As much as mother’s can be affected by the life changing event of pregnancy, birth and a baby, parenthood for the partner can also bring a variety of feelings which can include depression and/or anxiety. This is sometimes referred to as paternal depression. Having a baby can change the dynamic of your relationship and increase financial pressure. A lack of sleep and perhaps the need to look after more children can all contribute to poor mental health.  Some factors can make it more likely for partners to suffer with their mental health are: A lack of social networks Other life…

Most pregnancies will only require care from a midwife and sometimes an obstetrician.  Very occasionally we may identify a concern with your baby’s growth or development that requires input from a specialist fetal medicine consultant. At Hereford County Hospital we do not have this facility on site. It is therefore, at times, necessary to refer you to another hospital.  In most cases this will be to Worcester Royal Hospital, but occasionally can be to Birmingham Women’s Hospital. The referral will be explained and completed by one of the antenatal screening midwives and is sent via email to the appropriate hospital…

Reduced fetal movements describes a reduction in the usual amount of movements your baby makes, a loss of movements or weaker movements.  There are a few reasons why you might feel your baby’s movements have changed, if baby is in a different position, if you are in a different position or where the position of your placenta is, for example, if your placenta is at the front of your tummy then you might feel less movements. You will probably have started to feel your baby move from around 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy and from around 32 weeks you…

Mental health services are provided by another Trust, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust.  Find out more including help and advice.

Pregnancy, labour, birth and having a baby can bring a huge range of emotions to both you and your partner. Although you will have lots of positive feelings while you build a relationship with your baby, you may feel overwhelmed, exhausted and a loss of freedom and/or identity. It is important to realise that these feelings are normal while you adjust to being a parent. However, if these feelings are all-encompassing and you feel that it is affecting your daily life then it may be worth seeking some support. This section outlines the different types of mental health difficutlies that…

Perinatal describes the time from pregnancy up until a year after you’ve had your baby. Pregnancy, birth and looking after a baby are life changing events and with it, which although are mostly positive, can also be challenging. Many new parents will go through a huge variety of emotions during this time and some may struggle. If you are experiencing difficult feelings and they are having an effect on your daily life, it may be that you have mental health difficulties. Below is listed the range of mental health difficulties that new mothers may experience.  Signs/symptoms of perinatal depression (PND)…

Job Title: Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon Special interests: knee surgery, hip surgery, and trauma surgery Qualifications Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon since 2004, MB ChB 1991 Birmingham FRCS Ed 1996 FRCS Orth Outpatient Services Clinics Orthopaedic lower limb arthroplasty - Tuesday morning at Hereford County Hospital General orthopaedics - Tuesday afternoon at Hereford County Hospital Fracture clinic - Wednesday morning at Hereford County Hospital Inpatient and Day Case Operating Times Mr. Clark and his team operate all day Thursday. Osteoarthritis knee - procedures performed Total knee replacement Unicompartmental knee replacement Patellofemoral joint replacement Primary and revision knee surgery Osteoarthritis hip -…

An instrumental birth refers to the use of either forceps or ventouse (suction cup). An instrumental birth happens for 1 in every 8 births.   Forceps are metal instruments which fit together around your baby’s head to speed up the process of baby being born during the pushing phase.  The doctor will pull the forceps as you also push down during a contraction. Ventouse is a suction cup which is placed on baby’s head firmly and also pulled by the doctor while you push.   The choice of instrument will depend on the situation, how many weeks pregnant you are…

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