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‘Flat Head Syndrome’ (Plagiocephaly)- An Osteopathic View – Mermaid Maternity’s Fiona Greer

‘Flat Head Syndrome’ (Plagiocephaly)- An Osteopathic View What is Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)? Plagiocephaly is the term used when the head becomes flattened on one side, causing the head to look asymmetrical and distorted, often with flattening or bulging on one or both sides.  When the whole of the head becomes flattened at the back this causes a widening of the head, this is known as a Brachycephaly. What causes it? An asymmetrical head shape is usually due to external pressure on the skull such as; Compression in the womb, perhaps due to Uterine fibroids or with twin and multiple […]

Where to have your baby if you are low risk?

Where to have your baby if you are low risk? Good news for those planning a home birth ? A recent study in the Netherlands has reported some potentially good news for those women who are low risk and may be planning a home birth. From 2004 to 2006 details of all the births in the country were studied with particular interest in the risks of maternal complications in labour, according to whether or not the birth was at home, or in the hospital. 146,752 women were identified as being low risk at the onset of labour, and of these […]

Coping with Pregnancy in the Sun

Pregnant women naturally have a slightly decreased tolerance to heat and humidity. This is because their core body temperature is slightly elevated, compared to their non-pregnant state. This is fine in the winter, when they will find they tolerate the lower temperatures often better than their partners and has the added advantage of lower central heating bills. In the summer heat, however, they may find their own central heating will make extended periods of heat and sunshine uncomfortable and occasionally distressing, but is only very rarely a serious problem. The simple and obvious advice is to keep cool, stay out […]

When can I start trying to conceive after a miscarriage?

I had an EPRC following a missed miscarriage/anembryonic pregnancy exactly two weeks ago.  I have had 2 different opinions on when to start trying to get pregnant again.  The consultant sonographer who confirmed the missed miscarriage thought it better to wait for a full cycle but the consultant who carried out the EPRC procedure (at a different hospital) said to start trying straight away if that’s what I want.  Because of having been given two different opinions by qualified people, I wondered what your opinion would be.  Also, given that it is said that you are extra fertile following miscarriage […]

SPD – Can Osteopathy Help?

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction in Pregnancy Simone Ross is an osteopath who specializes in musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy. She believes that pain in pregnancy is common but not normal and can generally be treated effectively with osteopathic treatment. She has over 15 years experience and is runs two busy clinics in Central London. She also has 4 children of her own. http://www.kaneandross.co.uk/   What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)? SPD, also known as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), is defined as mild to severe pain over the pubic symphysis, which can extend down into the groin and medial thighs. Some studies report that up to 50% […]

A Compliment!

A lovely email from one of our readers!  Thank you! I just want to let you know that this is by far the best site I have come across for info. It doesn’t presume knowledge like many other sites do (using all sorts of acronyms) but isn’t full of slushy, gushy, patronising rubbish about how wonderful it is to give life. thank you so much for the down to earth, information that is clearly grounded in experience and scientific evidence.

A Birth Story – Shoulder Dystocia. WARNING – traumatic story but with a great outcome

Many thanks to Sasha of the Happy Baby Blog for sharing her story.   There was a pop and then a splosh as my waters broke. It could have been nothing else, I knew it immediately. As I ran to the bathroom it popped again, and I was suddenly standing with a puddle of water at my feet on the cold tiles. My waters. And so it begins. Our first schoolboy error was to get over-excited. It was 3.45am for god sake, and contractions turned out to only start the next evening, but we were excited and nervous and The Chef […]

Dying in Pregnancy and Childbirth

Thanks to modern medicine and education, women in the UK rarely die in pregnancy in childbirth.  However, in rural parts of Ethiopia 1 in 21 women die in pregnancy and childbirth.  This is a horrific figure if you really stop to think about it. “The Doctor”, Roger is taking a team to Ethiopia in May to help train medical staff in emergency maternity care.  This will be his third trip. If you have found this site helpful during your pregnancy or have asked Roger a question which has been answered and would like to show your thanks then please do […]

Two grandsons for the Doctor!

The doctor’s two daughters have produced two baby boys in they past few weeks! Rebecca gave birth to Augustus (Gus) on February 24th (6lb 11oz) Sophie gave birth to Oswald (Ossie) yesterday, April 25th (7lb  8oz) , even more special as it is his big sister’s birthday! Photos to follow….    

Cone biopsy, loop diathermy – premature labour?

I have had a cone biopsy and my cervix measures 3cm. Do I need to be concerned about premature labour. I am now 28 weeks should I stop exercising and is there other measures I should take? A cervical length of 3 cms is normal and,  by itself , is not a risk factor for preterm labour . You have reached 28 weeks , so have already missed an extremely premature birth. Even if you delivered tomorrow, your baby would have more than a 90% chance of a healthy survival Cone biopsy is rarely performed . Its much more likely […]