Pregnancy can be an exciting but daunting time, with many choices to make and questions to answer.
We aim to help you and your family to have the best possible experience at this special time.
There is lots of information available online and it can be difficult to know what is and isn't good advice. This is why we advise you to use websites endorsed by the NHS or national charities.
If you are less than 16 weeks pregnant contact your GP or go to Accident & Emergency (A&E).
If you have urgent clinical concerns including reduced fetal movements, pain or bleeding contact Maternity Triage on 01892 633500. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need assistance with routine appointments such as scans, antenatal clinic (ANC) appointments or community midwife queries use the numbers below from Monday to Friday, 9am -4pm:
Our patient information library has information and leaflets from national resources which are updated regularly, many of which come in additional languages and easy read guides.There are also multilingual resources available via Mama Academy.
The Bump, Birth and Beyond website has information on your health in pregnancy, your baby's growth and the care you will get.
While you’re pregnant, you’ll normally see a small number of healthcare professionals. You may want to get to know the people caring for you during pregnancy and your birth.
At each appointment, the professionals you see should introduce themselves and explain what they do. If they forget, ask them. Make a note of who you’ve seen and what they’ve said in case you need to discuss something later on.
This page lists the people you’re most likely to meet. Some may have trainee students with them – you’ll be asked if you mind the students being present.
A midwife is an expert in normal pregnancy and birth. Midwives are specially trained to care for mothers and babies throughout normal pregnancy, labour and after the birth. They provide care in hospital or at home.
Increasingly, midwives work both in hospitals and in the community (GP surgeries and home visits) so the same midwife can provide antenatal care and be present at the birth.
The name of the midwife responsible for your care will be in your pregnancy notes. Find out more about things to talk about with your midwife when making your birth plan.
A midwife will look after you during labour if everything is straightforward, and they’ll probably help birth your baby. If any complications develop during your pregnancy or labour you’ll see a doctor as well as being cared for by your midwife. After the birth, you and your baby will be cared for by midwives or maternity support workers.
The head of midwifery can support you if you’re having problems with your care or you feel your wishes are not being considered.
The charity Birthrights has factsheets on your rights and the law in pregnancy and birth that you might find useful.
An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in care during pregnancy, labour and after birth.
Your midwife or GP will refer you to an obstetrician if they have any concerns about your pregnancy – for example, you had a previous complication in pregnancy or have a long-term illness. You can ask to see an obstetrician if you have any concerns you want to discuss.
An anaesthetist is a doctor who specialises in providing pain relief and anaesthesia. If you decide to have an epidural for pain relief during labour, it’ll be given by an anaesthetist. If you need a caesarean section, an anaesthetist will provide the appropriate anaesthesia.
They’ll also be present if you need an epidural for an instrumental delivery, such as with forceps or a vacuum device that helps deliver the baby’s head (ventouse).
A paediatrician is a doctor specialising in the care of babies and children. A paediatrician may check your baby after the birth and they may be present when your baby is born. If your baby has any problems, you’ll be able to discuss these with the paediatrician.
If your baby is born at home or your hospital stay is short, you may not see a paediatrician at all. Your midwife or GP can check on you and your baby.
Neonatal nurses are specially trained to care for babies who are premature or unwell when they’re born. They usually work in specialist neonatal units in the hospital or in the community. They also have an important role in providing support for parents whose babies need neonatal care.
A sonographer is trained to carry out ultrasound scans. A sonographer will perform your:
You may be scanned at other times in your pregnancy.
A maternity support worker undertakes duties in a maternity setting, under the direction and supervision of a registered midwife. Maternity support workers complement the care midwives provide to parents and babies.
Health visitors are trained nurses who support and educate families from pregnancy through to a child’s fifth birthday. You may meet your health visitor before the birth of your baby and in the first few weeks after the birth. You may continue to see your health visitor or a member of the team at home, or at your child health clinic, children’s centre, health centre or GP surgery.
If you have any concerns about special diets or eating healthily – for example, if you develop gestational diabetes – a dietitian can give you the advice you need.
Women are advised to take folic acid early on in pregnancy, usually up to 12 weeks. Vitamin D is also recommended to pregnant women and can be found in most of the combined pregnancy vitamin tablets. You may also need to take iron tablets but you will have blood tests to confirm this during your pregnancy.
It can be difficult to get comfortable in pregnancy, especially when trying to sleep. Research shows it's safer to sleep on your side in pregnancy, particularly from 28 weeks as your bump becomes heavier. Using pillows to support your back and knees can help.
When you are pregnant it is best to avoid raw and unpasteurised meats, fish and cheese. Cooked meats and fish are safe to eat, as well as most sushi. You should avoid liver and liver products (such as pâté) as they contain high levels of Vitamin A. The NHS website has information about foods to avoid in pregnancy.
It is not recommended to drink any alcohol in pregnancy. Small amounts of caffeine are not harmful but high levels can cause problems with the growth of the baby. Try decaffeinated tea and coffee, fruit juice or mineral water instead of regular tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks.
Sex is usually safe in pregnancy. Your sex drive may change and this is normal. Sex can sometimes cause mild contractions and light bleeding afterwards; if this happens call your midwife for advice. You should avoid sex if you have a low lying placenta or your waters have broken, as this can increase the risk of infection. Talk to your midwife if you have concerns.
You can speak to the GP surgery where you have your appointments or you can contact the Maternity Liaison Office 01892 633488/638158.
The MATB1 form can be accessed through your midwife. You will not receive the form until 20 completed weeks of pregnancy.
If you have had chicken pox as a child or adult, you should have a natural immunity. However, if you are concerned, visit your GP who can take a blood test to confirm this.
