Our pregnancy publications

We are uniquely placed to provide credible research-based information to pregnant women.

With our research background and close connections to a range of health professionals, we are uniquely placed to provide objective, credible information to pregnant women.

We publish a range of books and leaflets that focus on keeping women informed and healthy before and throughout their pregnancies and support them in having healthy babies.

Our books and leaflets are sent out free of charge and are available to everyone.

We are also developing a new guide for pregnant teenagers, who can be at higher risk of having pregnancy complications and less healthy babies. The guide will provide them with sound advice to support them in helping to keep their unborn baby as healthy as possible. This guide will also be available free of charge.

Tommy's Guide to Being Pregnant

Tommy's Guide to Being Pregnant is packed with information about what to do when you first find out you're pregnant, what happens at antenatal appointments throughout pregnancy, and physical and emotional changes to expect with body changes.

Foreword

The coming months hold a host of new experiences for you and your family.  Whether you planned your pregnancy, and have been looking forward to the adventures it will bring, or it was something of a surprise, you are commencing a journey which will bring many changes.  Our guide will help you get ready, giving you all you need to know about what's happening to your body and your new baby.

Packed with easy-to-read articles about physical changes, descriptions about who is there to help you and how, and real life stories of others' pregnancies, this guide will answer all your questions and more.

Through all the joys and challenges your pregnancy brings, we aim to show you the best ways to have a healthy, happy nince months, giving your baby the best possible chance of being born healthy and strong.

Order a copy of Tommy's Guide to Being Pregnant

Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

Tommy's guide to Planning for a Health Pregnancy has been developed to be informative for all parents-to-be, helping them to get themselves in the best shape possible before trying for a baby. It is packed with different features such as quizzes, charts to complete, plus the opportunity to read about other people's experiences.

Foreword

Whether you're thinking about having your first baby, or adding to an existing family, this book is for you.

Planning a pregnancy is an exciting and anxious time. Getting your body into the best possible shape is crucial for having an easier, healthier pregnancy and giving your baby the best start in life.

This book is packed with information, tips and facts on all aspects of preparing for pregnancy, including advice on diet, exercise and conception - for men as well as women. It has been written and checked by a range of medical professionals, each with expertise in a different aspect of pregnancy, to make sure you have the definitive guide to what to do and what to avoid.

You will also get the benefit of the experience of other parents-to-be through our range of case studies, detailing the personal accounts of other couples who have been through pre-pregnancy and come out on the other side.

We hope that you enjoy the journey!

Order a copy of our guide to Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy.

Our Leaflets

Along with our 2 main guides, we offer a number of shorter leaflets and booklets relating to specific pregnany topics. 

You can download any of the below leaflets by clicking on the title or using the links in the pink box at the top of this page.  Please note: the Healthy Pregnancy - A Guide for Parents-to-be is a large file, and may take a couple of minutes to download.

Healthy Pregnancy - A Guide for Parents-to-be

This booklet is for you if you are planning to have a baby or are already pregnant.  Whether you're a first-time mum or have been there before, you will want to look after yourself over the next few months.  Tommy's aim is to give every baby the best start in life by providing information to parents about health during pregnancy. This booklet contains useful tips to help you through a healthy pregnancy.

Topics covered include diet, folic acid, alcohol, smoking, drugs, toxoplasmosis, exercise, stress antenatal appointments and contacting your midwife or doctor.

Premature Labour - Information for Parents

This leaflet aims to provide information about premature labour and premature birth to help understand what the causes might be and what can be done about it.  The information is based upon the most recent research available.

Contents include What is premature labour?, Avoiding Premature labour and Premature labour care.

Premature Labour - Information for Midwives

This leaflet aims to provide a brief overview of currently available research evidence to inform practice.  It has been produced in conjunction with the aforementioned leaflet for parents to provide women at risk of going into premature labour with information and support to increase their confidence in having a healthy pregnancy and increase their ability to reduce the preventable risks of having a premature baby.

Contents include What is premature labour?, Antenatal care, Management of preterm labour and References.

When a Baby Dies - Information for Parents, Family Members and Friends

The information in this leaflet was written by Dr Jane Horti with the help of the Stillbirth Working Group - a group of strong, courageous and generous women who shared their own experiences of losing their babies in order that this work could be as helpful to as many as possible.

Contents include Coping with the physical aspects, Parents and their feelings, The effect on the family, The effect on other children, How can friends and family help?, Creating memories and Seeking help.

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy

This leaflet provides information on the infection Toxoplasmosis, and specifically it's associated risks during pregnancy.

Contents include What is toxoplasmosis?, What are the effects of toxoplasmosis?, Blood tests, Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy and foetal damage, Testing a baby for congenital toxoplasmosis after birth and How to avoid catching toxoplasmosis.

You can order a printed copy of any of our leaflets by visiting our publications order form.