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Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Did you know, your first trimester will begin on the first day of your last period and will last until the end of week 12. This means that by the time you know for sure you're pregnant, you might already be five or six weeks pregnant! Your baby will grow and develop faster in these 12 weeks in comparison to the remainder of the pregnancy.

Therefore its really important that you book an appointment with the midwife at your GP surgery once you have had a positive pregnancy test.

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To calculate an estimation of your babies due date please follow the link to the NHS webpage.

You will need the following information:

Date of the first day of your last menstrual cycle

Estimation of your average cycle length

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/due-date-calculator/

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Your first midwife appointment should take place before your 10th week of pregnancy. This appointment is roughly 1 hour long and is a chance for you and your midwife to meet and learn more about you and your pregnancy.

During your booking appointment your midwife will:

Take your height and weight

Complete a blood pressure reading

Test your urine

Offer you some screening blood tests

Please refer to 'Antenatal Screening - What does this mean' pin for more information on these tests.

Your pregnancy notes will now be recorded digitally and are accessible to you throughout your pregnancy, using the QR code above or the following link:
https://www.mypregnancynotes.com/

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It is recommended women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day from 3 months before pregnancy until the end of the first trimester (first 12 weeks). Some women may be advised by a healthcare professional to take a larger dose and will this will be prescribed accordingly. Folic acid in its naturally occurring form is called folate and can be found in:
- Broccoli
- Leafy green vegetables
- Peas
- Oranges
- Brown rice
- Chickpeas
- Kidney beans
- Fortified cereals

Folic acid Supplement - Will help to protect against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida

It is also recommended women take 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Vitamin D - Positively impacts babies bone formation

for further reading and to see if you qualify for food and milk vouchers;
https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

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COVID-19 information sheet and decision aid 20/12/2021

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If you're pregnant you can safely receive the Pfizer/BioNTech or Spidevax/Moderna vaccines (which are not ‘live vaccines’) at any week of pregnancy and postnatally, including during breastfeeding.

Why is the COVID-19 vaccine recommended?

COVID-19 Vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy for both women and babies, including admission to intensive care and premature birth.

More than half of women who test positive for COVID-19 in pregnancy have no symptoms at all, but some pregnant women can get life-threatening illness from COVID-19, particularly if they have underlying health conditions. In the later stages of pregnancy, women are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19.

COVID-19 infection can also adversely affect the pregnancy. In pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19, it is twice as likely their baby will be born early, exposing the baby to the risks of prematurity. A study also found that pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of birth were more likely to develop pre-eclampsia or need an emergency caesarean. Their risk of stillbirth was twice as high, although the actual number of stillbirths remains low.

The benefits of vaccination include: reduction in severe disease for the pregnant woman, and reduction in the risk of stillbirth and prematurity for the baby.

How well do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (long COVID). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.

Research has shown the vaccines help: reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19, reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 and protect against COVID-19 variants.

The 1st dose should give you some protection from 3 or 4 weeks after you've had it. But you need 2 doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection, at least 3 months apart. Most people also need a booster dose to help improve the protection from the first 2 doses of the vaccine.

There is a chance you might still get or spread COVID-19 even if you have a vaccine, so it's important to follow advice about how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19.

Side effects

Most side effects are mild and should not last longer than a week, such as:

·         a sore arm from the injection

·         feeling tired

·         a headache

·         feeling achy

·         feeling or being sick

You may also get a high temperature or feel hot or shivery 1 or 2 days after your vaccination. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol if you need to. If your symptoms get worse or you're worried, call 111. If you have a high temperature that lasts longer than 2 days, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you may have COVID-19. Stay at home and get a test.

Rare side effects are - myocarditis or allergic reactions

You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine, but you may have caught it just before or after your vaccination.

There has been no links to infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth or any adverse risks to baby from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. So antibodies made by your body from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can pass through the placenta and breastmilk to baby to boost their immune system.

Precautions

Talk to a healthcare professional prior to the COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve suffered a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccination, are extremely immunocompromised, have any bleeding disorders, or have a severe infection.

How to book

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/

Further reading

https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-women-s-health/vaccination/covid-19-vaccines-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding-faqs/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-women-of-childbearing-age-currently-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding/covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for-women-of-childbearing-age-pregnant-planning-a-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding

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All maternity notes are now documented and stored digitally throughout your pregnancy.

Please refer to the leaflet which advises you on how to access your personal notes.

