• contractions or tightening's
• a "show", when the plug of mucus from your cervix (entrance to your womb, or uterus) comes away
• backache
• an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel
• your waters breaking these should be clear- Any other colour please call Triage.

High risk pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy with higher maternal or fetal concerns where complications may have a higher chance of arising. These risk factors include twin pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, growth restricted babies, raised BP, previous C-section and infection. If your identified to have a high risk pregnancy you'll be advised to deliver on the Obstetric Unit with continuous fetal monitoring via a monitor known as a CTG.

A low risk pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy with no known risk factors to the pregnant mother or baby. Women are able to deliver at home or on the midwife led unit. During your delivery your midwife will advise that they listen to your baby through a pinard and sonicade that is used in your antenatal appointments every 15 minutes during the first stage of  labour. 

Maternity triage: 01384 456111 Ext 3053 

24/7 

If you need to contact your community midwife 

Please call 01384 456111 ext 3358

If you need to rearrange a scan or clinic Appointment Please call 01384 456111 Ext 3351

Day assessment unit on 01384 45611 Ext 3586 Monday to Friday 8:30am-8pm

Saturday 9am-5pm

Sunday 10am-2pm

• you or the baby's biological father have a neural tube defect
• you or the baby's biological father have a family history of neural tube defects
• you have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect
• you have diabetes
• you take anti-epilepsy medicine
• you take anti-retroviral medicine for HIV
• Raised BMI above 30
• Multiple pregnancy 

You can start doing pelvic floor exercises as soon as you know you are pregnant.  

The exercises will lower your chance of experiencing incontinence during your pregnancy, and after having your baby. They also help reduce the risk of developing a prolapse.  

Once you have had your baby, pelvic floor exercises can be continued for the rest of your life to maintain your pelvic floor strength as you age.  

If you are struggling with pelvic floor exercises, speak with your midwife/physiotherapist for further input or watch the videos linked 

• Drinkline – call this free helpline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm)
• We Are With You – a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of alcohol and drug misuse
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – a free self-help group; its "12-step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups

• your waters break
• you have vaginal bleeding
• your baby is moving less than usual
• you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labour

Please call your local maternity if you have:
-Change in your baby movements-decrease or increase
-Vaginal Bleeding or Spotting
-Vomiting
-Leaking fluid from your vagina
-Painful Urination
-Persistent or severe headaches
-Swelling in hand or legs
-Contractions or cramps
-Itching especially on your hands or feet
-Sharp continuous abdominal pain
-Pelvic pain
-Blurred vision
-High temperature

-Rash/ illness

-Chest pain, breathlessness or pain in legs. Or any other signs of a blood clot.

Maternity Triage: 01384 456111 Ext 3053 

24/7 

Please call:

Maternity Triage: 01384 456111 Ext 3053 

24/7 

Feeding support when your baby arrives

Induction of labour Information

Information for you and your baby

HPSS

Diabetes in Pregnancy

It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time. Follow simple steps of making a safe sleep environment. 

Safer-sleep-for-babies-a-guide-for-parents-web.pdf (lullabytrust.org.uk)

If you have your baby in hospital you will need the car seat to drive your new born home safely. It's a good idea to practise fitting the seat before your baby is born.

It's also important to understand the use of a car seat is for travelling and it is not advised for your baby to sleep in.

This leaflet breaks down the importance of travelling safely with your baby.

Car-seat-factsheet.pdf

Over the coming weeks and months there will be many changes, not only for you but for your body and the baby growing inside you. The biggest change will be meeting and learning to care for your new baby. We know that needing to learn so much at once can cause extra stress, so we’ve collated all the best advice to help make this time easier.

From pregnancy until your baby’s second birthday, this can be your go-to source of information. It provides lots of practical advice, hints, and tips to help support you. It should be used together with the NHS Choices website.

We hope this advice will help you understand some of the basics – but no doubt you will still want to speak with friends, family and professionals as your child grows and you continue to grow into your new evolving role as parents.

_{The staff at Russell's Hall Hospital and in the Dudley Community, from both the Maternity and Neonatal Departments, work closely with the Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership to ensure that they are listening to the voices of their women and birthing people. They are keen to make positive changes, to learn where necessary and to implement this learning across Maternity and Neonatal Services.}