MadeForMums

Posterior placenta: what it means for your pregnancy

2025-06-23T15:54:39.000Z

Placentas are pretty amazing – a temporary yet complex life-giving organ that grows out of the fertilised ovum and attaches to your uterus, providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby via the umbilical cord.

There's no other organ in the body quite like it! However, placentas can come in all shapes, sizes and positions and depending on where yours is located, you may have a different experience of pregnancy and birth.

So, what exactly does it mean if you're told you've got a posterior placenta, and should it be any cause for concern?

We spoke to NHS GP Dr Philippa Kaye to find out everything you need to know about posterior placentas, including any risks or benefits of a posterior placenta position, to what it means when it comes to delivering your baby.

What Is a Posterior Placenta?

"The placenta forms in the womb during pregnancy, it delivers oxygen and glucose to the baby from the mother via the umbilical cord and removes carbon dioxide from the baby," says Dr Philippa Kaye.

"The placenta can form in any part of the uterus and can move upwards as the uterus grows and develops, up until about week 32 of pregnancy.

"In a posterior placenta, the placenta forms on the back of the uterus, on the back wall, while in an anterior placenta, it grows on the front wall. In a posterior placenta, the placenta is between the baby and the mother’s back. These are both normal positions for the placenta to form.

Other common positions for the placenta are fundal (when the placenta is at the top of the womb) and lateral (when the placenta is on the right or left side of the womb).

The fundal placenta position is often thought to be the most ideal position for a placenta because it allows for maximum blood flow to the baby and means it's easy to see baby during scans and to monitor the heartbeat using a doppler.

However, if you have a posterior, anterior or lateral placenta position, there's no cause for concern as these are common positions too.

You could also be told you have a low-lying placenta or placenta previa, which means the placenta is located towards the bottom of your uterus and may be obstructing your cervix, making vaginal delivery difficult.

If you have placenta previa, you will be given extra scans and be closely monitored until your due date. Placenta previa may result in a planned C-section.

Symptoms of a Posterior Placenta

"With a posterior placenta, as the placenta is on the back of the womb, the space for the baby to move around, stretch and kick will be at the front, meaning that you might notice the foetal movements earlier in the pregnancy than in women with the placenta at a different point in the uterus," says Dr Philippa Kaye. "It can also make it easier to get good views of the baby during ultrasound scans!"

Another benefit to having a posterior placenta is that your baby will have plenty of space at the final stage of pregnancy to move into the optimum position for a vaginal birth.

You may be told what position your placenta is in at your 12 week scan and/or 20 weeks scan. However, if you're not told anything, don't worry, because that probably just means there's no cause for concern and your placenta is behaving as it should be.

How a Posterior Placenta Affects Pregnancy

"Having a placenta in a posterior position should not affect the development of the baby in a negative way," says Dr Philippa.

"There can be issues with the placenta, for example, placenta accreta, where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterus which can lead to bleeding in labour. However, there isn’t an increased risk of placenta accreta with a placenta in the posterior or anterior position."

The only way having a posterior placenta may affect your pregnancy is that you may feel your baby moving earlier in the pregnancy than other women, and healthcare professionals should find it easy to perform ultrasound scans and find the baby's heartbeat during examinations.

Differences Between Posterior and Anterior Placenta

The main difference between a posterior placenta and an anterior placenta is the position of the placenta in the womb.

A posterior placenta is located on the back wall of the womb (nearest to the mother's spinal cord), while the anterior placenta is located on the front wall of the uterus (nearest the mother's belly button).

Neither an anterior placenta nor a posterior placenta is considered better than the other, as they are both normal positions.

Other differences between posterior and anterior placentas include how early or how strongly a mother feels her baby's movements (anecdotal evidence suggests mothers feel their baby "kick" earlier with a posterior placenta) and how clearly you can see baby during an ultrasound scan. With a posterior placenta, you may get a clearer view of the foetus than you would with an anterior placenta.

Can a Posterior Placenta Affect Labour and Delivery?

"If the placenta is in the posterior position but high in the uterus, then it is unlikely to cause an issue in labour and delivery, there is room in front for the baby to move down to the birth canal and out," says Dr Philippa.

"However, if the placenta is in a very low position, very near or over the cervix, whether or not it is in an anterior or posterior position, it can lead to bleeding, before or during labour and can lead to preterm labour."

Does a Posterior Placenta Reveal the Baby’s Sex?

Some people believe that the position of the placenta is linked to the baby's gender. However, there's no scientific evidence to support this at all, and the position of the placenta is pure chance, depending on where the fertilised egg implants in your womb.

Remember, placentas also move throughout the pregnancy, so it would be highly unlikely that they have anything to do with baby's sex. In fact, in 9 out of every 10 women, the placenta will be in the upper part of the womb by around 32 weeks of pregnancy.

If you do love a baby sex theory, though and want to have some fun, the myths around baby's sex and placenta position are called the Ramzi Theory or Ramzi Method. This theory suggests that you can tell the sex of your baby from an early ultrasound scan (from 6 to 12 weeks) based on whether the placenta is on the left or right side of the uterus.

If your placenta is on the right, goes the theory, you're having a boy; if your placenta's on the left, you're having a girl.

However, it can be tricky to see the placenta with an untrained eye by looking at your scan pictures, and scans are often mirror images of the womb, so working out the side can be difficult unless you ask your sonographer.

Remember, this is just a bit of fun, and one of many gender prediction theories out there, as there's no scientific evidence to support the theory.

When to seek medical advice

Complications of the placenta aren't common, however, there are times when you may need to seek medical advice. If you have a low-lying placenta and experience painless, bright red bleeding from the vagina you should contact your midwife or GP immediately.

In rare cases, some women experience placental abruption, a serious condition in which the placenta starts to come away from the inside of the womb wall. Symptoms of placental abruption include stomach pain, bleeding from the vaginal and contractions. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should speak to your midwife, doctor or call 111 immediately, as your baby may need to be delivered straight away.

You should also seek medical advice if you experience any abdominal trauma while pregnant (for example, a car accident or a fall), and any bleeding, pelvic pain or cramping during pregnancy is also a cause for concern and should be reported to your healthcare provider. As always, if you are concerned or worried about anything, however minor, when pregnant, it's best to speak to seek medical advice.

About our expert: Dr Philippa Kaye

Dr Philippa Kaye works as a GP in both NHS and private practice. She attended Downing College, Cambridge, then took medical studies at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’s medical schools in London, training in paediatrics, gynaecology, care of the elderly, acute medicine, psychiatry and general practice.

Pics: Getty Images

Is it normal to get a hairy belly in pregnancy?

2025-06-23T15:53:50.000Z

Last reviewed by Dr Philippa Kaye, February 2024

Yes, a hairy belly is very common in pregnancy. And, if you have fair hair, you may even find the 'new' hairs on your tummy look darker than those on your head.

The good news is that it's very much a temporary thing – caused by the rapid increase of certain hormones, including oestrogen, in your body during pregnancy –and should disappear within 6 months¹ of your baby's birth.

But it can still come as a something of a shock, if you didn't know it can happen – or why. Stacey Solomon was definitely not alone when, during her 3rd pregnancy, she shared a picture (below) of her pregnant "Furby belly" and asked, "Does anyone else's belly suddenly become covered in fur? I'm fascinated as to why this happens? What does it mean?"

Here, we can bring you all the answers! We've asked an expert to explain in more detail why it happens, when it happens, whether it's safe to remove the hairs and whether there's any truth in the old wives' tales about a hairy belly and the sex of your baby...

Why does your belly get so hairy during pregnancy?

Actually, you almost certainly had some very fine, almost unnoticeable hairs there already but now they're growing faster and increasing in thickness, so they're much more visible.

What's causing this hairy growth spurt? "Simply put, your pregnancy hormone levels are affecting the normal phases of hair growth," says women's health expert Dr Catherine Hood.

"Hairs on our body go through four phases that progress from growing to transitioning to resting and then shedding or falling out. When you're not pregnant, about 90% of your hair is growing at any one time and 10% is resting.

"However, during pregnancy, increased hormone levels increase the number of hairs that are in the growing stage and also push more hairs into the resting phase. This means hairs are growing more strongly for longer, and fewer of them are falling out – so you appear to have thicker hair.

"This excess hair is often really welcome on your head but less so on other areas of your body, like your stomach."

When do you get a hairy belly in pregnancy? Will it definitely happen?

No, not every pregnant woman gets hairs on their belly but most of us do – whether that’s just a bit of fuzziness or some actual serious growth.

It tends to make its most obvious appearance in the second half of your pregnancy, when your body gets an extra spurt of androgen hormones.² The hairs can grow all over your belly or just along the linea nigra, the vertical line that develops in pregnancy down from your navel to your pubic hair.

The pregnant women in our MadeForMums Top Testers Club community pretty much all report some kind of "snail trail" hair growth on their tummy. "It's kinda a line from my belly button, then spreads out from there!" says Hayley J.

