<h1>Antenatal appointments schedule</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1.1.6.jpg" alt="Midwife measuring pregnant woman's bump with a tape measure" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3346" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Once referred to a hospital, you can expect to see a midwife between 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If your pregnancy is straightforward, these are the appointments you should expect to have. Certain medical or pregnancy needs may result in you needing more appointments than this.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Appointments will normally be with a midwife, GP or obstetrician. The appointments at 25, 31 and 40 weeks are extra appointments for women having their first baby.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;"> At every appointment your midwife will ask you about how you are feeling, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns you might have.</span>

<span>At certain points in the pregnancy your baby's growth will be measured. How a baby grows is different for each person, and your midwife will do a growth check at each antenatal visit.</span>

<span>One way growth is measured is by measuring the size of your womb or baby bump. This is known as fundal height. The measurements are recorded on a growth chart and can be used to check that your baby is growing well.</span>

<span>You might also be offered a growth scan. If you are offered a growth scan, your midwife will explain why. Read more in the section Small baby (fetal growth restriction).</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your antenatal appointments. However, the midwife may request to see you alone for at least one appointment during your pregnancy.</span>
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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/booking-appointment-8-12-weeks/">Booking appointment (8-12 weeks)</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/dating-scan-11-14-weeks/">Dating scan (11-14 weeks)</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/16-weeks/">16 weeks</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/anomaly-scan-18-21-weeks/">Anomaly scan (18-21 weeks)</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/25-weeks-first-pregnancy-only/">25 weeks (first pregnancy only)</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/28-weeks/">28 weeks</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/31-weeks-first-pregnancy-only/">31 weeks (first pregnancy only)</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/34-weeks/">34 weeks</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/36-weeks/">36 weeks</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/38-weeks/">38 weeks</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/40-weeks-first-pregnancy/">40 weeks (first pregnancy only)</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/41-weeks/">41 weeks</a>

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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/screening-tests-and-ultrasound-scans/" internal="true">Screening tests and ultrasound scans</a>

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Antenatal appointments schedule

<h1>Getting help during pregnancy/Emergencies</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1.1.10-1.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman looking at her mobile phone screen" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3428" />

<span>For non-urgent enquiries about your health during pregnancy contact your GP, named midwife or local antenatal clinic. For more urgent concerns, explore the tiles below to find out what to do.</span>
<span>Check which signs to call your maternity unit about immediately here:</span>

<a href="https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/A3-Poster-SIGNS-TO-LOOK-OUT-FOR-1.pdf">Mama Academy: symptoms to act upon</a>

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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/before-18-20-weeks-gestation/">Before 18-20 weeks gestation</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/after-18-20-weeks-gestation/">After 18-20 weeks gestation</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/after-37-weeks-gestation-when-expecting-labour/">After 37 weeks gestation/when expecting labour</a>

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<span>For any urgent concerns regarding your emotional and mental health at any stage in pregnancy, see advice on who to contact for support:</span>
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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/09/improving-your-emotional-wellbeing-in-pregnancy/" internal="true">Improving your emotional wellbeing in pregnancy</a>
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Emergencies

<h1>Having twins or triplets</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.1.9.jpg" alt="Pregnant woman holding two pairs of baby shoes across her pregnancy bmup" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1025" />

<span>Finding out you are having more than one baby can be exciting and special, but also sometimes overwhelming.</span>

<span>All multiple pregnancies have a higher risk of complications, and therefore you will have extra appointments and scans to make sure you and your babies are well.</span>

<span>If your babies share a placenta, it will be recommended that you have scans every two weeks, and if they each have their own placenta scans will be every four weeks.</span>

<span>You are likely to have your babies earlier than 40 weeks.  Many twins are born vaginally although it may be recommended that they are born by caesarean section.</span>

<span>You will have plenty of support from your maternity team throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.</span>
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<a href="http://www.tamba.org.uk">Twins Trust</a>

<a type="rcog" href="https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/multiple-pregnancy-having-more-than-one-baby/">Further guidance on multiple births</a>

