Self Refer for Maternity Services
What is Antenatal Care?
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 and exercise
- discuss your options and choices for your care during pregnancy, labour and birth
- answer any questions you may have
If you’re pregnant in England you will be offered:
- 2 pregnancy ultrasound scans at 11 to 14 weeks and 18 to 21 weeks
- antenatal screening tests to find out the chance of your baby having certain conditions, such as Down’s syndrome
- blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B
- screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia
You may also be offered antenatal classes, including breastfeeding workshops.
Ask your midwife about classes in our area.
Starting Antenatal Care
You can book an appointment with your midwife as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. It’s best to see them 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.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start is a government initiative designed to enhance the health of pregnant women, mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18, and children under the age of 5.
Families participating in the scheme receive vouchers that can be used to purchase milk (including infant formula), fresh fruits, and vegetables.