Pregnancy & Support
Honest guidance and real stories for every stage of pregnancy.
108 articles
Explore topics
6 articles
Pregnancy Nutrition
Practical guidance on nutrition, nutrients, and everyday food and drink choices during pregnancy.
35 articles
Food & Drink Safety in Pregnancy
Straightforward answers about the safety of specific foods and drinks during pregnancy.
14 articles
Pregnancy Health & Symptoms
Calm, evidence-informed guidance on common pregnancy symptoms, conditions, appointments and when to seek help.
7 articles
Labour & Birth
Practical preparation and reassuring guidance for labour, birth choices, interventions and the first moments with your baby.
7 articles
Fetal Development
Understand how your baby grows and develops throughout pregnancy, from early milestones to movements and size.
12 articles
Pregnancy Tests & Vitamins
Clear guidance on pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, and key supplements.
7 articles
Pregnancy Exercise
Safe, realistic guidance for staying active during pregnancy, from walking and yoga to strength and swimming.
5 articles
Pregnancy Sleep
Practical support for sleeping more comfortably during pregnancy, including positions, pillows and common sleep problems.
6 articles
Pregnancy Mental Health
Compassionate guidance on emotional wellbeing, stress, anxiety, depression and support during pregnancy.
4 articles
Pregnancy Products
Helpful guidance on pregnancy products and essentials, with practical advice for choosing what you really need.
5 articles
Postpartum Recovery
Reassuring guidance for recovery after birth, postpartum changes, healing and looking after yourself.
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Anaemia in pregnancy
Learn about anaemia in pregnancy, including common symptoms, iron deficiency, blood tests, treatment options, diet and when to seek medical advice.
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Anxiety during pregnancy
Anxiety during pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Learn common signs, practical ways to seek support, treatment options and when to get professional help.
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Baby blues vs postpartum depression
Baby blues or postpartum depression? Learn how they differ, which symptoms to notice, how long they may last and when to ask for professional support.
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Baby Development
A clear guide to baby development during pregnancy, from early organ formation to movement, growth and the changes that happen before birth.
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Baby heartbeat
Learn when a baby's heartbeat may be checked in pregnancy, how midwives monitor it, what scan findings can mean, and when to seek maternity advice.
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Baby hiccups
Learn what baby hiccups can feel like during pregnancy, why you may notice rhythmic movements, and when a change in your baby's movements needs advice.
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Baby kicks
Learn when baby kicks usually begin, what fetal movements can feel like, how patterns change in pregnancy and when reduced movement needs urgent advice.
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Baby size by week
See how baby size changes through pregnancy, with a week-by-week guide to approximate length, growth and how maternity teams monitor development.
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Best nursing bras
Find the best nursing bras for comfort and easy feeding, with practical advice on fit, styles, sizing, support and what to look for before buying.
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Best sleeping position during pregnancy
Learn the best sleeping position during pregnancy, why side sleeping matters after 28 weeks, what to do if you wake on your back and ways to get comfy.
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Best pregnancy pillow
Find the best pregnancy pillow for your sleep style, with a practical guide to shapes, support, comfort, sizing and what to consider before buying.
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Best stretch mark cream
Looking for the best stretch mark cream in pregnancy? Learn what creams can realistically do, which ingredients to check and how to choose one.
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C-section recovery
A practical guide to C-section recovery, from wound care and gentle movement to everyday activities and signs that mean you should seek medical advice.
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Caesarean section
A calm guide to caesarean birth, including why it may be planned or needed, what happens during surgery, possible risks and what recovery can involve.
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Can you drink alcohol based syrups while pregnant?
Can you drink alcohol based syrups while pregnant? Learn why the exact product and ingredients matter, and when to check with a pharmacist or maternity team.
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Can you drink alcohol while pregnant?
Can you drink alcohol while pregnant? Learn why UK guidance advises avoiding alcohol, the possible risks, and what to do if you drank before you knew.
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Can you drink chamomile while pregnant?
Chamomile tea can be limited during pregnancy, but evidence is scarce. Read current NHS guidance on herbal tea, ingredients and when to seek advice.
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Can you drink coffee while pregnant?
Yes, you can drink coffee during pregnancy, but caffeine needs limiting. Here is the NHS 200mg daily guidance and how to keep track safely.
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Can you drink Coke while pregnant?
You can drink Coke during pregnancy, but its caffeine counts towards your daily limit. Learn how much caffeine it contains and what NHS guidance says.
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Can you drink green tea while pregnant?
Yes, you can drink green tea during pregnancy, but it contains caffeine. Learn how it fits within the NHS 200mg daily caffeine limit safely.
