BabyCentre UK | The Most Accurate & Trustworthy Pregnancy & Parenting Information (original) (raw)

BabyCentre home

BabyCentre is your parenting partner.

audience size icon

32+ million

users every month

medical icon

articles icon

2,500+

expert-reviewed articles

woman smiling and holding bump

Get weekly pregnancy tips from experts

Sign up

My pregnancy week by week

Track your pregnancy on our free #1 pregnancy & baby app

Find more tools in our app

All the pregnancy tools you need, right at your fingertips

A woman cooking and smiling in a bright kitchen with vegetables and utensils.Fertility diet for womenReviewed by Charlotte Stirling-Reed, NutritionistA woman in a grey t-shirt stands in a bright kitchen, holding a pill bottle and a glass of water, preparing to take medication.Does folic acid help you get pregnant? What to know when you're trying to conceiveReviewed by Charlotte Stirling-Reed, NutritionistTwo newborn babies sleeping side by side, wrapped in pink and blue knitted blankets, wearing matching striped hats with decorative accents.Can you choose to have a boy or girl?By Lorna MarshA couple smiling and leaning nose-to-nose in a bright, intimate bedroom setting.Dads-to-be: can too much sex affect our chances of getting pregnant?Reviewed by Karoline Pahl, GPA joyful couple embraces closely outdoors, smiling with foreheads touching, surrounded by green trees.Dads-to-be: how your age can affect your fertility and your baby's healthReviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistClose-up of a woman with curly hair wrapped in a grey knitted sweater, outdoors with a blurred green background.Getting pregnant in your 40sReviewed by Thanos Papathanasiou, Fertility specialist and gynaecologistA couple sharing a tender moment, with the man kissing the woman's forehead as she smiles peacefully.Getting pregnant in your 30sReviewed by Thanos Papathanasiou, Fertility specialist and gynaecologistMan and woman laughingIs it risky to have a baby after 35?Reviewed by Thanos Papathanasiou, Fertility specialist and gynaecologistA smiling couple lying closely on a bed, sharing an intimate moment in soft natural light.Dads-to-be: is my sperm more potent in the morning?Reviewed by Hamed Al-Taher, Retired senior consultant gynaecologistA man in a white t-shirt and grey shorts lies on a bed, looking thoughtful against a yellow wall.Dads-to-be: does my medication affect my fertility?Reviewed by Hamed Al-Taher, Retired senior consultant gynaecologistA woman in a yellow dress holding a phone, gazing thoughtfully out of a window in a cosy room with a wicker chair and patterned cushions.Is not having much cervical mucus a sign of a fertility problem?Reviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistPerson holding a roll of toilet paper near a toilet in a bathroom.Cervical mucus: What it looks like through your cycleReviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistA young couple sits closely in a bathroom, looking intently at a pregnancy test, with the man comforting the woman by putting his arm around her.Can I get pregnant just after my period?Reviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistA woman lies in bed looking at a thermometer, appearing concerned, with a bedside table holding books and a phone nearby.My home pregnancy test showed a faint line. Am I pregnant?Reviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistA young woman with curly hair looks worriedly at a pregnancy test in a softly lit bedroom.If I feel pregnant, why do all the tests say negative?Reviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistA young woman with curly hair rests on a sofa, looking thoughtfully ahead in a softly lit living room.Pregnancy signs at two weeksReviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistA young woman with curly hair in a yellow jumper smiles while holding a smartphone, sitting by a window in a cosy café with exposed brick walls.Early signs of pregnancy: the first 15 symptomsReviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeTwo pairs of bare feet sticking out from under a polka dot duvet on a bed in a bright, cosy bedroom.Sex positions for getting pregnantReviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistWoman snapping a cigarette in halfHow to get pregnant fast: 9 tips for quick conception (photos)By Polly Logan-BanksA woman holds a prenancy test waiting for resultQuiz: am I pregnant?Illustration of swimming spermWhat is a sperm allergy and how do I know whether I have one?Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPClose-up of a woman with curly hair wrapped in a grey knitted sweater, outdoors with a blurred green background.Your age and fertilityReviewed by Babatunde Gbolade, Fertility specialistA young woman sitting at a desk, pouring pills from an orange bottle into her hand, with tissues, a glass of water, and a laptop nearby, suggesting she is managing illness or medication at home.Will my medicine affect my chances of conceiving?Reviewed by Thanos Papathanasiou, Fertility specialist and gynaecologistwoman checking a home pregnancy testCan I get pregnant after two miscarriages?Reviewed by Thanos Papathanasiou, Fertility specialist and gynaecologistHow to survive the two-week wait without losing your mindBy Lyndsay Gardner

