Maternity Health

22/09/2026

21/09/2026

🌟Birth Plans🌟

A birth plan is a form of communication between you and the team looking after you for labour / delivery.
Its not set in stone, its not a legal document, it can change, it’s individual to you… and you don’t even have to have one!

You can write a birth plan if you are planning a c-section, hospital birth or home birth – its whatever you want it to be. Most importantly it needs to be flexible – because things may change on the big day.

Birth plans should NOT cause you stress and anxiety… if you don’t achieve what you wrote down it does NOT mean that you are a failure or that the team caring for you failed… remember it’s a form of communication.

Try not to make it too complex, try not to make it too long. Ensure your birth partner/s are aware of what is on it and share it with the staff who care for you on the day of your delivery.

Have a read of this great article at Tommy’s for some ideas.
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/making-your-birth-plan

18/09/2026

🌟 Medication and Mental Well-being 🌟

Studies have shown that up to 90% of women will stop taking medication for an existing mental health problem when they discover they are pregnant, usually because they are worried about affecting the baby’s health.
Most antidepressant medications are considered safe during pregnancy so it's really important to discuss this with a health professional (GP or Midwife) before stopping medication so your mental well-being is not put at risk.

Please let your midwife know if you are on medication, have stopped taking your medication and are struggling without it.
Your midwife can refer you to a specialist team to advise and support you.

Find out more information at this link from Tommy’s:
🔸 https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/planning-a-pregnancy-and-mental-illness/treatments-severe-mental-illness-during-and-after-pregnancy?fbclid=IwAR19XkMUqrSnPB79VGI8s_31Nb1tTlJx7kuD1Xp4yzrGkbxWoyTcv-J0m9M

🔸 For more information on medication and pregnancy also check:
https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/

17/09/2026

🌟Sleep / pregnancy / mental well-being – they are linked!🌟

Good-quality sleep in pregnancy is really important, remember your body is working very hard growing a whole new person! (or two!!) so it needs to recharge regularly.

Sometimes getting good quality sleep is difficult especially as you bump gets bigger and you need the loo frequently during the night.
Having disturbed sleep can certainly take its toil.
Try and adopt healthy sleep hygiene habits which include going to bed at the same time each night, winding down gently before bedtime, banning all screentime in the bedroom and avoiding caffeinated drinks, especially after 6pm.

It’s OK to have a daytime nap if you need one or just a quiet half-hour with your feet up if you prefer – don’t feel guilty for having some ‘me’ time.

Remember that if you have persistent problems sleeping, even though you’re exhausted, along with feelings of low mood, this can be a sign that you have depression so talk to your GP or midwife.

Check these links out for some advice about sleep hygiene:

🔸https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-and-sleep-better/ #1

🔹https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/information-on-wellbeing-physical-health-bame-lgbtplus-and-studying-and-mental-health/how-can-i-improve-my-sleep/

🔸https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/sleep-problems/about-sleep-and-mental-health/

16/09/2026

🌟Sex & Pregnancy🌟

So lets talk about s*x....
Unless your doctor or midwife has told you otherwise (reasons may include - if you've had a lot of bleeding, or if you are at term and your waters have broken), there is absolutely no reason why you should not continue to enjoy having s*x throughout your pregnancy (but remember it’s also perfectly normal if you find your libido has crashed and you don't feel like it in the slightest!)

~ Early on in your pregnancy, you might find morning sickness, sore b***s, and general feelings of tiredness leave you totally drained and not feeling in the least bit s*xy. If you are worried about the effect this might have on your relationship, talk it through with your partner and take time out to find other ways to enjoy intimate times together.

~Later on in pregnancy and as your pregnancy progresses, you might find your s*x drive returns, but then ‘bump logistics’ cause some issues! You may have to experiment a little to find a comfortable position to make love in as the months go on, perhaps lying side by side, either with your partner behind you, or with you both facing each other. You might also find pe*******on uncomfortable in some positions if your partner goes too deep inside you, so, experimentation and honest communication key.

~ Will it harm the baby? The short answer to this is NO! Some parents-to-be feel uncomfortable about s*x during pregnancy (talking about it or doing it) in case baby is somehow 'aware' of what is going on… this really isn’t the case! There is no risk to your baby from pe*******on, and your partner will not be able to reach them while inside you. In reality the endorphins and nice feelings that s*x and closeness brings is a positive thing for all of you – so enjoy!

As with all body niggles you may experience in your pregnancy, speak to your midwife if you experience any pain, soreness, or have any bleeding or unusual discharge after having s*x, just to be on the safe side (and NO - she wont be embarrassed or shocked! After-all it's what got you to this point in life and why you have a midwife!!) 😄

~ Can it help bring on labour?.... well no conclusive evidence there: semen contains a hormone-like substance; Prostaglandins which can help to soften and ripen the cervix getting it ready for giving birth (so in theory s*x could help start labour…) another thought is that or***ms create endorphins (feel-good-hormones), ni**le stimulation can do the same and these could potentially help with starting labour – and what a nice way to try huh?!!

Most importantly as already said – honesty and communication between you and your partner is key when it comes to s*x. 🥰

15/09/2026

🥰A Little Message...🥰

14/09/2026

🥰Are you a 'Good' Mum? - of course you are!!🥰

11/09/2026

Feel more confident caring for babies and young children by learning essential first aid skills in our practical Infant & Toddler First Aid Workshop.

📅 Tuesday 6th October 2026
⏰ 7:00pm – 9:30pm
📍 Wickford
💷 £25 per person

Whether you're preparing for your first baby or caring for little ones every day, this workshop will equip you with the confidence to respond in an emergency.

Suitable for:
• Expectant parents
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Carers

Book now to secure your place.

https://parents1st.org.uk/activity/infant-and-toddler-first-aid-workshop-october-wickford

11/09/2026

🤝 What is Peer Support?

At Parents 1st UK, peer support means parents supporting parents — through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. 💛

It’s all about real connection, non-judgemental support, and shared experience.

✨ “Someone who’s been there and truly gets it.”
✨ A listening ear. A calming presence. A confidence boost.

Our trained volunteers empower new parents with emotional and practical support when it’s needed most.

Request peer support here:

https://parents1st.org.uk/parents-1st-ess*x

11/09/2026

🌟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/