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You can contact the Maternity unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01892 633500.

If you are 16 weeks pregnant or more, contact your maternity unit straight away if you have any of these symptoms:

- Bleeding from your vagina

- Watery fluid from your vagina

- Vaginal discharge which is coloured, smelly, or unusual for you

- A severe headache

- Severely swollen hands, ankles and face

- Constant abdominal pain

- Feeling very unwell

- Severe itching, particularly hands and feet

- Any changes in your baby’s movements

- You are not yet 37 weeks pregnant and have signs of labour

- Any other concerns

At any stage in pregnancy, contact your maternity unit if you have severe sickness and

- you have not kept down any food or drink for 24 hours

- you have severe dizziness or fainting

- you are losing weight

- you feel very unwell.

Please phone your GP if you experience bleeding in pregnancy before 16 weeks and have concerns. Your GP may refer you to the Early Pregnancy Unit depending on what is needed.

Maidstone Birth Centre - 01622 220161

Crowborough Birth Centre - 01892 654080/664643

For non-clinical queries: contact the Midwifery Liaison Office on 01892 638158. This line is available Monday to Friday 08:30-16:00.

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Breastfeeding information and support available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

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National Breastfeeding Helpline - Helpline

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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.

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DadSpace | Supporting Mens Mental Health

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DadSpace facilitates Brotherly Support Between Fathers by providing opportunities to talk, listen and share personal experiences of fatherhood.

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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 collecting while still pregnant, or in labour, can help to make breastfeeding more successful. It is especially useful for women certain pregnancy and baby related conditions, such as Gestational Diabetes, raised BMI, premature babies and babies with increased risk of hypoglycaemia.

Watch our short video for information and a practical demonstration.

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Colostrum Collection in Pregnancy: When to start and how to do it

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.

Our Mission

To influence policies which enable the safe, appropriate and optimal feeding of infants and young children in the UK, and to protect them from commercial interest.

To ensure that the importance of good nutrition from pre-conception to age five remains on everyone's agenda.

To provide conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

To provide resources for health workers to support them in their work with pregnant women and young families.

Our Resources:

Are put together by nutrition experts and are regularly updated.

Can be used in Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited settings.

Are available as free pdf downloads for use by anyone promoting better public health on a not-for profit basis.

Everyone who works at First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition - and good food - from pre-conception to five years.

First Steps Nutrition Trust is supported by generous individual donations and conflict of interest free grants. First Steps Nutrition Trust does not work with organisations or individuals that work with, or take funding from, the breastmilk substitute industry and we reserve the right not to sell them our subsidised resources.

First Steps works with and supports a number of organisations including Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the Baby Feeding Law Group, the Obesity Health Alliance, the Children's Food Campaign and the APPG on Infant Feeding and Inequalities.

First Steps Nutrition Trust host and regularly update their partner site infantmilkinfo.org which contains comprehensive information about infant milks (for 0-12 month olds) available on the UK market.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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Breastfeeding support in Kent and Medway

No matter what stage of the breastfeeding journey you’re in. Beside You is here to help every step of the way.

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Breastfeeding shouldn't leave you feeling sore. In the early days, you might feel a bit of discomfort while you and your baby are learning to breastfeed but this should go away.

A latch that isn't quite right can cause a lot of pain. With the right support with positioning and attaching from a local drop-in or health professional, you should find feeding much more comfortable. Find out more at about why breastfeeding might be hurting on our why I'm finding it painful page.

You're welcome to go along to a local breastfeeding drop-in for a chat if you do have any questions.

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The #BesideYou campaign supports breastfeeding families in Kent and Medway.

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Our Infant Feeding Team run regular virtual breastfeeding information sessions. Discussions include – expectations around infant feeding, the changes in the body during pregnancy, skin to skin and the first feed, how to position and attach baby for a deep latch, normal new-born night-time feeding and sleep, hand-expressing, troubleshooting common problems, responsive breastfeeding and responsive parenting.

You can attended this session anytime during your pregnancy. There are a limited number of tickets available as we like to have a small discussion group and we recommend that birth partners attend as they will be your advocates and supporters after the baby is born.

Visit our Facebook Page for information on dates for these sessions.

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Visiting policy during the Covid-19 outbreak:

A partner of a person in labour is able to stay throughout labour including in the early stages of labour and during induction of labour on the antenatal ward. The same partner can remain until discharge from post-natal ward.

For people/parents in the antenatal ward, but not in labour, only the nominated birth partner may visit.

To ensure we follow local infection, and prevention control measures NO visitor/partner is to attend a scan or any antenatal appointment unless the person having the scan is under the age of 18, in which case the partner and a parent/guardian can attend, or the person has a learning disability, in which case one carer can attend. Pregnant people are welcome to record part of their scan to share with family and friends following their appointment and a free photo of their scan will also be given to them at the end of their appointment. Should unexpected news be delivered to the person during their scan whilst they are on their own, they will be allowed to bring in one other person to support them. Three dedicated quite spaces have been set up specifically for this purpose.

There is no change to triage visiting at this time but we are constantly reviewing our guidance and safety measures to improve both family and staff experience.

NO children permitted in any Maternity Departments.

Please visit our website for more information: https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/2020/07/update-to-mtw-visitor-policy/

Many thanks for your continued cooperation and understanding during this time.

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Visiting policy during the Covid-19 outbreak: A partner of a person in labour is able to stay throughout labour including in the early stages of labour and during induction of labour on the antenatal ward. The same partner can remain until discharge from post-natal ward.

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Building a strong relationship between you and your new baby will give them the best possible start in life and will help them to grow up happy and confident. This leaflet is helps develop that strong relationship, starting in pregnancy and continuing into the early days, weeks and months of a baby’s life.

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This leaflet offers advice and information for parents on getting to know their baby and setting up the foundations for a close and loving relationship.

We now know that building a strong relationship between parents and their new baby will give them the best possible start in life and will help them to grow up happy and confident. This leaflet is free to download and helps parents to develop that strong relationship, starting in pregnancy and continuing into the early days, weeks and months of a baby's life.

Health professionals may want to use this leaflet in conjunction with the Baby Friendly guide to antenatal and postnatal conversations and accompanying signature sheets.