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You will be offered routine screening blood tests in your pregnancy after your booking appointment and around 28 weeks gestation - Please refer to the 'Antenatal Screening - What does this mean?' pin to access the booklet in full

If you consent, please ensure you have had your 'booking blood' tests taken before you attend your 12 week Dating Scan.

You can book your blood tests using the following link;

https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/uhcw.php

At the beginning of your pregnancy, we offer to take your bloods and check your iron levels to identify if you are anaemic or not, this test is then repeated at 28 weeks pregnant. We also look for sickle cell and thalassemia as know this can impact on iron levels. The World Health Organisation estimates that anaemia affects 40% of pregnant women worldwide.

Iron deficient anaemia is caused by a lack of iron in the blood which can be treated with iron tablets (take on an empty stomach with orange juice to improve absorption) and by eating iron-rich foods such as:

·         Dark-green leafy vegetables

·         Cereals and bread

·         Meat

·         Dried apricots and prunes

·         Pulses

Eat and drink less:

·         Tea and coffee

·         Milk and dairy

·         Foods high in phytic acid

Side effects from iron tablets are common, such as:

·         Constipation or diarrhoea

·         Stomach cramps

·         Heartburn

·         Nausea

·         Black poo

If you are found to be anaemic, we can also check your blood if clinically indicated for further components, such as, vitamin B12, vitamin A, folate and ferritin which may affect the absorption of iron. You may need supplements for these too.

Symptoms of anaemia may include

·         Breathlessness

·         Heart Palpitations

·         Pale skin

·         Tiredness and fatigue

It’s important to treat anaemia as it can cause a weakened immune system, increased risk of heart and lung complications, and risk of premature birth and / or a low-birth-weight baby.

It can take 4 weeks for iron tablets to increase your levels. If they aren’t working, you may require an intravenous infusion of iron and / or a blood transfusion.

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Screening tests for you and your baby information leaflet by Public Health England

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Antenatal screening - What does this mean?

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Antenatal screening - What does this mean?

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If you have any further questions or queries about the screening options available to you, please ask your midwife. If required they can gain more advice from our specialist Antenatal Screening Team.

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You will be offered an ultrasound scan at around 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is called the dating scan. It's used to see how far along in your pregnancy you are and check your baby's development.

During this appointment you will also be offered a screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome. This is to assess your chances of having a baby with these conditions.

To learn more about this screening please refer to the 'Antenatal Screening - What does this mean' pin where you can access the booklet in full.

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Paid time to attend antenatal appointments 

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Paid time to attend antenatal appointments 

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Find out more about rights to time off for antenatal appointments at the GOV.UK page here:
https://www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

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What appointments can I expect to attend during my pregnancy?

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What appointments can I expect to attend during my pregnancy?

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It is very important to have regular appointments with your midwife / obstetrician (doctor) during your pregnancy to ensure the health and wellbeing of all those involved in the pregnancy.

Each appointment made is personalised to your individual pregnancy however, the following appointments are generic to most pregnancies:

Booking Appointment  Midwife
Dating Scan Sonographer
16 Week Appointment Midwife
Anomaly Scan Sonographer
24 Week Appointment Midwife
28 Week Appointment Midwife
31 Week Appointment Midwife
34 Week Appointment Midwife
36 Week Appointment Midwife
38 Week Appointment Midwife
40 Week Appointment Midwife
41 Week Appointment Midwife
42 Week Appointment Midwife

Please follow the link to the NHS to read what to expect at each appointment

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/your-antenatal-appointments/

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Planning on where to give birth is a very important decision that you will need to consider in your pregnancy. You can choose to birth your baby on our birthing centre - Lucina, in the comfort of your own home or on our labour ward.

We encourage you to read the booklet attached and have a discussion with your midwife on your preference for delivery.

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UHCW offer antenatal classes from the start of your pregnancy right through to your postnatal period.

If you would like to book onto any of our classes please use our eventbrite page or access our linktree page and use the QR codes to book your place. Please see our links below

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/uhcw-33292299111

https://linktr.ee.com/uhcwparenteducation

NewBeginningsAntenatal@uhcw.nhs.uk

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The Real Birth Company Digital Programme

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The Real Birth Company Digital Programme

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The Real Birth Company focus on empowering women and deliver a fun and interactive class. UHCW have also launched the digital programme which can be accessed via a QR code so that you can access it in your own time. The programme is published in a range of different languages making it accessible to all. Please speak to your community midwife access the programme to make the most of this fantastic resource or email NewBeginningsAntenatal@uhcw.nhs.uk

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The focus is on attachment, attunement and empathy between parents and with the new born baby. These sessions include information about healthy eating, safe sleeping. These sessions are delivered throughout the year.

