Planning Your Pregnancy
The more you know about your pregnancy and your options, the more you are likely to feel in control. The information given here is based on The Pregnancy Book, which your midwife should give you at your first appointment.
Before You are Pregnant
Your Pregnancy and Labour
- 37-40 weeks pregnantHow the baby develops
- 0-8 weeks pregnant
- 9-12 weeks pregnant
- 13-16 weeks pregnant
- 17-20 weeks pregnant
- 21-24 weeks pregnant
- 25-28 weeks pregnant
- 29-32 weeks pregnant
- 33-36 weeks pregnant
- 40+ weeks pregnant
- Your health in pregnancy
- Common health problems
- Antenatal care and classes
- Choosing where to have your baby
- Labour and birth
- When pregnancy goes wrong
You and Your Baby
General Pregnancy Topics
Child Health 0-6 Years
Children’s Immunisation Schedule
Here’s a checklist of the vaccines that are routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS, and the age at which you should ideally have them.
Routine Childhood Immunisations
| When to immunise | Diseases protected against | Vaccine given | Site** |
| Two months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Thigh | |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus (Rotarix) | By mouth | |
| Meningococcal group B (MenB) | MenB | Left thigh | |
| Three months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Meningococcal group C disease (MenC) | Men C (NeisVac-C or Menjugate) | Thigh | |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus (Rotarix) | By mouth | |
| Four months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Thigh | |
| Meningococcal group B (MenB) | Men B | Left thigh | |
| One year old | Hib/MenC | Hib/MenC (Menitorix) | Upper arm/thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Upper arm/thigh | |
| Measles, mumpsand rubella (German measles) | MMR(Priorix or MMR VaxPRO) | Upper arm/thigh | |
| MenB | MenB booster | Left thigh | |
| Two to six years old (including children in school years 1 and 2) | Influenza (each year from September) | Live attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV4 | Both nostrils |
| Three years four months old or soon after | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio | dTaP/IPV (Repevax) or DTaP/IPV(Infanrix-IPV) | Upper arm |
| Measles, mumpsand rubella | MMR (Priorix or MMR VaxPRO)(check first dose has been given) | Upper arm |
Please Note
** Where two or more injections are required at once, these should ideally be given in different limbs. Where this is not possible, injections in the same limb should be given 2.5cm apart.
Immunisations For At-risk Children
| Target Group | Age & Schedule | Disease | Vaccines required |
| Babies born to hepatitis B infected mothers | At birth, four weeks, eight weeks and Boost at one year1 | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B / HBvaxPRO) |
| Infants in areas of the country with TB incidence >= 40/100,000 | At birth | Tuberculosis | BCG |
| Infants with a parent or grandparent born in a high incidence country | At birth | Tuberculosis | BCG |
Childrens Health
There is a good guide on the NHS website which describes various conditions affecting children. There is advice on how to diagnose them, how to treat them and if further advice should be consulted.
NHS childhood illness slideshow
When Should I Worry?
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.
Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Child Health 7 to 15 Years
Routine Childhood Immunisations
| Girls aged 12 to 13 years old | Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 (and genital warts caused by types 6 and 11) | HPV (two doses 6-12 months) | Upper arm |
| 14 years old (school year 9) | Tetanus, diphtheria and polio | Td/IPV (Revaxis), and check MMR status | Upper arm |
| Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y disease | MenACWY | Upper arm |
Please Note
** Where two or more injections are required at once, these should ideally be given in different limbs. Where this is not possible, injections in the same limb should be given 2.5cm apart.
The Meningitis C vaccination will be introduced during the 2013/14 academic year and the vaccine supplied will depend on the brands available at the time of ordering
When Should I Worry?
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.
There is a good guide on the NHS website which describes various conditions affecting children. There is advice on how to diagnose them, how to treat them and if further advice should be consulted.
NHS childhood illness slideshow
Fevers
Most symptoms of a fever in young children can be managed at home with infant paracetamol. If the fever is very high, they may have an infection that needs treatment with antibiotics.
Head Lice
Head lice are insects that live on the scalp and neck. They may make your head feel itchy. Although head lice may be embarrassing and sometimes uncomfortable, they don’t usually cause illness. However, they won’t clear up on their own and you need to treat them promptly.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are fairly common, especially in children, and can generally be easily treated.
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Men
Mens’ Health
Five health symptoms men should not ignore:
“British men are paying the price for neglecting their health: more than 100,000 men a year die prematurely.