And Hollie P adds, "I have a lot of hair on my belly too but only down the middle. It's really thick. Oh and I seem to have some new hairs on my arms, too."

Ah yes: it's also not uncommon – for the same reasons – to get some extra or new hairs on your arms, chest, face, buttocks, lower back, upper back, neck and shoulders.

Can you remove or bleach this belly hair? If so, what's the safest way?

Remember that all this excess hair is very likely to fall out within a few weeks of your giving birth. But we know that's a long time to wait!

So, yes, if you want to remove the fuzz, it's safe to do so by waxing, plucking or shaving. It's also safe to bleach the hair.

It's maybe not quite so wise to follow the hair-removal method adopted by Claire from our MadeForMums Top Testers Club community: "I have the hairiest pregnant stomach in the whole world. It got that bad that I sat and cut it with scissors – much to my husband's amusement."

However you're removing the hair, do bear in mind that your skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy.

Does a hairy belly mean you're having a boy?

This is one of those old wives' tales that people love to repeat but no, there's no scientific evidence that hairs on your pregnancy bump mean you're carrying a baby boy. Although, we guess there's always a 50:50 chance...

See more boy/girl signs in pregnancy – and find out how reliable each one is

Does a hairy belly mean you're having a hairy baby?

Nope. That's another old wives' tale, with no basis in scientific research.

What if the belly hair doesn't go away naturally after my pregnancy?

If, 6 months after having your baby, you still have extra belly hair – or you're still growing more or thicker hair there – do go and see your GP, who may recommend a professional treatment, such as laser-hair removal.

About our expert Dr Catherine Hood

Dr Catherine Hood is an NHS senior doctor. She qualified in medicine from the University of Oxford and lectured at the Oxford Medical School. She currently specialises in sexual medicine. She is an experienced health broadcaster and writer has contributed to documentaries for BBC1, BBC3 and Channel 4.

References

^{1. Skin conditions during pregnancy: frequently asked questions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.}
^{2. Androgens in pregnancy: role in parturition. Makieva et al. Hum Reprod Update.2014 Jul; 20(4): 542–559. Published online 2014 Mar 18.doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmu008}

Pics: Getty Images; Stacey Solomon/Instagram

12 week pregnancy dating scan: here's what to expect

2025-07-22T22:06:24.000Z

Your 12-week ultrasound scan is the first of the two routine pregnancy scans you're offered on the NHS.

It's also a bit of a moment. That's because it's likely to be the first time you 'see' your baby (whee!) and you get a set of (rather blurry, black-and-white) images to take home with you.

But what exactly should you expect? How long will it take? What will you need to do? What will the sonographer (who operates the ultrasound equipment) be looking for? Will you find out the baby's sex? Will you find out anything else?

Wondering what is happening at 5-6 weeks pregnant? Discover our articles on 5 weeks pregnant and 6 weeks pregnant: Symptoms and baby development. At this stage, your little one has tiny facial features forming and their heart is already beating.

Here, with the expert help of Gill Harrison, professional officer for ultrasound at the Society and College of Radiographers, is a clear, complete and jitter-calming guide to your first routine pregnancy scan...

Your 12-week pregnancy ultrasound scan: here's what to expect

Why is the first pregnancy scan called the dating scan?

"This scan is often referred to as the dating scan," says Gill Harrison, "because one of the ways that it's used is to work out your baby's due date."

When will I be offered my dating scan? Will it be at exactly 12 weeks?

All pregnant women in the UK who have informed their GP or midwife of their pregnancy or completed a self-referral maternity form (now provided as an alternative by some hospital maternity services) are offered an ultrasound scan at about the 12-week mark.

If you're in England or Wales, it will be offered at between 10 and 14 weeks; if you're in Scotland, it will be offered between 11 and 14 weeks, and in Northern Ireland, it will be offered between 8 to 12 weeks.

If you've had fertility treatment, have a history of miscarriages or are in pain or bleeding during the first weeks of pregnancy, you may be offered an early scan before this routine dating scan. But, assuming your pregnancy is confirmed as healthy at that scan, you'll still have your dating scan at round about the 12-week mark.

The 12-week scan usually takes place in a hospital local to you, and you will receive a letter or a text confirming the date, time and place.

Do I have to have the dating scan? Is it safe?

Ultrasound scans use high-frequency sound waves to capture a picture of your baby inside your womb. There are no known risks, either to you or to your baby, from having a pregnancy ultrasound scan in a professional health setting, such as the NHS.¹²³

You can, however, choose not to have any pregnancy scan, if you don't want to.⁴

What does a 12-week scan reveal?

Officially, the purpose of the scan is to check:

How many weeks pregnant you are and when your baby is due. An ultrasound scan is a much more accurate way of predicting your baby's gestation (how far along in the pregnancy you actually are) than counting from the date of your last period (which is all you and/or your GP have had to go on until now).
Whether you're having a single baby – or twins, triplets or more. Yep, this is the moment when you find out if there's more than one baby in there!
If there's a heartbeat. This is the bit that, naturally, we all worry about most.
If your baby's skull, limbs, organs, and umbilical cord are developing normally for this stage of pregnancy.
Your baby's nuchal translucency (NT). This is a measurement of the fluid at the back of your baby's neck. This measurement is then combined with the results of a blood test (which may be done on a different day to your scan) to complete the combined screening test*, which gives an indication of your baby's chance of having Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome. You can opt out of this part of the scan and, therefore, the combined screening test, if you prefer.
* If, for whatever reason, you're having your first dating scan after 14 weeks, you won't be offered the combined screening test you but will be offered another blood test (the 'quadruple test') between 14 and 20 weeks that screens for Down's syndrome (but not Edwards' or Patau's).

What do I need to do or bring for the 12-week scan?

You may have already been given some notes or forms by your midwife; if so, bring them along.

It's best to wear loose trousers or a skirt and top, rather than a dress, because when you have your scan, you'll be asked to lie on your back on a couch and adjust your clothes to expose your belly.

You'll also be asked to arrive with a full bladder: the fluid will enhance the sound waves moving through your abdominal cavity, making the ultrasound image clearer – and your scan pictures better!

Your appointment letter may give instructions about the best way to do this but, if not, we'd suggest going for a good, bladder-emptying wee about 90 minutes before your scan appointment time and then, about an hour before, drinking 400ml to 500ml water.

Don't be tempted to skip the water-drinking because you're worried about not being able to hold in it if the scanning department is running late and you have to sit in a waiting room. As Leanne from our MadeForMums Community says, "they can always send you for a [bit of a] wee [if you're bursting] but, if your bladder's not full enough, they might send you home".

What happens at the 12-week scan?

You'll be taken into a private room, which is often quite dimly lit (so it'll probably look more like the picture below – see Will I see a picture of my baby? – than the one above). You'll then be asked to lie down on your back on the couch and adjust your clothes so that your belly is exposed.

The scan is done by moving a hand-held device called a transducer – which looks a bit like a computer mouse or a small paint roller – over your tummy. The sonographer will put some gel on the skin of your tummy first (be ready: it’s normally freezing!), so there is good contact between the transducer and your skin. Often, your sonographer will also tuck some tissues around the edges of your clothes nearest your tummy, to protect them from the gel.

Once the gel's on, the sonographer will place the transducer onto your bump and move it around, allowing the high-frequency sound waves produced by the transducer to bounce off your belly and create a picture on the sonographer's monitor.

It doesn't hurt at all but you'll probably feel some downward pressure (which can be a little uncomfortable on a very full bladder).

If your womb is sitting very deep in your pelvis or you're very overweight, your sonographer may offer you a a trans-vaginal scan instead, in order to get a better image. This type of scan uses a small, finger-width probe transducer that is inserted gently into your vagina; it can be a bit uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.

Will I see my baby on the screen?

As the transducer gets to work, a black-and-white image of your baby will appear on the monitor that the sonographer is looking at. Often, you can see it, too, or the screen will be turned towards you after a few moments – but not always.

"Sonographers have a lot to do in a short amount of time, so they need to keep their screen in a position that gives them the best view of the baby,” explains Gill Harrison. "Hopefully, if there is no separate second screen for you to look at, you will be able to see the sonographer's screen but you need to remember that the points of this clinical examination to check everything is OK with your baby.

"All being well, you're likely to see your baby moving around. And, if the pregnancy is progressing well, you'll also see a clear heartbeat."

This was certainly the case for Fiona from our MadeForMums Community. She said:

Can I take a picture or a video myself? If not, how do I get a picture to keep?

You're usually asked not to take your own video or photos – or record audio of the baby's heartbeat – while you're in the scan room but most NHS hospitals will let you take away a photograph of the scan image once your appointment has ended.

Costs for these vary, and aren't always flagged up in advance, so do make sure you take some cash with you (some hospitals can't accept card or phone payment).

