Eating a healthy diet and being physically active are especially important in pregnancy as your unborn baby has to get everything it needs to grow and develop from its mother. If your weight is higher or lower than the healthy range when you become pregnant, it can affect your pregnancy as well as your general health. Healthy lifestyle and vitamins in pregnancy What is a healthy weight? We use your height and weight to work out your body mass index (BMI). BMI Healthy range 18.5 to 25 Underweight less than 18.5 Overweight 25 to 30 Obese 30 and above During…

What will happen during my induction of labour? Your midwife will ask to take your observations (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, oxygen levels, breathing rate) The midwife will then ask to monitor your baby’s heartrate continuously for around 30 minutes on a CTG monitor Your midwife will then ask for your consent to carry out a vaginal examination to assess your cervix The midwife will then insert the prostaglandin (Propess) high in your vagina Your baby’s heart rate will then be monitored for another 30 minutes to check baby hasn’t immediately been affected To help encourage tightenings, it is important to…

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…

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)…

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.

Comfort measures in labour and birth

The County Hospital children's ward has been transformed into a colourful magical wonderland thanks to a local artist. Nurses on the children's ward, inspired by the work of local artist, Tom Roberts, fundraised for the design of a mural, to create a welcoming, familiar, and colourful environment for the children they care for. The beautiful mural meanders through the corridors, playroom, treatment rooms and patient bays and gives a brighter outlook for the children, parents and staff. The mural gives the children a focal point to help distract them when having procedures, and helps aid their recovery by creating a…