For more information and to book a place visit:

https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Positive_Parenting_Programme___parenting_support_request

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MAMTA is a Child and Maternal Health Programme ( Part of Family Health and Lifestyles service) Empowering & Supporting BAME women in pregnancy & after baby is born. MAMTA offers support to all ethnic minority pregnant women in Coventry by delivering key health messages and support in pregnancy and after baby is born (dependent on need)

·       Face to Face Parent Craft Sessions at FWT – Mondays -Labour, Birth, Delivery, Importance of Breastfeeding & Going home with your baby

·       Online Zoom Sessions  - Monthly – Labour & Birth Sessions

These are women only sessions with & language support provided. Sessions will be delivered by MAMTA &

Midwives.

Sessions will be booked by appointment

Sessions are WOMEN ONLY & Language support is available on your request

To book your place contact your midwife or email MAMTA@fwt.org.uk Or contact MAMTA Peers on:

Kiran Jallan        07538 092 929
Paramjeet Bassan     07538 092 956
Sania Begum         07538 092 922

kiran.jallan@fwt.org.uk              paramjeet.bassan@fwt.org.uk                sania.begum@fwt.org.uk

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The time from birth to 5 years old sets us up for life. A child's interaction with their parents or carers in that time shapes their physical development, communication and personal, social, and emotional development.

Follow the hyperlinks on the web page or contact your local hubs to enquire about all resources available - 0800 887 0545

These pages provide general advice on what you can do with your child to help them grow and develop. If you are feeling desperate, or if your child has additional needs or presents with different behaviours, please contact your health visiting services, your nursery, your family hub, or your GP.

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Ready, Steady, Grow! – Coventry City Council

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In Coventry, we want all children to get the Best Start for Life. To do this, we are making sure that there is a focus on the first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from conception until the age of 2. Experiences during this time build the foundations for emotional and physical well-being and will influence children's futures.

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The Coventry City Council website provides online services, information and advice for residents, businesses and visitors.

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Coventry Family HUB
The aim and objective of a Family Hubs is to work in partnership with services and agencies to help identify family’s issues when they first emerge and provide the relevant support networks to prevent escalation and reduce the needs for statutory and crisis interventions.

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My baby's development in the first trimester

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My baby's development in the first trimester

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From the time of conception, your baby will grow and change inside your uterus until he or she is born. Each trimester has a unique set of milestones.

In the first trimester, your baby will grow from a fertilized egg into a moving fetus with eyes, ears, and working organs.

The spinal cord, brain, heart, and lungs grow and develop rapidly during the first trimester. In addition, the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, toes, and fingers begin to form. Your baby’s heart will begin to beat around week 6-7 weeks. The umbilical cord, which serves to nourish your baby and dispose of his or her wastes throughout the pregnancy, is formed during the first trimester.

Your baby’s digestive system and reproductive system develops during the first trimester. As his or her muscles continue to form in week nine, your baby may begin to move, but you cannot feel these movements yet.

By the end of your first trimester, your baby will be about three inches long.

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Public Health England Vaccines in Pregnancy Leaflet 

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FLU-

There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia. If you have flu while you're pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, and may even lead to still birth or death.

The flu jab will help protect both you and your baby. You can book this between October and April with your GP surgery or visit us in antenatal clinic for drop in clinics.

WHOOPING COUGH -

Whooping cough (Pertussis) is a highly infectious disease that can be very serious for babies under one year of age. Most young babies with whooping cough will be admitted to hospital. Whooping cough can cause long bursts of coughing and choking making it hard to breathe. The ‘whoop’ noise is caused by gasping for breath after each burst of coughing. Young babies don’t always make this sound so it can be difficult to recognise.

Whooping cough commonly lasts for around

two to three months. For young babies it

can lead to pneumonia and permanent brain

damage. In the worst cases, it can cause death. Around 300 babies are admitted to hospital every year with whooping cough.

complications of the infection include;

• temporary pauses in breathing as a result of severe difficulty with breathing

• weight loss due to excessive vomiting

• seizures or brain damage

• encephalitis (swelling of the brain)

You can have your whooping cough vaccination between 16-32 weeks of pregnancy. You can book in to have your Whooping cough vaccine with the nurse at your GP surgery. It is safe to have the whooping cough vaccination and the flu vaccination at the same time.

