Obstetric Care

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Obstetric Care

London obstetrician providing personalised maternity care to take you seamlessly and safely through each of your three trimesters of pregnancy and beyond.

Professor Savvidou's knowledge and expertise will help ensure your pregnancy is a wonderfully reward

29/07/2026

After birth, one of the first things your midwife will discuss with you is vitamin K for your baby. It's a routine recommendation that helps protect newborns against a rare but serious condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).

Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting, but babies are born with naturally low levels because:
• Only small amounts cross the placenta during pregnancy
• Their gut has not yet developed the bacteria that help produce vitamin K
• Breast milk contains relatively low amounts

Vitamin K is safe, well-researched, and widely recommended by the NHS and leading obstetric bodies. It's one of the simplest ways to protect your newborn in those precious early days - reducing the risk of unexpected bleeding, particularly in the brain or other vital organs.

There are two ways vitamin K can be given:
💉 A single injection into your baby's thigh shortly after birth (the most effective option)
💊 Oral drops, which requires several doses over the first weeks of life

Your healthcare team will discuss both options with you, answer any questions you may have, and support you in making an informed decision for your baby.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are committed to providing clear, evidence-based information to help you feel confident throughout your pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

24/07/2026

The first hour after your baby is born is often referred to as the "Golden Hour". During this special time, you and your baby begin bonding, while your healthcare team supports a smooth transition to life outside the womb.

Whenever possible, your baby will be placed directly onto your chest for skin-to-skin contact. This simple but powerful moment offers many benefits for both mother and baby.

Research has shown that skin-to-skin contact during the Golden Hour can help:
• Regulate your baby's temperature, heart rate and breathing
• Help with breastfeeding and milk production
• Reduce stress for both mother and baby
• Promote bonding and emotional wellbeing
• Support your baby's natural adaptation to life outside the womb

After some time of skin-to-skin contact, your baby might show signs of wanting to feed. Every baby is different, but signs include:
• Moving around more
• Sticking out their tongue
• Bobbing their head.

The Golden Hour is also an opportunity for your healthcare team to carry out any necessary observations while keeping you and your baby together wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Every birth is unique, and there are occasions when immediate medical care means the Golden Hour may need to be adapted. If this happens, your healthcare team will always prioritise the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby, and skin-to-skin contact will begin as soon as it is safe.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are committed to supporting a positive birth experience and helping families enjoy those precious first moments together.

21/07/2026

🤰💜 Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) - Is It Right for You?

If you've had a previous caesarean section, you may still be able to have a vaginal birth with your next baby. For many women, a VBAC is a safe and successful option.

✨ In our latest blog, we explain:
✔️ What a VBAC is
✔️ Who may be a good candidate
✔️ The benefits and potential risks
✔️ When a repeat caesarean may be the safer choice
✔️ How specialist obstetric care helps you make the right decision

Every pregnancy is different, and there's no single "best" option. The most important thing is making an informed decision based on your medical history, your current pregnancy, and your personal preferences.

📖 Find out more at https://www.obstetric-care.com/pregnancy-advice/vaginal-birth-after-caesarean-vbac-is-it-right-for-you

💬 At Obstetric Care, Professor Mina Savvidou takes the time to discuss all of your birth options, providing expert, personalised advice to help you choose the safest and most appropriate plan for you and your baby.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 obstetric-care.com

17/07/2026

During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches the abdominal muscles to make room for your developing baby. For many women, this can result in a separation of the muscles running down the centre of the abdomen, known as diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti is very common during and after pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate a problem.

You may notice:
• A gap or bulge along the middle of the abdomen
• A feeling of reduced core strength
• Difficulty engaging the abdominal muscles
• Changes in posture or back discomfort

For most women the abdominal muscles gradually return to normal after birth.

To support recovery:
• Avoid rushing back into strenuous exercise
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Perform regular pelvic floor and deep stomach muscle exercises

You can check the size of the separation with this simple technique:
1. Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Raise your shoulders off the floor slightly and look down at your tummy.
3. Using the tips of your fingers, feel between the edges of the muscles, above and below your belly button. See how many fingers you can fit into the gap between your muscles.

Do this regularly to check that the gap is gradually getting smaller. Some women also have abdominal pain or discomfort. Pilates exercises from six weeks onwards are very helpful for strengthening your core and improving the diastasis.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are here to support you through pregnancy and the postnatal period with personalised advice and expert care.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 obstetric-care.com

14/07/2026

A cervical cerclage is a procedure used in some pregnancies to help reduce the risk of premature birth. It involves placing a stitch around the cervix (the neck of the womb) to prevent the cervix opening too early in pregnancy.

A cerclage may be recommended if:
• You have had a premature birth in a previous pregnancy
• Ultrasound scans show that the cervix is shortening earlier than expected
• There are concerns about cervical weakness in pregnancy

The procedure is usually performed in hospital and most women are able to return home the same day.

