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Healthy Beginnings with Wendy Obosa, Bénin (2026)

16/09/2026

The journey of labour is in 4 stages. Knowing each stage can help you stay calm and know what to do. Here is a simple guide 👇

FIRST STAGE
Your cervix open from 0 - 10cm. This stage has two parts:
1. Early Labour which is known as the “Latent Phase” (from 0-3cm cervical dilation)

This is the beginning of labour. Your cervix starts to soften, thin out, and open a little.
- Here’s what it feels like 👇
Contractions are irregular. Sometimes painful, sometimes mild. They come and go with no set pattern.
- How long does it take?
This is usually the longest part. Can take hours or even days.

What to do at this stage 👇
- Eat light food and drink water because you need energy for the main phase.
- If it’s daytime, stay upright, or walk around gently. It helps baby move down.
- If it’s nighttime, try to sleep and rest if you can.
- Have a warm bath and breathe slowly. Don’t rush to hospital yet.

2. Established labour
This is known as “active phase” phase of labour (from 4 - 10cm).

Now you are in real labour. Contractions are stronger, longer, and regular.

What to do at this stage 👇
- Take a deep, slow breaths during contractions.
- Change positions: walk, sit on a birth ball, kneel, lean forward, or lie in a left lateral position.
- Empty bladder often to give baby more space.
- Take oral fluid or light meal
- Don’t push until your midwife or doctor says you are 10cm.

SECOND STAGE
This starts when you are fully dilated at 10cm till when your baby is born.

What to do at this stage 👇
- Push down gently when you feel a contraction, and rest completely in between (you try to relax when contraction wears off and push when contraction begins).
- Follow your midwife or doctor’s instructions on when and how to push.
- Breathe rightly. Don’t hold your breathe for too long. Push 5-6 seconds and breathe out slowly.
- Squatting, kneeling, or lying on your side can help baby come out faster.

THIRD STAGE
This stage is from when baby is born to when the placenta comes out.

What to do at this stage 👇
- Do skin-to-skin immediately. It helps you bond with your baby.
- Try to relax and allow your body do the work. Your uterus will push the placenta out gently.
- Allow your midwife or doctor give supportive care. They will check if placenta is complete and/or give you an injection to reduce bleeding.

FOURTH STAGE
This is the first 2 hours after birth. It is the monitoring stage.

What to do at this stage 👇
- Initiate breastfeeding. It helps your uterus contract and stop bleeding.
- Relax and let your body recover
- Eat and take enough fluid. It will help you gain energy
- If you have severe pain, dizziness, or very heavy bleeding tell your midwife or doctor immediately.

Remember 👉 every birth is different. Follow your instincts, trust your body and your care team.

14/09/2026

When labour begins, your body has one major job and that is “opening the door so your baby can be born”. The door in this context is your CERVIX, which is the lowest part of your uterus (womb).

When labour begins, two things happen to your cervix:
1. Effacement
Effacement is thinning. The cervix becomes thin and soft, and then pulls up.
2. Dilation
This means opening. The cervix begins to open wide to create room for baby’s head. Dilation is measured in centimeters from 0 - 10cm, using fingers estimation.

Here’s what it means when your midwife or doctor says you are 5cm dilated or in active phase of labour 👇
1️⃣ 1cm to 4cm ( Early/latent phase of labour)
1cm = A finger tip
2cm = 1 finger fits freely
3cm = 2 fingers, but tight
4cm = 2 fingers fits freely

2️⃣ 5cm to 7cm (Active phase of labour)
5cm = 3 fingers, but tight
6cm = 3 fingers fit freely
7cm = 4 fingers but tight

3️⃣ 8cm to 10cm (Transition phase)
8cm = 4 fingers fit freely
9cm = you are close to meeting your baby
10cm = fully dilated, and baby can pass through safely without injury to your cervix.

