Posted on

Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP)

Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP)

Each NHS trust has a Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) group. They are made up of a team of service users, their families, commissioners, providers, doctors and midwives who work together to ensure service users’ voices are heard and are at the heart of improving maternity services. All MVPs are led by service users just like you – they have had a baby and used our maternity services. A key purpose of each MVP is to ensure everyone using our services has an opportunity to have their voice heard. Your local MVP would be very keen to hear about your maternity experiences good or bad. Here are the email addresses and links for each of the MVPs:
Portal: MVP email addresses and links for your region
Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP)
Posted on

References and sources

References and sources

List of collaborating groups

Clinicians at: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust including: Midwives Obstetricians Obstetric anaesthetists Perinatal mental health leads Infant feeding midwives Women’s health physiotherapists

Additional contributors

Ealing Children’s Services GPs Health visitors Imperial College Healthcare Partners Maternity service users North West London Maternity Voice Partnership Chairs North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups North West London Local Maternity System The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Posted on

About this app

About this app

Mum & Baby: your personal NHS guide for pregnancy, birth and beyond This app is your guide to all the options available for your maternity care in
LMS title
. Using this app you can:
  • explore and choose where to give birth
  • find all the key information you need for having a baby
  • keep track of all your appointments
  • create your own personal care and support plan for pregnancy, birth and beyond.
The Mum & Baby app is personalised for women/birthing people who use NHS maternity services in
LMS title
, however the resources can be be used by any women/birthing people and their families seeking maternity support and information.
Portal: Maternity care in your region
Portal: Vision statement of your LMS
Portal: Your objective
Better Births National Maternity Review
Privacy policy
Terms of use

Independent rating

ORCHA, the Organisation for the Review of Care & Health Applications, has awarded its prestigious kitemark to the Mum & Baby app. When reviewed against 180 different criteria the app achieved 86%, one of the highest rating awarded. It also achieved the highest rating of any pregnancy and birth app tested by ORCHA.

Credit

The first version of Mum & Baby was launched in 2014 and was built through the initiative of Dr Sunita Sharma, Lead Consultant of Postnatal Services at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, supported by CW+, the charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CWPLUS Registered Charity No.1169897). The app was subsequently expanded and updated. The app continues to be supported by CW+, Imagineear Health and the North West London Local Maternity and Neonatal System. The app receives valuable contributions from a Clinical Reference Group and a wide range of specialist stakeholder and user groups from across England.

Reviews and updates

The content of the app is reviewed and updated regularly by the North West London Local Maternity and Neonatal System in collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders. If you detect any issues with the app, please email: mumandbaby.nwl@nhs.net. We will get back to you within 72 hours.

Acccessibility

This app is provided by Imagineear Ltd in collaboration with CW+ and the North West London Local Maternity System. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this app. We also recognise and respect the wide range of people it is here to support. We have made every effort to achieve Level AA conformance with the Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, but we are aware there may be features of this app that might result in accessibility issues for some users. This app is therefore partially compliant with the WCAG AA standard. We are always looking to improve the accessibility of this app. If you find any problem or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact: legaldepartment@imagineear.com who are responsible for dealing with these reports.

Disclaimer

The information and suggestions included in this app are intended to inform you about a range of topics related to having a baby. Care has been taken to include information that is in line with the guidance, advice and/or quality standards that are approved by a range of organisations like the RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). It is intended that content of this app be used as a supportive resource only. The content is not a substitute for specific advice. Where you have any concern as regards the safety and wellbeing of yourself or your baby you must seek medical advice and not rely upon the details contained with this app. Inclusion of named agencies, websites, companies, products, services or publications in this app do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the North West London Local Maternity System.
Posted on

Add appointments

Add appointments

If you have entered your due date in the About me section of this app, your gestation period will automatically be calculated and appear against Gestation below. Type of appointment (optional):   Time:   Date:   Gestation (optional):   Location (optional):   Things to ask at this appointment (optional):
Posted on

Backup

Backup

The data entered in to Mum & Baby is only stored locally on your device – so it can only be accessed by you. But you will need to backup your data so that it’s safe if you lose or upgrade your phone. Mum & Baby can do this using the Google Drive system. Please click on the ‘Backup’ below so that we can take you through the process step-by-step. If you would like more information about Google Drive it can be found here. If you do not already have a Google account, you can sign up for one here.
Posted on

Birth reflections

Information about your pregnancy and birth to discuss with your midwife or doctor.

