The NHS has for the first time released an online maternity service guide for expectant parents, giving the latest and most comprehensive advice on all aspects of pregnancy, from getting pregnant, early pregnancy, the scans, to the birth, and the most up to date comparative guides to what’s on offer at local maternity units.
Midwives haven’t until now had a reliable online source to guide and refer expectant parents. Research shows that people are most likely to trust and use an NHS internet site to research important health information.
NHS Choices has made this new resource available because it is known that, especially for first time parents, and not just mums, the first three months in particular can be very confusing, excitement combined with uncertainty. Most expectants parents have little or no contact with the NHS until their first ante-natal appointment which may be up to 10 weeks into pregnancy. Increased knowledge and information about health makes people more confident, and know what to ask for when seeing your Midwife.
Some of the key features in the Pregnancy Planner
• Create a personalised NHS Choices pregnancy account and be sent information of interest to you.
• Fill out an online birth plan, update as you go, discuss with your Midwifery team, print out and keep with you during the labour.
• Before pregnancy – Advice on how to best prepare for pregnancy, health advice and the best time for conception.
• Information for dads
• Health during pregnancy
• Week by week guide
• The birth and where to give birth.
So log on to www.nhs.uk/pregnancy for all your advice tips and on line pregnancy planner.