Antenatal care is the term used to describe the care you receive from our team of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals during your pregnancy.
Antenatal care throughout your pregnancy will be provided by our Community Midwife Team - either at East Kent Hospitals, your GP surgery or at some centres in the local area.
Your community midwife will discuss all of the options available at your first appointment.
If you do not wish to see your local midwife, you can contact a Supervisor of Midwives who will be able to help you.
How often will I see my midwife?
Women who suspect or know they are pregnant should make an appointment with a midwife as early as possible.
This allows our midwives to provide women with all the information and support they will need to make informed decisions about the care they wish to receive.
Our midwives, doctors, nurses and support staff work together to follow national recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
This means that you will see your midwife or consultant regularly throughout your pregnancy.
They will check that you and your baby are well, give you useful information about being pregnant and what to expect, as well as answering any questions you may have.
Women with uncomplicated pregnancies can be cared for by their community midwife throughout but some women may need additional support from a consultant if there are any risk factors in their pregnancy.
This will be discussed with you at you initial midwife appointment.
Antenatal Classes
Antenatal classes are designed to help you and your chosen birth partner prepare for childbirth and early parenthood.
The classes include information on:
- Looking after yourself during pregnancy, including a session with a physiotherapist
- Preparing to meet your baby - what to expect and how to cope
- Practical advice on caring for and feeding your new baby
- Advice on early parenting - coping strategies and bonding with your baby
There are a variety of sessions available across the east Kent area, including individual sessions or weekly courses.
Your midwife will discuss the options with you and advise you on how to book onto the classes you want to participate in.