Note 📝
- Every woman labour differently. Some women have rapid labour and cervical dilation could move from 4cm to 10cm in 1 or 2 hours. Others take longer. Both can be normal.

- Dilation is not pain level. You can be 3cm and have strong contractions, or 8cm and still taking with coordination.

The next time you hear your midwife or doctor says you are 5cm, it means you are in active phase and halfway ready to meet your baby. That is a good sign that your body is doing a great job ❤️

Trust your body and your care team. They know what to do.

Please share with an expectant mom, and follow Healthy Beginnings with Wendy Obosa for more Education on Maternal and Child Health

11/09/2026

In my last post , I explained the normal positions the uterus (womb) can be in the pelvis. But sometimes, the uterus may sit, look, or function abnormally.

What are uterine abnormalities?
These are alterations in the normal shape, size or position of the uterus.

Here are some common abnormalities of the uterus you need to know ⬇️
1. Uterine prolapse
This can be said to be a situation where the womb drops. What happens is that the ligaments and pelvic floor muscles that hold the uterus gets weak, making the uterus drop down from the normal position towards or out of the va**na.

Causes 👇
- Age (common in people past menopause)
- Pregnancy and difficult childbirth
- Lifting of heavy objects

Symptoms 👇
- Feeling of heaviness, pressure in your pelvis, or something falling out in your va**na
- Difficulty with urine or sexual in*******se
- Pelvic or back ache
- Discomfort when walking

Seek immediate attention if you notice 👇
- You can feel the lower part of your uterus near the opening of your va**na
- Feeling pressure or bulge in your va**na
- Discomfort from leakage of urine
- Walking difficulty

2. Hyperanteflexion
Do you remember the “anteflexed uterus”, which has to do with a normal forward bending of the uterus?

With Hyperanteflexion it means the bend is to sharp.

Causes 👇
- Genetics
- Pelvic adhesions (internal scars in the pelvis)
- Pregnancy
- Fibroid

Symptoms 👇
- Painful menstruation
- Pain during sexual in*******se
- Difficulty getting pregnant

Seek medical attention 👇
- If you are experiencing painful menstruation that doesn’t resolve with normal pain relief

3. Fibroid
Fibroids are non-cancerous growth in the uterus, made of smooth muscles. It changes the shape of the uterus making it bulky.

Causes 👇
The exact cause is unknown, but some of these factors have been linked to it:
- Genetics
- Age
- African descent
- Hormones

Symptoms 👇
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation, bleeding that last longer than 7 days, or bleeding between periods
- Pelvic pain
- Problem with conception in some women

Seek medical attention if you:
- Having bleeding problems
- Rapid growing belly
- Difficulty conceiving

4. Uterine torsion
This has to do with the twisting of the uterus on it own. It is a rare condition but an emergency. When this happens, blood supply to the uterus is obstructed.

Causes👇
- Pregnancy
- Large fibroids

Symptoms
- Severe sudden lower abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting

Seek medical attention immediately. Never ignore sudden severe abdominal pain.

Hope you learnt something today? Follow Healthy Beginnings with Wendy Obosa for more health education ❤️

07/09/2026

In our previous post, we discussed the types of uterus and impact on pregnancy. Today, I would like us to talk about the different ways your uterus (womb) can sit in your pelvis.

Here are the positions of the uterus 👇
1. Anteverted uterus
This is the most common position of the uterus. Here, the uterus tilt forward towards your bladder.

2. Retroverted uterus
The uterus tilts backward towards the spine

3. Anteflexed uterus
Here, the uterus doesn’t just tilt forward. It bends forward at the cervix, creating a sharp angle.

4. Retroflexed uterus
The uterus bend backward at the cervix.

5. Midposition uterus
This type of uterus sit straight in the pelvis. It is less common but normal.

What determines the position of your uterus (womb) ⬇️
Most women are born with their uterus in a particular position.
It’s determined by 👉 Genetics, pelvic floor muscles and ligament.

