Pregnancy and Birth

Pregnancy and Birth

Pregnancy begins on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). This date helps determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and is about two weeks before actual conception. It might seem strange, but this date is important for calculating your due date. Your healthcare provider will ask for it to track your pregnancy progress and set your due date. Your due date is usually 40 weeks from this date, but it’s common to give birth up to three weeks early or two weeks late. Also, your due date might change based on measurements from an ultrasound.

Many people think pregnancy lasts nine months, but this isn’t always true. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks or 280 days. Since some months are shorter and others are longer, your pregnancy might last either nine or ten months, which is completely normal and healthy.

What should I do once I get pregnant?

• Exercise – Women who exercise regularly are less likely to have uncomfortable pregnancy side effects like back pain, piles, and swollen ankles. They are also less likely to gain too much weight and more likely to feel positive about their changing bodies. A healthy, fit body can also handle childbirth better. However, it’s important to find the right balance, as too much exercise can cause fertility issues, such as irregular periods and cycles where ovulation does not happen.
• Caffeine – Caffeine is believed to inhibit the growth of a foetus by narrowing blood vessels and decreasing blood flow to the uterus. The current recommendation is to keep caffeine consumption under 300mg each day, which is comparable to 4 cups of instant coffee, 3 cups of brewed coffee, or 6 cups of tea.
• Keep taking Your Vitamins and Supplements – Folic acid doesn’t just help you get pregnant but it helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Speak with your GP or midwife to find out which supplements will work best for you.
• Eat Healthy – Don’t forget you are eating for two now, the vitamins and minerals in your food are also going to your baby who needs them to develop healthily. Whilst cravings happen, try and maintain a balanced diet. If all you eat is junk food, then that is all your baby gets too. Dieting itself, especially crash dieting is not recommended as this would rob your child of essential nutrients.

Stages Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is roughly divided into 4 stages known as trimesters of about 3 months each:

• First trimester – 1-12 weeks
• Second trimester – 13-27 weeks
• Third trimester – 28-40 weeks
• Fourth trimester – post-birth

If you have any concerns at any time during your pregnancy please contact the midwife or your GP. Please take a look at the flyer below for signs that you should call.

First trimester – 1-12 weeks

First trimester (week 1–week 12)

The first trimester lasts until you are 13 weeks pregnant, covering the first three months of pregnancy. During this time, the fertilized egg grows from a small group of cells into a foetus with some human features. While this trimester can be exciting, it’s also when many people experience symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue.

Your body changes a lot during the first trimester. Hormonal changes affect almost all body systems, causing symptoms even in the early weeks. A missed period is a clear sign that you are pregnant.

As your body changes, you may need to adjust your daily routine. This could mean going to bed earlier or eating smaller, more frequent meals. Most of these discomforts usually disappear as your pregnancy continues. However, some women may not feel discomfort at all. If you have been pregnant before, your experience may be different this time. Every woman and every pregnancy are unique.

Symptoms

Below are some common symptoms that you might experience during this first stage of pregnancy.

• Missing your period.
• Having tender breasts.
• Needing to pee (urinate) more often than usual.
• Fatigue and feeling tired.
• Feeling sick or being sick. This is often called morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of day.
• Being constipated. Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of fibre can help.
• Extreme tiredness
• Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
• Cravings or distaste for certain foods
• Mood swings
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or loss

A lot of these symptoms are likely to diminish as your pregnancy progresses. If you’re having difficulty with any of your pregnancy symptoms, consult your GP or midwife. They might suggest that you take a prenatal vitamin. They will also provide you with a list of items to stay away from during your pregnancy. Some of these items consist of:

• Beverages containing alcohol.
• Tobacco products.
• Recreational drugs, including marijuana. Medical marijuana should be discussed with your pregnancy care provider.
• Certain foods like unpasteurized dairy, raw fish or fish high in mercury.

