Pregnancy information
Too many discussions about pregnancy are not happening. Here is what you need to know.
Pregnancy can change a relationship in unexpected ways. Differences in attachment, intimacy, expectations, family boundaries and responsibility can bring couples closer — or expose tensions that were already there.
Pregnancy transforms the body in ways that aren’t always celebrated. We talk honestly about discomfort, body image, sexuality, loss of privacy and the complicated experience of no longer feeling quite yourself.
A wanted pregnancy doesn’t always feel joyful. Fear, ambivalence, loss of freedom, resentment and uncertainty can coexist with love and excitement — yet we rarely talk openly about them.
Miscarriage is common, yet often surrounded by silence. We explore the loneliness of an invisible loss, different ways of grieving, and the anxiety that can follow into another pregnancy.
Fear of pain, losing control or needing medical intervention is remarkably common. We explore birth anxiety, expectations around the “perfect” birth, and preparing psychologically for uncertainty.
A baby can profoundly reshape a relationship. Sleep deprivation, changing roles, intimacy, resentment and unequal responsibility can challenge even strong couples during the transition from partners to parents.
Trusted pregnancy resources
There is an enormous amount of information about pregnancy online, and it can sometimes be difficult to know which sources to trust. The resources below provide reliable, evidence-based information about pregnancy, birth and maternal wellbeing.
NHS – Pregnancy and week-by-week guide
A helpful place to start for practical information throughout pregnancy. The NHS guide takes you through pregnancy week by week, including your baby’s development, changes in your body, common symptoms, antenatal care and advice for a healthy pregnancy.
Tommy’s – Pregnancy Information
Tommy’s is a leading UK pregnancy research charity offering clear, reassuring and evidence-based information from planning a pregnancy through to birth. You can find guidance on symptoms, pregnancy complications, emotional wellbeing, pregnancy after loss and many of the questions that naturally arise along the way.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – Patient Information
A useful resource when you are looking for more detailed medical information. The RCOG provides accessible, evidence-based guidance on topics including antenatal care, screening, birth options, pregnancy complications, your baby’s movements and many specific health conditions during pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Pregnancy
A comprehensive collection of pregnancy information from obstetricians and gynaecologists in the United States. It covers everything from nutrition, exercise and common pregnancy discomforts to prenatal testing, medical conditions, mental health, labour and birth.
Pregnancy loss and support
Pregnancy does not always unfold as we hoped or expected. If you have experienced a miscarriage or the loss of a baby, the organisations below offer reliable information alongside compassionate and confidential support.
Tommy’s – Pregnancy Loss Information and Support
Tommy’s provides information and support following miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and termination for medical reasons. Their resources also cover emotional wellbeing, trying to conceive again and pregnancy after loss, with support available from their team of midwives.
Sands – Pregnancy and Baby Loss Support
Sands is a UK charity dedicated to supporting people affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. It offers a confidential helpline, online and local support groups, bereavement resources and practical information for parents and families, whether the loss was recent or happened many years ago.