Welcome to The Dubai Pregnancy & Babies Section
If you're pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, in Dubai you're in the right place! Here you will find loads of information and advice from us, doulas, midwives and support group contributors, as well as the latest pregnancy news. We've also got links to our special Mummies in Dubai groups- ExpatBumps & Babes and ExpatMums & Tots- our hosts are ready to welcome you. You can get interactive advice on the special supportive section on our forum for Pregnancy, Babies & Toddlers- so you can read lots of great advice from real people as well ask away all those questions you need answering.
Pregnancy & Babies Features
Breast Feeding Support in Dubai and the UAE
Here we have a big list of support groups and information providers for anything to do with breast feeding in Dubai and the UAE. It's a great resource for any mothers wishing to find local information on lacatation consultants, breast pump hire, online support as well as breastfeeding clinics in the area. It's the definitive resource for all your needs- for help and advice during this time in you and your babies life. Take Me There>>
Lactation Clinic & Group Ante Natal Classes
Symbiosis Healthcare run regular lactation clinics and group ante natal classes for new and soon- to- be mums. They have great experts on hand and cover a wide range of topics including infant feeding, latching issues, low milk supply, medication and lactation and so much more. The groups and classes are both relaxed and informal with practical demonstrations, group participation and discussions. Read More>>
Round Ligament pain in pregnancy
As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it. These changes may occasionally cause pain on one or both sides of your abdomen. There are some exercises, for example prenatal yoga, should help ease your symptoms. However rest is one of the best ways to help with this kind of pain. we have some great advice from our midwife Karen Wilmot here. Read more>>
Warning Signs to look for in your care provider
If you desire a natural childbirth then you need to find a care provider who works in an environment that supports natural childbirth. Most hospital obstetric units function according to the medical model of care where birth itself is viewed as a medical event that should be conducted in an intensive care setting with modern high-tech equipment. Sadly, many obstetricians have never had the opportunity to see a truly natural birth. Read more>>
Stem cell first ‘yields results’ for cerebral palsy girl
A British girl, aged three, has taken part in the first trial to treat cerebral palsy by injecting a patient with stem cells taken at birth from their umbilical cord. Sasha Browne is believed to be the first child with cord blood stored in Britain to be infused with her own cells as part of a respected research study in a branch of science called regenerative medicine. Doctors injected the stem cells into the toddler's bloodstream through her ankle in the hope that they would travel to her brain to help repair some of the damaged tissue. Read more>>
TENS Machine
Karen Wilmot, our ExpatWoman pregnancy expert takes a look at pain management during labour and the benefits of using a TENS Machine. To use one or not use one is the burning question. The TENS machine slows and sometimes BLOCKS these impulses from reaching the brain where they are registered as pain. When the TENS machine is used effectively for more than an hour, the pulses stimulate your body to release its own, natural, feel-good substances, called endorphins. Read more>>
Post Natal Depression
PND usually develops within the first month following childbirth. It may develop out of severe 'baby blues'. Episodes of depression may be more common in mothers for many months after having a baby. Where PND stops and ordinary depression begins is unclear.The symptoms are very similar to those seen in 'ordinary' depression. Feeling 'low', 'miserable' and tearful for no apparent reason. These feelings persist for most of the time, though they may be worse at certain times of day, particularly the morning. Read more>>
Understanding the Cause of Labour Pain and using Endorphins
Labour is painful, so it’s important to learn about all the ways that you can relieve the pain. The contraction begins, tissues stretch, and the tiny pressure receptors in the nerves are stimulated, sending lightning-fast impulses along the nerves to the spinal cord.Pain receptors are stimulated as well if the surrounding muscles are tense. In the spinal cord these impulses must pass through a sort of gate that can stop some impulses and allow others to pass through into the brain, where they could be registered as pain. Read more>>
Labouraid – high energy drink for expectant mums!
Having a baby is hard work and it is important to drink a lot of fluid throughout to avoid having to have an IV which will limit your movement. Water is fine but has no nutritional value. Most women don’t fancy eating much while they are in labour, so why don’t you make some tasty, high energy drinks to sip on while you pace and breathe your way through surges. Read more>>
Nutrition for Pregnant Mums
Weight gain varies a great deal and depends on your weight before pregnancy. Much of the extra weight is due to the baby growing. Putting on too much weight can affect your health and increase your blood pressure. Equally, it is important that you do not diet, but eat healthy. Read more>>
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Pregnant Mums
Stay positive. Make healthy choices, follow up regularly with your health care provider and enjoy this special time of change. Read more>>
Week by Week Pregnancy Diary...
Pregnancy is the most an amazing and special experience. For each of the forty weeks of pregnancy, you'll find information about baby's development and the types of changes that occur within mom's pregnant body.
Week 4 to 8. Read more>>
Week 9 to 12. Read more>>
Week 13 to 16. Read more>>
Week 17 to 20. Read more>>
Pretty Pregnant Style Tips...
During the first months it is possible to continue wearing your favorite clothes but once a baby bump takes over and the weight goes on, women find that their redefined shape can prove a challenge. Read More>>
Planning your delivery through a Birth Plan...
A birth plan is a document that lists your preferences so that your health-care provider and the hospital staff will know how they can best accommodate your needs for childbirth and care of your baby. It is like a ‘wish list’ for delivery. Read More>>
Flying while Pregnant...
Flying is generally safe for women not experiencing high-risk pregnancies up to several weeks before the due date. 36 weeks is the cut-off period after which travel is strongly discouraged by medical professionals and not permitted by most airlines. Read More>>
Symptoms of Overheating...
Hyperthermia is the medical term for overheating which may lead to pregnancy complications and may cause contractions that could lead to pre-mature delivery birth defects. As it is very easy for pregnant women to overheat without realising it, it is important to know the symptoms of hyperthermia and dehydration to prevent more serious complications from happening. Read More>>
Sweltering for two – how to beat the heat...
The dreaded desert summer is almost upon us. While the rest of the world rejoices about the upcoming warm months, those of us in the Middle East console ourselves by planning trips to escape the sweltering heat.
Having a summer getaway is all well and good for those lucky enough not to be sweating for two, but if travelling is not an option for you, keep these tips in mind to make sure you don’t overheat in the summer. Read More>>
Five top tips for a first birthday party...
A first birthday party isn’t a celebration for your child alone but for all of you – a high five for getting through the sleepless nights, having your life turned upside down and coming out the other end all the happier for it, with more photo albums for the past year than the previous six put together, and wonderful memories to cherish. Read More>>
ExpatBumps & Babes...
Looking to meet other new mums and mums-to-be in your area? Then check our schedule and come along to our ExpatBumps & Babes meeting at various locations in Dubai. Read More>>
