Maternity

We provide pre natal, antenatal and post natal care in our practice.

If you are already pregnant or think you are pregnant then:

• Book an appointment with the Practice Nurse who can arrange a pregnancy test provided it is at least 5 or 6 weeks since the first day of your last period. If you are not sure then of your dates then attend anyway. We prefer an "early morning" urine specimen (i.e. the first urine of the day) provided in a sterile container which we can supply - just ask for one at reception.

• If the pregnancy test is positive then book and appointment with one of the doctors.  The doctor will bring you into our antenatal program and make the preliminary arrangements for care.

If you are planning a pregnancy book an appointment with one of the doctors. Advice covers:

• Prevention of "Neural Tube defects" (Spina bifida and similar conditions) - recommendations of an expert advisory group of the Department of Health include advice that:

  • To prevent recurrence of neural tube defect (in a child of a man or woman with Spina bifida or if there is a history of neural tube defect in a previous child) women who wish to become pregnant (or are at risk of becoming pregnant) should take folic acid supplements at a dose of 5 milligrams (mg) daily (reduced to 4mg daily if a suitable preparation becomes available); supplementation should continue until the 12 week of pregnancy. Women receiving antiepileptic therapy need individual counselling by their doctor before starting folic acid.

  • To prevent first occurrence of neural tube defect women who are planning a pregnancy should be advised to take folic acid as a medicinal or food supplement at a dose of 400 micrograms daily before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

• Rubella (German Measles) Immunisation: Rubella caught during pregnancy can damage the baby, so it is a good idea to check whether or not you are immune to the disease before becoming pregnant. MMR vaccine will proved immunity against rubella from an early age but not everybody retains that immunity and few women may no longer be protected by the time they wish to start a family. A simple blood test is required to confirm immunity. If you are not immune then we can immunise but you would have to avoid pregnancy for one month after immunisation.

• Eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise. Heavy exercise such as marathon running and professional sports training can prevent ovulation and inhibit your chances of becoming pregnant.