Your first midwife appointments

Your first antenatal appointment, also known as the booking appointment, marks a crucial early phase in pregnancy care, typically held before 10 weeks and lasting around an hour. Your midwife will inquire about your and the baby’s father’s medical histories, your physical and mental well-being, diet, lifestyle, past pregnancies, and any current medications or supplements.

This visit includes key assessments: measuring your height and weight, calculating your BMI, checking your blood pressure, testing your urine for signs of urine infection, high sugar levels, dehydration, high blood pressure conditions. Otherwise, our blood tests can be recommended in addition to assess your general health, determine your blood group, and screen for conditions like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

Moreover, you’ll receive valuable advice on the baby’s development, maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy, exercise, antenatal care, breastfeeding, and accessing maternity benefits. It’s a prime opportunity to voice any concerns, gather crucial pregnancy information, and formulate a comprehensive care plan. This appointment also allows for identifying any potential risks, ensuring necessary support is arranged, underscoring its significance for the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

Weeks 0-5: Although it’s too early for a heartbeat on an ultrasound scan, we’re here to address any health conditions like thyroid disease that require early monitoring. Experiencing pain or bleeding? Our team is ready to provide the necessary care.

Weeks 6-9: Time for your Viability Scan. Alongside, we assess any nausea and prescribe medications as needed during your 1st Antenatal Check. Here you will get advice on what Non-invasive Prenatal Testing you should be considering.

Weeks 10-11: –

Experience the best of both worlds with London Pregnancy Clinic’s combined midwifery and obstetric care.

Why choose both?

Birth preference choices: Enjoy a nurturing environment that empowers a positive birthing experience.

From pre-pregnancy consultations to postpartum care, our midwives and obstetricians work together to ensure your unique needs are met.

Contact us today! Embark on an informed and empowered pregnancy journey.

• Personalised consultations: Get ongoing support and expert guidance every step of the way.
• Birth preference choices: Enjoy a nurturing environment that empowers a positive birthing experience.
• Reduced risks: Studies show lower rates of stillbirth and preterm birth with this care model.
• Complete support: Receive answers to all your questions, from delivery options to breastfeeding & beyond.

At your initial midwife appointment with us, expect questions to customise your care. Discuss:

This appointment is a confidential space for all concerns. Honesty with your midwife tailors your care, addressing unique needs for a healthier pregnancy.

• Family Details: Information about the baby’s father, siblings, and family health history.
• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, drinking, drug use, and occupation.
• Health: Past and present mental and physical conditions and treatments.
• Support System: Your support network during pregnancy.
• Journey Planner: Offer you to roadmap for your pregnancy journey.

Your midwife guides you at every step, offering insights on:

Always feel free to ask questions. Your midwife is here to make you feel informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy.

• Baby’s Development: Discover weekly growth and changes.
• Screening options: Discover what ultrasound scans and other genetic screenings you may do.
• Healthy Choices: Learn about proper nutrition, foods to avoid, and safe exercises.
• Pregnancy & Beyond: Get to know our, London Pregnancy Clinic, and NHS antenatal care, breastfeeding, and benefits.
• Birth Decisions: Explore birthing options, tests, scans, and express your preferences.

Positive pregnancy test in hand? In the UK, prompt engagement with a midwife is crucial. Schedule your initial “booking” appointment before 10 weeks to ensure timely access to vital early scans and blood tests.

Private midwifery care offers distinct advantages:

Start early for optimal pregnancy outcomes: At London Pregnancy Clinic, we advocate for early engagement with midwifery services, ideally before your viability scan. While we cannot offer an ultrasound before 6 weeks, our midwives can provide invaluable support and guidance right from the start.

• Enhanced Birth Choices: Make informed decisions about your birthing experience with increased support.
• Reduced Preterm Birth Risk: Increase your chances of a full-term pregnancy with expert guidance.
• Successful Breastfeeding: Receive personalised assistance for a rewarding breastfeeding journey.
• Medical Support When Needed: Access additional medical intervention if necessary with established care.

Expect personalised guidance for a healthy pregnancy from our midwife. She will discuss:

Your midwife tailors care based on your input, possibly involving specialist advice on:

• Baby’s growth stages.
• Birth location options, based on your health and local services.
• Schedule of antenatal visits and scans. First-time mums receive extra appointments.
• Safe vaccinations during pregnancy, like flu and whooping cough.
• Local antenatal class details.
• Maternity rights and financial support. You’ll learn about free health services and potential benefits, including Healthy Start or Best Start Foods in Scotland.
• Breastfeeding support and workshops.
• Screening for Down’s, Edwards’, and Patau’s syndromes. We offer different screening options and timings may differ by region because of this.
• Pregnancy exercises and pelvic health.
• Essential supplements, including folic acid and vitamin D.
• Nutritional advice for pregnancy

Our midwife will outline the bespoke antenatal care journey you’ll embark on. She’ll inform you whether you’ll consistently see the same midwife or meet several throughout your pregnancy. Discover the locations for your upcoming appointments and receive your essential maternity notes to carry with you.

Our Pregnancy wallet might be provided to safely store your maternity notes, adorned with vital pregnancy health tips. You can use this throughout your pregnancy so make sure you don’t lose it!