Baby’s Development

Your baby starts its journey as a small cluster of cells. Some of these cells develop into an embryo, while others become the placenta. The placenta connects to your uterus and is linked to your baby through the umbilical cord. Through the placenta and umbilical cord, oxygen, nutrients, and hormones from your bloodstream are delivered to your baby. The waste products from your baby flow back into your bloodstream for you to eliminate. In the initial months, all of your baby’s organs and body systems begin to develop. The cells responsible for forming your baby’s heart start to pump rhythmically. An ultrasound scan around the sixth week of pregnancy can detect your baby’s heartbeat. By week 12, your baby begins to resemble a small human being.

Month 1 (weeks 1 through 4)

• Week 1-2: The first two weeks of pregnancy are a time for preparation. During this period, your body starts to release more hormones, and your uterus gets ready for a possible pregnancy. At the end of the second week, your ovary releases an egg, which is called ovulation. If sperm meets the egg right after ovulation, pregnancy can begin.
• Week 3: Actual Fertilization occurs during the third week. A sperm and egg join and create a zygote.
• Week 4: As week 4 approaches, the small cluster of cells develops into a blastocyst and attaches itself to the lining of your uterus. The initial formation of what will develop into the placenta begins. A protective sac envelops the blastocyst, known as the amniotic sac, which offers cushioning to the foetus throughout pregnancy.

By the end of the fourth week, the blastocyst is about 2 millimetres (mm) long — the size of a poppy seed.

Month 2 (weeks 5 through 8)

The second month of pregnancy is typically when many individuals become aware that they are expecting. Pregnancy hormones increase significantly, and by around the fifth week, a home pregnancy test is likely to indicate a positive result. This period is when many start to experience pregnancy symptoms.

• Week 5: The neural tube, which includes the brain and spinal cord, forms. By the end of this week, the tiny heart will beat 110 times a minute. Arm and leg buds appear. Your baby is now an embryo and is one-twenty-fifth of an inch long. 
• Week 6: The small buds that will become arms and legs continue to grow. Blood cells start to form, and circulation begins. Ears, eyes, and the mouth begin to take shape. A vaginal ultrasound can likely find the heartbeat in the developing cluster of heart cells. 
• Week 7: Bones start to replace soft cartilage, and genitals begin to develop. The embryo’s head is large compared to its body. Some people think the embryo looks like a small tadpole or seahorse because of its prominent tail (which will go away) and large head. 
• Week 8: All major organs and body systems are developing. The embryo has web-like hands and feet. The eyes become visible, and the ears begin to form. The umbilical cord is fully developed and helps carry oxygen and blood to the embryo.

By the end of eight weeks, your baby has developed into a foetus and resembles a more human form. The sex organs begin to develop, the eyes have shifted forward on the face, and eyelids have formed. At this stage, your baby is nearly 1 inch long, which is about the size of a black bean, and weighs less than one-eighth of an ounce.

Month 3 (weeks 9 through 12)

The third month of gestation marks the transition from embryo to foetus. This time is characterised by swift growth and advancement. The foetus begins to form unique facial characteristics, limbs, organs, bones, and muscles.

• Week 9: The initial development of teeth and taste buds is underway. Its muscles are developing, and its body shape is starting to look more human-like. However, its head still constitutes 50% of its overall length. Your healthcare provider might be able to detect its heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound.
• Week 10: The arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes are fully formed, and there are no more webbed fingers. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop, and the external ears are starting to take shape. The external genitals are also beginning to form, but it is too early to detect them on an ultrasound.
• Week 11: The foetus is beginning to explore its movements, such as opening and closing its fists and mouth. Its knees, elbows, and ankles are functioning, but it’s still too early to feel any kicks. While the bones are hardening, the skin remains translucent. Additionally, the facial features are becoming more prominent.
• Week 12: All the organs, limbs, bones, and muscles are present and will continue to develop until they are fully functional. The circulatory, digestive, and urinary systems are actively working, and the liver is producing bile. The foetus is also drinking and excreting amniotic fluid.

