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Midwife Chiamaka, Lagos (2025)

18/09/2025

DEAR PREGNANT MAMAS,

I have spoken about warning signs during pregnancy that should never be ignored several times here.
It’s one post I have done over and over again.

So can someone tell me why I still see comments like:

“I am 3 months pregnant and I am bleeding, is it normal?”

“Two days ago my water started leaking but up till now no labor pain, what should I do?”

“I have been having serious pain that keeps me up at night, what medication should I use ma?”

“I have been having headache that won’t stop even with paracetamol, I am dizzy and my legs are swollen, what should I do?”

“I have not felt my baby move for two days now, should I wait a little more?”

“I am seeing fluid coming out mixed with blood but since the pain is not much, can I stay at home?”

Mamas, how else do I say it to make you understand? There are some things you should run by your doctor immediately you experience them. Some matters are emergencies and require no delay.

Let’s quickly run through some warning signs in pregnancy and why they should never be ignored:
• Bleeding in pregnancy may mean m!scarr1age, placenta problems or other complications.
• Waters breaking early without labor can expose your baby to infection and other risks.
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain is not something to manage with painkillers at home.
• Severe headache, dizziness and swelling may be signs of preeclampsia, which can become life threatening.
• Reduced or no fetal movement is a warning that your baby may be in distress.
• Blood-stained or foul-smelling fluid can indicate infection or placental issues.

So you see, these are not to be ignored.
First step is calling your midwife or doctor or going to the hospital immediately.

Do not bring urgent matters like these to my comment section or inbox. If you must reach me, it has to be a phone call, but even at that I may not pick immediately if I am busy. If I reply you 12 hours later, it might already be too late by then.

Your health and your baby’s safety come first. Please treat warning signs as emergencies and act fast.

Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

WEIRD PREGNANCY SIGNS YOU MAY NOT EXPECT

Pregnancy is full of surprises. Beyond the common signs like nausea and tiredness, many women experience unusual changes that can feel strange but are usually normal.

Here are some of the less talked about signs:
1. Brittle nails – Your nails may suddenly become weak or break easily. This is due to hormonal changes and sometimes increased nutritional demands.
2. Painful scalp – Some women notice tenderness on their scalp or more sensitivity when touching or combing their hair. This can be linked to increased blood flow and hormonal shifts.
3. Glowing skin – That “pregnancy glow” is real. Higher blood circulation and hormonal changes can make your skin look brighter and shinier.
4. Increased sense of smell – Many women suddenly become very sensitive to odors, even ones they never noticed before.
5. Bleeding gums – Hormones can make your gums more sensitive, causing slight bleeding when you brush or floss.
6. Skin changes – You may notice darker patches on your face, a dark line on your belly (linea nigra), or even more acne.
7. Strange food cravings or aversions – Some women crave unusual food combinations or develop a strong dislike for foods they once loved.
8. Excessive saliva – A condition called ptyalism gravidarum, where you produce more saliva than usual, can happen especially in early pregnancy.
9. Hot flashes and sweating – You may feel warmer than usual or sweat more often because your metabolism is higher.
10. Vivid dreams – Many pregnant women report having more intense or strange dreams than usual.
11. Feeling cold – Even though body temperature rises in pregnancy, some women may still feel unusually cold at times due to hormonal and blood flow changes.
12. Increased body temperature – On the other hand, many women feel warmer than usual throughout pregnancy because of higher metabolism and increased blood volume.

Pregnancy affects every woman differently. These signs may feel odd, but most are harmless and temporary. If you notice anything severe or worrying, always check with your healthcare provider.

Your body is doing something amazing by growing a baby, and all these changes are part of that journey.

—Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

PLACENTA PREVIA VS PLACENTA ABRUPTION….. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Both placenta previa and placenta abruption are conditions that affect the placenta, but they are very different in how they happen and how they affect pregnancy.

Placenta Previa
This means the placenta is lying unusually low in the womb and is partly or completely covering the cervix (the opening of the womb). Because of its position, it may cause bleeding later in pregnancy or during labour. Many women with placenta previa are closely monitored, and the mode of delivery often depends on how much of the cervix is covered.

Placenta Abruption
This happens when the placenta separates from the wall of the womb before the baby is born. It can be mild or severe, and it may reduce the oxygen and nutrients reaching the baby. The mother may also be at risk. This condition needs urgent medical attention.