Pregnant woman in a modern kitchen, holding her stomach, possibly experiencing discomfort.Is it normal for it to hurt when my baby moves?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifePregnant woman relaxing on a grey sofa in a modern living room, holding a remote control.Can I tell how my baby’s lying based on their movements?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeTwo pregnant women sitting on a sofa, smiling and chatting indoors.Can my baby’s movements predict if I’m having a boy or a girl?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeTwo women sit closely on a dark leather sofa, one gently kissing the other’s temple, with the pregnant woman resting her hand on her belly, creating a tender and intimate moment in a cosy, softly lit room.How will my baby's movements feel, week by week?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifePregnant woman lying down while a person measures her baby bump with a tape measure.Average fetal length and weight chartReviewed by Chess Thomas, Research EditorMums tell: what my baby's movements feel like (photos)By Francesca WhitingEmbryo in the womb at 9 weeks of pregnancyInside pregnancy: weeks 1-9 (Video)Baby in the womb at 14 weeks of pregnancyInside pregnancy: weeks 10-14 (Video)Baby in the womb at 20 weeks of pregnancyInside pregnancy: weeks 15-20 (Video)Baby in the womb at 27 weeks of pregnancyInside pregnancy: weeks 21-27 (Video)Baby in the womb at 37 weeks of pregnancyInside pregnancy: weeks 28-37 (Video)A woman sitting on a toilet, holding a roll of toilet paper, appearing unwell or distressed in a bathroom.Vaginal spotting or bleeding in early pregnancyReviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifePregnant woman sitting on a sofa, holding her belly and back in discomfort.Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignoreReviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeA person with long dark hair and a tattoo on their arm stands thoughtfully by a window, gently holding a sheer white curtain, surrounded by green indoor plants.I'm 13 weeks and have stopped feeling pregnant. Is my baby OK?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeA woman in a white robe sits in a bathroom, holding her stomach and looking towards a window, appearing unwell.Is it possible to be pregnant and still have periods?Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPClose-up of a young woman with curly hair holding her head, appearing stressed or worried, against a softly blurred background.What is a missed miscarriage?Reviewed by Becky Taylor, Midwife sonographerA woman in a blue dress sits on a toilet, holding toilet paper in a small bathroom with a silver bin nearby.How long after the mucus plug comes out does labour start?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifePregnant woman in grey top and patterned trousers stands indoors, holding her lower back, likely experiencing discomfort.What will contractions feel like?Reviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeA man comforts a distressed woman leaning on a kitchen island in a bright home.Signs of labourReviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifePregnant woman resting on bed, gently holding her baby bump in a bright room.Bringing on labour: an overviewReviewed by Clare Herbert, Senior midwife and team leader Baby in the womb engaging the head during labourInside pregnancy: labour and birth (Video)15 of the most dynamic birth photosBy Rosanna McAllisterA couple shares a joyful, intimate moment on a bright, cosy bed.Sex during pregnancyReviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeA close-up of a couple lying closely together, eyes closed, sharing an intimate, tender moment.I’ve lost interest in sex since I became pregnant. What can I do?Reviewed by Andrew G Marshall, Marital therapistTwo women sit closely on a dark leather sofa, one gently kissing the other’s temple, with the pregnant woman resting her hand on her belly, creating a tender and intimate moment in a cosy, softly lit room.Can I have sex with a new partner now I’m pregnant?Reviewed by Andrew G Marshall, Marital therapistPregnant woman holding ultrasound scan image, showing developing baby.I don't know who my baby's dad is. What can I do?Reviewed by Clare Herbert, Senior midwife and team leader Sex positions for pregnancy: imagesReviewed by Hanna Dabbour, Senior physiotherapist and junior doctorA woman holding a pregnancy test looks thoughtful, while a man beside her appears distant and upset, both sitting on a sofa indoors.I want this baby but my partner doesn’t: parents’ tipsReviewed by Clare Herbert, Senior midwife and team leader

