Your Antenatal Care
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your 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.
Midwife
Community midwives run our antenatal clinics on Fridays at Inverkeithing Medical Centre and on Tuesdays at Dalgety Bay Medical Centre. If you have had a positive pregnancy test or think you are pregnant, please contact the midwives directly on 01383 623623 ext 23833. There is no need to see a GP to be referred.
The midwives will discuss your choices, early pregnancy care, place of delivery and offer advice on healthy lifestyle. They will also arrange appropriate hospital referrals. Subsequent appointments for antenatal care can be booked by phoning 01383 413234 or you can refer yourself using the link below.
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.
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.