Printed copies cost £15 per pack (1-9 packs) or £11 per pack (10 or more packs). There are 50 leaflets per pack and this price includes P&P within UK. Order using the Baby Friendly Resources order form, which you can download from our Resources page.
Please note: Orders for UK delivery only, and include postage and packaging costs. Orders may take up to 7 working days to process. The Baby Friendly Initiative reserve the right to re-print items at any time. If you are looking to order audit tools or e-learning please use our digital resources order form. Our myth buster posters show the key Happy Baby messages in bright and colourful poster form - find out more.

Building a Happy Baby: A Guide for Parents

Baby Friendly standards

Support to build a close and loving relationship is a key element of the Baby Friendly standards. Find out more about embedding our standards in your service.

Find more relationship building resources

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Building a happy baby: A Guide for Parents Leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative

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This leaflet helps parents to get to know their baby and to set up the foundations for a close and loving relationship.

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If you're pregnant, you're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus (COVID-19). If you get COVID-19 late in your pregnancy, your baby could also be at risk.
It's important to tell your midwife or maternity team if you have symptoms of COVID-19. They can give you support and advice and you can speak to them about any concerns.

It's strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect you and your baby.

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If you’re pregnant, read about how coronavirus (COVID-19) could affect you, your baby and your pregnancy care.

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It's recommended that all women and pregnant people have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. It's free for those who are pregnant.

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It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. It's free for pregnant women.

Why are pregnant women advised to have the flu vaccine?

A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby.

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 stillbirth or death.

Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy?

Yes. Studies have shown that it's safe to have a flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.

Women who have had a flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

It's safe for women who are breastfeeding to have a flu vaccine if they're eligible (for example, because of a long-term health condition).

When should I have the flu jab?

The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, before flu starts circulating. If you've missed this time, you can be vaccinated later in the winter although it's best to get it earlier.

Do not worry if you find that you're pregnant later in the flu season - you can have the vaccine then if you have not already had it.

How do I get the flu vaccine?

Contact your midwife or GP surgery to find out where you can get a flu vaccine. It's a good idea to get vaccinated as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available in September.

In some areas, you can get a flu vaccine at an antenatal clinic. In others, you'll need an appointment at a GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine.

If I had the flu jab last year, do I need to have it again now?

Yes, because the viruses that cause flu change every year. This means the flu strains the vaccines are designed to prevent this year may be different from last year.

If you had the flu vaccine during the last flu season because you were pregnant (same pregnancy or a previous pregnancy), or because you're in a vulnerable group, you need to have it again this year.

Find out more about how the flu vaccine works.

Will the flu jab give me flu?

No. Flu jabs do not contain any live viruses, so cannot cause flu. Some people get a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and you may feel sore at the injection site.

Find out more about flu vaccine side effects.

Can I have the flu jab at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine?

Yes, you can have a flu vaccine at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine, but do not delay your flu jab so you can have both at the same time.

Pregnant women are at risk of severe illness from flu at any stage of pregnancy, so you need to have a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

The best time to get vaccinated against whooping cough is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy.

If you miss having the vaccine for any reason, you can still have it up until you go into labour.

Find out more about the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy.

I'm pregnant and think I have flu. What should I do?

Talk to a GP as soon as possible. If you do have flu, there's a prescribed medicine you can take that might help, or reduce your risk of complications, but it needs to be taken very soon after symptoms appear.

More information

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It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. It's free for pregnant women. A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby. 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.

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* Each column is titled for ease of search

* Click on the website link or photograph to open the web page/document

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* Scroll down each column to find additional links/information.

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CMV, or Cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. Most healthy adults and children who become infected will have no signs or symptoms and no long term effects from CMV. It can however pose serious risks to unborn babies if a pregnant woman catches it for the first time. Please click on the link for more infomation.

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Skip to main content

CMV, or Cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life. Most healthy adults and children who become infected will have no signs or symptoms and no long term effects from CMV. It can however pose serious risks to unborn babies if a pregnant woman catches it for the first time. Congenital CMV is when a baby has been infected before birth. It is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in children and one of the main causes of childhood disability.

Are you wondering what you can do other than posting Christmas cards this year?
🎄 Send festive eCards this Christmas by email
😊 Or share to WhatsApp and Messenger
Donate what you would spend on cards & stamps, by sending eCards instead! #DontSendMeACard http://bit.ly/3dFKuJJ

CCMV is more common than Down's syndrome & causes more birth defects than Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Rubella yet only 33% of women have heard of it. We have a downloadable guide on CMV in #pregnancy. Learn the simple ways to reduce the risk. #CMVaware https://cmvaction.org.uk/resources/publications/

Did you miss our most recent Continuing Education article? Click the link below for the article and test. December's topic is: Cytomegalovirus infection: When and why to detect antibodies.

https://www.mlo-online.com/continuing-education/article/21287226/cytomegalovirus-infection-when-and-why-to-detect-antibodies

#PACE #ContinuingEducation #Credit #CE #CMV #infection

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Skip to main content CMV, or Cytomegalovirus, is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Once CMV is in a person's body, it stays there for life. Most healthy adults and children who become infected will have no signs or symptoms and no long term effects from CMV.

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Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause some complications if you catch it for the first time during your pregnancy. Please click on the link for more information.

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Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause some complications if you catch it for the first time during your pregnancy.

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At Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, we offer all three choices for place of birth - at home, at one of our birth centres and at hospital. You will have the opportunity to discuss where you would like to give birth with your midwife throughout your pregnancy. Based on the available evidence and research, our recommendation for women with a straight forward pregnancy and no complications is to birth at home or in one of our two freestanding Birth Centres (midwifery-led unit).

We have included a useful Birth preferences template for you to use. Writing your birth preferences is a good opportunity to talk about your options with your community midwife or birth partner.

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Choosing Where To Have Your Baby - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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At Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, we offer all three choices for place of birth - at home, at one of our birth centres and at hospital. You will have the opportunity to discuss where you would like to give birth with your midwife throughout your pregnancy.

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Infographics for labour and birth choices

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Infographics for labour and birth choices

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Infographics for Labour and Birth Choices - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Booking/Pregnancy Leaflets - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Early Days
Information for mothers during the postnatal period

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. We hope that you have enjoyed the time you spent in
our maternity unit.
You are now ready to leave hospital and go home where your community midwife and family
doctor will now look after you and your baby. The following advice has been compiled to help
you and your baby settle in at home.