If you're after lots of glossy colour pics or maybe even a video, you can consider booking (and paying for) a separate private scan; with these, it's best to wait till you're at least 16 weeks pregnant, when there's much more 'baby detail' to see.

How long does the 12-week scan take?

The scan itself will take about 15 to 20 minutes but you may need to hang about for a while in the waiting room beforehand – which we know can be tricky when you've just drunk all that water!

Occasionally, if the sonographer is unable to get a clear picture of what they need to see, you may be asked to come back for a repeat scan on another day.

Can I take my partner to the scan?

Your partner (or one close adult relative) will always be welcome to come with you but it's totally up to you, of course. Most mums-to-be would probably say it's a good idea to have some company, especially if you're anxious about the scan.

"Having a scan can be very emotional," says Jane Fisher, director of the testing-support charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC). "You may need someone there to support you."

Can I take my other children to the scan?

You'll need to check with your hospital about this one, and you should be prepared for them to say no: quite a few hospitals don't allow small children into the pregnancy ultrasound departments.

"We generally do not recommend bringing your children to the NHS screening scans," says Gill Harrison, "but the policy on this does vary from hospital to hospital. Performing the scan requires intense concentration from the sonographer, so many hospitals take the view that the fewer distractions, the better."

Will I be able to tell from the scan if my baby's a boy or a girl?

"The policy at most NHS trusts is not to give an opinion at this scan," says Gill. "That's usually only offered at the 20-week scan [your 2nd routine scan, done at about 20 weeks].

If you just can't wait till 20 weeks to find out your baby's sex, you can book a separate private 'gender reveal' scan.

Or you could have some fun predicting your baby's sex yourself, trying to spot some of the many boy/girl signs touted by various theories – usually with next to no scientific evidence. The most popular of these involve studying your 12-week scan photo for clues and include:

The Nub theory
The Skull Theory
The Ramzi theory

There is also the more scientifically-sound 3 lines or Potty Shot Method but this is extremely unlikely to work on a 12-week scan photo; to use it with any reliability, you need an image from at your NHS 20-week scan or from a scan done between 16 and 23 weeks by private pregnancy-scan provider.

Will I get the results straightaway?

Pretty much – even if it's not such good news.

"If there is clearly an issue with the scan, then you will be told that day," says Gill. "And you’ll probably get an appointment to see a specialist to help you make decisions about further tests."

The only exception to the results-straightaway rule is the result of the combined screening test (if you consent to it).

In order to get the full results, the findings of the nuchal translucency (NT) part of your scan need to be combined with the findings of your blood test. If you haven't had your blood test yet (timings of these tests do vary from hospital to hospital) or if your blood test results haven't come through in time for both results to be combined into the final result, you'll have to wait to get this result from your midwife at a later date (do ask when that's likely to be).

What will the results tell me?

If all is well, and your pregnancy is progressing as it should – which is the case about 95% of the time – you will be given your official due date, or estimated date of delivery (EDD), and told exactly how pregnant you are.

You may find that your EDD is quite a few days later or earlier than you thought:

You'll also be told whether you're having twins, triplets (or more) – though you'll probably have noticed that already on the scan monitor!

If your scan picks up anything of concern, this might include:

Missed miscarriage. Very occasionally (in about 1% of pregnancies), the sonographer may not be able to detect the baby's heartbeat. This is usually because, earlier on in your pregnancy, the baby died or failed to develop but you may not have had any signs or symptoms (like pain or bleeding). If this happens to you, there are a number of possible next steps; you will be given specialist advice – and time to make up your mind.
A developmental concern. Sometimes, the sonographer will detect an unexpected finding which may indicate a problem with your baby's development. If this happens to you, you will be referred to a fetal medicine consultant for further advice and tests.
A raised NT measurement. You may be told on that day if your nuchal translucency test measured higher than 3.5mm. "This raised NT can sometimes be an indicator of a problem in your baby's development," explains ARC's Jane Fisher. Depending on the measurement it might need to be looked at in combination with your blood test. If there are still indications when that is done, "you will," says Jane, "be offered an appointment with a fetal medicine specialist to discuss the possible implications." Which will include the offer of further tests, including amniocentesis or CVS. "Although this can be worrying," says Jane, "it is important to remember that many babies whose NT measurement is higher than average do develop normally.”

I'm worried about this scan? Am I right to be?

It's quite normal to feel anxious – as well as excited at the idea of seeing your baby. We all do!

But it really does help to try to keep things in perspective: the chances of anything being 'wrong' with your baby are very small:

Even if there is an issue, it may well be something that turns out to be not that serious or something that can be easily managed by the specialists.

And there's always a follow-up with support and advice. "If there is a problem, you will be supported and quickly referred to a specialist," says Jane. You can also call the trained staff on the ARC helpline on 0207 713 7486 or send them a text on 07908 683004 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm).

Above all else, remember that, for at least 95% of us, the scan will be fine and we'll go home clutching that amazing (and slightly tear-stained) first pic.

When will my next pregnancy ultrasound be?

Assuming all has gone well with your 12-week scan, your next pregnancy scan will be your 20-week scan, which is usually carried out at between 18 and 21 weeks.

This is generally the scan when you can find out if you're expecting a girl or a boy – assuming you want to know...

About our ultrasound expert Gill Harrison

Gill Harrison is a highly experienced sonographer and radiographer, currently working as the Professional Officer (Ultrasound) at the Society and College of Radiographers. She was previously an Associate Professor at City, University of London and responsible for leading the medical ultrasound programme. She is a lead accreditor and external examiner, assessing the competency of ultrasound students and qualified sonographers in UK universities and hospitals. She is Chair of the Health Education England's Sonographer Training Group and was previously Chair of the European Federation of Radiographer Societies' Working Group for Ultrasound Surveys (2019 to 2022) and Chair of the Society and College of Radiographers' Ultrasound Advisory Group.

About our antenatal screening expert Jane Fisher

Jane Fisher has been Chief Executive of the national charity Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) since 2004. ARC provides impartial information to those going though antenatal screening and offers support to anyone faced with decisions about next steps as a consequence of screening. ARC also offers training to healthcare professionals in the field, and Jane has published many academic papers on antenatal screening, prenatal diagnosis and fetal development.

References:

^{1. Safety of ultrasonography in pregnancy: WHO systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Torloni et al. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. First published 17 March 2009; doi.org/10.1002/uog.6328.
2. Warning sounded over commercial ultrasound in pregnancy. The Lancet. 3 January 2015
3. Ultrasound exams: frequently asked questions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology. Last reviewed October 2021.
4. Ultrasound scans in pregnancy. NHS online}

Pics: Getty Images

What is the RSV vaccine and why should I have it if I'm pregnant?

2025-10-07T14:43:29.000Z

On 1 September 2024, the NHS started vaccinating people against the respiratory syncytial virus, a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, for the first time in history.

The vaccine is now offered to all pregnant women on the NHS from 28 weeks onwards. Here's everything you need to know about how the vaccine protects your baby, when you'll be offered it and any side effects that you may experience.

From trying to conceive and breastfeeding your baby to surviving sleepless nights and raising big kids, discover our guide on supplements that could support you along the way.

What is the RSV vaccine?

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, and the RSV vaccine protects against the virus. RSV generally leads to upper respiratory tract infections, coughs and colds, and most people will be unwell for a few days before getting better by themselves.

However, in the elderly and in babies, RSV can lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis, which is a kind of chest infection that affects babies. These conditions can be serious, require hospital admission and can even be fatal.

When did the RSV vaccine become available for pregnant women on the NHS?

The MHRA, the agency which regulates medications in the UK, licensed the RSV vaccination in 2023, and the vaccination rollout began on the NHS from 1 September 2024.

At what stage of pregnancy are women advised to get the vaccine?

It is recommended that you get the vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy, from 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the vaccine will stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies, which then pass to your baby via the placenta. This means that your baby will be protected from RSV when it is born and for the first 6 months. The vaccine is effective, reducing the risk of severe bronchiolitis in the baby by 70%.

The vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines given in pregnancy, such as the whooping cough and flu vaccinations.

Are there any side effects to the vaccine, and is it safe?

Like any vaccine, there can be side effects, though these are generally mild. Side effects can be local, such as swelling or redness around the site where the injection was given. Other side effects include aches and pains and a headache. Very rarely, an allergic reaction can occur, and extremely rarely, there have been cases of Guillain Barré syndrome, which is a neurological condition.

The RSV vaccine has been given to many women globally and is safer than the risk of your baby developing RSV. It has been approved by the MHRA in the UK.

Are there any women who shouldn’t have the vaccine?

If you have had an anaphylaxis allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine, or a previous dose of the vaccine, you should not have the RSV vaccine. If you have a fever, wait until you are better before having the RSV vaccine.

How effective is the vaccine in protecting babies against RSV?

