Maternity Health

23/11/2025

🌟Pelvic pain in pregnancy (PGP / SPD)🌟

Pelvic pain is common in pregnancy and is known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis P***s Dysfunction (SPD).

Although its ‘common’ it can certainly be a debilitating and terribly stressful condition to deal with.
It can have a massive impact on how you cope so it's important to get advice and support 💜

Please check out the below links for some advice and support in dealing with this condition:

https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pelvic-pain-pregnancy
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/pelvic-pain/

21/11/2025

Bringing your baby home can feel overwhelming - but you are not alone.

Our new maternity video offers simple, trusted advice to help you feel more confident in those early days with your newborn.

Watch the full video here: https://orlo.uk/LJFwq

20/11/2025

🌟Head engaged? What does that mean?!🌟

So has your midwife said to you that baby’s head is now engaged? Then been worried about what it means?...
…it simply means your baby is in the correct position for birth, which is that their head has moved down to sit in the pelvis cavity. This is sometimes known as ‘lightening’

As your baby grows at the end of the second trimester and into the third, you may notice that you feel more ‘full up’ and may be more breathless. This is due to your baby getting bigger and pushing into the space of your stomach and lungs.
When your baby moves or ‘drops’ down into your pelvis and its head engages, you may notice these symptoms ease as more space is feed up for your stomach and lungs. (unfortunately the downside is that you may need to p*e more as your baby often plays bouncy-ball on your bladder!)
A myth with engagement is that birth is imminent… unfortunately this isn’t always the case. All pregnancies are different – some babies ‘drop’ early (and that can be weeks before birth) and some don’t engage until labour really gets going.
Sometimes things can affect engagement –
~if baby is a posterior position (lying back to back with you) it can make it harder for the head to engage.
~ If baby is small – it has lots of room to play with so may not engage until later. ~ Equally bigger babies may not have as much room to engage until labour ‘encourages’ them to.
~ The placenta position and the shape of your pelvis may also impact on when engagement happens.

💜What is important to remember is that your baby’s head will engage when its ready and the time is right for both of you.

18/11/2025

Babies cry for many reasons. They are hardwired to cry whenever they need a parent to help them. This is because their brains have yet to develop the circuits that allow for self-control or understanding. Crying is meant to be upsetting for a parent. Crying is Nature’s way of making sure they pay attention quickly.

A cry might signal many things, discomfort, and startle are common examples. Sometimes, babies cry for no reason at all and sometimes they cry and just cannot be settled. This may be upsetting for both baby and parent, but it causes no harm and will eventually stop.

Please don’t be scared to take a break. As long as the baby is fed, their nappy changed, lay them down in a safe space and take a break.

For more information to support you through this time, visit www.iconcope.org

CRY-SIS National Help Line: 08451 228669. Lines open 7 days a week, 9am-10pm. Remember – if you are concerned that your baby may be unwell, contact your GP or NHS 24 (go to www.nhs24.scot or call 111 - the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). In an emergency, ring 999.

18/11/2025

🥰A Little Message...🥰

18/11/2025

🌟Diabetes and Emotions🌟

If you have recently been diagnosed with Gestation Diabetes or already have a Diabetes and are now pregnant it is normal to feel shocked, worried, anxious, stressed, scared, confused….the list goes on.

Its important to focus on the things you CAN control and not dwell on the things you cant control and cant change…

Don’t miss your appointments with your healthcare team – such as your midwife or the Diabetic leads – they are there to support and guide and support you.

🔹YES you are likely to have restrictions on foods you should eat … but you will still be able to enjoy this special time and enjoy your pregnancy journey.
🔹YES – the pregnancy may be more ‘complex’… you will have additional appointments, scans and you may be offered earlier Induction of labour (IOL) or be encouraged to deliver in hospital rather than at home – but these things are in in place to protect you and the baby not spoil your experience.

🔸Our message to you is that you are not alone – do your best to accept that’s is OK to have these feelings and then reach out to family / loved-ones / friends / healthcare professionals and services that can help you.

There are a number of links below to articles on the DIABETES UK website which are very informative if you get 5 mins for a read, and please have a read of the attached leaflets we designed.

💜Be strong! You’ve got this!!!💜

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-1-diabetes/pregnancy/during-pregnancy
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/talk-about-feelings
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/stress
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/depression
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/diabetes-burnout
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/emotional-wellbeing/your-feelings-about-food-and-diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/diabulimia

17/11/2025

Its that time of year again... struggling with a cold and breastfeeding? have a read...!!!

✨ Decongestants & Breastfeeding ✨

It’s that time of year - sniffles and colds are everywhere!

A simple and effective way to ease congestion is inhaling steam - try this frequently before turning to medication.

Although tablets, powders, and lemon drinks won’t affect your baby, but they can reduce your milk supply. So they should be avoided while breastfeeding.

Decongestant sprays are just as effective and have no effect on supply, as they only work locally in the nasal passages.

Stay comfy, breathe easy, and keep your milk flowing! 💜

Read our full factsheet, here:
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/decongestants/

Our team of pharmacist volunteers are available 8:30am-8:30pm every day of the year to answer your questions about medication and breastfeeding.
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk/

[ID: Decongestants and Breastfeeding. Background image of a lady holding a hot drink in one hand, and a tissue to her nose in the other. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drug-factsheets.]

