Pregnancy
The Complete Guide to Pregnancy & Antenatal Care
Welcome to mothernity’s definitive pregnancy week-by-week guide UK resource for navigating pregnancy, designed specifically for new mothers. We transform complex information into clear, confident advice, from the moment you start trying to the day you meet your baby. This page is the starting point for all our in-depth guides, expert advice, and tried-and-tested product reviews.
Our Content Promise & Safety Disclaimer
All advice on mothernity.co.uk is crafted by experienced mothers who have personally navigated the UK pregnancy and postnatal journey. We combine this valuable first-hand experience with extensive research into NHS and medical guidelines to provide reliable, practical support.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP or midwife for personal health concerns or before making changes to your medical care plan.
Quick Jump to Pregnancy Topics:
🤰 Planning for Pregnancy
📅 Pregnancy Week by Week
🍎 Health during Pregnancy
👩🏻⚕️ Pregnancy-Induced Conditions
🤢 Common Pregnancy Symptoms
🩺 Tests, Scans and Checks
The Road to Conception: Planning for Pregnancy
The journey to motherhood begins long before a positive test. Before you actively try, ensuring your body is prepared can significantly impact a healthy pregnancy and delivery. We dive deep into the essential foundations, from necessary lifestyle shifts to vital nutritional support.
Are you optimising your pre-conception health? Our full guide on Planning for Pregnancy covers key areas like calculating ovulation, understanding fertility windows, and necessary medical check-ups.
Your Trimester Tracker: Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy unfolds in three distinct stages, each bringing unique challenges and milestones. We break down the rapid changes in both you and your baby, week by week, so you always know what to expect.
- First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): This is the phase of rapid development and often intense physical symptoms. You may experience fatigue, mood swings, and a sensitive sense of smell. Our full Pregnancy Week by Week resource details the unseen developments and emotional changes during this critical foundation period.
- Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27): Often called the ‘golden period,’ the second trimester brings renewed energy and reduced symptoms. This is the perfect time to focus on bonding and preparation.
- Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40): As your bump grows, attention shifts to comfort and readiness for labour. Our guides help you distinguish between Braxton Hicks and true contractions and provide advice on relieving late-stage discomfort.
Prioritising Your Health During Pregnancy
Maintaining your physical and mental health is vital. We provide clear, authoritative guidance on safe exercise, nutritional needs, and weight gain expectations throughout the three stages.
Understanding what is safe – and what isn’t – is key to reducing stress. Our Health During Pregnancy cluster covers exercise modifications, safe travel advice, and guidance on avoiding harmful foods. If you are struggling with nausea or severe discomfort, consult our comprehensive tips and tricks to keep yourself nourished and comfortable.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms
It’s rare to go through pregnancy without experiencing a range of physical symptoms. From the mild, such as frequent urination and heartburn, to more disruptive issues like severe nausea and pelvic pain, knowing how to manage discomfort safely is essential. Our in-depth guides help you navigate these day-to-day challenges with practical, proven tips. Learn about relief strategies for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and restless legs, and find advice on when symptoms become concerns that require a call to your midwife.
Pregnancy-Induced Conditions
Our content defines the symptoms and risk factors for conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cholestasis. We prioritise clear, timely information aligned with current NHS protocols, emphasising that any concerning symptoms require immediate professional medical attention. We provide the facts; your healthcare team provides the care.
Tests, Scans and Checks
The antenatal period is marked by routine appointments, blood tests, and scans designed to monitor your baby’s development and your health. Our guides explain the purpose, timing, and results of key procedures in the UK: from the 12-week dating scan and anomaly scans to gestational diabetes screening and Group B Strep testing. Understanding what each check involves helps replace anxiety with confidence, ensuring you are fully informed and prepared for every conversation with your care team.
Conclusion: Motherhood Made Easy
Your physical and emotional well-being is the foundation of a happy, healthy transition to motherhood. By focusing on reliable, experience-backed guidance, we aim to eliminate the noise and deliver only the most essential information you need.
Explore our guides on Labour & Birth |Visit our reviews in Essentials to start preparing for your baby’s arrival.