At the end of the third month, the foetus measures about 2.5 to 3 inches long—approximately the size of a plum. The external sex organs have developed, indicating whether your baby is a boy or girl; however, this may still be unclear, and it won’t be visible on ultrasound for several more weeks. It is recommended to wait until the second trimester or later to determine the baby’s sex, as waiting longer increases the likelihood of receiving an accurate result.

Most of the critical development has occurred by this point, which means the chance of miscarriage decreases significantly after 12 weeks, marking the end of the first trimester. Additionally, many people start to feel relief from morning sickness around this time.

Second trimester – 13-27 weeks

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first, but staying informed is still essential. During this time, you’ll gain weight as your baby grows, which includes the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, and additional body changes.

Stretch marks may appear due to skin stretching; these are harmless and often fade after birth. While nausea and fatigue from the first trimester may improve, some symptoms might continue. By around 17 weeks, most individuals have gained at least 10 pounds.

You may experience back or pelvic pain, which physiotherapy can help manage. You might first feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. As their movements become stronger, it’s important to recognize their patterns. Contact your midwife if you notice a decrease in movement.

During this trimester, many people find out about the foetus’s assigned sex. This is typically done during an ultrasound at around 20 weeks.

Symptoms

As your body adapts to accommodate your growing baby, you might experience: 

• Discomfort in various areas, such as your back, abdomen, groin, or thighs. 
• An increase in weight. 
• Darkening around your nipples (the areolas). 
• The appearance of a Linea nigra (a dark stripe that runs from your pubic bone to your belly button). 
• Spots of darkened skin. 
• Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks. 
• Patches of darker skin, typically found on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. These patches often appear symmetrically on both sides of the face and are sometimes known as the mask of pregnancy. 
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, a condition referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. 
• Itching in the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Contact your doctor if you experience nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, or fatigue in conjunction with itching, as this may indicate a serious liver issue.) 
• Swelling in the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice sudden or severe swelling or experience rapid weight gain, reach out to your doctor immediately, as this could signify preeclampsia.)

Baby’s Development

At this stage of pregnancy, your baby can hear some sounds. Their skin may appear wrinkled and will be covered with a greasy substance and fine hair known as lanugo. The baby will alternate between sleeping and waking and may start to kick and stretch. Their sucking reflex is developing, and they may even suck their thumb.

You can usually find out the sex of your baby during your 20-week screening scan, if you wish. This scan is typically offered when you are between 18 and 20 weeks pregnant, but this may vary depending on your local hospital’s policy. If you would like to know the sex, be sure to ask the technician performing the scan beforehand.

Month 4 (weeks 13 through 16)

Many people start to show signs of pregnancy around this stage, particularly if they have been pregnant before. A healthcare provider can clearly detect the foetal heartbeat using a Doppler ultrasound. The foetus is even capable of sucking its thumb, yawning, stretching, and making facial expressions.

• Week 13: The vocal cords begin to form, and the foetus’s large head starts to grow in proportion to its body.
• Week 14: The foetus’s skin starts to thicken, and fine hair begins to grow. It can bring its fingers to its mouth and turn its head. The external genitals are fully developed, and fingerprints begin to form.
• Week 15: Some organs, such as the intestines and ears, are moving to their permanent positions. The foetus continues to practice breathing with amniotic fluid, and its lungs are starting to develop. The foetus begins to make more purposeful movements, like sucking its thumb or smiling.
• Week 16: The foetus has developed lips, and its ears are now functioning well enough that it can hear you talk. Although its eyes remain closed, the foetus can react to light by turning away from it. It also makes sucking motions with its mouth, demonstrating the sucking reflex.

By the end of the fourth month, the foetus is approximately 4 to 5 inches long and weighs about 4 ounces, which is roughly the size of an avocado. During this time, muscle tissue and bone continue to develop, leading to a more complete skeleton.

