Pregnancy
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Early signs of pregnancy
Every pregnancy is unique, and not everyone will experience the same signs. If you ever feel uncertain or have concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your GP or midwife.
Missed or lighter period
If you usually have a regular period, the most common sign of pregnancy is missing one.
Feeling sick during pregnancy
You might feel nauseous or even vomit. Although it’s often called ‘morning sickness’, it can happen at any time of day or night. This usually starts around 4 to 6 weeks into your pregnancy.
Feeling tired
Feeling very tired is common, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your body is going through hormonal changes that can make you feel exhausted, emotional or even upset in some cases.
Sore breasts
Your breasts might feel sore or tender. You might notice they get bigger, the veins often become more visible, and your nipples might darken.
Needing to wee more often
As your baby grows and the uterus is putting pressure on the bladder, you might find yourself needing to pee more frequently, even during the night.
Strange tastes, smells & cravings
During early pregnancy, you might find that your sense of taste or smell changes. You may:
- Notice a strange metallic taste in your mouth
- Crave new foods
- Lose interest in certain foods or drinks you used to enjoy, like tea, coffee, or fatty foods
- Feel more sensitive to certain smells, such as food or cooking
Confirming you are pregnant
Most pregnancy tests can be used starting from the first day of your missed period. If you don’t know when your next period is due, you can do the test starting from 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.
If you take a home pregnancy test and it’s positive, it’s almost always accurate if you follow the instructions carefully. If you get a negative result but still think you might be pregnant, try again in a week.
If you are pregnant, you can use a due date calculator to find out when your baby is likely to arrive.
Finding out that you're pregnant
Learning that you’re pregnant can be a big moment. Whether it brings joy, surprise, feelings of anxiety, or a mix of feelings, all emotions are valid. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next, there’s support available no matter how you're feeling.
When you discover you're pregnant, it's important to contact your GP or local midwife service as soon as possible, ideally before you're 8 weeks along. Seeing a midwife early can help you get the right care and advice to have a healthy pregnancy.
A GP or midwife can explain your options for pregnancy care in the area where you live. It's also important to tell your healthcare provider about any other health conditions you have if you have any, as being pregnant might affect your condition or any treatment you may be having for your condition.
How you might feel after finding out
Everyone reacts differently to pregnancy news. You might feel happy, shocked, or worried, and that’s normal. Hormonal changes can intensify your emotions. If you’re feeling anxious, talking to a GP, midwife, or nurse can help.
For trans and non-binary individuals, these feelings can be more complex. If you experience gender dysphoria, pregnancy may heighten these feelings due to changes in your body. It’s important to seek support from healthcare professionals who understand your experience. Talking to someone you trust, whether a healthcare provider or a supportive community, can make a big difference.
Pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last period, not the day you conceived. Pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks and it’s easier and more accurate to talk about it in weeks rather than months.
There are 3 main stages of pregnancy, called trimesters and each 1 lasts about 3 months. Every trimester brings its own changes and experiences, both good and challenging.
If you're curious about what to expect at each stage, a pregnancy calendar can help. It’s also great for sharing with your family and friends, so they can understand what you’re going through.
We’ve put together guides to help you know what to expect during the first trimester, second trimester, third trimester and fourth trimester (post-birth).
Changes to your body during pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body works hard to support both you and your baby. Many changes happen across different parts of your body, which might feel unusual, but they are a normal part of pregnancy.
Your hormone levels will change during pregnancy, especially hormones like progesterone and oestrogen. These hormones help your baby grow and prepare your body for birth.
They can also affect your mood, making you feel more emotional at times, but remember this is completely normal. Your thyroid may become more active too, increasing your metabolism, but it usually returns to normal after pregnancy.
Your heart works harder to pump more blood around your body, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to your baby. This means your heart rate may increase, and you might notice your feet or ankles swelling a little due to the extra blood flow.
Your breathing may feel a bit different because your body is taking in more oxygen for both you and your baby. You might find yourself taking deeper breaths or feeling out of breath more easily, especially as your baby grows and pushes against your lungs. Resting and going slowly in your day-to-day will help with this.
Pregnancy can affect your digestive system. You may experience heartburn or indigestion because the hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles of your digestive tract. This slows down digestion, but it's all part of making sure your baby gets enough nutrients.
Eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy or fatty foods can help. Constipation is also common, so drinking plenty of water and eating fibre-rich foods will make a big difference.
