The Placenta
The placenta is an organ attached to the lining of your womb during pregnancy. It keeps your unborn baby’s blood supply separate from your own blood supply, as well as providing a link between the two. The link allows the placenta to carry out functions that...
Early Pregnancy and the Yolk Sac
At the time of ovulation (release of an egg from an ovary), conception takes place. This is usually 2 weeks after your last period. At the time of conception you are already 2 weeks pregnant, but this would not show positive on a pregnancy test until approximately at...
How Reassuring is an Early Scan?
Early pregnancy scans. How reassuring are they? The background risk of miscarriage is around 20%. After a heartbeat is seen on scan, the risk reduces to 3-4%. Other parameters can also provide reassurance. The size of the baby fitting in with the pregnancy dates. The...
Baby’s first movements
When does your baby first start to move? The first little wiggles are quite subtle and can be seen on ultrasound scan between 8 and 9 weeks of pregnancy. At this time we see little “limb buds” which are the first stages in your baby’s arms and legs...