Articles

Here I share what I have gathered through almost 2 decades of learning, teaching and supporting women and families, studying birth and listening closely to women’s experiences.

You’ll find writing about pregnancy, birth preparation, hormones, movement, breastfeeding, postnatal recovery and emotional wellbeing — alongside deeper explorations of maternity culture, autonomy and birth in the news.

My work brings together evidence, traditional wisdom, practical experience and a deep trust in women’s bodies.

Take your time here, use the index, follow what speaks to you. And if you would like someone beside you as you prepare for pregnancy, birth or the months beyond, you can explore my classes and support here in the Forest of Dean and online.

Topic Index

These articles have been categorised to the best of my ability!

Open one of the topics below to explore, continue on to explore in date order, or if you’re after something particular and can’t find it let me know here

Pregnancy & Birth, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Papp A, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave Pregnancy & Birth, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Papp A, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave

PAPP-A - Part 2, Placental Physiology, and the Science of Growth

This second part dives deeper into the science behind PAPP-A and the Insulin-Like Growth Factor system — exploring how placental enzymes, blood flow, and vascular growth interact throughout pregnancy.
Aimed at birthkeepers and midwives (but valuable for anyone curious), it unpacks the research, physiology, and evidence behind how lifestyle, nourishment, and calm continue to shape placental health long after the first trimester. 🌿

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Postnatal & Parenthood, Nutrition, Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Pregnancy Complications, Vegan Pregnancy, Keto Pregnancy, Pre-eclampsia, Papp A Emma Gleave Postnatal & Parenthood, Nutrition, Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Pregnancy Complications, Vegan Pregnancy, Keto Pregnancy, Pre-eclampsia, Papp A Emma Gleave

Real Nutrition in Pregnancy: Beyond Supplements, Towards Real Food

Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding times in life. Your body is building not only a baby, but also a placenta, an expanded blood supply, and the reserves you’ll need for birth and breastfeeding. While modern advice often says “just take a prenatal,” the truth is deeper: nutrient density and bioavailability matter most.

In this blog, I explore why certain nutrients — like choline, DHA, iron, zinc, and collagen — are almost impossible to get in sufficient amounts from a vegan diet, and why cravings for animal foods during pregnancy are signs of your body’s wisdom, not weakness. We’ll look at the gaps in vegan nutrition research, the dangers of modern monocropped grains, and how ancestral, wild, and locally-sourced foods can provide everything you and your baby need to thrive.

✨ Plus: a free Yoga Nidra meditation to help you release food guilt, trust your cravings, and reconnect with your body’s instincts.

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Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Pregnancy Massage, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Pelvic Pain, Back Pain, Nausea, Swelling, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Restless Legs, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Reflexology, Hormones, Oxytocin, Birth Choices, Antenatal Classes, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Pregnancy Massage, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Pelvic Pain, Back Pain, Nausea, Swelling, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Restless Legs, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Reflexology, Hormones, Oxytocin, Birth Choices, Antenatal Classes, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave

Safe and Soothing: What to Expect from a Pregnancy Massage with Emma’s Antenatal

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, both physically and emotionally, and self-care becomes more important than ever. A pregnancy massage can be a wonderful way to relieve discomfort, promote relaxation, and connect with your changing body. At Emma’s Antenatal, we take great care to ensure that every massage is tailored to your needs, safe for you and your baby, and an experience you can fully enjoy.

Here’s what you can expect when you book a pregnancy massage with me.

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Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Reflexology, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Swelling, Restless Legs, Back Pain, Nausea, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Anxiety in Pregnancy, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Hormones, Pregnancy Massage, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Reflexology, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Swelling, Restless Legs, Back Pain, Nausea, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Anxiety in Pregnancy, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Hormones, Pregnancy Massage, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave

The Benefits of Pregnancy Reflexology: Relaxation and Relief for Mums-to-Be

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it’s also one that can come with physical discomforts and emotional stress. Reflexology, an ancient practice of applying gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, offers a holistic and non-invasive way to ease many common pregnancy-related issues.

At Emma’s Antenatal, I specialize in pregnancy reflexology, providing mobile treatments that are safe, relaxing, and tailored to your needs. Let’s dive into how reflexology can benefit expectant mothers and what you can expect from a session.

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