Start for Life – Pregnancy
Whether you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, or are nearly due to welcome your baby. You will have lots of questions and want to find out as much as you can so you are prepared.
Speak to a midwife
NlagMaternity – Ask a midwife service is available to answer questions Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm for non-urgent care through Facebook messenger.
Midwife triage – A midwife is available to speak to 24/7 if you have concerns about your pregnancy after 16 weeks.
Advice and support to help you during pregnancy and prepare to give your baby the best start in life.
Just found out you’re pregnant? Congratulations!
Let the community midwives know by submitting a self-referral form.
They will be in touch with you after your 5th week of pregnancy to arrange your 8 week booking-in appointment.
Go to NHS – Just found out you are pregnant for more information to and complete the referral form.
What to expect during your pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with lots of physical changes, questions and milestones. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of information available.
Go to NHS – Your pregnancy journey for the simple guide about what to expect week by week, things to look out for, when you’ll need to be seen you and why.
Eating healthy
Eating well during pregnancy is essential for your health and your baby’s development. You don’t need expensive or special plans – just a well balanced diet from foods safe during pregnancy.
Go to NHS – Healthy eating in pregnancy for a list of foods to avoid and suggestions for healthy meals.
Vitamins and supplements
During pregnancy, most of the vitamins and minerals you need come from a healthy, balance diet.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant, you may be entitled to a Healthy Start card to collect Healthy Start Vitamins from your local Family Hub.
Go to NHS – Vitamins and supplements in pregnancy for advice on folic acid and vitamin D supplements
Smoking and alcohol
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, now is the perfect time to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
If you’re planning to become pregnant and want to stop smoking, the Wellbeing – Stop Smoking service can help you take that first step to becoming Smokefree.
Already pregnant? The NHS Quit Smoking app is free and easy to use. Quitting now helps protect your baby’s health and lowers the risk of complications.
Go to NHS – Smoking and alcohol during pregnancy for more information and support.
Exercise
Being active during your pregnancy is good for you and your baby.
Go to NHS – Exercising in pregnancy to read about how much exercise you need and which types of exercise are safe.
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s a good time to start thinking about everything you’ll need for labour, delivery, and those first days and weeks with your newborn.
- Your birth plan – Think about your preferences for labour and delivery. Discuss this with your midwife.
- Newborn essentials – Make sure you have the basics ready for when baby arrives.
- Hospital bag checklist – Pack what you’ll need for yourself, your baby, and your birth partner.
- Feeding your baby – Breastfeeding is encouraged as it gives your baby the best start, but how you choose to feed your baby is a personal decision. The Infant Feeding support team can support you on your feeding journey.
Go to NHS – Preparing for labour and birth to make sure you’ve covered everything you need to prepare before baby’s arrival
It’s okay not to feel okay during your pregnancy or after giving birth – you are not alone.
Your mental health before, during and after pregnancy is important. Having a baby is an exciting time, but can also be a very stressful and worrying time. If you’re finding things difficult, support is available. You don’t have to go through it alone – there are services ready to listen, help, and support you though this time.
Maternal Wellbeing Service – Self referral wellbeing service for support with low mood, anxiety, stress and help with building coping strategies and setting goals to manage.
Family Hubs – You can go to any Family Hub and Family Help Practitioners will listen and offer advice on where to get help if you’re struggling.
NAViGO Perinatal service – If you’re experiencing severe mental health problems during your pregnancy or after giving birth, you can request a referral to the NAViGO perinatal team from a healthcare professional such as your GP or midwife.
You must let your employer know about your pregnancy and intended maternity leave start date 15 weeks before your due date.
Once you let your employer know, they must perform a health and safety risk assessment. You are entitled to paid time off for all antenatal appointments. It’s illegal for your employer to discriminate against you or dismiss you because of your pregnancy.
Go to GOV.UK – Pregnant employees’ rights for more information.
Managing your finances whilst you’re on maternity leave is crucial.
- Statutory Maternity Pay
- Enhanced or Occupational Maternity Pay
- Maternity Allowance
Go to GOV.UK – Maternity pay and leave to find out what you’re entitled to.
Additional financial support:
- Universal Credit, Child Benefit or Income support – Use a benefits calculator to check your eligibility.
- Healthy Start scheme – If you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you could be eligible for a Healthy Start card to help with the cost of food, milk and vitamins.
- Sure Start Maternity Grant – A one-off £500 grant may be available if you receive certain benefits.
- Financial support, advice and guidance