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The latest UK statistics about pregnancy loss and complications.
Once you’ve confirmed the result on a pregnancy test, being pregnant is a nerve-wracking time for all mums-to-be and miscarriage is a worry that crops up for many of us, causing confusion and fear. But what exactly are the signs of a miscarriage?
Ectopic pregnancy is a common, occasionally life-threatening condition that affects 1 in 80 pregnancies. Put very simply, it means “an out-of-place pregnancy”.
There’s a wide range of reasons why babies die. We look at causes of stillbirths (death before birth) and deaths of newborn babies separately as different problems are more common in each group.
As a general rule, childbirth takes place after nine months of pregnancy, however, it can occur prematurely. Labour happens in three stages, but established labour is achieved when the cervix is dilated to 3cm. Childbirth is different for every mother and infant, with different delivery methods, positions and pain relief options available.
How early can you really tell if you are pregnant?
Taking good care of yourself during your pregnancy will give your growing baby the best start in life. Getting some exercise, eating well and keeping up with your antenatal appointments will all help you to have a healthy pregnancy. Learn more about the simple steps you can take.
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for good health, and even more so during pregnancy, as eating well will give you most of the nutrients that you and your baby need. A healthy diet and lifestyle will also help ensure a healthy weight gain, ensure you get the key vitamins and minerals you need, and reduce your risk of pregnancy complications.
A nutritious and balanced diet is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. However, certain foods and drinks can increase the risk of harm to your unborn baby. Knowing which foods to avoid and choosing safe alternatives will ensure both your own and your baby’s health. However, if you have accidentally eaten something potentially risky, there is still a low chance that it will cause harm. If you are worried about your intake or develop symptoms of food poisoning, always contact your doctor who can further advise you.
Breastmilk is the best form of nutrition for your baby. It provides the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop and helps the child to fight infections during infancy. It also has benefits for those who are breastfeeding. Yet, some people are unable to breastfeed, and others may choose not to. There are good alternatives to breastfeeding, such as formula feeding or mixed feeding. This article provides an overview of the benefits of breastfeeding and information about alternative feeding methods.
You may be trying to decide whether to have a vaginal birth or a caesarean section (c-section). Speak to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible. They can give you the information and support you need to understand your birth options.
Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.
Being pregnant is a big life event and it is natural to feel a lot of different emotions. But if you’re feeling sad and it’s starting to affect your life, there are things you can try that may help.
The transformation from a tiny fertilised egg to a fully-formed baby is an incredible process.
‘I didn’t have a clue miscarriage could drag on for so long.’
You’ll probably be in hospital for 3 or 4 days after a caesarean section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks.
Postnatal/postpartum depression (PND) is not the same as the ’baby blues’. It is a mental health condition that needs treatment, so it’s important to ask for help.
Many pregnant women worry about birth. Some, however, suffer from a much more serious condition called tokophobia: a severe and unreasoning dread of childbirth, which is sometimes accompanied by a disgust of pregnancy.