Important points to remember before leaving
Please tell us of any change in your home address - if you are not going to be staying at
your usual address or you have moved during your pregnancy, please can you tell the person
who is discharging you home.
Your notes to take home - please collect your postnatal notes and the baby's Red Book from
the staff before going home.
You need a car seat for baby - for the safety of your baby, you should always use a correctly
fitted and approved car seat for your baby's first journey home.
Update your family doctor - please let your family doctor/GP know that you have had your
baby and are now at home. Your baby will need to be registered at your GP surgery. You will
also need to make an appointment to see your GP for your postnatal check when your baby is
six to eight weeks old. It is recommended that you make this appointment as soon as possible.
You will find information on the maternity pages of the Trust website: www.mtw.nhs.uk/maternity
If you have any problems at home, you can contact a midwife for advice at any time, day or
night. Please call:
Tunbridge Wells Maternity Triage - 01892 633500
Maidstone Birth Centre - 01622 220161
Crowborough Birth Centre - 01892 654080

Midwife visits when you are home
Your Community Midwife will contact or visit you, the day after you are discharged from hospital
(including weekends).
If she has not contacted you by 3.30 pm please telephone:
Midwifery Liaison Office (weekdays only)
Tunbridge Wells Area - 01892 633500
Maidstone Area - 01622 220161
Crowborough Area - 01892 654080
Weekends
Maternity Triage - 01892 633500

General information
Healthy eating
With a new baby it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to cook or eat properly; however, a
balanced diet should give you all the nutrients you need to recover from your pregnancy and
delivery.
A balanced diet should include a variation of fruit, vegetables, proteins such as lean meat,
chicken, fish, eggs and pulses and carbohydrates (e.g. bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes,
pasta and rice). Dairy foods (e.g. milk, cheese, and yoghurt) are also a good source of calcium.
When breastfeeding, it is recommended that you take a supplement of Vitamin D
10micrograms.

Medication and breastfeeding
Your medication will be prescribed to cater for your specific needs. Any risks regarding
breastfeeding and your medication will be discussed with you. If you were anaemic after the
birth, you will have been given iron supplements or been advised about taking natural iron
supplements.
If you are unsure of the advice you have been given by the team caring for you or have any
concerns or questions, please speak to your midwife, pharmacist or a doctor.

Faecal or urinary incontinence
You may experience this temporary problem following childbirth. If you do, please look at the
postnatal exercise leaflet you were given on discharge from hospital. You will need to do the
pelvic floor exercises described in the leaflet.
If after ten days there is no improvement, you should see your GP who can refer you to a
physiotherapist for more intensive exercises.

Your birth experience
After the birth of your baby or at another appropriate opportunity, you may wish to discuss your
birth experience with a midwife or doctor. Please let your midwife know so that she can arrange
this for you.
On transfer to the community and at discharge from midwifery care, your midwife will give you
further opportunities to discuss your birth experience and to ask questions. Following these
discussions, if you feel you need more information, your midwife, health visitor or GP can offer
additional support.

Emotional wellbeing
After you have had your baby, you may find yourself fluctuating emotionally and experiencing
symptoms such as feeling tearful, irritable, unhappy and fatigued. These are normal responses
following delivery that affect up to 80% of new mothers.
Contributing factors are: hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and adapting to your new role.
This period usually peaks on day 3 and resolves without any need for treatment after 10-14
days.
Your midwife, health visitor and GP are there to support your emotional as well as physical
health and can provide help and access to additional support.

Domestic abuse
One in four women experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives and many cases
start, or worsen, during pregnancy or after the birth. It may take the form of physical, sexual,
emotional or psychological abuse. Domestic abuse risks both your health and that of your baby.
You can speak in confidence to any member of your health team or you may prefer to phone
the Domestic Violence 24 hour crisis line  0808 2000 247. You will be offered help and
support.

Postnatal exercises
These simple exercises will make you feel more comfortable after the birth of your baby. Start
the day after delivery and continue for at least 3 months. These exercises are suitable following
any type of delivery.
Practice these exercises often during the day e.g. when feeding your baby, when standing at
the kitchen sink and after you have passed urine.
You may feel sore at first, but gently moving these muscles will help to reduce any swelling and
help healing.

Pelvic floor exercises
The pelvic floor muscles will have been stretched during pregnancy and delivery. If allowed to
remain weak, then stress incontinence (leaking urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze) or
prolapse may occur. Your pelvic floor muscles are also important for your sex life.
In a standing, sitting, or lying position, pull up or close around your back passage; then close
your front passages and draw up inside, hold for the count of 4, then let go slowly. Repeat this
exercise 3 more times.
Then start working the muscle gently by lifting around the front and back passages:
Do not hold your breath, or tighten your tummy, legs or buttocks while doing this exercise
Once you can do this exercise, try and hold for longer, gradually increasing up to a count of 10. Rest for a few seconds between each tightening exercise .Repeat this exercise as many times as you can
For more information please visit The Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy
website: pogp.csp.org.uk/information-patients

Your health and possible complications
It's normal to have some bleeding, discomfort and tiredness after you have your baby.
However, sometimes new mothers experience real medical emergencies in the days and weeks
following birth and getting help quickly can help prevent severe illness and improve your recovery.

