Dr Keith Duncan One of the questions I’m asked most often – usually at the very first appointment – is simply: what happens next? Pregnancy comes with a long list of scans, tests and check-ups, and it can be hard to keep track of what’s coming and why. So here is the timeline I follow with the women … Read the pregnancy week-by-week guide
These days, prospective parents are increasingly choosing private maternity care over NHS care, and perhaps you are too. Patients put a high value on receiving personalised care from a leading consultant obstetrician, but it is important to understand the costs involved and as such, this transparent guide allows for informed decision-making. The main point to … Read the private maternity care costs guide
I have been a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist for over 30 years, have delivered more than 4,000 babies both in NHS and in other private hospitals, and I am delighted to practice and deliver exclusively at The Portland now. The Portland Hospital is the only private hospital in the UK dedicated to the care of … Learn about delivery at The Portland Hospital
A birth plan is your way of expressing your preferences and priorities for the sort of birth you would like. By writing down what you want to happen, and what you’d ideally hope to avoid, you can communicate your thoughts and wishes to me and the team who will care for you and help you … Read the birth plan guide
The changing body shape, rapidly expanding bump and the hormones raging around conspire to ensure that loads of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. They seem to appear overnight; you may feel a little itchy, your skin can look thin and the next minute you’re covered in red stripes. When your skin is stretched harder … Learn about preventing pregnancy stretch marks
They say that having twins is ‘double the trouble and twice the joy’. It’s completely understandable that known risks associated with a twin pregnancy can cause some anxiety, however, with the right support and guidance from a highly-experienced obstetrician with specialist interests in maternal and fetal medicine, you can stay healthy, protect your growing babies, … Read Dr Duncan’s twin pregnancy guide
Lots of evidence suggests that often our diets alone may not provide everything needed to give a child the healthiest start in life. From the first moment of fertilisation your body is nurturing and protecting your baby. A balanced diet is important to provide the vitamins and minerals needed to support this extraordinary process of … Read the pregnancy nutrition guide
There’s a lot to think about when packing your hospital bag, but armed with Dr Duncan’s hospital bag checklist you should have all you need for the birth and for your new baby. It’s very exciting to pack your bag for The Big Day, because after all this time of being pregnant, the birth is … See the hospital bag checklist
Pregnancy can be a great time to enjoy a last romantic break as a couple before baby arrives. Whether it’s a holiday booked before receiving your happy news, or squeezing in a ‘babymoon’. However, lots of women are worried about flying during pregnancy. What are the recommended guidelines for flying when pregnant? As long as … Read the pregnancy travel guide
Throughout pregnancy, you will be offered a number of routine tests and checks to keep a close eye on your health and the development and wellbeing of the little life growing inside you. These tests are not compulsory, so you can choose to refuse them if you wish. They are, however incredibly useful to help … Learn about routine pregnancy checks