You should call your GP and get advice from a doctor. Alternatively you can call our screening team or your community midwife.
If you are planning a trip abroad during your pregnancy you should contact your holiday provider or airline to ensure they have no travel restrictions, especially towards the later stages of pregnancy.
It is advisable to wear flight socks, keep mobile and well hydrated if you are flying. Midwives do not routinely issue ‘Fit to Fly ’letters; please contact your GP for this.
Simple positive diet and lifestyle changes can help to ensure your body is best prepared for pregnancy.
NHS information on having a healthy diet in pregnancy
Women starting pregnancy at a healthy weight have a lower risk of complications compared with women who are underweight or overweight.
The amount of weight a woman may gain in pregnancy varies a great deal, and only some of it is due to increased body fat. The unborn baby, placenta, amniotic fluid and increases in maternal blood and fluid volume all contribute to weight gain during pregnancy.
If you are overweight at the beginning of your pregnancy and have a BMI over 35 at booking, you will be offered a referral to our specialist midwives who will support you throughout your pregnancy. Additional weight in pregnancy can increase your risk of developing complications such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have published information on extra weight in pregnancy, which you may find useful.
Dieting during pregnancy is not recommended. You should aim to eat healthily and remain active throughout your pregnancy.
There is no need to ‘eat for two’ in pregnancy. Energy needs do not change in the first six months and only in the last three months do a woman’s energy needs increase by around 200 calories per day.
The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour and get back into shape after the birth.
Moderate-intensity physical activity will not harm you or your baby, and at least 30 minutes per day of moderate intensity activity is recommended. This can include activities such as swimming or brisk walking.
If you have not exercised routinely up to that point, you should begin with no more than three 15-minute sessions a week, increasing gradually to daily 30-minute sessions.
Having a baby and becoming a parent is one of the most life changing events we can experience. It brings excitement and anticipation but it can also be stressful and demanding.
Pregnancy and the early postnatal period involve complex changes emotionally as well as physically. It is important to acknowledge these changes and maternity staff are here to support you.
One in five women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. This may be a new mental health problem or another episode of a mental health problem you’ve experienced before.
We are interested in your emotional and physical health and at your initial booking interview we will ask about any past or current mental health issues and how you are feeling now. At every appointment we will ask about your emotional wellbeing and will signpost you to advice and extra help if we need to.
Perinatal Positivity is a short, animated film to help new families safeguard their mental health. It uses the voices and experiences of real parents.
A perinatal mental health midwife and nurse support our team in caring for the mental health of women and families.
An obstetrician with a specialist interest in perinatal mental health runs two clinics, and women can be referred to the perinatal mental health nurse/midwife in these clinics. We also have links with other specialist perinatal mental health services.
The NHS website has more information about mental health in pregnancy.
Many women take medication for mental health illnesses when pregnant or breastfeeding. To stay well it's important not to stop medication without discussing this with your GP/psychiatrist. They can give up to date information so you can decide what is best for you and your baby.
B.U.M.P.S (Best Use of Medications in Pregnancy) has accessible information for women and their families.
During pregnancy your body goes through many changes and it can be difficult to know what changes are normal and when you should seek help.
As your pregnancy progresses, changes can happen to your bladder, bowel, vagina and sexual health.
NHS Kent and Medway's bump, birth and beyond website has a perinatal pelvic health section to help you navigate the changes and get help when necessary.
Feeling your baby move is a sign they are well.
Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. A baby’s movements can be described as a kick, flutter, swish or roll. The type of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses.
There is no set number of normal movements. Your baby will have their own pattern you should get to know. From 16 – 24 weeks you should feel the baby move more, until 32 weeks then it should stay roughly the same until you give birth.
If you think your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. Do not put off calling until the next day.
Do not worry about phoning, it is important for your doctors and midwives to know if your baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped.
Do not use hand-held monitors, dopplers, or phone apps to check your baby’s heartbeat. Even if you detect a heartbeat, this does not mean your baby is well.
If after your check up you are still not happy with your baby’s movements, you must contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away, even if everything was normal last time.
Never hesitate to contact your midwife or maternity unit for advice, no matter how many times this happens.
A reduction in movements can sometimes be an important warning sign a baby is unwell. Two out of three women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped.
During your pregnancy you’ll be offered screening tests, many of which are performed during your first booking appointment, ideally by 10 weeks of pregnancy. These tests are designed to:
Screening in pregnancy is offered for a range of conditions including:
Screening tests include blood tests and ultrasound scans. If you choose to have them, they are carried out as part of your antenatal appointment schedule.
The sonographer will often stay quiet and be concentrating on the screen during your scan. This is because doing an ultrasound and completing measurements accurately is a complex task and needs their focus.
Watch this video for more information on screening tests for you and your baby:
You don’t have to have any of the tests but it’s important to understand what they are for, so you can make an informed decision about whether to have them.
You can discuss the tests with your midwife and ask questions about them at any time.
More information can be found in ‘Screening Tests for You and Your Baby’ which is available to download and is available in 12 different languages. The NHS website also has information about antenatal checks and tests.
You can help to protect yourself and your baby from flu and whooping cough by having vaccinations. Your GP or midwife can give you more information or you can read more information from the UK Health Security Agency.
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it’s never too late to quit.
Stopping smoking will help both you and your baby immediately. Harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, and other damaging chemicals will clear from your body. When you stop smoking:
The pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's has information about how secondhand smoke (also known as passive smoking) can affect you and your baby, and the use of e-cigarettes and vaping.
Our specially trained smokefree pregnancy advisors offer support and guidance for giving up smoking during your pregnancy.
Contact them at mtw-tr.smokefreematernity@nhs.net.