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Can you drink herbal tea while pregnant?
Can you drink herbal tea while pregnant? Learn which herbal teas NHS guidance says to avoid, how much to drink, and when to ask for advice.
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Can you drink kombucha while pregnant?
Kombucha can contain alcohol and caffeine, and some versions are unpasteurised. Learn why pregnancy guidance calls for a cautious approach to this drink.
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Can you drink Matcha while pregnant?
Can you drink matcha while pregnant? Learn how caffeine in matcha counts towards the NHS pregnancy limit and what to check before ordering or making it.
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Can you drink wine while pregnant?
Can you drink wine while pregnant? Learn why UK guidance recommends avoiding alcohol, what the risks are, and what to do if you drank before you knew.
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Can you dye your hair while pregnant?
Can you dye your hair while pregnant? Learn what NHS guidance says about hair dye, highlights, timing, patch tests and reducing exposure during pregnancy.
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Can you eat beef while pregnant?
Can you eat beef while pregnant? Learn which beef is suitable, what to know about steak and burgers, and how current NHS pregnancy guidance applies.
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Can you eat brie cheese while pregnant?
You can eat brie while pregnant if it is cooked until steaming hot. Learn what NHS guidance says about brie, pasteurisation and listeria risk.
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Can you eat burrata while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat burrata while pregnant if it is pasteurised. Learn how to check burrata, store it safely and follow current NHS pregnancy guidance.
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Can you eat dates while pregnant?
Yes, dates are safe to eat during pregnancy. Learn about dried fruit portions, natural sugars and the evidence behind claims that dates can help labour.
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Can you eat fast food while pregnant?
Can you eat fast food while pregnant? Learn what to check when ordering, which ingredients need extra care, and how it can fit into pregnancy.
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Can you eat feta cheese while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat feta cheese while pregnant if it is pasteurised. Learn what NHS guidance says about feta, food safety, storage and eating out.
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Can you eat grapes while pregnant?
Yes, grapes are safe to eat during pregnancy when washed thoroughly. Here is what to know about portions, preparation and pregnancy food safety.
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Can you eat ham while pregnant?
Can you eat ham while pregnant? Learn which types of ham need extra care, how to store them safely, and what current NHS pregnancy guidance says.
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Can you eat KFC while pregnant?
Can you eat KFC while pregnant? Learn what NHS pregnancy food guidance says about cooked chicken, sides, food safety and choosing a KFC meal.
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Can you eat mango while pregnant?
Yes, mango is safe to eat during pregnancy when washed and prepared carefully. Learn about portions, food safety, dried mango and mango juice.
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Can you eat McDonald's while pregnant?
Can you eat McDonald's while pregnant? Learn what to check in burgers, chicken, breakfast items and drinks, plus practical NHS food safety advice.
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Can you eat goat cheese while pregnant?
Some goat cheese is safe during pregnancy. Learn which types you can eat, when goat cheese needs cooking, and what current NHS guidance recommends.
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Can you eat mozarella while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat mozzarella while pregnant if it is pasteurised. Learn what NHS guidance says about fresh mozzarella, pizza and food safety.
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Can you eat papaya while pregnant?
Can you eat papaya while pregnant? See what current NHS guidance says about fruit safety, ripe papaya, preparation and when to seek advice.
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Can you eat parmesan while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat parmesan while pregnant, even when it is unpasteurised. Learn what current NHS guidance says about this hard cheese and food safety.
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Can you eat pepperoni pizza while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat pepperoni pizza while pregnant if the pepperoni is thoroughly cooked. Here is what NHS guidance says about cured meats and cheese.
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Can you eat pineapple while pregnant?
Yes, pineapple is safe to eat during pregnancy. Learn how to prepare it safely, how much counts as a portion, and what NHS guidance actually says.
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Can you eat pizza while pregnant?
Can you eat pizza while pregnant? Learn which cheeses and toppings are suitable, what to avoid, and how to enjoy pizza safely during pregnancy.
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Can you eat pork while pregnant?
Can you eat pork while pregnant? Learn how pork should be cooked, which pork products need extra care, and what current NHS pregnancy guidance says.
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Can you eat prawns while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat prawns while pregnant if they are thoroughly cooked. Learn the NHS advice on raw, cooked and ready-to-eat prawns during pregnancy.
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Can you eat salmon while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat salmon while pregnant. Learn how much the NHS recommends, how salmon should be prepared, and the guidance on smoked or raw salmon.
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Can you eat shrimps while pregnant?
Can you eat shrimps while pregnant? Learn when cooked shrimp is suitable, which types to avoid, and what current NHS pregnancy food guidance says.
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Can you eat strawberries while pregnant?
