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Finding information and support

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Finding information and support >> Finding information and support

Finding information and support

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• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 44 >> She was given conflicting advice about whether it was safe to eat bio-yoghurt; her midwife gave her helpful information.

4 months pregnant. Some nausea and cramping in early pregnancy. Plans for a hospital birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 05.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 27 >> She felt ill taking clomifene (Clomid) and could not get clear information about this. She wanted no further intervention such as IVF.

Had problems getting pregnant because of polycystic ovary syndrome. Conceived after taking Clomid; also used acupuncture. Now 16 weeks pregnant, and pregnancy is progressing well.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 16 >> The possibility of taking part in an egg donation scheme should be made more widely known, as there is an age limit for taking part.

Experienced recurrent miscarriage before entering an egg share IVF scheme. IVF was successful after one cycle and pregnancy was excellent. Vaginal birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 11 >> After two terminations for a genetic condition they decided against egg donation. They wanted IVF with pre-implantation diagnosis but found it hard to

Multiple miscarriages and a late termination due to reciprocal balanced chromosome translocation. Healthy twins born using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 11 >> Staff at the specialist hospital were more sympathetic than at their local hospital. They explained pre-implantation genetic diagnosis clearly, and th

Multiple miscarriages and a late termination due to reciprocal balanced chromosome translocation. Healthy twins born using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 08 >> Reading a lot about donor insemination helped her to accept the idea. She wanted her husband to feel it was a positive step for them. (Read by an acto

Initial miscarriage followed by second pregnancy, when a scan revealed baby was affected by tuberous sclerosis. Late termination. Subsequent pregnancy by donor insemination led to birth of a healthy child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 08 >> They considered carefully how having an unknown genetic parent would affect them and their children. (Read by an actor.)

Initial miscarriage followed by second pregnancy, when a scan revealed baby was affected by tuberous sclerosis. Late termination. Subsequent pregnancy by donor insemination led to birth of a healthy child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 30 >> Even though her pregnancy was planned, she felt upset at first. Friends reassured her feelings were normal. Having children is an important part of he

Normal first pregnancy. Found antenatal classes useful, but felt a women-only class might be useful for South Asian women. Chose to have an epidural for the birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 44 >> The early symptoms of pregnancy felt like pre-menstrual symptoms. She was worried by abdominal cramps, but eventually found out this was normal in pre

4 months pregnant. Some nausea and cramping in early pregnancy. Plans for a hospital birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 05.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 44 >> The first GP they saw explained the risk of early miscarriage very bluntly.

4 months pregnant. Some nausea and cramping in early pregnancy. Plans for a hospital birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 05.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 56 >> She went to the GP thinking she was 8 weeks pregnant and discovered she had not understood how to work out her due date.

Two normal pregnancies. Felt well supported by midwives in making birthing choices. First birth was a water birth in hospital; hopes to have the same for second birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 25.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> She did not rush to make an appointment with her GP. With hindsight more information would have been useful. (Read by an actor.)

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 04 >> She expected more reaction from the midwife to the news she was pregnant. More informal contact during the early weeks would have been reassuring.

Normal pregnancy. Breech presentation resolved through successful ECV. Induction at 42 weeks. Forceps delivery. Difficulty with breastfeeding. Importance of managing expectations of pregnancy and birth realistically.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 27 >> She had heard conflicting advice about drinking alcohol in pregnancy. It can be difficult to know what to believe.

Had problems getting pregnant because of polycystic ovary syndrome. Conceived after taking Clomid; also used acupuncture. Now 16 weeks pregnant, and pregnancy is progressing well.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 12 >> She was upset that her GP advised her to avoid antihistamines in pregnancy but then prescribed them for a rash.