Month 5 (weeks 17 through 20)

By the end of the fifth month of pregnancy, most individuals begin to feel the foetus moving. These first movements are known as quickening and may feel like a flutter. If your pregnancy has been healthy up to this point, you’ll likely have your first ultrasound. During this appointment, you might even learn the foetus’s assigned sex.

• Week 17: The foetus still has thin skin but is beginning to gain fat. Its skin is covered with a whitish coating called vernix. This “cheesy” substance is believed to protect the foetal skin from long-term exposure to amniotic fluid.
• Week 18: The foetus is covered in lanugo, a soft, peach fuzz-like hair that helps maintain its warmth and provides an additional layer of protection. The foetus may experience a sleep-wake cycle, and loud noises can wake it if it is asleep.
• Week 19: The foetus is becoming stronger, and most people start to feel its kicks and punches. The foetus also has a unique set of fingerprints and is capable of hiccupping.
• Week 20: The foetus’s nails grow toward the tips of its fingers. The area of the brain responsible for its five senses begins to develop.

By the end of the fifth month, the foetus measures approximately 9 to 10 inches long and weighs around 1 pound. At this stage, your baby can hear sounds and swallow. Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have developed, and your baby can even scratch itself.

Month 6 (weeks 21 through 24)

If you were to look inside your uterus at this moment, you would observe that the foetus’s skin appears reddish, wrinkled, and the veins are visible through its translucent skin. At six months of pregnancy, its eyelids start to separate, and you might notice some irregular, jerky movements. The foetus reacts to sounds by moving or having an increased heart rate. Your baby experiences cycles of sleep and wakefulness. Genuine hair starts to develop on your baby’s head.

• Week 21: Limb movements are coordinated and frequent. The foetus has bone marrow that helps it produce blood cells.
• Week 22: The foetus’s grasp is getting stronger, allowing it to touch its ears and the umbilical cord. It can hear your heartbeat, your stomach rumble, and your breathing.
• Week 23: The foetus will start to rapidly add fat to its body.
• Week 24: The foetus’s lungs are fully developed, but not well enough to work outside your uterus.

By the end of the sixth month, the foetus is about 12 inches long and weighs around 2 pounds. Taste buds have formed, and footprints and fingerprints are present. In boys, testicles start to descend into the scrotum, while girls have their uterus and ovaries in place, with all their eggs developed in the ovaries.

Starting at 24 weeks, a baby’s chances of survival increase if born prematurely, although they would require intensive care for an extended period at this early stage. The longer the baby remains in the womb, the better their chances of survival become.

Month 7 (weeks 25 through 28)

The foetus continues to mature and develop body fat reserves. It frequently changes position and responds to stimuli such as sound, pain, and light. The amniotic fluid is beginning to diminish.

• Week 25: Increased body fat makes the foetus’s skin smoother and plumper. Its nervous system is maturing rapidly.
• Week 26: The foetus produces melanin, the substance responsible for skin and eye colour. Additionally, the foetus’s lungs begin to create surfactant, which is essential for breathing after birth.
• Week 27: The foetus can open its eyes and blink. It also has eyelashes.

Third trimester – 28-40 weeks

This is the final stage of your pregnancy. As your due date approaches, your cervix will become thinner and softer in a process known as effacing. This is a normal and natural process that helps the birth canal (vagina) open during labour. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as your due date gets closer. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about labour and delivery.

During the third trimester, your baby continues to grow, and your body prepares for childbirth. Below are some symptoms you might experience at this stage of pregnancy:

You may feel tired and breathless as your baby grows. This could sometimes be due to iron-deficiency anaemia. You will be offered blood tests to check your iron levels throughout your pregnancy.

Symptoms

You’re almost done! Some discomforts from your second trimester will still be there. Many women also have trouble breathing and need to go to the bathroom more often. This happens because the baby is getting bigger and pressing on your organs. Don’t worry; your baby is healthy, and these issues will improve after you give birth.

Baby’s Development

In the third trimester, your baby gains weight and stores fat in preparation for birth. Their skin begins to smooth out, and they lose the fine layer of hair called lanugo.

