How can I speed up labour when I’m in labour? One of the questions that midwives get asked the most is “how can I make my labour go faster?” Every labour is different, however if you are worried about a long labour there are some safe ways to naturally aid progress. For more information about […]
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4 stages of labour Labour is commonly said to be split into four stages: Latent stage, also known as early labour. This is where contractions have started and may be irregular in their length, strength and frequency. This may come in waves and may not happen all the time. The cervix is starting to change […]
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10 tips to staying healthy after childbirth Once your baby is born, it can be a joyous but sometimes difficult time. Here are some top tips for looking after your health following delivery. 1. Don’t be afraid to accept and ask for help Sometimes there feels like there is pressure to be a ‘super mum’, to do […]
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What are 10 tips for a healthy pregnancy? Pregnancy can often seem like a rollercoaster physically and emotionally. However here are 10 tips for how to live well in pregnancy, and to keep healthy and enjoy your pregnancy. 1. Healthy foods give your body a boost Fruit and veg are great for helping mums and […]
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Can you choose where you want to have your baby? Yes. Within the NHS there are four main places that you may choose to have your baby: Hospital birth (Labour Ward/delivery suite) Theatre Birth centre Home. Hospital birth In a hospital birth you will be on a Labour Ward, also called a delivery suite. This is a […]
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How to get mental healthcare before, during and after pregnancy Over the last few years mental health services for women who are pregnant or postnatal (post-birth) have increased significantly. Why is it necessary? 10-20% of women experience mental illness in the perinatal period. A range of services is available. There are specialist mental health teams all over the country […]
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Do women have a hospital consultant when pregnant? Yes and no. [“thanks, thought you might say that” MyHSN Ed]. And it depends on which bit of the country you live in. In country areas it is less common. But. For most pregnant women, you are not given a named hospital consultant (these are the most […]
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What medicines are safe when pregnant? Some of the medicines you take regularly could affect your unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy you should make an appointment with your GP or midwife. This can be face-to-face or virtual. You can then discuss your regular prescription medicines – as well as any […]
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Can I get a day off work for pregnancy appointments? Yes. By law, you have the right to reasonable time off with full pay for ‘antenatal’ (pregnancy-related) appointments and care before you have your baby. That includes scans, health checks and educational classes. Unfortunately, you may not necessarily get approved time off to attend some […]
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How do I prepare to go to the hospital? What to take to hospital This is what we would recommend you bring: 2 sets of nightwear and several items of underwear; slippers Glasses or contact lenses Wash bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap Sanitary towels (for women); shaving things (for men) Sleep mask and ear plugs Books […]
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