Polycystic Ovaries/Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCO/PCOS)
Approximately one in six couples in the UK may have problems conceiving and after 12 months trying approximately 84% will have been successful. There are many factors that affect fertility for both partners and some are unexplained. A common endocrine condition that...
Finding out the gender of your baby
By Beata Anderson Some people love the suspense of not knowing the sex of their baby until the delivery. But some of us can’t wait to find out much sooner. Only a medical professional with relevant training can reliably determine the sex of a baby. Yet, this doesn’t...
Why should I come to my scan with a full bladder?
We commonly ask you to arrive for your pregnancy or pelvic scan with a comfortably full bladder, having asked you to drink 1 to 1.5 litres of water about an hour before your scan appointment. But why do we ask you to do this when it can be uncomfortable, and what is...
What is IVF?
IVF is the shortened name for In Vitro Fertilisation. Literally this means fertilisation of an egg by a sperm in a laboratory, instead of taking place inside the body. Once the egg is fertilised it becomes an embryo. The embryo is grown for several days under the...
Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy
Most people know that smoking in pregnancy is harmful to both mum and baby, but as nicotine is addictive, stopping smoking is far easier said than done! Each cigarette contains over 4000 chemicals, and it is these that can harm your unborn baby. Smoking reduces the...
What is a placenta?
Written by Beata Anderson The placenta is an organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. This structure provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and removes waste products from your baby’s blood. The placenta attaches to the wall of your...
Flying in pregnancy
Is it safe to fly in pregnancy? This is a common question we are asked as health care professionals. As COVID restrictions are changing; booking a trip abroad for a holiday or to visit family, may be something you are considering. The Royal College of Obstetricians...
Should I buy a running buggy?
In recent years it has become fashionable to go running with your baby in a buggy. In this blog I will explore whether this is safe. Babies’ brains are delicate so babies should NEVER be shaken. It is not recommended to jog with your baby in a buggy in the first...