Body changes and anatomy

The placenta develops inside the uterus (womb) during pregnancy. It gives your baby nutrients and oxygen. Find out more about the placenta here.

Acne is a common skin condition that usually begins during adolescence. During pregnancy, acne is likely to flare up during the first trimester.

Amniotic fluid protects your baby during pregnancy. Learn what it does, normal levels, how it’s measured and when changes may signal a problem.

From conception to giving birth, your body goes through many physical changes. Learn what happens to your body during pregnancy and labour.

Find out how pregnancy can affect your abdominal muscles and why strengthening them during pregnancy and after birth is important.

Your cervix goes through many changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Find out about your cervix, what it does and why it's important.

Your pelvis helps to carry your growing baby and is tailored for vaginal births. Learn more about the structure and function of the female pelvis.

Read about your pelvic floor, including your perineum, which lies across the bottom of your pelvis and can be damaged during pregnancy and childbirth.

Your uterus is your baby's home during pregnancy. Read how the uterus works and how it changes during pregnancy, labour and after you give birth.

The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. Learn more about its anatomy and role during pregnancy and labour.

Braxton Hicks contractions prepare your body for giving birth. Labour contractions are a sign you are in labour. Learn how to tell the difference.

Braxton Hicks contractions prepare your body for giving birth. Labour contractions are a sign you are in labour. Learn how to tell the difference.

Pregnancy affects your body and can impact your mental health. Hormones play a role in many symptoms. Read about the changes and the help available.

As your pregnancy develops, you may find that you experience changes to your skin. Most of these changes will resolve after you give birth.

Feeling tired or fatigued is quite common during pregnancy. Learn how to look after yourself and when to talk to your doctor or midwife.

Indigestion (dyspepsia) and heartburn are very common during pregnancy. Find out how to recognise, treat and prevent indigestion or ease symptoms.

Linea nigra (or ‘pregnancy line’) is a dark line of skin down the middle of your abdomen. It often develops during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Melasma refers to brown patches that can appear on your skin, often on your face. It's common in pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester.

Moles (melanocytic naevi) are growths of pigment-producing cells on your skin. Moles may grow during pregnancy. Learn when you need to see a doctor.

Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy is sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). Learn more about symptoms, treatment and when to seek help.

Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is a harmless but very itchy rash that starts on your abdomen in late pregnancy. Find out how to relieve the itch.

Prurigo of pregnancy is a harmless, itchy, bumpy rash that may develop during pregnancy. It usually appears in the first or second trimester.

Round ligament pain is common during second trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms can last from minutes to hours, but rest and stretches help manage pain.

The cervix is the neck of the womb that leads to the vagina. People with a short cervix have an above average risk of premature birth.

Stretch marks are very common during pregnancy and they fade over time. Find out why they develop and what you can do to make them less noticeable.

Varicose veins are a normal, but uncomfortable part of pregnancy and usually go away without treatment. Find out here how you can ease the discomfort.