We encourage all newly pregnant women to see their GP for a health check. Antenatal care begins once your pregnancy has reached eight weeks, when we ask you to make a booking appointment with the midwife.
Make your booking at the surgery or telephone our reception on 020 7272 3155.
Antenatal care will be undertaken mostly by the midwife but you are also able to see your GP at any time if there are problems.
Important Health Advice
If you are planning to become pregnant you should take folic acid supplements – even if you are healthy and have a good diet. Once pregnant, continue to take the supplements for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you take folic acid supplements it reduces the risk of having a baby born with a defect of their spinal cord such as spina bifida. It probably also reduces the risk of having a baby born with a cleft lip and palate, and of premature labour. For most women the dose is 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) a day, if you are unsure please ask.
Eat a well balanced diet and include plenty of fluids, particularly if you feel nauseated.
Avoid eating soft cheeses, pate and un-pasteurised food products because of the risk of listeria.
Try to reduce alcohol if your intake is frequent or high. The government now recommend pregnant women should not drink alcohol during the course of their pregnancy.
If you smoke, please consider stopping. Smoking is harmful to your unborn child, not to mention you. If you need help please ask, we run a smoke stop clinic and are very keen to help you stop.
Wear gloves and wash your hands if you are unable to avoid emptying cat or puppy litter trays.
Avoid lambing or milking ewes (not common these days!).