1. Post-partum Haemorrhage. Sudden or very heavy bleeding and signs of shock including faintness, dizziness, palpitation or tachycardia (when you become aware of your heart beating very fast) You should get emergency medical attention. Please phone Tunbridge Wells Hospital Maternity Triage - 01892 633500 immediately for advice. You may need to come back to the hospital for review.
2. Infection. Fever and chills, lower abdominal pain or tenderness, smelly/offensive vaginal discharge. You should get emergency medical attention. Please phone Tunbridge Wells Hospital Maternity Triage - 01892 633500 immediately for advice. You may need to come back to the hospital for review.
3. Pulmonary Embolism Phone Shortness of breath or chest pain. Phone Tunbridge Wells Hospital Maternity
Triage - 01892 633500 immediately.
4. Deep Vein Thrombosis Phone. Calf pain, redness or swelling. Phone Tunbridge Wells Hospital Maternity
Triage - 01892 633500 immediately.
5. Pre-eclampsia. Headache, neck stiffness, visual disturbances. Many women suffer from tension headache
and/or migraine; these usually resolve with rest and mild painkillers. If, however, your headache persists you should contact your GP. If you get a severe headache within three days of the birth, which is accompanied by heartburn type pain, flashing lights, nausea or vomiting, you should phone Tunbridge Wells Hospital Maternity Triage - 01892 633500 immediately for advice. You may need further investigations and treatment.
6. Mastitis. Red painful area on the breast. Non-infective mastitis can be relieved by correct positioning of the baby on the breast and by wearing a correctly fitting bra. If uncomfortable, we suggest using paracetamol and ibuprofen (if tolerated). Infective mastitis is a bacterial infection, usually caused by a cracked nipple, and will need to be seen by your GP. You may need antibiotics. Neither is a reason to cease breastfeeding. Please contact your midwife, GP or feeding clinic for advice.

Babies' illnesses can become serious very quickly. You know your baby best. If you are
worried do not wait - ask for help sooner rather than later. If your baby has any of these
symptoms call Tunbridge Wells Hospital Maternity Triage 01892 633500 for immediate advice
- Passes much less urine than usual
- Is pale
- Grunts with each breath
- Vomits green fluid
- Has blood in stools/faeces
- Poor feeding
- A high pitched or weak cry
- Is much less responsive or floppy
- A high fever or sweating

If your baby has any of these symptoms seek immediate urgent help by dialling 999
- Stops breathing or goes blue
- Cannot be woken
- Is unresponsive
- Has a fit
- Has glazed eyes and does not focus on anything

Health problems with your baby
Newborn baby health problems are often a source of concern for new parents. It is normal for
babies to do lots of things that might be new to you and it is quite natural for you to be
concerned that these are health problems when they are probably just normal behaviour.
You will soon learn what is normal for your baby, but we offer the following information and
advice to help you recognize potential health problems and decide what action to take:
Jaundice
Jaundice can be recognised in your baby if his/her skin becomes yellow. It is a common and
usually a temporary and harmless condition. However, jaundice at any time must be assessed.
This is particularly important if you think your baby is jaundiced in the first 24-36 hours.
Your community midwife will visit within the first 24 hours of your transfer home and are often
the first to recognise jaundice in your baby. They will make a plan to monitor your baby's
jaundice.
If you notice possible jaundice in your baby outside of the community midwife visiting, please
phone the Maternity Triage - 01892 633500 straightaway for advice. You may be asked to
bring your baby into the hospital for assessment and advice about ongoing care and treatment.
If jaundice is prolonged, lasting more than 14 days, you should see your GP who may arrange
for you to see a paediatrician at the hospital.
Umbilical cord
During the process of separation the cord may become sticky and slightly smelly - this is
normal. However, should the area around the cord on the baby's tummy become red and inflamed or
offensively smelly, advice should be sought from your community midwife, GP or Maternity
Triage - 01892 633500, as further treatment may be needed.
Baby hats in hospital but NOT when indoors at home
After your baby is born; he/she may be given a little hat to wear in hospital to avoid hypothermia
(low temperature) and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
However, it is NOT usually appropriate for your baby to wear a hat indoors once at home. Skin
to skin contact is the best method for preventing hypothermia.

Health visitor service
The local health visitor team will be automatically informed of the birth of your baby and will
contact you to arrange a home visit at around 10-12 days after the birth.
Health visitors are specialist community nurses who work with new parents offering support and
informed advice around child and family health and child development. They offer a minimum
of five home visits from birth to age two and can link you into Child Health Clinics and Children's
Centres.

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Postnatal leaflets - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Early Days Information for mothers during the postnatal period Congratulations on the birth of your baby. We hope that you have enjoyed the time you spent in our maternity unit. You are now ready to leave hospital and go home where your community midwife and family doctor will now look after you and your baby.

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After Birth Preparation - Early Days At Home | MTW Maternity posted a video to playlist Committed To You - Antenatal Education. | By MTW Maternity | Facebook

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These videos are designed to be used during pregnancy and labour to aid relaxation.

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MTW Maternity - MTW Maternity - Pregnancy and Labour...

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These videos are designed to be used during pregnancy and labour to aid relaxation.

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After your baby is born, you will have lots to think about. It is important to look after yourself as parents as well as your new baby. This section will give you information about things to consider once you are home.

Community care at home

You will be seen by the community midwives and maternity support workers once you are home, usually the day after your baby's birth or the day after you get home. You will also receive a visit when your baby is 5 days old in order to weigh your baby and perform the Newborn Bloodspot Screening also known as the heel prick test. Most baby's lose a small amount of weight after birth so your community midwife will ask about how your baby is feeding and re-weigh your baby on day 5 and 10. If you or your midwife have any feeding concerns you will be offered additional visits or be invited to a postnatal clinic.

Please note - Community midwives visit between 0900-1700 and are unable to give specific times for visits. If you are expecting your first visit at home and have not heard from a midwife by 1500, please call Midwifery Liaison Office 01892 638158/633488.
Birth registration
You need to register your baby's birth within 42 days. Please click here for more information.

Baby Care

New parents

For further information on Postnatal advice please speak to your community midwife or visit NHS.uk
Click here for information on contraception after having a baby. Health visitor service
The local health visitor team will be automatically informed of the birth of your baby and will contact you to arrange a home visit at around 10-12 days after the birth.

Health visitors are specialist community nurses who work with new parents offering support and informed advice around child and family health and child development. They offer a minimum of five home visits from birth to age two and can link you into Child Health Clinics and Children's Centres.

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Care At Home - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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After your baby is born, you will have lots to think about. It is important to look after yourself as parents as well as your new baby. This section will give you information about things to consider once you are home.

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What is Kangaroo care?

'Kangaroo Care' is also known as 'skin to skin contact'. It involves placing a baby skin to skin against their mother or father's chest immediately after birth and as much as possible during the next few days and weeks. It is a fantastic way to bond and will help your baby to adjust to new surroundings, calm their breathing and stay warm and close. It is especially important for small and premature babies as it helps their brain to develop and for them to grow and put on weight. It is also very important for women who wish to breastfeed as it will stimulate milk supply and encourage your baby to feed.

