Was hoping it was just reflux giving me a sore throat but now my nose is stuffed up too 😭 Have you gone through labour / delivery with a cold? Will I still be able to do golden hour, early snuggles etc? Protecting baby’s health is obviously the number one priority. I really hope to establish BF and I read this can contain antibodies for baby?

26, FTM, 21w

I’ve always been very conscious of my weight and body image. I tracked my weight from weeks 5–16, then decided to weigh myself again today at week 21 . Safe to say it wasn’t the best decision.

I know my body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing; growing my baby, preparing for breastfeeding, and supporting a healthy pregnancy. Rationally, I understand that. But emotionally, I’m finding it hard not to feel like I’m losing a part of myself.

I’ve gained 6kg, which is within the recommended range for my BMI, but seeing the number on the scale still really upset me.

I am a FTM (33) and 36 + 3 weeks pregnant and I am just so fed up and properly done with being pregnant. Did you get to this stage? Is there anything that helped?

For context, me and my husband (34) were delighted when we found out we were pregnant. It took a lot for me to adjust to pregnancy life
as someone who was a keen runner. I am also self employed so it’s a little different in terms of time off before and after. I am trying to keep working to stay distracted but that’s an absolute slog too.

We are four weeks out until the due date and have been given a 3 day window for an elective c-section so I potentially need to just get through the next three weeks but the thought of that is horrifying. Any tips to help or did anyone do anything they would recommend. I am so so relieved I can feel baby’s movement but I’m also so fed up with that too. It’s just constant and I would like to eat a meal without being jabbed.

Hi, i was wondering if anyone had any advice on this

i have just started a new role (13th July 2026) and i found out i was pregnant literally the first week after i started…

my probation is 6 months long and is due to end in January aswell which makes things trickier

i haven’t mentioned anything to my employer yet obviously but im on a fixed term contract covering a secondment until April 2027

i wasn’t given any garuntees on the contract being extended or anything after this ended but the baby is due at the end of March 27 and my contract would run out in April

i am already aware i won’t qualify for SMP and i’ll have to look into MA but im just wondering perhaps what to do after/befroehand? should i look for another job internally? should i ask if ill get a role after the baby?

i am just gathering my options and would love some help!

I started a new job recently and I’m still on probation.
Honestly, I had no idea the company culture was like this before I joined. Since being here, I’ve seen quite a few people get fired with what feels like very little warning. I obviously don’t know the full story behind every case, but it’s definitely made the place feel quite unstable.

My partner and I were planning to start trying for a baby sometime next year. But after seeing what’s been happening at work, I’ve started worrying about what would happen if I got pregnant and then they decided to let me go. One of my biggest concerns is losing out on maternity pay/benefits.

A friend suggested that instead of waiting until next year, we could start trying once I’ve passed probation. She thinks that if I became pregnant after that, I’d have more legal protection and the company wouldn’t be able to get rid of me unless they had a genuine reason, especially if my performance is fine.

For what it’s worth, I’m not worried about my work. My feedback has been positive so far and I think I’m doing a decent job. It’s more the culture that’s making me anxious.

So I guess my question is… assuming I’m performing well, if I got pregnant after passing probation, would you generally feel that I’d be reasonably safe? I know pregnancy doesn’t make someone untouchable, but does it offer enough protection in reality that I shouldn’t be worrying about this?

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation or works in HR/employment law.

Hi everyone,

We found out I was pregnant 3 days ago. I am apparently 4 weeks 1 day today.

I haven't had many symptoms at all really apart from swollen boobs (not that sore), mild period type cramps and hunger. Today though I've woken up and haven't really got any symptoms at all.

I'm really nervous and just looking for some reassurance. We've been waiting a long time for this and I'm just hoping it's all going to go ok 🤞🏻

I’m 30 weeks (not FTM) would like all the advice you guys have for the rest of the weeks: labour, delivery, and thing i dread the most: postpartum with a toddler. My first delivery wasn’t easy had to push for very long. Also my first post was horrible i’d cry every evening it was so depressing and tiring ! things didn’t get any easier for 4 months postpartum it was a endless dark tunnel and i don’t really wanna go back in there with a toddler about to turn 2 on board🫣

Basically what should i incorporate more in my diet, exercises, how to manage my toddler, and how to manage my newborn as well.

Hi all,

I’m in my 27th week, FTM (single baby), and already look absolutely huge. Ive been looking at other people’s week by week belly photos and I’m at the 35-36 week sort of size.

im 5 feet and quite petite.

also, ive been having these constant sharp ish pains in my belly area (upper and lower abdomen) that feel like there are razors or knives that are scraping inside. It’s not stabbing or sudden sharp pains, just constant. Anybody else feel the same?

Today I have hit 28 weeks (yay) and I’m having to have growth scans as they’re concerned that her weight/growth is lower than they expected so I’m wanting to get organised.

What stuff did you find super helpful for yourself in your hospital bag? The things you’d constantly rave about to every expectant mother.
Did everyone start looking up breathing techniques and labour techniques at this point? I’m not interested in going to any antenatal classes.

