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• 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 >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 32 >> She could not attend NCT antenatal classes because her wheelchair did not fit in the teacher's house. She wanted to meet other parents.

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 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 46 >> She had a forceps birth after a long and exhausting labour. She was surprised she let staff make decisions for her but she trusted them.

Two normal pregnancies; some bleeding early in second pregnancy. First labour was very long and painful, and ended with a forceps delivery. Epidural for pain relief. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 09.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> She had a planned caesarean because her baby was breech and she was told it was risky to turn the baby so late in pregnancy.

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 25-30 >> Interview 54 >> She planned to go home to France for the birth but went into labour early. The midwives and doctors made her feel relaxed and confident.

After initial contact with NHS, had most antenatal care in France. Baby born 2 months early in England. Good experiences of hospital birth and Special Care Baby Unit. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 23.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 54 >> Staff in the special care baby unit were wonderfully supportive and there was a family atmosphere. It was hard to say goodbye to them.

After initial contact with NHS, had most antenatal care in France. Baby born 2 months early in England. Good experiences of hospital birth and Special Care Baby Unit. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 23.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 24 >> She chose to employ an independent midwife. Continuity of care and trust were important to her.

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 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.