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Maternity Exemption Certificate & MAT B1 Form

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Maternity Exemption Certificate & MAT B1 Form

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You are entitled to free prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy and 12 months after the birth of your baby. For proof of pregnancy, you need to ask your midwife for a digital maternity exemption certificate.

From week 20 your midwife can issue you with a MAT B1 certificate which enables you to claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer or Maternity Allowance (MA) from the Jobcentre Plus. The certificate:

·         verifies the pregnancy

·         confirms the date of the expected week of confinement (EWC)

·         confirms the actual date of birth when completed after confinement

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The anomaly scan is normally carried out between 18 - 21 weeks gestation, and is an in-depth detailed scan that focuses on the Baby's:

Bones

Heart

Brain

Spinal Cord

Face

Kidneys

Abdomen

The scan is carried out the same as your dating scan (12 week scan).

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The 20-week screening scan looks for some physical abnormalities in the baby. Find out what happens at this screening scan, whether you have to have it, and what to expect if the scan shows a possible problem.

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Important signs and symptoms during your pregnancy 

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Important signs and symptoms during your pregnancy 

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The Maternity Triage Unit is situated next to the Labour Ward in the West Wing of the Hospital. The purpose of the Maternity Triage Unit is to assess women who are more than 20 weeks into their pregnancy, and up till 6 weeks postnatal, who have an urgent clinical complaint relating to pregnancy and delivery.

Contact the maternity triage unit if you have…

Severe headache which has not been relieved by paracetamol

Vaginal bleeding

Persistent itching on the palms of your hands or soles of you feet

Painful, swollen, hot, tender, red skin particularly at the back of your leg below your knee

If you think you may be experiencing regular painful contractions before you are 37 weeks pregnant

Experiencing regular painful contractions every 5 minutes lasting 60 seconds for more than 2 hours, after 37 weeks pregnant

If you think your waters may have broken

Any concerns about your baby’s movements

Constant, abdominal pain

Feeling unwell with a fever

Postnatal concerns

Maternity Triage 024 7696 7333

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Physical & emotional changes during pregnancy  

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Physical & emotional changes during pregnancy  

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Pregnancy changes your body, which can sometimes affect how you feel.

Some women love the physical experience of being pregnant and feel strong and positive. Whilst some women don’t enjoy this experience as much due to the lack of control over their changing bodies & appearance which can directly impact on how they feel about themselves.

For example, you may have concerns about how much weight you are putting on and how long it will take to lose it. Or you may be feeling nauseous or tired, which can all make you feel fed up.

Try not to be too hard on yourself. Women are constantly bombarded with seemingly perfect images of happy, healthy women having the time of their lives during pregnancy in glossy magazines and on social media. But the reality is often very different. Not everyone enjoys how pregnancy affects their body and makes them feel, and that's ok too.

It’s important to remember to ask for help or talk to your midwife, if you are having negative feelings that won’t go away or that are too much to cope with.

Your midwife is there to support you and your family during this transition.

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Your Baby's Mum - Tommy's Wellbeing Plan

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Supporting a positive mental wellbeing during pregnancy

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Supporting a positive mental wellbeing during pregnancy

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Please use the link to see the support and advice offered in Coventry and Warwickshire (https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-684757548-402) to support a positive mental wellbeing whether you have a current mental health illness or not.

MAMA'S MIND MATTERS -

We have teamed up with CWPT, IAPT and Parents in Mind to provide a support group for our women who suffer with perinatal mental health problems. The aim of this group is to provide support and the resources to help affected women seek help. The teams involved will help signpost and explain the services they offer and what is currently available to those who need it. You can access this class and our other antenatal classes via our linktree - https://linktr.ee.com/uhcwparenteucation

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How can my partner and I bond with our baby during the pregnancy?

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How can my partner and I bond with our baby during the pregnancy?

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When you’re pregnant, your body will naturally release hormones that help to build the bond between you and your baby. However, that needn’t stop you from getting to know your bump a little bit more, helping both you and your partner feel closer to your little one before they arrive.

Your baby can hear you from at least 18 weeks, and maybe even earlier.

Babies hear their mother’s voices most clearly, but anyone can talk and sing to them – your baby will love to hear from anyone.

This helps your baby:

Get to know voices, which will help them feel safe and secure

Tune up their hearing and get ready for when they will eventually talk.

Talking and singing to your baby bump is also good for their development.

Talk or sing to your baby

Find a quiet time when you and your baby can focus on each other and use a tuneful, sing-song voice.