As your baby grows, the pressure on your bladder increases, so you might feel the need to go to the toilet more often. This is normal and will settle down after your baby is born.
It's important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but if you notice any burning or pain when weeing, speak to your doctor as this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can be common during pregnancy.
Your blood volume increases by almost 50% to support your baby's development, which is why you might feel warmer or even notice that your veins become more visible. Your body also makes more red blood cells, but sometimes not quite enough, which can sometimes cause mild anaemia. If you're feeling more tired than usual, it's a good idea to have your iron levels checked. Eating iron-rich foods like spinach or lean meat can help.
Your metabolism speeds up during pregnancy to help support your baby’s growth, so you might feel hungrier than usual. Gaining weight is a healthy part of pregnancy, but if you're worried about it, your doctor or midwife can advise. They’ll also check to make sure your weight gain is right for you and your baby.
Many women notice changes to their skin during pregnancy. You might develop stretch marks as your belly, breasts and thighs grow. These marks tend to fade over time.
Some women experience dark patches on their face, called chloasma, commonly known as melasma, which is caused by increased pigmentation. You may also notice a dark line, called the ‘linea nigra,’ running down your tummy.
These skin changes are normal and often fade after the baby is born. If your skin feels dry, keeping it moisturised will help.
As your baby grows, your posture may change, and you might experience some backache. Your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which loosens the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for birth.
This can make your joints feel a little wobbly or less stable. Staying active with gentle exercises like walking or swimming can help strengthen your muscles and relieve discomfort.
Pregnancy care
Antenatal care is the support and medical care you receive during your pregnancy to help care for you and your baby. You’ll have regular check-ups with a midwife or sometimes a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth (an obstetrician).
Antenatal care helps you stay healthy during pregnancy and involves checking to see if your baby is developing as expected. During your appointments, the midwife or doctor will:
- Monitor your health and your baby’s development
- Provide advice to help keep you healthy during pregnancy, like tips on eating well and staying active
- Talk you through your choices for care during pregnancy, labour and birth
- Answer any questions or concerns you have along the way
You’ll also be offered:
- 2 ultrasound scans, 1 between 11 and 14 weeks and another between 18 and 21 weeks
- Antenatal screening tests to check for conditions like Down’s syndrome
- Blood tests to screen for infections like syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B
- Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia (the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect haemoglobin, a substance in the blood that’s used to carry oxygen around the body)
You might also be offered antenatal classes, including workshops on feeding. These classes can help you learn about pregnancy and birth and meet other expecting parents.
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, contact your GP or book an appointment with a midwife. They may refer you to local maternity services for your first appointment.
It’s important to see a midwife or GP early to get the right advice for a healthy pregnancy. Some tests, like screening for certain genetic conditions, need to be done before 10 weeks, so starting your care early is crucial.
If you have special health needs, your care may involve a GP, midwife, or obstetrician to ensure you’re fully supported. Inform your midwife of any special requirements, such as a disability or language needs, so they can provide appropriate support.
How many antenatal appointments will I have?
If this is your first pregnancy, you’ll have around 10 antenatal appointments. If you’ve been pregnant before, you may have around 7. Sometimes, you may need more appointments if you develop a medical condition or need extra care.
At the start of your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will let you know how many appointments to expect and when they will happen. You can talk through the schedule with them to make sure it fits your needs.
You’ll usually go to the hospital for your ultrasound scans. These appointments should be held in a place where you feel comfortable talking about sensitive issues, such as mental health, domestic abuse, or any worries you might have.
During your visits, your midwife will ask about your health, family history, and preferences to make sure you receive the best care possible. Regular checks, like urine tests and blood pressure readings, are an important part of making sure your pregnancy is going smoothly.
Antenatal appointments after 24 weeks
From 24 weeks into your pregnancy, your antenatal appointments will usually happen more frequently. Even at that, if everything is progressing normally, your visits may not be as often as someone who needs more monitoring.
During these later visits, your midwife or doctor will:
- Check your urine and blood pressure
- Measure your tummy to track your baby’s growth
- Feel your tummy to check the position of your baby
- Listen to your baby’s heartbeat (if you want them to)
Planning for appointments
Waiting times can vary at clinics, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead, especially if you have young children with you. Here are some tips to make things easier:
- Write down any questions or concerns ahead of time so you don’t forget to ask
- Bring snacks with you in case the wait is long and refreshments aren’t available
- If possible, bring your partner or a support person with you. This can help them feel involved and give you some company during the visit
Your antenatal care is here to support you every step of the way, so you can have a healthy and positive pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor is there to answer your questions and help with anything you need.