A mother tenderly breastfeeding her baby in a softly lit, cosy room.My baby only breastfeeds for a few minutes. Is this normal or cluster feeding?Reviewed by Laura Bottiglieri, Baby and child feeding specialist and speech therapistA mother breastfeeding her newborn baby while sitting on a bed, showing a tender moment of care and bonding.How to tell if your newborn is getting enough breastmilkReviewed by Clare Herbert, Senior midwife and team leader Newborn baby breastfeeding, close-up of baby's face and mother's hand.How much breastmilk does my baby need in the first few days?Reviewed by Clare Herbert, Senior midwife and team leader A mother gently cradles her alert baby, resting peacefully together.When your baby won't breastfeedReviewed by Sophie Martin, Lead midwifeWhy are my breastfed baby’s poos often green?Reviewed by Gemma Caton, Specialist health visitor Baby boy rolling overDevelopmental milestones: rolling overReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorBaby in a sitting positionDevelopmental milestones: sittingReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorSmiling baby lying on a soft carpet, playing with colourful wooden toys.Baby milestones: one to six monthsReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorBaby on tummy lifting her neck upDevelopmental milestones: head controlReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorMother breastfeeding her babySigns that your baby is having a growth spurt: photosBy Chess ThomasA young child wearing a pink hat and shorts crawls on sandy beach near the sea.Baby milestones: seven to 12 months Reviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Bottle of milk with mum breastfeeding her baby in the backgroundHow can I combine breast and bottle?Reviewed by Christine Griffin, Breastfeeding specialistDad bottlefeeding his babyHow can I get my baby to take a bottle?Reviewed by Jill Irving, Health visitorBaby being given formulaHow do I know if my baby is getting enough formula?Reviewed by Jill Irving, Health visitorA woman lovingly cradles a newborn baby on a grey sofa in a bright living room.Vomiting in babies: what's normal and what's notReviewed by Toni Hazell, GPA Parents' Guide to Peaceful BreathingA woman tenderly cradles a sleeping baby outdoors in a sunlit park.Why babies cry, and how to soothe themReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorLowell Georgia / Science SourceChildhood rashes, skin conditions and infections: photosReviewed by Toni Hazell, GPBaby biting on a teetherSigns and symptoms of teething: photosBy Francesca WhitingMum changing her baby's nappyBaby poo: a visual guide (photos)Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPSmiling baby in a highchairHow much milk does my six-month-old baby need after starting solids?Reviewed by Charlotte Stirling-Reed, NutritionistCouple with baby looking at label on food jar in shopCan I put salt in my baby's food?Reviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Chicken casseroleIs it true that alcohol is cooked off in food?Reviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian A baby wearing a blue bib grimaces while being fed with a spoon by an adult.Why has my baby gone off solid food?Reviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Baby in highchair looking at the camera and being fed with a spoonMy baby's poo has changed now that they're on solids. Is this normal?Reviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Six month old baby in highchair eating first foods while mum watchesSolids by age: at six monthsReviewed by Sasha Watkins, Dietitian Smiling baby lying in a crib holding an adult's hands, playful moment.How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?Reviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorA woman watches a baby lying in a wooden crib in a softly lit nursery.Sleep training your babyReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorSleeping baby in a light pink buttoned romper lying peacefully on a white surface.Your baby's breathing: what's normalReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorNewborn baby in white vest yawning and touching face, lying on white blanket.How do I teach my baby to self-settle?Reviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Baby lying in a white crib with tree-patterned sheets, holding a green pacifier.What should my baby wear at night? (Infographic)By Joanne Lewsley

