Sick And Tired Of It – How To Cope With Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Excessive Nausea In Pregnancy)

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Sick And Tired Of It – How To Cope With Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Excessive Nausea In Pregnancy)

Sick And Tired Of It – How To Cope With Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Excessive Nausea In Pregnancy)

When I was pregnant with my first child, my morning (noon and night) sickness routine was as regular as clockwork. I’d throw up as soon as I woke up, and once again just after 5pm in the evening. At my workplace, I recall those ever-so-stressful days of swiftly packing my belongings before the clock struck 5, saying a quick goodbye to my colleagues, before dashing to the toilets to bring up the contents of my lunch up. It was awful, and it went on for months. At the time I remember thinking if this is what pregnancy is like I don’t intend to ever do this again.

Looking back, my situation was mild in comparison to what some women have to endure while pregnant. In truth, most of us mums have had our fair share of pregnancy sickness horror stories. But spare a thought for those women who experience a sickness so severe and unrelenting that it can last throughout the entirety of their pregnancy.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a medical term given to women who experience excessive nausea during pregnancy. It manifests as severe nausea and frequent vomiting (four times a day or more) and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as dehydration, constant dizziness, and even weight loss. Unlike traditional morning sickness, Hyperemesis gravidarum is less common and is said to affect 1 to 3 in every 100 women according to nhs.gov. The sickness can become so debilitating that some women may require hospitalisation. The condition may not improve or clear up until the baby is born but may subside at around the 20-month mark.

What causes hyperemesis gravidarum

Experts still have no definitive explanation as to why hyperemesis gravidarum occurs. The most common theory is it’s caused by rapidly rising levels of hormones specifically oestrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin, which is the hormone created by the placenta. There is some evidence to suggest that HG may also be a condition that runs in families, so if you have a mother or sister that experienced it, you may be more likely to get it as well. Similarly, if you had it during a previous pregnancy, you may get it again during your next unfortunately.

Morning sickness vs hyperemesis gravidarum

With up to 80% of women suffering from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it can feel like hell when you’re in the midst of it, and some women may in fact wonder if they are themselves experiencing this particularly intense and extreme form of pregnancy related nausea. Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife, and co-founder of My Expert Midwife is keen to emphasise that there is a clear distinction between the two. She says, “While most women find their morning sickness eases after the first trimester unfortunately, 1-2% of women will develop hyperemesis gravidarum, which can cause severe dehydration and hospitalisation. Hyperemesis gravidarum is diagnosed when a patient’s wellbeing and ability to have a normal lifestyle are compromised due to the sickness and nausea they are experiencing.” So, what are some of the things women need to look out for if experiencing sickness during pregnancy? “Women should seek help as soon as possible if they experience any of the following symptoms: you are unable to keep down any food or fluids for 24-48 hours, you are not passing any or very little urine and it is dark in colour, or you feel weak or faint and not able to stand up for any length of time.”

The mental toll

The physical symptoms associated with hyperemesis gravidarum are pretty much well-documented within the medical profession, but what isn’t discussed as much is the mental toll that this condition has on women. The hormonal and bodily changes experienced during pregnancy are overwhelming enough, no matter how many times you’ve given birth. So when you add this distressing condition to the equation, it can seem like too much to bear. Dr Carla Runchman is a clinical psychologist and two-time sufferer of HG in pregnancy who states that it’s equally important to discuss the psychological elements of the condition, so women won’t feel so isolated when experiencing it. She says, “A key aspect, often overlooked at medical appointments, is the crushing loneliness of HG. You are typically shut off from your normal routine, work and socialising. Well-meaning friends and family might not ‘get it’ and make well-meaning but ultimately undermining comments about ‘morning sickness’ or, worse, ginger biscuits. Women can be on their own, feeling dreadful, for long periods, and this can lead to rumination – when thoughts end up in a negative spiral. This happens because you are feeling low, due to the nausea and the limiting impact on your life, and the fact that you are left alone with your thoughts.” With such an utterly depressing assessment of the situation, how does Dr Carla suggest we implement mechanisms to cope? “From a psychological point of view, if you are feeling out of control (which is understandable in HG), try finding something that helps occupy your mind, and gives you a sense of control, however small. Can you try a repetitive but easy activity like crochet (I have several crocheted blankets that unfortunately now make me nauseous at the sight of them!). Your partner can help; what would make you more comfortable? Simple things like having fresh bedding every day, or supplies of whatever food/drink you can get down, or a book/magazine to read can make a huge difference to how you are feeling.”

Treatments available

Thankfully there are also treatments available now that can help to lessen the physical symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum and they include anti-sickness drugs, vitamins B6 and B12 and/or steroids. If the symptoms are unable to be controlled at home and the excessive vomiting continues, a more invasive approach can be taken with treatment being administered intravenously directly into a vein through a drip. “If you are admitted to hospital for treatment, a doctor will assess you, and a plan of care will be made for your needs”, explains Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife. “Although treatments can temporarily relieve symptoms, it is common for them to return. If you are diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum you can expect to be offered an anti-emetic (anti-sickness) medication via an injection until you can tolerate this in tablet form. You may also be offered intravenous fluids (IV fluids) to rehydrate you whilst the right medication is found to help ease your sickness.” Although it’s easy for someone not going through it to say this – it’s crucial to remember that there is an expiration date on this condition, and there will become a time that you no longer have to endure it. In the meantime, we hope you find the strength and will to cope if you’re currently in the thick of it.

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Mary Berry’s Butternut squash soup.

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TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Mary Berry’s Butternut squash soup.

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Mary Berry’s Butternut squash soup.

There are a few things that say ‘Autumn is here’ to us. One, is Bake Off, the other is soup. So why not combine the two with this delicious Butternut Squash Soup by Queen BO herself Mary Berry. Of course, don’t forget the huge white baguette and lashings of butter.

Ingredients

1.5kg/3lb 5oz peeled and deseeded butternut squash, cut into 3cm/1¼in cubes (see tip) 1 large onion, roughly chopped 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into cubes 4 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp clear honey (optional) 5cm/2in piece fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped 1.5 litres/2½ pints vegetable stock salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
Tip the prepared squash into a large, resealable freezer bag with the onion, carrots and red pepper. Add half the oil and salt and pepper and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Tip into a large roasting tin and spread out to form a single layer.
Roast in the oven for 40–45 minutes, or until tender and tinged brown. Drizzle over the honey, if using, 5 minutes before the end of cooking.
Place the large, deep-sided saucepan over a medium heat, add the remaining oil and, when it is hot, add the ginger and fry for a minute. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, then stir in the roasted vegetables and add salt and pepper.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and, using a hand blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Return to the heat to warm through and serve hot with crusty bread.

