Benefits of Using The NHS App

Stay on top of your health with the NHS App. Order your repeat prescriptions in seconds and check your medical records whenever you need them. The NHS App will helps you to get well, stay well and manage your health care Its a simple and secure way to: It’s free and available 24 hours a

Antenatal Care

Non-urgent advice: Let us know you are pregnant

Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your Midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.

It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.

As soon as you have had a positive pregnancy test, we recommend you start taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements. Your local pharmacy can advise you on how much to take.

Having your baby – the Northumbria way

In North Tyneside or Northumberland area you can directly refer to maternity services.

Register your Pregnancy

Midwife

The Midwife works with the Doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before birth and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the Midwife at the Hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.

The role of the midwife

A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.

They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.

The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.

Healthy Start is a government scheme that aims to improve the health of pregnant women and mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18 years of age and children who are under 5 years of age. Families who are supported by the scheme receive vouchers to spend on milk (including infant formula), fresh fruit and vegetables.
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, you must complete application form FW8 to obtain a maternity exemption certificate. The form is available from doctors, midwives and health visitors.

You are required to complete parts 1 and 2 of the form and your doctor, midwife or health visitor is asked to sign to confirm the information given by you is correct.

Please send the completed application forms directly to:

NHS Help with Health Costs
Maternity Exemption
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 6SN

Certificates are valid from one month before the date on which the application is received, until:
12 months after the expected date of the baby’s birth; or if the baby has already been born
12 months after the baby’s date of birth.

Refunds

If you have to pay for any prescriptions before your certificate arrives, you may be able to claim a refund.  Ask your pharmacist for an FP57 receipt and refund claim form when you pay. You cannot get one later.