It is our aim for the Pregnancy section to be parent not baby focused. We hope that it reflects the reality for most parents-to-be by offering information, support and advice from people who are going through or who have been through the same experiences.

Especially for first time parents, pregnancy and then having a baby is a huge shock. While it is impossible to be totally prepared it is our hope to help you prepare as best you can with comments/advice from other parents etc.

Thanks if you helped us by filling in our Pregnancy Questionnaire - which has guided us with this new section and enabled us to share your views and experiences with others.

You will find links to our current content below. If you would like us to cover a new subject or would like to share your own experiences please email the site at contributions@forparentsbyparents.co.uk

Please note that we can not address medical issues but do feel we should provide details of where you can get support about medical problems. To this end we have included, where appropriate, details of support groups and medical services.

I'm Pregnant!

• one mum's experience and emotions at finding out that she was pregnant;



• what maternity care can I expect;



• unplanned pregnancies.

The Physical Challenges

• morning sickness;



• spotting and bleeding;



• sleep.

The Emotional Challenges

• the first 12 weeks;



• the middle months;



• nearing your due date;



• antenatal depression.

Pregnancy Complications

• Pelvic Dysfunctions - DSP (Diastasis Symphysis Pubis) and SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction);



• Obstetric Cholestasis;



• Gestational Diabetes;



• Vasa Praevia;



• Pre Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome;



• Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV).

The Antenatal Screening Process

Exercise and Sport in Pregnancy

Rights and benefits

Giving Birth

• birth plans;



• your experiences;



• caesarean sections;



• water births;



• one mum's experience of coping and surviving Placenta Accreta, a rare complication of giving birth;



• support links.

Premature Babies

Bereavement

Now Baby is Here - The First Few Weeks!

• What to expect in the first two weeks;



• your words of encouragement;



• breast feeding;



• how are you coping?

Pregnancy Diaries

Other information resources