Monitoring movements
It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s movements. If by 24 weeks you haven’t felt any movement, let your midwife know so they can check your baby’s health. After 24 weeks, if your baby’s movements slow down, stop, or feel different, contact your midwife or doctor immediately, don’t wait for your next appointment. They will check everything and may offer an ultrasound if there are any concerns.
Your maternity notes
At your first appointment, your midwife will start recording your health information, and this will continue for each visit. These notes are called maternity notes and might be in a record book or stored electronically. You should bring these with you to all your appointments and when you travel, in case you need medical care while away from home.
Waiting for your baby to arrive can feel exciting and a little scary, with lots of changes ahead. But there are some things you can do during the pregnancy to help make things easier for both of you.
Making healthy changes together can support your partner and benefit your growing family. Here are a few ideas:
- Give up smoking
- Cut down on alcohol
- Go to antenatal classes to learn more about pregnancy, birth and caring for your baby
- Plan the hospital route, and make sure you know how to get to the hospital or birth centre
- Exercise together. Staying active is great for both of you, you can take walks or do gentle exercises together
- Eat healthy food. Make healthier food choices to help keep your partner and yourself in good shape for the months ahead
These small steps can make a big difference in helping your partner feel supported and ready for the arrival of your baby.
Staying healthy during pregnancy
Staying healthy during pregnancy is important because it directly impacts your baby's growth and development.
Exercise
Staying active during pregnancy is beneficial for both your body and mind. Gentle activities like walking, swimming or yoga can help keep you fit and prepare your body for labour.
Medicines
It’s essential to be cautious with medication during pregnancy. If you are on any medication for an existing medical condition then your doctor will make sure that your prescription medication is suitable for you and your baby.
Travelling
Whether you're flying or commuting, take regular breaks to move around, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged periods of sitting.
Alcohol, smoking & recreational drugs
It’s important to avoid alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs during pregnancy as they can have harmful effects on your baby’s development.
It is important to note that although vaping is generally considered a safer option than smoking cigarettes, vaping aerosols can contain toxic compounds that can potentially harm you and your baby, so it is better to avoid vaping during pregnancy.
Monitoring your baby’s movements
One of the best ways to ensure your baby is doing well is by paying attention to their movements. By 24 weeks, you might start to notice patterns in your baby’s kicks and stretches.
Reducing the risk of stillbirth
To reduce the risk of stillbirth during pregnancy, avoid smoking and alcohol, and sleep on your side from 28 weeks onwards. If you're unsure about your baby's movements or your health, consult your GP or midwife. Remember, not all stillbirths can be prevented, so don't hesitate to reach out to them if you have any concerns.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are important for keeping you and your baby safe during pregnancy. The flu jab is recommended, as flu can cause complications. The whooping cough vaccination also helps protect your baby from this serious illness in their early months.
Staying safe from infections
Infections like rubella and toxoplasmosis can impact your baby's health during pregnancy. To reduce the risk, practice good hygiene, avoid certain foods, and keep up with vaccinations. If you have any concerns or symptoms, consult your GP or midwife.
A healthy diet
A healthy, balanced diet is essential for your baby's growth and your well-being. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you're vegetarian or vegan, consider supplements to ensure you get enough iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Consult your midwife or GP to discuss your dietary needs.
Avoid certain foods during pregnancy, such as raw or undercooked eggs, certain fish, and unpasteurised dairy, as they can harm your baby.
It's recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting before pregnancy and continuing until 12 weeks, to support your baby's development and prevent neural tube defects. A daily vitamin D supplement is also beneficial for both you and your baby.
Avoid cod liver oil and supplements with vitamin A (retinol) during pregnancy, as too much can be harmful. Always check labels for safety, and consult your GP, midwife, or pharmacist if you're unsure about your supplements.
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Potential complications
During pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and to know when to seek help. Although the majority of pregnancies progress without any issues, there are instances where problems can occur.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a leg, causing swelling or pain. Key symptoms include:
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness, usually in the calf (worsens with walking)
- Warm skin or heavy ache
- Red skin, especially behind the knee
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure can affect both you and your baby. It's important to monitor it during pregnancy.
- Mild: 140/90 - 149/99 mmHg
- Moderate: 150/100 - 159/109 mmHg
- Severe: 160/110 mmHg or higher
Your midwife will monitor blood pressure and test for pre-eclampsia. Exercise, a balanced diet, and reducing salt can help manage it.
