NSLHD News July 17

Study looks into relieving pain during pregnancy An inflatable bed which has a belly cavity and designed for pregnant women is being researched through RNSH to see if it alleviates severe pain.

invited to enter a photo competition at Mona Vale Hospital, to have their work included on the walls of the new Geriatric Evaluation Management and Palliative Care facility. Judges are after the best photographic images that capture the local natural environment in Mona Vale and surrounds. There are two great prizes on offer - first prize is a $250 Westfield voucher and second prize is a two hour private session with professional photographer, Steve Turner. The successful entries will be displayed in the main corridors within the new facility when it opens. The photography competition is open to staff, patients and family, volunteers, consumers, students, residents and community members. Details on how to enter can be found on the Known as The Belly Bed, the king-single air mattress has been designed by a mother- of-five, who wanted to help other mums not suffer from debilitating pain. Pregnancy pain is a common problem and researchers estimate that it impacts more than half of pregnancies, which can be incapacitating if untreated or not treated appropriately. There are several factors associated with the development of pregnancy pain. As the baby grows, the body’s centre of gravity shifts forward, and this increases the force applied to the sacroiliac joint straining surrounding muscles and joints, causing pain. Normal hormonal changes experienced with pregnancy increase the mobility of the ligaments surrounding the sacroiliac joints which can results in inflammation producing pain. RNSH obstetrician and principal study investigator Dr Sean Seeho said the bed’s effectiveness in relieving pregnancy pain is being examined as part of the study. “The purpose of this clinical study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Belly Bed in the third trimester of pregnancy in women who have a documented history of sacroiliac, lumbar spine, and/or symphysis pubic pain during this pregnancy,” Dr Seeho said.

RNSH Clinical Trial Coordinator, Women and Babies Research Rachelle Sau-Harvey testing the Belly Bed

“The potential benefits of the Belly Bed may include, a reduction in pregnancy-related pain, improved quality of sleep and improved quality of life. However, these benefits have not been previously assessed in a clinical trial.” “Although the Belly Bed has not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a treatment for pregnancy-related pain in Australia, the device has been available on the commercial market.” Women who are interested in participating in the study and would like more information, should email Kristen.Rickard@sydney.edu.au

Photos sought for new Palliative Care Unit’s walls Local amateur photographers are being

Mona Vale website. Entries close 5pm, 14 August 2020.

‘Waves’ by Steve Turner

WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU

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