During this period, your baby will remain active and continue to move around. By week 36, they typically turn into a head-down position, ready for delivery. In the final weeks, they often settle lower into your pelvis.

Month 8 (weeks 28 through 32)

In the third trimester, your baby gains weight and stores fat in preparation for birth. Their skin begins to smooth out, and they lose the fine layer of hair called lanugo.

During this period, your baby will remain active and continue to move around. By week 36, they typically turn into a head-down position, ready for delivery. In the final weeks, they often settle lower into your pelvis.

• Week 28: The foetus may start to turn head-down in preparation for birth. By the end of the seventh month, it is about 14 to 15 inches long and weighs between 2 and 3 pounds.
• Week 29: You may notice that the kicks and jabs feel more like gentle pokes now that the fetus is getting cramped in the amniotic sac.
• Week 30: The foetus can control its own body heat. Its brain is maturing and growing rapidly.
• Week 31: The foetus can process more information and stimuli. You may notice clearer patterns of when it is awake and when it is asleep.
• Week 32: The foetus’s skin is no longer translucent. Except for the lungs and brain, most other organs are well-formed and prepared for birth.

Your baby is growing rapidly, gaining approximately half a pound each week. The fetus is now about 17 to 18 inches long and weighs around 5 pounds. While your baby’s bones are fully formed, they remain soft, and the lanugo (fine hair covering the body) has started to fall off.

Month 9 (weeks 33 through 36)

During this stage, the foetus continues to grow and mature. The lungs are nearly fully developed at this point in pregnancy. The ninth month primarily focuses on finalizing growth and brain development.

• Week 33: The foetus’s bones are hardening, except for the cranial bones surrounding its brain, which need to remain soft to pass through the birth canal.
• Week 34: The vernix that protects the Foetus’s skin starts to get thicker.
• Week 35: The Foetus’s brain continues to grow, but still only weighs two-thirds of what it should at birth.
• Week 36: The Foetus loses its lanugo, and it has hair on its head.

Your baby is approximately 16 to 19 inches long and weighs around 6 to 6½ pounds. As your baby’s body fat increases, they are growing larger and have less space to move. While their movements may be less forceful, you will still feel stretches and wiggles.

Month 10 (Weeks 37 through 40)

In this last month, labour could begin at any moment. By now, the position of the foetus may have shifted in preparation for delivery. Ideally, the foetus is positioned head-down in your uterus. You may experience significant discomfort during this final phase as the foetus descends into your pelvis in readiness for birth. Your healthcare provider might suggest that you track foetal movements through kick counts.

• Week 37: The foetus’s toenails reach the tips of its toes. You may start to feel the foetus dropping into your pelvis.
• Week 38: The foetus is packing on 0.5 pounds per week to get to its final size.
• Week 39: The foetus is at full term, and its organs are ready to function independently.
• Week 40: It’s your due date week. Call your midwife if you notice any signs of labour.

The foetus is now approximately 18 to 20 inches long and weighs between 7 to 9 pounds. As you approach your due date, your baby may shift into a head-down position in preparation for birth. Most babies present head down.

It can be alluring to begin counting down the days until your due date and wish for an early delivery, but it’s essential to keep in mind that each week in this last phase of development is vital for your baby’s readiness for birth. During the third trimester, the fetus quickly accumulates weight, adding body fat that will be advantageous after delivery.

For more information, you can also watch the Bupa.co.uk video below on the stages of pregnancy.

What weeks are most important for foetal development?

Every trimester of pregnancy has its own risks. The first 13 weeks, or the first trimester, are very important for foetal development. During this time, the risk of miscarriage is higher, but it significantly decreases after the first trimester, when the baby’s major organs and systems are formed and starting to work.

This does not mean that your pregnancy is less important after 13 weeks. It simply means that many key developmental milestones have already happened. Most serious birth defects also occur during the first trimester.

