Pregnancy

What is anaemia during pregnancy? Anaemia means you don’t have enough red blood cells in your blood. It’s often caused by low levels of iron. During pregnancy, your body can produce extra blood to support your growing baby. If you don’t have enough iron, your body may not be able...

What is Antenatal Care? Antenatal care is care given to women while they are pregnant. It includes regular check-ups and tests. This type of care is offered to all pregnant women. There are different types of antenatal care. The type recommended for you will depend on your health, previous birth experiences...

What is antenatal screening? A fetal anomaly, sometimes called a birth defect, is when there is a change to part of the body of the foetus. Such a change may increase the chance of stillbirth. It may also cause problems with your child’s health, development and quality of life. Many...

What is asthma during pregnancy? If you have asthma and are pregnant, your asthma control can change. Some women have an increase in symptoms. Keeping good asthma control is vital. Poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy could increase the chance of problems. Regular asthma check-ups, following your GP’s advice, and being...

What is a birth after caesarean section? For women who have had one or more caesarean sections in the past, you may have the option of a vaginal birth for your next pregnancy. After a caesarean section, your options for giving birth include: Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) Elective...

What is bleeding in mid-late pregnancy? Mid-late pregnancy is any time from 20 weeks to full term. Bleeding can happen for many reasons. Some women have light bleeding, or spotting, through their whole pregnancy. During mid-late pregnancy, bleeding is usually caused by issues with the placenta or cervix, or due...

What is bleeding in rhesus negative women? The four major blood types are A, B, AB and O. Each of these are either rhesus positive or rhesus negative. Rhesus negative means the blood does not have a protein known as ‘D antigen’ on the surface of your red blood cells....

What will my healthcare team do to help my cope with my pregnancy loss? Your healthcare team can answer many of the medical questions you may have regarding the pregnancy loss. They are also able to provide some support and referrals to counselling to help you cope with the loss....

What is diabetes during pregnancy? If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are pregnant, you need special care. Without the right care, there may be long-term negative effects for you and your baby. Having uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can increase the chance your baby does not develop...

What is it epilepsy in pregnancy? It is important to plan for a healthy pregnancy if you have epilepsy. Most women with epilepsy will have a good pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Although, there are some risks. Having epilepsy may make it harder to get pregnant. Pregnancy...

What is it factor V leiden? Factor V Leiden is a gene mutation. It can increase your chance of developing an abnormal blood clot. Normally, blood clots form to stop bleeding from a cut. But, factor V Leiden can cause clots to form when they aren’t needed. Abnormal blood clots...

What is fetal movements? Fetal movements is a term that refers to the baby’s movements in the womb during pregnancy. Your baby’s movements are one of the signs they are well. Most pregnant women start to feel fetal movements from between 16 to 24 weeks. A baby’s movements can be...

What is gestational diabetes? Diabetes develops if the body can’t make enough insulin. Insulin helps the body to absorb sugar from the blood. Some women get a type of diabetes when they are pregnant. This is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. But,...

What is hyperemesis gravidarum? Around 72% of pregnant women experience nausea with or without vomiting during pregnancy. Usually it starts between 4-10 weeks and settles by 20 weeks. For most women, this is manageble with simple measures, and over the counter medications. This is called hyperemesis gravidarum and can lead...

What is hypertension in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia? Hypertension in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia are health concerns that can affect pregnant women at any stage. Hypertension is high blood pressure. This is when your blood pressure reading is more than 140mmHg/90mmHg. Pre-eclampsia is a form of high blood pressure which happens during...

What is immunisation and pregnancy? Getting certain vaccines before, during and after pregnancy protects you and your baby. Vaccines for pregnant women include: Flu vaccine – can be taken any time while you are pregnant Pertussis vaccine – can be taken 20-32 weeks into your pregnancy If you’re planning to...

What is improving breast milk supply? Sometimes, women have a low breastmilk supply after birth. There are many reasons why a woman's breast milk supply may be low. It may be low if the woman has a health condition, like: Polycystic ovarian syndrome Hypothyroidism Diabetes Pre-diabetes Previous infertility You should...

What is medical termination? A medical termination uses medication to end a pregnancy. It is safe and effective for pregnancies up to nine weeks gestation. Women may have a medical termination due to an unintended pregnancy or because pregnancy complications require a termination.   What do I need to do...

What is medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Most medicines are safe to take at the recommended dose while breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you plan to start, change or stop taking a medicine during this time. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are unsure.

What is mental health in pregnancy? Pregnancy can be an emotional time for many women. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience a range of symptoms related to depression and anxiety. Postnatal depression, one of the most common conditions related to pregnancy, begins as antenatal depression (depression during pregnancy)...

What is miscarriage? A miscarriage is a pregnancy loss that occurs within the fi­rst 20 weeks. This is usually confirmed with either blood tests or an ultrasound. Around one in fi­ve pregnancies miscarry and usually during the fi­rst 12 weeks. They are often unexpected. Having a miscarriage is not your...

What is obesity in pregnancy? It is normal to gain weight during pregnancy. However, being overweight or obese before pregnancy, or putting on too much wait during pregnancy, can increase the risk of problems like: Miscarriage and stillbirth High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia (a serious condition which can cause organ...

What is it? It is common for women to have some form of tear during a vaginal birth. A tear may happen when the baby stretches the vagina and perineum during birth. 9 out of 10 women giving birth for the first time will have some form of tear in...

What is planning to have a baby? If you’re planning to have a baby, it’s important to see your GP for a pre-conception visit so you can prepare for a healthy pregnancy and birth.   What will my GP do now that I am planning to have a baby? Your...

What is Postnatal Care?   The postnatal period is often seen as the first eight weeks after having a baby. This is the time your body is still dealing with any side effects of the birth. It also covers the time spent getting used to having a new baby. Being...

What is pre-pregnancy planning? If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and can become pregnant, it is important to plan. Planning helps women manage their diabetes and prepare for pregnancy. It is important even if you do not want to become pregnant. If you want to have a...

What is subfertility? Subfertility is when a person finds it hard to fall pregnant.   Eight in ten couples who are trying to have a baby will get pregnant within 12 months. One in ten will get pregnant within two years. One in ten will take longer or will not...

What is thyroid disease in pregnancy? Your thyroid gland is located in your neck, near the base of your throat. It makes hormones that keep your body working at the right ‘energy level’. These hormones help control things like your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Sometimes during...

What is an unintended pregnancy? An unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that is not planned. A chance pregnancy brings up a lot of emotions – even for women who know what they want. For some, it can result in a wanted birth. Others may struggle with the idea of a...

What is weight gain in pregnancy? During pregnancy, healthy weight gain is crucial for both the mother and baby's wellbeing. There are many things which can affect how much weight you gain. It is important to maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. Talk to your GP about gaining weight...