Your pregnancy

Want to learn more about antenatal care and staying healthy during pregnancy? Check out the following resources: 

• Antenatal checks and tests: Antenatal checks and tests - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Pregnancy:  Pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Screening tests for you and your baby:  Screening tests for you and your baby (STFYAYB) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Vaccinations in pregnancy: Vaccinations in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Smoking and pregnancy:  Smoking and pregnancy | RCOG
• Baby movements in pregnancy:  Your Baby's Movements: When Does a Baby Start Kicking? | Tommy's (tommys.org)
• Gestational diabetes: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes
•  Pre-eclampsia: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/
• Obstetric cholestasis: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/itching-and-intrahepatic-cholestasis/
• Reducing the risk of venous thrombosis in pregnancy and after birth:  Reducing the risk of venous thrombosis in pregnancy and after birth | RCOG
• Alcohol in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/drinking-alcohol-while-pregnant/
• Mental health problems and pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/mental-health/
• Exercise in pregnancy:  Exercise in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies:  Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy and newborn babies | RCOG
• Hand expression: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/breastfeeding-resources/hand-expression-video/
• The Healthy Start Scheme: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk
• Health Visitors: Child and family wellbeing services:  https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/

If you are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, a midwife, GP or healthcare professional can apply for a maternity exemption certificate on your behalf. They will discuss this with you at your first appointment once your pregnancy has been confirmed. You will receive your certificate by email as soon as the application has been completed.

Otherwise, a paper certificate will be posted within 10 working days of the application being received. The certificate will expire 12 months after either your due date or the birth of your baby.

You can find out more about maternity and paternity benefits at https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/maternity-and-paternity-benefits-and-leave. 

 

• Birthing Information Classes: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birthing-information-class-basildon-hospital-tickets-779937573277?aff=oddtdtcreator
• Gestational Diabetes Information session: Email  email mse.gdm.service@nhs.net to register your interest.  Please include your name, your date of birth, your hospital number and your contact number.
• Infant Feeding Classes: TBC

• Virtual infant feeding class: every Tuesday, from 10am to 11.30am. For more information please call us on 0300 247 0014.

• Infant Feeding and Relationship Building Workshop: These workshops are held on Saturdays in the Education Centre from 12-4pm. Education Centre is located near Southend University Hospital and Chase High School. To book, please message or call 07385391787.
• Midwife Led Antenatal/Postnatal Parent Class. To book, please contact us.
• Postnatal Infant Feeding Support group is held every Monday except Bank Holidays from 12pm to 3pm at Labyrinth House. This is a drop-in session, so you can just come along.
• Midwife Run Hypnobirthing Classes with Infant Feeding. To book, please contact us.

On Saturdays between 9am and 4pm for women and birthing people at/past 36 weeks.

If you would like to book your spot, please speak to your midwife.

Address: Rayne Road, St Michael's Health Centre, Braintree, CM7 2QU

Contact numbers:

• Birthing unit or community, open 24/7- call 01376 555943, or extension 2943/2321.
• Appointments- call 0300 44 30550,  between Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 12:30pm. This number has been temporarily changed due to ongoing work at the WJC unit.
• Booking appointments- call 01376 555950 or use the extension 2950, between Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.