Trimester by trimester
What usually happens, which checks and vaccines are offered, and which symptoms need a call to your midwife, at each stage of pregnancy.
The Cocoon guide library
Pregnancy & birth
Get ready for your baby's arrival: the signs that labour is starting, your baby's movements, a flexible birth plan, packing for hospital and what happens in the first day after birth.
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All pregnancy & birth guides
Pregnancy
Baby movements in pregnancy: what's normal and when to call
When you'll first feel your baby move, why knowing their pattern matters more than counting kicks, and what to do straight away if movements slow or change.
Pregnancy
Birth plan: what to include, with a template and options
How to write a flexible birth plan, from place of birth and pain relief to cord clamping, vitamin K, the hepatitis B vaccine and feeding, with a fill-in template.
PregnancyHealth
First trimester: symptoms, supplements, scans and when to call
What to expect in weeks 1 to 12 of pregnancy, from nausea and tiredness to folic acid, foods to avoid, first appointments, screening and warning signs.
PregnancyRoutines
Hospital bag checklist: what to pack for you, baby and partner
A practical checklist for the birth bag, covering documents, labour, after the birth, caesarean extras, your baby, your support person and the car seat home.
PregnancySafe Sleep
Pets and a new baby: preparing your dog or cat and staying safe
How to get your dog or cat ready during pregnancy, introduce them to your baby, keep pets out of the sleep space, and handle cat litter, hygiene and reptiles safely.
PregnancyHealth
Second trimester: first movements, scans, vaccines and planning
What to expect from weeks 13 to 27 of pregnancy, from easing nausea and first kicks to the 20-week scan, the glucose test, pregnancy vaccines and pelvic floor exercises.
Pregnancy
Signs of labour: contractions, waters breaking and when to call
How to tell labour is starting, how real contractions differ from Braxton Hicks, what to do when your waters break, and which signs mean you call now.
PregnancySleep
Sleeping on your side in pregnancy: why it matters from 28 weeks
Why the advice is to go to sleep on your side from 28 weeks, which side to choose, what to do if you wake on your back, and how to get comfortable.
PregnancyHealth
Third trimester: movements, checks, strep B and going overdue
What to expect from 28 weeks to birth, including your baby's movements, side-sleeping, antenatal checks, group B strep, pre-eclampsia, getting ready and going past your due date.
PregnancyBreastfeeding
Your newborn's first 24 hours: feeds, checks, nappies and sleep
What happens in the first day after birth, from skin-to-skin and the first feed to newborn checks, the first wee and poo, safe sleep and the signs that need help now.
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Baby sleepBaby healthStarting solidsDaily routinesBreastfeedingDevelopment & milestonesSafe sleepBehaviourSoothing & cryingBottle feedingWhen baby is unwellPostpartum recoveryTravel & outingsGrowth & percentilesWeaningPumping & milk supplyDiapers & nappiesParent mental healthTeethingAll guides
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