While no vaccine is a complete guarantee, the vaccine can reduce the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70%, and if a baby does get bronchiolitis, it is less likely to be severe.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis in babies?

Slight fever: a raised temperature
Runny/blocked nose or sneezing
Decreased appetite: less interest in food and eating than normal
Irritability: your baby may be more irritable than is normal for them
Fast or noisy breathing: if your child is having difficulty breathing or working hard to breathe. If you see any of the following, please seek urgent medical help:
- rapid breathing (for a child under 1 year: approx 30 to 40 breaths per minute; for a child between 1 and 2: 25 to 35 breaths per minute)
- grunting noises
- nostrils flaring with each breath
- the muscles between and underneath the ribs pull in with each breath
- 'tracheal tug' (seeing the windpipe move down with each breath.

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your child by your doctor or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your child’s health then please seek medical advice.

Pics: Getty Images

Pregnancy brain is real! Study shows pregnancy changes 94% of a mother’s brain

2025-05-21T18:24:53.000Z

If you've ever felt forgetful or emotionally heightened during pregnancy, science has your back.

A groundbreaking new study from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) found that pregnancy physically changes 94% of a mother’s brain, particularly in areas linked to social cognition, emotional processing, and maternal bonding.

Researchers say these changes, driven by pregnancy hormones, help prepare mothers for parenthood and can even influence their connection with their baby.

Are you early in your pregnancy? Discover our article on 6 weeks pregnant: Symptoms and baby development. At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing at an incredible rate. Tiny facial features are forming, and their heart is already beating.

From trying to conceive and breastfeeding your baby to surviving sleepless nights and raising big kids, discover our guide on supplements that could support you along the way.

What happens to the brain during pregnancy?

Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and international collaborators conducted the largest-ever neuroimaging study on pregnancy.

Using MRI scans, they tracked the brains of 179 women before conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum.

The findings confirmed that pregnancy leads to a reduction of up to 4.9% in grey matter volume, particularly in areas involved in social interactions and emotional regulation.

While some recovery occurs after birth, these adaptations are thought to help new mums respond instinctively to their baby’s needs.

To separate the effects of pregnancy from the general experience of becoming a parent, the study also included non-gestational mothers—women whose partners were pregnant.

The results showed that the brain changes were primarily biological, rather than caused by sleep deprivation or new responsibilities.

The role of hormones in pregnancy brain

The research found that these brain changes closely follow fluctuations in pregnancy hormones, particularly two forms of oestrogen—estriol-3-sulfate and estrone-sulfate.

These hormones rise dramatically during pregnancy and drop postpartum, mirroring the structural changes in the brain.

Interestingly, the study found that women who experienced greater recovery of grey matter postpartum also reported a stronger emotional bond with their baby at six months.

This suggests that these brain changes are an important part of the transition to motherhood.

So, is ‘pregnancy brain’ real?

Yes! While “pregnancy brain” is often associated with forgetfulness or brain fog, this research shows that pregnancy genuinely rewires the brain.

Instead of being a sign of cognitive decline, these changes are likely an evolutionary advantage—helping mothers tune in to their baby’s needs and emotions.

What does this mean for maternal mental health?

By mapping out these changes, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how pregnancy impacts maternal mental health.

Future research could explore whether differences in brain recovery postpartum play a role in conditions like postnatal depression, potentially leading to better support and treatments for new mums.

Pregnancy doesn’t just change your body—it changes your brain, too. And now, science confirms that pregnancy brain is very, very real.

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Air travel during pregnancy: Safety tips and what to expect

2025-04-01T10:31:29.000Z

Jetting off for a babymoon or a family holiday before you give birth? Holidaying with a bump is always going to be a little different.

Throw in being pregnant and travelling with a toddler and you're really in for an adventure! Though you can forget the sangria and mimosas, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy one final jaunt before your baby arrives.

You might be wondering can you fly in your first trimester or more specifically, can you fly at 8 months pregnant? How safe is it to fly during pregnancy?

Follow our essential tips to make it safe and stress-free from the moment you book your break and discover what you need to check and bring with you on your travels. Planning a holiday or trip abroad with your newborn baby and need to get them a passport pronto? Read our handy guide to everything you need to know about newborn passports

Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Getting away is a great thing to do when you’re expecting. It’s a chance to reflect on your pre-pregnancy life and to look forward to becoming a mum. And with a little pre-departure planning, you’ll return relaxed and ready to embark on the biggest journey of all.

Generally speaking, it's safe to travel during pregnancy and you can do so as far into your pregnancy as you desire as long as you have no pregnancy problems and depending on the airline. We recommend notifying your GP and midwife about your travel plans in advance so you can make an informed decision about how safe it is for you to travel during your pregnancy.

The distance of your flight, and any current or previous pregnancy complications such as a history of miscarriage, preeclampsia and high blood pressure are a few things that might disqualify you from flying while pregnant.

It almost goes without saying that you will certainly need to have travel insurance in place and make sure that you're covered for any pregnancy-related eventualities. You'll want to make sure that your place of destination has adequate medical resources should you need medical care when you're on holiday or experience pre-term labour.

You never know when you might need them, so always have your notes handy. Pop them in your hand luggage so if you need to see a doctor while you’re away, your notes will contain important information about your pregnancy.

When is the best time to travel by air during pregnancy?

You’ll need to undergo important tests and scans in your first trimester, so many expectant mamas prefer to stay grounded during their first 12 weeks.

Morning sickness and exhaustion can also take their toll, but symptoms usually begin to ease once you reach week 14 or 15, so your second trimester is often the most pleasant time to travel.

On the flip side, travelling towards the end of pregnancy could be cumbersome as you'll be feeling tired and may have aches and pains. So the sweet spot for flying whilst pregnant is around 4-6 months.

Airline policies for pregnant travellers

Airlines have different policies on letting pregnant women fly, some will not carry a woman in her 35th or 36th week. So you must check with your airline before purchasing your plane ticket and let the airline know when you book.

You might be feeling fine, but from 28 weeks most airlines require written confirmation from your doctor or midwife that you’re – what they call – fit to fly. Some airlines won’t allow you to fly at 34 weeks or over, although some will allow you to travel up to the end of your 36th week, provided you’ve had no complications. If you’re having twins, most airlines won’t allow you to fly past your 32nd week.

How to stay comfortable and safe during a flight

Fasten your seatbelt

During your flight, keep your seatbelt buckled when you're seated. You can secure it under your tummy to keep you safe and comfortable.

Drink plenty of fluids

Stay hydrated, keep moving your legs and take regular walks around the plane. This is easier if you can book an aisle seat, or ask a fellow traveller if they wouldn’t mind swapping seats with you.

Constipation is a common complaint among mums-to-be and can be worse when you fly due to dehydration. It’s best to skip the peanuts and snack on fresh fruit instead, which is full of fibre and has a high natural water content. It’s a good idea to take pregnancy-friendly probiotics to aid digestion.

Pregnancy-friendly probiotics available here:

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Avoid blood clots

Your blood gets more ‘sticky’ when you’re pregnant so your chance of having a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot increases. It's easy to get dehydrated on a plane and because you don’t move your legs very much (especially on long flights) this can be a risk if you’re pregnant. Compression stockings can be a good idea to wear before boarding although they’re not enough to fully prevent DVT.

Compression socks available here:

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What to check before you travel

Remember that flying during pregnancy isn't harmful to you or your baby. As long as you put the precautions in place, feel comfortable and are fit to fly then we encourage you to have a great time away before baby comes.

It is worth considering though, do you need to travel? If you're not travelling for work, could you perhaps pick a destination with a shorter flight?

As much as you can (and once you get the green light from your doctor) aim to book your holiday during your second trimester. The further along you are, the greater the risks.

Your overall health

We can't emphasise this enough, the quality of your pregnancy will affect whether you're able to travel by air or not.

Get the all-clear from your GP and midwife 4-6 weeks ahead of booking your flight if possible. They can assess your overall health and decide if you're fit to fly.

Don't forget to consider taking anti-sickness aids if you may feel nauseous during your travels.

Anti-nausea acupressure bands available here:

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Travel vaccinations

Be sure to check if you need any vaccines ahead of your holiday to protect you and your unborn baby from infectious diseases. CDC Traveler's Health website offers guidance and up-to-date information on global health risks and you can check which vaccines you'll need for the country you're visiting.

Vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses are generally unsafe to receive during pregnancy but some are safe depending on whether the risk of infection outweighs taking the live vaccine.

It's advisable to speak with your GP and midwife to get the most up-to-date advice on which travel vaccinations to take during pregnancy.

Food and drink abroad

Before planning your travels, find out what foods and drinks are going to be safe where you're going.

Check if tap water is safe to drink and if it isn't, we suggest erring on the side of caution and only having bottled water whilst on holiday.

Airline policies

Always check that your airline allows you to travel especially if you're considering flying in your third trimester.

