Dr Anneen Venter Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

25/11/2025

19/11/2025

# Hyperemesis Gravidarum
🤢😵‍💫🫩🤢

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition unique to pregnancy.
Women with hyperemesis have extreme nausea, recurrent episodes of vomitting and inability to keep food and fluids down.
First line management includes medication for nausea, eating small meals every 2 hours and continuously sipping fluids.
Focus on dry, salty snacks like Salticrax, Provitas. The longer you go without eating, the worse you will feel.
This condition often requires admission to hospital for a drip.

It is dangerous to both the mother, baby and future health of the baby.

In the short term it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, increased risk for blood clots, deficiency of vitamins.
Moms with this condition often feel depressed, anxious or traumatised. Some have thoughts or self harm. Some might even consider ending the pregnancy.

In the pregnancy it can increase the risk for
> placental abruption (releasing of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the baby)
> premature delivery
> poor fetal growth

For the child it might mean
> Increased risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
> Increased risk of ADHD, autism, sleep disturbance and anxiety.
There is help and there is hope for patients with this condition.

# Hyperemesis gravidarum

"The impact and management of hyperemesis gravidarum: Current and future perspectives" by van der Minnen et al.



https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.70165

14/11/2025

24/10/2025

Here is one for the older ladies. Studies have shown that estrogen cream applied to the face can improve collagen, elasticity, wound healing and hydration whilst reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 👩🏻‍⚕️🧖🏻‍♀️

Data from this JAAD Brief Report suggests that topical estrogens may improve certain signs of skin aging: https://bit.ly/48K0UuG

18/10/2025

For those wondering how a mammogram works. In South Africa you receive your XRAY and report to keep safe. You should always take your previous films with you.

15/10/2025

Today, 15 October, marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day a day of reflection, love, and remembrance for all babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or infant death.

At Genesis Reproductive Centre, we stand with all families who have walked this painful path. We see your strength, we honour your loss, and we hold space for your healing.

Light a candle at 7pm in memory of the little lives that touched this world for only a moment, but changed it forever.

www.genesisart.co.za | 012 367 4378 | reception@genesisart.co.za

14/10/2025

This is such a tragic loss. Please parents lollipops are choking hazards. 🍭🍭🍭 Either keep your child under constant supervision or refrain from giving them lollipops. Also inform yourself on what to do if your baby/child is choking.

Incident Report – Infant Dies After Choking on a Lollipop in Menlo Park
Date: 13 October 2025

On Monday afternoon, shortly before 16:50, Old East Safety Forum Community Responders were dispatched to Menlo Park SuperSpar following reports of an unresponsive infant.

Upon arrival, responders found that the baby had been choking on a lollipop. The obstruction was successfully removed, and resuscitation efforts were immediately initiated.

Paramedics from Netcare911, Emer-G-Med, ProMed, and Pretoria Volunteer Emergency Services (PVES) arrived shortly thereafter and continued advanced life support interventions. Despite extensive efforts from all medical teams, the infant was sadly declared deceased on scene.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who responded and assisted during this tragic incident:
- Netcare911
- Emer-G-Med (Pty) Ltd
- Pro Med Emergency Medical Services
- Pretoria Volunteer Emergency Services
- Old East Safety Forum Community Responders
- SAPS (Brooklyn)
- Mon Ami Trauma Troops

06/10/2025

So what do you ladies think about this? A parental tag team for maternity leave. What will be the impact on breastfeeding? Do you guys think it can work?

The highest court in the land has ruled that dads and moms must share their parental leave days 👏🏾 Details in the comments.

Image: Catherine Falls Commercial

19/09/2025

Another sign of endometriosis is infertility. Up to 50% of patients with infertility have endometriosis. Some might be without pain.
# Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which cells similar to those lining the uterus are present outside of the uterus.

Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, including nearly 9 million in the US.

This JAMA Patient Page describes endometriosis development, as well as its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

https://ja.ma/3VRbZSS

18/09/2025

A brief video on the symptoms and signs of PCOS.