In Defence Of The ‘One And Done’ Mum – Ending The Stigma Around Having One Child By Choice.

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In Defence Of The ‘One And Done’ Mum – Ending The Stigma Around Having One Child By Choice.

In Defence Of The ‘One And Done’ Mum – Ending The Stigma Around Having One Child By Choice.

We’ve come a long way as a society when it comes to social etiquette. Most of us now know it’s super insensitive, impolite, and intrusive to ask a woman why she hasn’t had kids, or ask unmarried couples why they haven’t tied a knot. But there’s one niggly social faux pas that hasn’t quite been fully extinguished just yet, and that’s asking women who have one child ‘when’ they are planning on having another one. I’m sure many of us have experienced this it at one point, and as well meaning and benign it may appear on the surface, it’s actually seriously annoying, and shows a complete lack of sensitivity and awareness of social boundaries. There are a multitude of reasons why women choose to only have one child. Perhaps they had a traumatic birthing or post-natal experience and feel ill-equipped to deal with it again. Perhaps it’s due to lack of financial resources. Perhaps they have fertility issues or had children later in life and are unable to have additional children. Or just maybe, they’ve always envisioned just having one child, and that’s more than adequate to make their family complete. Each reason is valid.  And although they don’t owe anyone an explanation, here are some of the things that women who choose to have one child wants the world to know…

Being an only child doesn’t make them spoilt

One of the prevailing stereotypes of only children is that of the spoilt, irrational brat a la Veruca Salt who is so used to his/her parents tending to their every whim that they struggle to regulate their bad behaviour. This is an outdated belief that needs to be eradicated. A parent’s ability to raise a child who has all the qualities we deem as desirable in society – kindness, consideration for others, integrity – has nothing to do with the number of times you choose to give birth, and everything to do with the values you instil in that child as an individual. In fact, studies show that children often benefit from having a parent’s undivided attention in a positive manner which manifests in them having a healthy self-esteem, emotional intelligence and a strong sense of identity.

It’s not a selfish decision

Ahh, this old chestnut. I’m pretty sure parents raising their single child have either heard this expressed to them explicitly or implied in one way or another. First of all, we have to get past this notion that a 2 parent 2.5 children household is the only paradigm for a healthy, functioning family. Single child families are equally as beautifully enriched as those with larger numbers. Furthermore, I think we can all agree that the decision to have another child should be determined by the woman and man involved and nobody else. Having another child simply because society says you should, or you feel guilty because your fear your single child will suffer, is a one course to emotional turmoil, and potential underlying resentment for the child that was conceived as a result of other peoples’ expectations.

Only child doesn’t = lonely!

There’s another outdated belief that only children tend to be lonely and in turn struggle in social settings when among other children due the absence of a sibling. Again, this is another misconception. Single children are often able to form friendships and bonds with people of all ages. Going back to that confidence/ self-esteem thing – single children are often used to entering social spaces and having to make an effort to befriend other children on their own, which let’s face it, is something that even us as adults struggle with. Furthermore, studies show that only children spending time alone has many positives in terms of creativity and imagination, and they quickly become adept at learning how to keep themselves entertained independent of others.

Having one child gives parents financial stability

Let’s keep it 100% real – having children is bloody expensive, and is likely to be a huge factor when it comes to those who choose to have just one child. And who can blame them? The cost of childcare continues to rocket, with the average cost of a full-time nursery place for a child under two is a little over £13,700. And when it comes to the average cost of raising a child from birth to 18, according to Child Poverty Action Group parents can expect to fork out £71,611 for a couple family and if you are a lone parent family a staggering £97,862. Add to that, there still remains a motherhood tax that lingers in society, with women who have children facing disadvantages relating to salary, hiring discrimination, lack of promotion, and having to bear the brunt when it comes to childcare and managing the home. So, with that said, it’s hardly surprising that families are shrinking and the choice to have one and done is becoming more and more desirable for many women. So instead of casting judgment against women for choosing to only have one child maybe as a society we need to start looking inwardly and consider the reasons why.

The Lowdown On ‘Stress Urinary Incontinence’ And How to Overcome it.

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The Lowdown On ‘Stress Urinary Incontinence’ And How to Overcome it.

The Lowdown On ‘Stress Urinary Incontinence’ And How to Overcome it.

So, you’ve had your baby. Thankfully all is well, and you’ve instantly fallen head over heels with your little bundle of joy. As part of your post-natal recovery, you try to fit in as many pelvic floor exercises as possible, and yet, ever so often you have the sudden urge to pee, and you have to dash Usain Bolt style to the toilet to prevent an accident. Worse still, whenever you find yourself in fits of laughter after meeting up with the girls, you experience a bit of leakage, but you feel too ashamed to admit it. Sound familiar? If so, you could be suffering from female incontinence aka stress urinary incontinence, and you are certainly not alone. “Stress urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting an estimated 30% of women worldwide,” says Mr Paul Fiadjoe FRCOG, Lead Consultant Urogynaecologist at Mid and South Essex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. “Two thirds of these women suffering from SUI do not seek help. It can occur at any stage of life, with risk factors including pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, menopause and ageing. It is caused by a weakness in your pelvic floor, preventing your urethra (the tube that urine comes out of) from closing fully when sudden pressure is put on your bladder, causing leakage. SUI is the most common bladder control problem in young and middle-aged women.”

SUIs can affect you during any time of your life

The severity of stress urinary incontinence differs from one individual to another. Some women may find that a bit of urine leaks when they laugh, cough, sneeze or lift something heavy. Other women may find they experience the sudden urge to use the toilet, and when they reach, they discover that they’ve leaked much to their distress. Contrary to belief, stress urinary incontinence can occur at any time during a woman’s life, not only after they give birth. Wendy Gough shares her story of the factors that led her to having a sacral nerve implant to control/cure her overactive bladder, which had impacted her since childhood. She says, “At age 34 I fell pregnant with our daughter. My family and friends were concerned given my history of incontinence how this would affect my condition, but I suffered with no UTI’s, no incontinence and carried my daughter full-term. My daughter was a breach so I had to have an emergency caesarean. This gave me a new lease of life, for the first time in my life I was not having to worry about having an accident. However, when my daughter was 18 months old and ironically, we started potty training her, my symptoms returned. I had recurring UTI’s frequency, urgency and no control. It was very difficult to explain to a child that if she needed to go to the toilet she needed to let us know a good time, when you can’t do that yourself.”

