Pregnant or considering having a baby?

Trying for a baby?

• If you are under 40 and have regular sex without using contraception, there is an 8 in 10 chance you will get pregnant within 1 year
• If you have been trying to conceive for over 12 months you can book an appointment with a GP or make an appointment in our Contraception and Sexual Health (CASH) clinic

It is important to take folic acid supplements, ideally this should be started before you are pregnant. Folic acid is available over the counter and helps with your baby’s development.

• 400 micrograms of folic acid should be taken until at least the 12th week of pregnancy (your doctor or midwife may advise you to take a higher dose if you have certain medical conditions or taking certain medication)

It is important that you cut down (or ideally stop) smoking and drinking alcohol whilst you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Pregnancy

Antenatal care is offered from our community midwifery team, alongside antenatal screening and care provided through the Countess of Chester Hospital.

When you find out you are pregnant, you can book directly with the Countess of Chester Hospital 01244 363487

Further support and guidance of antenatal screening and tests to check your baby’s development will be provided via your booking midwifery appointment.

NHS websites also provide information on how to have a healthy pregnancy. You may find some of the below links helpful.

For information on foods to avoid during pregnancy:	https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
For information on antenatal scans and screening:	https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/
For information on exercise and Pelvic Floor exercises:	https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise/

Pregnancy is a happy time for many, however if you feel you are struggling with mental health, your midwife or GP will be able to offer you additional support.

Pregnancy support

Congratulations!

The period after birth can be an exciting but tiring time for many new parents and support is available if you feel you need it.

It is normal to feel tired during the first few weeks and many new parents struggle at some stage with sleepless nights, baby blues and breastfeeding. If you feel that you need additional support then your health visitor, midwife or GP will be able to help.

• You and your baby will be offered a 6-8 week postnatal check up at the surgery
• Your health visitor will offer additional appointments before and after this time

Breastfeeding support

You may find some of the below links helpful if you plan to breastfeed:

• https://www.laleche.org.uk/
• National Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 100 0212
• https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/
• https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/early-days/about-breastmilk-and-breastfeeding

Postnatal Depression

Baby blues and postnatal depression are very common. You may find this link helpful, however we advise you to book an appointment with your GP, midwife or health visitor who will be able to help you further.

Contraception after birth:

You can get pregnant as little as 3 weeks after the birth of a baby. Your periods may not start for several months after the birth of your baby (especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding), however you can still become pregnant.

Immediately after birth:	Implant Progestogen-only pill Condoms Contraceptive injections (if you are breastfeeding you will be advised to wait until 6 weeks)Coil without hormones (IUD) – if inserted within 48 hours of birthCoil with hormones (IUS) – if inserted within 48 hours of birth
3 weeks after birth:	Combined-contraceptive pill (if you are breastfeeding you will be advised to wait until 6 weeks)
4 weeks after birth:	If you did not have a coil (IUD/IUS) inserted within 48 hours, you can have one placed after 4 weeks
6 weeks after birth:	Combined oral contraceptive pill if you are breastfeedingContraceptive injections if you are breastfeeding

Page last updated: 10 April