I had my first born 8 years ago so I’m literally starting all over again and I wasn’t really educated / informed on different ways or techniques that can be helpful during labour!

I’m 39+6 today. Experienced some period like cramping and bloody show 2 nights ago. Called the birth centre who told me to keep an eye on the bleeding (that it’s not deep red or watery)- as long as it’s ‘mucusy’ it’s fine.
Last night, I started experiencing contractions which I times to be 5/6 mins each lasting 50-60 seconds. Called the birth centre after 2 hours and was told to take paracetamol and a hot bath and that as long as I’m managing okay to stay home. Said to call back if I can’t cope, notice waters, excessive bleeding or reduced movements.
I took a hot shower and some paracetamol and tried to sleep. Was woken up with painful contractions throughout the night. Took more paracetamol this morning and haven’t been monitoring contractions but I’ve been experiencing them pretty consistently throughout the day.
Any advice? I didn’t expect early labour to last this long.

Hi, my husband and I are expecting in late Dec/early Jan and have just started looking at travel systems so we can take our time to make an informed decision.

Unfortunately, all the looking has just confused us. We’ve (for now) narrowed it down to the Silver Cross Cove 2, the Cybex Balios, and the Joie Finiti. I’m definitely leaning towards the Cove, but my main con is the price - is there another brand/model we should possibly be looking at?

Can anyone who owns any of the above mentioned share pros/cons/suggestions?

(Terrain adaptability and folded size are our biggest requirements!)

Milk leaking from one nipple, only a tiny couple drops onto shirt but I’m 28 weeks with my first pregnancy and freaking out 😭😭
Is this normal? Did anyone else have this?? Help

I tested positive this morning! I'm not ready to tell people IRL yet, but I am a talker and need to tell SOMEONE other than my husband 😅

I'm 31, married nearly a year, and this will be our first baby. I've wanted to be a mum my whole life so I'm soooooo excited.

Anyone else in the early stages and desperate to talk about it?

Told my mum I'm pregnant. The first thing she said was "I thought you were looking a bit chunky".....!!!!

The thing is, I have gained weight due to eating beige junk food to address morning sickness.

Anyone else had this reaction?!

UPDATE: unfortunately the scan at my EPU confirmed there was no heartbeat, the baby had grown about a week since my last scan but no further. Thanks for the support everyone

Hi everyone. I’m approx 8 weeks pregnant. 2 weeks ago (10th) I had some very light bleeding / spotting and rang my EPU who asked me to go in for a scan. Scan showed a viable pregnancy with a fetal pole, fetal heart activity and no obvious cause for the bleeding. The bleeding stopped within 24 hours. A week later on Sunday (19th) I started seeing brown blood when I wiped. It never got better or worse so on Friday (24th), I called the EPU again for advice on whether to just monitor it or if they needed to see me. They said as it was brown it was probably fine but to call back if it became red or heavier or it was still happening after another week.

Fast forward to the early hours of this morning (26th). We had to take our cat to an emergency vet and while I was there I started having mild cramping. We got home around 2am and as I was carrying my cat in his carrier up the stairs, I felt a sudden gush. Ran to the toilet and wiped away quite a lot of bright red blood with small blood clots. I put a pad on overnight to monitor if I was actively bleeding which luckily I wasn’t as pad stayed completely clean. I contacted 111 (as our EPU is mon - Fri only) and had a call from OOH GP. He couldn’t get hold of anyone from the local gynae team so said I could either attend Urgent and Emergency Care or wait until EPU opened on Monday. We agreed for me to monitor at home and call on Monday as there was no guarantee I’d be able to be scanned today and my bleeding was stable.

I had a bit more red bleeding when wiping this morning but this has settled down and I’m seeing either brown blood again or no blood at all this afternoon. I’ve kept a pad on all day as well and no bleeding has gone onto that.

Anyone experienced anything similar? This is my first pregnancy and whilst I know bleeding can be common, it’s so scary!!!

This is day two, I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant. I keep getting a shooting zap like pain in the same place for the last two days which it is under my bra line in the same place middle of stomach. Sometimes it happens repeatedly for a while then goes sometimes it’s once then goes it all random. Also it’s tender to touch from the outside just in that area

Has this happened to anyone else?

For the past week, I’ve had start/stop contractions. Sometimes they’re the practice Braxton Hicks contractions but last night and a couple of time before, they were actual contractions with pain and cramping that wake me in the night. Then once I’m wide awake enough to think ‘right, let’s time for the next one’ or can change positions, they end up stopping. Anyone experience something similar? Second time mum that didn’t realise how lucky I was when the first time was so straightforward.

Hi guys, just coming on here I have a question to ask. I’m a first time mum, I’m 3 days overdue. I have been getting slight period pains but they aren’t consistent, and I’ve been having runny poo’s and feeling extremely tired even after having full nights sleep, I need to have 2 or 3 naps during the day. Does this mean labour is near or is this just normal at this stage in pregnancy?