Use the space below to write down any significant concerns (medical, emotional or other) about your experience during pregnancy, labour, birth and immediately after birth – particularly if you think it could have an effect on your long-term physical or emotional health, or the health of your baby. Share your concerns with your midwife or doctor.

1.  I would like to talk to my midwife or doctor about things that happened during my pregnancy. These are:

My thoughts, feelings and questions …

2.  I would like to talk to my midwife or doctor about things that happened during labour and birth. These are:

My thoughts, feelings and questions …

3.  I would like to talk to my midwife or doctor about things that happened after the birth. These are:

My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Portal: Birth reflections
Posted on

After your baby is born plan

After your baby is born

All these questions relate to information found within the app in the After your baby is born section. Please read the app content and explore the links prior to completing. Print or show to your midwife from 34 weeks onwards. We recommend that you revisit these pages after your baby is born, by sharing it with your postnatal maternity team.
Developing a relationship with your baby

1. Have you watched UNICEF’s ‘Meeting your baby for the first time’ video?

(Find this in the Caring for your baby/Babies and sleep section.)

  • yes
  • no
  • I am not sure/I would like to know more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

2. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth and beyond is recommended for all. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of the benefits of skin-to-skin contact
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

3. All women are given information about the value of breastfeeding, and how to get infant feeding off to a good start. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of the value of breastfeeding
  • I am aware of how to get feeding off to a good start
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

4. Babies often show early signs that they might be ready to feed. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of the signs to look out for that my baby might be ready to feed
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Early signs that your baby may be ready to feed are …
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Preparing for the first few hours and days after birth

5. Visiting hours at your maternity unit can vary. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I have checked visiting times and I am aware of who can visit me after birth
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
It’s useful to find out visiting times, particularly if you might have visitors travelling from a long distance.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

6. In some maternity units your birth partner(s) can stay with you in all areas, 24 hours a day. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of my maternity unit’s local policy on birth partners staying with me
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Ask your midwife for information on your local maternity unit.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

7. Thinking about having things ready at home.

Think about what things you could do now to make caring for yourself and your baby easier at home.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

8. Thinking about who will be able to support you after giving birth when at home.

Your partner, friends, family or a neighbour, it’s worth considering who will be able to help you at home.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Your physical and emotional wellbeing after birth
Read the app content section on physical and emotional health and wellbeing after birth.

9. Being prepared for your physical recovery after giving birth can help to get you and your new family off to the best start, I am aware of the following matters:

  • physical/physiological changes to expect
  • postnatal pain relief options
  • the importance of hand hygiene
  • signs of infection and what to do
  • pelvic floor exercises
  • my options for long-acting contraception
  • physical recovery after a caesarean birth
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

10. Giving birth and becoming a parent is known to be a time of great emotional change, being aware of how you might feel after birth can help you to prepare. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of the emotional changes to be expected
  • I have considered what my family/friends can do to support me
  • I know how to access support with my emotional and mental health after giving birth
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

11. Feelings I and my family should look out for include:

  • persistent sadness/low mood
  • lack of energy/feeling overly tired
  • feeling unable to look after my baby/feeling disassociated from my baby
  • problems concentrating or making decisions
  • changes in appetite
  • feelings of guilt, hopelessness or self-blame
  • difficulty bonding with my baby
  • problems sleeping or extreme energy
  • loss of interest in things I normally like
  • having unpleasant thoughts that I can’t control or keep coming back
  • suicidal feelings or thoughts of self-harm
  • repeating actions or developing strict rituals.
If you are worried by any of these feelings, talk to someone you trust and/or your midwife, health visitor or GP. Write down any concerns below …
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Caring for your baby

12. Things to consider before going home include:

  • how to tell if your baby is feeding well
  • signs of an unwell baby and what to do if you’re worried
  • changes to expect in your baby’s nappy.
Your maternity team will be on hand to provide support.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

13. Things to consider for when you are at home include:

  • safe sleeping practices (sudden infant death syndrome prevention)
  • newborn jaundice – what’s normal, and what might need assessing by a healthcare professional
  • the newborn blood spot screening test
  • umbilical cord care and skin care
  • bathing your baby.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Community care and next steps

14. Community postnatal care is delivered in a variety of settings and by a multidisciplinary team of health and social care professionals. I am aware of the following services:

  • community postnatal care
  • how to contact my local community midwives
  • how to contact my health visitor
  • how to access additional infant feeding support
  • how to access services in my local Children’s Centres
  • I am not sure/I would like to know more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

