Antenatal appointments

By contacting your GP or maternity service as soon as you know you're pregnant and going to all your appointments, you’ll have support and advice throughout your pregnancy and regular checks to see if you and your baby are well.

Going to your pregnancy check-ups is very important. Some tests need to be done at certain times, and your midwife will tell you what you need to know as your baby grows. The midwife's main job is to make sure you and your baby are healthy. These check-ups are also a good time to talk about how you feel and to ask any questions you have about your pregnancy.

In the last months of pregnancy, your midwife will check how your baby is growing. If your baby’s growth slows down or changes, it might mean there’s a problem. To check this, your midwife will measure your belly regularly, so make sure you go to all your appointments. If the midwife is worried, she will send you to a specialist for more detailed scans to check your baby’s health and growth.

Get the most from your antenatal care by:

  • Calling your local hospital or doctor as soon as you know you're pregnant to set up your first check-up.
  • Bringing someone with you to the appointment if you want support.
  • Making sure you know how to make appointments and contact a midwife if needed.
  • Writing down any questions you have before the appointment.
  • Finding out how to make your next appointment.

Also

  • You can take paid time off work to go to your pregnancy check-ups.
  • Always check when your next appointment is before you leave.
  • Fathers can take unpaid leave for two check-ups, but some employers might allow paid time off.
  • If you don't hear from your midwife when you expect to, call your doctor or maternity service to check.
  • Your midwife will write down your appointment dates and times. If you miss one or can't go, call to reschedule.
  • If the appointment times don't work for you, ask about other options.
These short films about the importance of antenatal visits were produced for Our Chance, a campaign by the charities Sands and Best Beginnings to raise awareness of health issues in pregnancy
More information
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