Once you're more than 27 weeks pregnant, you'll need to get either a signed doctor's note or an airline fit to fly form signed by your doctor or midwife.

Pics: Getty

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The best pregnancy vitamins and supplements for 2025 – tried and tested by mums

2025-07-22T22:29:50.000Z

When you're pregnant suddenly everything that passes your lips takes on a new importance. Is it healthy for your growing baby? Will it help you feel well nourished and strong during your pregnancy? Does it contain the right nutrients to aid brain and eye development and to help protect against birth defects like spina bifida?

A healthy diet full of pregnancy superfoods is a brilliant way to help both you and your baby throughout the next 9 months. However, many pregnant women need to take specific pregnancy supplements to help meet the additional dietary needs and demands from the herculean task of growing a baby.

The most important nutrients for a pregnant woman that the NHS advise supplementing are folic acid (particularly before conceiving and in early pregnancy) and supplements containing 10mcg of vitamin D. However, some pregnant women may also need extra omega-3 and iodine, and vegan women will need to ensure they are consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B12, which can only be found naturally in animal food products.

To help you decide which supplements you might want to take over the next 9 months, our Top Testers Club members tested a range of pre-natal vitamins, including pregnancy specific supplements and vitamin D, omega-3 and calcium supplements. Our testers and parenting experts also looked closely at everything from the nutrient reference value of the ingredients and ease of swallowing them to the sustainability credentials and how much they cost to give them an overall score. You'll find all the results below.

Ever wonder can I eat sushi while pregnant and why you should avoid certain types of sushi during pregnancy, discover our guide on how you can enjoy sushi safely if you don't want to put down the chopsticks.

Best pregnancy vitamins and supplements at a glance

Best pregnancy multivitamins for 2025:

Best for sustainability: Wild Nutrition Pregnancy + New Mother Multi, £31.60 at Wild Nutrition
Best for vegans and other restricted diets: Purolabs Pregnancy Complex, £30.39 at Amazon
Best budget pregnancy multivitamin: Superdrug Pregnancy Care 30 Tablets, £3.99 at Superdrug
Best comprehensive pregnancy multivitamin: Pregnacare Max, £20.25 at Vitabiotics
Best for supporting reproductive health: OVA Fertility and Pregnancy Support, £19.99 at OVA
Best for pregnancy and beyond: Vitl Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, £19.95 at Vitl

Best pregnancy probiotics for 2025:

Best budget pregnancy probiotic: ProVen Biotics for pregnancy, £11.80 at Amazon
Best overall pregnancy probiotic: Wild Nutrition Pregnancy + New Mother Biotic, £31.60 at Wild Nutrition

Best vitamin D, calcium, iodine and omega-3 supplements for pregnancy:

Best Omega-3 supplement: Coyne Purest Omega 3, £32.39 at Phytoceutics
Best supplement to take on the go: Phytomist Vitamin D3 spray, £11.99 at Phytoceutics
Best budget calcium supplement: Superdrug Calcium & Vitamin D 180 pk, £7.99 at Superdrug
Best overall calcium supplement: Vitabiotics Ultra Calcium & Vitamin D, £3.65 at Vitabiotics
Best vitamin D capsules: Nutravita Vitamin D3 & K2, £16.99 at Nutravita
Best natural source of iodine: Doctor Seaweed Pure Scottish Seaweed, £15 at Amazon or Doctor Seaweed
Best easy-to-take supplement: Nutravita Vitamin D3 & K2 Drops, £13.99 at Nutravita

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Best pregnancy multivitamins for 2025

Wild Nutrition: Pregnancy + New Mother Multi

Best for sustainability

Available from: Wild Nutrition (£31.60), Amazon (£39.50)

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MadeForMums rating: 4.5/5

Price per day: £1.05

Wild Nutrition is a luxury brand of supplements and was one of the most expensive pregnancy supplements we tested. It's a naturally food-grown supplement with over 20 nutrients, including bioflavonoids, choline and Coenzyme Q10 as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The B12 content is particularly high, so it's a good choice for vegans, but at the other end of the scale, the iodine content is only 33% NRV (nutrient reference value).

Available from: Wild Nutrition (£31.60), Amazon (£39.50)

Purolabs Pregnancy Complex

Best for vegans and other restricted diets

Available from: Amazon (£30.39), Purolabs (£31.99)

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MadeForMums rating: 4.5/5

Price per day: £1.06

Purolabs Pregnancy Complex has a brilliant range of 28 nutrients, all delivered in the optimal doses to support a healthy pregnancy including 200% NRV for folate, vitamin D3, vitamin B1, B6 and B12. These supplements are vegan friendly and consist of 2 fairly small daily capsules so are easy to fit into a busy lifestyle.

The supplements are made in the UK and are free from gluten, wheat, dairy, and lactose, so suitable for pretty much any diet. Each pack includes a month's worth of capsules contained in a nifty little flat bottle that you can easily slip in your bag and carry round with you. Both the lid and bottle are recyclable and the shipping package is zero carbon.

Available from: Amazon (£30.39), Purolabs (£31.99)

Superdrug Pregnancy Care 30 tablets

Best budget pregnancy multivitamin

Available from: Superdrug (£3.99)

MadeForMums rating: 4/5

Price per day: 13p

A brilliant budget option that still contains an impressive 20 essential nutrients for pregnancy and breastfeeding, including vitamin D and folic acid (both at 200% NRV). In fact, there's at least 100% NRV for all nutrients except magnesium (16%) and calcium (15%).

This supplement consists of just one capsule a day and can be used both pre- and postpartum, however unlike some of the more expensive options we tested this one contains some added talc and so isn't quite as clean. The box is recyclable, but doesn't feel as premium as other brands.

Available from: Superdrug (£3.99)

Pregnacare Max

Best comprehensive pregnancy multivitamin

Available from: Vitabiotics (£20.25)

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MadeForMums rating: 4.5/5

Price per day: 72p

Pregnacare is one of the most well-known pregnancy supplement brands and is stocked in plenty of shops and online retailers. Max is Pregnacare's most comprehensive supplement with all of the following vitamins and minerals at 100% NRV or over: vitamins D, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, iron, zinc, copper, selenium and iodine.

The Pregnacare Max supplement consists of a daily dose of three capsules – a pair of essential vitamins and minerals with a separate omega-3 capsule – which could feel like quite a lot if you're taking any other tablets or find capsules hard to swallow. Plus, it's important to remember to take all 3 each day to get all the nutrients in the right amounts.

At £20.25, it's one of the more expensive options in this list, but the omega-3 DHA content makes it a good choice if you’re not fond of or don't eat fish; this is important for normal brain and eye development of your growing baby. This supplement is made with halal gelatin and fish oil so is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Available from: Vitabiotics (£20.25)

Vitl Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Best supplement for pregnancy and beyond

Available from: Vitl (£19.95)

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MadeForMums rating: 4/5

Price per day: 83p

If you're looking for one continuous supplement to take you past the third trimester then this is a good choice as it's suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding. It provides all of the key nutrients with at least 100% NRV (except magnesium at 32%) and there are no bulking agents. In fact, the NRV for the minerals and vitamins are some of the highest you'll get in just one capsule with 8 ingredients at over 200% NRV.

This product is suitable for vegans as there's no animal-derived vitamin D. It's just the one capsule per day, but at £19.95 for 30 tablets it's one of the more expensive options on our list. However, you can subscribe and save 15% on the website and enjoy the ease of having them delivered each month. One reviewer did note however that the supplement has quite a strong smell and she found it difficult to take when suffering from morning sickness, so it might be a better option for breastfeeding mothers.

Available from: Vitl (£19.95)

OVA Fertility and pregnancy support

Best for supporting reproductive health

Available from: OVA (£19.99)

MadeForMums rating: 4/5

Price per day: £1.40

You get both style and substance from this new supplement company that launched in late 2024 and is the UK's first dedicated egg health brand.

The Fertility and Pregnancy Support supplement comes in cool, modern packaging with 28 days' worth of capsules per packet to be taken twice a day, but is fairly expensive when you work out the cost per day.

Each capsule contains 26 nutrients such as choline, folate, high-strength vitamin D and magnesium, all at over 100% NRV. You can take this supplement in the 3 months leading up to trying to conceive or freeze eggs to enhance egg quality and ovarian reserve, throughout all 9 months of pregnancy to support foetal development, and for postpartum recovery.

This supplement also contains vitamin A, delivered in the best form for absorption and in medically approved amounts. When included in these established safety limits, Vitamin A plays a crucial role for both mother and baby in embryonic development, fetal eye formation, immune function, lung development, thyroid balance, and cell differentiation.