15. My responsibilities after the birth, include:

  • register my baby’s birth within six weeks
  • register my baby with my GP
  • book a postnatal check with my GP at six-eight weeks after the birth for both me and my baby
  • arrange for further tests at my GP surgery (If recommended by my midwife or doctor).
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

16.  If you have a pre-existing medical condition or if you were unwell around the time of your birth, you may have specific medical recommendations made by your doctors. Tick all comments that applies to you:

  • none
  • I have a pre-existing medical condition and I have discussed my specific postnatal care requirements with my doctor and midwife
  • I experienced complications/was unwell around the birth, I am aware of the implications this may have on my postnatal care
  • I am not sure / I would like to know more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

17.  If you have a named support worker or social worker, do you have their contact details? Are you aware of the support/plan of care you will be receiving from them once you are home. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware and have all the contact details I may need
  • I am aware of how/who to access support from if required for my personal, social,emotional, psychological and mental health after I have given birth
  • I am not sure/I would like some help with this
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Posted on

Personalised birth preferences

Personalised birth preferences

A birth plan supports you (and your birth partner/s) to make informed decisions about your care in labour. Sharing your preferences with your care providers enables them to personalise the care they give you. Questions 1 to 17 relate to information found within the app in the Birth section. Please read the content and explore the links prior to completing. Work your way through the questions at your own pace. Save, then print or show to your midwife from 34 weeks onwards. This personal care plan should be written in consultation with a healthcare professional, especially if you have an underlying health condition (such as diabetes) or have developed a pregnancy-related condition (such as pre-eclampsia).

1.  I am aware of my three choices of birth setting (home, birth centre and labour ward) and have had a discussion with my midwife/doctor about which option is recommended for me. I would prefer to give birth:

  • at home
  • in a birth centre
  • in a labour ward
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Certain options might be recommended for you based on your personal health and pregnancy.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

2. My birth partner(s) will be:

Think of up to two people that you would like to have with you during labour.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

3. Student midwives/doctors may be working with the team when I have my baby. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am happy for a student to be present during my labour/birth
  • I prefer that no students are present during my labour/birth
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Students work closely alongside a supervised midwife and will provide you with care and support under supervision, with your consent.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

4.  I have additional requirements. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I will need help to translate into my language
  • I have allergies and/or special dietary requirements
  • I have religious beliefs and customs that I would like to be observed
  • I/my partner have additional needs.
If you have any special requirements, please tell your maternity team as early as possible. Use of interpreting services will vary depending on local policy and availability, please discuss with your midwife.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

5. I have had a discussion with my midwife/doctor about how I would like to give birth.

The majority of women will have a vaginal birth, however for some a caesarean birth may be recommended.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
If you are having a planned caesarean birth please go to Q.15

6. In some circumstances, your midwife or doctor may recommend starting your labour artificially, instead of waiting for it to start naturally (this is known as induction of labour). Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of why an induction might be recommended
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
If you go 10 or more days past your estimated due date, you have certain medical conditions, or your doctor is concerned about the health of your baby you may be offered an induction of labour. This will be planned carefully with your midwife/doctor.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

7. During labour and birth I would consider the following coping strategies/pain relief. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I prefer to avoid all pain relief
  • self-hypnosis/hypnobirthing
  • aromatherapy/homeopathy/reflexology
  • water (bath or birthing pool)
  • TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
  • gas and air (entonox)
  • pethidine/diamorphine/meptid (opioid injection)
  • epidural
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/would like to find out more.
Your options for pain relief will depend on where you plan to give birth. Discuss with your midwife and ask what options are available to you at your local maternity unit.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

8. During labour and birth I would consider using the following options to help me:

  • massage
  • walking/standing
  • different upright positions such as all fours/squatting/kneeling
  • a birthing ball
  • bean bags, birth stools and birth couches if available
  • a birthing pool
  • a bed, for rest – propped up with pillows or whilst lying on my side
  • music to be played (which I will provide)
  • the lights dimmed
  • my birth partner taking photographs/filming
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Your circumstances in labour may influence what choices are available to you. Please discuss this with your midwife at 34-40 weeks.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

9. During labour and birth, it is recommended that your baby’s heartbeat is monitored. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I prefer to have intermittent fetal heart rate monitoring with a handheld device
  • I prefer to have continuous fetal heart rate monitoring using a CTG machine
  • if I need continuous monitoring I would like to be mobile and use wireless monitoring if available
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
You can learn more about fetal monitoring by reading the app content.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