Research has shown the following benefits for ALL babies:

Helps to regulate baby's temperature

Helps baby to maintain its blood sugar levels

Helps to calm the baby's breathing and heart rate and recover from birth.

Minimises stress and separation anxiety in a newborn baby. This helps brain development

Helps baby to grow and gain weight.

Helps to initiate breastfeeding and encourages your baby's instinct to feed

Stimulates your own milk supply

Passes the protection of your own skin bacteria onto your baby

Helps parents to bond with their new baby.

How to do Kangaroo care - all births No matter whether you have a normal birth, forceps, vacuum or a caesarean birth, we will do our utmost to ensure that your baby gets the best start possible and help you to enjoy skin to skin contact safely and for as long as you'd like. Your baby will be quickly dried and placed naked onto your bare chest and then covered with a warm towel or blanket to keep them warm and a knitted hat to minimise heat loss through their head. We will also encourage you to have your baby 'skin to skin' as much as possible during the next few days. Simple safety recommendations will also be discussed. Please see the Kangaroo Care leaflet here.
KangaWraps
No special equipment is needed for kangaroo care - just a mum (or partner) and a baby! However a KangaWrap may be helpful to have your baby skin to skin, whilst keeping your hands free. Click here for more information.
Click here to find out what parents say

National Awards for MTW Maternity Services for Kangaroo care

Our research investigating Kangaroo care won two national awards in 2011 and 2012. The Kangaroo care project was also a finalist at the Royal College of Midwives awards in March 2015 and a finalist at the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Enhancing Innovation through Collaboration Award.

Winners of the All Party Parliamentary Group Maternity Awards 2012. Kangaroo care research team with Anne Milton, Under Secretary of State for Health.

MTW Influencing midwifery and childbirth across the world

Rwanda, Africa Nov 2014 with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

The importance of Kangaroo care for low income countries has been recognised by the Foundation, who are collaborating with organisations and individuals from all over the world to accelerate the spread of KMC globally. A member of our MTW Kangaroo care research team was invited to attend and demonstrate KangaWraps at the Foundations' Kangaroo Care Product Forum held in Rwanda.

On going relationship with China organised by Save the Children Feb 2015 and 2020

At the request of Save the Children, the Kangaroo care research team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust hosted a visit from Chinese National Maternal and Child health officials in 2015 to hear about our research and see Mums performing Kangaroo care on the postnatal ward, in maternity operating theatre and the Neonatal unit.

Following the visit 3 members of our Kangaroo Care research team were invited to China to train staff from 8 hospitals across China in Kangaroo care. This was one of the first steps of a program to implement Kangaroo care throughout China within the next few years as part of a program to reduce deaths in premature babies.

In 2020 we were again visited by the team from China who presented excellent progress in introducing Kangaroo care.

Our team are delighted to see how work by our midwives is influencing practice and helping to improve healthcare on a global basis.

MTW Partnership with Trade4life and the KangaWrap Project

'Giving something back'
We continue to work in partnership with Trade4life, a Charitable initiative set up 5 years ago to bring fairtrade KangaWrap products to market in order to benefit maternal and child health projects in low income countries, provide employment opportunities for women who might otherwise be exploited or unemployed and work with us in promoting Kangaroo care across the UK and beyond. Trade4life is run by volunteers and all profits from the sale of KangaWraps and Kardis are given to maternal and child health projects such as ASHA in Delhi slums and Christian Aid with projects in Kenya, El Salvador and Honduras.. To date we are proud to have donated more than £70,000 to these worthwhile causes

Please visit the KangaWrap website for more information visit kangawrap.co.uk

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Kangaroo Care (Skin to Skin contact) - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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What is Kangaroo care? 'Kangaroo Care' is also known as 'skin to skin contact'. It involves placing a baby skin to skin against their mother or father's chest immediately after birth and as much as possible during the next few days and weeks.

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Baby Umbrella's vision is for every family in West Kent to have access to skilled and compassionate support during their parenting journey. Baby Umbrella listens, supports and empowers parents and babies.

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Get free specialist support with breastfeeding and early parenting in West Kent. Face to face and zoom appointments available now.

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Infant Feeding - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (mtw.nhs.uk)

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Colostrum collecting while still pregnant, or in labour, can help to make breastfeeding more successful. It is especially useful for women certain pregnancy and baby related conditions, such as Gestational Diabetes, raised BMI, premature babies and babies with increased risk of hypoglycaemia.

Watch our short video for information and a practical demonstration.

Colostrum Collection Key slides
Antenatal Colostrum Collection: who benefits?
A mother who has:

Diabetes, including gestational diabetes

A raised BMI (35 or above)

A multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)

A breast abnormality or previous breast surgery

Taken certain medication during pregnancy & treatment for high blood pressure (for other medications your midwife or doctor will advise

Found breastfeeding challenging previously.

If baby is:

At risk of prematurity (being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy)

At risk of being small for gestational age

Diagnosed antenatally with cleft lip or palate

Diagnosed antenatally with chromosomal disorder (eg Down's Syndrome)

Freshly expressed colostrum can be stored in:

Frozen colostrum can be:

Used immediately if defrosted at room temperature

kept for up to 12 hours if defrosted in the fridge.

Top Tips for expressing Colostrum

Pressure should always be backwards, towards chest wall and pain free throughout

Do not slide fingers forward during compression.

Fingers can be moved around your nipple. (Remember they should remain 2-3cm away from the base of the nipple)

A maximum of 10 mins expressing from each breast up to 3 times a day is sufficient

Alternate expressing from each breast

Colostrum may be slow to appear, just be patient and relaxed! It can take several attempts

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Infant Feeding - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Colostrum collecting while still pregnant, or in labour, can help to make breastfeeding more successful. It is especially useful for women certain pregnancy and baby related conditions, such as Gestational Diabetes, raised BMI, premature babies and babies with increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Watch our short video for information and a practical demonstration.

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Postnatal Ward - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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For women who need to stay in hospital after the birth of their baby, we have 26 en suite bedrooms. Six of these rooms are allocated to our Transitional Care ward, dedicated to caring for babies born between 34 and 37 weeks, or those born small for gestational age, requiring more input. This ward al…

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Looking after a new baby can be a daunting experience for many new parents! Babies don’t come with instruction manuals (although it would be much easier if they did!), so many first-time parents feel anxious about caring for their newborn.