Although some things later in life can change the position of your uterus.
These include:
1. Pregnancy
2. Uterine fibroid
3. Endometriosis

Have this in mind ⬇️📌
A tilted or bent uterus does not mean you can’t get pregnant or you have a problem with your uterus.

So if you are told by your doctor or a radiologist that you have a retroverted uterus, it’s nothing to worry about. That’s just a description of how your uterus is sitting.

In the next post, I will talk about when the position of your uterus (womb) can cause symptoms and when you should see a doctor 🔔📌

Did you learn something today? Drop a comment and share with a friend. Thank you ❤️

Ai generated image

04/09/2026

The womb which is medically known as the uterus is a vital organ in pregnancy that houses and protect your baby.
Most women have a normal pear-shaped womb. But some women have or develop different shapes.

Having a different shape does not always mean you can’t get pregnant, but can influence the outcome of your pregnancy.

Here are the different types of uterus and the impact on pregnancy 👇
1. Normal uterus
This has a pear shape and a smooth cavity. Most pregnancies happen here with no issues.

2. Septated uterus
This type of womb has a wall dividing it into two parts, which can make it harder for a baby to attach to the womb and grow. It can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

3. Bicornuate uterus
This type of womb looks like a heart with two cavities on top. It happens when the womb is unable to join properly during the developmental stage of the girl child. This type of womb can sometimes cause complications.

4. Unicornuate uterus
Only one side of the womb developed, making it look like a banana shape. This type of womb has only one fallopian tube. The womb is smaller and pregnancy is considered high risk.

5. Didelphys uterus
It is often called double uterus because it has to do with two completely separate wombs with two cervix, and sometimes two va**nal canals. Each side of the womb works on it own. Pregnancy is possible but there is high risk of premature delivery or birth.

6. T-shaped uterus
Inside of this womb looks narrow like letter T. It sometimes develops from medication taken during pregnancy by your mom.

7. Arcuate uterus
Normal womb but it has a small dip at the top, looking slightly like a heart shape.
It usually does not cause issues.

8. Bulky uterus
The womb is bigger than normal. It could be as a result of fibroid. It can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation and also pelvic pain.

Impact on pregnancy 👇
- It can prevent proper blood flow to the growing baby in your womb
- It can determine how the baby attach to the womb
- Increase risk of preterm labour or miscarriages

What to do if your womb is different 👇
- See an obstetrician/gynecologist for proper assessment
- Register for antenatal on time and ensure regular checkups
- Do not panic. Treatment is sometimes only needed if you have symptoms like pain and miscarriages

In our next post I will talk about different positions of the womb. Stay tuned 📌

Don’t forget to drop your questions in the comment if you have any.

02/09/2026

40 weeks pregnant with no signs of labour can be stressful and emotionally draining because you are ready to welcome the moment of meeting your baby. But it doesn’t mean your baby is automatically in danger.

Reasons why it happens ⬇️
1. Your due date might be wrongly calculated
Your due date is calculated from the first day of your last period or menstruation. If the date is wrong, it can lead to your doctor or midwife predicting the due date incorrectly.

Also, starting prenatal care late, after first trimester can make it difficult for the midwife or doctor to determine the due date accurately because the baby is developing rapidly in the womb.

2. Every baby has their own timeline
Most babies are born 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after their due date. Only few are born on their exact due date, and some are late bloomers.

3. First baby and hereditary
First babies tend to come late, and sometimes it runs in the family.

4. Baby isn’t ready yet
Babies decide when to come. Their bodies give the signal. Sometimes they just need a few more days to prepare for birth.

Here’s what can be done 👇
1. Keep up with your hospital appointments
It gives room for your doctor or midwife to monitor your baby closely.

2. Don’t stress or panic
Just learn to stay calm and alert. Do daily kicks count, drink water, and mild exercise if your doctor or midwife approve of it.

