Antenatal Care
As you are now pregnant there are some decisions that you need to make at your first ante-natal appointment. If you visit the surgery you will be given a pack to read with your options regarding the maternity services that are local to you. Your first booking appointment should be made when you are around 6 weeks.
For the majority of your pregnancy, it is hoped that your care will be provided by the Community Midwife and GP at the surgery. However, if during your pregnancy you or your baby have a medical problem, your care may need to be provided at the hospital of your choice.
If you wish such care to be in Horsham at the local hospital, then the hospital where you eventually have baby is East Surrey Hospital, Redhill.
Naturally, where you decide to have baby is your choice. When you see the midwife at the surgery you will need to know where you wish to go, so that provision can be made for you to attend the hospital for the birth. You will be offered an initial booking appointment with the midwife around 8 weeks and they will be happy to discuss your care with you.
Professionals in Antenatal Care in the Community
General Practitioner
Your GP makes the initial referral to the Consultant for a patient's ante natal care and then shares ante natal care with the Midwife. The patient is referred to the Consultant at the hospital where the patient chooses to have her baby. This hospital would normally be within the area, i.e. Princess Royal Hospital, Royal Sussex County Hospital or Worthing and Southlands Hospital.
Midwife
The Midwife is responsible for the general well being of mothers and babies and their ante natal care, and post natal care for up to 28 days after birth. The Midwife informs patients of their options and places for delivery and books the patient for a hospital or home birth. The midwife will discuss ante natal care and advise on diet and smoking and arrange for you to attend parent craft classes.
Consultant
The Consultant is responsible for advice and management of high risk pregnancies and for any patient who develops problems during the ante natal period, delivery and/or the post natal period.
Health Visitor
The Health Visitor will visit during the ante natal period if possible and then is responsible for care and advice for the child from birth to pre-school up to 5 years of age.
Social Worker
The Social Worker will be involved with families who need extra support and advice at what may be a difficult for them. Problems are flagged up by the Midwife, Health Visitor or GP and may range from general family aid to issues around child protection/abuse.
Ultrasound Scan
This is carried out by a Sonographer which would routinely would be a Nuchal scan at 12-13 weeks then another anomaly scan at 21 weeks. Scans can be performed at any time throughout the ante natal period to check for growth, dates etc. Any abnormalities detected are referred to either the local Consultant, GP and Midwife or to a London specialist if appropriate.
Schedule of Routine Appointments for Antenatal Checks
First Baby | Subsequent Babies |
| |
8-10 weeks | 8-10 weeks |
12 weeks - scan | 12 weeks - scan |
16 weeks | 16 weeks |
20-23 weeks - scan | 20-23 weeks - scan |
24 weeks | 24 weeks |
28 weeks | 28 weeks |
32 weeks | 32 weeks |
34 weeks - | |
36 weeks | 36 weeks |
38 weeks | 38 weeks |
40 weeks | 40 weeks |
41 weeks | 41 weeks |