Itching & intrahepatic cholestasis
Itching can be normal, but severe itching on hands/feet or worse at night may indicate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Report any concerns to your midwife or doctor.
Call 999 if you have:
- Chest or back pain, coughing blood, or difficulty breathing, signs of a blood clot in the lungs.
Severe vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum - HG)
Severe morning sickness that prevents you from keeping food down may indicate HG. It requires treatment to avoid complications. If you are concerned, speak to your midwife or doctor.
Pre-eclampsia
A serious condition that can develop after 20 weeks, characterised by high blood pressure and protein in urine. Symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Pain below the ribs
- Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
Seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Risk factors include previous high blood pressure, age over 40, or carrying multiples.
Gestational diabetes
Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves post-birth. Symptoms can be subtle but may include increased thirst, frequent urination, and tiredness. Risk factors include being over 40, BMI over 30, or having a family history of diabetes.
It’s diagnosed via an oral glucose tolerance test between 24-28 weeks. Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, or medication reduces risks for you and baby.
Pregnancy & mental health
It's normal to experience emotional ups and downs during pregnancy. While many people feel mentally well, others may find it harder to cope with the changes. Pregnancy brings a lot of changes, which can lead to worries about:
- How you’ll cope as a parent
- Giving birth
- Feeling alone or unsupported
- Bonding with your baby
Remember, you’re not alone, partners often share similar feelings.
Some people also experience mental health challenges during pregnancy for the first time, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Fear of giving birth
- Difficulty coping with body changes, especially if you've had an eating disorder in the past
If you're feeling anxious, low, or overwhelmed, it’s crucial to talk to someone you trust. Your midwife or doctor is there to help. The sooner you ask for support, the quicker you can feel better.
At your antenatal appointments, your midwife will ask about your physical and mental health. If you need extra support, they may offer additional appointments or refer you to a specialist.
Here are some simple ways to maintain your mental wellbeing:
- Talk to someone about how you’re feeling, asking for help is a positive step
- Set small, achievable goals to help you track your progress
- Get enough sleep and eat well – both are essential for feeling better
- Stay active. Exercise and fresh air can greatly improve your mental health
If financial worries are adding stress during your pregnancy, there is support available. The Money Advice Service provides helpful resources to manage your finances while expecting.
Support for lone parents
If you're pregnant and feeling alone, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Reaching out to friends, family, or support groups can help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether for practical tasks or just someone to talk to. Some people experience mental health issues during or after pregnancy, so it’s important to seek help early, as untreated problems can affect both you and your baby.
If you’ve had mental health issues before, an eating disorder, or a traumatic birth, let your midwife know so they can offer extra support. If you're worried about your safety or your baby’s, contact your midwife, GP, or NHS 111 straight away. You can also call the Samaritans on 116123 or text Shout on 85258. It's always better to get help early, there are many ways to support your mental health and feel better.
Preparing for labour
Preparing for birth
Preparing for your baby’s arrival can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but antenatal classes and thoughtful planning can make a big difference. Whether you're a first-time parent or have been through this before, these steps can help you feel more confident and ready for the changes ahead.
Antenatal classes
Antenatal classes are a great way to prepare for your baby’s arrival. They help build confidence, provide useful information, and allow you to meet other parents. NHS classes are free and cover:
- How to look after and feed your baby
- Staying healthy during pregnancy
- Creating a birth plan
Antenatal classes are a great way to meet healthcare professionals who will support you during labour and after birth. These classes offer a chance to make friends with other parents, who are pregnant around the same time, giving you a valuable support network.
You can also access antenatal classes through Boots Health Hub. With My Expert Midwife, you can learn practical skills from midwives for pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.
A birth plan helps you outline your preferences for labour and delivery. It’s a flexible guide that you can create with your midwife, considering your needs, medical history and available options.
You can include things like where you’d like to give birth, pain management choices and how you'd like your newborn to be cared for. Remember, plans may need to change based on how labour progresses, and your healthcare team will support you through any decisions.
You have several options for where to give birth:
- At home: safe for low-risk pregnancies, with a midwife on hand to support you. There’s a slight increase in risk for first-time home births, but it’s a personal choice
- Midwifery unit or birth centre: these are more comfortable than hospitals and often have a homely environment. However, certain pain relief options, like epidurals, aren’t available here
- Hospital: most births happen in hospitals, where you have access to midwives and specialists. Hospitals also provide immediate care for any complications and access to pain relief like epidurals
You can tour the facilities or check virtual tours online to see which feels right for you.
