Ready, Steady, Baby!

Welcome to Ready Steady Baby!

Now that you’re expecting, you probably want to know what’s next. Whether this is your first pregnancy, or you’ve been pregnant before, this site guides you through the key phases of your pregnancy and first 12 months with your new baby. We give tips on finding out that you’re pregnant; the stages of labour; and your first days with your new baby.

Pregnant women

You're expecting

Did you know you can now contact a midwife directly as soon as you know you’re pregnant? Pregnancy tests are so accurate you do not need to go to your GP to confirm your results. You can make an appointment to see a midwife straight away. The sooner you see a midwife, the sooner your midwife can help you plan the best care for you and your baby.

Your midwife will guide you through your pregnancy, tell you about the screening tests you will be offered, provide antenatal care and help you right up until after you give birth.

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You're expecting

Your pregnancy

Here you can find out everything you need to know about getting yourself as prepared as possible for becoming a parent, and giving your baby the best possible start.

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Timeline

Pregnancy timeline

Track your pregnancy here. Find out how you and your baby are doing week-by-week.

Your pregnancy

Labour and birth

Knowing what may happen during labour will help you feel prepared. Labour is different for every woman – and often for every baby she has. Health professionals describe it as being in three stages. Knowing what is likely to happen during each stage will help you plan and prepare for your baby's arrival – something you may feel both excited and nervous about at the same time.

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Labout and birth

First days together

In the first few days after the birth, you and your new baby are getting to know each other. There's a huge amount to learn – find out more about the best way to feed your baby, what practical steps you will need to take, and how you may be feeling.

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First days together

Growing together

Being a parent is exciting – but at times you may feel anxious. Here you can learn about what to expect from your growing baby, as well as information on immunisations, postnatal depression and weaning.

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Growing together