This podcast will follow my pregnancy week by week because despite it being my 3rd pregnancy I still worry, google everything and need reassurance so I thought I’d do this series in which I speak to different experts to explore & reassure everybody about what is going on with our bodies and our babies. We will address common concerns and symptoms, what you can do to alleviate them and what is happening with your baby at each stage of the pregnancy.Our main contributors will be two brilliant health professionals - Jess McMicking, a consultant obstetrician and midwife Isabel Bourton, but we’ll also be hearing from sonographers, mental health experts, home birth midwives, reflexologists, doulas, osteopaths the list goes on... And with the help of questions from other pregnant people this podcast aims to cover all aspects of pregnancy and giving birth. ‘Is it Normal? The Pregnancy Podcast’ is a reassuring helping hand, not an instruction manual, and will hopefully ease some of those fears that many pregnant people have, whilst offering them plenty of options to make their own informed decision on how they give birth and most importantly, empower them; a space for frank, open and positive dialogueThe series starts on the 20th of September Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve found out you're pregnant!!! Hello & welcome to ‘Is It Normal?’ the pregnancy podcast. For this first episode I am joined by consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Jess McMicking to talk us through some of the earliest signs of pregnancy & how you might be feeling between 4-6 weeks pregnant.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m joined by consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Jess McMicking to discuss what's happening with your body and your baby between weeks 6-8 of pregnancy. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obstetrician Jess Mcmicking & our resident midwife Isabelle Bourton join me on to discuss weeks 8-10 of your pregnancy. We talk about what to expect in your first midwife appointment, early reassurance scans & lots more. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For weeks 10-12 I’m joined by midwife Isabelle Bourton to discuss what's happening with your body and your baby between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. We talk about the importance of your upcoming 12 week dating scan and much more. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week is a big week, it's time for your dating scan – the very first time you’ll see your baby! In this episode, we chat to sonographer Kate Richardson about what to expect when you go for your first scan & what sonographers are looking for. In addition to this, obstetrician Jess McMicking joins me to talk about what's going on with your body and your baby at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy. We cover topics such as what foods to eat / avoid when pregnant, taking magnesium to help leg cramps & best sleeping positions. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've just found out you're having twins (or more!) you probably have tons of questions! For this special bonus episode I speak to Marley Hall, a midwife, birth and parenting expert and mother of 5 (including a set of twins) about twin pregnancy and birth. She shares her personal story and gives some invaluable advice on how to look after two babies at once.Marley mentioned https://twinstrust.org/ and https://www.bliss.org.uk as good resources for parents of twins, multiple babies and premature babies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obstetrician Jess McMicking & I discuss topics such as what beauty treatments are safe in pregnancy, placenta previa, heart palpitations, UTI symptoms, how your baby is doing at 14-16 weeks of pregnancy and more.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midwife Issy Bourton joins me on this episode to discuss what to expect at your 16 week midwife appointment, the best time to tell your employer that you’re pregnant, physiotherapy & pregnancy symptoms such as sciatica, pelvic girdle pain, increased blood flow & much more. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we focus on mental health in pregnancy and we're joined by midwife Laura Bridle who specialises in perinatal mental health. She advises on personal well being, where to get support during your pregnancy and postnatally. We also discuss general pregnancy symptoms at weeks 18-20 with our regular midwife Issy Bourton.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP. ORGANISATIONS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ARE:Prosperity’s: https://www.prosperitys.co.uk/Best Beginnings:https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/ Maternal OCD: https://maternalocd.org/Pandas:https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/FIVEXMORE: https://www.fivexmore.com/Maternal Journal: https://www.maternaljournal.org/Mush: https://letsmush.com/the-app/Peanut: https://www.peanut-app.io/Bluebell care: https://bluebellcare.org/Maternity Action: https://maternityaction.org.uk/Pregnant than screwed: https://pregnantthenscrewed.com/Action on postpartum psychosis: https://www.app-network.org/Well-being plan: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/calculators-tools-resources/wellbeing-plan/pregnancy-and-post-birth-wellbeing-plan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re halfway there!! In this episode we talk about weeks 20-22 of your pregnancy. Sonographer Kate Richardson is back to talk about what happens at your 20 week anomaly scan where they look at your baby in great detail. We of course continue to discuss common symptoms at this point in pregnancy with our resident obstetrician Jess McMicking.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting a good night’s sleep is something many of us can struggle with, especially if you’re pregnant or have young children, so we’ve partnered with John Lewis, who have an amazing sleep range and even offer a free virtual sleep appointment service to help you create your perfect sleep cocoon. In this fascinating bonus episode we talk to sleep expert, Dr Guy Meadows, about good sleep habits, what to do if you are having a sleepless night, how to encourage your new born baby into a sleep routine and how much sleep we actually need.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode our regular obstetrician Jess McMicking and I discuss topics such as the baby's movements, placenta previa and how your baby is developing at 22-24 weeks of pregnancy.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midwife Issy Bourton is back with me on this episode to discuss what to expect at your 25 week midwife appointment, vaccinations, traveling when pregnant and lots more.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hopefully you’re feeling OK - things are probably starting to feel very real around about now! In this episode, obstetrician Jess McMicking & I discuss gestational diabetes & screening for this around week 28. We also talk about common symptoms such as heartburn & indigestion, hot flushes & weight gain. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode about premature birth Jessie is joined by her friend Sarah Carr who gave birth to her son Wilf at 29 weeks plus 5 days pregnant. They talk about her experience of giving birth prematurely and what it was like being in the neonatal intensive care unit with her son. Jessie is also joined by Katharine Jamieson, a neonatal intensive care consultant. Katherine explains what to expect if you do go into labour before 37 weeks and what special care a baby may need if they are born prematurely. Here are some useful resources: Bliss - a national charity that has lots of fantastic information and support resources:https://www.bliss.org.uk/Tommy's - a charity supporting research into the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, also has some great parent information - https://www.tommys.org/Best Beginnings - has some video resources on premature babies, breastfeeding and pregnancy related mental health issues - https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/ Pandas Gives support to people coping with pre and postnatal mental illnesses - https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/Twins Trust Support for families with twins, triplets and more - https://twinstrust.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ve made it to the third trimester. Congratulations! In this episode I’m joined by Obstetrician Jess McMicking to discuss what's happening with your body and your baby between weeks 28-30 weeks of pregnancy. Topics include rib pain, insomnia, rhesus negative blood type & much more.From this point onwards, as we ramp up towards the big day, we’ll be covering each individual week of pregnancy. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’re probably starting to think about the birth itself now, so in this episode I discuss place of birth and the different options available to you with midwife Issy Bourton. I am also joined by a special guest, Francine Chang who is a home birth midwife, to talk about the option of having your baby at home. You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In addition to common symptoms around week 32 of pregnancy, Obstetrician Jess McMicking talks about caesarean delivery (C-Section)You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcast*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by special guest Siobhan Miller for this episode. Siobhan is the founder of ‘The Positive Birth Company’ and we discuss hypnobirthing & meditation.Obstetrician Jess McMicking is also back to talk about what's going on with your baby and your body at 33 weeks.You can purchase & download the full 40 week series (which includes 24 episodes) plus early access to bonus episodes at www.isitnormalpodcast.comFollow us on instagram here: @isitnormalpodcastLearn more about The Positive Birth Company here: https://thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk/*This podcast is intended as an informative discussion around general issues related to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. If you have any questions or concerns relating to your health and pregnancy it is important to contact your midwife or GP.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.