Get your hospital or home birth bag ready at least 3 weeks before your due date. We’ve put together a handy guide for all you need to pack in your maternity hospital bag.
If you're planning a home birth, you’ll need clean towels, clothes for the baby, and maternity pads. Even if you're set on a home birth, have a bag packed in case you need to go to the hospital. Thinking ahead, like stocking up on basic items and preparing meals, can help make the early days with your baby easier. Make sure your transport is sorted in case you need to get to the hospital at any time. Always have a backup plan for getting there. We’ve put together a guide to help you prepare for labour and birth.
Adjusting to life after birth can be a wonderful but challenging experience. As you navigate the changes and begin to care for your baby, you might have questions about your recovery, emotions and wellbeing.
We’re here to support you through the postpartum period with helpful resources on everything you need to know about caring for yourself and your newborn.
Bringing home your newborn is an exciting time, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’re learning how to feed, bathe or soothe your baby, we’re here to help. We’ve put together guidance on everything you need to know in those first few months, including:
- Feeding your baby
- Bathing your newborn
- Changing nappies
- Sleep tips
Premature labour & birth
Premature labour happens when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
If you’re less than 37 weeks pregnant and experience any of the following, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately:
- Regular contractions or tightening
- Period-like pains
- A gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina (your waters breaking)
- Unusual backache
Your healthcare team will check for signs of labour, infection, or whether your waters have broken.
In some cases, early labour may be planned if it's safer for the baby to be born earlier, like if you have a health condition such as pre-eclampsia. Your midwife and doctor will help guide you through your options.
If your waters break early, there may be a risk of infection. You’ll likely be offered antibiotics and closely monitored in the hospital. If you're sent home, it's important to contact your midwife if you develop a fever, unusual discharge, or notice changes in your baby's movements.
If you go into premature labour, your healthcare team may offer treatments to slow down labour or help your baby’s development, such as:
- Medicine to help slow labour
- Steroid injections to help your baby’s lungs
- Medication to help protect your baby’s brain
Babies born before 37 weeks are more vulnerable to health and developmental challenges. Special care may be needed in a neonatal unit, especially for very premature babies. If you notice any signs of early labour, make sure to contact your midwife or hospital for advice and support. Support from organisations like Bliss and Tommy's can also offer valuable guidance and reassurance.
Pregnancy & work
If you're pregnant and working, it's important to know your rights regarding antenatal care, maternity leave, and workplace safety. You have the right to paid time off for antenatal appointments and you should feel supported by your employer.
Once you inform your employer, they must carry out a risk assessment to check if your job poses any risks to you or your baby.
If there are risks, they should make changes, such as adjusting your hours or offering safer duties.
If your job involves chemicals, lead, X-rays, or heavy lifting, you may not be able to continue in that role. In that case, your employer must provide an alternative job with the same pay and conditions.
Pregnancy can make you feel more tired, especially during the first and last few weeks. Try to use your lunch break to rest and ask your employer for extra breaks if you need them. If commuting during rush hour is tiring, see if you can adjust your working hours.
If you're dealing with nausea or morning sickness, talk to your employer about changing your hours or working from home on days when you feel unwell. You can also speak to your midwife or GP for advice if the sickness is particularly bad.
It’s important to look after yourself during pregnancy, so don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends or your employer if you need it.
Pregnancy with twins & multiple
Finding out you're expecting more than one baby can be a big surprise. During your ultrasound, you might learn that you’re having twins, triplets or even more. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first and wonder how you’ll manage, but there’s lots of support available.
Your midwife will guide you through every step, and you can even connect with local groups for parents of twins or multiples for extra advice and support.
When you're expecting more than one baby, pregnancy and birth can be different from carrying a single baby.
Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll receive extra care during your pregnancy
- Your babies are more likely to arrive early
- You might experience stronger morning sickness because of higher pregnancy hormone levels. If it gets too much, speak to your midwife for support
- The birth could be more complicated, but your healthcare team will be prepared
Around half of all twin pregnancies result in early delivery before 37 weeks, and about 1 in 5 are born before 34 weeks.
Having more than one baby means you’ll need a bit more attention during your pregnancy. Extra care might include:
- More regular appointments
- Extra scans to check your babies' growth
- Care from both an obstetrician and your midwife
Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are more common in multiple pregnancies, but with extra care, the risk of these can be reduced.