Normal first pregnancy. Premature labour and birth at 33 weeks. Had to transfer to another hospital because no neonatal intensive care places were available locally.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 30 >> She asked the midwife for advice on diet, to help her assess traditional advice from her family. Her advice was different in some ways. (Read by an ac

Normal first pregnancy. Found antenatal classes useful, but felt a women-only class might be useful for South Asian women. Chose to have an epidural for the birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 29 >> She felt hot and anxious in pregnancy. Family members advised her to drink juice and eat cold things or fruit, but not to force herself to eat. (Audio

Recently married woman from Pakistan in her first pregnancy. Would like more information and advice in her own language.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 31 >> As a fitness instructor, she is keen to encourage pregnant women to continue exercising, especially other Asian women. (Read by an actor.)

Her first, long awaited baby was stillborn at 25 weeks. Her second pregnancy was normal, but an accident at 20 weeks made it an anxious time. Birth was induced, with epidural.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 44 >> She felt one GP's advice about exercise in pregnancy was too cautious but another was supportive and positive about exercise.

4 months pregnant. Some nausea and cramping in early pregnancy. Plans for a hospital birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 05.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 10 >> She valued regular appointments with her midwives and the reassurance and information they gave her.

Unplanned but otherwise straightforward pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia and induction. Difficult labour without pain relief. Episiotomy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 10 >> Especially in a first pregnancy women need a lot of advice and reassurance, but she did not want to bother the midwives between appointments.

Unplanned but otherwise straightforward pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia and induction. Difficult labour without pain relief. Episiotomy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 10 >> Antenatal classes were not very useful. She found some of the activities a bit strange.

Unplanned but otherwise straightforward pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia and induction. Difficult labour without pain relief. Episiotomy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 03 >> The internet helped her find out more information about her condition (vasa praevia) and decide what questions to ask her consultant.

Apparently normal pregnancy, after problems with endometriosis. Vasa praevia discovered during labour. Baby needed resuscitation and intensive care, but recovered well with no long-term problems as originally feared.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 26 >> She looked up diaphragmatic hernia on the internet but was so shocked by the information she found that she didn't want to know more. (Read by an acto

Baby diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia at 20-week scan. Mother decided to continue the pregnancy, knowing the outcome was uncertain. Baby died 10 hours after birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 23 >> The Down's Syndrome Association was a really good source of information. The internet can give you too much information.

Antenatal screening test showed raised risk of Down's syndrome. Decided not to have further tests and had a baby with Down's syndrome, now a healthy and lively 2-year-old.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 30 >> Her mother gave her some useful advice, but she also relied on information from parenting classes. (Read by an actor.)

Normal first pregnancy. Found antenatal classes useful, but felt a women-only class might be useful for South Asian women. Chose to have an epidural for the birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 45 >> She would have liked more opportunity to talk to staff in the early weeks and needed reassurance about the risk of miscarriage.

normal first pregnancy, private care throughout. Experienced a lot of sickness. Planning a hospital birth with as little intervention as possible. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 08.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 58 >> Her midwife posted her blood test results with no explanation. She was worried that some were abnormal and was not sure what the abbreviations and num

First pregnancy, unplanned. Does not feel she has been well enough informed and supported in choosing a hospital to have her baby. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 27.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> Having a written birth plan could be especially useful for people who do not speak English as a first language. (Read by an actor.)

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 56 >> She had an excellent midwife who supported her in making informed choices about her own care.

Two normal pregnancies. Felt well supported by midwives in making birthing choices. First birth was a water birth in hospital; hopes to have the same for second birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 25.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 31 >> She would have liked more information that related to her religion and culture. (Read by an actor.)

Her first, long awaited baby was stillborn at 25 weeks. Her second pregnancy was normal, but an accident at 20 weeks made it an anxious time. Birth was induced, with epidural.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> She felt less interested in sex during pregnancy, partly because she was worried about miscarriage. Women should not feel guilty about this.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 25 >> She never felt professionals really understood how bad the vomiting was, even when she asked for help.

First and most recent pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Two normal pregnancies in between, with severe sickness both times. Good support from Early Pregnancy Unit.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 52 >> She developed symphysis pubis disorder (pelvic joint pain). She went to physiotherapy and wore a support belt.

Normal first pregnancy; some bleeding early in first trimester. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (pelvic pain) has been a problem later in pregnancy. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 21.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 55 >> The midwife did not recognise how much pain she was in from symphysis pubis disorder (pelvic joint pain).

