So I spent the last 10 weeks redeployed to maternity through COVID and wanted to share some of the things I've learned.

I'm by no means insinuating that I'm an expert in women's health, but wanted to share some thoughts based on my experience.

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Pregnancy is seen as 'natural' so people tend to perceive obstetric complications as 'normal'. 'Common' and 'normal' aren't the same thing. Please don't dismiss issues just because they're common

Caesarean sections are major surgery. They're stressing to the body and they are by no means 'routine', just because they're fairly common. I watched a CS that was absolutely textbook with no issues at all, and I was stunned at what the woman's body goes through.

Expecting women to hop out of bed and care for one, two, even three or more newborns (plus children that may be at home) after major surgery is *insane*. Cut them some slack and listen to their concerns, however big or small.

I spent a lot of time talking to women about 'minor' complications in pregnancy, such as heartburn, constipation, thrush, pruritus, UTIs, etc. These can be scary, affect women's day-to-day quality of life and make their pregnancy miserable - they're not trivial issues.

I found that listening to their experience of these issues and providing some reassurance, empathy and advice on management, can go a long way.

Pregnancy affects women in different ways physically, but also mentally - I've had women cry to me and say that they don't even know why they're crying, and then those with terrifying obstetric complications that are completely relaxed, or even cheery on the surface.

It's always good to ask open questions, but women are often led to believe that 'women's problems' are to be kept private and will say everything's fine, and sometimes asking about things in particular gives the woman a chance to say 'actually, yes, now that you mention it....'

Nobody wants to take medication in pregnancy, but sometimes it's the better option for both mother and baby. Help women make INFORMED choices. Medications may need to be stopped, but ceasing medication without weighing out the pros vs cons, is never reasonable.

We see this with anti-depressants all of the time. Maybe, the woman has been stable for a long time and feels that actually this would be a good time to wean off, or it may be that discontinuing is too risky and on balance, the safer option is continuing. Have that discussion.

This goes for breastfeeding too. Breastfeeding is GENERALLY ideal and should be encouraged, but it's not the right choice for every mother and baby. Just as breastfeeding mums should be supported in this, so should those that can't.

Pay extra attention to women that are at risk of slipping through the cracks and getting subpar perinatal care. Women that are marginalised, minorities, those that have been abused, those that have sought asylum, the list goes on... They may need more time and more care.

If something doesn't sit right with you, regarding mother or baby, act on it. Even if it's just telling someone more senior than you. Safeguarding those that are vulnerable is everyone's responsibility and it can, quite literally, save lives.

And this goes for all patients, but ask them how their name is pronounced if you're not sure. It must be hard to connect with health care professionals when they're butchering your name.

Again, disclaimer: I'm not an expert in women's health. I'm a trainee pharmacist that has spent the last couple months in maternity and wanted to share some of the things I've learned with my peers.

P.S maternity is crazy and hectic but so rewarding and I've absolutely loved meeting so many women and making a small difference