Antenatal Care

Your antenatal care

Community midwives run antenatal clinics in Children’s Centres and GP practices close to where you live, and are often the first point of contact for pregnant women. It is important you contact your midwife a soon as possible in pregnancy so that they can plan your ongoing care with you. 

You may choose which hospital you attend for ante natal care and delivery provided you live within the catchment area of that hospital. The Practice is linked to a group of Midwives based at Lewisham Hospital. Most antenatal care can be undertaken at the Practice.

The Practice supports parents who choose to have their babies at home.

Did you know you can refer yourself for an appointment with one of our midwives without speaking to your GP first?

You can self-refer by calling our midwife hotline on 07787 841 986, or alternatively by completing the online self-referral form; you can access this by clicking on the button shown below.

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.

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.

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 healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.

Clinics are held on Wednesday and alternate Fridays all by appointment.