Pregnancy care
For information on medication in pregnancy, local support services and mental health resources please follow the link: https://www.nelcrp.co.uk/pregnancy
Ready Steady Baby! is your guide to pregnancy, labour and birth and early parenthood up to 8 weeks
Having a safe and healthy pregnancy
Staying healthy and safe during your pregnancy is important for you and your baby.
As well as looking after your own health there are some key things you can do to pick up any possible issues early.
Your antenatal care
During your pregnancy, you'll have a team of health and care professionals looking after you, and regular tests, checks and scans to make sure your baby's growing and developing well.
Health problems in pregnancy
You might develop some minor ailments during your pregnancy. These are common and are usually harmless to you and your baby. Some people develop more serious conditions which need to be carefully monitored. Your antenatal team will look after you and make sure you and your baby always get the care you need.
Getting ready for the birth
As the birth gets closer your midwife will help you consider your choices about where to give birth and what you would like to happen.
Meeting your new baby
Just after the birth, your midwife will dry your baby and place them on your tummy for skin-to-skin contact. This will be your first contact and is a lovely way to say hello and to start to get to know each other.
Going home
It’s normal to be excited about taking your baby home and nervous about what'll happen and how you’ll manage. If you’re both doing well, you’ll usually be ready to go home somewhere between 6 and 24 hours after birth.