Available from: OVA (£19.99)

Best pregnancy probiotics for 2025

Pro-Ven Biotics for pregnancy

Best budget pregnancy probiotic

Available from: Amazon (£10.75), Pro-Ven (£17.95)

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MadeForMums rating: 3.5/5

Price per day: 36p

Another supplement to aid digestion and support gut health during pregnancy, each Pro-Ven Biotics capsule contains 10 billion live Lab4b friendly bacteria as used in the Swansea Baby Trial. The once-a-day capsules are GMO, gluten and dairy free and suitable for vegetarians too.

Pro-Ven is a UK-based company and the capsules come in a recyclable cardboard package and it's a cheaper alternative to some other pregnancy-focussed biotics. It's a good option to support your digestive health during pregnancy and also contains vitamin C at 100% NRV as well as calcium at 15% NRV for immune support.

Available from: Amazon (£10.75), Pro-Ven (£17.95)

Wild Nutrition Pregnancy + New Mother Biotic

Best overall pregnancy probiotic

Available from: Wild Nutrition (£31.60), Amazon (39.50)

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MadeForMums rating: 5/5

Price per day: £1.05

It's well known that guts can become sluggish and digestion more difficult during pregnancy, so Wild Nutrition also offer a Pregnancy + New Mother Biotic with four probiotic strains that provide 30 billion CFU per daily dose and is specifically formulated for pregnant and new mothers in mind.

It's a dairy-free product but isn't 100% vegan as the bacteria are derived from milk. All the ingredients are clean and from ethical sources though and the bottle is recyclable and reusable.

It's a food-grown supplement and only requires the user to take one capsule a day. One of the main benefits of Wild Nutrition is the brilliant free consultations on offer, where a nutritional therapist will offer supplement guidance and craft a personalised health routine for you.

Available from: Wild Nutrition (£31.60), Amazon (39.50)

Best vitamin D, calcium, iodine and omega-3 supplements for pregnancy

Coyne Purest Omega 3

Best Omega-3 supplement

Available from: Phytoceutics (£32.39)

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MadeForMums rating: 4.5/5

Price per day: from 54p - £1.62 depending on whether you take 1, 2 or 3 capsules a day.

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own, meaning it's vital to obtain through food or supplements. If you are deficient in omega-3 and don't or can't eat oily fish or flaxseed and chia seeds then your doctor might suggest an omega-3 supplement during pregnancy.

According to a recent study, "adequate consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is vitally important during pregnancy as they are critical building blocks of fetal brain and retina. Omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role in determining the length of gestation and in preventing perinatal depression."¹

This supplement ticks all the boxes for sustainability and purity, using sustainably caught wild Alaskan pollock, completely recycled packaging and a very high TOTOX score (which measures oxidation levels and rancidity).

The supplement also has very high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are long chain omega-3 fatty acids that are considered more active and make the best choice when supplementing.

Available from: Phytoceutics (£32.39)

Phytomist Vitamin D3 Oral Spray

Best supplement to take on the go

Available from: Phytoceutics (£11.99)

MadeForMums rating: 4/5

Price per day: 30p

A drop of sunshine in a bottle is a good idea to take whether you're pregnant or not when you live in the UK!

This little 20ml bottle contains 40 doses of high-strength vitamin D3, well over the minimum NRV, and is easy to carry around with you if you're prone to forgetting to take your supplement at home.

You're advised to spray 4 times under the tongue for the optimal dosage, which seems a lot, but the fact that the vitamin is delivered in spray form helps the body to absorb it more efficiently.

It has a nice citrussy taste so it isn't unpleasant to take. It's suitable for vegetarians and the packaging is eco-friendly, and at just 30p per day, it's great value. The only downside: it contains a sweetener, 265mg of xylitol.

Available from: Phytoceutics (£11.99)

Superdrug: Calcium & Vitamin D 180 pk

Best budget calcium supplement

Available from: Superdrug (£7.99)

MadeForMums rating: 3.5/5

Price per day: 9p

This budget-friendly option is a great choice if you've been told you need more calcium to support you through your pregnancy and want to get your vitamin D hit at the same time.

People with a diagnosed milk allergy or a lactose intolerance are often at risk of being deficient in calcium, so if you have a restricted diet, or if you follow a plant-based diet or are on certain medications.

Pregnant women should be aiming for around 700mg of calcium per day (this is the daily nutrient reference value for calcium in the UK) and this supplement includes over 100% NRV as well as the recommended daily amount of vitamin D.

The tablets can be a bit chalky to taste and swallow, need to be taken twice a day and contain some balking ingredients.

Available from: Superdrug (£7.99)

Vitabiotics Ultra Calcium & Vitamin D

Best overall calcium supplement

Available from: Vitabiotics (£3.65)

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MadeForMums rating: 4.5/5

Price per day: 12p - 24p

If you're deficient in calcium and need to supplement during your pregnancy, this Vitabiotics supplement is a great choice with calcium at 125% NRV if you take two tablets and vitamin D at 400% NRV.

Vitamin D3 and calcium contribute to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth and the addition of vitamin D helps with the absorption and utilisation of calcium and supports your immune system.

You can choose between 1 or 2 tablets a day, which should be taken at mealtimes and these tablets can be taken throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding and can be used long term into menopause. The packaging is recyclable and the tablets are suitable for vegetarians and are gluten-free.

Available from: Vitabiotics (£3.65)

Nutravita Vitamin D3 & K2

Best vitamin D capsules

Available from: Nutravita (£16.99)

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MadeForMums rating: 5/5

Price per day: 14p

You get 4 months' worth of vitamin D3 and highly absorbable vitamin K2 in this supplement from Nutravita, which is aimed at helping boost immunity and support the healthy absorption of calcium.

Studies² have found that vitamin K deficiency during pregnancy "can present a serious health risk to pregnant women and their babies that may lead to haemorrhage, especially in newborns," so the 133% NRV for vitamin K is a real bonus as is the 2000% NRV for vitamin D3!

It's just one capsule a day and is suitable for vegetarians, but not vegans. The packaging is recyclable too.

Available from: Nutravita (£16.99)

Doctor Seaweed Pure Seaweed Capsules

Best natural source of iodine

Available from: Doctor Seaweed (£15) and Amazon (£15)

MadeForMums rating: 4.5/5

Price per day: 50p

This neat little compostable packet contains 30 vegan pure Scottish seaweed capsules that provide plant-based iodine at a good 233% NRV. Iodine is essential for the production of maternal and fetal thyroid hormones that regulate the development of the fetal brain and nervous system³ so if you're lacking it's a key nutrient to supplement during pregnancy.

Iodine also delivers many other positive health benefits including healthy hair and skin and that lovely glowing feeling plus it can help combat fatigue, which can be overwhelming when pregnant.

If you've been told by your doctor to increase your iodine intake during pregnancy and you don't want to consume fish, dairy or eggs, these supplements are an ideal choice as the natural source releases slowly and stays in the body longer than synthetic sources and the seaweed is sustainably wild harvested, as well as being vegan, organic, gluten-free and kosher certified.

Available from: Amazon (£15)

Nutravita Vitamin D3 & K2 drops

Best easy-to-take supplement

Available from: Nutravita (£13.99)

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MadeForMums rating: 4/5

Price per day: less than 1p

There are approximately 2000 drops of vitamin D3 and K2 goodness in this supplement, and it's recommended to take 2 drops a day, so this little bottle could last you a long time (although you'll need to check the use-by date as supplements can go off) – at less than 1p a day, it's brilliant value for money.

The droplet tool means you can easily take this supplement and if you don't like the taste you can just drop into water and drink instead, however, our testers noted that the dropper tool often releases more than 2 drops at a time.

The drops are free from lactose, gluten, nuts and soya and contain fast-absorbing vitamin D3 at 500% NRV and vitamin K2 at 27% NRV, both of which are important in the maintenance of healthy bones, teeth and a functioning immune system when pregnant.

Available from: Nutravita (£13.99)

How to get the best out of your pregnancy supplement?

"Pregnancy is a time when many women become conscious of how their nutrition can impact their developing baby as well as their own health," says registered dietician and public health nutritionist Dr Frankie Phillips.

"While we now know there is no need to 'eat for two', there are some foods and drinks which need to be limited during pregnancy and some nutrients that need a bit more attention, such as vitamin D and folic acid.

"On top of that, it can become uncomfortable to eat large meals, so vitamin and mineral supplements can help to achieve nutrient needs when you can only eat small meals or simply don’t feel like eating when you are suffering from morning sickness.

"Eating small portions of nutrient-dense foods regularly can be helpful, and increasing foods rich in fibre and drinking enough fluid can help maintain gut health too."

What ingredients should you look for in a good pregnancy supplement?

"A good pregnancy supplement should always contain at least vitamin D and folic acid, but extra omega-3 can help support babies' eye and brain development, especially if you don’t eat oily fish," says Dr Frankie Phillips.

"Of key concern in pregnancy is folic acid. All pregnant women (as well as those trying to conceive) need to take extra folic acid every day until the 12th week of pregnancy to reduce risk of babies being born with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

"It’s unlikely that the additional 400mg can be achieved by diet alone, so supplements are recommended.

