Zita West answers your fertility questions
Zita West is a practising midwife, acupuncturist, nutritional advisor and founder of The Zita West Clinic, London’s leading fertility clinic specialising in integrating complementary therapies into mainstream medicine.
Over the years, Zita’s highly experienced multi-disciplinary team has worked closely with leading fertility clinics and gynaecologists in the UK, helping thousands of couples conceive. Zita has helped many famous clients during their pregnancies, including Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett, Stella McCartney and Ulrika Johnson. Zita has also developed her own fertility and pregnancy product range and is the author of six books. Her latest,‘Plan to get Pregnant’, is out now. She is a regular contributor to the Sunday Times Style supplement and has her own page in Junior Pregnancy and Baby Magazine. Zita has also made countless appearances on television.
Is itching normal in pregnancy?
I am eight weeks pregnant and feel very itchy all over my body. What can I do?
Zita says: itching can be very common in pregnancy. When you are pregnant, the blood supply to the skin is increased, which causes itchiness. Also, as your pregnancy progresses and the skin of your abdomen becomes tighter, this can cause itching as well.
What you need to be careful of is severe itching in late pregnancy, which may be the sign of an underlying serious medical condition called obstetric cholestasis. This potentially can lead to stillbirth so it is very important that you get the itching checked out with your GP, who will do a blood tests to see if you have this condition. It may mean that you deliver earlier and not around your due date.
How do I know if I'm pregnant?
I think I may be pregnant but I was wondering what the early signs are as I'm a bit confused.
Zita says: the most common sign of early pregnancy is the obvious, which is a missed period. Many women feel that their breasts are tender and for some their nipples are sensitive. Others feel nauseous, tired and a bit emotionally fragile and start to crave certain foods. But there are many signs that are different to this. For example: a metallic taste in the mouth. The only way to find out for sure is to do a pregnancy test.
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The information provided by our experts is intended for educational purposes only. Neither the expert nor gurgle can be held responsible or liable for any loss or claim arising out of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made on this site. As our experts do not know your specific circumstances, they are not suggesting any specific course of action for you to follow. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional for individualised health and medical advice.
Published August 2008
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Last Modified: 03/09/2008
Related Chat 4
hiya zita my name is lea and me and my fieance have been trying for a baby since december 2008 and my last pireod starting date was 8th aug 09 and i haven't got any more pireods since then i also have PCSO's to im only 21 years old nearly 22 in november. also took lots of pregnancy tests but no luck can you please help us?
hi i came of depro injection after being on it for less than a year and since then me and my fiancee havent used anything i have come back on my periiod regular but still know signs of being pregnant it has been around 7 months since my last injection i would love to have a baby and it is really getting me stressed out how long is it going to take?
i am the same aswell but i dont really understand the overlation calender... i had the implant takin out last june and havent used anything since and i have still not become pregnant wat could this be down to can you please tell me what i could do
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