Having your baby here
The maternity ward never closes
Come straight to the ward at any hour. Do not wait at the outpatient desk, and do not wait for morning.
Come immediately, at any hour
These do not wait for a clinic day. Come to the maternity ward, or send somebody to fetch help.
Danger signs in pregnancy
- •Bleeding, at any stage.
- •A bad headache, or your vision goes blurred.
- •Fever.
- •The baby has stopped moving as much as usual.
- •Water breaks before you are due.
- •Your face, hands or feet swell suddenly.
Your first visit
Book as soon as you know
The first antenatal visit is the one that matters most, because it sets everything that follows: your dates, your blood group, and whether anything needs watching.
- Bring your hospital card if you have one, and any card from a previous pregnancy.
- Expect blood tests and a blood pressure reading at every visit after this one.
- You will be given the dates of your next visits before you leave.
- If you miss one, somebody here is given your name and will try to reach you.
After the birth
Before you go home
You and the baby are both checked, and you are told what to watch for at home.
The six week visit
One visit for you and one for the baby. The date is set before you leave the ward.
Immunisation
The first vaccines are given before discharge, and the card is written up for you.
If it becomes surgical
Theatre is in the same building and the surgical team is on call every night.
Family planning
Available at the antenatal clinic and at general outpatient, without an appointment.
Cervical screening
Every Wednesday, free for women between 30 and 49.
Chest pain, bad bleeding, trouble breathing, a fit, a bad injury, or a child who is limp or will not feed. Come now, or send somebody.