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Local Maternity and Neonatal System

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Pregnancy journey

Caesarean Sections - what, when, how and why? 

You may be wondering what a Caesarean Section (or often shortened to C-section) is, whether you can or should have one, or have been advised by a doctor or midwife that you might need one. Or you may be an interested partner or relative who wants to know more to have an informed discussion with the mum-to-be. 

Click here for more information

Click here for a video of a midwife explaining what a C-section might or might not involve and who else you can ask for more information 

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

If you have previously had a C-section and are wondering if you can have a normal vaginal birth this time, speak to your midwife during your pregnancy journey. Most women are able to safely, but there can be a slightly increased risk of some birth complications. This will be considered with you and the risks of both vaginal birth and caesarean birth weighed up for your circumstances. 

Tokophobia - fear of pregnancy and childbirth

Some women may have a significant fear of pregnancy and giving birth, either for the first time, or after a problematic prior birth experience. If this is the case, your midwife can put you in touch with mental health specialists who can talk this through with you and explain your options. The earlier you do this in your pregnancy the better, so you have plenty of time for discussions. 

Some areas also run 'Birth afterthought' sessions where you can talk through previous birth experiences, look at your notes together and discuss your birth plan and ambitions at this pregnancy. Again, talk to your midwife about what is available. 

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Your baby is now officially an embryo and is about the size of a poppy seed.

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/4-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Your baby is now the size of a kidney bean and weighs 1g. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/8-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Welcome to the second trimester!

Your baby is about the size of a small lime and weighs approximately 14g.

You have hopefully seen your midwife for your 'booking in' appointment, if you have not yet seen a midwife please make an appointment quickly, so you can have all of your choices about screening tests explained and offered to you.

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/12-weeks-pregnant/ for more information. You can also link to the 'Pregnancy Journey' area here.  

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Your baby is about the size of an avocado and weighs approximately 100g. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/16-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Your baby has grown in length and is now the length of a small banana and weighs approximately 300g. Around this time you will be offered your '20 week' scan, also known as the 'anatomy' or 'anomaly' scan.Click here for more information about screening. 

This is a also a good time to talk and sing to your bump as your baby can now hear sounds. This is great way for you and your partner/family to bond with your baby.

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/20-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Your baby has grown again to the approximate length of an ear of sweetcorn and weighs about 600g. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/24-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Welcome to the third trimester!

Your baby is now approximately the weight of an aubergine; about 1kg and approximately 37cm in length. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/28-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Your baby now weighs approximately the same as a coconut; around 1.5kg. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/32-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Your baby is now around the same size as a lettuce, approximately 47cm long and weighs around 2.6kg. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/36-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.

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Your baby is now the weight of a small watermelon which is approximately 3.3kg and around 50cm in length. 

Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/40-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.