3. Plan with your midwife or doctor
Talk and plan with your doctor about options. At 41 weeks and beyond, your midwife or doctor may suggest “Induction of labour “ using medications to stimulate contractions. If you and baby are healthy/stable you can still try for natural birth.

If there are risk factors like placenta issues, fetal and maternal distress, low amniotic fluid, big baby, or malposition, caesarean section (c/s) may be recommended for safety. You could also request a caesarean section at 40 weeks if you’re becoming very uncomfortable.

Always remember 👉 no labour at 40 weeks doesn’t mean your baby is not doing well. But please don’t stay at home and wait too long. Keeping checking with your doctor to ensure you and baby is safe.

31/08/2026

Not all belly tightening means labour, so don’t panic mama ❤️

See why it happens and when it should become a concern 👇

1. Stretching of your womb and muscles
As your baby grows, the womb get bigger to accommodate the baby. The muscles and skin on your belly stretches as well.
This sometimes feels like tightness or hardness, especially after moving or standing for long.

2. Pain from round ligament stretching and constipation
In the first and second trimester, the rope that hold your womb stretches, causing mild cramps and tightness.
Also, increase in hormone like progesterone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract and slows down digestion. So there can be gas build up and constipation which can make your belly feel hard.

3. Braxton Hicks contractions
From 20 weeks, Braxton hicks contraction known as false labour can occur. Your belly goes hard for some seconds and then softens again. There’s no regular pattern for this type of contraction. Sometimes it occur as a result of dehydration, your baby’s movements, full bladder or even touching of your belly.

This type is harmless and normal. It helps tone your womb.

4. The position and movement of your baby
When your baby pressed against your belly, kick or stretches, one side can feel very firm. One interesting thing about this is when you change position it goes away.

When is it normal?
- If it comes and goes with no pattern
- If it goes away when you rest, change position or drink water
- Happens with no pain or just mild tightness

When to see your doctor or midwife 👇
- The tightness or contraction is strong and regular
- It’s accompanied by pain that doesn’t go away with rest but rather getting closer together
- Your water breaks
- There’s va**nal bleeding
- Before 37 weeks and the contractions are frequent and predictable.
See your doctor or midwife because it can be a sign of preterm labour.

Ways to feel better 👇
- Dehydration is a big trigger so avoid it by drinking water
- Change position and have some rest
- Have a warm bath or gentle stretching
- A full bladder can trigger tightening so empty it when you need to
- Practice deep breathe to relax the body

Remember 👉 A hard belly can be normal and sometimes can be a sign for attention. But if you are ever unsure, please go to the hospital to see your doctor or midwife. It’s better to check and be certain.

Please follow Healthy Beginnings with Wendy Obosa for more tips and feel free to ask questions in the comment 🙋‍♀️

28/08/2026

As a pregnant woman or postpartum mom, if you’ve noticed changes in your breast, please don’t get sad about it. It’s not your fault.

The breasts look different because your body is doing what it’s supposed to do, and that is “Preparing and making sure your baby is fed.”

Here’s why the changes occur 👇
1. During pregnancy
From the first trimester (4 -6 weeks), increase in estrogen and progesterone influences your breast.
The following happens:
- Growth in fat and milk producing tissues
Estrogen stimulates breast tissue growth, while progesterone maintains the lining of your womb and prepares the breast for lactation.
- Connective tissues begin to stretch to make room
- Breast becomes bigger, fuller and tender because your body is building the milk factory early
- Veins may become more visible

2. After childbirth and during breastfeeding
Immediately baby is born, the milk factory actively get involved.
- Production of milk makes the breasts become even fuller and heavier
- Your ni***es and ar**la get darker to help baby find them
- Your milk glands work actively to keep production of milk
- At this stage, the change is temporary. The breast size goes up and down with each feeding

3. After weaning
When you stop breastfeeding, milk production stops.
- Milk producing tissues shrink
- Fat and skin may not bounce back fully, so the breast becomes less firm than before, look smaller and softer
- Stretch marks then appear because of the deflation

Please, it’s not your fault. It happens to almost every woman who breastfeeds.