How it relates to pregnancy and childbirth

While its true that SUI can occur at any time, there’s no denying that pregnancy and giving birth can stretch and weaken the pelvic muscles so those pelvic floor exercises that everyone from your midwife, health visitor to your Mum keeps bleating on about are crucial to improving and maintaining good pelvic health. “Pelvic floor muscle training can dramatically help to reduce the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in most women, particularly when put into practice in the early days/weeks following childbirth when performed on a daily basis,” explains Mr Paul Fiadjoe FRCOG, Lead Consultant Urogynaecologist. “There still remains a certain stigma attached to stress urinary incontinence, despite it affecting so many women. More awareness and education among women generally, but particularly among pregnant women and new mums is needed to help prevent women suffering the often-debilitating effects of SUI, which can also greatly affect levels of confidence and self-esteem and cause much anxiety and even depression among some women.”

The treatments available

Due to the sensitive nature of SUI many women decide to suffer in silence rather than see their GP about their symptoms. However, if left untreated, the condition is likely to worsen resulting in continual urinary tract infections, skin irritation to more serious conditions like kidney damage. Thankfully there are a number of treatments available that can help to alleviate the symptoms of SUI, and if traditional methods of physio and pelvic floor exercises aren’t doing the job, there are innovative, alternative treatments available like bladder neck bulking and implantation treatments. Vix Williams had suffered with SUI throughout her childhood and young adult life and had reached the point where it became a source of frustration until she opted for a bladder neck bulking procedure named Bulkamid, a water-based hydrogel that’s administered intravenously to minimise symptoms. She says, “It was only when I got into fitness and noticed straight away that I would leak whenever I did anything jumping up or down or too strenuous. I just thought it’s what happens after having kids and getting older. But the final straw was when I struggled to improve the weights in my weight-lifting – I would hold myself back and not really push for a personal best as I knew I would wet myself in doing so. It was so frustrating as I had finally discovered a sport I was potentially good at. Luckily, I had heard about bladder-neck bulking procedure and my consultant suggested I tried it. It has totally transformed my life especially in my weight-lifting.”

As all parties interviewed for this feature have stressed the importance of seeking medical intervention as quickly as possible. As Wendy says, “I’d advise women to push their GP for a referral to a specialist. You do not have to live with incontinence, there are lots of therapies out that that can give you back your life. My life has changed since having implant treatment, I am a much more confident person.”

Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss

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Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss

Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss

Postpartum hair loss is undoubtedly a by-product of the post-pregnancy experience that no one asked for. It is defined as consistent hair loss that typically occurs after giving birth at an approximate rate of 400 hairs per day (the average amount of hair we shed when we’re not pregnant is 80-100 hairs per day). The shedding is caused by a dip in our oestrogen levels and experts agree that it’s not true hair loss as we know it to be, as it’s direct consequence of the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and often balances itself out when our levels of oestrogen return. “During pregnancy more hairs enter the resting phase of the cycle” explains Dr Sophie Shotter,  Skin and Hormone Doctor and Medical Director of Illuminate Skin Clinic. “Once you deliver more hairs once again enter the growth phase, which causes shedding. This should return to normal within a few months of delivery.”

Even though it may be a temporary condition it doesn’t make it less distressing and frustrating when it occurs. Thankfully there are a range of treatments available now that help to minimise and treat postpartum shedding. These include the following:

The best treatments for postpartum hair shedding

Vitamins and supplements

After you give birth it’s so important to eat a well-balanced diet to keep your energy levels up and replace any nutrients that may have been depleted, especially during breastfeeding. Vitamin supplements are really useful in ensuring you get your recommended dose of nutrients so your body won’t be running on empty. There are a number of supplements that target postpartum hair loss, look out for products that contain biotin, zinc and vitamins A, C, D, E. Dr Sophie Shotter, adds: “There are lots of products available, but my personal favourite is Viviscal Professional. Not only does it include Biotin and other vitamins essential for hair growth, but it also contains a proprietary marine protein which has 11 published papers proving that it stimulates hair growth. I use this alongside other treatments for several of our hair patients.”

Hair rejuvenating treatments

While vitamins and a healthy balanced diet will help to treat post-pregnancy hair shedding, it often takes a bit of time to see the results. Hair shedding often occurs between the 3-6 after giving birth and starts to tail off around the 6-month mark. If you’re finding that your hair loss is excessive, or it’s taking longer to grow back than you’d like, there are a number of innovative treatments that take a more invasive approach. Dr Sophie Shotter outlines some of the options:

  1. PRP
    “This uses the patient’s own blood which has been centrifuged to produce a fluid containing a high concentration of platelets. Once injected into the tissue these platelets release growth factors, which stimulate hair growth. Results will depend on the quality of that individual’s platelet function and can be affected by smoking or having a glass of wine the night beforehand, for example.”
  2. Growth Factors
    “There are some products available that contain growth factors in solution. Injecting these can stimulate hair growth over a course of treatments. These can be injected or micro-needled into the scalp.”
  3. Mesotherapy
    “Mesotherapy contains the nutrients needed to support hair growth – vitamins, minerals and peptides are essential for health hair growth, and mesotherapy allows these to be delivered straight into the scalp via needling or micro-needling. The mesotherapy treatments can lead to improved hair density.”
Strand boosting shampoos

In terms of your haircare routine, shampoos and other hair products can help to minimise post-natal hair shedding. Specially formulated cleansers like volumizing shampoos can help to make the hair look and feel thicker. Budget-friendly buys such as The Tresemme Collagen & Fullness Collection, OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo, are infused with strand boosting ingredients like collagen, biotin and glycerine that penetrate inside the hair and plumps each strand to give the hair a boost. Award-winning haircare brand Philip Kingsley has an exemplary track record when it comes to creating products that treat the hair and scalp. Its award-winning Tricotherapy range is specifically created to address thinning and hair loss, with it’s multi-step regimen that energises the scalp and helps to encourage hair growth. If you have Afro textured hair, check out the Mielle Rosemary & Mint collection, which features Mielle Rosemary Strengthening Shampoo, £9.99, and other products infused with biotin to promote hair growth, as well as mint and rosemary known for increasing blood circulation to stimulate the scalp.