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Having twins or triplets

<h1>Information for partners during pregnancy</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.1.2.jpg" alt="Two adult legs in jeans and trainers with a pair of baby shoes between them" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1002" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding out you are going to become a parent can be an exciting but daunting time. The closer you are to your pregnant partner, the more you’ll be able to share the experience of pregnancy and birth.</span>
<h2>Early pregnancy</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether the pregnancy was planned, or it is unexpected, it is normal to feel a range of emotions when you discover your partner is pregnant. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Talk to your partner, friends and family about how you are feeling. Your partner may be irritable about things that seem small to you; this is due to the effect of hormones on her mood, and her own fears and anxieties.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Be patient and learn to support each other and encourage her to talk to those close to her, or her midwife/doctor. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn about the screening tests and scans offered in pregnancy. These tests can have implications for you, your partner and the pregnancy as it progresses.</span>
<h2>During pregnancy</h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Attend antenatal classes with your partner (most classes are designed for both mum and partner) as these will help you feel prepared for the birth and caring for the new baby when he/she arrives. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Increase your share of the housework, if possible. If you smoke, now is a great time to stop due to the risks of passive smoking on your partner and your baby after birth. Unborn babies that are exposed to smoke are at a greater risk of complications during pregnancy, such as not growing well or even being stillborn. After birth, even if you smoke outside, there is an increased risk that your baby will be affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Ask your GP for help to stop smoking.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Support your partner as much as possible, but also find time for yourself to relax. Take pictures with your partner and her growing pregnancy bump, if she likes, as these make great memories. Try bonding with your baby by talking or singing to him/her during pregnancy.</span>
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Best beginnings: Baby Communication

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j3vZiDYy3kc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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<a type="nhs" href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/dad-to-be-pregnant-partner/">Information for partners</a>

<a href="https://www.dad.info/expecting/pregnancy/the-dad-pregnancy-timeline">Dad info</a>
<a href="https://thedadpad.co.uk/">The DadPad</a>
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Information for partners during pregnancy

<h1>Maternity notes</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.1.7.jpg" alt="Close up of midwife and pregnant woman sharing her maternity notes" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1020" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You will be given a set of handheld maternity notes you should keep with you at all times, and bring to all your appointments. Your appointments will normally be documented in here, along with results from your blood tests and scans. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">All maternity units in England are moving toward the use of digital records and these records are stored securely on the maternity unit’s IT system. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You can ask your maternity care provider to explain anything that has been written in your maternity notes if you’re not sure.</span>

Maternity notes

<h1>Screening tests and ultrasound scans</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.1.8.jpg" alt="Utrasound screen image of baby" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1024" />

<span>During pregnancy you will be offered several screening tests to try and find any health problems that could affect you or your baby. It is your decision whether or not to have any of these tests. Read the "Screening tests for you and your baby" booklet from the link at the end of this page. It is important to look through the booklet before your first meeting with your midwife as it contains important information about your screening choices. The booklet is available in different languages.</span>

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Antenatal screening

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_afr5olIpTM?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

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<div data-cat="submenu" class="submenu"><a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/blood-tests/">Blood tests</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/screening-tests-for-chromosome-anomalies/">Screening tests for chromosomal anomalies</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/ultrasound-scans/">Ultrasound scans</a></div>

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<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/screening-tests-for-you-and-your-baby-description-in-brief" type="nhs">Screening tests for you and your baby</a>

<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/screening-tests-abnormality-pregnant/" type="nhs">Information about screening tests</a>

<a href="http://www.arc-uk.org">More about antenatal screening: ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices)</a>

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/downs-syndrome-edwards-syndrome-and-pataus-syndrome-options-after-a-higher-chance-screening-result/your-choices-after-a-higher-chance-screening-result">Your choices after a higher-chance screening result</a>
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Screening tests and ultrasound scans

<h1>Your first 12 weeks</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.1.5.jpg" alt="Polaroid photo of first scan and pregnancy test" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1006" />

