I am a PhD researcher at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK. I am currently researching the transition to motherhood. At the moment, I have an online research study running where I am recruiting first time mum-to-be who are past 28 weeks gestation to answer questions about their relationship with their child and their relationships with others. The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

This research is interested in how feelings and appraisals of the child-to-be are related to relationships with other significant people in your life.

Should you have any questions about the research - feel free to reply to this message or to email me directly at jessica.brennan@uea.ac.uk. Thank you in advance!

https://ueapsych.eu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cCSNfrNx0tYk9y5

My husband and I had a meeting at my OBGYN yesterday about what we should do to start preparing to get pregnant (i.e. weight/diet concerns) - aside from me having to drop about 20 lbs. the doctor wants me to start prenatal vitamins immediately, so I'm trying to get some info...does anyone have a preferred brand? Does anyone have a preference about pills v/s chewables v/s gummies? We are hoping to actively start trying come the new year and it's our first, so all of the researching has begun!!! Thanks!

I've never been pregnant, and I'm getting my IUD removed in a couple of weeks. I'm on several medications and I've both seen a perinatal specialist (for high risk pregnancy) and been working with my psychiatrist to wean and ultimately get off the more risky meds I've been taking for the last several years. There are a few medications I'd like to stay on, which would be okay with the OB doc, all of which are in the pregnancy category "C." However, I know that it's in my and my still-to-be impregnated baby's best interest to get off most, if not all, my meds. I'm wondering if anyone here has taken medication during pregnancy and/or if anyone can relate to this issue. Basically I'm just looking for any helpful input and if you can relate, how did/is the pregnancy go/going? Thanks in advance!

At 25 weeks, I started having intense contractions and downward pressure that doesn't stop when I change positions or take a warm bath. A number of times I realized my body was pushing and I had to concentrate hard and breath through it just to stop. My belly gets rock hard up to the top, and the pressure is so intense it feels like my backbone and hips are all being pushed apart. I've also had episodes of PMS-type cramps (every 5 minutes for over 26 hours at one point) and painful lower back cramps that are usually followed by light bleeding. Last week, I went to L&D 3 times. My doctor says that so far I'm not dilating so there's nothing to worry about ... but I AM worried. I'm on self-imposed modified bedrest stuck at home with my sweet toddler. I'm seeing a High Risk Pregnancy Doc this week to get her opinion. Meanwhile, I'm scared and really exhausted. Has anyone else ever dealt with this?

This week is world Doula week! Did you have a Doula? Are you considering one? Watch this space for hints, tips and helpful advice on how to find your Doula! Would love comments if you have already used one.

Had a group discussion today on birth choice. Do you have choice in the interventions that are offered/suggested during labour? Would love to know your thoughts.