Vaccines are a key way of protecting ourselves and our families from infectious diseases. The benefits of having them outweighs the risks of getting any disease, especially when pregnant.

A non-invasive pre-natal test (NIPT) is an extra screening test some couples choose to have to check for chromosomal abnormalities at 10-14 weeks, alongside the NHS Dating & Nuchal Translucency scan.

6% of women will experience a third or fourth degree tear during their first vaginal labour. This kind of tear is also known as an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). A third degree tear will extend down from the vagina to the perineum and anal sphincter and a fourth degree tear will extend into the back passage.

Tearing during a vaginal labour is probably one of the top fears many women have before giving birth. You might be surprised to learn that 9 in 10 women will experience some kind tear, graze or episiotomy when giving birth. Read on for more information about vaginal tears during labour.

Around 1 in 4 women in the UK has a caesarean birth and this may be planned or unplanned. A gentle c-section, or ‘natural’ c-section as it is sometimes called, is very similar to a normal c-section except that it can be made more personal for you and your partner.

A stretch and sweep, is a way of bringing on labour if you are overdue. It will be one of the first things your midwife will offer to you, before other methods of induction.