Pregnancy & Antenatal Care information & help

What is Pregnancy or Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care, also known as pregnancy or maternity care, is the support you receive from health professionals during your pregnancy. You’ll have appointments with a midwife or sometimes an obstetrician, a doctor specializing in pregnancy and birth.

Starting Antenatal Care

Begin your antenatal care as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Contact a midwife or GP, or refer yourself directly to local maternity services, usually through an online form on your hospital or NHS trust website.

What is Antenatal Care?

Antenatal care ensures you and your baby are as healthy as possible. Your midwife or doctor will:

Monitor the health of you and your baby
Provide advice on healthy eating and exercise
Discuss your options for care during pregnancy, labor, and birth
Answer any questions you may have

Antenatal Care in England

If you’re pregnant in England, you will be offered:

Ultrasound Scans: Two scans at 11-14 weeks and 18-21 weeks
Screening Tests: To assess the risk of conditions like 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 local classes.

Booking Appointments

You can book an appointment with the GP or directly with a midwife as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. You may be advised to refer yourself to your local maternity service for your first appointment. The GP, midwife, healthcare professional, school nurse, community center, children’s center, or refugee hostel can refer you to the nearest midwifery service.

Early Appointments

It’s best to see a midwife or GP early to get the information you need for a healthy pregnancy. Some tests, like screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia, should be done before 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Special Health Needs

If you have special health needs, your midwife, GP, or obstetrician may share responsibility for your care. Inform your midwife if you have a disability requiring special arrangements for antenatal appointments or labor. If you do not speak English, let your midwife know.

Number of Antenatal Appointments

First Pregnancy: Up to 10 appointments
Subsequent Pregnancies: Around 7 appointments, but possibly more if you develop a medical condition

Early in your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will provide written information about the number and schedule of your appointments. You should have the opportunity to discuss this schedule with them.

Book an appointment with the GP

Self referral for Antenatal Care Clinics