You’ve managed to waddle as far as the third trimester. Preparing for labour can feel both exciting and daunting. By the third trimester, you may be carrying more than just your baby—you may also be carrying advice, expectations, questions, and perhaps a little anxiety. After decades of practising gynaecology, I [...]
Let’s Talk About What Really Happens After Birth Believe it or not, antenatal classes do not prepare you for every eventuality. There, I’ve said it. Read on to get perspective, before you ‘lose it’ all together! The first mirror inspection after birth What about the first time you look in [...]
Ironically, the most common conversation I have with new mothers, is not about stitches, feeding schedules, or recovery after birth. It is about identity. Over decades of practising gynaecology many women quietly ask the same question: “Will I ever feel like myself again?” As life has become faster, more remote, [...]
The Changes That Happen to the Brain in Pregnancy I am a gynaecologist, and patients seldom ask me about how the brain changes during pregnancy. Over the years, I’ve answered endless questions about stretch marks, pelvic floors, and hormones. Questions about the brain? Almost never. And yet the brain goes [...]
The Second Trimester – A Survival Guide Is the second trimester of pregnancy really about survival? Do I really need a Second Trimester Survival Guide? What should I expect? An “Amazing Race” type experience? Will I manage? How hard can this trimester be? These are some of the multiple questions [...]
You have just had a major surgical procedure. It is similar to a hysterectomy only the six- week ‘sick certificate’ is never appearing, and you are expected to look after a newborn baby! So, what can you expect and will you survive? Post Caesarean Section Recovery The actual caesarean section (C/S) operation [...]
I have looked after so many women in pregnancy and in labour and at caesarean section (C/S). It is such an important discussion to have. I make a disclaimer up front, that I think a safe vaginal birth is first prize for every baby and every mother. I say this because any operation [...]