There is loads of information and support on offer to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth. We’ve put together some general advice and information about pregnancy, labour and birth including, antenatal care, how to keep well in pregnancy as well as available advice and support organisations.
Health and wellbeing in pregnancy
Antenatal care
Your first midwife appointment (the booking appointment) should happen before you’re 10 weeks pregnant. You can choose which maternity service provider you would like to use. In Brent many families use London North West University Health Trust or Imperial College Healthcare.
Antenatal classes are a great way to prepare for the birth of your baby. Your maternity service provider will offer you classes to prepare for birth. Find out more about antenatal classes.
If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s health in your pregnancy contact the triage team in your maternity service provider:
| Hospital | Contact number |
|---|---|
| Chelsea and Westminster Hospital | 020 3315 6000 option 1 |
| West Middlesex University Hospital | 020 8321 5839 |
| Hillingdon Hospital | 01895 279 054 |
| Northwick Park Hospital | 020 8869 2094 |
| Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital | 020 3312 6135 |
| St Mary's Hospital | 020 3312 6135 |
Mental health and wellbeing
1 in 10 women experience mental health problems during pregnancy (antenatal/prenatal) and before and after birth (perinatal). Following organisations can help:
Dental health
You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you're pregnant when you start your treatment and for 12 months after your baby is born.
Healthy eating
Eating a varied diet of different foods is the best way for you to stay healthy, and help your baby grow and develop. Find information on healthy eating,
- Alcohol and smoking
Drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies. Following organisations can help:
Pregnancy advice and support
Domestic abuse in pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a trigger for domestic abuse, and existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after giving birth. If you are experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk about it, there are several local and national agencies that can offer support.
Having a baby that might be born with a medical condition and/or additional needs
If you find out your unborn baby might be born with a medical condition or additional needs that will cause disability, it can be a very difficult time. Your maternity service provider will advise you and support you and your baby's needs.
You can find information about the offer for children with special education needs and disabilities on our local offer pages.
Other support
There are a range of services available in Brent that can be useful during pregnancy.
Brent Family Wellbeing Centres offer advice and support for pregnant families including Welcome to Parenthood information sessions.
NHS has a wide range of information about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Online resources
Find out about how you can support your child’s language and communication skills, visit BBC Tiny Happy People for children's language development and parenting advice.
