Will I see the same caregivers all the way through?
If your doctor does not have an antenatal clinic, talk to her about what options are available to you, because sometimes there may be alternatives, if you feel strongly that you need to have continuity of care. Many women who feel that continuity of care is a priority might opt for an independent midwife. This is a fully-qualified and registered midwife who is self employed on either a full or part-time basis. She provides care to you in the place that you choose: at your home or hospital. She will be in charge of all your antenatal checks and will also be with you when you give birth. For more information, read our feature on independent midwives.
If you have to visit an obstetrician, you will probably see the same one, as you are assigned this type of consultant when you are booked into your hospital.
Many women are more concerned about seeing the same midwife throughout their pregnancies than other kinds of antenatal carers. This is because they would like to form a relationship with someone that they feel comfortable with.
It is worth bearing in mind, that all midwives have a statutory responsibility to keep up to date with current knowledge and thinking, and therefore will all give the same standard of care.
It is also important to take your maternity notes with you at all antenatal appointments. The purpose of these notes is to let each different caregiver the information about your particular pregnancy. They will read about what happened at your last antenatal appointment, keep an eye on your blood pressure or any medication you have to take. If you have any concerns it is important to mwntion them to the caregiver you see on the day, as they can decide what treatment, if any, will suit you.
Your midwife will be one of the most important people you see during your pregnancy, at your labour and for a short period, postnatally. She will usually be your first port of call for information as your pregnancy develops, and she will be able to advise you on all aspects of pregnancy, labour, birth and looking after your baby.
The relationship you have with your midwife or independent midwife is an incredibly important one; they are there to help you to make informed choices about your antenatal and labour care, carry out examinations, provide you with information and generally help to educate parents-to-be. Independent midwives will normally be present during your antenatal care and also at your birth. Independent midwives tend to be women (although there is a small minority of male midwives working in the UK) and are all specially trained to provide professional care for you during your pregnancy and labour. If you are interested in further investigating this type of caregiver, you can find an independent midwife by contacting the UK Independent Midwives Association.
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