Fetal movements - how much is enough?
If you’ve ever come to see me when you’re pregnant you will agree that my line of questioning during your visits is predictable. “Are you...
Ignore the hype
A very recent paper published in the JAMA Pediatrics (to see it click HERE) caused panic amongst mothers and hysteria in the media...
Pregnancy's hidden perils
You’re pregnant. You’re excited. You’re terrified. You’re wondering just what the next 9 months is going to bring. What will you have to...
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
The phone rings in the middle of the night. It’s not my father asking me what I’m gonna do with my life – it’s labour ward. The midwife...
Should I have a caesarean section to protect my pelvic floor?
Since 1985 the World Health Organisation (WHO) has considered that the ideal caesarean rate should be 10 to 15%. I’ll stir the pot...
Why on earth would you be an obstetrician and gynaecologist?
A lot of people ask me. “Why on earth would you want to be an obstetrician and gynaecologist?” I ask myself this same question - often....
Confessions of a Birth Plan Sceptic
The best birth plan that was suggested to me by a midwife many years ago was – “Roll with the punches.” I could end this blog now and...
Preeclampsia: early disease, late consequences
Pregnancy is a joyous, wondrous, incredible, revelational time of your life. The bringing of new life into the world is a truly amazing...
Where is my obstetrician!!!??!?!?!
Why was my obstetrician not there for my deilvery???????!!!!!!!! Sometimes this happens when the baby arrives so quickly that even if...
Miscarriage
I was a bit shocked when I recentlyread an article on public perceptions of miscarriage. It was from the USA but I am sure that the...
Screening for Down Syndrome
I spend more time with couples at their first antenatal visit explaining the maze of first trimester screening than I do discussing most...
Pregnancy, vaccination and Whooping Cough
Not that long ago vaccinations and pregnancy were mutually exclusive. Whilst the majority of vaccinations are still not recommended in...
The Power of One
In 1992 I did a 10 week rural attachment to Charleville Hospital. During the time that I was there I was lucky enough to be present...
