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 […]
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 […]
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?
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 […]
Pre-Eclampsia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that typically develops in the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks). It is characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in the urine (proteinuria). While most cases are mild, severe pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if left untreated. In rare cases, it can progress to eclampsia, which causes seizures and can be life-threatening. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, […]
Induction of Labour: What to Expect and How to Prepare
What Happens If Your Baby Is Too Comfy? What Happens If Your Baby Is Too Comfy? For most people, labour starts naturally. However, around 1 in 5 births in the UK are induced (NHS, 2022), meaning labour is started artificially for medical or personal reasons. In this guide, we’ll break down why induction might be recommended, what happens during the […]
Diet in Pregnancy: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Eating well during pregnancy is essential for your health and your baby’s development. While most foods are safe, some carry risks of bacteria, parasites, or harmful levels of certain nutrients. To help you make informed choices, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to avoid and what’s still safe to enjoy during pregnancy. 1. Raw or Undercooked Meat: A Risk […]
How to Be a Good Birth Partner: 10 Essential Tips
So, your partner is due to have a baby—congratulations! 🎉 You’ve probably been Googling “how to be a good birth partner” and ended up here. Are we right? You’ve mapped out the fastest routes to the hospital, created labour playlists, and saved all the important phone numbers. But deep down, do you still wonder if you’re truly ready? Do you secretly […]
