Expert panel: Childbirth

Hi, The condition that the baby is at risk of is very rare however, many doctors still prefer to use antibiotics in labour as a precaution. Usually...

Hi, It does seem that you have had a very rough time with the birth of your first baby. The good news is that more than likley if you opt for a vag...

Hi, You can visit a GP in your area who may be able to give you some advice on costs for care. Your local hospital can also inform you of the costs...

Hi, You need to ahve a check up with your GP. THere are many solutions to this problema nd if it is really severe there is also an option of surger...

Hi, When you recommence sex is entirely up to when you feel ready. You do not have to wait until the magical six weeks at all. When you feel up to ...

I understand from your email that you’ve not stopped bleeding since you had your baby in November, is this right? If so, you really do need t...

Hi, More than likely your next labour will not be any faster than the last. If you went early then you do have an increased chance of having anothe...

Hi, This is very normal after birth to feel emotional. THere is a sense of loss if it is your last pregnancy which is to be expected. If you do fin...

Hi, This is very difficult decision. YOu can have scans and even X-rays to determine a baby’s size and weight late in prengancy so this may a...

Hi, Usually a birth weight will be a similar size. If it was a boy then a girl may be a bit smaller. Best wishes, Alex

Hi, Please talk to your health care professionals so that you can plan ahead. More than likely it will not be any faster. You may need to be aware ...

Hi, If you are concerned you need to have a check up with your midwife. Otherwise it may be pressure on your cervix that is causing the discomfort....

Hi, Try not to worry too much just yet. It is advisable to find out as much as you can about labour and birth so that you are well-prepared. Not to...

Hi, This is a decision for oyu and your midwife. If you are well prepared and have the back up required if you need it then everything should bo to...

Hi, I am sorry but I am not current on guidelines for caesareans in NZ. It is best that you enquire through your local maternity unit. Usually you ...

Hi, The swlling should ease at around 8 weeks after the birth. There may also be a bit of preganncy weight that may also affect your shoe size. Bes...

Hi, You are at an increased risk of having another premature baby. You do need to be aware of any signs of labour and get assitance if required. It...

Hi, This can soemtimes occur in premmie babies and it can be treated either by surgery or by resting the bowel. It is good that the condition was d...

Hi, It is really good to plan ahead for your birth and to find out as much as possible about what can happen during the birth as well as the weeks ...

Hi, More than likely it will not burst. It may cause some discomfort that may be increased in labour but it should not impede your progress at all....

Hi, I am sorry but your question appears to have been cut off. Can you please repost? Best wishes, Alex

Hi, It is difficult for me to determine if labour is about to start. The majority of pregnancies go to full term and if you have not had complicati...

Hi, If you have had your pelvis fully investigated and it has been found that your pelvic sized is reduced then it is advisable to plan for an elec...

Hi, Generally you need tobe at least 38 weeks pregnant before an elective caesarean. Best wishes, Alex.

Hi, It is not unusual to have delayed return of your periods after birth even if oyu are not breast feeding. It will return very soon, however,if y...

Hi, Unfortunately this tends to be the general recommendation if you have had 2 previous caesareans. There may be some birth centres that will allo...

Hi, You are entitled to get a second opinion. Talk to your GP about referring you to another obstetrician so that you can be better informed and th...

Hi, This is very common and nothing to worry about. The bleeding will settle down over the next few weeks and your cervix will close over the next ...

Hi, More than likely you have an irritable uterus. It has probably settled down now and you may not experience this again. You may have had a mild ...

Hi, Unfortunately this tends to be the general recommendation if you have had 2 previous caesareans. There may be some birth centres that will allo...