10. During labour, your midwife and/or doctor may recommend vaginal examinations to assess the progress of your labour. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of why vaginal examinations are part of routine care
  • I prefer to avoid vaginal examinations if possible
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
Vaginal examinations are a routine part of assessing labour progress and will not be undertaken without your consent.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

11. In some circumstances, your midwife or doctor may recommend interventions to assist with your labour. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of why assistance/intervention might be recommended
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
Interventions may be recommended if your labour slows down, or if there are concerns with you or your baby’s health.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

12. In some circumstances, your maternity team may intervene by recommending an assisted or caesarean birth. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I understand why an assisted birth might be recommended
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
An assisted or caesarean birth may be recommended if it is thought to be the safest way to deliver your baby; your doctor will discuss this with you and ask for your consent before any procedure is undertaken.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

13. In some circumstances, your midwife or doctor may recommend a cut to the perineum to facilitate birth (episiotomy). Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I understand why an episiotomy might be recommended
  • I prefer to avoid an episiotomy
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
An episiotomy may be recommended for an assisted birth or if your midwife/doctor is concerned that your baby needs to be born quickly. Your midwife/doctor will always ask for your consent.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

14. After your baby is born, your placenta will be expelled (this is known as the third stage of labour). Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I would like to have a natural (physiological) third stage, the cord is left intact and I push the placenta out myself
  • I would like to have an active third stage, where the cord is cut after a few minutes and I receive an injection of oxytocin, the midwife/doctor delivers my placenta
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
  • I/my birth partner would like to cut the umbilical cord
  • I prefer the midwife/doctor to cut the umbilical cord.
Your midwife or doctor may recommend an active third stage due to your personal circumstance and will discuss this with you at the time of birth.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

15. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby – immediately after birth – is recommended for all. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I understand why skin-to-skin contact is recommended
  • I would like immediate skin-to-skin contact
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
As long as you and your baby are both well, skin-to-skin can be done following any type of birth. Your partner can also have skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

16. I am aware that I will be provided with support to feed my baby. Add my thoughts around feeding in the text box below.

During pregnancy you will have a chance to discuss infant feeding, this will include information about the value of breastfeeding. A midwife will help you to get feeding off to a good start as soon as your baby shows cues that he/she is ready to feed.
My personal plans/thoughts.

17. After my baby is born, he or she will be offered Vitamin K. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I would like my baby to have Vitamin K by injection
  • I would like my baby to have Vitamin K by oral drops
  • I do not want my baby to have Vitamin K
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Vitamin K is a supplement that is recommended for all babies that prevents a rare condition known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). The Vitamin K supplement has no known side effects.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Posted on

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy

All these questions relate to information found within the app in the Your pregnancy section. Please read the content and explore the links prior to completing. These questions can be completed in one go or be an on-going process following discussions with your care provider. Print or show this to your midwife at any stage in your pregnancy.
Physical health and wellbeing

1.  I have a long-term health condition that may affect my pregnancy. I have:

  • diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • mental health problems
  • high blood pressure
  • heart problems
  • asthma
  • hypo/hyperthyroidism
  • other
  • none.
There are many conditions that may or may not have an impact on your pregnancy. Ask your GP, doctor or midwife about any conditions you have, or may have had in the past.
Notes can be typed here.

2. Bladder and bowel problems are common and can get worse in pregnancy. Support is available. Please discuss with your GP, midwife or doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • leakage of urine
  • problems holding wind (gas)
  • unable to control the loss of stool (poo)
  • bleeding from the back passage
  • pain or bleeding during or after sex (intercourse)
  • affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

3. It is recommended that you discuss pre-existing medical conditions and/or special requirements with your GP, midwife or doctor prior to becoming pregnant or in early pregnancy. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I have discussed my pre-existing medical condition(s) with my maternity team
  • I require further support with my medical condition(s) or special needs
  • I am aware that in certain circumstances my midwife or health care professional may need to communicate with my GP or health visitor
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Use the space below to write down what you know already, or for any questions or concerns you have about your care.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

4. I am taking the following medication and/or supplements. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of the recommendations and I have discussed this with my GP, doctor or midwife
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
It is recommended that all pregnant women take folic acid supplements before conception and up until 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is also recommended that pregnant women take Vitamin D supplements throughout pregnancy. Any other medications should be discussed and reviewed with your maternity team.

