be a significant milestone for you no matter how it goes. So we wish you an amazing childbirth journey! Feel free to recommend this childbirth checklist to other moms you know!