Health – Maternity Services
Health and pregnancy
If you think you are pregnant, contact your doctor (GP) as soon as possible.
Your local hospital has special services called Maternity services. These are teams of special doctors and nurses called obstetricians and midwives. They work with your doctor (GP) to provide the care you need while you are pregnant. (this is called antenatal care).
During pregnancy and for a year after giving birth, you are entitled to free prescriptions and free dental care.
When you find out you might be pregnant, contact your Doctor first. Do this as soon as you can. Don´t wait and don´t delay! Your midwife or Doctor will discuss your pregnancy and tell you about antenatal appointments and training that you may need. The place where you would like to give birth will also be discussed with you. Your midwife or Doctor will see you for the rest of your antenatal care, and will refer you to see the obstetrician should there be any worries.
If you find you cannot attend an appointment, please tell them as soon as possible so that we can offer the appointment to someone else.
If your pregnancy is unplanned, and you need advice and support, contact Firgrove Crisis Pregnancy Centre on 023 8078 3134.
Any Problems?
The Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) is a unit dedicated to providing care for women with problems in early pregnancy. It is situated at Princess Anne Hospital (PAH) and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Women are welcome to call the unit for advice on 023 8079 8412 or 023 8079 6988.
However, once you have a midwife for antenatal care, your first point of contact for advice should be your midwife or doctor (GP).
Tests
There are a variety of screening tests that may be offered to you during your pregnancy. These are described more fully in the booklet ´Screening Tests for You and Your Baby´, which you should be given at your Doctor (GP) surgery when your pregnancy is confirmed. This booklet is available in Polish at
www.screening.nhs.uk/languages
Important
If you change your name or address during your pregnancy, please let your midwife or doctor know as soon as possible, so that your records can be updated.
Always carry your antenatal notes with you to appointments.
Always inform your midwife if you have seen any other medical professional, had other tests performed, and been prescribed any medication, either here or abroad.