Can you choose where you want to have your baby? Yes. Within the NHS there are four main places that you may choose to have your baby: Hospital birth (Labour Ward/delivery suite) Theatre Birth centre Home. Hospital birth In a hospital birth you will be on a Labour Ward, also called a delivery suite. This is a […]
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How to get mental healthcare before, during and after pregnancy Over the last few years mental health services for women who are pregnant or postnatal (post-birth) have increased significantly. Why is it necessary? 10-20% of women experience mental illness in the perinatal period. A range of services is available. There are specialist mental health teams all over the country […]
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10 top tips for medical history taking Key points Engage with the patient. Good introduction with a handshake Set the scene Build rapport Let the patient talk Know your stuff Change direction if needed Repeat and summarise their answers Know your biases Knowledge is key (see 5!) – keep learning Watch your patient. The history […]
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Do women have a hospital consultant when pregnant? Yes and no. [“thanks, thought you might say that” MyHSN Ed]. And it depends on which bit of the country you live in. In country areas it is less common. But. For most pregnant women, you are not given a named hospital consultant (these are the most […]
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What medicines are safe when pregnant? Some of the medicines you take regularly could affect your unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy you should make an appointment with your GP or midwife. This can be face-to-face or virtual. You can then discuss your regular prescription medicines – as well as any […]
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Can I get a day off work for pregnancy appointments? Yes. By law, you have the right to reasonable time off with full pay for ‘antenatal’ (pregnancy-related) appointments and care before you have your baby. That includes scans, health checks and educational classes. Unfortunately, you may not necessarily get approved time off to attend some […]
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How do you make the NHS Elephant dance for you? At its best, the NHS is a wonderful service, but often its an grumpy deaf elephant going the wrong way. Why is this so? Admin of NHS is awful Partly as its too big and complicated Nothing (computers) and no one (people) talks to each other The waiting lists are long and […]
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How do I prepare to go to the hospital? What to take to hospital This is what we would recommend you bring: 2 sets of nightwear and several items of underwear; slippers Glasses or contact lenses Wash bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap Sanitary towels (for women); shaving things (for men) Sleep mask and ear plugs Books […]
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Postnatal (after childbirth) care for mothers Whether you have had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section, a planned birth or an emergency birth, or delivered at home or the hospital, you may have questions about your health after having a baby. Some of the most common concerns in the post-natal period (the six weeks after having […]
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I’m pregnant: what do I do if I’m worried about my baby? If you have urgent concerns during your pregnancy, such as bleeding, pain or reduced movement, do not contact your midwife or GP. Why? They may not be on duty when you contact them and this can delay you accessing help. However, unless you […]
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