So you are pregnant - What happens now?
It’s important to tell your doctor you are pregnant. Everything you tell your doctor is private. If you see a doctor, dentist or pharmacist for any reason you will need to let them know you are pregnant so that any medicine you take is safe for your baby. Once you have told your doctor she or he can arrange for you to see a midwife as soon as possible.
Young Parents and Education
If you become pregnant whilst still at school you will be expected to continue to attend for as long as possible into the pregnancy. Arrangements can be made for a reduced timetable and time off to attend antenatal appointments. Usually a school age pregnant student would attend her school until 9 weeks before the expected birth date of her child. During those 9 weeks she would continue to receive educational support in either home tuition or work sent home by the school. She would then be expected to resume her studies 9 weeks after the birth of the baby. The Education and Welfare Service will work with your school to ensure your education is not disrupted and that the many opportunities available through continuing your education remain open to you. If you have any queries about the above you can either contact your local Education and Welfare Officer through the school or contact The Reintegration Service.
Midwives
Midwives are trained to provide the best possible care and advice for you and your baby during your pregnancy and for the first few days after birth. At your first appointment with the midwife approximately 10 weeks into the pregnancy (sometimes called 'booking in') you will be asked for details about your health. You will be provided with information about pregnancy such as ultrasound scans, diet and lifestyle choices, support groups as well as information about the birth. You can attend the appointment by yourself or with a friend or partner. Again midwives will keep what you say confidential. In many parts of Kent there are midwives with responsibility for teenage parents. Where this service is available your own midwife will ask for your permission to pass your details on so the teenage pregnancy midwife can get in touch and give you extra support if you need it. If you are worried and wish to speak to a midwife contact your local doctor’s surgery who will put you in touch.
Health Visitors
Your local health visiting team will be in contact with you regardless of your age to offer help and support on all aspects of health for you and your baby. Contact may be in a group setting through young parent groups or on a one to one basis during a home visit or at the baby clinic. They aim to build a trusting, respectful and non judgmental relationship with you. Health visitors are good listeners and work with all kinds of different professionals to support young mums and dads; they can refer you on for more specialist advice if needed or help you find local services and support.
If you are pregnant you should arrange to see a midwife as soon as possible. The best way to do this is via your GP surgery; alternatively you can phone one of the numbers below to arrange this.
If there is anything you would like to discuss in further detail, please ring one of the numbers below and ask to speak to a midwife.
Maternity Services East Hospital NHS Trust