Bump and Birth
Trying to Conceive?
Improve your chance of success when trying to conceive and information about fertility treatment
Website: www.nhs.uk/getting-pregnant
Diabetic and thinking of becoming pregnant?
If you have type 1 or type 2 Diabetes and are considering pregnancy it is better to have pre-pregnancy counselling to discuss your options. This is because many diabetic medications and associated medications that are used for blood pressure and cholesterol should not be used prior to becoming pregnant and during pregnancy.
Having diabetes increases the risk of complications to mother and baby. It is important that there is tight blood sugar control and this includes levels in the few months prior to conception.
Because there are an increased risk of heart and spinal cord abnormalities in babies born to diabetic mothers , we advise that you take 5mg folic acid which is only available on prescription.
The Diabetes Consultants are very clear that they prefer to meet with patients before they become pregnant to look at medication and plan for future pregnancies. This helps to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies.
Website: www.diabetes.co.uk/pregnancy
Coronavirus Infection and Pregnancy
Please view the below Q&A’s and information for pregnant women and their families
Website: www.rcog.org.uk
Maternity Services at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Maternity Advice Line/Triage: 0300 422 5541
Delivery Suite: 0300 422 5542
The Birth Unit: 0300 422 5523
Maternity Ward: 0300 422 5520
Maternity Outpatients: 0300 422 6103
Neo-natal Unit: 0300 422 5529
Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/maternity
Bumps - Best use of medicine in pregnancy (Leaflets A-Z)
This information is not intended to replace the individual care and advice of your health care provider. The decision to start, stop, continue or change a medicine before or during pregnancy should be made together with your health care provider. When deciding whether or not to use a medicine in pregnancy you need to weigh up how the medicine might improve your and/or your unborn baby’s health against any possible problems that the drug may cause.
Website: www.medicinesinpregnancy.org
Your pregnancy and Baby Guide
Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it at www.nhs.uk.
Would you like to Stop Smoking?
With support, people are four times more likely to successfully stop smoking.
Healthy Lifestyles Gloucestershire will help you every step of the way.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is the development of raised blood sugar readings during pregnancy. If you develop gestational diabetes it can lead to complications during your pregnancy for you and your baby.
50% of woman who have gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life without making lifestyle changes. If you have had Gestational Diabetes you should have a blood test 4 months after you have had your baby and then annually. This blood test checks your HbA1c ( average sugar readings in the past three months) which helps to pick up if diabetes is developing.
If you have had Gestational Diabetes before and become pregnant again please contact the GP again as soon as you are aware as you will need to be seen in the joint antenatal and diabetic clinic. The specialists are keen to see you early on in your pregnancy.
If you would like to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes please look at joining our Eat Real Food programme.
Gloucestershire Maternity Voices
Gloucestershire Maternity Voices Partnership (GMVP) is a group of parent representatives and professionals who are helping shape and develop maternity services in Gloucestershire.
Website: www.glosmaternityvoices.nhs.uk
Email: glccg.glosmvp@nhs.net
Miscarriage (Bereavement Services)
The death of a baby is devastating to parents and their families.
At the Women’s Centre at Gloucester Royal Hospital they have two special suites in which you and your family can spend time with your baby and prepare for your return home.
You will be put in touch with one of the specialist bereavement midwives who will help you to find the best way for you and your partner to cope with your loss.
It may also help to talk about your feelings with other parents who have lost a baby in a similar way. SANDS (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) has a Gloucestershire branch, run by our midwives, and can offer support and put you in touch with other parents who can offer friendly help.
Footsteps Counselling and Care
Footsteps Counselling & Care is a charitable organisation offering compassionate counselling and care for anyone in the Gloucestershire area affected by pregnancy-related issues, the loss of a baby for any reason, traumatic birth, fertility problems and pregnancy-related mental health issues.
About Footsteps Counselling & Care charity in Gloucestershire (footstepscandc.org.uk)
Their vision is that anyone affected by fertility or pregnancy-related issues, traumatic birth or baby loss can access compassionate personalised support on the journey of coping with their traumatic experiences.
They can provide dedicated one to one or couples counselling support to anyone in Gloucestershire struggling with pregnancy-related issues or loss. They do not charge for their counselling service.
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a confidential listening service. You can call them at any time on 116 123 about whatever’s getting to you.
Health Visitor
Your Health Visitor will usually contact to meet with you around two weeks after baby has been born and you have been discharged by the Midwifery Team.
They are able to support you with many issues until your baby starts school or turns five.
Gloucestershire Care Services: www.glos-care.nhs.uk/health-visiting
Facebook: @Health-Visiting-and-School-Nursing
Keeping fit and healthy with a baby
Baby Buddy App
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Download from: Google Play: Baby Buddy
Download from: iTunes: Baby Buddy
Maternity Booking Is Changing On 1st June
From 1 June 2021, as part of maternity services improvements, we have developed a new booking system for people who are newly pregnant or have moved into the area and would like to access midwifery services in Gloucestershire.