Not everyone at risk of premature birth will require a cerclage, and decisions are made on an individual basis after careful assessment of your medical history and pregnancy.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team provide expert assessment and personalised care for women with both straightforward and more complex pregnancies.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://www.obstetric-care.com

10/07/2026

The pelvic girdle is a ring-like group of bones at the base of the spine that connects the spine to the legs and helps support the weight of the upper body. During pregnancy, it plays an important role in supporting your growing baby and adapting to changes in posture and balance.

The pelvic girdle includes:
• Two hip bones
• The sacrum
• The coccyx

During pregnancy, hormones help soften and relax the ligaments around the pelvis in preparation for birth. While this is a normal and important process, it can sometimes make the pelvis feel less stable and cause discomfort and pain, known as pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

You may notice:
• Pain around the hips, buttocks or lower back
• Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs or turning in bed
• A feeling of instability in the pelvis

Simple measures that may help include:
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
• Put equal weight on each leg when standing
• Keep the knees together when getting in and out of a car or bed
• Sit down when getting dressed or undressed
• Take smaller steps when walking
• Remain active within comfortable limits

If pelvic pain is affecting your daily activities, speak with your healthcare professional, as support and treatment options are available.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are here to support you through the physical changes of pregnancy with practical, personalised advice at every stage.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 obstetric-care.com

08/07/2026

Many women notice gentle, repetitive movements during pregnancy that feel different from kicks or stretches. These may be baby hiccups - a common and completely normal part of development.

Baby hiccups in the womb are thought to happen as your baby practises breathing movements and develops the muscles involved in breathing and swallowing.

They are often described as:
• Rhythmic jerking movements
• Lasting a few minutes at a time
• Feeling different from stronger kicks, rolls or stretches

Some women notice them more often later in pregnancy, while others may not notice them at all.

Every baby's movement pattern is unique, and hiccups are usually nothing to worry about. However, it remains important to become familiar with your baby's usual pattern of movements and seek advice if you notice a significant change or reduction. Hiccups do not count towards your baby's daily fetal movements.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are here to support you through every stage of pregnancy with clear, personalised advice and expert care.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 obstetric-care.com

03/07/2026

Vernix caseosa is the soft, white, creamy coating that covers a baby's skin while in the womb and sometimes remains after delivery.

Vernix begins developing during pregnancy and plays several important roles in protecting your baby, including:
• Helping protect delicate skin from prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid
• Supporting temperature regulation after birth
• Providing a protective barrier against bacteria
• Helping to moisturise and protect newborn skin

After birth, small amounts of vernix on the skin are completely normal. Allowing it to absorb naturally into the skin can help support your baby's natural skin barrier.

Every newborn is different, and how much vernix is present can vary widely.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are here to guide you through pregnancy, birth and newborn care with expert, personalised support.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 obstetric-care.com

01/07/2026

As pregnancy progresses, many women notice a sudden burst of motivation to clean, organise or prepare for their baby’s arrival. This is often referred to as the "nesting instinct" and can be a very normal part of late pregnancy.

For some, nesting might involve:
• Organising baby clothes or the nursery
• Batch cooking meals
• Tidying, cleaning or feeling a stronger need for organisation

While the exact cause is not fully understood, nesting may be linked to hormonal changes, emotional preparation for parenthood, and a natural instinct to create a safe and comfortable environment for a new baby.

Every pregnancy is different, some women feel a strong nesting urge, while others don't notice it at all.

If you do find yourself suddenly full of energy, it's important to listen to your body:
• Pace yourself and take breaks
• Avoid overexertion or heavy lifting
• Ask for help when needed

Preparing for your baby can be exciting, but rest and self-care remain important too.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are here to support you through every stage of pregnancy with practical, personalised advice and compassionate care.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]
🌐 obstetric-care.com

26/06/2026

As your baby grows, the shape and balance of your body naturally changes too. During pregnancy, your centre of gravity gradually shifts forwards and upward as your bump grows, which can affect posture, balance and the way you move.

You may notice:
• Feeling slightly less steady on your feet
• Changes in posture, including a more curved lower back
• New aches or discomfort in the lower back, hips or pelvis
• Feeling less comfortable standing for long periods

These changes happen because your body is adapting to carry extra weight and maintain balance. Pregnancy hormones can also relax joints and ligaments, particularly around the pelvis, which may contribute to discomfort or instability.

Simple ways to support your body:
• Stand and walk tall with your shoulders relaxed
• Sit well back in your chair with both feet flat on the floor
• Move more slowly when changing position
• Stand with weight evenly balanced
• Avoid heavy lifting or sudden twisting movements

If you experience significant pain, difficulty walking, or pelvic instability affecting daily activities, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional.

At Obstetric Care, Professor Savvidou and the team are here to support you through the physical changes of pregnancy with practical, personalised advice every step of the way.

For Appointments:
📞 +44 (0)7590 928974
📧 [email protected]

Address

The Kensington Wing, Chelsea And Westminster Hospital
London
SW109NH

Website

https://www.obstetric-care.com/

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