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Pregnancy

Breastfeeding can be a special time for both mother and baby.

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 isn’t always straightforward and takes longer for some couples than others.

Getting pregnant

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

Close up image of a woman holding a pregnancy test.

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.

Image of newborn baby breastfeeding.

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 affects 80% of pregnancies.

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.

Image of pregnant women getting ultrasound to detect any chance of placenta praevia.

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.

Checking blood pressure is an important part of antenatal appointments.

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.

Close up of a couple holding hands to symbolise the difficult decision to have a termination (abortion).

Abortion

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

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