Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the many bacteria that normally live in our bodies and which usually causes no harm and has no symptoms. Very occasionally it can cause serious infection in newborn babies if they are exposed to it during labour.

In the first 72 hours after your baby is born they will be physically examined by doctors or midwives to check for any issues. This will usually take place in hospital after you have given birth and preferably both parents will be there for it. If you give birth at home, a midwife or health visitor will carry out the check.

Postnatal depression (PND) is a common illness which can affect mothers and fathers after the birth of their baby. NHS figures show it can affect more than 1 in 10 women within a year of the birth. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, causes and ways to treat PND.

6% of women will experience a third or fourth degree tear during their first vaginal labour. This kind of tear is also known as an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). A third degree tear will extend down from the vagina to the perineum and anal sphincter and a fourth degree tear will extend into the back passage.

Tearing during a vaginal labour is probably one of the top fears many women have before giving birth. You might be surprised to learn that 9 in 10 women will experience some kind tear, graze or episiotomy when giving birth. Read on for more information about vaginal tears during labour.

Skin-to-skin contact refers to laying a newborn baby on a mother’s bare chest immediately after birth. Read on to learn more about the incredible benefits of skin-to-skin.

Around 1 in 4 women in the UK has a caesarean birth and this may be planned or unplanned. A gentle c-section, or ‘natural’ c-section as it is sometimes called, is very similar to a normal c-section except that it can be made more personal for you and your partner.

A stretch and sweep, is a way of bringing on labour if you are overdue. It will be one of the first things your midwife will offer to you, before other methods of induction.

As you approach your due date you may start thinking about some ways to try to bring on labour. In this article we look at some of the myths surrounding the onset of labour and see what might actually work!

You will become very used to having your blood pressure checked during your pregnancy. It is important it is checked every time you see your GP or midwife because high blood pressure can lead to more serious complications such as pre-eclampsia.

Feeling your baby move for the first time is one of the most special times of your pregnancy. There is no normal amount of movement and every pregnancy is different. The most important thing to do is to get to know your baby’s individual pattern of movement.

Gestational diabetes can affect anyone and is usually diagnosed in the second or third trimester. It is caused when your body cannot produce enough insulin which means you have high blood sugar levels.

Cord blood is the blood in the placenta and umbilical cord which is usually thrown away after a baby is born. However, this blood is rich in stem cells which can be used in the same way as bone marrow to treat specific cancers and other diseases.

Essential oils are said to bring many benefits for pregnant women, with some research showing that using them can reduce the need for pain relief during labour and help manage anxiety. Read on to find out more about their benefits.

For many expectant parents, packing the hospital bag is when the reality that you are actually having a baby kicks in. Here are our top tips for packing your hospital bag.