If you’re still experiencing hair shedding 6 months after you’ve given birth, and you’re concerned, it’s definitely worth scheduling an appointment with your GP or trichologist as there could be an underlying issue that hasn’t been identified, such as thyroid issues known to affect some women after they have a baby.

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Easy Sausage Casserole

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TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Easy Sausage Casserole

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Easy Sausage Casserole

This easy sausage casserole recipe is packed with flavour and requires little clean-up, because it’s made in just one pan. (You can even use the empty chopped tomato tin to measure out the stock!) It’s a midweek, or any day of the week, marvel.

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes
4 carrots
8 good-quality sausages from outdoor-reared pigs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp paprika
400g can chopped tomatoes
400ml vegetable stock (we like Knorr)
1-2 bay leaves

Method:

Turn the oven to 180°C/fan160°C/gas 4. Peel the potatoes and carefully cut them in half, then into quarters. Peel the carrots and cut each carrot into about 4 or 5 even pieces.

Prick the sausages all over with a fork – this helps the fat to run out of the sausages, so that they don’t split open as they cook. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based casserole and fry the sausages, turning often, until lightly golden all over – this should take about 10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and put them on a plate.

Add the chopped onion to the casserole (there will still be some oil in the pan from the sausages) and continue to cook over a low heat for 5-10 minutes, until the onion is slightly soft. Add the garlic and paprika and cook for another minute.

Add the chopped potatoes and carrots and stir everything around in the casserole so that the vegetables are coated with the oil.

Add the tomatoes and stock (to measure the stock, you can use the empty tomato can – filled up, it will hold 400ml of stock) and the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer (so it’s just bubbling gently). Return the sausages to the casserole.

Using your oven gloves, carefully put the casserole into the oven. Cook for 45 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through, and serve.

Recipe by Delicious Magazine

Everything You’ll Need For Your First Baby

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Everything You’ll Need For Your First Baby

Everything You’ll Need For Your First Baby

And tips we’ve picked up along the way.

So you’re about to have a baby and haven’t got a clue what to buy? As with pretty much everything to do with becoming a mum there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything we genuinely used and loved at TMC – and with five babies between us, that’s a lot of trial, error and real life advice. We’ve also included a downloadable PDF list which you can print and tick off as you shop.

Travel

  1. Car seat & ISOfix
    You can’t leave hospital without it so this is a big one. Our greatest cash saving advice is to scour the baby shows for pram/car seat bundles and do your ‘ISOFIX’ research, so the system you buy now (the second image) will also work with the next car seat up (yes, you’ll go through a few in the coming years). Good stores will fit the car seat for you and show you how to do it properly.
  2. Pushchair
    As you’ve probably seen by now we’re big fans of the BabyZen Yoyo at TMC, and wish we hadn’t spent a grand on a heavy duty first pram only to change it for this lightweight stroller six months; it has a newborn attachment we could have used from the get-go. If and when a second one comes along you can attach a toddler-friendly buggy board at the back for your toddlers, and add an extra-large bag for your shopping. Our vote for city living and any kind of travel.
  3. Baby Sling
    It’s worth pointing out that you don’t need to spend £350 on a baby sling, but they are so pretty! The resale value holds its own on these beauties, and we’d recommend a sling over a carrier to start with, so you can keep that baby close.
  4. Travel Cot
    Not everyone needs one of these but as we both love to travel, and regularly take the kids to our parents’ we used ours a lot – it really did help us get more sleep whenever we were away. If you do get one, consider an extra-long one, which don’t get outgrown quite as quickly. Also, invest in a mattress topper, Travel cots just aren’t comfortable without one.
  5. Backpack-style Changing Bag
    If we had our time again neither of us would buy a holdall – it’s just something else to…well, hold! Seriously, go straight for a backpack and choose one that looks good, as you’ll be carrying it for the next three to five years. Fortunately, the world has caught up with that fact and there are plenty of bags worth investing a little bit more in.

Sleeping

  1. Crib
    We found that the Chico Next2Me is by far the easiest crib to use. It attaches to the side of your bed, so you don’t have to go far when it’s time for a night feed. When you do want to move them a little further away, just unattached it and zip up the fourth side. Genius. It comes in a few colours too, so don’t panic Mrs Hinch – it will totally go with your decor.
  2. Comforters & Dummies
    You’ll receive so many of these at the beginning: use them all and rotate them regularly, so your baby doesn’t get attached to one single toy that you have to boil wash every time they drop it down the nearest drain. Hard when this Jellycat elephant is the softest thing ever (yes, you’ll get attached to them to) but we promise it’s worth it. As for dummies, we both used them up to the two-year mark or thereabouts. They helped our babies settle, and stopped them from using their bottles (or us!) as makeshift pacifiers. The glow in the dark kind come highly recommended by both of us – no more scrabbling around in the middle of the night!
  3. Swaddle Bag/Grow Bag
    Our tip here is to not to even try swaddling with muslins; we found it so hard to wrap our babies into tight (but not too tight) burritos especially after a midnight feed, and they always broke free in the end. So get a swaddle bag, and when they grow out of that get a grow bag with sleeves, as babies get cold at night and like to be snuggled up as much as we do.
  4. Camera Monitor & Room temperature
    On that note, a thermometer will help you wrap them up for the right conditions. A good baby monitor should have a thermometer on it but if it doesn’t this Gro egg is very handy.

