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Antenatal Care

Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your Midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.

It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.

Midwife

The Midwife works with the Doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before birth and for ten days after the baby is delivered.

The role of the midwife

A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.

They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.

The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.

When you are pregnant

Please make an appointment with your own GP or a Practice Nurse as soon as possible once you have confirmed pregnancy with a test at home. Pregnancy tests can be purchased from the pharmacy or supermarket.

The next step is to refer you to the antenatal clinic. You have a choice of most of the local hospitals, but most people choose to have their care through the Royal London Hospital. This means you can have your midwife appointments at the practice and may have the option of having your baby at one of our midwife-led birth centres, like The Barkantine.

Your first ‘booking appointment’ will usually take place at The Barkantine and/or Royal London Hospital at around 11 weeks. The midwife will spend time to discuss your previous health and what to expect during your pregnancy.

Care when you are pregnant

Women booked with the Royal London Hospital will usually see the midwife at the practice and attend the hospital for scans.

Please see our Contact Telephone Numbers page for advice on who to call if you have any problems during your pregnancy.

Healthy Start

Healthy Start is a government scheme that aims to improve the health of pregnant women and mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18 years of age and children who are under 5 years of age. Families who are supported by the scheme receive vouchers to spend on milk (including infant formula), fresh fruit and vegetables.

Your antenatal care

When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.

Birth to Five information