Persuaded to have induction in first pregnancy; felt unsupported by staff. Labour was long and painful. Second birth, refused induction, insisted on additional checks instead. A better experience, with a doula (birthing attendant). More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX antenatal screening site as Interview 02.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 42 >> She was tested for gestational diabetes, which made her very anxious for a while. The results were normal.

Normal first pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was suspected but ruled out. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 01.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 48 >> When she developed terrible itching the midwife sent her to hospital to check for obstetric cholestasis. She was shocked to learn the baby might be st

Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages. Mother had obstetric cholestasis (liver problem) in late pregnancy, but baby was unaffected and born healthy. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 13.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 48 >> She rang the delivery suite about obstetric cholestasis. The midwife reassured her, but she had to wait over the bank holiday weekend for an appointme

Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages. Mother had obstetric cholestasis (liver problem) in late pregnancy, but baby was unaffected and born healthy. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 13.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 03 >> Her waters were broken during an induction, and suddenly there was a lot of blood. Staff suspected vasa praevia and did an emergency caesarean.

Apparently normal pregnancy, after problems with endometriosis. Vasa praevia discovered during labour. Baby needed resuscitation and intensive care, but recovered well with no long-term problems as originally feared.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 13 >> She preferred one midwife who took time to explain things in a way she could understand. (Played by an actor.)

Young, single mother. Pregnancy unplanned. Well supported by family. Had Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (pelvic pain) and cholestasis (liver problem) during pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 55 >> Continuity of care is fine if you feel comfortable with your midwife, but she did not find her midwife very supportive of her wishes.

Persuaded to have induction in first pregnancy; felt unsupported by staff. Labour was long and painful. Second birth, refused induction, insisted on additional checks instead. A better experience, with a doula (birthing attendant). More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX antenatal screening site as Interview 02.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 14 >> She enjoyed both NHS and NCT antenatal classes. The NCT in particular gave her information to make her own choices about care.

Required treatment for thrombophilia and a streptococcal infection but pregnancy otherwise normal. Labour involved more intervention than she had wanted.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 33 >> Yoga classes were useful for meeting people. She felt embarrassed in NCT classes to be the only one planning an epidural. They missed some of the clas

Mother who has epilepsy, cared for during her first pregnancy by a Special Pregnancy Unit. Developed pre-eclampsia and had induction with epidural at 37 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 24 >> NHS classes were very practical and NCT more about emotions. She was the only person in her classes planning a home birth.

Became pregnant in a another country where care philosophy was very interventionist. Returned to UK at 7 months and had a successful home birth with an independent midwife.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 17 >> She found antenatal classes embarrassing, especially as she did not have a partner to go with.

Single mother of two. First child born by emergency caesarean, second by elective caesarean. Faced unhelpful assumptions because she was young and single.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> Antenatal classes provided an opportunity to chat to other parents. She was more interested in practical information than talking about emotions.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 52 >> Antenatal classes were focussed on birth itself. It would have been useful to learn more about parenthood.

Normal first pregnancy; some bleeding early in first trimester. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (pelvic pain) has been a problem later in pregnancy. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 21.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 10 >> Books were a good source of information. Talking to other women with babies also helped.

Unplanned but otherwise straightforward pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia and induction. Difficult labour without pain relief. Episiotomy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 02 >> Evening antenatal classes would be tiring for her and difficult for her partner. They will go to a whole day course.

Normal first pregnancy. Additional scanning and care in specialist unit because of previous splenectomy. Mother has higher susceptibility to illness and infection.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 22 >> She would have felt embarrassed at antenatal classes, and preferred the support organised by her SureStart programme.

