First Trimester

First Trimester Congratulations! You’re going to be a parent! You have embarked upon one of the most significant journeys of your life, welcome to the first trimester of pregnancy! This is...Read more

A healthy pregnancy and great birth have their foundations in your health and diet during pregnancy. Any improvement you can make to your diet and lifestyle in pregnancy, no matter how far...Read more

Exercise during pregnancy can help you to improve or maintain your physical fitness resulting in a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy; an easier birth; and a speedier return to normal...Read more

When your fertilised egg attaches itself to the wall of your uterus there is a significant change in the hormonal balance of your body and you might start to feel different. These changes...Read more

Nausea and vomiting are very common pregnancy discomforts. Nausea affects the vast majority of pregnant women and can occur at any time during the day. Feelings of nausea tend to disappear...Read more

From the moment you discover that you are pregnant, you begin to make decisions as a parent. The first decisions you make will be about your lifestyle and the sort of changes you might need...Read more

The UK's National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that all women should be offered a choice in their place of birth. Ideally you will be able to choose from a...Read more

There is an important distinction to be made between screening tests, which determine the likelihood or risk of a baby having a condition, and diagnostic tests which will give a definitive...Read more

The screening test for Down syndrome is part of the Maternal Serum Screening Test (MSS). The combined first trimester test is the most commonly offered test. This test is offered between 11...Read more

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) involves taking a biopsy of the finger like projections of the baby's placenta for DNA analysis. CVS will diagnose chromosomal abnormalities, genetic...Read more

Ultrasound technology is offered in three different forms during pregnancy: t he Doppler, uses a type of ultrasound to listen to the baby’s heartbeat during routine prenatal visits; an...Read more

Just found out that you are pregnant? Congratulations! The PPA ' My Pregnancy' Class is designed just for YOU!. We will provide you and your partner with a special opportunity to spend time...Read more

Miscarriage can be a painful, even traumatic experience and it is very sad. Unfortunately miscarriage is a fairly common pregnancy outcome, 20% of all pregnancies are said to result in...Read more

Whether your caesarean birth is scheduled or unplanned, it may be possible to express your preferences on many different aspects of the birth. Participating in the decision making process...Read more

Vaginal birth after a previous caesarean (VBAC) should be possible for 70 - 80% of women. There is very little good research into planned vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section...Read more

First Trimester Congratulations! You’re going to be a parent! You have embarked upon one of the most significant journeys of your life, welcome to the first trimester of pregnancy! This is...Read more