Key Difference
• Placenta previa is about where the placenta is located.
• Placenta abruption is about the placenta separating too early.

Both conditions need medical care, but they are not the same. If you ever hear these terms during pregnancy, do not panic. Ask your healthcare provider to explain clearly what it means for you and your baby.

—Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

HEARTBURN IN PREGNANCY AND HOW SLEEPING POSITIONS MAY HELP

Heartburn is one of the most common discomforts during pregnancy. As your womb grows, it presses on the stomach and makes it easier for acid to move upward into the food pipe. This is what causes that burning sensation many mamas feel, especially at night.

Did you know your sleeping position can make a big difference?
When you lie on your left side, your stomach sits lower than your food pipe, making it harder for acid to flow back up. This often means less burning and better sleep. But when you lie on your right side, the stomach is positioned in a way that allows acid to move more easily into the food pipe, which can worsen heartburn.

This is why doctors and midwives often recommend the left side for sleep during pregnancy. It not only helps with heartburn but also supports better blood flow to your placenta and baby.

Practical tips that may also help include using supportive pillows, raising the head of your bed slightly, and avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime.

—Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

SLEEP IS YOUR BABY’S CONSTRUCTION TIME

Sleep is baby’s building time. While you sleep, your body works overtime forming organs, strengthening bones, and nurturing your little one. Mama, don’t skip your baby’s “construction hours".

Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

Common Pregnancy Discomforts & How to Relieve Them Safely – Part 1

Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes and yes, some discomforts too.
These symptoms may be normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. Here’s a breakdown of the most common pregnancy discomforts, what causes them, and how to manage them safely:

1. Back Pain
Why it happens: As your belly grows, your posture shifts and the hormone relaxin loosens your joints.
What to do:
– Sit upright with back support.
– Use a firm mattress or place a pillow between your knees when sleeping.
– Avoid standing or walking for too long without rest.
– Gentle stretching or prenatal yoga helps too.

2. Heartburn & Indigestion
Why it happens: Hormonal changes relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, causing acid to rise.
What to do:
– Eat small, frequent meals.
– Avoid spicy, fried, or acidic foods.
– Don’t lie down immediately after eating, wait 1–2 hours.
– Sleep with your head elevated if it worsens at night.

3. Constipation
Why it happens: Pregnancy hormones slow down your digestion, and iron supplements can make it worse.
What to do:
– Drink plenty of water (8–12 glasses daily).
– Eat high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Stay active, take walks or light exercise.
– Speak with your midwife before using any laxatives.

4. Leg Cramps (especially at night)
Why it happens: Your muscles are under more strain due to weight gain, and low magnesium or calcium may play a role.
What to do:
– Stretch your legs before bed.
– Stay hydrated.
– Eat foods rich in calcium and magnesium.
– Massage or warm compresses can also help.

These are just a few of the common discomforts many pregnant women face.
But we’re not done yet!

To be continued in Part 2, where we’ll talk about:
Swollen feet & ankles, Fatigue, and Mild headaches and how to manage them safely.

See you in the next post, mama!

— Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

WATER IS YOUR BABY’S FIRST SHIELD

Water is your baby’s first shield. Every sip you take adds to the amniotic fluid that cushions your baby. Think of it as your baby’s swimming pool, you wouldn’t want it drying up, right?

midwife chiamaka

18/09/2025

“Midwife, my BP is low but I’m fine…” No mama, it’s not something to ignore.

Last week, a pregnant woman came into the clinic feeling weak and dizzy. She thought it was just tiredness. Turns out her blood pressure had dropped too low. Another mama had a BP reading over 150/100 and didn’t even feel it. Both were at risk, but didn’t know.

During pregnancy, both high and low blood pressure can be dangerous.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

This can lead to:
• Pre-eclampsia
• Placental issues
• Poor baby growth
• Early labour or emergency delivery

Tips for managing high BP:
• Reduce salt intake
• Avoid stress, rest when needed
• Stay physically active (as advised by your provider)
• Take prescribed medications faithfully
• Never miss your antenatal visits or BP checks

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

This may cause:
• Fainting or dizziness
• Fatigue and blurred vision
• Reduced blood flow to baby

Tips for managing low BP:
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid standing up too quickly
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Rest on your side, especially if feeling lightheaded
• Avoid long periods of standing

The scary part? Some women feel nothing.
That’s why you need to check, not guess.

