Maternity Services

Before you are pregnant . . .

Here’s some information based on The Pregnancy Book.

Think you’re pregnant?

Telling you’re a Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. The more you know about your pregnancy and your options, the more you are likely to feel in control.   

The Maternity Matters Dorset website is an online guide to maternity options and services in Dorset.  For more information on options and services in Dorset – including how to self-refer, please follow this link to the Maternity Matters Dorset website: to make sure midwives can start supporting you.

Confirming your pregnancyPregnancy tests

You can purchase pregnancy tests from lots of places, such as pharmacies and supermarkets. It’s best to wait until your period is late before you test to make sure you get an accurate result, but there are more sensitive tests available that will give you an answer a little earlier.

If the test is negative, it’s best to wait a few days and then try again. If your period doesn’t start and your tests are still negative, please see your GP.

I am pregnant – what to do next?

It can be difficult to know who to contact when you find out that you’re pregnant. If you haven’t already, the first thing to do is to refer yourself to maternity matters services by completing a self-referral form. You will then be contacted to arrange your booking appointment, which will happen when you’re around 8-12 weeks pregnant, or as soon as possible if you believe that your pregnancy is further along. There is no need to see your GP unless you have existing health problems.

If you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s health before your booking appointment, please arrange to see your GP.

If you have any existing health problems, it’s a good idea to see your GP when you find out that you’re pregnant, so that they can review any medication you’re taking and see if you need any additional care.

Finding out you are having a baby

When you find out you’re having a baby, you may feel happy and excited, or shocked, scared, confused and upset. Everybody is different, so don’t worry if you’re not feeling the way you expected. Even if you’ve been trying to get pregnant, your feelings may take you by surprise.

During pregnancy, changes to your hormone levels can affect your mood and make you feel more emotional. The way you feel about your pregnancy may change. Talk to your midwife or GP, who are there to support you, help you adjust or give you advice if you decide you don’t want to continue the pregnancy.

If you’re struggling emotionally, you can refer yourself to a local Steps 2 Wellbeing service via their website or by contacting them directly.

Badger Notes

Pregnancy and child health records

Badger Notes allows you real time access to your maternity, child, or neonatal records.

The information that appears is generated in real-time from your hospital-based system using details entered by your midwife or other health professionals involved in your care.

Badger Notes – Access your healthcare records

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.

If you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s health before your booking appointment, please arrange to see your GP or If you have any existing health problems, it’s a good idea to see your GP when you find out that you’re pregnant, so that they can review any medication you’re taking and see if you need any additional care.

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.

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.

Further information available from NHS UK

Birth to Five information

Birth to Five information booklet