Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?
Planning ahead can make travel safer for you during your pregnancy. The second trimester (weeks 13 to 26) is the best time to travel as the risk of pregnancy complications is the lowest. Travel by air, sea, road or rail are all possible, including international travel, although some types of travel may be restricted towards the end of your pregnancy. If you have pregnancy complications, it may not be safe for you to travel. Your doctor or midwife can offer you advice, based on your personal and medical circumstance.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. If you have gestational diabetes, your body can’t use sugar (glucose) properly. This leads to higher than normal levels of sugar in the blood, which can be unhealthy for both you and the baby.
As gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy, it is not the same as having pre-existing diabetes during your pregnancy. One in every 8 women in Australia develops gestational diabetes, usually around week 24 to week 28 of pregnancy, although it can happen earlier.
What can I do to make cluster feeding easier?
The first thing to remember is that this is normal. Cluster feeding doesn’t mean that you don’t have enough milk.
To make cluster feeding easier you can:
- relax and follow your baby’s lead
- feed to their need
- look forward to a sleepy, settled baby after feeding
- try to rest in the early part of the day to prepare
- drink lots of water
- make sure you eat well — don’t miss meals
- get as much family and partner support as you can
My son has sucked his thumb since he was very little. He is 6 years old now and I am worried that it is causing damage to his teeth. I can see that his front teeth stick out. What should I do and when is the best time to see an orthodontist about this?
A lot of children suck their thumbs or fingers for comfort at a young age. Although most children stop by themselves, some continue this habit as it can be difficult to give up. Thumb or finger sucking habits have the potential to cause dental problems over time. This is related to sustained pressure from the thumb or finger and the sucking action.
If this habit persists past the age of six or seven when most of the adult front teeth have erupted, long-term dental problems that can arise include:
- Upper front teeth sticking out and appearing gappy.
- Narrowing of the back upper teeth (‘crossbite’).
Fortunately, at the age of 6, it is not too late to help your child stop their thumb-sucking habit.
Stopping this habit can lead to natural improvement in the position of the teeth. It is important that your child is motivated to quit. Conservative strategies, such as a sock over their hand, taping the thumb to the finger or a rewards system, can help.
However, if this does not work, your local orthodontist will be able to help. The orthodontist will conduct an assessment and discuss various options to help your child stop their habit. Dental problems that have arisen may also be addressed as it may be better to correct them early.
Each child is unique. Your orthodontist will be able to tailor a specific plan suited to your child after an assessment.
Dr Alan Tran
DDS (Melb), DCD (Ortho Melb), AOB Cert
Peninsula Orthodontics
134 Tanti Avenue, Mornington