Pregnancy Resources

Pregnancy is an incredibly exciting and special time, but for many, it's also a brand new experience. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what’s typical, what’s not, what’s safe to do, and what you should be mindful of along the way.

With so much information online, it can be overwhelming trying to find clear, trustworthy guidance. That’s why I created this Pregnancy & Birth Guide—to help you feel informed and supported throughout your journey.

This guide offers an overview of the care you’ll receive with me, along with evidence-based information to answer many of the common questions that come up during pregnancy.

Please remember, this is a general guide only. For anything specific to your personal care or medical needs, I’m always here to answer your questions directly.

Enjoy the journey—I'm here with you every step of the way.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy can bring a range of symptoms, many of which may be unpleasant or uncomfortable but are completely normal and pose no harm to you or your baby. Some symptoms start early, while others may develop and evolve as the pregnancy progresses. Here is a general list, broken down by trimester:

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Breast tenderness and swelling

    • Fatigue

    • Frequent urination

    • Constipation

    • Food cravings or aversions

    • Mood changesBloating

    • Increased sense of smell

    • Difficulty sleeping / Insomnia

    • Heartburn or Reflux

    • Frequent urination

    • Pelvic Girdle Pain

    • Ligament Pain

    • Swelling

    • Stretch marks

    • Skin changes – darkening of nipples, linea nigra (the longitudinal line from your belly button)

    • Increased vaginal discharge

    • Pelvic pressure

  • There are, however, symptoms in pregnancy that are abnormal and warrant urgent review.

    • Decreased or absent foetal movements

    • Vaginal Bleeding

    • Severe, constant or intermittent but persistent abdominal pain

    • Severe and persistent headache and/or visual disturbance – spots or flashing lights in your vision.

    • Rapid onset of swelling – typically in the hands, feet, face.

    If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to call your healthcare provider and seek medical review and advice.

Foetal Movements

Feeling your baby move is one of the most reassuring and special parts of pregnancy. Although your baby has been moving from early on, movements are usually first felt between 16 and 24 weeks.

At first, these movements may be subtle and infrequent, but as your baby grows, they will become stronger and more regular. From 28 weeks onwards, you should feel consistent daily movements, and this should continue until birth.

If you ever notice a decrease in your baby’s usual movement, or feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider without delay.

For more detailed information, please see the link below on fetal movement awareness.

Early Pregnancy Loss

Miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks gestation and is estimated to commonly affect 1 in 4 pregnancies. It is a difficult and sometimes isolating time, with many miscarriages occurring early, prior to 12 weeks, when many people may not yet be aware of pregnancy or have yet to tell family and friends their news.

Miscarriage may be detected on routine ultrasound or following presentation with symptoms of cramping, pain or bleeding or perhaps loss of previously noted pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness.

Miscarriage might sometimes take time to confirm the diagnosis and manage. Ultrasound features in combination with your blood pregnancy hormone (BhCG) are utilized to track the progress of pregnancy and are collectively utilized to confirm and diagnose miscarriage.

Once confirmed, there are various ways to manage miscarriage depending on your progress, symptoms over time and personal preference. This may include conservative management as the miscarriage proceeds and continues spontaneously, medical management with medication called misoprostil, or surgical management with evacuation of pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

Please contact Dr Chantelle if you need any support or guidance through early pregnancy loss. It is a difficult and sometimes isolating time, and we are here to offer the support and care you need.

Useful resources

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies are where the pregnancy (embryo) implants and starts to develop outside the uterus. This occurs in approximately 2% of pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies most commonly occur in the fallopian tubes, but can also occur in the ovary, at the junction of the fallopian tube and uterus (interstitial ectopic) or most rarely in the pelvis. Sometimes, ectopic pregnancies are picked up by chance on early ultrasound, in other cases, women experience pain, bleeding, or both.

If not treated, ectopic pregnancy can progress to become life threatening as it continues to grow and potentially rupture. Management of ectopic will depend on the individual features but may include a conservative approach as it spontaneously resolves, medical management with medication called methotrexate or surgical management via keyhole surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy.