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.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.
Antenatal Clinics
These are run by the Community Midwives. If you are pregnant and have not yet been seen by a Midwife, please inform the Reception Staff. We now run daily postnatal clinics at Truro Health Park where the Midwives see the majority of new mums and babies. On the first day after discharge a Midwife will contact the family to ascertain if a home visit or an appointment at Truro Health Park is needed.
The midwives see newly pregnant women at around 8 to 9 weeks of pregnancy, this will plan the appointments including scans for the remainder of the pregnancy. Midwives are attached to a surgery and this is to ensure as much as possible continuity in seeing the same Midwife up to delivery. Your Midwife will discuss with you where you would like to have your baby, dependant upon your health and past pregnancies; alternatives include Treliske Hospital, Penrice Birth Centre (St. Austell) or a home birth. When you have had your baby post natal visits are mostly within the clinics at Truro Health Park, unless you are not well enough to attend.
The midwifery team run antenatal preparation classes to prepare you for your birthing experience.
We also have maternity support workers in the midwifery team who can visit at home or see you at the Health Park.They provide breast feeding advice and newborn baby care support.
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.
- To book an appointment please call: The Community Midwives office on 01872 221420
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.
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.
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.