Magical Pregnancy and Birth

The following is drawn from a leaflet issued by the St Mungo's Department for Maternity, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, and represents the process of pregnancy and birth as it takes place in the magical world on Light After Darkness.

### Diagnosis

If you think that you may be pregnant, there are a number of ways in which you can seek to confirm this. Book an appointment with a Maternity Healer, and they will offer you the following choices:

* Provide a sample of urine or blood. This can be combined with other ingredients by one of our Potioneers in order to confirm or disprove your suspected pregnancy.
* Undergo a physical examination. This may be somewhat intimate and uncomfortable, but can help in a diagnosis if your pregnancy is far enough advanced. There are a number of signs around the body which Healers will look for.
* More and more witches are opting for Muggle methods of pregnancy testing. These are still effective, but if you intend to pursue a magical route for your pregnancy, it may make it easier for your Healer to provide ongoing care if you choose another option.

### Prenatal

Normally, pregnancy lasts for a period of around forty weeks, counting from the beginning of your last menstrual period. This is a long time, and your body will undergo many changes to prepare itself for childbirth. It is important that you see a Healer regularly during this time in order to ensure that you and your baby have the best possible chance of remaining healthy. Once your pregnancy has been confirmed, your Healer will arrange to see you for a series of further appointments:

* Your first appointment should take place between weeks 8 and 10 of your pregnancy. During this time, further samples will be taken from you to be tested by our Potioneers to ensure that you are healthy. Some diagnostic charms may also be performed by your Healer. As far as possible, you should be cared for by the same Healer throughout your pregnancy. You will be given a number of information leaflets to help you learn about what you can expect. Depending on the results of our diagnostics, you may be prescribed a number of potions to take over the course of your pregnancy.
* Your second appointment should take place between weeks 11 and 14 of your pregnancy. At this point, your Healer will be able to confirm an estimated due date for your baby’s arrival.
* Your third appointment should take place in week 16 of your pregnancy. This is a routine appointment to monitor your health and wellbeing.
* Your fourth appointment should take place between weeks 18 and 21 of your pregnancy. At this point, your Healer can offer you a number of services, which may include identifying the sex of your baby. This can be done in one of two ways:
	+ The Tollin method. This involves enchanting a ring belonging either to you or to the other parent, and allowing it to move freely over your belly. Depending on the direction in which it moves, your Healer will be able to determine your baby’s sex.
	+ The Grannick method. This involves combining samples of both your blood and that of the other parent with a potion which you then consume. From the effects which it causes, your Healer will be able to determine your baby’s sex.

* Your next four appointments will take place between weeks 25 and 26, in week 28, in week 31, and in week 34, respectively. These will be routine appointments to monitor your health and wellbeing.
* Your ninth appointment will take place in week 36 of your pregnancy. During this appointment, you will discuss the options available to you for the birth of your baby. For more information on this, please see ‘BIRTH’ below.
* Your tenth and eleventh appointments will take place in weeks 38 and 40 of your pregnancy, respectively. These will be routine appointments to monitor your health and wellbeing.
* If you have not given birth by week 41 of your pregnancy, you will have an appointment with your Healer to discuss your birth options further.

### Birth

The birth of your baby is a very special moment, and one which you will have put a lot of time and effort into preparing for. It’s very important that you have a detailed discussion with your Healer to ask any questions that you have and talk about what you want to happen. There are several ways in which your baby may be delivered:

* Vaginal birth. This is the most common method by far at St. Mungo’s, and has a very high rate of success. Depending on the size, placement, and disposition of your baby, the delivering Healer may need to use a range of methods in order to help them safely enter the world. These can include the use of Shrinking Spells or other charms designed to adjust your baby in order to make the birth easier for both you and them. Some spells might also be used to reposition the baby inside you, for the same reason. This may be uncomfortable, but will make your delivery much easier.
* Portkey delivery. This is a less common method in which Healers and midwitches may use a Portkey to bring your baby into the outside world. The Portkey will be very small, and you are unlikely even to feel it being inserted. Although the process of delivery in this way can be somewhat painful, it will be very brief, and Healers will make sure that both you and your baby are as safe as possible.
* Caesarean section. This is a highly uncommon method of delivery at St. Mungo’s. It is a concept taken from Muggle surgeons, whereby an incision is made in your belly and your baby is lifted out through it. Due to the use of Severing Charms and the more intrusive nature of the procedure, you may need to remain at the hospital for a longer time following the birth if you have your baby by this method. Risks with this procedure are higher than the risks of other options, and it will be performed only where Healers feel that it is in the best interests of you and your baby.

### Post-Natal

After having your baby, you are likely to be able to go home the same day or the day after the birth, so long as both you and your baby are healthy. If you have had a Caesarean section, you may need to stay at the hospital and be monitored for a few days to ensure that you are recovering well. During the time after the birth, both you and your baby will be examined by your Healer, and a number of standard tests will be done to check on your health. Your Healer and midwitches will ask for any questions that you may have, and you will be given advice and support with feeding your baby in whatever manner you choose. If you have any concerns regarding caring for your baby more generally, they will be able to direct you to support groups or offer you information themselves.

If your baby is premature, or suffers from another health problem at birth, they may need to remain at the hospital in our Magical Neonatal Care Unit. You will be able to visit them regularly, and staff will support you in interacting with your baby as much as possible with regard to their condition.

For the first two weeks after you take your baby home, caring for you both is the responsibility of your Healer and/or midwitches. If you have any concerns during this time, you should get in touch with them. They may be able to answer any questions via owl, or they may ask you to come in for an appointment. It’s best to get in touch as soon as you are worried, as any problems are likely to be more easily solved if addressed early. After this time, your baby's care will be transferred to the Paediatric Department. Your Maternity Healer will meet with the Paediatric Healer you are assigned to and pass on any notes. They may also ask you to attend this meeting, so that you can be introduced to the new Healer.

### Potions and Spells in Pregnancy and Motherhood

Many spells and potions which are commonly available will be unsuitable for witches who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to one or more of their ingredients. You should consult with your Healer if you are unsure at any stage.

However, your Healer will be able to prescribe you a range of potions to alleviate pregnancy symptoms if you require them. These might include treatments for morning sickness, soreness, or tiredness, for example. They will also be able to prescribe you potions to deal with any conditions or potential causes for concern that might be identified through pregnancy screening tests. It is important that you take these potions regularly, as they will help to keep both you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy.

It is very important that you do not undertake any form of Human Transfiguration on yourself during your pregnancy. Neither should you take Polyjuice Potion, or any substance with similar effects. Metamorphmagi should refrain from transformation between the neck and the knees.

### Pregnancy and Employment

With the exception of professional athletes, parents who have employee status in the wizarding world are entitled to a total of 54 weeks parental leave between them. The guaranteed parental leave can be divided however you choose, but it is important that you inform your employers as soon as possible of how long you intend to be away from work for. Most employers require at least one month’s notice before you start your parental leave, but this may vary. Make sure to check your employer’s policy. Employers should also provide reasonable time off to attend medical appointments before the birth. However, it may be sensible and more convenient for you to schedule these appointments at times when you are not working. Once you return to work, employers should make reasonable provision for you to  deal with childcare, and to express milk if this is necessary. Further information is available in our leaflet MM53: Magical Motherhood & the Workplace.

Professional sportspeople, musicians, and the self-employed are not covered by the above information and should contact their HR Officer or equivalent in order to determine their entitlements or discuss a way forward.