Bathing

  1. Baby Bath or Seat
    We used both. The tub is much easier when they’re very little and you don’t want to do gymnastics round the bath to keep them in one place. But they both work just as well.
  2. Towel/Oilatum/Baby Grooming Kit/Thermometer

Changing

  1. Nappies & Wipes
    Hear us out: reusable nappies have come a long way. We both used them and found they saved us money in the long run and made us feel better about the impact our families were having on the environment. If disposables are more your bag, hit up Aldi right from the start; their nappies are a third of the price of most other brands and they sell in bulk. Both of these are God’s gift to nappy rash.. and if your kids are anything like ours it turns into a warzone down there the minute they start teething. Metanium is wonderstuff and Sudocrem doubles up as a great blemish-busting face mask for grown-ups!
  2. Nappy Bin
    Not essential, but when your newborn leaks liquid poo for the billionth time that day you’ll be glad you can stash those nappies (or disposable liners, if you’re on the natural nappy train) away quickly. We bought two each – one for upstairs, one for downstairs – and never regretted it.
  1. Steriliser & Bottle Kit / Perfect Prep Machine
    So easy

Clothes

  1. Short Sleeved Vests
    Next do the best ones!
  2. Long sleeved baby grows
    Again Next are great quality but if you want to spend a little extra there is nothing softer than Mori!
  3. Scratch Mits
    Especially when they are tiny
  4. All in one pram suit
    This really depends on the time of year your baby is due, but however old they are when their first winter comes around, one if these is worth a purchase. Don’t spend too much money though, they don’t wear them for very long.
  5. Muslins
    You’ll need a lot of these. A lot. And big ones too. They’re great for breast feeding (covering up and mopping up) and as blankets or sunshades. Get a few lovely ones and lots of cheap white ones which can all go in the wash at the same time.
  6. Cellular Blankets

Breastfeeding

  1. Nipple Cream
    Doubles up as lip balm. Woohoo!
  2. Nursing Pads
  3. Breast Pump
    Did you know you can rent breast pumps! Rather than shelling out the cost.
  4. Nursing pillow
    We got the BBHUGME to help us sleep during pregnancy and continued to use them as supportive feeding pillows.
  5. Nursing / Comfortable bras
    H&M do the best maternity bras. And who wants to paying a lot of money on something you’ll never want to see again after a year of wearing them!

After Birth

  1. Maternity Pants
    Tena is your best friend.
  2. Large Cotton Kickers
    M&S high waisted
  3. Painkillers
  4. Lots of comfortable PJS
    The night sweats are real.
  5. Netflix Subscription
  6. The Mum Club Membership
    For those 3am reads.

10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn Baby

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10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn Baby

10 Questions You Might Ask About Your newborn Baby

You’ve got home from the hospital, you’re overjoyed with emotion, and then it suddenly hits you. What the hell do I do with this baby?

And there it starts, the continual daily Google search, asking questions like; Do newborn babies need baths? And can you hold them too much?

So, to save you some time in your searches, we’ve collated the top ten things parents ask after they bring their baby home.

You’re welcome.

Do they know who their Mum is?

Looking after a newborn baby is hard, and some days you’re like, ‘I’m doing all this work for you, and I’m not sure you even know who I am?’ It might not seem like it, but they 100% recognise that you’re their Mum. Newborns know your smell and voice from the minute they’re born and studies show that they can also register your face after just a few days. Another concern some women wonder is if their baby can forget them. This is a completely normal question that lots of people ask. But please don’t fret, even if you have to spend some time apart, they will always remember your voice and smell, and you will be able to bond whenever the time comes.

Can you hold your newborn too much?

One of the best things about having a baby is all the lovely cuddles you get. And the good news is, you can’t do it enough. It’s actually essential to a baby’s development and helps them grow mentally and physically.

What happens if you yell at a newborn, and can they sense frustration?

Sleep deprivation paired with a baby that won’t stop crying will put anyone at the end of their tether. It’s ok to feel frustrated but getting worked up isn’t going to help anyone. Babies won’t remember you being upset, but they can pick up on your emotional state, and if they’re in your arms, they’ll feel the negativity in their bodies. So, take a breather. Ask someone else to help you and If you’re on your own, put your baby in a safe place, like their crib, and walk away so you can compose yourself. Take a few minutes, cry if you need to, and then once you’ve regrouped go back in. We have all felt like this, you are not alone, and the moment will pass. If it keeps happening and you feel overwhelmed, try and get some rest or go for a walk to get some fresh air and chat to a family member or friend about how you’re feeling, you’re not failing, you just need some help, and that’s normal.

Top tip: Got some earplugs? When trying to soothe their baby, some people put in headphones or earplugs to soften the noise, making it easier to cope.

Can I kiss my newborn?

“Of course, you can kiss your newborn!” Says antennal experts Blossom Antenatal. It is one of the biggest signs of love and affection that you can show your newborn. It also helps babies grow mentally, physically and psychologically, as it stimulates responses in the brain. Blossom Antenatal add, “Kissing should only ever be avoided if you have an active infectious disease. An example of this would be Herpes simplex, which can be dangerous for babies, so no kissing from you or any relative when you have a cold sore.”

Can you take a 1-week-old baby outside?

When you’re ready for a walk, getting some fresh air is a great idea for both you and your baby. Go steady though, the phrase ‘baby steps’ will apply to both you and your newborn for quite a lot of things over the next few months, so don’t rush it, remember you’re still healing, so head out for short walks at first and then build it up.

Should you pick up your baby every time it cries?

There’s nothing wrong with constantly picking up your baby when it’s teeny tiny, they are such precious little slugs and crying is how they tell you something’s up. And yep, it happens a LOT in the beginning, but it doesn’t last forever. As they grow and routines start to form, it gets a lot easier, and you tend to know what is up before the tears start to roll, well, most of the time.

Can I hold my newborn when it’s sleeping?

Yes, please do! It’s so lovely when they fall asleep on you, and you must enjoy those magical moments. Still, it is also important to put them down to snooze, not only so that you can have a break, but also, so they recognise that sleepy time happens in their bed and not just in Mummy or Daddy’s arms.

Can I give a newborn water?

It’s not advised to give newborns water, as it can make them feel full and decline the milk and nutrients that they need. Babies stay hydrated from milk, so if it’s hot and you’re breastfeeding they’ll either ask for more, or you can offer it. If they’re formula-fed and it’s very warm, then you can offer water as well as milk but make sure you do it after milk feeds and boil and cool the water before giving it to them.

When do I bath my newborn?

You do not need to bathe your baby in the first few days, and most parents prefer to top and tail by carefully washing their face, neck, hands and bottom. Usually, the best time to bath is when the umbilical cord comes off. Choose a time when your baby is awake and happy and make sure the room is nice and warm and lay out all the bits beforehand, so you stay nice and calm. You’ll need a bowl of warm water (or a baby bath) a nice fluffy towel, cotton wool, a nappy and some clean clothes.

When can a baby see?

Newborns can detect black, white and grey colours and focus on objects that are approximately 8-10 inches away from their face. As they get to two months old, they can see up to 18 inches away, and by three months they start to see colours and reach out for things that they see.

