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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