5. I have additional requirements. These are:

  • I will need help at appointments to translate into my language
  • I have allergies and/or special dietary requirements
  • I have religious beliefs and customs that I would like to be observed
  • I/my partner have additional needs
  • I have a current or previous history of social care involvement
  • I would like to speak to the midwife about something else in a private setting
If you have any special requirements, please tell your maternity team as early as possible. Use of interpreting services vary depending on local policy and availability, please discuss with your midwife.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Lifestyle and wellbeing

6. It is recommended that you avoid some foods whilst pregnant, as they can cause harm to you and your unborn baby. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of what foods to avoid in pregnancy
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Advice changes about which foods to avoid, please use the links provided in the app to get the latest information.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

7. It is recommended that you try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in pregnancy. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of my nutritional needs in pregnancy
  • I have specific circumstances that affect my dietary requirements and I would like guidance from my maternity team
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions … 

8. For the majority of women, regular light to moderate exercise is recommended in pregnancy. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of the recommendations about exercise
  • I have a condition that affects my ability to exercise and I would like guidance from my maternity team
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

9. For the health and wellbeing of you and your baby, you are advised not to smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs in pregnancy. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of advice around the consumption of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products and recreational/illegal drugs
  • I am aware that smoking increases the chances of having a miscarriage and increases the risk of having a baby born too early, underweight or stillborn
  • I am aware that all pregnant women are offered carbon monoxide screening during pregnancy and support to quit for those who smoke
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
You can talk to your midwife or doctor for support with giving up smoking, drinking alcohol or taking recreational/illegal drugs.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Emotional health and wellbeing
Expecting a baby can be a joyful and exciting time, however it is also common for pregnant women to experience anxiety, depression or emotional distress.

10. I have a long term mental health condition that may affect my pregnancy. I have:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • eating disorder
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • personality disorder
  • bipolar affective disorder (also known as manic depression or mania)
  • schizoaffective disorder
  • schizophrenia or any other psychotic illness
  • postpartum psychosis
  • any other mental health condition for which you have seen a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
If you have any of these conditions you should talk to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible as you may require support from a specialist perinatal mental health team.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

11. This is how I’m feeling at the moment.

Write down any concerns or worries you have, and talk to your friends, family, midwife, GP or doctor.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

12. Getting to know your baby during pregnancy helps to build strong parental relationships, and will also help with your emotional wellbeing. You can try the following:

  • talking, singing or playing music to your unborn baby
  • gently massaging your bump
  • writing a journal
  • pregnancy yoga and/or hypnobirthing
  • using an app to track your baby’s growth and development
  • reading UNICEF’s ‘Building a happy baby guide’.
Doing these simple things regularly is known to release a hormone called oxytocin, a hormone which can help your baby’s brain to develop and makes you feel good.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

13. I am aware of things I can do to enhance my emotional wellbeing. Tick the comment that will help you the most:

  • take regular gentle exercise, such as pregnancy yoga, walking or swimming
  • ensure I eat well
  • try relaxation techniques, listening to music, meditation or breathing exercises
  • take time for myself, somewhere I can relax
  • talk to someone I trust – friend, family, midwife, GP or doctor
  • ask for practical help with household chores or other children.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

14. Specialist support for pregnant women with anxiety and depression or any other mental health condition is available. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am aware of how to access mental health support if I need it whilst pregnant
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
If you feel that you need some emotional support, you can refer yourself to your local talking therapy services. It is free and pregnant women are prioritised. See the Talking therapies section (use the app’s search bar to find this section in Your pregnancy).
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

15. Emotions my partner, family and I should look out for include:

  • tearfulness
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • feeling irritable or arguing more often
  • difficulty concentrating
  • change in appetite
  • problems sleeping or extreme energy
  • feeling very anxious
  • racing thoughts
  • loss of interest in things I normally like
  • being so afraid of birth that I don’t want to go through with it
  • having unpleasant thoughts that I can’t control or keep coming back
  • suicidal feelings or thoughts of self-harm
  • repeating actions or developing strict rituals
  • lack of feeling towards my unborn baby.
If you are worried by any of these feelings, talk to your midwife or doctor.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Beyond birth

16. Thinking about contraceptive choices. Tick the comment that applies to you:

  • I am not sure what to choose/I would like to find out more
  • I would like to wait until after my baby is born to think about this
  • I am aware that immediate postnatal contraception is available after my baby is born. My choice is stated in the box below.
My preferred method of contraception is …