It doesn't matter what music or song – if you like it, so will your baby. Never put headphones on mum’s tummy though, as it’s too loud for your baby.

If you feel a bit silly talking to the bump, don’t worry – lots of people do. If you can’t think of anything to say, just chat about the day or share a story.

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Most foods and drinks are safe to have during pregnancy. However, there are some things you should be careful with or avoid:
www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/#close

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https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fitter-futures

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Healthy Lifestyle in pregnancy - Diet & Exercise 

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Healthy Lifestyle in pregnancy - Diet & Exercise 

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Diet
A healthy diet is an important part of pregnancy. Eating healthily during pregnancy will help your baby to develop and grow.

You do not need to go on a special diet, but it's important to eat a variety of different foods every day to get the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need.

Have a look at the following link for tips and examples of a balanced diet:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/have-a-healthy-diet/

Exercise
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.

Try to keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise for as long as you feel comfortable.

Exercise is not dangerous for your baby. There is some evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise/

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Self Referral Service that promotes and aids with maintaining a healthier lifestyle during pregnancy and postnatally.

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When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta and to your baby. There is no known safe level for drinking during pregnancy, so the safest approach is not to drink at all while you're pregnant and if you are trying for a baby.

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How can alcohol harm my unborn baby?

Most women give alcohol up completely in pregnancy because this is the safest way. When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta and to your baby. There is no known safe level for drinking during pregnancy, so the safest approach is not to drink at all while you're pregnant and if you are trying for a baby.

It is particularly advised not to drink alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy as this is a time of huge growth and development.

What could happen if I drink heavily?

Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby and the more you drink, the greater the risk.

Getting drunk and/or drinking every day are especially dangerous.

Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol at any stage during pregnancy is linked to the following:

What is foetal alcohol syndrome?

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the name given to problems that are found in children whose mothers drank heavily during pregnancy. These include facial abnormalities, heart defects, poor growth and severe mental and developmental problems.

Find out more about foetal alcohol syndrome.

What if I drank alcohol before I knew I was pregnant?

If you drank a lot before you knew you were pregnant and are worried about the effect this may have on your baby, talk to your midwife or GP.

They will probably reassure you that the risk to your baby is small if you weren't a regular heavy drinker. You can stop drinking completely now that you know you're pregnant.

The risk of harm to the baby is likely to be low if you were not binge drinking or regularly drinking over the recommended amount.

What if I need help to stop drinking?

If you drink heavily and you think you may have problems stopping, talk to your doctor or midwife.

This is because you may have withdrawal symptoms. These can include delirium tremens (DTs), and you will need help to manage them.

The health team caring for you during your pregnancy can give you advice and support. You can also contact Drinkline, a free and confidential helpline, on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm).

Is my drinking is out of control?

Some women know they are drinking too much but don't feel able to talk about it. It's easy to feel guilty or ashamed because you know you shouldn't be drinking alcohol in pregnancy.

Everyone who cares for you during your pregnancy wants you to be well and to have a healthy baby. Cutting down or stopping on your own can be difficult, and you may need help.

Talk to your doctor or midwife - they won't judge you and they can put you in touch with more support if you need it.

Getting support with alcohol

If you have difficulty giving up alcohol, talk to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist. They will not judge you and will want to support you.

Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, call this free helpline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm).

Addaction is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities to manage the effects of alcohol and drug misuse.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12-step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.

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Most women give alcohol up completely in pregnancy because this is the safest way. When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta and to your baby. There is no known safe level for drinking during pregnancy, so the safest approach is not to drink at all while you're pregnant and if you are trying for a baby.

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Smoking and your unborn baby

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.

Every cigarette you smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, so smoking when you are pregnant harms your unborn baby. Cigarettes can restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby. As a result, their heart must beat harder every time you smoke. Smoking in pregnancy may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, low birth-weight and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Stopping smoking now will also help your baby later in life. Children whose parents smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma and other serious illnesses that may need hospital treatment.

The sooner you stop smoking, the better. But even if you stop in the last few weeks of your pregnancy this will benefit you and your baby.

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Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Service - Coventry flyer

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We’re not here to tell you to stop. We’re here to help if you want to quit.

We’re here to give you honest, unbiased support to help you take steps towards a healthy, smoke-free pregnancy. We offer free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to all our clients, including patches and gum to help you quit, and are always on hand to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Our specialist advisers are available to come to your home to chat through the options and work with you, one to one, to help you achieve your goal. We know everyone is different and our advisers have the knowledge and experience to help find the best way forward for you. And it doesn’t end with just one session. We will be there for you with regular appointments throughout your pregnancy to help, encourage and advise.

