Telling your Midwife that you are pregnant promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
It’s best to see the midwife 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.
Register for Maternity Care
You can register for maternity care at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. You don’t need to contact your GP, we will be informed by the midwives. Simply register using the Badger notes website (link below). This will notify your midwife team at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who will contact you to arrange an appointment. It is important you do this, where possible, before the 10 weeks stage so that they can arrange your timely scans.
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.
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.
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 as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling them promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
Perinatal Community Mental Health
The Perinatal Mental Health Service provides specialist help and support to birthing people with antenatal or postnatal mental health problems, and to the health professionals involved in their care. The Perinatal Community Team works in close collaboration with; the Maternity Mental Health service and the Mother and Baby specialist inpatient unit (Clover Ward).