Yes, strawberries are safe to eat during pregnancy when washed thoroughly. Here is what to know about preparation, portions and food safety.
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Can you eat tuna while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat tuna while pregnant, but NHS guidance sets weekly limits because of mercury. Learn how much canned tuna or tuna steak you can have.
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Can you eat watermelon while pregnant?
Yes, watermelon is safe to eat during pregnancy. Learn how to wash, prepare and store it safely, plus what to know about portions and juice.
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Can you fly while pregnant?
Can you fly while pregnant? Learn what NHS and RCOG guidance says about timing, airline rules, long flights, blood clots and planning your trip.
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Can you go in a hot tub while pregnant?
Can you go in a hot tub while pregnant? Learn why NHS guidance advises caution around hot tubs, overheating and fainting, plus when to seek advice.
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Can you have sex while pregnant?
Can you have sex while pregnant? Learn when sex is usually considered safe, when you may be advised to avoid it, and when to contact your maternity team.
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Can you sleep on your stomach while pregnant?
Can you sleep on your stomach while pregnant? Learn what trusted pregnancy guidance says about stomach sleeping, comfort, side sleeping and later pregnancy.
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Depression during pregnancy
Depression can happen during pregnancy. Learn about possible signs, available NHS support and when to speak to your midwife, GP or maternity team.
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Digital vs strip pregnancy tests
Compare digital and strip pregnancy tests, how each detects hCG, how results are displayed, and what matters most when choosing and using a test.
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Drinks During Pregnancy
A practical guide to drinks during pregnancy, including water, caffeine, herbal teas, alcohol and what to choose when nausea makes drinking difficult.
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Epidural
A calm guide to epidurals in labour, including how they work, what having one involves, possible side effects and questions to ask your maternity team.
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Everything you need to know about placenta
Learn what the placenta does during pregnancy, where it can be positioned, how it is checked, and which placental problems may need extra maternity care.
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Everything you need to know about umbilical cord
Learn what the umbilical cord does in pregnancy, how it connects baby and placenta, what happens after birth, and which cord problems need urgent care.
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False negative pregnancy test
Learn why a pregnancy test can be negative when pregnancy is still possible, when to test again, and when an unexpected result needs medical advice.
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False positive pregnancy test
Learn what a false positive pregnancy test means, possible reasons for a positive result, and when an unexpected test result needs medical advice.
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Foods During Pregnancy
A practical guide to foods during pregnancy, including what to eat, what to limit or avoid, and simple ways to follow NHS food safety advice.
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Gestational diabetes
A calm guide to gestational diabetes, including symptoms, testing, blood sugar monitoring, pregnancy care, possible complications and follow-up.
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High blood pressure in pregnancy
Learn what high blood pressure in pregnancy can mean, how it is monitored, its link with pre-eclampsia and which warning signs need urgent care.
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How accurate are pregnancy tests?
Learn how accurate home pregnancy tests are, what can affect the result, why false negatives happen, and when it may be worth testing again.
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Hyperemesis gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe pregnancy sickness. Learn about symptoms, dehydration, assessment, treatment and when to seek medical advice.
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Induction
A calm guide to induction of labour, including why it may be offered, common methods, what to expect and questions to discuss with your maternity team.
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Labour & Birth
A calm guide to labour and birth, including early signs, stages of labour, pain relief, birth options and when to contact your maternity team.
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Mood swings
Mood swings can happen during pregnancy. Learn why emotions may feel changeable, ways to support your wellbeing and when to speak to your midwife or GP.
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Morning sickness
Morning sickness can happen at any time of day. Learn what pregnancy nausea can feel like, what may help, treatment options and when to seek advice.
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Mucus plug
Learn what the mucus plug is, what a show can look like, when it may come away, what it means for labour and when to contact your maternity team.
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Perineal care
A calm guide to perineal care after birth, including hygiene, stitches, soreness, healing and the signs that mean you should seek professional advice.
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Pilates during pregnancy
A calm guide to Pilates during pregnancy, including how to start, adapt exercises, choose a suitable class and know when to seek professional advice.
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Postpartum bleeding
A calm guide to postpartum bleeding after birth, including what lochia can look like, how it changes and the warning signs that need medical advice.
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Pre-eclampsia
Learn what pre-eclampsia is, the warning signs to know, how it is diagnosed and monitored, and when symptoms during or after pregnancy need urgent care.
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Pregnancy Aftercare
A calm guide to pregnancy aftercare after birth, including physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, postnatal checks and when to seek medical help.
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Pregnancy Exercise
A practical guide to pregnancy exercise, including how much activity to aim for, suitable workouts, what to avoid and when to seek professional advice.