14/11/2025

🚫Alcohol & Pregnancy🚫

Experts can’t be sure exactly how much alcohol, if any, is safe during pregnancy. That’s why they agree that the best advice is to avoid alcohol while you’re expecting.

Alcohol is a toxin and any that you drink gets to your baby very quickly through your bloodstream and the placenta.
Your baby’s liver is not developed to filter alcohol in the same way as adults do. It’s especially important to steer clear of alcohol in the first trimester, because of the risk of miscarriage.
There is also some evidence that drinking alcohol in the last three months of pregnancy may cause learning and memory problems. This is when your baby is growing more, and their brain is developing.

Drinking during pregnancy puts you at increased risk of premature birth and puts your baby at risk of long term problems - the safest way to stop these risks is to not drink.

If you’re worried about your drinking, or someone else’s drinking, you can call the national alcohol helpline Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm). Or find a local support group via Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
You can also find local support by accessing this NHS page: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Alcohol-addiction/LocationSearch/1805
Open Road: https://www.openroad.org.uk/
https://www.openroad.org.uk/our-services/our-centres/basildon-centre/
Inclusion – Visions Thurrock: https://www.visions.inclusionthurrock.org/

Please also check out:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder/
https://nationalfasd.org.uk/
http://www.fasdnetwork.org/what-is-fasd.html

13/11/2025

Bringing your baby home can feel overwhelming - but you are not alone.

Our new maternity video offers simple, trusted advice to help you feel more confident in those early days with your newborn.

Watch the full video here: https://orlo.uk/Fe2pw

13/11/2025

Please get signed up!!! These online classes are so great! Honestly you will not be disappointed.
Mums-to-be please encourage your partner to sign up.
Thank you Parents 1st for this wonderful resource 🥰

NOVEMBER ONLINE WORKSHOPS FOR DADS & PARTNERS 👨‍🍼

📅 Dates: 18th, 25th November & 2nd December
🕖 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
💷 Cost: FREE!

Get ready for parenthood with confidence!
Our online courses give dads and partners the tools, knowledge and support to:

✅ Understand what to expect in late pregnancy, labour & birth
🤝 Learn how to be a calm, supportive birth partner
🧘‍♂️ Discover ways to keep both you and your partner relaxed during labour
👶 Prepare for life with a newborn — from safe sleep to soothing & routines
💪 Build confidence with strategies for stress, balance & life changes
💬 Connect with other dads and partners to share experiences
📚 Receive free resources to support your journey

These relaxed, practical sessions are delivered online over three evenings — so you can learn from the comfort of your sofa!

👩‍🏫 Led by Zoe or Michelle, qualified NCT antenatal trainers.

👉 BOOK YOUR FREE SPACE NOW
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-dads-and-non-birthing-partners-workshops-november-tickets-1474307686979?aff=oddtdtcreator

💬 What dads have said:

“Took away great insight and knowledge — Zoe creates a nice environment which drives conversation.”
“Great to meet others in the same boat & learn about what we can do as dads during labour.”
“Really useful — makes me feel more included in it all.”

11/11/2025

🌟Anxiety in Pregnancy🌟

It’s a long read so grab a cuppa! ☕

Its normal to feel worried and anxious when pregnant – especially if this is your first baby. You're growing a life inside of you and that can be a very daunting responsibility.
It's natural to fret about what you eat, drink, think, feel, and do. It's also perfectly normal to worry about whether your baby is healthy, how this new person will change your life and relationships, and whether you're truly up to the task of parenthood.

But if your anxiety is becoming all-consuming and regularly interferes with your day-to-day functioning, it's time to find a better way to deal with it.
To start, share your fears with your partner — even if they're about him or her. Chances are they also worried and have concerns of their own. Communicating openly about your anxiety can help you both feel better.

Turn to friends or family members for support, too. Other mums-to-be are another source of support, as they're probably experiencing the same worries you are.

If you're extremely anxious or have a specific reason to be concerned about your baby's health, share your concerns with your GP or Midwife.
If anxiety still plagues you after you've aired your worries and checked in on your baby's well-being, professional counselling can help you get to the bottom of your troubles (The GP can refer you or check out local / online support service).

Here are a few ideas to manage your stress and reduce anxiety at work and at home:
~~ Practice saying "no." Now's as good a time as any to get rid of the notion that you can do it all. You can't, so learn to let your superwoman ideals go.

~~ Make slowing down a priority, and get used to the idea of asking your friends and loved ones for help.

~~ Cut back on chores and have some ‘you’ time - use that time to put your feet up, nap, or read a book. Spending a day or even an afternoon resting at home will help you get through a tough week.

~~ Try deep-breathing exercises, yoga, or stretching.

~~ Get regular exercise such as swimming or walking.

~~ Do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet so you have the physical and emotional energy you need.

~~ Go to bed early. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby and needs all the sleep it can get.

~~ Limit "information overload." Reading about pregnancy and listening to your friends' pregnancy stories are fine but don't delve into all the scary things that might (but probably won't) happen during your pregnancy. Focus instead on how you're feeling and what's happening to you now.

~~ Join (or create!) a support group. If you're coping with a difficult situation, spending time with others in the same boat can ease your burden.

Please check out some these links for more ideas and advice:
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/mental-wellbeing/anxiety-and-panic-attacks-pregnancy
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/mental-health/
https://parents1st.org.uk/parents-1st-essex
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/perinatal-anxiety/
https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/