Unplanned pregnancy at age 15. Pregnancy normal. Part of placenta retained after birth resulting in heavy bleeding. Coping well with motherhood.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 29 >> She was worried whether the baby would have a disability. She had heard marrying one's cousin increased the risk. (Audio clip in Punjabi)

Recently married woman from Pakistan in her first pregnancy. Would like more information and advice in her own language.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 30 >> She and her husband enjoyed NHS antenatal classes, although at times they felt uncomfortable. A choice of women-only classes would be good. (Read by a

Normal first pregnancy. Found antenatal classes useful, but felt a women-only class might be useful for South Asian women. Chose to have an epidural for the birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 25 >> The pregnancy books given to her by the GP provided useful information about pregnancy week by week. She would not have wanted information about thing

First and most recent pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Two normal pregnancies in between, with severe sickness both times. Good support from Early Pregnancy Unit.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 13 >> Professionals should use clearer language and not talk down to younger women. Pregnancy books should include sections on rarer complications. (Played

Young, single mother. Pregnancy unplanned. Well supported by family. Had Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (pelvic pain) and cholestasis (liver problem) during pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 02 >> She read lots of books at first but it made her anxious about what could go wrong. Talking to other women was more reassuring.

Normal first pregnancy. Additional scanning and care in specialist unit because of previous splenectomy. Mother has higher susceptibility to illness and infection.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 29 >> The pregnancy book from her GP was useful but she would have liked it in Urdu. (Audio clip in Punjabi)

Recently married woman from Pakistan in her first pregnancy. Would like more information and advice in her own language.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 03 >> The baby needed resuscitation immediately after birth and there were concerns she might have brain damage. (She is now five and developing normally).

Apparently normal pregnancy, after problems with endometriosis. Vasa praevia discovered during labour. Baby needed resuscitation and intensive care, but recovered well with no long-term problems as originally feared.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 60 >> Managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy is important for people with diabetes. She never thought about getting pre-pregnancy counselling.

After four miscarriages, baby in fifth pregnancy diagnosed with heart condition. Mother (who is diabetic) had pre-eclampsia and emergency caesarean. Severe sickness in every pregnancy. Interviewed during sixth pregnancy, and again after a stillbirth at 36 weeks. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 29.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 60 >> She had excellent care during pregnancy, but with hindsight wonders if her baby was stillborn because of her diabetes.

After four miscarriages, baby in fifth pregnancy diagnosed with heart condition. Mother (who is diabetic) had pre-eclampsia and emergency caesarean. Severe sickness in every pregnancy. Interviewed during sixth pregnancy, and again after a stillbirth at 36 weeks. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 29.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 33 >> She worried about the risks to the baby from taking epilepsy medication. It helped talking to another mother using the same drug.

Mother who has epilepsy, cared for during her first pregnancy by a Special Pregnancy Unit. Developed pre-eclampsia and had induction with epidural at 37 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 32 >> She had good practical advice from her local hospital and a support group for parents with disabilities.

Mother who uses a wheelchair. Antenatal care from a special pregnancy unit because of her condition. Emergency caesarean. Serious complications following a mistake in managing her medication.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 32 >> She felt she was an expert in her own condition, but when it came to pregnancy became passive and unquestioning, which was unlike her.

Mother who uses a wheelchair. Antenatal care from a special pregnancy unit because of her condition. Emergency caesarean. Serious complications following a mistake in managing her medication.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 26 >> She felt shocked and angry when she was told at the 20-week scan that her baby had a diaphragmatic hernia. (Read by an actor.)

Baby diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia at 20-week scan. Mother decided to continue the pregnancy, knowing the outcome was uncertain. Baby died 10 hours after birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 23 >> It helped to meet other families with children with Down's syndrome leading happy and fulfilling lives.

Antenatal screening test showed raised risk of Down's syndrome. Decided not to have further tests and had a baby with Down's syndrome, now a healthy and lively 2-year-old.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 05 >> More needs to be done to support women's emotional and mental health in pregnancy, especially after a previous bad experience.

First child had heart defect detected antenatally and long period of critical illness after birth. Mother had reactive depression in response to his illness. Second child healthy. Mother had postnatal depression related to extreme worry about her health.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 24 >> Her GP and independent midwife supported her choice of a home birth, but her family were doubtful.

Became pregnant in a another country where care philosophy was very interventionist. Returned to UK at 7 months and had a successful home birth with an independent midwife.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 04 >> Some pregnancy books set unrealistic expectations about the perfect natural birth. Women who need medical help should not feel they have failed.