The way your babies lie in the womb can affect the type of birth you have. The most common position for twins is head down, which is ideal for vaginal birth. However, because of the limited space, one or both babies might be in a breech position (feet or bottom down) or lying across your womb (transverse).
If the first twin is in an awkward position, your doctor may recommend a caesarean section for safety. If the first twin is born vaginally but the second is lying across, your healthcare team might help to turn the baby for a safe birth.
You might be asked to consider a planned caesarean section to make sure both you and your babies stay safe, especially if one or both twins are in a position that makes vaginal birth difficult.
If you plan a vaginal birth for twins, your obstetrician might suggest an epidural to manage pain and make it easier to turn the second twin if needed. It can also make a quick caesarean easier if the second baby needs extra help. If you’re expecting triplets or more, a caesarean birth is usually recommended.
Feeding more than one baby can be challenging, but whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed or a combination of both, there’s plenty of support available. Babies often have different feeding patterns, so it might take a little time to adjust.
If you choose to breastfeed, your body should naturally make enough milk for both (or more) babies. It might take some time to get used to feeding multiple babies at once, but your midwife and other support staff will be there to help you find the best way to feed your babies.
If you need any extra help, your midwife, a breastfeeding support worker, or an infant feeding advisor will be there to offer guidance and encouragement.
Here for you & your little one
With you for every step
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need pain relief, paracetamol is usually the pain relief of choice in pregnancy. It’s generally recommended that pregnant women use the lowest dose of paracetamol that works, and only for as long as needed. Always follow the instructions on the paracetamol packet or enclosed leaflet for the recommended dose.
Speak to your pharmacist, GP or midwife if you’re unsure whether you should take paracetamol, it’s not helping with your pain or if you have any concerns. You can browse the Boots range of paracetamol here.
Colostrum harvesting is the process of expressing and collecting the first breast milk your body makes, this milk is called colostrum. Colostrum harvesting involves collecting it via a syringe, which can be done from week 37 of pregnancy. The colostrum can then be stored or frozen ahead of the birth.
Only small amounts of colostrum are needed to support the development of babies, as it’s high in calories and full of antibodies for their immune system. Check with your midwife if you’re considering harvesting your colostrum, as it’s not suitable for everyone and isn't recommended in some cases.
When you’re pregnant, you’re likely to have more vaginal discharge than before pregnancy, and it can help reduce your risk of infections travelling up from the vagina to the womb. It’s normal for vaginal discharge to increase towards the end of pregnancy. You may notice that it contains streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus, also referred to as a 'show' in the last week of your pregnancy. This signifies that your body is starting to prepare for birth.
Contact your midwife or GP if you have vaginal discharge and it smells unpleasant or strange, is green or yellow, you feel itchy or sore around your vagina, or you have pain when you wee.
Any of these symptoms can be the symptoms of an infection, so it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience these symptoms.
If you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, speak to your GP or midwife immediately.
If you have regular periods, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. We’ve covered more signs of pregnancy in the ‘Signs’ section of the page.
During pregnancy, there are several things to avoid to help ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby. Here are some key things:
Avoid smoking
Smoking during pregnancy can harm both you and your baby, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues. It’s important to quit smoking as soon as you know you're pregnant.
Avoid drinking alcohol
Avoid alcohol during pregnancy, as it can lead to foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) that cause developmental and cognitive delays.
Avoid using recreational drugs
Recreational drugs and some prescription medications can harm your baby’s development.
Don’t eat certain foods
- Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can lead to infections like toxoplasmosis and salmonella
- Certain types of fish like swordfish and king mackerel can harm the baby’s nervous system
- Unpasteurised dairy products and soft cheeses can carry bacteria like listeria, which increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth
Don’t use hot tubs or saunas
High temperatures can lead to overheating, which may be harmful to your baby, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.
Don’t clean cat litter
Cat litter can carry toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can harm your baby’s development. Have someone else clean the litter box during pregnancy.
Don’t skip antenatal care
Regular antenatal check-ups are essential to monitor your baby’s development and catch any potential complications early on.
Don’t ignore your mental health
Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health during pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you're feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed.
*Clemmie Hooper is the author of How to grow a baby and push it out (Vermilion)
*** 8 points per £1 on baby products is available on products in the baby area. Boots reserves the right to determine which products should be in this offer and it excludes infant milks (up to six months), prescriptions and gift vouchers/cards
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