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Banana Choctella Muffins

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TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Banana Choctella Muffins

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Banana Choctella Muffins
Ingredients:

125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature
1/2 cup (180g) honey
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
11/2 cups (225g) self-raising flour
3/4 cup (245g) chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

Method

Preheat the oven to 170°C and lightly grease a 12 hole (1/3-cup capacity) muffin pan, or line with paper cases. Place the butter and honey in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whisk until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, until well combined, then whisk in the banana and the chocolate hazelnut spread.

2.Sift the flour and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture and fold through until combined. Divide among muffin pans. Place 1 heaped tsp chocolate hazelnut spread on top.

3.Using a knife, swirl the chocolate hazelnut spread through the batter a little. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

4.Leave in the pans for 5 minutes, then lift out and place onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

The Dolls That Help Your Children To Develop

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The Dolls That Help Your Children To Develop

The Dolls That Help Your Children To Develop

Ever look at the mass of toys in your house and wonder if any of them help your child’s progress?

Of course, one way or another, most of them do.

But did you know that dolls can be extremely beneficial for development?

Yep! Not just a cute play pal, they can encourage multiple life skills and inspire children to explore and understand emotions.

How dolls help with development

After your baby’s first birthday, the concept of play starts to become a fundamental part of their life. Now is a great time to introduce toys that offer an element of role play, as this can be a really effective way for children to make sense of the world around them. Dolls are a brilliant toy to gift at this age as they teach empathy and help your little one understand their emotions. Showing your child how to interact with a doll and mimicking real-life scenarios can encourage emotional development and aid social interactions.

But which ones do I buy?

Cry Babies dolls are brilliant because not only do they teach children to love and nurture something by encouraging cuddles, offering dummies, and tucking them into bed, they also help your child recognise actions, such as dressing up, kissing, and even feeding.

Cry Babies Dressy Lady
Cry Babies Dressy Lady
£29.99
Cry Babies Dressy Coney
Cry Babies Dressy Coney
£29.99
Cry Babies Kiss Me Stella
Cry Babies Kiss Me Stella
£34.99
Help your toddler understand their emotions

Caring for a doll teaches children responsibility, but it also helps them process emotions such as compassion and empathy. Toddlers love to copy, and you can aid their learning by showing them how to calm the doll down with cuddles or a dummy. Try it a few times and eventually, they should follow along. Cry Babies Kiss Me Stella, is perfect for this as it cries real tears, and you and your toddler can use a bottle or dummy to soothe any snuffles. She also adorably blushes when kissed, which both of you will love.

Teaching your child to dress themselves

Want to make your life a lot easier, faster? Show your toddler how to dress from an early age. Start by using repetitive language and actions when you put their clothes on and ask them to help you with simple requests like ‘arms up’ or ‘put your hand through here’. Another way to aid learning is to use a doll and play dress up as this can improve motor skills and enable them to do up tiny buttons or poke their dolls arms and legs into clothes. Cry Babies Dressy, is ideal for this as it comes with different outfits and removable shoes – and there’s three characters to choose from Coney, Lady and Dotty. Dressing a toddler generally takes place when you’re in a hurry, so playing dress-up with dolls will also give you a calmer opportunity to teach your child the names of pieces of clothing.

How to combat jealous feelings of a new sibling

New baby on the way? Help your toddler combat future jealousy and instigate parent-child role play by looking after a doll together. They will love to imitate you and your actions. Pretend play is a brilliant way to help them understand what’s going on in the world. Then hopefully, once the new arrival appears, your toddler will be so au fait with caring for a baby that they’ll accept it with their tiny open arms.

*Join the Cry Babies adventures on the official Kitoons YouTube channel and video streaming platform. The episodes feature storylines on friendship, discovery, creativity and teamwork. Kitoons TV is now also available across Smart TVs, mobile, tablets, and the web.

The Mum Club Reader Reviews

Want to know what real Mums think of the Cry Babies dolls? We asked three mums to review the toys for us. Here’s what they had to say…

“My child engaged with the Cry Babies doll straight away, rocking and cuddling it and giving it its dummy when it cried. She has a little brother, and it helped her develop empathy and kindness towards him. She also loved to take its shoes on and off and managed this independently. The doll is very cute, and the bright clothing, hair, and accessories immediately got my daughter’s attention. I would definitely recommend this to my friends, a great item for developing your child’s emotions and understanding.” Dani Hagan – Hertfordshire

“Charley has always been very compassionate but having the Cry Babies doll really brought it to light. She watches me with my 9-month-old and tends to copy and repeat what she sees with the doll, it’s helped her develop a rapport with her little brother, and she’s now learnt when he’s crying to cuddle him and offer him his dummy.” Lou Shields – Leamington Spa

“Since playing with the Cry Babies doll, I’ve noticed a real improvement in my child’s ability to show caring, loving feelings. She’s taken a shine towards other children around her and has a sense of responsibility among them and noticeably when they’re showing sad feelings. I feel like it’s encouraged her to understand emotions. A great toy for independent role play that my child has really enjoyed.” Amy Adams – Northamptonshire

Cry Babies, including the new dolls, are available now @smythstoys @tesco @amazon

How To Be School Run Ready

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How To Be School Run Ready

How To Be School Run Ready

There’s nothing quite like that early morning dash before school. Trying to get everyone up, washed, dressed, fed and out the door on time is more often than not pretty stressful. Then add in to the mix those two minutes you have for yourself to chuck on some clothes and brush your hair, whilst you run around your room trying to find something to throw on. Well, we’re here to try and make it a little easier for you! Here’s 4 stylish looks for inspiration to help get you ready in the morning!

Keeping it comfy

The ultimate casual school run outfit. A tracksuit, because let’s face it we’ve all bought ourselves at least 10 through lockdown!

Over sized T shirt
Over sized T shirt
Arket
£19
French Terry Sweatpants
French Terry Sweatpants
Arket
£55
Chunky Cotton Rib Socks
Chunky Cotton Rib Socks
Arket
£7
VEJA Venturi Trainers
VEJA Venturi Trainers
Veja
£140
Oversized Sweatshirt
Oversized Sweatshirt
H&M
£17.99

Looking like you’ve made more effort than you have

For a sleeker, slightly more polished look, adding a trench coat over a black silhouette is the way to go. Chuck on sunglasses to cover up those tired eyes from the multiple wake ups from the kids!