Normally, you can access our services by being referred by your midwife but if you want to call us free on 07917 227004 and tell us you are pregnant and would like to quit smoking we will put you in touch with your local Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Adviser, and a home visit will be arranged.

Fact: You are up to 4 times more likely to stop smoking successfully with the NHS Stop Smoking Service by your side, than if you go it alone.

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The effects of smoking in pregnancy by Tommy's 

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The effects of smoking in pregnancy by Tommy's 

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My baby's development in the second trimester

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My baby's development in the second trimester

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In the second trimester, your baby’s hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes, begins to grow, and your baby will start to move.

Muscles and bones continue to develop, allowing more movement. If your baby is a girl, her eggs will develop in her ovaries early in the second trimester. By about week 18, your baby can hear your heartbeat and may even be startled by loud noises.

Talking to your baby during this time will encourage bonding once they are born.

Your baby will grow quickly in the second trimester. You will be able to feel this. It will put pressure on your lungs, stomach, bladder, and kidneys. By the end of the second trimester, your baby will have  developed taste buds and sensory neurons, your baby will be able to taste and touch during the second trimester.

Your baby’s eyes are sealed shut until the end of the second trimester when your baby starts to blink. By the end of your second trimester all of your babies essential organs have formed.

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When should I start to feel my baby move?

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When should I start to feel my baby move?

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You may feel your baby move as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, but most women usually feel something between 18 and 24 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy, you may not notice your baby’s movements until you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.

Baby movements in the womb, also known as fetal movements or
‘kicks’, can feel like anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. The type
of movement may change as your pregnancy progresses.

From 28-32 weeks you may find your baby establishes a set
pattern of movements, which will remain the same till birth. If you feel this
pattern has changed - increased or decreased, then please contact maternity
triage immediately on 02476 967333

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If you are ever concerned with your babies movements, please contact our Fetal Wellbeing Unit 02476 967427 or Maternity Triage 02476 967333

The Fetal Wellbeing Unit provides the facility of more frequent monitoring and observations.

Pregnant mothers may be referred to the Fetal Wellbeing unit if concerns have been identified by the midwife or consultant. Usually after 26 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnant women can also self-refer if they have concerns about their baby’s movements.

Telephone: 024 7696 7427

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Important signs and symptoms - pre eclampsia 

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Important signs and symptoms - pre eclampsia 

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Labour Ward Triage UHCW
024 7696 7333

Pre eclampsia normally occurs in the second half of a woman's pregnancy and, if left untreated, it can put both the mother and babies health at risk.

Some of the risks to baby are:

Premature birth

Growth restriction

Early indications of pre eclampsia are normally detected by your community midwife during your antenatal appointments from the following:

Increased blood pressure

Protein in the urine

Signs and symptoms you may notice before your midwife:

Swelling

Visual disturbances

Severe headache

Upper abdominal pain

General feeling of unwell

Vomiting

if you have any concerns please contact our Labour ward triage on 024 7696 7333

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During pregnancy we encourage women especially in the third trimester to sleep on the left or right side. Research has suggested that after 28 weeks gestation falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth.

Please watch the Tommy's video attached for more information or speak with your community midwife.

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How to sleep safely during pregnancy - Tommy's

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My baby's development in the third trimester

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My baby's development in the third trimester

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Early in your third trimester, your baby may begin to recognise the sound of your and your partner’s voices.

Movements will not become less frequent or 'slow down' during this trimester so if you do have concerns then please contact our Fetal Wellbeing Unit - 024 7696 7427.

Babies begin 'practicing' breathing during the third trimester by moving their diaphragm. You may find that your baby gets the hiccups from time to time.

During the final few weeks before birth, your baby will gain a good deal of his or her weight. By week 33, your baby is in position for delivery, ideally with his or her head resting on your cervix. The bones harden and the skin becomes thicker.

Beginning at week 35, your baby will grow rapidly, gaining 1/2 -3/4 pound per week. Babies are considered to have grown to full-term by week 37. But, your baby will continue to grow and gain weight, and will most often be born between weeks 38 and 42.

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Statutory Maternity Leave

All employed pregnant women are entitled to 52 weeks (1 year) of maternity leave, no matter how long they've worked for their employer.

This is made up of 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave and 26 weeks of additional maternity leave.

You have a range of rights during this period and can also request that your employer provides flexible working arrangements if you decide to return to work at the end of your leave.

