Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your Midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.
Midwife
The Midwife works with the Doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before birth and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the Midwife at the Hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.
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.
Your antenatal care
As soon as you find out you are pregnant you are able to book for maternity care directly with Northumbria Healthcare Maternity Services instead of contacting your GP. We recommend that you do this as soon as possible so that we can arrange your 1st booking appointment for between 8 – 10 weeks. This also helps us offer screening tests for you and your baby at the correct stage in your pregnancy.
Antenatal clinic visits in hospital and community
Your booking appointment
From the outset of pregnancy its a good idea to start planning. When you have registered your pregnancy, you will be offered a “booking” appointment with the midwife.
At your booking appointment you will receive your set of notes which you keep throughout your pregnancy and which contains a section for recording your progress, a Pregnancy Book of information specific to the RVI, and also the UK National Screening Committee leaflets on all antenatal screening tests.
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.
How to apply for prescription exemption during pregnancy
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you must complete application form FW8 to obtain a maternity exemption certificate. The form is available from doctors, midwives and health visitors. You are required to complete parts 1 and 2 of the form and your doctor, midwife or health visitor is asked to sign to confirm the information given by you is correct.
Please send the completed application forms directly to:
NHS Help with Health Costs
Maternity Exemption
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
Certificates are valid from one month before the date on which the application is received, until:
- 12 months after the expected date of the baby’s birth; or if the baby has already been born
- 12 months after the baby’s date of birth.
Refunds
If you have to pay for any prescriptions before your certificate arrives, you may be able to claim a refund. Ask your pharmacist for an FP57 receipt and refund claim form when you pay. You cannot get one later.