Pharmacy Unscripted - Bump. birth and baby

Question 1

When are women most likely to get pregnant when trying for a baby?

Answer 1

Women are most likely to get pregnant if they have sex within a day or so of ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovary); this is when they are most fertile.

Question 2

When does ovulation usually occur?

Answer 2

Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days after the first day of a woman’s last period if she has a 28-day cycle. Some women may have shorter or longer cycles or irregular periods which can make working out when they ovulate a bit trickier.

Question 3

How do ovulation tests work and what can it help with?

Answer 3

An ovulation test can help predict when a woman is most likely to be fertile; they detect the rise in luteinising hormone (LH), which occurs just before ovulation.

Question 4

How much folic acid is required/ recommended for those trying for a baby?

Answer 4

Women should be advised to take a daily 400 mcg supplement of folic acid while trying to become pregnant and until they are 12 weeks pregnant.

Question 5

For women trying for a baby and those who are pregnant why is folic acid important?

Answer 5

Folic acid reduces the risk of the baby having a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.

Question 6

What does the Department of Health and Social Care also advise women to take?

Answer 6

to consider taking a daily 10 mcg vitamin D supplement, especially during the autumn and winter months.

Question 7

What should pregnant women be advised to avoid in terms of supplementation?

Answer 7

Women should be advised not to take high dose multivitamin supplements, cod liver oil or any supplements containing vitamin A while pregnant as too much can harm the baby.

Question 8

For women who have regular monthly menstrual cycle, what are the earliest and most reliable sign of preganany?

Answer 8

A missed period.

Other early sign and symptoms include;

• feeling nauseous or sick
• Feeling tired and emotional
• breasts may become larger and/or feel tender
• strange tastes, smells and cravings

Question 9

What do pregnancy test detect?

Answer 9

Pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which the body starts producing about six days after conception.

Question 10

When are pregnancy tests most reliable?

Answer 10

Pregnancy tests are most reliable from the first day of a woman’s missed period, although some tests can be used as early as four or five days before their period is due. When recommending a pregnancy test, always check the packaging to find out how early it can be used.

Question 11

What advise can you give for pregnancy induced constipation?

Answer 11

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a diet that is high in fibre, wholegrains, fruit and vegetables
• Try to gently exercise regularly
• Try to avoid taking iron supplements unless recommended by a healthcare professional

Question 12

What advice can you give for pregnancy induced cramp in feet or calf muscles?

Answer 12

• Do regular gentle exercise, particularly ankle and leg movements
• Massage feet and calves

Question 13

What advice can you give for pregnancy women who is feeling faint?

Answer 13

Get up slowly after sitting or lying down
• When feeling faint while standing, sit down
• When feeling faint while lying down, turn onto the side

Question 14

What advice can you give for pregnant women who is feeling hot

Answer 14

• Wear loose clothing made from natural fibres

* Keep rooms cool

Question 15

What advice can you give for pregnancy induced incontinence?

Answer 15

• Do regular gentle exercise including pelvic floor exercises

Question 16

What advice can you give a pregnant women who is peeing a lot?

Answer 16

• Try not to drink fluids in the late evening to avoid needing to go to the toilet in the night
• Drink plenty of caffeine-free and non-alcoholic drinks during the day

Question 17

What advice can you give to someone pregnant and with stretch marks?

Answer 17

• Some women find that massaging using certain oils or creams can help with stretch marks. However, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness

Question 18

What advice can you give to pregnant women who has varicose veins (swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet)?

Answer 18

• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• If the legs are affected, try not to sit with legs crossed – sit with legs up as often as possible
• Try elevating the affected area higher than the rest of the body when resting
• Compression tights can help ease symptoms

Question 19

How long is exclusive breast feeding recommended?

Answer 19

recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life as breast milk contains the energy, nutrients and fluid a baby needs for healthy growth and development.

Question 20

What does breast milk protect babies from?

Answer 20

Breast milk also protects babies from infections and diseases and has long-term health benefits.

Question 21

How long should breast milk or formula be baby’s main drink?

Answer 21

Breast milk or formula should be a baby’s main drink until 12 months of age.

Question 22

What is the only alternative to breastfeeding for a bay for their first 12 months of life?

Answer 22

Infant formula is the only suitable alternative to breast milk for the first 12 months of a baby’s life.

Question 23

What is complementary feeding? (breastfeeding)

Answer 23

Complementary feeding is the term preferred by most health bodies instead of weaning, as it highlights that breastfeeding can, and ideally should, continue alongside the introduction of solid foods.

Question 24

When can solid foods be introduced?

Answer 24

Solid foods can be introduced at around six months, ideally alongside breastfeeding or formula for at least the first year.
To avoid the risk of choking, parents should be advised to stay with their baby while they are feeding.