On average, men go to their GP half as often as women. It’s important to be aware of changes to your health, and to see your GP immediately if you notice something that’s not right.” Find out more.
Prostate Cancer
Each year about 36,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men. It mainly affects men aged over 50.
Symptoms
- Difficulty in starting to pass urine,
- A weak, sometimes intermittent flow of urine,
- Dribbling of urine before and after urinating,
- A frequent or urgent need to pass urine,
- Rarely, blood in your urine or semen and pain when passing urine.
These symptoms aren’t always caused by prostate cancer but if you have them, see your GP.
Find out more about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of prostate cancer by using the resources below.
Resources
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer, though the most common cancer in young men, is still quite rare. With 2000 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer-related death in 15 – 35-year-old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone.
What to Look Out For
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you lookout for the following signs and symptoms.
- A dull ache, or sharp pain, in your testicles, or scrotum, which may come and go.
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.
- A dull ache in your lower abdomen.
- A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum.
- Fatigue, and generally feeling unwell.
Resources
NHS – Information on Testicular Cancer
Sexual Problems
It’s estimated that one man in 10 has a problem related to having sex, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. Dr John Tomlinson of The Sexual Advice Association explains some of the causes, and where to seek help.
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
Women
Cervical Screening (Smear Tests)
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix.
Most women’s test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming a problem later.
NHS – Cervical Screening -The why, when & how-to guide to cervical screening.
NHS Inform (Scottish Patients) – Cervical Screening information, risks, benefits and tests for patients based in Scotland.
Cervical Screening – This factsheet is for women who would like information about having a cervical smear test for screening. This means having the test when you don’t have any symptoms.
HPV Vaccination
Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papillomavirus (HPV). There is also a three-year catch up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18-year-old girls.
The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.
What is Human papilloma virus (HPV)?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called mucosa.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
How you get HPV?
Types of HPV that affect the skin can be passed on by skin contact with an affected person. The types of HPV that affect the mouth and throat can be passed on through kissing. Genital HPV is usually spread through intimate, skin to skin, contact during sex. You can have the genital HPV virus for years and not have any sign of it.
How HPV can cause cervical cancer?
Most HPV infections are harmless or cause genital warts, however, some types can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves, but in some people, the infection can last a long time. HPV infects the cells of the surface of the cervix where it can stay for many years without you knowing.
The HPV virus can damage these cells leading to changes in their appearance. Over time, these changes can develop into cervical cancer. The purpose of cervical screening (testing) is to detect these changes, which, if picked up early enough, can be treated to prevent cancer from happening. If they are left untreated, cancer can develop and may lead to serious illness and death.
Cancer Research UK – HPV Facts and information.
NHS – HPV Vaccination – Why, how and when is the vaccination given and what are the side effects.
HPV Vaccine – This factsheet is for people who would like information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 46,000 women get breast cancer in the UK each year. Most of them (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases men, can also get breast cancer.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites over 2 million women for screening every year and detects over 14,000 cancers. Dr Emma Pennery of Breast Cancer Care says: “Breast X-rays, called mammograms, can detect tumours at a very early stage before you’d feel a lump. The earlier it’s treated, the higher the survival rate.”
Find out more about breast cancer screening.
Macmillan Cancer Research – The causes and symptoms of breast cancer in women and explains how it is diagnosed and treated.
NHS – Symtpoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention & screening information.
NHS Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Seniors
Seasonal Flu Vaccination
Influenza – flu – is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year the make-up of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that the World Health Organization decide are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter.
Regular immunisation (vaccination) is given free of charge to the following at-risk people, to protect them from seasonal flu:
- People aged 65 or over,
- People with a serious medical condition,
- If you are pregnant,
- People living in a residential or nursing home,
- The main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer becomes ill,
- Healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care.
For more information on flu immunisation, including background information on the vaccine and how you can get the jab, see Seasonal flu jab.
Eating Well & Exercise – Helping you Maintain a Healthy Body
We’re bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity ‘epidemic’. But a healthy body is determined by different factors for each of us.
NHS – Good Food Guide – Information on a healthy diet and ways to make it work for you.
NHS – Why be active? – Even a little bit of exercise will make you feel better about yourself, boost your confidence and cut your risk of developing a serious illness.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Sexual Health
Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
For instance, there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it’s important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.
