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 pregnantHow 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

Other useful sites and General Pregnancy Related Topics:

Healthier Together: https://what0-18.nhs.uk/

Baby Friendly Initiative: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/best-beginnings-videos/

Best Beginnings: https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/Pages/Category/resources

La Leche League: https://www.laleche.org.uk/

Dad pad: https://thedadpad.co.uk/

• Feelings and relationships
• Information for dads
• Maternity leave and employment rights
• Rights and benefits
• Make some decisions
• If you have a long-term condition (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)