Cat-eye acetate sunglasses
Cat-eye acetate sunglasses
Saint Laurent
£270
Cotton-blend hoodie
Cotton-blend hoodie
H&M
£17.99
Future Rider Metal trainers
Future Rider Metal trainers
Puma
£75
Power High-Waisted Gym Leggings
Power High-Waisted Gym Leggings
Sweaty Betty
£63
Oversized trenchcoat
Oversized trenchcoat
H&M
£49.99

Ready for more than lounging

If you want to feel a bit more dressed and less in activewear then jeans with a t-shirt layered with a shirt are the perfect alternative.

Mom Jeans
Mom Jeans
Zara
£27.99
Chunky Leather Sandals
Chunky Leather Sandals
Arket
£135
White T Shirt
White T Shirt
American Vintage
£45
Lightning charm earrings
Lightning charm earrings
Missoma
£65
Oversized denim shirt
Oversized denim shirt
H&M
£34.99

Could be doing exercise, could not be..

For a more Spring transitional outfit, you can’t go wrong with a pile jacket. Add all black for a clean look and feel.

Oversized Pima Cotton T-shirt
Oversized Pima Cotton T-shirt
Arket
£25
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple
£479
Seamless Yoga Tights
Seamless Yoga Tights
& Other Stories
£45
Unisex 530
Unisex 530
New Balance
£80
Fleece Anorak Jacket
Fleece Anorak Jacket
Arket
£69

TMC Talks To: Milly Bagot Founder of ByRuby.

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TMC Talks To: Milly Bagot Founder of ByRuby.

TMC Talks To: Milly Bagot Founder of ByRuby.
Explain what you do in a sentence?

Along with my Co-Founder Ruby, we run a company called ByRuby where we make seriously special, hand-made food for your freezer.

How long have you done your job?

Since 2019 full time, and before then I juggled another job, starting up ByRuby in 2017, and having my third child all at the same time which was pretty full on!

What does your day or week entail?

It’s super busy, no 2 days are the same. I have 3 small children so it’s always a bit of a juggle. Sometimes I’m in the office covering emails, other times I’m working with Ruby on recipe development or I’m out in the field visiting our different stockists and lovely farm shops. There’s lots to do so it usually involves lots of early mornings, and each day starts with a strong cup of Yorkshire Tea which helps!

Where did you start out?

I left Durham University and fell into a job in the city. Quite quickly I realised that wasn’t for me and so I went on to partner with my Aunt at her wonderful food shop, Finns on Chelsea Green. 10 years later and still at Finns I met Ruby, my now business partner, when she started cooking there. We began to see lots of demand from our customers for really delicious, hand-cooked frozen meals, and at the same time I had just had my third baby and was desperate to find some pre-prepared food I trusted to eat myself and give to my friends. After a very successful trial of selling frozen meals prepared by Ruby at Finns, we realised the idea had legs and took the punt on starting the business of its own.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Navigating the funding landscape. Like all startups we have had to raise equity to help get us off the ground. Writing business plans and managing investor relations whilst running the business is a challenge. I am so pleased that I have had the support of wonderful people who have helped me along the way

What piece of advice would you give to someone hoping to do the same?

Go with your gut instinct and trust yourself when taking advice. Somebody may have more experience but nobody knows your business better than you.

Something you’ve learnt that is crucial to either your job or to success:

Be kind and always be yourself. Also, talk to anyone who is interested, it’s amazing where connections take you.

How important is it to switch off?

To be honest I find it very hard to switch off. Whilst my business is always in the back of my mind, my children are a great distraction and will always be my number one priority. You will rarely see me working after 6:30pm, and a glass of wine and dinner with my husband is a crucial part of my day. Sleep is a big priority, and I really use that as my ultimate switch off time.

How do you manage your work / life balance?

I work very flexibly, and not always 9-5, which is one of the benefits of running your own business. I fit things in where I can, but work is a big part of my life and I enjoy it so I don’t mind both things merging together. I find it’s the only way that it works for me personally.

How do manage mum guilt?

It’s a difficult one. I think children thrive on routine, so for me as long as mine know when I am going to be there and when I’m not they are pretty chilled. I also have an amazing nanny who I couldn’t do without – she allows me to do my job whilst knowing the children are in safe and happy hands which is vital for me. Of course I feel guilty when I forget the ballet shoes or don’t remember that football club has been cancelled, but this can happen to anyone, job or no job, and my children know they are my number one priority. I have always worked so they also see that as normal, I think they would find it strange if I was there all the time!

How did you get over the feeling of missing your baby when you went back to work

I am very lucky in that I work flexibly, so whilst I didn’t take much maternity leave, I was able to pop in and out. I have horrible memories of pumping in the loos when I was on an entrepreneurs accelerator and my youngest was only 6 weeks old, which was a step too far looking back! I have a happy home, a very supportive husband and a wonderful setup with my nanny so I couldn’t ask for more on that front. Thankfully the children are always happy to see me when I come home and that has always been the case. If that changes, I’ll know there is something really wrong!

Use Discount code : TMC15! For 15% off ByRuby site-wide https://byruby.co.uk/

Top Ten Sods Laws of Parenting

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Top Ten Sods Laws of Parenting

Top Ten Sods Laws of Parenting
‘It’s like raaaiiinnnn on your wedding day. It’s a giant poo, when you’re already late.’

No matter how recently you’ve changed them, the second you place a fully dressed baby in the car seat they will instantly soil themselves. The more layers, the higher the probability. If they’re wearing a pram suit, it’s practically a given.

They NEVER nap, except when you desperately need them not to.

Shout out to the Mum’s reading this from the car outside their house; temporarily incarcerated by the small snoring human in the car seat in the back. Said small child can easily stay awake for an entire 6 hour road trip; yet somehow develops narcolepsy the second you need them to stay awake for a short drive to the supermarket.

The one time you forget the spare clothes, you will never need them more.

We’ve been hauling round a Spiderman backpack stuffed with more outfit changes than a Cher concert for the last 2 years; the ONE TIME we leave it at home you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll be wiping their arse with your socks and fashioning them a pair of trousers out of a old towel you found in the boot.

Nothing cures kids faster than a trip to the Doctors waiting room.

Following stern words with the receptionist to secure the appointment (‘Yes it’s urgent Karen, I KNOW MY OWN CHILD OKAY?!”) the kid, previously at death’s door; springs back to life the instant their name is called. This leaves you wishing they were slightly more unwell than they now appear, so the Doctor won’t think you’re a crazed hypochondriac.

