What is a sweep?
What is a sweep and how does it bring on labour? If you get past your due date and your baby hasn’t arrived yet, your midwife may offer you a sweep. But what is it and how does it work? A membrane sweep, sometimes referred to as a cervical sweep, is a procedure which can […]
What happens at my first antenatal appointment?
What happens at my first antenatal appointment? Your first antenatal appointment will usually take place when you are between eight and 10 weeks pregnant. Known as the booking appointment, this is likely to be the first time you meet your midwife and they will spend time talking to you about your circumstances, family history and […]
Essential Oils in labour
The best essential oils for labour Essential oils can have a calming and soothing effect during labour. They can be really effective at helping you manage your pain and feel less anxious when you are at home in the early stages. Some midwifery-led and maternity units offer aromatherapy during labour as a complementary therapy so […]
I am 5 weeks pregnant – now what?
I am 5 weeks pregnant – now what? Congratulations! At five weeks pregnant, the news you’re expecting has probably only just started to sink in and you may be wondering what happens next. Although you are considered to be five weeks pregnant, the actual date of conception will have been around three weeks ago. This […]
Bleeding in the first trimester
Bleeding in the first trimester Bleeding in pregnancy can be very worrying. Experiencing some bleeding is quite common and does not always mean there is anything wrong, but it is important to get checked out if you are concerned. In the very early stages of pregnancy, you may experience some spotting or light bleeding. This […]
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
What are Braxton Hicks contractions? The first time you feel your bump tighten, you might think you’ve gone into labour. But before you grab your hospital bag or call your birth partner, take a moment as you might actually be experiencing Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks are sometimes referred to as false labour pains and although […]
What does the placenta do?
What does the placenta do? When you become pregnant, your body doesn’t just grow a human being, it develops a whole new organ to nourish your baby too. The placenta, sometimes referred to as the afterbirth, has a vital job to do. It supports your baby, giving them the things they need, including oxygen and […]
How to care for your baby’s umbilical cord
How to care for your baby’s umbilical cord When your baby is first born, they will still have the stump of their umbilical cord attached. This can look a little unnerving and many new parents can feel a little apprehensive, especially when changing their newborn’s nappy or giving them a wash. But don’t worry, the […]
Tips for weaning baby off the breast
Tips for weaning baby off the breast How long you want to breastfeed your baby is a completely personal choice. There is no right or wrong time to stop but when you do decide to move on from breastfeeding, making the transition to bottles or cups can seem daunting. It might be tempting to try […]
Looking after your pelvic health
Looking after your pelvic health Pregnancy places a big strain on your body and can put your pelvic health under pressure. Pelvic health relates to your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs and it is important to look after these now to prevent problems later. One of the main ways you can look after your pelvic […]