"Current nutrition guidelines suggest that an extra 0.1mg Vitamin B1, 0.3mg vitamin B2 and 10mg vitamin C are needed to top up the usual amounts of these nutrients in pregnant women. Vitamin D during pregnancy is the same as for all adults, at 10mcg. Recent research has also suggested that iodine levels are often too low in pregnant women.

"Vitamin A is needed in pregnancy, but supplements containing vitamin A should be avoided as they risk harm to the baby.

"Those following a vegan diet during pregnancy need to be particularly aware of their vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine intake. Algal or lichen supplements can provide vitamin D, instead of the usual animal-derived version."

Are pregnancy supplements safe for everyone?

"Supplement use in high-risk groups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients who are immune-compromised, those due to undergo surgery or who are on prescribed medication should always be discussed with your GP," says Nutritionist Kerry Torrens. "This is because certain groups may need to avoid some products."

"In particular, pregnant women should avoid supplements that contain vitamin A in the form of retinol as well as fish liver oil capsules. This is because high levels of this vitamin may be harmful for their developing baby.

"If you’ve been advised to reduce your salt intake, you should avoid fizzy vitamin supplements because they contain high levels. Similarly, iron supplements may be harmful for people who don’t need them."

View Affiliate Playlist on the source website

How we tested the pregnancy supplements

Each of the supplements in our best buys list was tested by two different pregnant women in our MadeForMums Top Testers Club and carefully chosen based on their suitability for pregnancy and their ingredients by a parenting journalist. Our testers took the supplements for the same time period, with observations recorded based on the below testing criteria. We included samples from various manufacturers, with a range of price points to suit different budgets. The key areas we assessed were:

Taste, flavour and size: was the supplement enjoyable to consume and easy to swallow?
Nutrient profile: which nutrients are included? And at what levels? How does this compare to the NRV (nutrient reference value)?
Additives: does the supplement contain additives, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colourings, for example?
Dietary requirements: does the product meet any specific dietary needs – is it vegetarian or vegan?
Value for money: how does it compare to other products on a cost-per-day basis?
Ease of fitting supplement taking into daily life?
Was the packaging recyclable, refillable or sustainable and what was the design like?

References:

^{1 Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy, Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS. 2010}

^{2 Vitamin K supplementation during pregnancy for improving outcomes, Kellie FJ. 2017}

Pics: Getty Images

Geriatric Pregnancy: What to expect after age 35

2025-05-22T09:04:41.000Z

Are you pregnant and over the age of 35? This means you've met the geriatric pregnancy age. But what exactly is a geriatric pregnancy? Is 40 too old to have a baby?

Here we uncover what this term means, why and when are you classed as a geriatric mother and also the benefits of having a baby after 35 years old.

Wondering how the position of your placenta can affect your pregnancy, birth and baby? Discover our guide on posterior placentas and what to do if you're told you have one.

What is Geriatric Pregnancy?

This is the medical term given to someone who is over the age of 35 and is pregnant. It's become quite an archaic term as you can probably tell from how ancient the word 'geriatric' makes these women seem. "The term feels ageist and not friendly, it simply means a pregnancy in a person of the age of 35," shares our expert family GP Dr Philippa Kaye. Another name for geriatric pregnancy is Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) which is the modern term used by doctors.

Women reach their peak fertility age by the time they hit their late teens or late 20s. The older you get, the likelihood of getting pregnant continues to decrease. As you approach age 30, the chances start to decline and they decline even more rapidly after the age of 40. This all does not mean you can't get pregnant after age 35 or 40, it just means that your conceiving journey may be impacted by this and it may take longer to get pregnant.

Geriatric Pregnancy risks

Generally speaking, most geriatric mothers go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Despite your age, pregnancy complications can happen to anyone but if you are having a geriatric pregnancy then it's good to be made aware of the potential risks associated with this. "The increased risk of complications can affect either the developing baby or the mother themselves," says Dr Philippa Kaye. Likely risks include:

high blood pressure
preeclampsia
gestational diabetes
miscarriage
pregnancy loss including stillbirth
labour issues leading to a higher risk of c-section
preterm delivery or premature birth
low birth weight
Down's syndrome or other genetic disorders

While these increased risks may sound scary it is important to remember that many women can and do become pregnant over the age of 35 without developing any complications.

It's recommended for a geriatric mother to deliver their baby early. 39 weeks is the recommended maximum time a geriatric pregnancy should go, an induction would be offered to bring on labour and this is done to prevent complications that may occur if you went into labour naturally. There will be fewer chances of medical interventions such as an emergency c-section if you give birth earlier.

"Fertility declines as you get older, with the more rapid fall in fertility starting at around age 35. But the Guinness Book of Records states that the oldest naturally conceived pregnancy occurred to a woman named Dawn Brooke, who became pregnant at age 59!" shares Dr Philippa.

All women are born with eggs and as age increases, the less amount of eggs your body produces. The eggs that are present are more susceptible to leading to your baby having genetic disorders. "But there are some things that you can do to decrease the risk of pregnancy complications such as stopping smoking if you smoke, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, taking folic acid, eating healthily, attending your antenatal appointments and ensure that any pre-existing health conditions are well managed," shares Dr Philippa.

From trying to conceive and breastfeeding your baby to surviving sleepless nights and raising big kids, discover our guide on supplements that could support you along the way.

Geriatric Pregnancy benefits

The good news is, along with risks there are also benefits that come with having a geriatric pregnancy. Couples nowadays are getting married and starting families later in life so it's more common than ever for women to get pregnant in their 30s. Benefits of having a baby after 35 include:

financial stability
more resources and better education for the child
potential for you to live longer
higher chance of multiple babies

"While from a physical perspective, there may be an increased risk of complications it may also be true that some people feel that they are more mentally ready, or feel that they are more financially secure which may then help in some other ways. There are no absolutes in medicine, each person needs to weigh up their own risks and benefits," says our expert GP doctor.

It's not all doom and gloom for those of geriatric pregnancy age, there are things that would benefit the baby and the mother too by having children later in life. By the time most people enter their 30s and specifically 40s, you're way more established as a person. Even mentally and emotionally, you're more likely to be able to handle your emotions better which will allow your child to also be emotionally stable.

Studies from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society have shown that having a child after the age of 35 could directly impact the cognitive abilities of the mother. Researchers investigated and discovered that women who had their youngest children at a later age had better cognitive and memory abilities.

Advanced Maternal Age pregnancy guidelines

Now we know the risks and benefits that come with a geriatric pregnancy – better known as advanced maternal age pregnancy, here are some guidelines to follow to help you have a healthy as possible pregnancy. Though this isn't entirely within your control, there are guidelines put in place for pregnant people who are at advanced maternal age.

Taking a low dose of aspirin daily can help to prevent preeclampsia especially if you have another risk factor as well as your age
Consider having a prenatal genetic screening test to discover any potential risks for your baby

How to lower the risk of pregnancy problems?

You can play your part in ensuring your pregnancy is as healthy as can be when you know you're over the age of 35 and want to start or resume having children. The best thing to do is plan as much as possible in advance so that you can get the help you need during your pregnancy. Having said that, it's very common for unplanned pregnancies to happen too.

The general rule of thumb is to maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as you possibly can, if you're healthy then it's highly likely your baby will be healthy and your pregnancy will be low risk. There are things you can do to lower the risk of pregnancy problems if you fall into this category.

Some of the things you can do include:

Get early prenatal care

The first few weeks of pregnancy are really important for the development of your growing baby. Taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you're aware of your pregnancy will be beneficial to your pregnancy.

Visit your GP

See your doctor and have them check you to make sure you're physically and mentally ready for having a child. They can also check the overall state of your health and you can discuss any concerns you have.

Along with this, it's best to manage any existing medical conditions you may already have. Highlight and discuss with your doctor any medications you're on to see if they need to be altered during the course of your pregnancy.

Attend your antenatal appointments

Keep on top of your antenatal appointments and avoid missing any as each check-in is a chance for medical professionals to keep an eye on the progress of your pregnancy and your health too.

Have regular dental cleans

Keep up with your dental appointments as having healthy teeth is proven to decrease the chances of premature birth in women. In the UK, pregnant people are offered free dental within the duration of their pregnancy and up to 1 year after the child is born.

Healthy diet and exercise

This suggestion is not just for women over the age of 35 but for anyone who gets pregnant. It's important to eat a balanced diet with a variety of nutritional foods. Make sure to have fruits, vegetables, whole grains, iron-rich foods, protein and low-fat dairy products.

Alcohol and smoking are not allowed during pregnancy at any age. Consuming alcohol whilst pregnant puts your baby at risk of both mental and physical health problems. Smoking, on the other hand, puts your baby at risk of having a low birth weight.

