Highlights The placenta is a temporary organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby during pregnancy. Complications related to the placenta can be dangerous for both the parent and the baby. In twin pregnancies, the number of placentas depends…

Highlights It is normal to have some bleeding from the vagina after giving birth. Postpartum haemorrhage occurs when excessive blood loss happens after childbirth, which can be serious and life-threatening. If it happens soon after birth, it is often due…

Highlights A cleft lip or palate happens when parts of the lip, upper jaw, or roof of the mouth don’t properly join during fetal development. It can cause difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle feeding and later with speech development. Surgical…

Highlights A premature baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature birth can be caused by various factors, including multiple pregnancies, infections, and pre-existing conditions like pre-eclampsia or diabetes. Babies born prematurely may need special care, including feeding…

Highlights Unexpected difficulties can arise during labour, even with a healthy pregnancy. Slow progress of labour, unusual baby positioning, multiple pregnancies, concerns about the baby’s condition, postpartum haemorrhage, and retained placenta can all complicate the birth process. Understanding potential complications…

Highlights An intervention is an action taken by a doctor or midwife in the birthing process to help with the birth of your baby. Different types of interventions can help at different stages of labour and birth. Types of interventions…

Highlights Induction of labour is when your doctor or midwife starts the labour process artificially.You may be offered an induction of labour if there is a risk to your or your baby’s health.There are different ways to induce labour.There are…

Highlights A ‘stretch and sweep’ is a method to try to start labour by gently moving the membranes around your baby from the wall of your uterus. It is a safe procedure that can reduce the risk of going overdue…

Highlights Pregnancy is considered overdue once you reach 42 weeks. The risk of stillbirth increases the longer pregnancy goes overdue. Induction of labour is recommended after 41 weeks, but it is your choice. Membrane sweeping may sometimes trigger labour to…

Highlights VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) refers to attempting vaginal delivery after a previous caesarean section. The decision to attempt a VBAC should be made in collaboration with your healthcare team. It’s important to discuss the possibility of a VBAC…