Fourth trimester – Birth and Post-birth

How to prepare for labour

There are many ways to prepare for labor, and doing some research beforehand can help you gain a general understanding of what to expect. Keep in mind that every birth is unique, so even the most thorough research may not fully prepare you for your own experience. However, there are plenty of online resources available that cover good birthing positions, breathing techniques, and relaxation tips. Additionally, you can always consult your doctor or midwife for more personalized advice.

It’s also a good idea to pack a hospital bag in advance. The last thing you want to do when labor begins is scramble around the house gathering items. Having your bag ready to go will make the process smoother when the time comes. Here are a few essentials you should consider:

• Your birth plan and maternity notes
• A warm dressing gown
• Slippers or comfortable shoes
• T-Shirts that you don’t mind getting a little messy
• Warm socks
• Toiletries, including moisturiser, toothbrush and paste and lip balm
• High-energy snacks and drinks
• Hairbands
• Nappies, blanket and clothes for your baby to wear
• Spare clothes for leaving the hospital
• Try positions that may help with labour.
• Do perineal massage to reduce the risk of damage to your perineum area during birth.
• Keep active to help your baby’s position.
• Learn ways to help deal with labour pain.

For more information, great tips, and advice please visit the websites below.

• Better Health: Start For Life – Preparing for Labour and Birth
• Health Authority: Preparing for Labour

You’re going into labour, what do you do?

If you have any concerns—such as being unsure if you are in labor, noticing a change in your baby’s movements, or suspecting that your water has broken—you can always reach out to a midwife. Use the contact numbers provided in your maternity notes to get in touch.

Have a look at the video from the NHS below to find out more about the early signs of labour.

First stage of labour

Latent Phase

The latent phase of labour marks the beginning of the first stage, during which the cervix softens and starts to open (dilate) for the baby’s birth. Contractions will begin, which can be irregular in intensity and frequency; some may feel like strong period pains.

Your cervix is typically sealed with mucus during pregnancy, but when labour starts, the mucus plug may come out, often referred to as your “show.” This may appear as a small mucus discharge, sometimes with a bit of blood, which can be red or brown. If you notice excessive bleeding, contact your hospital or midwife.

The length of the latent phase varies for each woman, often lasting hours or even days, particularly for first-time pregnancies. Staying calm and comfortable is essential. If you’re over 37 weeks with a healthy pregnancy, your midwife may advise you to stay home until labour is “established,” meaning your cervix has dilated to at least 4 centimetres and contractions are stronger and more regular.

What can I do to ease the pain?

The goal during the latent phase of labour is to remain as calm and comfortable as possible. You may find it beneficial to:

• Keep mobile
• Rest and sleep between contractions, especially if labour starts at night or you are feeling tired.
• Stay hydrated by drinking fluids, such as water. Isotonic sports drinks may also help maintain your energy levels.
• Consume small, regular snacks like toast, biscuits, or bananas; however, be mindful that many women may not feel very hungry, and some might experience nausea.
• Try any relaxation and breathing exercises you’ve learned.
• Consider getting a massage; your birth partner can assist by rubbing your back.
• Follow the instructions on the packet when taking paracetamol; it is safe to use during labour.
• Have a warm bath or shower.
• Gently bounce or rock on a birthing ball.
• A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine can be used to alleviate pain. It attaches to your back using sticky pads and sends small electrical impulses that help block pain signals from your body to your brain. This reduces your awareness of the pain.

Your baby’s movements

You should continue to feel your baby move as usual right up until you go into labour and throughout the labour process. If you have any concerns about your baby’s movements during the early stages of labour, please contact your midwife or maternity unit.

Established Labour

The next phase of the first stage of labour is referred to as established labour. This occurs when your cervix has dilated to at least 4cm, and your contractions become stronger and more regular.

Your midwife will be there to conduct regular vaginal exams to track your labour’s progress, but remember, you always have the option to decline if that feels right for you. If everything is moving along well, additional monitoring may not be necessary, allowing your midwife to focus on providing valuable emotional support.

