Antenatal Care

Your Antenatal Care

When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. 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. As soon as you have had a positive pregnancy test, we recommend you start taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements. Your local pharmacy can advise you on how much to take.

Dental care is free during pregnancy and afterwards until your baby is one year old.

Ready Steady Baby!

Non-urgent advice: 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.

Non-urgent advice: 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 booking appointment (booking visit)

Your first main appointment is your booking appointment (booking visit) with your midwife. It normally takes place between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Arrange your antenatal appointment

Non-urgent advice: Antenatal Physiotherapy Patient Information

We understand there can be lots of changes during pregnancy. Pregnancy related aches and pains can be common, however there are many things you can do to ease and manage these aches and pains in pregnancy.
We would encourage all patients, whether you have aches and pains or not, to watch our antenatal video which discusses ways to care for your body during pregnancy. 

The NHS Lothian video includes information and advice on ways to adapt simple day-to-day activities along with demonstrations of exercises you can try.

Antenatal video ‘Care of the Body’

Prior to calling the physiotherapy department, we do require all patients to have watched the video and to have attempted the exercises and follow the advice for at least two weeks. If symptoms are not improving, please contact the relevant physiotherapy department for further advice.

Vaccinations in pregnancy
Speak to your midwife to find out the local arrangements for the vaccinations you’ll be offered during pregnancy. They’ll be able to advise you on how to arrange your appointments.
Read more about vaccinations during pregnancy

Early Pregnancy Units (EPU)

An Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) provides expert care and support for issues arising before the 12th week of pregnancy. You do not need a doctor’s note to visit; you can self-refer at any time during this period. Once you pass 12 weeks, responsibility for your care transitions to your local maternity department.

If you are experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding, or dizziness, go straight to the nearest emergency department or call 999.

Contact your local Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)
Checklist of common reasons to contact an Early Pregnancy Unit

It is important to remember that while many early pregnancy symptoms are normal, the EPU is there to provide peace of mind and clinical assessment when things don’t feel right.

Here is a checklist of common reasons to contact an Early Pregnancy Unit:

Common Reasons for EPU Consultation

  • Vaginal Bleeding: This can range from light spotting to heavier bleeding, with or without pain.
  • Abdominal Pain: Persistent or sharp pain on one side of the abdomen or lower back.
  • History of Complications: If you have previously experienced an ectopic pregnancy or recurrent miscarriages.
  • Unusual Discharge: Any significant change in discharge that causes concern.
  • Referred Concerns: If your GP or midwife has suggested an early scan due to uncertain dates or symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care Instead

While the EPU handles early complications, you should go straight to an Emergency Department (A&E) if you experience:

  • Severe, unbearable pain.
  • Shoulder-tip pain.
  • Feeling faint, dizzy, or collapsing.
  • Very heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour).

Note: Most EPUs operate during standard daytime hours. If you have an urgent concern overnight or on a weekend, it is best to call your local non-emergency health line (like NHS 111) or visit A&E.

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.

What is Healthy Start?