Antenatal Clinic

What happens when I attend the clinic?

On arrival at the antenatal clinic, please check in with our reception staff. Any further appointments you require may be booked with the reception staff before you leave. If you are unable to attend an appointment, please inform the staff as soon as possible, so that it can be rearranged.

How long will I wait?

Every effort is made so that you are seen as quickly as possible, but please note that there may be a delay. Please speak to the staff if this becomes difficult for you. While you are waiting, why not browse at our posters and information leaflets.

What will the midwife do?

You may be seen by a midwife, a doctor or both. Some routine checks will be carried out such as having your abdomen palpated, and your blood pressure and urine tested. You will have a discussion with the midwife or doctor, and sometimes extra procedures are required such as a scan or monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat. Other tests may be offered especially if this is your first visit, and you may like to read the leaflet, ‘Screening tests for you and your baby’, which your midwife can give you. These extra procedures can take time.

Advice on attending for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test' http://www.nuh.nhs.uk/citymaternity/antenatal_general.aspx#05

Where do I have my scan?

During your pregnancy you are likely to be offered two scans, and these are done in the antenatal clinic scan department. (For some women, these two appointments are the only occasions they visit the antenatal clinic). Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to view the baby while it is still developing inside the uterus. Scans are performed by sonographers, and some obstetricians and midwives also perform scans. The first is performed at around 12 weeks. This is used to accurately date how many weeks pregnant you are, and the second is done around 20 weeks, to look in more detail at your baby.