Welcome to trimester 2

We are thrilled to introduce you to a wealth of knowledge carefully curated by clinical experts to support you through your second trimester. The collections within this course have been crafted to offer tailored guidance specific to this stage of your pregnancy, while also addressing broader topics important to your overall pregnancy wellbeing.

In this course, we’ll explore these issues and more:

• Physical changes: With guidance from our midwife, Iwona, on managing common issues such as back pain, round ligament pain and skin changes.
• Health screenings: Explanations of routine screenings and what they test for.
• Nutrition and exercise: Advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support both mother and baby. This includes a trimester-specific workout created by midwife and PT, Nadiye. Nutritional content is delivered by maternity dietitian Yasmin, and provides guidance on cravings and what to prioritise in this trimester.
• Birthing plan: An introduction to your birthing plan, the phases of labour, what your options are and due dates.
• Mental wellbeing: Support with stress, prenatal anxiety and expectations, created with psychotherapists Nada and Jerilee.
• Health conditions: Guidance on anaemia, UTIs, cholestasis and other health conditions that can occur during this stage of your pregnancy.

All the content within the course has been created in collaboration with medical experts, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and relevance. Your wellbeing is our top priority, and we want you to go through this journey armed with the best and most accurate information.

Flexible content structure

The content is divided into themed collections, offering a structured and bitesized approach. You have the flexibility to progress through the content in your own order and at your own pace – whether you choose to delve into a new topic each day or take more time to absorb the information is entirely up to you.

Diverse content formats

The course includes a blend of written and video content: explore detailed articles, watch videos led by experts, and gain insights from healthcare professionals. What’s more, there are guided yoga classes and trimester-specific workout exercise plans and demonstrations.

Health warning

While the course aims to provide comprehensive information, it’s crucial to note that every woman’s pregnancy journey is unique. We strongly advise you to maintain regular communication with your midwife or GP throughout your pregnancy. If you encounter any unusual symptoms, concerns, or have specific health-related queries, seeking professional guidance is paramount.

Confidence through information

Our overarching goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support you need to approach pregnancy with confidence. Whether you are a first-time mum or have experienced pregnancy before, “Trimester 2: Embracing the Middle Stage” is here to guide you in your pregnancy journey.

Acknowledgements

Below is a list (in alphabetical order) of the many clinicians who have contributed to this programme:

Gráinne Donnelly, Advanced Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health (Absolute Physio)

Hannah Poulton, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Scar Specialist, Acupuncturist & Educator (HLP Therapy Limited)

Henry Goodfellow, GP

Iwona Wojtuszko, Midwife and Sonographer (@polska.polozna.uk)

Jaye Fish, Diabetes Specialist Midwife

Jerilee Claydon, Clinical Psychotherapist, Couples Counsellor & Parenting Educator (Therapy Project)

Kelly McLoughlin, Midwife

Laura Caldicott, Midwife & Local Maternity and Neonatal System Prevention Lead

Myra Robson, Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Nada Rahmouni, Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Nadiye Hassan, Midwife and Personal Trainer (@the_midwife_pt)

Patience Chandiwana, Consultant Midwife

Rosie Sampson (née Jacks), Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and Yoga Instructor (@rosie_physiogi)

Sanjiv Rikhi, Dental Surgeon, Aromaden Dental Clinic

Yasmin Hossain, Maternity Dietitian