The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

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Covers postpartum advice and support only, so you’ll want a different book when preparing for birth As with previous care considerations ( Pezaro et al, 2018), it is recommended that those childbearing with hEDS/HSD should not be discouraged from birthing their babies vaginally. Yet, in one American cohort of 13 881 592, births to women with a variety of EDS subtypes, 910 were found more likely to be via caesarean section (OR 1.61 (95% CI 1.41–1.85)) compared to those without EDS ( Nicholls-Dempsey et al, 2019). Conversely, other evidence suggests that those with joint hypermobility, defined by a Beighton score ≥4 are less likely to birth via caesarean section or vaginally with the aid of instruments after complete cervical dilation [odds ratio (OR)=0.51; 95 % confidence interval (CI):0.27–0.95] compared to those without ( Knoepp et al, 2013). In any case, gentle handling of tissues and meticulous attention to haemostasis will be important in any surgical interventions. Optimal maternal positioning and joint support is also encouraged throughout labour and birth to avoid unnecessary trauma to joints and ligaments ( Pezaro et al, 2018). In cases where episiotomy would otherwise be clinically indicated, birth via caesarean section may be preferred to avoid an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse ( Wiesmann et al, 2014). Before joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger. This book is REALLY good! It’s not patronising and it gives you a really good breakdown of what to expect and what’s going to happen and all your options from pain relief to cutting the cord."(Recommended by Mumsnet user MrsRose2018)

I have Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan by Rebecca Schiller, which is great if you want something that won't panic you and tells you what your rights are in pregnancy, what you're entitled to, etc. It also has some lovely real-life stories from women with both negative and extremely positive experiences, which I found reassuring."(Recommended by Mumsnet user Miller2021) Please see information below to learn more about the high dependency information evenings and afternoons. High dependency information evenings 6pm to 8.30pm The Eating for Pregnancy Month by Month Nutrition Guide (clue is in the title), contains 150 recipes that are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of both you and your baby at every stage of your pregnancy, including postpartum.

Maternity

Those childbearing with hEDS/HSD may experience the premature birth of their babies ( Hurst et al, 2014; Volkov et al, 2018; Nicholls-Dempsey et al, 2019; Turan et al, 2020). Additionally, other authors have reported how births may be affected by abnormal fetal presentation ( Lind and Wallenburg, 2002; Karthikeyan and Venkat-Raman, 2018). This may not be surprising when we consider that tissues which typically support babies to remain in an optimal position in preparation for birth may be looser in those with hEDS/HSD. Furthermore, as those childbearing with hEDS/HSD report episodes of both physical and psychological birth trauma ( Pezaro et al, 2020), it will be important to prevent, prepare for and anticipate such episodes as well as provide appropriate and effective parental support. Active Birthing Classes – A weekly antenatal class for expectant mums to help you enjoy pregnancy, stay mobile, learn about your changing baby and body and prepare for a confident birth. This includes pregnancy yoga, elements of hypnobirthing, breathing techniques for each stage of labour as well as lovely relaxations at the end of each class! Samantha has been working for over six years, contributing to the field of menstruation by way of workshops, comprehensive online education programs, private mentorship and circle facilitation. Samantha is within a new wave of menstrual educators, approaching the field slowly and carefully with the utmost sanctity and respect; researching and writing while based in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia.

Written specifically for men, this book is an excellent read for fathers-to-be who want to be more involved in their partner’s pregnancy or a good book to give to your other half to help them understand some of the physical and mental changes you’re experiencing during pregnancy. The Thursday hospital tour is no longer available, but a tour is offered during high dependency evening or afternoon classes. There are a huge number of pregnancy books to choose from, some covering the entire pregnancy journey and others more specialist or niche in focus.

Our list wouldn't be complete without the book that offers advice from those at the frontline of parenting – Mumsnet users themselves. What chance does a baby born to a parent with hEDS/HSD have of inheriting the condition themselves, and how might such newborns be assessed at birth? This book also includes lots of practical tips and guidance for dads and birthing partners, making it a great option for couples to share.

Bears of Hope – Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support provides leading support and exceptional care for families who experience the loss of their baby. Bears of Hope has a great Facebook group for grieving parents. There is also one group set up just for Dads. http://www.bearsofhope.org.au/

What books should I read when trying to conceive?

The management of hEDS/HSD in childbearing remains complex. Yet, considering the new approximate figure of 1 in 20 put forward for the proportion of pregnancies affected by hEDS/HSD, cases in maternity services should no longer be considered rare, only rarely diagnosed ( Pezaro et al, 2020). It is considered that the recognition of hEDS/HSD is now critical ( Tinkle, 2021). Though as outlined in our previous review, the role of the midwife in this context is not necessarily to diagnose cases of hEDS/HSD but to work in partnership with those affected as part of a multidisciplinary team in making evidenced-based care plans along with early and appropriate referrals ( Pezaro et al, 2018). Nevertheless, it may be useful for midwives to remain informed and alert to the possibility of many pregnancies occurring in people affected by hEDS/HSD who are as yet undiagnosed. We all know how important it is to eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy, but pregnancy cravings, food aversions and nausea can often make this feel like a real challenge. Coupled with ever-changing advice on the foods you should avoid during pregnancy, it can be hard to know where to start when eating for two. It starts with exploring the right time to add an additional family member and then goes on to give practical advice around introducing a new sibling, as well as how to actually cope as a mum to two children.