Maternity & Infant services

MATERNITY AND INFANT SERVICES Pregnant women are cared for by a team of Health Care specialists.  Pregnant women need to register at a Doctor’s Surgery (see Health Services Section).   During the first appointment with the Doctor, s/he will arrange a further appointment with a specialist Midwife, who will perform all the screening necessary to monitor the health of the mother and unborn child.  In the UK, most babies are born with the assistance of a Midwife (who may also be referred to as a Maternity Nurse), who is a specialist in this field. The baby can be born in Chippenham Hospital, Salisbury Hospital, Trowbridge Hospital, the Royal United Hospital in Bath, or at home.  The Midwife will be able to assist you in your choice. When the baby is born, the Midwife will register the birth at the Register of Births, and the Doctor’s Surgery.  She will also notify a Health Visitor who will visit you and your baby.  She will inform you about immunisations, and keep a record of your baby’s health.  She will also give you information on any benefits (see Benefits Section) that you might be able to receive to help with the cost of the care of your child.  If you have any problems you can phone the Health Visitor. If you have infant children who were born in Poland, but have now come to the UK, please register the child at a Doctor’s Surgery.  They will contact a Health Visitor who will visit you and your baby.