How to care and support your breasts👇
1. Wear supportive maternity/nursing bra right from pregnancy
2. Moisturize your breast to help with stretch marks and itching
3. Learn ho to help your baby latch properly during breastfeeding

Remember this mama 👉 Breastfeeding doesn’t ruin your breasts. Pregnancy hormones, weight changes, genetics and age are what cause most of the shape changes.
So breasts change whether you breastfeed or not.

Please mama, be kind to yourself. Your breasts fed your baby and that’s an incredible job ❤️

No question is irrelevant. Feel free to ask in the comment section mama 🤰

26/08/2026

Pregnancy hormone change your whole body, including your skin. But it affects everyone differently. Some women glow, while others have breakout. Here’s why 👇

Why some women glow
1. Increase blood flow
Your body makes more blood in pregnancy and that extra blood gives your skin a healthy pink look from within

2. Oil production
Hormones tell your skin to produce more oil. This makes your skin look smooth, plump and shiny, which is the glow

Why some women don’t glow 👇
1. Hormones also increase melanin. This can lead to dark patches on the face, belly or other parts of the body. It is known as Chloasma, but people call it “mask of pregnancy “

2. Extra oil produce by the skin during pregnancy can clog pores. So instead of glow, the woman gets acne or pimples

3. Increase blood flow and hormones can cause tiny red veins on face, chest or legs.

4. For some women, hormonal changes make their skin dry and itchy

Have this in mind 👉 GLOW and BREAKOUT are coming from same hormonal influence or changes. What determine is how differently our body reacts

Whether you glow or not, it doesn’t mean your pregnancy is better or worse. Both are normal and you are not alone. Your body is doing an amazing job, mama ❤️

Here’s how to care for your skin in pregnancy 👇
1. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking enough water
2. Eat fruits
3. Use mild soap. Avoid harsh scrub or exfoliation that can irritate your skin
4. Moisturize your skin and use a safe sunscreen to prevent dark patches from getting worse
5. Learn to speak with your doctor or midwife before using any cream or products

Please follow Healthy Beginnings with Wendy Obosa for more tips

24/08/2026

Are you struggling to p**p during pregnancy? You don’t have to be shy. It happens to almost every pregnant woman and here’s why 👇

1. Effect of your hormone
During pregnancy, there’s an increase in an active hormone known as progesterone. It helps to keep your pregnancy safe, but also slows down your digestion. With this effect, food moves slowly in your body and p**p becomes hard.

2. Your growing baby is pressing on your belly
As your womb expand to accommodate your growing baby, it presses on your intestines which makes it harder for waste products to pass through easily.

3. Some of your prenatal vitamins
Example of the vitamin is iron (fesolate). Iron is very important for you and your growing baby, but it can make your stool hard and dark.

4. Not drinking enough water or eating fibers
Water and fibers help soften your stool. So if you are not drinking enough water or eating fruits and vegetables, your p**p becomes dry and hard to pass.

How to feel better naturally ✅
Continue your prenatal vitamins but do the following 👇
1. Make it a habit to drink enough water
2. Eat fibers like pawpaw, pear, watermelon, orange, vegetables, oat, beans etc.
3. Do mild exercise
4. Use the restroom when you feel it. Don’t ignore the urge

Constipation can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or your baby.

Don’t be shy to talk to your doctor or midwife about it when it’s becoming unbearable. They can recommend a pregnancy safe stool softener for you 📌

Have you experienced this in pregnancy? What helped you? Let’s share tips in the comment section so that others can learn👇

Healthy Beginnings with Wendy Obosa

16/09/2026

14/09/2026

11/09/2026

07/09/2026

04/09/2026

02/09/2026

31/08/2026

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

24/08/2026

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