Maintaining a good diet and good weight means you're less likely to have high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Exercise regularly by taking walks, swimming, doing pregnancy yoga, pilates and other pregnancy-friendly exercises. Be sure to get the go-ahead from your GP and midwife about the exercise plans you have to make sure you're not putting yourself or your baby at risk.

Pic: Getty Images

Read more:

Pregnancy Nose: Everything you need to know

2025-03-17T20:17:08.000Z

During pregnancy, a woman’s entire body goes through a whole range of changes. Stomach bloating, morning sickness, hairy bellies and thrush are just a few symptoms to name.

When it comes to the nose in particular, pregnancy symptoms aren't just limited to a stuffy or runny nose, or increased sensitivity to smells or nosebleeds. Additionally, there is the phenomenon of 'pregnancy nose' too.

What is a pregnancy nose? Is it permanent? Perhaps you have loosely heard of this phenomenon or thought it wasn't real and now that you're expecting, you're wondering does your nose get bigger when pregnant?

What is pregnancy nose?

'Pregnancy nose' is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is simply when the nose swells due to hormone changes in the body.

Our resident GP Dr Philippa Kaye shares, "The term pregnancy nose makes me think of a clown’s red nose, but don’t worry your nose doesn’t suddenly start making a honking noise if it is touched in pregnancy! Instead, pregnancy nose refers to some changes which can occur both to and in the nose during pregnancy. These include physical changes to the appearance of the nose, but also changes to how it may function."

Although it's nothing new, it's become more apparent and spoken about as pregnant people take to social media and smartphones to capture and share their pregnancy noses before and after photos!

Causes of pregnancy nose

A pregnant body produces more estrogen and this leads to swelling around the whole body. For some women though, this means the blood vessels in their nose dilate to increase blood flow in that area which causes noticeable swelling in the nose. This swelling specifically affects the nose by giving it a larger and broader appearance at the tip.

The severity of a pregnancy nose differs from person to person. The more nasal soft tissue present in the nose means there's more space for blood to flow and swell up even more.

How long does pregnancy nose last?

So now you know why you have it, the immediately following question is: does pregnancy nose go away? Typically, it does last throughout the duration of the pregnancy but you'll be pleased to know that it reduces and goes back to normal a few weeks after giving birth.

Can pregnancy nose be prevented?

"No, although not everyone will develop changes in their nose during pregnancy if they do occur, they are due to the changes which are occurring all over your body during this time and can’t be prevented," says Dr Philippa.

When to seek medical advice

For the most part, your pregnancy nose might be an unwanted symptom but it won't cause you any harm and should reduce after your baby arrives.

Having pregnancy nose can make you more susceptible to nosebleeds and pregnancy rhinitis. "You may notice that your nose is runny, blocked, congested or stuffy during pregnancy, this is caused by pregnancy rhinitis. This is likely to be due to a combination of increased blood flow in the nose and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose itself. Symptoms tend to improve within a few weeks of delivery," shares Dr Philippa.

"Your local pharmacist may also be able to advise you regarding over-the-counter saline nasal sprays and rinses which can be helpful and sometimes nasal steroid sprays are used. However, do not start any medication, even if it is available over the counter, without first seeking medical advice," shares our GP doctor.

If you have a nosebleed, lean forward and tightly pinch your nose just above your nostrils. Hold this position for about 10-15 minutes and the bleeding should soon stop. If you get excessive nosebleeds or the bleeding doesn't stop after 30 minutes of applied pressure then it's best to seek medical advice.

Keep an eye on overall body swelling as severe swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia – your consultant or midwife will be examining you for this (and other pregnancy-related complications) at each antenatal appointment you attend.

Pic: Getty Images

Read more:

Morning sickness remedies: 10 effective tips for relief

2025-04-01T07:52:59.000Z

Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes as a result of falling pregnant. Women suffering from morning sickness tend to experience nausea and sometimes vomiting too. Contrary to the name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day (or night!) – not just in the morning. Are you early in your pregnancy? Discover our article on 6 weeks pregnant: Symptoms and baby development. At 6 weeks pregnant, your baby is growing at an incredible rate. Tiny facial features are forming, and their heart is already beating.

Remedies for morning sickness

Here are some safe and tried-and-tested remedies to try if you're currently dealing with morning sickness:

1. Eat smaller meals more often

Eating the same-sized meals you did before getting pregnant can sometimes make you feel uncomfortable and sick once you’re expecting.

Aim to eat a small meal every 1-2 hours to keep your energy and blood sugar up and prevent you from feeling nauseous due to having an empty stomach.

2. Try ginger

Ginger is widely known as a good pregnancy sickness remedy. Try ginger tea, real ginger ale, ginger biscuits or ginger sweets as they can help to reduce nausea.

3. Avoid strong smells

Try eating your meals cold as hot food releases aromas that could trigger sickness. Open windows at home to let fresh air in, though this is harder to control when you're out and about.

4. Suck on an ice cube

Sucking on an ice cube and drinking ice-cold water or a drink can be a helpful morning sickness cure. Ice lollies work just as well and can help mask that acidic or metallic taste in the mouth that some pregnant women get.

Sucking ice is also a great way to keep hydrated if you're regularly vomiting.

5. Eat plain food

As well as going for the little-and-often approach – the blander the food, the better. Think rice cakes, bananas, toast, pasta, potatoes and whole wheat bread, if you're able to stomach these.

6. Wear travel sickness bands

Anti-sickness bands, which use acupressure principles, have proven effective for many pregnant women. They look like sweatbands and are quite discreet and affordable.

7. Have a small snack at both ends of the day

A small snack before bedtime can help with nausea, and many nutrition experts say the same applies at the start of the day too: so aim to eat something as soon as you wake up.

Plain biscuits or crackers are perfect to keep by your bedside and nibble on before getting up or going to sleep.

8. Get plenty of rest

Feeling tired can be a trigger for morning sickness. Make sure to listen to your body and get the rest you need, especially if you have children already.

9. Avoid greasy or spicy food

Fatty and spicy foods trigger heartburn and nausea. Choose foods that help with nausea during pregnancy: try carbs, low-fat or high-protein foods, for example.

10. Pick mint

Mint in all forms is another way to curb those queasy feelings. Keep mints or chewing gum in your bag for when you’re out and about and try mint tea if you want a hot drink.

How long does morning sickness last?

For most pregnant women, you'll be pleased to learn that morning sickness only happens during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy) and then tends to ease up as they enter the second trimester.

However, for some people, the sickness can last up until week 16 to 20, or even remain throughout the entire pregnancy.¹

Risk factors and when to see a doctor

You may be more at risk of having morning sickness if:

you’re expecting twins or other multiples
you’ve had nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy
you suffer from motion sickness when travelling
you suffer from migraine headaches
morning sickness runs in your family
it’s your first pregnancy
you’re obese (BMI is 30 or more)

If you’re dealing with morning sickness, the most important thing is to make sure you're hydrated and keeping water down. If you're unable to keep food or water down then you become at risk of dehydration, severe weight loss and malnutrition.

You can treat mild cases of sickness with the pregnancy nausea remedies we listed above, but there may be times when you need a lot more than ice cubes or a biscuit.

1 to 3 in every 100 pregnant women suffers from Hyperemesis Gravidarum², often referred to as "extreme morning sickness". This is a condition where a pregnant woman experiences relentless vomiting and nausea that sometimes means they need be admitted to hospital and receive medication or fluids. GP Dr Philippa Kaye advises you seek urgent medical help if:

you haven't been able to keep any food or fluids down for 24 hours
you haven't done a wee for more than 8 hours
you feel very weak, dizzy or faint when you stand up
you have abdominal pain
you vomit blood
you're losing weight

My personal experience

I’m expecting baby number 3 and am currently in my 2nd trimester where things are thankfully a lot more stable. I had morning sickness for the entire 1st trimester and into the start of my 2nd trimester too.

I instantly knew my sickness was not the mild kind as unfortunately, I have experienced Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) twice already during my previous pregnancies.

Absolutely nothing helped me. For 2 months I was surviving on 3 different anti-sickness tablets and bread alone. Nothing I tried helped at the start and I seemed to be triggered by anything and everything – smells, noise, movement and hunger. The best time was nighttime when I was asleep and had no consciousness of sickness or pain.

Because of the severity of my sickness, I lost a lot of weight and became dehydrated. I had to be admitted to hospital on several occasions to be given IV fluids and vitamins through my veins as I couldn't do so orally.

After about two months, and once the medication was kicking in, some of the pregnancy nausea remedies that further helped me were eating small and often, drinking ice-cold water, avoiding triggers, keeping my food plain, wearing travel sickness bands and getting plenty of rest.

It was a traumatising experience, but it helped me to know that there are remedies and medication out there to help manage and relieve morning sickness as much as possible.

Pic: Getty Images

References:

^{1. Vomiting and morning sickness, NHS Online
2. Severe vomiting in pregnancy, NHS Online}