This video will give you some handy tips to help you through those first few weeks of your baby’s life, including how to put your baby in their car seat, safe sleeping advice, caring for your baby’s umbilical cord and how to change a nappy.

If you have any questions, or are concerned about your new baby, then please contact your community midwife or Maternity Triage.

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MTW Maternity Birth Preparation - Baby Care

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Whether it’s your partner, daughter or friend due to give birth, it‘s an honour to be asked to be a birth partner. Yet this exciting role can also be daunting. Here we discuss some top tips to help you get ready.

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Information for Birth Partners - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Whether it’s your partner, daughter or friend due to give birth, it‘s an honour to be asked to be a birth partner. Yet this exciting role can also be daunting. Here we discuss some top tips to help you get ready.

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Induction of labour is the process by which labour is started artificially. Induction is usually only offered if we believe it would be safer for your baby to be born as soon as possible.

This video aims to demystify the process by showing you step by step what happens during an induction. We’ll show you exactly where you need to go on the day, what your options are and what to expect.

If you would like to discuss anything you’ve seen in this video, please ask your midwife or obstetrician.

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MTW Maternity Birth Preparation - Induction of labour

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If you are planning an elective Caesarean birth, this video details one couple’s elective Caesarean journey from beginning to end.

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Baby-friendly caesarean birth | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Assisted Vaginal Birth & Caesarean Section

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Assisted Vaginal Birth & Caesarean Section

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This video covers two topics which often conjure a wide variety of emotions in expectant parents- assisted vaginal birth and caesarean birth. Both methods of birth involve an obstetrician helping you to birth your baby safely, either with an instrument such as a ventouse or forceps to birth your baby vaginally, or by an operation to birth your baby via your abdomen.

This video will show you what to expect if an obstetrician recommends an assisted birth for you, including why assistance may be recommended, the process of giving consent and a sneak peek into our Delivery Suite theatres.

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MTW Maternity Birth Preparation - Assisted vaginal delivery and caesarean section

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Monitoring Your Baby's Heartbeat In Labour

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Monitoring Your Baby's Heartbeat In Labour

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Listening into your baby’s heart rate during labour is one way that you and your healthcare professionals can be reassured that your baby is well.

This video explains the two main ways that we will offer to listen to your baby’s heart, the equipment we use and how each method affects you and your labour.

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MTW Maternity Birth Preparation - Fetal monitoring in labour

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The third stage of labour describes the period of time between the birth of your baby and the birth of your placenta. The placenta is an organ which your body makes at the beginning of pregnancy, supplying your baby with a plentiful supply of oxygen and nutrients from your blood stream.

This video will take you through the choices you have around the third stage of labour, including physiological or active management, delayed cord clamping and what happens if there are any delays or problems birthing your placenta.

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MTW Maternity Birth Preparation - Third stage of labour

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This video will talk you through the options for pain relief that do include medication.

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MTW Maternity - Birth Preparation: Pain Relief Options in Labour Part 2

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Labour can be an intense experience, and each labour will feel and be a bit different. Therefore, when it comes to your pain relief options, it's important to keep an open mind.

This will talk you through all of the options for pain relief in labour that do not include any medication.

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MTW Maternity - Birth Preparation: Pain Relief Options in Labour

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Your body is amazing! This video will talk you through what's going on inside your body during birth.

Please talk to your midwife you have any questions about anything mentioned in this video.

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MTW Maternity - Birth Preparation: The Mechanics of Birth

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Antenatal hand expressing is advisable for all women planning to breast feed but is especially useful if you have gestational diabetes or know that your baby is likely to be born early or require special care at birth. If you are planning to breastfeed your baby or give your baby expressed breast milk you can start trying to hand express before your baby arrives, any time after 36 weeks. If you are expecting Twins you can start expressing at 32 weeks. If you are able to express colostrum (early milk) you can store it and give it to your baby when they are born. Some babies are quite sleepy for the first day after birth and if you know how to hand express, and have practiced the technique, you will be able to hand express colostrum directly onto baby's lips on the first day until your baby wakes up and is ready to feed. Ask your community midwife for some syringes to store your expressed breast milk or use a sterilised container. Remember you will only be collecting very small volumes of colostrum. The colostrum collecting clinic runs on Mondays evenings at 1730.

Watch our hand expressing video below or visit our infant feeding page.
Colostrum Collection Key slides Antenatal Colostrum Collection: who benefits?
A mother who has:

Diabetes, including gestational diabetes

A raised BMI (35 or above)

A multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)

A breast abnormality or previous breast surgery

Taken certain medication during pregnancy & treatment for high blood pressure (for other medications your midwife or doctor will advise

Found breastfeeding challenging previously.

If baby is:

At risk of prematurity (being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy)

At risk of being small for gestational age

Diagnosed antenatally with cleft lip or palate

Diagnosed antenatally with chromosomal disorder (eg Down's Syndrome)

Freshly expressed colostrum can be stored in:

Frozen colostrum can be:

Used immediately if defrosted at room temperature

kept for up to 12 hours if defrosted in the fridge.

Top Tips for expressing Colostrum

Pressure should always be backwards, towards chest wall and pain free throughout

Do not slide fingers forward during compression.

Fingers can be moved around your nipple. (Remember they should remain 2-3cm away from the base of the nipple)

A maximum of 10 mins expressing from each breast up to 3 times a day is sufficient

Alternate expressing from each breast

Colostrum may be slow to appear, just be patient and relaxed! It can take several attempts

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Birth Optimising - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Antenatal hand expressing is advisable for all women planning to breast feed but is especially useful if you have gestational diabetes or know that your baby is likely to be born early or require special care at birth.

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Directions to Maternity Triage at Tunbridge Wells Hospital (out of hours):

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Directions to Maternity Triage at Tunbridge Wells Hospital (out of hours):

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Directions to Maternity Triage at Tunbridge Wells Hospital:

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Directions to Maternity Triage at Tunbridge Wells Hospital:

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We advise packing a bag well in advance of your due date. Ensure that your birth partner is aware of what is in the bag ahead of time. Here is a suggested list of items.

