Telling your Midwife and/or GP as soon as you know that you’re pregnant will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
Oxfordshire is now offering the opportunity to self-refer yourself to the midwifery team to arrange your 8-10 week ‘booking’ appointment and onward pregnancy care without needing to see a GP first.
Pregnant – what next? – Maternity (ouh.nhs.uk)
Badger Notes – Self-refer your pregnancy to Oxford University Hospitals
However if you have:
A condition requiring a higher dose of folic acid than normal pregnancy supplements e.g. Type 1 or 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Sickle cell or Thalassaemia, malabsorption syndrome, a previous baby or family history of spina bifida or congenital malformation.
A history of a blood clot in your leg or lung
Diabetes
Medication for Hypothyroidism, Epilepsy, High blood pressure, Diabetes or autoimmune conditions
Concerns about smoking, alcohol or recreational drugs
Hepatitis B or C, or HIV
Concerns about something not listed above!
Please contact the surgery to make an appointment with a GP as soon as possible.
If you have any difficulties completing the self-referral form, or if you have not had contact from a midwife, please contact the Wallingford midwives on: 01491 826037
General pregnancy information also available here Pregnancy (patient.info)
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. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the Midwife at the Hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.
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.
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.