Find out more about statutory maternity pay

The GOV.UK website has an online tool that can give you personalised guidance for maternity leave.

Your employment terms (for example, your pension contributions) are protected while you're on Statutory Maternity Leave.

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Your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Leave - what you get, how to claim, maternity rights and extra help

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Colostrum is the milk produced by mothers in the first few hours & days after birth. It is extremely rich in growth & protective factors. These help to develop babies immature systems and protect them from infection and complications. No other medicine can offer this protection & stimulate development in this way. Giving drops of colostrum directly into the mouth helps baby in 3 main ways:

Boosting the immune system by stimulating immune tissue & by direct absorption of immune factors that are present in colostrum

Acting as a barrier preventing bacteria attaching to the lining of the mouth

Increasing gut growth and development.

From 36-37 weeks of pregnancy you can start to hand express to collect colostrum and store it in labelled sterile syringes (provided by your midwife) in the freezer. It is also called 'antenatal colostrum harvesting'.
Please see the information above for more guidance or visit
https://www.laleche.org.uk/antenatal-expression-of-colostrum/

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It's recommended to buy a baby car seat before your baby is born, if possible. It's important to buy a seat that fits your car and is suitable for a newborn.

If you have your baby in hospital or a birth centre, you will need the car seat to drive your newborn home safely. It's a good idea to practice fitting the seat before your baby is born.

Tips for buying a baby car seat

When buying a car seat, it's best to try a few in your car before making a decision. Try to find a retailer who is willing to help you with this. Ask whether staff have been trained in fitting car seats.

Check whether your car has Isofix connectors built into it. These are designed to make fitting baby and child car seats simpler. Most modern family cars have them. They may be hidden in the cracks between the padding of your car seats.

Some car seat manufacturers have online guides showing which cars their seats will fit in. If your baby is likely to travel in another car regularly – for example, with other family members – check the car seat fits their car, too.

Always choose a baby or child car seat that's right for your child's current height and weight.

Do not buy a second-hand car seat. It could have been damaged in an accident, and may not have all its parts, including the instructions. It may also not be the safest and most user-friendly model, plus it may not fit your car properly.

Only accept a car seat from friends or family if you know its history, it's not too old and it comes with instructions.

Think about how you will be using the car seat. If you'll be lifting your baby in and out of the car a lot, for example, you may be better off getting a lightweight seat with a base that stays in the car.

All car seats in this country should be EU approved. Look for the "E" mark label on the seat.

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Carrying Children Safely

The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child car seat that is suitable for their weight and size, and is correctly fitted in the car.

A properly fitted child car seat will help to prevent your child from being thrown about inside the vehicle, or ejected from it, if there is a crash. It will also absorb some of the impact force, and provide some protection from objects intruding into the passenger compartment.

A seat belt on its own will not properly fit your child, until they are at least 135 cm (4'6") tall, although it's better to wait until they are 150 cm (5ft) or taller before moving them to the seat belt on its own.

Child Car Seat Safety Recalls
Puggle I-size safe max 360 car seat
Puggle have recalled seats sold between 23/07/2022 and 10/07/2023 with the following affected serial numbers: 052022, 102022 & 022023.

Puggle have discovered a small internal component issue in batches of the car seats, which may result in the harness not locking properly when pulled. This could potentially compromise the safety of the user.

Please discontinue use of the car seat and contact Online 4 Baby to arrange a refund or an exchange for an alternative item: https://www.online4baby.com/product-recall-notice
Britax BABY-SAFE IZ
In July 2023, Britax Römer issued a voluntary recall of the BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier.

There is a potential safety issue with a gap that can form between the handle and seat-shell of the BABY-SAFE 5Z. The gap does not impact the performance of the car seat in the vehicle or in a crash, however there is a safety risk when carrying the infant carrier outside of a vehicle. In rare cases there can be an unexpected detachment of the handle causing sudden movements of the shell and/or surprise of the person carrying the BABY-SAFE 5Z. This may lead to the infant carrier falling down or colliding with other items and in unfortunate circumstances to an injury of the infant.

All BABY-SAFE 5Zs will be replaced free-of-charge with a newer version of the product, the BABY-SAFE 5Z2, which does not have this potential issue. Parents who purchased a BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier should:

Stop using the BABY-SAFE 5Z effective immediately, specifically outside of the vehicle by carrying the infant carrier using the handle.

Go to www.baby-safe-check.com to replace their car seat.

i-Size Revolve Seat
In December 2021, Halfords issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve seat due to safety concerns about the rotating locking mechanism.

