Just to share from a book by Dr Gordon Lim, Nine Months & Counting...
1)Can I take bird nest during pregnancy? How often can i take this and will it be beneficial for my baby?
<font color="ff0000">Birds' nest is actually birds' saliva as everyone knows! The actual nutritional value is minimal as birds' nest has been found to contain little more than a low amt of protein. However, if it makes you feel good and you like the taste, take it as often as you like. However, be careful of the sugar content if it is consumed with rock sugar. Too much sugar during pregnancy may not be a good thing.</font>
2) I am 12 weeks' pregnant and have noticed an inncrease in the amount of my vaginal discharge. Is this normal?
<font color="ff0000">When pregnant, the physiological changes that take place cause swelling in the neck of your womb and an increase in a clear watery discharge. This discharge coagulates as it passes down the vagina and turns into a white and sometimes powdery discharge. This is called leucorrhoea and is normal. However, if your discharge is yellow or green, or if there is a smaell or itching, you may have a fungal or bacteria infection. Have your OB check you with a speculum.</font>
3) I am in my 16th week and have noticed that my ankles are swollen. Is this due to water retention and does it occur so early in the pregnancy?
<font color="ff0000">Swollen ankles aredue to water being pushed out of the blood vessels, the result of increased oestrogens in pregnancy. It is common and affects one in three pregnancies. It may occur in early pregnancy but more common in the 3rd trimester when the increase size of uterus causes a mechanical obstruction of the blood returning to the heart, aggravating any oedema or swelling present. Ankle swelling is considered normal even at this stage as long as it is not associated with a raised blood pressure. To help decrease swelling, avoid standing for long periods and raise your legs at night. Swelling will subside after pregnancy.</font>
4) Is it true that I should not consume pineapples during my pregnancy as it may result in miscarriage?
<font color="ff0000">There may be some truth in this old belief. Pineapples may increase the level of prostaglandins in the body and this may bring about uterine contractions. If the pregnancy is not a stable one, this may cause a miscarriage. However, the prostaglandin levels are usually not sufficient to cause uterine contractions. it is in fact verfy safe to eat pineapples during pregnancy if you so wish!</font> Hope for pineapple tarts lovers during CNY!