Normal pregnancy. Breech presentation resolved through successful ECV. Induction at 42 weeks. Forceps delivery. Difficulty with breastfeeding. Importance of managing expectations of pregnancy and birth realistically.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 56 >> She was impressed by the way her midwife discussed evidence with her about clamping the umbilical cord.

Two normal pregnancies. Felt well supported by midwives in making birthing choices. First birth was a water birth in hospital; hopes to have the same for second birth. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 25.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> She was unsure whether to make a birth plan and would have liked more discussion with her community midwife. The hospital midwives listened to her wis

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 29 >> She had read the pregnancy book the GP had given her but would like more information and discussion about pain relief and birth choices. (Audio clip i

Recently married woman from Pakistan in her first pregnancy. Would like more information and advice in her own language.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 27 >> She is worried about being rushed into decisions during labour without thinking it through, but knowing the technology is there is reassuring.

Had problems getting pregnant because of polycystic ovary syndrome. Conceived after taking Clomid; also used acupuncture. Now 16 weeks pregnant, and pregnancy is progressing well.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> After an emergency caesarean first time, she wants to try a vaginal birth next time.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 06 >> She considered trying a vaginal birth after her previous caesarean, but decided to have another caesarean.

First pregnancy through ICSI IVF. Experienced hyper ovarian stimulation. Induced at 42 weeks with birth by emergency section. Second pregnancy occurred naturally 7 months after birth of first child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 58 >> She felt she was not given enough support and information in choosing which hospital to go to.

First pregnancy, unplanned. Does not feel she has been well enough informed and supported in choosing a hospital to have her baby. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 27.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> She was pleased to experience a vaginal birth with ventouse at the end. Recovery was much quicker than after the caesarean.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 04 >> She was disappointed to have an induction and forceps birth, but it helped that staff explained afterwards why it had been necessary.

Normal pregnancy. Breech presentation resolved through successful ECV. Induction at 42 weeks. Forceps delivery. Difficulty with breastfeeding. Importance of managing expectations of pregnancy and birth realistically.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 29 >> Her mother was too embarrassed to talk to her about breastfeeding, but she was convinced it was the best thing to do. (Audio clip in Punjabi)

Recently married woman from Pakistan in her first pregnancy. Would like more information and advice in her own language.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> She was surprised how long it took to recover from the caesarean, and thought women should be told more about what to expect. (Read by an actor.)

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> Her husband could not find out what was happening and was afraid she might die. They decided not to have more children. (Read by an actor.)

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 42 >> Bleeding in late pregnancy suggested she might be in preterm labour. She was worried about taking steroids for the baby's lungs.

Normal first pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was suspected but ruled out. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 01.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 26 >> Several family members came to be with her when the baby was induced. Talking to other women from a support group for the condition helped prepare her

Baby diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia at 20-week scan. Mother decided to continue the pregnancy, knowing the outcome was uncertain. Baby died 10 hours after birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> Postnatal support has been very good. Her local postnatal group has covered lots of useful childcare topics.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 04 >> She had not expected to find breastfeeding so difficult. A La Leche counsellor encouraged her to keep trying.

Normal pregnancy. Breech presentation resolved through successful ECV. Induction at 42 weeks. Forceps delivery. Difficulty with breastfeeding. Importance of managing expectations of pregnancy and birth realistically.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> She chose to bottle feed both her babies, but now wished she had been given more information and encouragement about breastfeeding. (Read by an actor.

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> She would like the NHS to provide more specialised support for breastfeeding, especially for women having their first baby.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 04 >> She believes there is unrealistic pressure from society and women themselves to conform to an ideal image of birth and feeding. The pressure does not

Normal pregnancy. Breech presentation resolved through successful ECV. Induction at 42 weeks. Forceps delivery. Difficulty with breastfeeding. Importance of managing expectations of pregnancy and birth realistically.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> She did not know that having an elective caesarean might affect her milk coming in, but she was happy to change to bottle feeding (including some expr

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.