Oh Ducking Hell

You’ve been forking out £15 a lesson for Baby Spanish for an entire year with not so much as a ‘Hola’ back; but guaranteed the ONE TIME you tell Daddy to go fuck himself and THAT’S the word they repeat.

‘Oh they won’t eat that’*

*Unless they’re at your Mother-in-Law’s, or at nursery, or in the care of literally anyone else but you.

The week you go back to work they will be ill like they’ve never been ill before.

You: Wants to prove you’re a capable, together individual who can juggle motherhood and her career, no problem. Also You: Has to call IT on day 2 because the baby vommed on her Macbook.

You can’t wait for a night out, only to spend every second missing them like hell

It’s a universally accepted truth that you’ll spend the entire evening scrolling through your camera roll and discussing your baby’s bowel movements. Extra points if you’ve got pictures on your phone of your baby’s bowel movements.

The one day you forget the pram

You’ll have to carry the kid around like a 20lb kettlebell until your arms feel like they’re about to fall off.

The moment you think you’ve got this shit down

It all changes and you realise you haven’t got a clue.

I Was Scared and Thought I was Miscarrying

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I Was Scared and Thought I was Miscarrying

I Was Scared and Thought I was Miscarrying

Trigger warning: this article mentions comments surrounding miscarriage.

AUTHOR: ANON

“I was around 6 weeks pregnant when I noticed a spot of bleeding when I went to the toilet during the night. I was scared and devastated. It had taken us a while to become pregnant with our second child, so I automatically feared that the small speck of blood was indication that I was miscarrying. Shaken, I woke my partner up immediately and made an urgent appointment to see my GP. During my appointment, after a quick round of questions, I was sent to the Early Pregnancy Unit at my local hospital where I sat among a throng of women who all looked equally worried and petrified about the health of their baby and viability of their pregnancy. I waited hours to be seen, but finally was able to be checked out by a doctor who scanned my bump and asked a series of questions. She thankfully confirmed that all appeared well, that I wasn’t having a miscarriage, and that some women would bleed during some stage of their pregnancy.“

“As soon as I exited the hospital building, I burst out into tears. I was feeling relieved, thankful, but also seriously vulnerable because I didn’t feel I had received adequate information as to why the bleeding had occurred. I would experience bleeding once again during later pregnancy (at around week 25), but again the hospital checked me out, monitored me for several hours and thankfully said there was nothing to worry about. When my baby finally arrived 6 weeks later, I was in the euphoric state that most of us experience after finally meeting our baby, but also exhausted by the load off my mind that I had carried for 9 months.“

“Bleeding during pregnancy is quite common and doesn’t automatically mean that you are experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (around 1 in 4 will unfortunately result in miscarriage), so it’s important to seek medical advice if it does occur. But if like me, you had more questions than answers following your experience of bleeding, read on to learn about the most common causes.“

Causes of bleeding in early pregnancy (before 12 weeks)

Implantation bleeding

Implantation refers to when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the wall of the womb, and it occurs around the same time your period would’ve been due. Some women experience implantation bleeding around 8 weeks into their pregnancy, and it tends to show up as spotting/ light bleeding that you’ll likely become aware of after wiping when you use the toilet. “During the first trimester, many women will experience some sort of bleeding”, explains Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click. “This is caused by implantation, when the fertilised egg implants itself into the womb. This type of bleeding can last for a few days and is often mistaken for a light period. Other common causes can include infection, as the flora inside the vagina changes. This is not life threatening to the mother or baby and your doctor will advise whether antibiotics are required. Your immune system may even be able to clear the infection without treatment.”

Blood clot around the sac

Another potential reason why women may discover blood during their pregnancy is due to blood clotting around the sac. This manifests as a mass of blood situated between the placenta and the uterus walls, and although it’s not quite understood why it happens, it can be alarming for pregnant women although it doesn’t signal an impending miscarriage. Michelle Swer, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology says, “Blood clots around the sac are often seen on a scan and does not usually affect the pregnancy but can lead to bleeding until the sac resolves. The bleeding usually turns brown in colour in keeping with old blood. She continues, “It is important that any bleeding especially as a first occurrence, or if you have a known underlying placental complication, is investigated to ensure it is not something more serious and that there is no need for further investigations or management.”

Cervical changes

When we become pregnant our body goes through so many changes, one of which is changes to our cervix that becomes softer and has a richer blood supply. This, as a subsequence, can often lead to bleeding. “During pregnancy, your body experiences changes, including changes to the cervix, where more blood vessels grow” says Abbas Kanani. “This can cause the cervix to bleed more easily during pregnancy.”

Early pregnancy problems

Sadly, bleeding during pregnancy can also be an indicator of an impending miscarriage, and this will occur in 1 in 4 women. “Bleeding with pain is associated with miscarriage”, says Michelle Swer. “This can be identified on a scan or women may need more than one scan to confirm the diagnosis. It is also important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy which is when the pregnancy implants outside the womb. As you can see there are a number of reasons for bleeding in pregnancy but the one that causes the greatest anxiety is the risk of miscarriage and rightly so. The ordeal women go through when bleeding due to a miscarriage varies so much hence it has been difficult to make sure that all accounts are taken into consideration. However, I feel it is important that each presentation is acknowledged, and women should be aware of each end of the spectrum so they can know when to seek advice in a timely fashion.”

Causes of bleeding in late pregnancy (24 weeks onwards)

Bleeding is rare during the 2nd trimester, but during the 3rd, there are three conditions that are uncommon but are still worth noting so that women are aware of them. Michelle Swer, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology, outlines them.

Low lying placenta.
This is when the placenta lies low in the womb close or lying over the cervix. This will be identified on scan usually at 20 weeks and women will have a repeat scan to identify where the placenta is closer to delivery. Any bleeding in a woman diagnosed with a low-lying placenta should be seen by a doctor to ensure there is no risk of delivery which would not be suitable naturally.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum.
This occurs when the placenta attaches deep through the muscle wall and does not easily detach. This is also identified on a scan and urgent review is needed if there is bleeding in women diagnosed with this presentation.

Abruption of the placenta.
This is when the placenta comes away from the womb and is a serious and acute condition. There is often pain and bleeding and women should seek urgent medical advice.