Ask the Midwife
These are some of the most regularly asked questions for the Midwifes I have spoken to, here they are answered for you to save you a job...
Q. After getting a positive pregnancy test at home when should I visit the Doctor and or Midwife?
A. Most maternity services now have the facility for you to self-refer online or via telephone. You can choose which service to access, it doesn't have to be your nearest. Your first appointment will usually be with a Midwife, they will undertake a booking appointment where they will find out all about your medical, social and family history, then decide whether you are low risk and can stay under Midwifery Led Care or if you need referral to an Obstetrician for more specialised care.
Q. I am trying to conceive, is there anything I should be taking to increase my chances or boost mine and babies health?
A. You should ideally commence vitamin supplements prior to conception, Folic Acid 400mcg daily, to help reduce the chances of baby having a neural tube defect such as Spina Bifida. Your weight should ideally be within normal range. You should stop smoking as smoking increases your risk of having a low birth weight baby due to placental insufficiency the risk of SIDS also increases for smoking families.
It's recommended to reduce (or stop) alcohol intake when trying to conceive and stop completely once pregnant as it can increase the risk of long term harm to your baby and may lead to developmental delays.
If you are taking prescribed medication you should check with your GP or Pharmacist to see if they need adjusting or swapping prior to pregnancy.
Any illicit drugs should be avoided.
Q. I have had a C Section with my previous baby, where do I stand with my next birth?
A. You will be in the High Risk category when booked and would be advised to have Obstetric led care. During your antenatal period they will check the reason for your previous C Section, review notes to check for any complications and discuss your realistic options. A previous C Section is not a reason to automatically expect a C Section next time, though should you wish then it will probably be agreed.
Q. I am nearing the end of my pregnancy, what should I do if I notice reduced movements?
A. Always ring the unit that you're booked at and go along the same day for a monitoring. Do not put it off and do not let the unit delay you overnight. Reduced or absent movements are a sign that something may be wrong with your baby, they enter a 'hibernation' type state if they are struggling for oxygen and nutrition. Never listen in to your baby with a doppler and be reassured by what you hear, just because a heart is still beating does not mean the baby is healthy and coping well.
Q. Where do I stand with my birth options. Am I able to choose a C-Section or do I need to meet certain medical criteria?
A. You will be asked to see an Obstetrician to discuss your birth choice, this is to ensure that you are fully informed of all the risks of both Vaginal birth and Caesarean Section birth. However, once you have had this discussion, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to have a C Section should you wish to.
Q. What Midwife visits should I expect after giving birth/arriving home?
A. You can expect a Midwife visit the day after you get home, or the day after birth if you stayed at home. They will make sure you have important contact numbers. Someone then usually visits on day 5 if you haven't needed them sooner, this may not be a midwife, it could be a Maternity Support worker. You can also expect a visit around day 10, this may be the final visit, unless you need further support. You will be directed to ongoing support services, postnatal clinics and the Health Visitor's support.