Routine Antenatal Care, Screening & Ultrasounds

At your first maternity appointment, often referred to as the booking appointment, you can expect a comprehensive discussion about your medical history, lifestyle, and any previous pregnancies. This information helps tailor your care plan for a healthy pregnancy. Your Midwife will also discuss important topics such as prenatal screening, diet, exercise, and any potential risks. This appointment offers an opportunity to address your questions and concerns while initiating a supportive and personalised journey towards a positive pregnancy experience.

After your booking appointment, you will be asked to make future antenatal appointments. In the event that you're unable to attend an appointment or need to reschedule, it's important to reach out to the antenatal clinic or your midwifery team to make the necessary changes to your appointment.

Find out more about the Antenatal Screening team here.

Routine blood tests are a standard part of prenatal care. These tests help monitor your health and support a safe pregnancy. You can expect blood tests to check your blood type, iron levels, immunity to certain infections, and to screen for conditions like gestational diabetes. Your Midwife will explain the purpose of each test and discuss the results with you throughout your pregnancy journey.

Cervical screening, often known as a "smear test," is not usually performed during pregnancy. If you are asked to come for a routine smear test while you are pregnant, you should put it off until after your baby is born. You should let your GP know you have delayed the test so that you can be invited again. This appointment will usually be 3 months after your baby is due.

Cervical smears and pregnancy patient information leaflet | RCOG

Ultrasound scans are a key part of your prenatal care journey in the UK. These non-invasive imaging tests provide valuable insights into your baby's growth and development, as well as your own health. You can expect to have ultrasound scans throughout your pregnancy. These scans offer you and your Midwife a chance to monitor your baby's progress and address any potential concerns, supporting a healthy and informed pregnancy experience.

If you would like to know the gender, and the team are able to see, they will tell you. Please note that our team are unable to write down the gender for you or support with gender reveal activities.

Antenatal screening for Down's Syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies is a established part of your pregnancy care at Northampton General Hospital. Through a combination of blood tests and ultrasound scans, our clinical team aims to provide you with comprehensive information about the health of your baby. These screenings help identify potential differences and allow for informed decisions regarding further diagnostic tests, if necessary.

Find out more about the Antenatal Screening team here.

For more information about Down Syndrome, please visit Down Syndrome UK.

After the birth of your baby at Northampton General Hospital, our care and support continue to ensure a smooth transition for you and your newborn. Our postnatal services include guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional well-being as you adjust to your new role as a parent. Following your baby’s birth we recommend several screening tests for your baby such as a hearing check, newborn examination and bloodspot screening.

Further information is available from the ‘Screening tests for you and your baby’ leaflet. It is important that you read this leaflet and discuss these screening tests with your midwife, GP or obstetrician.

Your maternity notes at Northampton General Hospital are essential records that track your pregnancy journey. These notes guide your care, ensuring you and your baby receive the best possible support and attention from our team. After your baby is born, your notes will be retained by our Trust. A photocopy of your maternity records can be obtained for a small administrative fee. 

How to access your medical records