Your midwife is Ruth Brown, a member of the team of midwives. She will provide your care and support . She can be contacted at Stroud Maternity on 0300 421 8018.

The Service we provide

In order to ensure the best care for you and your baby we aim to:

• Provide a service tailored to your individual needs
• Support you & your family during a time of change
• Give information to promote the best possible health of mother and baby
• Enable you to make informed choices about your care
• Identify any problems and offer appropriate care
• During your pregnancy most of your ante-natal care will take place at Minchinhampton Surgery.

First Contact

Please book an appointment with your midwife, Ruth Brown, in the antenatal clinic. Ruth will discuss screening with you at this appointment. Your GP will be involved in monitoring the progress of your pregnancy when medically needed.

Folic Acid Supplement

We advise that you take folic acid tablets for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Research shows that extra folic acid can protect your baby against spinal deformities.

Ultra-sound Scans

A dating scan will be arranged for 12 weeks of pregnancy. A scan at 20-22 weeks will look for some abnormalities. You are able to buy a photo of this scan – a charge may be made for this. The scans are done at Stroud General Hospital.

Hospital Appointments

You are not normally seen by an obstetrician unless referred by your GP or midwife.

Screening Tests

Sickle Cell, Thalassaemia and Downs screening will be offered. In order for you to make an informed choice, you will be given the opportunity to discuss this with your midwife.

Ante-Natal Clinics

Ante-natal Clinics are held at Minchinhampton Surgery on Wednesday afternoons 2pm-4pm.

Pregnancy Stages

Appointments will be made at the following stages of your pregnancy:

This may vary depending upon your individual needs. Please bring your notes and a sample of urine to every ante-natal appointment.

Parentcraft Sessions

Parentcraft Sessions are held on a weekday evening 7-9pm at Stroud General Hospital.

At about 30 weeks of pregnancy, you and your partner will be invited to these classes where you will meet other couples to discuss labour, delivery and care of the new-born baby. A visit to Stroud Maternity can also be arranged.

Tours of the Hospitals

Stroud Maternity.  Telephone 0300 421 8018.

Gloucester Maternity (The Women’s Centre).  Telephone 0300 422 5523

Cheltenham Maternity Aveta Birth Centre.  Telephone 0300 422 2324

After the Birth of your baby

On discharge from hospital the midwife will visit you at home for at least 10 days.

The Health Visitor will visit you at home when your baby is about two weeks old. Health Visitors provide support for new mothers and babies in the form of home visits, baby clinics, post-natal support groups or telephone contact. They also arrange hearing screening for newborn babies, childhood developmental screening and immunisations.

Your GP will see you and your baby for a post-natal check up, 8 weeks after the birth, to ensure that your physical health and mental well-being are maintained.

General Advice

Please phone Stroud Maternity on 0300 421 8018 for any worries you may have including:

• Loss of fluid or blood from the vagina
• Decreased movements of the baby
• Persistent or severe headache
• Sudden or marked swelling of hands, ankles or face
• Visual disturbance
• Abdominal or gastric pains