Antenatal Services

This is the care you receive while you're pregnant to make sure you and your baby are as well as possible.

The midwife or doctor providing your antenatal care will:

• check the health of you and your baby
• give you useful information to help you have a healthy pregnancy, including advice about healthy eating, exercise and stopping smoking.
• discuss your options and choices for your care during pregnancy, labour and birth
• answer any questions you may have

If you have special health needs, your midwife, GP or obstetrician may take shared responsibility for your maternity care.

This means they'll all be involved in your care during pregnancy.

Let your midwife know if you have a disability that means you have special requirements for your antenatal appointments or for labour.

Appointments: If you're expecting your first child, you'll have up to 10 antenatal appointments.

If you have had a baby before, you'll have around 7 appointments, but sometimes you may have more – for example, if you develop a medical condition.

You will also receive an antenatal contact from your Health Visitor between 28 – 32 weeks to introduce you to the support you will receive after birth.

For more information, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/essential-pregnancy-information

If you do not speak English, tell your midwife so that they can arrange an interpreter.

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SSBC information pack for expectant and new fathers: Adapting to life with a new baby is a challenge. We've brought together lots of advice to help guide you through life as a new dad. From preparing for labour, feeding, play and looking after you, we have it covered. This guide will help you to prepare yourself for when your baby is born. https://www.smallstepsbigchanges.org.uk/families/dads-zone/an-information-pack-for-new-fathers

Baby Buddy App:   A free multi-award-winning, interactive pregnancy and parenting app, created to support parents, co-parents and caregivers. https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/baby-buddy