Pregnancy

About breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a special time for both mum and baby. Breast milk meets all your baby's nutritional needs from birth to 6 months.

Giving birth - contractions
Contractions are when the muscles in your uterus tighten and then relax. They occur throughout the later stages of your pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.

Gestational diabetes
Find out about the causes, risk factors and potential complications of gestational diabetes, when during pregnancy it occurs, and how to manage it.

Getting pregnant
Conception is complex – there is often more to it than just having sex. Learn more about ovulation, pregnancy and your growing embryo.

hCG levels
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that can be detected in your urine and blood when you're pregnant.

hCG test
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is usually used to confirm or monitor a pregnancy. It can be a blood or a urine test. Learn more here.

Incontinence (urinary)
If you have urinary incontinence (trouble controlling your bladder), a lifestyle change or treatment may be all that’s needed to cure or improve it.

Mastitis
Mastitis occurs when breast tissue gets inflamed, usually due to a blocked milk duct from breastfeeding. It can lead to infection.

Medicines during pregnancy
Learn more about taking medicines during pregnancy, which includes over-the-counter medicine as well as herbal supplements and vitamins.

Morning sickness
Morning sickness or nausea (with or without vomiting) is a common symptom of early pregnancy and is caused by changes in hormones.

Pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor consists of layers of muscles. Learn about the role of these muscles and how pelvic floor exercises can help reducing leakage.

Placenta praevia
Placenta praevia is a condition where the placenta is lying low and may cover the cervix. In some cases, a caesarean is necessary.

Postnatal depression
Many women experience the 'baby blues' after pregnancy, but when feelings persist beyond these early days, it may be a sign of depression.

Pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
A rise in blood pressure in pregnancy can be the first sign of pre-eclampsia, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Abortion
An abortion (or termination) is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it does not result in the birth of a baby.