How antenatal classes can prepare women and reduce birth trauma
How antenatal classes covering C-section and instrumental birth can prepare women and reduce birth trauma Knowing what to expect when giving birth can help you prepare yourself mentally so you can feel informed and empowered. Every pregnant woman hopes they will have a simple, straightforward and problem-free labour and birth. However, sometimes things don’t go […]
Private Scans – are they worth it?
Private scans – are they worth it? Are you thinking about paying for a private ultrasound scan during your pregnancy? Pregnant women now have more choice of private scans than ever before. You can pay for scans to find out your baby’s gender, gain reassurance in the early weeks of pregnancy and get a clear […]
What does it mean to be rhesus negative?
What does it mean to be rhesus negative? At your first appointment with your midwife, you will provide samples of your blood for testing. From this, you will find out what your blood group is and whether you are rhesus positive or negative. Around one in six women in the UK are rhesus negative, which […]
Pain relief options in labour
Pain relief options in labour Giving birth can be painful and it is a good idea to know what your options are to help you cope during labour. Your midwife will give you information about the pain relief options which are available to you and you may want to record your wishes in your birth […]
What is folic acid and why is it important?
What is folic acid and why is it important? Folic acid is a vitamin which plays an important role in the development of growth and cells. Women are recommended to start taking a folic acid supplement as soon as they start trying for a baby and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid […]
Benefits of a pregnancy pillow – My top 5 recommendations
Do you really need a Pregnancy Pillow? In my honest opinion…YES! Do I need a pregnancy pillow? As your pregnancy progresses, you may find yourself asking “Do I need a pregnancy pillow?” It can get more and more challenging to find a comfortable position and get a good night’s sleep. I remember so well the […]
What to expect in the first few days of breastfeeding
What to expect in the first few days of breastfeeding Breastfeeding can take time to get used to and the first few days can be challenging as you and your baby get to grips with regular feeds. Some women take to breastfeeding really quickly, while others will find it takes longer to get the hang […]
What is a vitamin K shot?
What is a vitamin K shot? When your baby is born, you will be offered a vitamin K injection for your newborn. This is designed to help your baby’s blood to clot. Vitamin K is the name given to a group of vitamins which play an important role in blood clotting, regulating calcium levels in […]
When can I find out the sex of my baby?
When can I find out the sex of my baby? Whether you find out the sex of your baby during pregnancy or wait for a surprise when they are born is a completely personal choice. But if you do decide you want to know whether you are expecting a boy or a girl, you might […]
What is an antenatal appointment?Â
What is an antenatal appointment? An antenatal appointment is an opportunity for you to see medical professionals for the care you need throughout your pregnancy. Most of your antenatal appointments will be with a midwife, although some people will also have appointments with a consultant obstetrician, a doctor who is a specialist in pregnancy and […]