A mother lying in bed with her baby, who is sucking their thumb, surrounded by soft pink bedding.My one-year-old still wakes up at night. What can I do?Reviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorSmiling young child lying on a bed with a striped cushion and white bedding.How to establish a sleep routine for your toddler: 12 to 18 monthsReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorLittle boy fast asleep with flushed cheeksToddler sleep concerns: common coldReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor toddler boy sleeping in bedWhen should I move my toddler from a cot to a bed, and how?Reviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Little girl fast asleep next to cuddly toysToddler sleep concerns: wakes at nightReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Sleeping toddler holding teddy in bedEstablishing good sleep habits: 18 to 24 monthsBy Joanne LewsleyA baby in blue pajamas is crawling on a carpet, playing with a colourful soft book, near a green sofa and a small black-and-white football.What to do when your toddler isn't talkingReviewed by Helen Davies, Health visitorTwo year old boy throwing a ball overarmMilestone chart: 25 to 30 monthsReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Two and a half year old boy building a tower with wooden blocksMilestone chart: 31 to 36 monthsReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Smiling toddler girl with curly hair and cream bow, wearing a red dress indoors near a window.Milestone chart: 19 to 24 monthsReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor 18 month old playing with toyboxMilestone chart: 13 to 18 monthsReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Toddler boy singingWhy does my toddler love repetition?By The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamA distressed toddler crying while a woman tries to feed them with a spoon.How to cope with feeding a fussy toddlerReviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Toddler girl eating a bananaI think my toddler is underweight. What should I do?Reviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Toddler drinking milk from a sippy cupHow should I wean my baby off formula and onto cow's milk?Reviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Messy one year old spoon-feeding herselfSolids by age: 13 to 18 monthsReviewed by Sasha Watkins, Dietitian A smiling toddler with curly hair sits in a wooden high chair, holding a small box of raisins, with a few raisins on the tray, in a bright kitchen setting with a sink in the background.Solids by age: 19 to 24 monthsReviewed by Sasha Watkins, Dietitian Three-sectioned plate filled with tuna on toast, carrots, slices of apple and a pot of yoghurt.12 quick and easy toddler meal ideas: photosReviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Pregnant woman and young boy sitting on a sofa, sharing a tender moment.Vomiting in children (ages one to five): what's normal and what's notReviewed by Toni Hazell, GPA toddler in a white t-shirt is using a potty training seat in a bright bathroom.Diarrhoea in children (ages one to five)Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPMolluscum contagiosum (water warts)Molluscum contagiosum (water warts) in children ages one to fiveReviewed by Toni Hazell, GPE. R. Degginger / Science SourceThreadworms in children (ages one to five)Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPLittle girl with cold sore lying in bed cuddling teddy bearCold sores in children (ages one to five)Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPA young girl lies in bed holding a teddy bear, while an adult gently checks her forehead, suggesting she is unwell and being cared for.Fever in children (ages one to five)Reviewed by Toni Hazell, GPA smiling woman and young girl sitting on a green sofa, waving at a laptop screen in a bright kitchen.Toddler screen time: how much is OK?Reviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologistToddler sitting in a toy truck outsideWhat are the best toys for my 12 to 18 month old?By Joanne LewsleyToddler boy surrounded by toys.What are the best toys for my 24 to 30-month-old?By Joanne LewsleyToddler playing with brightly coloured blocksWhat are the best toys for my 18 to 24 month old?By Joanne Lewsley

Two children doing art and craft together.How to teach your child to shareReviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologistYoung boy beating his arms in frustration with an adult supporting him from behind.What to do when your child is aggressiveReviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologistBoy biting his nailsHow to handle nail-biting in childrenReviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologistA woman kneels beside a young boy sitting on a bed in a softly lit bedroom.Ways to discipline your childReviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologistA smiling toddler in a red top is held by a woman with dark hair, who looks at the child affectionately.Alternatives to saying “no” to your childReviewed by Richard Gilham, Child psychologistSmall boy doing something on handheld electronic deviceWhat to do when your child ignores youReviewed by Angharad Rudkin, Clinical psychologistDad making a cake in the kitchen with two childrenDealing with a sweet toothReviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Parents and preschooler sitting down and eating breakfastHealthy eating for childrenReviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Boy sitting at dinner tableWhat should I do if my child refuses to eat any meat?Reviewed by Sarah Schenker, Dietitian Dad and son exploring nature Nature bookBy The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamBoy and girl sticking leaves onto paperLeaf collageBy The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamHands playing TwisterHomemade twisterBy The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamMum and child talkingI'm going to the beach and... (memory game)By The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamChild dancing outsideAnimal freeze danceBy The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamLittle girl sitting up and crying in bedDealing with late-night visits from your childReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Child sleeping on parent's lapWhen will my child stop needing a nap?Reviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Young girl asleep in bedSleep guidelines for preschoolersReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Young child asleep in bedNightmares: why they happen and what to do about themReviewed by Harriet Gibbs, Health visitor Dad reading to childBedtime battles: how to nip them in the budBy The BabyCentre UK Editorial TeamDad talking with sonDeveloping your child’s language skills for schoolBy Joanne LewsleyAdult and child holding hands, walking on yellow path towards school entrance. Child wears purple backpack.10 ways to get your child to school on timeBy Jenny Leachchild with parent and teacherHow to make the most of parents' eveningsBy Jenny LeachBoy drawing with pencilIs my child ready for school?By Jenny LeachTwo young children arguing outdoorsWhat should I do when my child fights with her friends during playdates?By Jenny Leach

Advertisement | page continues below

Our Medical Advisory Board

Meet our medical advisers — highly respected experts who ensure our content is complete and accurate.

See all

Your Birth Club

Connect with other parents-to-be

See all

Baby Names A-Z

Best Baby and Pregnancy Products

Latest on BabyCentre