If you have found out you are pregnant, please refer yourself to pregnancy booking service by calling 0131 536 2009. This service replaces your need to come to the GP and they are the specialists in maternity care who will lead you through each stage of your pregnancy.
For additional reading, Ready Steady Baby! helps you get ready for parenthood by taking you through the whole of your pregnancy from the early symptoms, through the antenatal care you will receive and on to advice on how to get through labour and the birth.
It provides a rough guide on maternity leave and benefits and can help you with the care of your baby for the first 12 months.
Midwife
The Community Midwife runs a weekly clinic at the surgery on a Tuesday afternoon. This is by appointment only.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
The role of the midwife
A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.
They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.
The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start is a government scheme that aims to improve the health of pregnant women and mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18 years of age and children who are under 5 years of age. Families who are supported by the scheme receive vouchers to spend on milk (including infant formula), fresh fruit and vegetables.
Your antenatal care
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
Termination of Pregnancy
Alternatively, if you have found out that you are pregnant and you are not wishing to continue with the pregnancy then you are refer yourself to Chalmers for Medical Termination (abortion) Clinic please call 0131 536 2454 between the hours of 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. You will be asked for some personal details (address, phone number, date of last menstrual period and date of positive pregnancy test) relating to the appointment. Patients will have their first appointment at the Chalmers Centre.