What am I saying?
• Monitor your BP at every antenatal visit
• Listen to your body but don’t rely on symptoms alone
• Never self-medicate. Always speak with your healthcare provider

Safe pregnancy starts with safe blood pressure. Know your numbers.

Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

CAN’T SLEEP AT 2 AM? TRY THIS SIMPLE POSITION

It’s 2 am and you’re wide awake again. Instead of wrestling with your pillow, try lying on your left side with a pillow between your knees. This eases the weight of your bump, relaxes your back, and gives your baby better blood flow. Sleep sneaks in when comfort takes over.

Midwife Chiamaka

17/09/2025

NATURAL WAYS TO KEEP BLOOD PRESSURE WITHIN RANGE DURING PREGNANCY

Can I naturally lower my blood pressure during pregnancy?

Yes, in mild cases, there are gentle lifestyle changes that may help keep your BP under control alongside medical care, not in place of it.

Here are safe, natural ways to support your blood pressure:

1. Reduce your salt intake.
Too much salt can raise your BP. Try to limit processed foods, bouillon cubes, and extra seasoning powders. Choose fresh, home-cooked meals with light seasoning.

2. Stay well-hydrated.
Drink water consistently throughout the day. Dehydration can make your heart work harder and increase pressure.

3. Rest on your left side.
Lying on your left improves blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and placenta. It also takes pressure off the major vein (vena cava) in your body.

4. Eat potassium-rich foods.
Foods like bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, and spinach can help regulate blood pressure naturally.

5. Stay active but gently.
If your doctor says it’s okay, try walking, light stretching, or prenatal yoga. Avoid overexertion.

6. Manage emotional stress.
Stress hormones can affect BP. Ask for help, take breaks, talk to someone, and don’t bottle things up.

These tips help with mild to borderline BP levels. If your blood pressure is high or you’ve been diagnosed with preeclampsia, always follow your doctor’s instructions first.

Midwife Chiamaka

17/09/2025

PREGNANCY NIGHTS: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

When your waist feels like it’s carrying the whole world, midnight turns into a wrestling match with your bed. No position feels right. Who else is rolling side to side right now?

Midwife Chiamaka

17/09/2025

LOW LYING PLACENTA AFTER 20 WEEKS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If your antenatal ultrasound report shows a low lying placenta, you might be concerned or confused. Here’s a clear and safe explanation of what it means, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What is a Low Lying Placenta?

A low lying placenta is when the placenta is positioned in the lower part of the uterus, close to or covering the cervix (the opening of the womb). This can be classified as:
• Low lying: The placenta is near the cervix but not covering it.
• Partial placenta previa: The placenta partially covers the cervix.
• Complete placenta previa: The placenta completely covers the cervix.

In early pregnancy, this finding is not unusual. However, by the time you are beyond 20 weeks, the position of the placenta becomes more significant.

What Happens After 20 Weeks?

By the second half of pregnancy, the uterus grows upward and often pulls the placenta away from the cervix. In many cases, a low lying placenta detected early moves up and causes no problems. But if it remains low after 20 weeks, it may lead to some complications.

Possible Complications After 20 Weeks Include:
1. Painless V* Bleeding: This is the most common sign, especially in the third trimester. Any bleeding in pregnancy should be reported immediately.
2. Preterm Labour: Irritation from the low placenta may trigger contractions before 37 weeks.
3. Restricted Baby Growth (IUGR): In some cases, the baby may not grow as expected if the placenta is poorly positioned.
4. Placenta Accreta: This is a rare but serious condition where the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall.
5. Delivery Complications: If the placenta is still low or covering the cervix at term, vaginal delivery may not be possible. A planned caesarean section may be recommended to avoid life-threatening bleeding.

How is it Managed?
• Regular monitoring with ultrasound scans to track the placenta’s position.
• Avoiding V* examinations (VE) and intimacy if bleeding occurs.
• Close observation and possible hospital admission if bleeding becomes heavy.
• Planning for delivery in a well-equipped hospital, with access to blood transfusion and emergency care if needed.

The good news is that in most cases, the placenta moves up as pregnancy progresses. Over 90% of low lying placentas found early in pregnancy resolve on their own by the third trimester.

However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend all antenatal appointments. With proper care, most women with low lying placenta go on to have safe deliveries and healthy babies.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Always speak to a qualified healthcare provider about any concerns.

Shared with love and knowledge by Midwife Chiamaka
Empowering women with information they can trust.

Midwife Chiamaka

18/09/2025

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