The Importance of Nutrition in the First Trimester

Maintaining a healthy diet when pregnant helps to protect the mother and her developing baby from immediate and long-term risks. Good nutrition is most important immediately prior to conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (including the very early stages, when the woman is unaware she is pregnant). Importance of a healthy diet…

Bone Health: Keeping Your Skeleton Strong

When it comes to having better bone health, and protecting yourself against osteoporosis, women are unfortunately at a distinct disadvantage. While the effect of bone loss, or thinning bones, is a natural part of ageing, it is important to do your best to mitigate these factors through healthy diet, plenty of exercise and regular medical…

To have children, or not

“I don’t want to have children.” In 2016, it’s a phrase we are starting to read and hear more and more — from men and women alike. Currently, we are experiencing a surge in discussions around parenting and child-rearing, between those who would like to, and those who wouldn’t. The whys of choosing to be…

Why you should get an HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a root cause of cervical cancer in women — more than 100 strains of the virus exist, and 30 of them are associated with below-the-belt cancer. Currently, more women globally and in South Africa die of cervical cancer than pregnancy-related complications. Every year, more than 7 700 women in the…

Dealing with Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression (PPD) — also known as post natal anxiety and depression (PNAD) or perinatal mood disorder — is a disease related to pregnancy and childbirth. It is an illness that exists in all cultures, and can happen to child-bearing women of all ages — up to 40% of South African women experience PPD, and…