As soon as you know that you are pregnant, you should book into the Antenatal Clinic at your local hospital so you can be assigned to a Midwifes team and the first screening tests can be arranged. The easier and more efficient way to do this is via self referral.
In addition to your antenatal referral, you may want to contact the surgery to arrange an appointment with a doctor if is your first pregnancy and you would like advice and support, or if you have any symptoms or medical issues you would like to discuss with your GP.
This is the page to the self referral form for our local maternity service at St Thomas Hospital Maternity: care during pregnancy – Overview | Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (guysandstthomas.nhs.uk)
Some patients may prefer to attend Lewisham Hospital Maternity Services | Lewisham and Greenwich or King’s College Maternity – King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (kch.nhs.uk)
After sending your referral, you will receive a midwife appointment, which should ideally happen BEFORE the 12th week of pregnancy
It’s best to start 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 on your first trimestre
The role of the Midwife
A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to manage pregancy and normal deliveries. They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby during the pregnancy. The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.
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.