Telling your midwife will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with a midwife when you are 8 weeks pregnant. The number to call is 01450 361000.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
Midwife
The Midwife works with the doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the midwife at the hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.
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 antenatal care
Folic Acid
Are you taking Folic Acid?
The ideal time to start Folic Acid 400 is three months before you start trying to have a pregnancy.
If not, when you think you are pregnant please start taking Healthy Start Vitamins for pregnant women, these can be purchased at most pharmacies for the cost of approx £1.80. One tablet daily until the end of pregnancy.
Confirmation of Pregnancy
Patients can now do a pregnancy test at home to confirm if they are pregnant.
Please ensure your current living address and phone numbers are up to date at your GP practice as this can save a lot of time trying to contact a number that you no longer using.
When to See the Midwife
Once a positive pregnancy test is confirmed, please make (First Early Midwifery) contact appointment for when you are 7-8weeks into the pregnancy. This is a 15 minute appointment which will include an informal chat, you will be given some information and paper work to complete at home these notes are known as Patient Hand Held Notes, these are used throughout your pregnancy. We will also touch on screening options available to you in the form of blood tests and ultrasound scans.
You will then be asked to return at approx 8-10 weeks into pregnancy for an HOUR appointment to complete your pregnancy Hand Held Notes and what we call booking paperwork with a Midwife.
Blood tests will be taken at this stage of your pregnancy and a Care Plan will be discussed with you depending on your individual needs.
All other appointments with the appropriate staff will be discussed and documented in your Hand Held Notes at your booking visit.
Ultrasound Scan
Your first formal Ultrasound Scan is usable carried out at 12 weeks into pregnancy at the Border General Hospital. You will be offered Downs Syndrome Screening test at this time.
Extra Information
We would ask you to please ensure that you to bring your hand held notes and a urine sample (bottles available at reception if required) to every Midwifery visit and/or Consultant clinic.
Any enquiries regarding any of the above information please contact the Midwives on Hawick 01450 361000 regardless of your GP practice.
A Midwife is not always available but any messages that are left will be answered on a midwives return to the Health Centre, Teviot Road, Hawick – please leave a current contact number with reception staff. Please be aware that the Midwife will call from a withheld number; please make sure that your phone will accept this call.
If you feel your call is urgent please phone Labour Ward directly on 01896 826897 and they will provide you with telephone advice.
