Antenatal Care

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 health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. As soon as you have had a positive pregnancy test, we recommend you start taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements. Your local pharmacy can advise you on how much to take.

Ready Steady Baby!

Non-urgent advice: 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. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the Midwife at the Hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.

Non-urgent advice: 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.
Speak to your midwife to find out the local arrangements for the vaccinations you’ll be offered during pregnancy. They’ll be able to advise you on how to arrange your appointments.
Read more about vaccinations during pregnancy

Your booking appointment (booking visit)

Your first main appointment is your booking appointment (booking visit) with your midwife. It normally takes place between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.

These are midwife-led clinics run by midwives from the Royal Infirmary Maternity Unit. If you have recently found out you are pregnant, please contact the midwives on 0300 7900 628.

Arrange your antenatal appointment

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.

What is Healthy Start?