GP Rob says: For the best chance of healthy sperm, a man shouldn't smoke or use recreational drugs. Ideally he should also refrain from consuming alcohol, or keep consumption to a minimum.Eating healthily is imortant, as sperm need vitamins A, C and E, and the minerals zinc and s...

Obstetrician Leonie says: Sometimes it takes three to six months for periods to return to normal after coming off the Pill. However, if they haven't returned after six months, there's likely to be a medical reason, and it usually means ovulation isn't taking place.Stress, excessi...

Women who are stressed while trying to conceive are more likely to have girls, suggests a study by researchers from Oxford University.The research showed that future mums-to-be facing pressure at home, at work or in their relationships in the months before pregnancy were as much ...

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel still have the glow of newlyweds about them, but thoughts are already said to be turning to babies. Jessica recently hinted that she’s already considered, and dashed, baby name ideas. Jessica joked, “If I got a dollar ever time someone told me t...

An amazing video has revealed footage of a baby yawning in the womb. Researchers believe that 4D ultrasound scans that capture unborn babies yawning may help doctors monitor a baby's development in the womb, and could be used as an indicator of a baby’s health, reports The Guardi...

Childbirth, like babies, comes in all different shapes and sizes, but scientists in Liverpool are keen to find more ways to predict how a birth is going to be. The Liverpool-based scientists say we wouldn’t put up with such irregularities with any other organ and are already maki...

Obstetrician Leonie says: If you have an irregular cycle, it is more difficult to know when you are at your most fertile.Women with polycystic ovaries ovulate less frequently than other women, and in some cycles may not ovulate at all. If you do ovulate, this will have happened 1...

Experienced doula Adela is also a trained midwife and homeopath. Since 2002 she has been working exclusively as a doula and childbirth homeopath.How can a doula help with childbirth? A doula is a supportive birth companion, usually a mother herself, who offers continuous emotiona...

First trimester:Weight gain up to week 13 should be ideally no more than about 5lb (2.3kg). Mid to late pregnancy is when you really start to notice an increase, as your body lays down fat stores for breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid putting on too much, too soon. Second trime...

Got a question about pregnancy, birth or babies that you need to get answered? You're in luck! Babyexpert members have priority access to one of the country's top midwives Jenny Smith, who has agreed to become our own on-site expert midwife. Senior Midwife at Queen Charlotte's Ma...