Maternity Health

03/02/2026

🥰A Little Message...🥰

03/02/2026

🌟Previous PND & Pregnant again...🌟

03/02/2026

🌟New Parent.... struggling??🌟

Being a new parent is hard and no one has a manual on how to do it successfully.
Feeling overwhelmed or sad sometimes is completely normal, but when these feelings start to become more constant it might be because you are experiencing mild (and in some cases more severe) postnatal depression.

There is nothing to be afraid of in seeking help if you need to – whether that’s from your family, friends or healthcare professionals.
Reach out and speak to others – but be honest about how you are feeling.
💜Don’t struggle alone.

Please check out & share these links:

🔹https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/after-birth/your-mental-health
🔹https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/support-and-services/tips-for-new-parents/
🔹https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/self-care/

02/02/2026

February self care for the mums who do it all 🤍
This month we’re focusing on little moments, not perfection.
If you manage one day, that’s enough.
If you manage none, that’s okay too.

Tag a mum who might need this 💕

02/02/2026

Expecting a baby or finding your feet as a new parent this February? ❄️
As the days slowly get lighter, it’s the perfect time to wrap yourself in support, confidence, and connection.

Our February timetable is full of welcoming, engaging sessions to support you through every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood — from energising fitness and calming baby sessions to practical antenatal workshops and friendly peer support for mums and partners.

✨ Whether this month is about finding reassurance, meeting other parents, or carving out a little time just for you — Parents 1st is here to support you every step of the way.

📅 Take a look at what’s on this month and book your place today:
👉 parents1st.org.uk/book-a-course

02/02/2026

🌟Pelvic pain in pregnancy (PGP / SPD)🌟

Pelvic pain is common in pregnancy and is known as Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis P***s Dysfunction (SPD).

Although its ‘common’ it can certainly be a debilitating and terribly stressful condition to deal with.
It can have a massive impact on how you cope so it's important to get advice and support 💜

Please check out the below links for some advice and support in dealing with this condition:

https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pelvic-pain-pregnancy
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/pelvic-pain/

30/01/2026

30/01/2026

How can parents stay mentally healthy? Looking after your own mental health and focussing on your own self care is an important part of being a parent and carer. Check out our collection of articles and videos offering mental health and wellbeing tips, advice and support for parents.

30/01/2026

This is such important advice.
Please please please seek advice from your maternity unit if you are worried about your baby - please do not rely on a device such as a personal Doppler.
Call the Triage number you have been provided
X###x

URGENT REMINDER 🚨

Today, BBC Morning Live aired a segment about private scan clinics. After speaking to two mums who had negative experiences, the presenter suggested that pregnant women could check their baby’s heartbeat at home with a stethoscope for reassurance.

This advice is not only incorrect but potentially dangerous, as it can give false reassurance.

No home scanning device, Doppler, or app can accurately tell you if your baby is well. While it might seem tempting, the only safe way to check your baby’s heartbeat or wellbeing is with a midwife or qualified health professional.

Without professional training, it’s very easy to misinterpret what you hear or see and be falsely reassured.

If you notice a reduction in your baby’s movements or have any other concerns, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Read more on the Tommy's website -

https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/blogs-and-stories/im-pregnant/pregnancy-news-and-blogs/no-home-scanning-device-doppler-or-app-can-tell-you-if-your-baby-well?

30/01/2026

🚫Co***ne use in pregnancy🚫

Co***ne use in pregnancy carries the following risks:
bleeding, miscarriage, premature labour and stillbirth. It can also impact on the baby’s growth and development before, and after birth.

Co***ne increases the heart rate in both the mother and baby and the supply of oxygen and blood to the baby is reduced. There is an increased risk of bleeding in the brain of babies whose mothers use co***ne.

The rise in maternal blood pressure and subsequent constriction of blood vessels to the placenta, has the potential to cause the placenta to separate from the mother’s womb (placental abruption), this is potentially fatal for mother and baby.

If co***ne is used close to the birth the baby may be born excessively active and appear distressed and restless.
Withdrawal symptoms are expected in babies of mothers who use co***ne regularly. These symptoms appear similar to those of adults experiencing withdrawal.
The baby will need a brain scan following birth and require extended close monitoring in hospital.

Co***ne is known to pass through breastmilk to the baby, as a result the baby may be unsettled, irritable and difficult to feed. Breastfeeding is not recommended.

Please let your GP and Midwife know if you are misusing drugs so that specialist help can be offered.

For information and advice about drug misuse in pregnancy and support with stopping please consider the following websites and support services:

🔹FRANK - website offers a wealth of information and confidential advice on all types of drugs. You can also use their postcode lookup to find out where to go for support in your area https://www.talktofrank.com/

🔹OPEN ROAD - Open Road provides services to support individuals in Essex on their journey to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. https://www.openroad.org.uk/

🔹THE FORWARD TRUST - The Forward Trust empowers people to break the cycles of addiction or crime to move forward with their lives.
Main Site: https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/
Southend Information: https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/service/stars-southend-treatment-and-recovery-service/
Thurrock Information: https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/service/thurrock-drug-and-alcohol-service/

🔹TOMMY’s – Have a section on drug use in pregnancy with lots of information and further links https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/illegal-or-recreational-drugs-and-pregnancy

27/01/2026

🌟Postpartum Psychosis🌟

Postpartum psychosis (PP) also known as puerperal psychosis is a relatively rare but severe form of mental illness that begins suddenly in the days and weeks after having a baby. It can be frightening and shocking for the mum experiencing it, her partner and her family. Sadly women may not know they are unwell or be aware of how they are acting.
It is important to know that it is treatable.

For some people the illness develops very quickly and it is obvious that something is wrong. For others, things can happen more gradually.
PP can get worse very quickly and should always be considered as a medical emergency.

PP is different to postnatal depression and baby blues.
It’s common to experience many different emotions after having a baby. More than half of new mothers will experience the ‘baby blues’. They usually start 3 to 4 days after birth. You may have mood swings, feel irritable, low or anxious and cry easily. These feelings usually stop by the time the baby is 10 days old.
You don’t need treatment for the baby blues.

Symptoms of postnatal depression or anxiety are similar to symptoms of depression or anxiety at other times. For instance, you may experience low mood and difficulty sleeping.
You may need treatment for postnatal depression but it will be different to the treatment for postpartum psychosis.
If you are experiencing delusions, hallucinations, mania or severe confusion as well as other symptoms, it may be postpartum psychosis.

PP can happen to anyone - even people with no previous mental health problems. It affects women of all cultures and backgrounds equally.

An important message to get across is that postpartum psychosis is not your fault. It is not caused by anything you or your partner have thought or done.

It is vital however that you get help urgently.

So if you think - or your friends & loved ones think you are struggling with this condition – seek help quickly.

Please check out this website for further information (APP: Action on Postpartum Psychosis):

Supporting and advocating for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis (PP) - a severe but treatable mental illness that begins in the days and weeks after giving birth.