Maternity Advice

Maternity Care

The more you know about your pregnancy and your options, the more you are likely to feel in control. The information given here is based on The Pregnancy Book, which your midwife should give you at your first appointment.

Before you are pregnant

All about conception and getting pregnant

Thinking about the next baby?

Your pregnancy and labour

You will need referral to Maternity Services to organise screening and reviews throughout your pregnancy. If you are more than five weeks pregnant you can refer yourself directly to maternity service in Southampton area using this form. Please provide as much information as possible, as this will help them provide you with the most appropriate care.

You will need your Body Mass Index - you can access the calculator using link as follows - Body Mass Index.

You can also calculate your expected date of delivery using link as follows - Expected Date of Delivery.

During Pregnancy you are entitle to exemption from prescription charges. You will need to apply for a certificate. A maternity exemption certificate entitles the mother to free prescriptions:

while pregnant
for 12 months after the birth of the child

You can obtain a paper certificate with the help of reception team or apply for one online.

0-8 weeks pregnant
9-12 weeks pregnant
13-16 weeks pregnant
17-20 weeks pregnant
21-24 weeks pregnant
25-28 weeks pregnant
29-32 weeks pregnant
33-36 weeks pregnant
37-40 weeks pregnant How the baby develops
40+ weeks pregnant
Your health in pregnancy
Common health problems
Antenatal care and classes
Choosing where to have your baby
Labour and birth
When pregnancy goes wrong

You and your baby

What you will need for your baby?
Your life after the birth
The first days with your baby

The first weeks with your baby
Feeding your baby

Supporting you during COVID-19 Crisis

It is important for you to know that during these times that Southampton Health visiting Service are continuing to support you and your family. If you have any concerns about your child’s feeding, please consider contacting your Health Visiting team in the usual way on 0300 123 6661. Alternatively you can use our Solent Pulse text messaging service on 07491 163 227.

Breast Feeding Support:

If you are struggling with your Breastfeeding you may be referred to the Breastfeeding Support Team. Further support and information can be accessed at the following:

NCT: (website) and Helpline – 8am- Midnight every day - 0300 330 07700

Breastfeeding Network

Southampton baby cafe (facebook page)

National Breastfeeding Helpline - 0300 100 0212