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Pregnancy Food & Drink
A practical guide to pregnancy food and drink, including what to eat, foods to avoid, caffeine, alcohol, food safety and essential supplements.
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Pregnancy Health
A calm guide to pregnancy health, covering antenatal care, symptoms, medicines, mental wellbeing, vaccinations and when to seek medical advice.
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Pregnancy insomnia
Struggling to sleep while pregnant? Learn why pregnancy insomnia can happen, practical ways to support sleep, and when to speak to your midwife or GP.
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Pregnancy Mental Health
A calm guide to mental health during pregnancy, including common difficulties, ways to seek support, treatment options and when to get urgent help.
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Pregnancy Products
A practical guide to pregnancy products worth considering, from clothing and pillows to support items, with tips for choosing what genuinely suits you.
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Pregnancy Supplements: Folic acid
A clear guide to folic acid in pregnancy, including why it matters, when NHS guidance recommends taking it and who may need specialist advice.
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Pregnancy Sleep
A calm guide to pregnancy sleep, including common sleep problems, safer sleeping positions, practical tips and when to speak to your maternity team.
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Pregnancy Supplements: Magnesium
A clear guide to magnesium in pregnancy, including food sources, supplements, what UK guidance says and when to speak to your midwife or GP.
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Pregnancy Supplements: Omega-3
A clear guide to omega-3 in pregnancy, including food sources, supplements, fish safety, what UK guidance says and when to seek professional advice.
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Pregnancy Tests
Learn when to take a pregnancy test, how home tests work, what positive or negative results can mean, and when to seek professional medical advice.
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Pregnancy Supplements: Vitamin D
A clear guide to vitamin D in pregnancy, including why it matters, current NHS supplement advice, food sources and when to ask for medical advice.
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Pregnancy Vitamins
A clear guide to pregnancy vitamins, including folic acid, vitamin D, iron, supplements to avoid and when to ask your midwife or GP for advice.
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Prenatal vitamins
A practical UK guide to prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, vitamin D, iron, ingredients to avoid and how to choose a pregnancy supplement.
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Recovery after birth
A calm guide to recovery after birth, including bleeding, stitches, caesarean recovery, pelvic health, emotional wellbeing and when to seek help.
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Round ligament pain
Round ligament pain can cause sharp aches in pregnancy. Learn what it may feel like, why it happens, what can help and when to seek medical advice.
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Running during pregnancy
A calm guide to running during pregnancy, including who can continue, how to adjust your pace, running safety and when to seek professional advice.
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Sciatica during pregnancy
Sciatica during pregnancy can cause pain, tingling or numbness down a leg. Learn about symptoms, support options and when to seek medical advice.
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Sex during pregnancy
Sex during pregnancy is usually safe, but some situations need extra care. Learn what may change, when to avoid sex and when to seek medical advice.
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Signs labour is starting
Learn the common signs labour is starting, from contractions and a show to waters breaking, plus when to contact your midwife or maternity unit.
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Sleeping on your back
Can you sleep on your back while pregnant? Learn what NHS guidance says after 28 weeks, what to do if you wake on your back and how to get comfortable.
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Stress during pregnancy
Stress during pregnancy can feel difficult. Learn what stress may feel like, practical ways to cope, where to find support and when to speak to your midwife.
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Swimming during pregnancy
A calm guide to swimming during pregnancy, including pool safety, suitable strokes, aquanatal classes, open water and when to seek medical advice.
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Walking during pregnancy
A practical guide to walking during pregnancy, including how much activity to aim for, comfortable pacing, everyday tips and when to seek advice.
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Waters breaking
Learn what waters breaking can feel like, how to recognise amniotic fluid, what happens next and when to contact your maternity team for advice.
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Weight lifting during pregnancy
A practical guide to weight lifting during pregnancy, including safe adjustments, exercise intensity, technique and when to seek professional advice.
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What can you not eat while pregnant and why
A clear guide to foods to avoid or limit during pregnancy, why they can pose a risk, and what current NHS food safety guidance recommends instead.
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What herbs should you avoid while pregnant?
Which herbs should you avoid while pregnant? Learn what NHS guidance says about herbal remedies, liquorice root tea and checking herbal products safely.
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What supplements should you take?
A clear guide to pregnancy supplements, including folic acid and vitamin D, plus when iron, B12 or other supplements may be recommended.
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When to take a pregnancy test
Find out when to take a pregnancy test for the most reliable result, including after a missed period, irregular cycles and an early negative test.
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Yoga during pregnancy
A calm guide to yoga during pregnancy, with advice on starting, adapting poses, choosing classes, staying comfortable and knowing when to seek help.