Useful Resources:
Sex & Young People – A comprehensive guide to the questions you may have about sex from the NHS.
Sexually Transmitted Infections – Issues, symptoms and treatments.
Sexual Health FAQs – Expert answers from a qualified Doctor.
Netdoctor – Here you’ll find tips for a fulfilling sex life plus advice on STDs, contraception and common sex problems.
FPA – The Sexual Health Charity – Sexual health advice and information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy.
Contraception
There are so many different types of contraception available that you should be able to find the right method. You may have to try several different things before you choose the one you like most.
Types of Contraception
Useful Resources
NetDoctor – A Family Planning specialist writes about the different types of contraception, the benefits and pitfalls and how effective they are.
Contraception – NHS – Information on Contraception from NHS Choices including why, when and how it should be used and with links to other useful resources.
Hormonal Contraception – This factsheet is for women who are taking hormonal contraceptives, or who would like information about them.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection among under-25s. Often there are no symptoms, but testing and treatment are simple.
Causes and risk factors Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by sharing sex toys. It can live inside cells of the cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes in the throat and eyes.
Useful Links
NHS – focus on Chlamydia – Information, videos and advice from the NHS website.
Chlamydia – This factsheet is for people who have chlamydia, or who would like information about it.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Gender Dysphoria and Gender Change
How does the NHS define Gender Dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is a recognised medical condition for which treatment is sometimes appropriate. It is not a mental illness, however some people may develop mental health problems because of gender dysphoria.
Gender dysphoria is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because there’s a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.
Biological sex is assigned at birth, depending on the appearance of the genitals. Gender identity is the gender that a person “identifies” with or feels themselves to be.
Gender identity refers to our sense of who we are and how we see and describe ourselves. Most people identify as “male” or “female”. These are sometimes called binary identities.
While biological sex and gender identity are the same for most people, this isn’t the case for everyone. For example, some people may have the anatomy of a man, but identify themselves as a woman.
Some people may not define themselves as a “binary” identity. The concept of gender is not relevant to their identity. They may use terms such as agender, gender non-conforming, non-binary.
This mismatch between sex and gender identity can lead to distressing and uncomfortable feelings that are called gender dysphoria.
How to recognise Gender Dysphoria?
The first signs of gender dysphoria can appear at a very young age.
For example, a child may refuse to wear typical boys’ or girls’ clothes, or dislike taking part in typical boys’ or girls’ games and activities.
In most cases, this type of behaviour is just part of growing up and will pass in time, but for those with gender dysphoria it continues through childhood and into adulthood.
Adults and Children with gender dysphoria can feel like they are trapped inside a body that doesn’t match their gender identity.
They may feel so unhappy about conforming to societal expectations that they live according to their anatomical sex, rather than the gender they feel themselves to be.
What is the NHS’s role in helping?
The initial step is to see the GP. If necessary, they can refer you to a specialist Gender Identity Clinic (GIC). Staff at these clinics can carry out a personalised assessment and provide any support you need.
Assessment
A diagnosis of gender dysphoria can usually be made after an in-depth assessment carried out by two or more specialists.
This may require several sessions, carried out a few months apart, and may involve discussions with people you are close to, such as members of your family or your partner.
The assessment will determine whether you have gender dysphoria and what your needs are, which could include:
- whether there’s a clear mismatch between your biological sex and gender identity
- whether you have a strong desire to change your physical characteristics as a result of any mismatch
- how you’re coping with any difficulties of a possible mismatch
- how your feelings and behaviours have developed over time
- what support you have, such as friends and family
- The assessment may also involve a more general assessment of your physical and psychological health.
Treatment for Gender Dysphoria
If the results of an assessment suggest that you or your child have gender dysphoria, staff at the GIC will work with you to come up with an individual treatment plan. This will include any psychological support you may need.
Treatment for gender dysphoria aims to help reduce or remove the distressing feelings of a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity. This can mean different things for different people. For some people, it can mean dressing and living as their preferred gender.
For others, it can mean taking hormones or also having surgery to change their physical appearance.
Cervical Screening and Prostate Exams
“If you are 25 or over and have a cervix then you should ideally get a cervical smear test, even if you don’t identify as female. It’s also a good idea to have the cervical cancer jab if you qualify. If your NHS documents list you as male you may not be called for this in which case it is your job to follow it up.
Same goes for prostate exams although this is less relevant to young people. For more information on testicular or cervical cancer please visit: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/”