Rather than presenting to a GP surgery, you can access maternity services via a portal on the Gloucestershire Hospitals website. Once the simple booking form has been submitted, a midwife from your local team will make contact within a few days.
You can make contact as early as you wish after a positive pregnancy test, but ideally, before 10 weeks of pregnancy so your midwife can discuss relevant information about your personal and family history which may impact on your pregnancy.
Before you fill in your booking form, you will need:
- Your address and postcode
- Your GP Surgery postcode
- The date of your last period (estimated)
To ensure the wellbeing of you and your baby, it’s vital that you have antenatal care, and this is your first step.
Find out more here: Gloucestershire Hospitals: Maternity Booking
If you require assistance completing the form or experience any difficulties, please still attend your GP Practice.
If you require translation services, this can be noted on the form and a midwife will arrange this to meet your communication needs.
Healthy Start
With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. You could qualify if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and under 18.
Maternity Video Library
Antenatal Clinics
The current advice is that midwives will continue to provide all routine antenatal care.
For more information, please visit this news post.
Keeping Well in Pregnancy
Everything you need to know about a alcohol.
Hypnobirthing
Our new hypnobirthing service, run by our midwives, is proving really popular with mums-to-be. As an addition to our free-of-charge antenatal education provision, these classes have a small charge, but some concessionary rates are available.
You can attend from 28 weeks’ pregnant.
You can book or find out more by emailing:
ghn-tr.hypnobirthingclassesgloucestershire@nhs.net
Keeping Active During Pregnancy
You may get told that pregnancy is a good time to put your feet up but if your pregnancy is uncomplicated it is actually much healthier for you and your baby to exercise while pregnant.
Tommy’s provides a midwife-led telephone line from 09:00 until 17:00, Monday to Friday, on 0800 0147 800
Dad Matters Gloucestershire
Supporting dads in Gloucestershire to have the best possible relationship with their families. For more information, please view the Dad Matters Information Leaflet.
Twitter: @dad_matters
Facebook: @DadMattersUK
Instagram: @dadmattersuk
YouTube: www.youtube.com – Dad Matters UK
Telephone: 01453 821340
Website: www.dadmatters.org.uk/gloucestershire
Email: dadmatters@homestartsd.org
Struggling with your Mental Health?
Pregnancy can be very stressful and some women struggle with feelings of anxiety and or depression. If you are feeling this way please let your midwife know.
Let’s Talk – which offers a priority service to pregnant patients – provides free, confidential support and advice. Call between 09:00 and 17:00 on 0800 073 2200 or visit www.talk2gether.nhs.uk.
The Association for Post Natal Illness runs a helpline, provides information and has a network of volunteers. Call 0207 386 0868 between 10:00 and 14:00 or visit www.apni.org.
PANDAS
PANDAS supports anyone, including fathers and partners, suffering from pre (antenatal) and postnatal illnesses.
Their helpline is open from 09:00 until 20:00 (including weekends) on 0843 28 98 401.
Newborn and Beyond
Please register your newborn baby with the practice.
Infant Feeding Support
If you are breastfeeding your baby and would like help, or would like to get out and meet other mothers, breastfeeding groups can be a lifesaver.
In Gloucestershire you will be supported by your health visitor and midwife if you decide to breast feed and have any problems but we are also fortunate to have two charities providing non-judgemental support across the county.
There is plenty of information online whether breastfeeding or formula/bottle feeding.
Weaning children onto solid foods normally starts at about six months.
Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life
It can take a while to feel confident about breastfeeding, but you’re not alone. Your midwife and health visitor are there to help, guide and support you.
If you have breastfeeding questions the Breastfeeding Friend from Start4Life has lots of useful information and expert advice.
It is available 24/7 on Facebook Messenger
Eating low carb or keto when breastfeeding
Do you want to eat a low-carb diet while breastfeeding? It can be an excellent way to lose excess weight, while still eating all the nutritious foods that you and your baby needs.
Website: www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb
Diagnosis of mild-to moderate Cow Milk Allergy
Practical pointers for Parents/Carers on how to carry confirm or exclude the diagnosis of mild-to moderate Cow Milk Allergy.
Home reintroduction protocol to confirm or exclude diagnosis
Cow’s Milk Free Diet Information for Babies and Children
Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy Support
Cows’ Milk Protein Allergy Health Videos
Cows’ Milk Allergy and Formula
Cows’ Milk Allergy and Breastfeeding
Cows’ Milk Allergy Free Weaning
Paediatric Dietitian Resources
Website: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/paediatric-dietitian-resources