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Your baby grows faster than at any other time in the first 12 weeks. The fertilised egg implants in the womb and divides rapidly into layers of cells.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Morning sickness is common at this stage, and may occur at any time of day. You may also experience breast tenderness, tiredness, mood swings and changes in your reaction to certain smells and foods along with a metallic taste in your mouth. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">During this time you may experience some spotting or slight vaginal bleeding, which is nothing to worry about. Some women experience no obvious signs or symptoms of pregnancy – everyone is different. Symptoms can also come and go on a daily basis, and this is perfectly normal.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You won’t feel your baby moving at this stage, nor will you have an obvious baby bump. The first movements are normally felt between 16 and 24 weeks.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You will have your first appointment with your midwife by 10 weeks. You will also be offered some blood tests. Your midwife will explain all screening tests to you in full. Your first ultrasound scan should be offered to you between 11 and 13 weeks.</span>
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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/06/maternity-units/" internal="true">Contact my maternity unit</a>

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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/signs-and-symptoms-to-speak-to-a-health-professional-about/" style="font-size: 1rem;">Signs and symptoms to speak to a health professional about</a>

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<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pregnancy-weeks-9-10-11-12/#your-babys-development" type="nhs">Early pregnancy development</a>

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/screening-tests-for-you-and-your-baby-description-in-brief">Screening tests for you and your baby</a>

</div>

Your first 12 weeks

<h1>Your maternity team</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Three-smiling-midwives-300x187.jpg" alt="Three midwives" width="300" height="187" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-18215" />
<h2>Midwife</h2>
You will meet several midwives throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond. Midwives are the main caregiver when your pregnancy and birth are straight forward. We are working hard to ensure each woman has a named midwife who is responsible for coordinating your maternity care.
<h2>Obstetrician</h2>
<span>These are doctors who specialise in caring for women during pregnancy, birth and in the period immediately after birth (whilst in the maternity unit). You may see an obstetrician during pregnancy if you have any issues which require review or more specialised management, and they will be involved if you have a caesarean or assisted birth.</span>
<h2>Paediatrician/Neonatalogist (baby doctor)</h2>
<span>Paediatricians or neonatologists are doctors specialising in the care of newborn babies and children. They will be involved in your care if early (premature) delivery is anticipated or if there are likely to be concerns about the health of your baby during or after the birth.</span>
<h2>Sonographer</h2>
<span>These are professionals who undertake your ultrasound scans. They are specially trained to undertake scans during pregnancy.</span>
<h2>Maternity support worker</h2>
<span>You may meet maternity support workers during pregnancy, birth or beyond. They support the maternity team and provide some of your care throughout the journey.</span>
<h2>Student midwife</h2>
<span>Many maternity units in England work closely with local universities to support midwives and doctors in training. These students will work alongside their midwife ‘mentor’ and will ask for your consent before providing you with any care.</span>
<h2>Health visitor</h2>
<span>Health visitors work in teams. They work closely with the other professionals listed above, including GPs and organisations that support families where you live. Most families in England will be offered several review contacts and additional support depending on the individual needs of your family.</span>

<span>The health promoting visit at 28 weeks of pregnancy, is the first time that the health visitor meets parents. A health needs assessment will be agreed, covering physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. The health visitor will also discuss a number of issues, including transition to parenthood, how to enhance the parent-child bonding experience and how parents can help their baby's early development.</span>
<h2>Other staff members</h2>
<span>You may meet other members of staff or medical students, depending on your pregnancy needs and where you choose to have your care.</span>
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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/06/maternity-units/" internal="true">Contact my maternity unit</a>

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Your maternity team

<h1>Antenatal care</h1>
<img src="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.1.jpg" alt="Little girl kisses her pregnant mother's bump﻿" width="650" height="406" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1027" />
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<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/your-maternity-team/">Your maternity team</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/your-first-12-weeks/">Your first 12 weeks</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/antenatal-appointments-schedule/">Antenatal appointments schedule</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/maternity-notes/">Maternity notes</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/screening-tests-and-ultrasound-scans/">Screening tests and ultrasound scans</a>

<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/having-twins-or-triplets/">Having twins or triplets</a>
<a href="https://admin.mumandbaby.uk/2018/08/08/emergencies/">Getting help during pregnancy/Emergencies</a>

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COOKIE SETTINGS

MANAGE COOKIE PREFERENCE

Antenatal care