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We advise packing a bag well in advance of your due date. Ensure that your birth partner is aware of what is in the bag ahead of time. Your midwife will probably give you a list of what you'll need to pack but you can see a suggested list of items here:

Loose and comfortable clothes or nightshirts to wear during labour: it shouldn't restrict you from moving around or make you too hot - you may need about three changes of clothes

Two or three comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you're planning to breastfeed: remember, your breasts may be much larger than usual

A pack of maternity pads (super absorbent)

Wash bag with toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap and other toiletries

Although bath towels will be provided, some women like to bring their own

Your own pillow for extra support

Books, magazines or music to help pass the time

Sponge or water spray to cool you down

Front-opening nighties if you're going to breastfeed

Dressing gown and slippers

Five or six pairs of underwear

A loose, comfortable outfit to wear after you have given birth, and to come home in

Clothes (including a hats) and nappies for the baby

A shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in

Please bring in your own bottles and formula milk if you are planning to bottle-feed.

Some snacks for you and your birth partner. Please note that meals are provided for patients only. Birth partners will be asked to provide their own food.

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Your Maternity Bag - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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We advise packing a bag well in advance of your due date. Ensure that your birth partner is aware of what is in the bag ahead of time.

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Pregnancies that require additional care

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Pregnancies that require additional care

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Here you'll find further information regarding, diabetes, multiple pregnancies, breech, birth after caesarean, support for complex social issues. This list is not exhaustive of conditions that may lead to additional care for yourself or your baby.

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Pregnancies that require additional care - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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If you are thinking about trying for a baby and you have Diabetes, please speak to your Diabetes specialist nurse or your GP- You may find this information here helpful.

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Mental Health and Wellbeing in Pregnancy 

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Mental Health and Wellbeing in Pregnancy 

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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.
Midwives are interested in your emotional as well as physical health and, at the initial booking interview, will ask about any past or current mental health issues and how you are feeling now. At every appointment the midwife will ask about your emotional well-being and, if required, signpost you to where you can get advice and extra help.

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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.

Midwives are interested in your emotional as well as physical health and, at the initial booking interview, will ask about any past or current mental health issues and how you are feeling now. At every appointment the midwife will ask about your emotional well-being and, if required, signpost you to where you can get advice and extra help. The Perinatal Positivity website has a helpful video which you can view below.

The Trust has a perinatal mental health midwife and nurse who supports maternity staff in caring for the mental health of women and their families. Ensuring that women with mental health needs are correctly identified and working with other services and professionals, receive the right care at the right time. An obstetrician with a specialist interest in perinatal mental health runs two clinics within the Trust. Women can also be referred to the Perinatal Mental Health Nurse/Midwife within these two clinics. We also have links with other specialist perinatal mental health services.

You can find out more about perinatal mental health by downloading our information leaflets on Emotional Well-being in Pregnancy. This includes referral details for Talking Therapies in Kent and Sussex who provide support for common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

The Best Beginnings website provides a number of videos providing information and support on mental health issues during pregnancy and birth.

Additional leaflets can be found below. Whilst these booklets discuss emotional wellbeing during Covid-19, many of tips are relevant to becoming a parent and the changes it brings at any time
Being Pregnant... Preparing to give birth
Being with your baby becoming a Mum,

Medications in Pregnancy

Useful Links and Resources

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Mental Health and Well-being in Pregnancy - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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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.

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Being pregnant raises lots of questions. You may be wondering which vitamins you need to take, or if you’ll have any cravings. These questions are perfectly normal – especially when your body is going through so many changes. Hopefully, our top pregnancy FAQs below will answer some of your questions!

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Being pregnant raises lots of questions-especially for first time mums. You may be wondering which vitamins you need to take, or if you'll have any cravings. These questions are perfectly normal - especially when your body is going through so many changes. Hopefully, our top pregnancy FAQs below will answer some of your questions!

For information about pregnancy and related questions we advise that you use the NHS.uk website for accurate and up to date information. This is information you can trust. If you are unable to find an answer to your question than you should speak to a Midwife.
If you have URGENT concerns including reduced fetal movements, pain or bleeding please contact Maternity Triage on 01892 633500
For urgent clinical concerns: contact the Maternity Triage at Tunbridge Wells Hospital on 01892 633500. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For non-clinical queries: contact the Midwifery Liaison Office on 01892 638158/633488. This line is available Monday to Friday 0830-1600.

For Ultrasound (scan) department: Contact the Ultrasound Department on: TWH-01892 633043 Maidstone-01622 224241

Births Partners

Advice for Parents to be/Birth Partners can be found here.

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Pregnancy Advice and FAQ - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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Being pregnant raises lots of questions-especially for first time mums. You may be wondering which vitamins you need to take, or if you'll have any cravings. These questions are perfectly normal - especially when your body is going through so many changes. Hopefully, our top pregnancy FAQs below will answer some of your questions!

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Screening tests can be carried out in a number of ways including blood tests and ultrasound scans. If you choose to have them, tests are carried out as part of your appointment schedule.

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During your pregnancy you'll be offered a range of screening tests, many of which are performed during your first booking appointment, ideally by 10 weeks of pregnancy. These tests are designed to:

Help make your pregnancy safer

Check and assess the development and wellbeing of you and your baby

Screen for particular conditions

Screening in pregnancy is offered for a range of conditions including:

Click on the links above for easy to read guides for each screening test.

Screening tests can be carried out in a number of ways including blood tests and ultrasound scans. If you choose to have them, tests are carried out as part of your appointment schedule. Please note; the Sonographer will often be quiet and concentrating on the screen whilst performing your scan, this is due to the complex nature of performing an ultrasound and completing measurements accurately.

Watch this video below for more information on screening tests for you and your baby.

You don't have to have any of the tests; however it's important to understand the purpose of all tests so that 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 the publication 'Screening Tests for You and Your Baby' which is available to download from the UK National Screening Committee and is available in 12 different languages (see below). You can also visit the NHS.uk for further information about antenatal checks and tests.

Vaccinations in pregnancy

You can help to protect yourself and your baby from Flu and Whooping cough by having vaccinations in pregnancy. Your GP or midwife can give you more information about vaccinations or you can read this leaflet here from Public Health England.
Whooping Cough
All women are offered the Whooping Cough (Pertussis) vaccine in pregnancy from 16-32 weeks.