For first-time moms, the first stage typically takes about 8–12 hours, while those with previous births may experience it in 5–12 hours. As you get closer to full dilation at 10 cm, your contractions might become more intense, which is perfectly normal. You might not even realize when you enter the second stage, but you’ll likely feel the natural urge to push when it’s time!

The second stage of labour

The second stage of labour starts when your cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm, and your contractions remain strong and regular.

Initially, you may not feel the urge to push, known as the passive second stage. This can last up to 2 hours for first-time mothers and up to 1 hour for those who have given birth before. The active second stage begins when you feel the urge to push and continues until your baby is born.

Your midwife will monitor both you and your baby closely during this stage and will help you find a comfortable position, whether sitting, lying on your side, standing, kneeling, or squatting. If you experience back pain, kneeling on all fours may help. It’s a good idea to try different positions before labor and discuss them with your birth partner for their support.

Every labour is unique, but generally, you can expect to deliver within 3 hours if it’s your first baby and within 2 hours if you’ve had a baby before. The second stage of labour can be challenging, but your midwife will provide support and encouragement, and your birth partner can help as well.

At birth, babies typically weigh between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces, and measure 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges, but healthy babies can vary in size.

The third stage of labour

The third stage of labour happens after your baby is born. During this time, your uterus contracts to deliver the placenta and the membranes that held your baby. You might not notice what’s going on as you’ll be focused on bonding with your little one, and that’s perfectly normal. Take a moment to cherish this special experience; you’re doing an amazing job!

Your midwife will explain both options to you while you’re still pregnant or during early labor, so you can choose the one you prefer. There are certain situations where physiological management may not be advisable. Your midwife or doctor can clarify if this applies to your situation.

For more information about this stage of labour please click on the link below.

Maternal mental health and Perinatal mental health

If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with mental health during pregnancy or in the first year after welcoming a little one, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to offer support and share helpful resources to guide you through this journey. Your well-being matters!

• Perinatal mental health disorders can impact as many as 20% of new and expectant mothers.
• Perinatal mental health pertains to a woman’s psychological well-being throughout her pregnancy and during the first year following childbirth.
• This includes pre-existing mental illnesses, as well as conditions that develop for the first time or are significantly worsened during the perinatal period.

Having a baby is a significant life event, and it’s normal to experience a variety of emotions during pregnancy, after giving birth, or as a partner of someone who is expecting or has recently given birth. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult feelings that are significantly impacting daily life, you can find support options available below.

Useful Websites:

• Mind Charity: Postnatal depression and perinatal mental health
• Mind Charity: Support and services
• MumsAid
• Family Lives: confidential support, information and advice
• Home Start (offers a service which pairs you with a volunteer who visits you to offer practical and emotional support)
• NCT (runs courses for new parents and has a membership that runs activities and social groups)
• Association of Postnatal Illness 
• Action on Postpartum Psychosis
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance
• NHS UK: Mental Health Before During and After Pregnancy

Miscarriage Support:

A miscarriage is a deeply traumatic experience for any woman and occurs more frequently than many realize, for a variety of reasons.

The most common sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can range from light spotting or brown discharge to heavy bleeding with bright red blood or clots. The bleeding may come and go over the course of several days.

It’s important to note that light vaginal bleeding is relatively common during the first trimester (the first three months) of pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate a miscarriage. If you experience vaginal bleeding, it’s crucial to contact your GP or maternity team as soon as possible.

Please take a look at some of the websites below that can help guide you through various stages of maternity and motherhood.

Useful Websites:

• Tommy’s
• Education Authority: Maternity Leave and Pay
• Education Authority: Maternity Allowance
• Gov.co.uk: Maternity Pay and Leave
• Citizen’s Advice UK: Maternity Leave
• PNI: Post Natal Illness – real help from real women
• PANDAs – find a support group near you
• Keeping Well
• Education Authority: Antenatal Care