PREGNANT? USE THESE SIX STEPS

1. SPEAK UP

If you feel like something isn’t right, make sure you speak to a medical professional and don’t stay silent.

2. FIND AN ADVOCATE

FOR YOURSELF. This could be your partner, a family member or a trusted friend that can speak on your behalf if need be.

3. SEEK A SECOND OPINION

You are allowed to ask for a second opinion of another medical professional if you feel you need to.

4. TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING

And speak up. Your gut feelings are almost always right. Don’t ignore them. You know your body better than anyone.

5. DO YOUR RESEARCH

ON PREGNANCY AND LABOUR via trusted sources such as NHS.uk, nice.org.uk and patient.info

6. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

We recommend you to make sure that any treatment or medication you are given or refused is written down in your maternity notes by your doctor or midwife stating their name and reason why.

Go a step further and keep your own personal journal and write down all the information for your own cross reference.