Understanding hCG and Progesterone: Your First Pregnancy Hormones
When you first become pregnant, your body undergoes a remarkable hormonal transformation — a delicate, finely tuned process that sustains early pregnancy and supports the development of new life. Two key hormones take the lead in these first crucial weeks: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone. Understanding their roles helps explain everything from positive pregnancy tests to the early pregnancy symptoms many women experience.
The Truth About Private Pregnancy Scans: What the Latest BBC Report Means for You
A recent BBC News investigation has put private pregnancy scan clinics under the spotlight, revealing serious concerns about unregulated providers giving false reassurance and missing critical issues in pregnancy.
Your First Antenatal Appointment: What to Expect
The first antenatal appointment—often called the booking appointment—typically happens between 8 and 10 weeks pregnant. It’s your official entry into maternity care and helps build the foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
How to Prepare for Your Postnatal Recovery Before Giving Birth
There’s a great deal of emphasis placed on planning for labour—what to pack in the hospital bag, understanding the stages of birth, learning about pain relief. But the truth is, birth is just the beginning. What follows, often with less guidance, is the fourth trimester: a time of physical healing, hormonal recalibration, emotional shift, and learning how to care for a newborn while also caring for yourself.
How Sharing Your Birth Story Can Help You Heal
Childbirth is a profound physiological and psychological event. While it’s often romanticised in culture, the reality is far more complex. For many women, birth leaves behind not just stretch marks and scars—but psychological imprints that quietly shape their postpartum experience.
What to Ask at Your 6-Week Postnatal Check-Up
The six-week postnatal check-up marks a pivotal moment in your recovery journey. It’s more than a tick-box on your postpartum calendar—it’s a chance to refocus on your health, body, and emotional well-being after giving birth. Whether your experience was smooth or complicated, this appointment is a space to ask honest questions and advocate for your care.