Pre-conception advice (advice on how to be healthy before you become pregnant) is available at the surgery. It is sensible to have a check for Rubella (German Measles) before starting a family; since this can cause problems for the unborn child.
Specialist advice can be obtained from your Doctor or Health Visitor.
When you find out you are pregnant you do not need to see a GP or Nurse to register your pregnancy. You will need to complete an online self referral form which you can access via the link below:
https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/services/maternity/pregnancy/book/
Programme of care:
On confirmation of pregnancy, an appointment is made for the patient to see the GP for the relevant paperwork to be completed and the Midwife is informed.
8-10 weeks: The Midwife arranges to see patient at home to discuss whether to have midwife-led care or shared consultant care. The patient is generally referred to hospital for scan.
16 weeks: Seen by midwife at surgery.
20 weeks: Hospital scan.
Thereafter the patient is seen by midwife, as considered necessary.
36 weeks: Seen at home by midwife to discuss the birth, pain relief, what to take into hospital, etc.
At term 7 days: Referred to consultant for assessment and consideration of induction of labour.
The GP will support the patient and midwife during the pregnancy. The GP will be notified:
- of any patient requesting a home delivery
- immediately of any problems, concerns or unusual events.
- of any hospital discharge as soon as possible.
After baby is born:
The Midwife will visit most days during the 4/5 days following delivery if patient is at home, subsequent home visit(s) from the midwife will be at the discretion of the midwife in consultation with patient. The patient is reminded to make post-natal appointment at the surgery 6-8 weeks post delivery.
10/14 days following delivery: A Health Visitor will do a growth assessment of baby, health needs assessment of mother and baby, Edinburgh post-natal score and discuss bonding and health promotion.
The Health Visitor will generally make weekly home visits for first 6 weeks.
6-8 weeks post delivery: The GP will see patient and baby for post-natal 6 week check and the Health Visitor will arrange appointment for first immunisations for baby.
Pregnancy Vitamins
If you are pregnant please take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day. Ideally you should take this from before you are pregnant until you are 12 weeks pregnant. It is also recommended that you take 10 micrograms (10mcg) of vitamin D a day throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. For pregnant women and people with a BMI 30+, 5mg of folic acid is the recommended dose. Contact your GP for a prescription.
Throughout your pregnancy, you will have a number of consultations either at home, at the surgery or at St Richards Hospital. Some of the routine checks that may be performed include:
Checking up on your blood pressure
Palpation – feeling your tummy
Listening to your baby’s heart
Questions on your baby’s movements
Taking a urine sample test
Swelling in your legs, arms & face
Questions about how you feel
Whilst pregnancy can be a fantastic time, it can also bring worries – we and our midwives are here to help you through the experience.