Available from September each year (Flu season) and can be given at any time during pregnancy. Find out more information about flu during pregnancy here.

Find out more information about the COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy here.

Contact the Screening Team on: 01892 633391
Contact the Ultrasound Department on: TWH-01892 633043 Maidstone-01622 224241

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Screening Tests and Vaccinations in Pregnancy - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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During your pregnancy you'll be offered a range of screening tests, many of which are performed during your first booking appointment, ideally by 10 weeks of pregnancy.

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Your schedule of appointments will vary depending on your individual circumstances and this will be discussed with you, with your midwife, at the initial appointment.

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You will mainly be under the care of a midwifery team throughout your pregnancy. Most women should have a named midwife who will oversee your pregnancy care. You may also require the care of a Doctor if your pregnancy is deemed more complex or you have pre-existing health conditions.

During an appointment with your midwife, they will check the health of you and your baby, give you useful information and answer any questions.

Your schedule of appointments will vary depending on your individual circumstances and this will be discussed with you, with your midwife, at the initial appointment. If you're pregnant with your first baby, you'll have more appointments than those already with children. See more about pregnancy appointments here.

At Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust we follow the Perinatal Institute Gap and Grow Growth Assessment Protocol, this will be discussed with you on an individual basis.

Non-pregnancy related care will still be provided by your GP or specialist team.

The Health Visiting team will also be in contact with you towards the end of your pregnancy and once your baby is born to continue your community care.

Below is more information on some of the appointments you will be invited to:

8-10 weeks of pregnancy - booking

Most women see a midwife by 10 weeks of pregnancy. This first appointment is called a 'booking appointment' and the midwife will take your history and give you your pregnancy information. You may wish to take a look at the following leaflets and information on choosing where to have your baby before your appointment.

The community midwife will:

Review:

Medical history including details of medications, date of last smear test and plan of care

Your mental health history

Obstetric history, if applicable - your previous pregnancies including dates, complications, baby weights (you may wish to bring the red personal child health record book)

Any social/safeguarding history including your social workers name and contact details

Family medical history

Any relevant medical/mental health/social/safeguarding history of your partner/baby's father

Ensure your dating scan and combined screening are booked if you would like these tests. More information on screening tests in pregnancy can be found here

Check your blood pressure

Record your weight, height and body mass index

Make any necessary referrals to hospital or other specialist services

Offer carbon monoxide screening to all women

Discuss your personalised antenatal care and support plan

Complete your personal hand held maternity records which are kept by you and in which all of the care you receive during your pregnancy will be documented

Answer any questions, thoughts or feelings you may have about this or any previous pregnancy

11-14 weeks of pregnancy - dating/combined screening ultrasound scan

The dating/combined ultrasound scan is usually offered at around 11 to 14 weeks. It is quick and takes only about 20 minutes. The purpose of this scan is to measure the size of your baby to accurately confirm the due date. This scan can also be used, in combination with a blood test, to assess the likelihood of your pregnancy being affected by Down's Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
For more information on screening tests for you and your baby visit our Screening in Pregnancy page.

16 weeks of pregnancy

Your midwife or doctor will give you information about the ultrasound scan you'll be offered at 18 to 20 weeks.

They'll also help with any concerns or questions you have.

Your midwife or doctor should:

review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests

measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

consider an iron supplement if you're anaemic

18-21 weeks of pregnancy - anomaly scan

The anomaly (abnormality) scan is performed at around 18 - 20+6 weeks of pregnancy. This will provide a detailed examination to check the baby is developing normally. We also check your baby's growth, the position of the placenta and the amount of fluid around the baby.

Occasionally it is not possible to obtain all the views of baby and a second scan will be offered to complete the anomaly scan by 23 weeks. If the scan shows a possible problem, you will be referred to a specialist to confirm findings and where necessary discuss the options available to you. It is important to remember that not all abnormalities will be detected on ultrasound scan.

28 weeks of pregnancy

Your midwife or doctor should:

use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus

measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

offer more screening tests

At 28 weeks of pregnancy we routinely offer to test your blood to check your iron levels. You may need to take iron supplements during your pregnancy to keep your Haemoglobin (iron) at the desired level for birth. More information about Vitamins in pregnancy can be found here.

If you have a Rhesus negative blood group, your midwife will discuss this with you. More information about Anti-D can be found here.

34-36 weeks of pregnancy

Your midwife or doctor should:

review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests from the last appointment

use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus

measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

During your pregnancy you would have been asked to think about where you may want to give birth. At Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust you have the options of homebirth, birth in a Birth Centre and birth in a Hospital. Towards the end of your pregnancy your midwife will go over your pregnancy to help you decide where you will be suitable to have your baby. More information about your choices can be found here.

This appointment is an opportunity to talk about your wishes for labour and birth, including pain relief, Vitamin K for your baby and infant feeding. You may find it helpful to take a look at our Infographics for Labour and Birth Choices. For more information about the ways in which you can enhance your labour and birth, please visit our Birth Optimising page.

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Pregnancy appointments - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

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You will mainly be under the care of a midwifery team throughout your pregnancy. Most women should have a named midwife who will oversee your pregnancy care. You may also require the care of a Doctor if your pregnancy is deemed more complex or you have pre-existing health conditions.

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This video explores what to expect when your labour starts. Early labour, or the 'getting ready stage', will be different for everyone.

We're hopeful that this video will provide you with some practical tips to help guide you through this stage
Early Labour - Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (mtw.nhs.uk)

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MTW Maternity - Birth Preparation: The Start of Labour

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We have two amazing birth centres, one at Maidstone Hospital and one at Crowborough Hospital. We have fantastic facilities at both our birth centres to help support you and your birth preferences.

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We have two amazing birth centres, one at Maidstone Hospital and one at Crowborough Hospital. We have fantastic facilities at both our birth centres to help support you and your birth preferences.
In this video, Janine, our birth centre manager, will show you around

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Here at MTW we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to make your birthing experience the best it possibly can be, wherever you choose to have your baby.

We have fantastic facilities on our Delivery Suite at Tunbridge Wells Hospital to help support you and your birth preferences.

Here some of our team will show you around!

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MTW Maternity - Your Care on Delivery Suite at Tunbridge Wells Hospital