The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy in the UK: From First Trimester to Birth

The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy in the UK: From First Trimester to Birth

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. In the UK, expectant parents benefit from structured maternity care through the NHS, but knowing what to expect at each stage can make all the difference.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

This is when your baby begins to develop rapidly. You’ll likely have your booking appointment with a midwife, where your health, lifestyle, and preferences are discussed. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and mood swings.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

Often called the “golden period,” many women feel more energetic. Your 20-week anomaly scan will check your baby’s development.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

As your due date approaches, antenatal appointments become more frequent. You’ll also create a birth plan, outlining your preferences for labour and delivery.

Every pregnancy is unique. Staying informed and supported is key to a positive experience.

I offer dedicated support and experienced massage treatments, Hypnobirthing courses and 4th trimester support – get in touch for a chat about how i can support you during your pregnancy

Pregnancy & Birth Preparation Workshop with Alison & Polly

Pregnancy & Birth Preparation Workshop with Alison & Polly

I am really looking forward to working with Alison from Phoenix Body and Mind Therapy who is a brilliant Yoga instructor and maternity specialist. Together we are hosting a 3 hour workshop for mums to be from my lovely studio in Abbotskerswell, near Newton Abbot.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking to reconnect with a more empowered birth experience, this workshop offers practical tools, personalised guidance, and a supportive environment to help you feel informed, prepared, and in control of your journey. Prepare for birth with confidence, calm, and clarity in our deeply nurturing 3-hour pregnancy and birth preparation workshop. Thoughtfully designed and led by experienced facilitators Alison & Polly, this immersive session blends movement, education, and relaxation to support you both physically and emotionally as you approach your baby’s arrival.

All details and booking link HERE

Matrescence Workshop: the Fourth Trimester workshop

Matrescence Workshop: the Fourth Trimester workshop

This July myself and Julie Lee are launching our new Matrescence workshops – these thought provoking workshops are for mothers negotiating the emotional reality of early motherhood.

Over 2 hours we will offer a supportive and inclusive space for you to relax and have the space to focus on this new period in your life you have entered. This supportive group will help you feel less alone in the fourth trimester.

  • Gently normalise matrescence, explore shame, and challenge unrealistic expectations.
  • Rebuild self-trust and confidence, with simple, practical tools you can use right away.

You will leave with:

  • More clarity on your body and mind, words for unspoken experiences and practical tools for boundaries, comparison and self-trust
  • plus a FREE copy of ‘The Things We Talk About in Therapy’, a practical self-help book written by Julie Lee.

Book your place here x

South Devon Baby Massage courses

Since I launched my classes at my new venue in South Devon (www.themulberryrooms.com) they have steadily become very popular and I am now holding them every week, which is amazing.

I love teaching baby massage, not only is it wonderful to see all the babies relax and enjoy receiving the massage strokes, it’s just a beautiful thing to see parents bond further and get to know their little ones through positive touch.

When are my classes?
They run for 5 consecutive week every Friday and start at the beginning of each month.

You can see all of the upcoming courses here https://www.bumpbirthbabyuk.com/book-now/

 

 

Bath classes update: June 2025

As of June 2025 we are putting our Baby Massage classes on hold as our fabulous teacher, Olivia Tanner, is leaving the team after 2 glorious years teaching for us. Livvie is leaving as she has increased her other workload and sadly has to give up teaching for now.

We are planning to start the classes again soon, so watch this space!

*NEW* Baby Massage course in South Devon

New venue news – Abbotkerswell, Devon

I am absolutely delighted to have opened my own venue along with my husband, in the gorgeous village of Abbotskerwell, near Newton Abbot, Devon……www.themulberryrooms.com

I will be working here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday offering all my maternity services – Pregnancy massage (pre & post), Hypnobirthing courses, Baby Massage, as well as Breast feeding support.

You can make a booking via this link and you can also read all about the venue here The Mulberry Rooms

I look forward to seeing you there! To see my availability for Baby Massage and Hypnobirthing, please click here

Livvie, our new baby massage instructor

This summer we welcomed Livvie to your team. Livvie is a baby massage teacher as well as massage therapist and is part of our BumpBirthBaby team offering pregnancy massage.

Our weekly courses are run from our central venue on George Street and last around 75 minutes. Here you can relax with your baby, learn something new and beneficial for them, and you, and meet new parents, all in a fun and friendly environment

Find out about our course dates here

 

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