If you have this seat, it is advised that you stop using it immediately.

Halfords has requested that you take your i-Size Revolve seat to your local store (visit Halfords.com to find your nearest), where the retailer will give you a full refund and offer a 15% discount on the purchase of a replacement seat.

If you have any difficulties getting to your local store, you can call their support team on 03301 359779 or email them here: customer.services@halfords.co.uk.
Cosatto
Cosatto has recently identified a potential safety concern relating to the buckle used in the production of a small batch of car seats manufactured between September 2019 and June 2020.

The following range of batches are affected:
From 37/2019
to 24/2020 (inclusive)
Cosatto is offering a replacement buckle to all customers who have purchased a product from any of the affected batches.

Halfords has issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve car seat due to a safety concern that has been found with the rotating locking mechanism.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/product-recall-halfords-i-size-revolve-car-seat/ - Which?

Halfords has issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve car seat due to a safety concern that has been found with the rotating locking mechanism.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/product-recall-halfords-i-size-revolve-car-seat/ - Which?

Photos courtesy of Britax and RECARO Child Safety Ltd

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child safe seating in carschild car seat

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Child car seat safety advice and information to keep your children safe when they travel.

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Preparing your dog for the arrival of your baby

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Preparing your dog for the arrival of your baby

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A new baby arriving overnight can be a dramatic experience for dogs and mean a completely unexpected change of lifestyle.

Dogs tend to like routine as it means they can feel confident, knowing what to expect and when. This can help them to feel secure. So unless they’re thoroughly prepared for the changes to their normal routine that new babies can bring about, they might feel unsettled.

A new baby in the family could mean your dog receives less attention or shorter walks than they’re used to. They might also need to be left alone for a little longer than before, or not be allowed into certain rooms.

Babies also mean new things in the house, loud and unusual sounds, unfamiliar smells and potentially a lot of visitors too, so it’s easy to see why some dogs might become overwhelmed! But don’t worry, there’s lots you can do to help your dog adjust and feel very positive about their new family member.

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How To Prepare Your Dog For a New Baby - Expert's Advice and Tips | Dogs Trust Dog School

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Whilst you’re pregnant and for the first year after your baby's born, you can get free NHS dental treatment. If you have a non-NHS dentist, they're not obliged to offer you free treatment. Keep going to your dentist and dental hygienist regularly. It’s a good idea to tell them you’re pregnant so they can give you the right information and advice. Show your maternity exemption certificate (digital) provided by your midwife, as proof of pregnancy.

To keep your mouth healthy:

·         brush your teeth twice a day for a full 2 minutes

·         use a toothpaste that has 1000 to 1500 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride in it

·         spit out toothpaste when you’ve finished, but don’t rinse

·         keep brushing twice a day and see your dentist or hygienist if your gums carry on bleeding

·         Sickness in pregnancy can cause damage to the surface of your teeth from the stomach acid. If you vomit, leave it 30mins before brushing your teeth, instead rinse with water or alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash.

Pregnancy Gingivitis is condition which affects many pregnant women, as your body produces more of the hormone progesterone which boosts the blood supply to mouth and makes gums more sensitive and inflamed, in response to bacteria along the gum line.

Symptoms included, your gums:

·         become swollen, red and tender

·         may bleed when you brush your teeth or floss

Once your baby's born, pregnancy gingivitis should go away.

Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to birth a small or premature baby.

Dental work is safe during pregnancy, and the best time for treatment is between week 14-20.

If you’re not registered with a dentist, now is a good time to do it!

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Ensure you have had your correct vaccinations and feel well enough to travel.

Flight companies sometimes ask for letters from your healthcare provider from 28 weeks of pregnancy to confirm your due date and that you aren’t at risk of complications.

Travelling for more than 4 hours in a sedentary position can lead to a higher chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), to reduce this chance we advise compression stockings, hydration, and mobilisation where possible.

Ferry companies often won’t let women over 32 weeks pregnant travel

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Sex may feel different as your physical body and hormone levels change. It is normal for your sex drive to change throughout the pregnancy. You may also find that your vagina becomes dryer, you can safely use water-based lubricants in pregnancy. Sex in pregnancy is safe unless your doctor or midwife has stated otherwise.

Avoid sex until discussed with a healthcare professional if:

·         You have heavy bleeding

·         Low lying placenta

·         Your waters have broken

·         You are in preterm labour

·         You have cervical weakness

·         Your partner has a sexually transmitted infection