During pregnancy
Whether this is your first baby or an addition to your family,
having a baby can be a very exciting and unpredictable time for
mum, dad and other members of the family so it's a good idea to be
prepared. These sites offer advice about pregnancy and giving
birth.
Your GP will give you advice and support throughout your pregnancy
and arrange your antenatal care. If you don't have a local GP, you
should register with one as soon as you can:
If you may want information on how to look after yourself and
your unborn child, your partner's role, choosing maternity care,
what to expect during the pregnancy and hospital visits the
following pages will give you a wealth of information whether you
are mum or dad:
Teenage pregnancy
Research shows that teenage girls are less likely to become
pregnant if they are able to talk about sex openly with their
parents. The
DirectGov website (external link) website provides advice,
information and links to helpful websites about teenage pregnancy,
contraception, and sexual health.
Antenatal care
If you've booked a hospital birth, you may be able to go to NHS
antenatal classes at your local hospital or clinic. You may also be
able to do these if you have booked a home birth with NHS midwives.
NHS antenatal classes are taught by midwives who have extensive
knowledge of labour and birth, and your local hospital's policies
and procedures. Classes will include information about what the
experience labour, pain relief, interventions and Caesarean birth.
You will also learn about the skills you need as a parent, such as
how to bath a baby and changing nappies. If you wish to attend
antenatal classes, you should let your midwife know as soon as
possible.
Complications
Sometimes pregnancy doesn't go as you would have hoped and there
are complications, but there are various support groups that can
help:
Related information