Scheduled your scans and NIPT Appointments:

Viability Scan (6-9 weeks): To assess your baby’s progress and establish your due date. 16 weeks 10 Week Scan (10-11 weeks): To examine your baby’s physical development at the earliest stages. At this stage you may benefit from a Panorama Test.Additional Checks for First-Time Mums: At 25, 31, and 40 weeks.Routine Appointments: At 28, 34, 36, and 38 weeks.41 weeks: If your baby has not yet arrived.

Learn more about our scans

Embark on your motherhood journey with clarity and support. London Pregnancy Clinic offers premium private midwifery care throughout every stage, guiding you from anticipation to parenthood.

What sets us apart?

Embrace a confident and informed pregnancy journey. Contact London Pregnancy Clinic today.

• Comprehensive Care: Craft a maternity plan that adapts to your evolving needs, from birthing preferences to postnatal checkups and scar therapy.
• Unwavering Accessibility: Choose between in-person and digital midwife consultations, receiving expert advice at your convenience.
• Holistic Wellbeing: Enhance your physical and mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond with acupuncture, osteopathy, and specialised therapies led by our experienced midwives.

Internal examinations are an option, but your comfort is our top priority. If you prefer not to proceed, we can focus on effective external treatments still aligned with your health goals. Let’s discuss your preferences together.

* Examinations during your period are mainly applicable during the postnatal phase.

While standard health insurance often excludes birth and prenatal care, Private Medical Insurance (PMI) may offer coverage for specialist pregnancy services.

At London Pregnancy Clinic, we understand this complexity. We partner with various insurance providers to help you maximise your PMI benefits and access our premium midwifery care.

Please get in touch with your PMI provider to check whether your policy covers private midwifery care, as it would vary from insurer to insurer.

Absolutely! Booking a midwife appointment at London Pregnancy Clinic is as convenient as booking any other service. We offer multiple options to seamlessly integrate into your busy schedule.

Book online in seconds: Our user-friendly online booking system allows you to choose your preferred appointment type (Zoom/telephone or face-to-face) and select a time slot that works best for you. All within a few clicks!

Phone booking at your convenience: Prefer a personal touch? Call us directly and our friendly receptionists will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect appointment slot and answering any questions you may have.

Flexibility is key. We understand pregnancy demands can be unpredictable. That’s why we offer:

Same-day appointments: Need quick support or have an urgent question? Book a phone or online consultation the same day you call.Weekend appointments: Your well-being shouldn’t wait for weekdays. We offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate your busy schedule.Unmatched accessibility: Whether you prefer online consultations, face-to-face interactions, or in-home comfort, London Pregnancy Clinic caters to your preferences.

Start your journey today! Book your appointment online or call us directly. We’re committed to providing you with personalised and attentive care throughout your pregnancy journey.

Your initial appointment is dedicated to understanding your pregnancy journey and is usually 60 minutes long. Expect:

• Open Discussion: Share your experiences and concerns.
• Essential Tests: Gain valuable insights with key checks.
• Personalised Care: Discuss health history, family background, and birth preferences.

At London Pregnancy Clinic, we respect your unique pregnancy journey. Whether you seek holistic midwifery care or medical expertise, we offer seamless access to both.

Midwives and obstetricians: Our specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive care, to your needs.

Want to start with a midwife? Many women choose a booking appointment before any scans, discussing health, family history, and birth preferences. Your midwife then guides you through your journey, whether it leads to natural birth or requires collaboration with our obstetric team.

Ultrasound scans: We offer early viability scans and complete obstetric ultrasound services, always available when you need them.

Together, we empower you to make informed decisions:

Contact us today! Discuss your unique needs and discover your ideal pregnancy care path.

• Midwifery-led care: Personalised support for healthy, low-risk pregnancies.
• Obstetric expertise: Advanced care for any potential complications.
• Seamless collaboration: Both teams work together for your well-being.

At our clinic, we offer both gynaecological and midwifery services, catering to every aspect of your reproductive health and pregnancy journey.

Gynaecologists are medical doctors with a deep understanding of the female reproductive system, addressing disorders, and conducting cancer screenings, pelvic exams, and surgical procedures. They excel in high-risk pregnancy care, ensuring medical expertise from diagnosis to treatment.

Midwives specialise in care from pre-conception to 28 days post-birth, championing a natural, holistic approach. Ideal for low to moderate-risk pregnancies, they offer personalised, evidence-based support, guiding you through a more natural pregnancy and childbirth experience.

Key Differences:

Many choose to have a booking appointment at our clinic before proceeding with any ultrasound scans. This allows you to explore the best pathway for your pregnancy, be it the medical precision of a gynaecologist or the holistic care of a midwife.

Your choice between a gynaecologist and midwife may hinge on your health, pregnancy risk level, and personal preferences for your pregnancy and birth experience. Our clinic proudly supports your journey with both services, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

• Gynaecologists: Medical specialists focusing on reproductive health, managing high-risk pregnancies and surgical needs.
• Midwives: Experts in natural birth and care, focusing on low to moderate risk pregnancies with a personalised touch.

The NHS offers three vaccines in pregnancy, all free: the whooping cough vaccine from 16 weeks, the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks, and the flu vaccine at any stage if your pregnancy falls in flu season. Each works the same way — your antibodies cross the placenta so your baby is born with protection.

Your midwife will talk through the timing at your appointments. For the evidence behind each one, see our guides to the flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccines in pregnancy.