I'm pregnant, what should I do now?
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Referring yourself for care at
Southend Maternity Services
If you wish Southend Maternity Services to provide your care,
you can now contact us direct without the need to see your GP.
There are many health benefits for you and your baby if you access
maternity care as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test.
To help speed our referral process, please complete our online referral
form. A midwife from the pregnancy booking line will
contact you within five working days following receipt to discuss
the next steps.
She will make you an appointment with a midwife in one of our
local clinics so that your medical, obstetric and social history
can be discussed and a plan for your antenatal care
made. This appointment takes place when you are around
eight to ten weeks pregnant (but may be later than this during busy
periods) and will also include a discussion about your birth
preferences and options.
We recommend that you take folic acid 400mcg during the first 12
weeks and vitamin D 10mcg daily throughout your pregnancy. If
you take this in the form of a multivitamin make sure it
does not include vitamin A. Folic acid and
supplements may be available on prescription if you request from
your GP surgery.
You should avoid drinking alcohol and if you are a smoker, we
advise you to stop. Finally, if you are taking any medication
please seek advice from your GP.
Patients who don't live locally
Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust offers
excellent maternity facilities for women who reside in the Essex
and London areas. Our delivery suite has six delivery
rooms, two obstetric theatres and a two-bedded theatre recovery
room. These facilities are complemented by an alongside four
bed birth unit with two birthing pools and en suite facilities.
If you would like to have your baby at Southend University
Hospital , we offer a full range of antenatal services.
Please complete our online referral
form or email us on pregnancybookingline@southend.nhs.uk
for further information.
Blood Tests
It's now even easier to book a blood test. Click here to go to our new
online appointment booking service.