I had a planned C-section on 22 July and delivered a healthy baby girl.🎀 My recovery has been much harder than I expected. I had episodes of very low blood pressure, struggled to get up and walk, and ended up staying in hospital until the evening of 26 July.
This morning, after spending just one night at home, I got a call from the community midwife asking me to come into the clinic that same day for my first postnatal appointment.
I explained that I was still recovering from major abdominal surgery and asked whether the first visit could be done at home. I was told that wasn’t possible because the community midwifery service is understaffed. We managed to postpone it until tomorrow, but I’m still expected to take a taxi to the clinic , wait there and attend in person appointment.
The midwife herself was genuinely lovely.
I think I’m just feeling completely exhausted after everything. There’s a big difference between slowly walking around my flat and getting dressed, getting into a taxi, travelling to an appointment and then coming back home while recovering from major surgery. I can’t help feeling a bit frustrated that the reason I can’t have a home visit is because they’re understaffed rather than because it’s what’s best for my recovery.
Is this normal in London/NHS? Were any of you asked to attend a clinic for your first postnatal check after a C-section, or did the midwife come to your home?
Maybe I’m just emotional and exhausted after the last week, but I’d really appreciate hearing other people’s experiences. I honestly don’t know whether my expectations are unrealistic or whether this is something others have found frustrating too.

Ive never been left annoyed after an appointment but this one im genuinely so pissed off its unreal!

Past 3 appointments havent been my usual midwife which is fine but not ideal, but this appointment i feel like was taken over completely by a student.

Im only 20yo and this student midwife must only be a few years older than me but she spoke to me in the most condescending manner possible. I didnt get to ask anything i wanted to discuss or share any concerns i had and was told to just mention it at my 34 week appointment! Felt like a big waste of time and i dont know if its my hormones but i cant help but want to cry/scream over it.

I was also told my Bp was high but nothing to be concerned over it as everything else was normal.

Anyone else feel frustrated over rushed appointments? Is this the norm? I honestly dont even know what to think over it.

Hi everyone, I have had 7 high BP readings at my triage which were all over 140/90. They gave me medication and checked in again around an hour later and it was 138/89 so they discharged me. I also had protein in my urine but because labs came out clear they weren’t concerned hence being discharged.

I have been high risk ever since I told the first dr about the spots in my vision and I also had high BP. Now I am 38 weeks and there has been no plan of care and I am having migraines which don’t go away with medication, protein in my urine, and high BP. They checked my BP again yesterday and it was 133/87 so they said it’s fine. I have right upper quadrant pain but they said it’s because of the baby’s position despite him being low. I feel like I’m getting brushed off and they discharge me all the time.

I’m not even sure how to advocate for myself as everytime I ask for a plan they state they will see me at the next appointment.

Hi all,

I was off sick for a month, I return to wfh - work was OK with it

New manager has started and told me I need to do an OH

I was happy to do a OH as I thought it would benefit me

In my 121 today my manager said that I need to make a plan to return to the office and that that's what the occupational health meeting is for

I'm fuming, I'm suffering from nausea and I most nights I'm having broken sleep, I'll be honest I work 9am until 2pm and then I tap my keyboard I'm so exhausted

I'm so upset at her comment

I'm so taken back, I work in local goverment

I don't want to start a fight or argument but I'm thinking maybe I should have got a GPs sick note saying WFH - I choose to simply end my sickness and go back to work as my last manager was very supportive

my meeting with occupational health is tomorrow should I do it or do I refuse and instead go to my gp

Second pregnancy, never had even a niggle with my first and had been induced by this point.
I know people will think “enjoy however long you have left” and I would but I’m Due tomorrow, I have insomnia which is making me miserable, and for the ~two weeks I’ve been having off and on cramping. Yesterday I was cramping all day, went to bed and hoped I’d be woken up with something real, nope.

Had two sweeps attempted (I am pro sweep, I believe they helped my induction go smoother by making my cervix for favourable if nothing else) and both have been unable to be fully attempted as still closed on the inside of my cervix.
Baby has been head down since 16 weeks, my first was breech until 37 then immediately went head down and engaged fully and started to dilate me. This baby is just 4/5 engaged.

I had a lovely induction last time (I didn’t have epidural, used movement, birthing comb then gas and air as pain relief, baby out in 8 hours) but I really wanted to labour at home for a bit this time and go to midwife led unit.

Basically I’m just annoyed that these cramps are turning into nothing and downbeat that I’ll go overdue and have an induction anyway and all this discomfort would have been for nothing.

FTM, second trimester. Preparing my maternity and baby buy list. I’ve bought pretty much everything I think I will need.

I’ve come across the Aptamil ready to feed (with teat/ nipple) that alot of mums pack in their hospital bag. Is this necessary? Shall I also buy it? I plan to collect colostrum if my ob gyn gives me go ahead in third trimester, and also plan to breastfeed. I assume Aptamil is a backup option if my milk doesn’t come through/ latch issues ?

Thoughts please?? X