If you are pregnant you will receive regular ante-natal care. This is available from your
local hospital, local health centre or from special antenatal clinics. You will receive
support from a GP and from a midwife. Midwives work in hospitals or health centres.
Some GPs do not provide maternity services so you may wish to look for another GP
during your pregnancy. In the UK women usually have their babies in hospital, especially
if it is their first baby. It is common for the father to attend the birth, but only if the
mother wants him to be there.

A short time after you have your child, you will begin regular contact with a health
visitor. She or he is a qualified nurse and can advise you about caring for your baby. The
first visits will be in your home, but after that you might meet the health visitor at a
clinic. You can ask advice from your health visitor until your child is five years old. In
most towns and cities there are mother and toddler groups or playgroups for small
children. These often take place at local churches and community centres. You might be
able to send your child to a nursery school.

Information on pregnancy

You can get information on maternity and ante-natal services in your area from your local
health authority, a health visitor or your GP. The number of your health authority will be
in the phone book.

The Family Planning Association (FPA) gives advice on contraception and sexual health.

The National Childbirth Trust gives information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and
early parenthood.

Registering a birth

You must register your baby with the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths (Register
Office) within 6 weeks of birth. The address of your local Register office is in the phone
book. If the parents are married, either the mother or father can register the birth. If they
are not married, only the mother can register the birth. If the parents are not married but
want both names on the child’s birth certificate, both mother and father must be present
when they register their baby.

Check that you understand:

How to find and register with a GP

What to do if you feel unwell

How to find other services such as dentists and opticians

When it is possible to attend A&E without a doctor’s letter

Who can get free prescriptions

When you should phone 999 or 112

What NHS Direct can do

Who can give health advice and treatment when you are pregnant and after you have a
baby

How to register a birth

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