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Healthcare professionals involved in giving Antenatal and Postnatal care

GP

Will initially see you and then refer you onto the midwives and obstetricians who will be the main caregivers. The GP will be the first port of call for any advice or problems with your pregnancy until the midwife has booked you in at around 10-12 weeks.

Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic

If you have problems such as bleeding or pain in the first 14 weeks of your pregnancy, your GP may ask you to be seen at the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic where a trained nurse specialist will assess you and may organise for you to have a scan to make sure all is well with the pregnancy.

Midwives and Obstetricians

The midwife will be the main person involved in your antenatal care once you have had your booking visit. She will manage all uncomplicated pregnancies and those with minor problems. She will see you for all your routine antenatal appointments and if you have any problems in between these appointments, the midwife or GP will be the person to contact. The midwife will continue with the care of you and your baby until about the 10th day following birth. Midwives and Health Visitors jointly run antenatal and parentcraft classes for groups.

Occasionally an obstetrician may be involved if your pregnancy has any complications eg high blood pressure, twins, diabetes.

Health Visitors

Health Visitors make contact for a home visit at around 8 months into the pregnancy. This initial visit is to discuss the role of the Health Visitor and to give any help and guidance. The Health Visitor will takeover as your main contact for postnatal care of you and your baby from day 10-15. The Health Visitor will offer guidance in all aspects of care of the new baby and full family support. There will also be an opportunity to speak to the Health Visitor and Practice Nurse at the weekly baby clinics held at the surgery.

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