All consultations are by appointment only.

At the first ante natal visit expectant mothers are seen by both the Mid Wife and Health Visitor.

During this consultation

• The date of the last menstrual period is checked.
• A referral is made to the hospital - (Shared Care)

What happens when you attend the Ante Natal Clinic?

• A Blood Pressure reading is taken at every visit
• Urine is tested at every visit
• After the first twelve week of pregnancy your baby’s heart will be listened to regularly, and monitored.
• Any general advice and questions about your pregnancy will be discussed fully with you and any worries and/or concerns addressed.

• Healthy eating - and what foods should be avoided
• Smoking Cessation
• Alcohol consumption

The Midwife will visit you in your own home prior to and after the birth of the baby. Home confinement can be arranged - please speak to your midwife for details.

Hospital Births can be arranged in:

• The Consultant Unit at Royal Preston Hospital
• The Midwife Led Unit at Chorley Hospital.

Post Natal Parent Classes are available at St. Mary’s Health Centre, Cop Lane, Penwortham.

Please speak to either the midwife or Health Visitor if you would like to make use of this service.

Post Natal Care

Following the birth the midwife always visits the mother and baby upon discharge from hospital, and they are responsible for their care for up to 28 days if necessary.

The midwife will generally visit on a daily basis at first, and gradually reduce their visits according to mum’s and baby’s needs.

Discharge can be as early as 10 days after delivery.

When baby is about 7 or 8 days old the midwife will carry out the following blood tests:

• Scriver Test - to check for Phenyl Ketonuria (PKU Test)
• Hypothyroid Test - to check baby’s thyroid gland is functioning properly

These tests are carried out by taking a heel prick blood sample.

The midwife’s role is to care for both mother and baby, paying particular attention to physical and psychological health, breast and bottle-feeding, and postnatal exercises.

The midwife will also liase with the G.P. and Health Visitor when appropriate.