Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your Midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.
Before any woman becomes pregnant she is advised to: check that she is immune to German Measles (you will require a blood test if you are not sure); take folic acid supplements (to protect against spina bifida); and take sensible measures to improve health before conceiving, i.e. achieve ideal weight, exercise, stop smoking and moderate alcohol intake.
Register for Maternity Care
You can register for maternity care at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. You don’t need to contact your GP, we will be informed by the midwives. Simply register using the Badger notes website (link below). This will notify your midwife team at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who will contact you to arrange an appointment. It is important you do this, where possible, before the 10 weeks stage so that they can arrange your timely scans.
Midwife
The Midwife works with the Doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before birth and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Our midwife runs antenatal clinics at Colden Common Surgery, delivers babies in the GP unit at Winchester Hospital and cares for mothers and babies after they have left hospital. She is happy to discuss any aspect of maternity care and will try to provide the type of care you request. For details of clinics, please phone Appointments on 01962 712906.
The role of the midwife
A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.
They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.
The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.
Telephone the midwife: 01962 712202
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU)
We provide consultant and nurse led clinics which offer prompt access for women with early pregnancy related problems. The service offers dedicated ultrasound scans and has ready access to blood hormone tests (HCG and progesterone) which help in making a diagnosis. Women diagnosed with a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy are offered a choice of conservative (natural), medical or surgical treatment options including the use of Methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy.
Appointments are arranged via a referral from a GP or health worker. Women who have previously had an ectopic, molar pregnancy or whose last 2 pregnancies have ended in miscarriage can self-refer to the unit.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start is a government scheme that aims to improve the health of pregnant women and mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18 years of age and children who are under 5 years of age. Families who are supported by the scheme receive vouchers to spend on milk (including infant formula), fresh fruit and vegetables.
Your antenatal care
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
How to apply for prescription exemption during pregnancy
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you must complete application form FW8 to obtain a maternity exemption certificate. The form is available from doctors, midwives and health visitors. You are required to complete parts 1 and 2 of the form and your doctor, midwife or health visitor is asked to sign to confirm the information given by you is correct.
Please send the completed application forms directly to:
NHS Help with Health Costs
Maternity Exemption
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
Certificates are valid from one month before the date on which the application is received, until:
- 12 months after the expected date of the baby’s birth; or if the baby has already been born
- 12 months after the baby’s date of birth.
Refunds
If you have to pay for any prescriptions before your certificate arrives, you may be able to claim a refund. Ask your pharmacist for an FP57 receipt and refund claim form when you pay. You cannot get one later.