The first point of contact for general enquiries and advice about your pregnancy is your own community midwife or general practitioner (GP). Your midwife or doctor may suggest you attend the MAS department. This is an outpatient assessment area for pregnant women who may need some investigations. It is run by midwives and auxiliary nurses. Women who are over 20 weeks pregnant and are not in labour can attend. You may be referred by your Community Midwife or GP, the hospital clinic, ward or labour suite, accident and emergency, or you may refer yourself. The telephone number for MAS is: 0115 8754672

Where is it?

MAS is situated in the antenatal area and is open 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Why should I attend?

Women attend MAS for many reasons – the following are the most common:

• You do not feel your baby move as much as usual
• You think your waters have broken and you are not in labour
• You are uncertain if you are in labour
• You have a small vaginal bleed or abdominal pain
• You have raised blood pressure and/or you have protein in your urine
• You have itching, leg or chest pains or have had a fall

What happens during my visit?

On arrival you will be welcomed by the staff. The midwife will ask questions and assess your needs. She is likely to palpate your abdomen, and listen to your baby’s heart beat. You may have the monitor attached to record your baby’s heart rate.; If necessary the midwife will do an internal examination, or assess your blood pressure over a period of time. Sometimes it is recommended that you have a scan, a blood test, or see the obstetrician.

Following the visit, many women return home. The MAS midwife will ensure that you have another appointment to attend either MAS or the hospital antenatal clinic. If that is not necessary, they will make sure you see your GP or community midwife. Sometimes it is advisable to stay in hospital on a ward or to be admitted to the labour suite. Any recommendations for your care will be discussed with you, and the staff will ensure that you understand what is happening.