Gynecology
Antenatal & Postnatal Care
Antenatal and postnatal consultations support health during pregnancy and after birth. Care needs change over time, so it is useful to discuss your individual history and any concerns with a clinician.
Planning antenatal appointments
At an early consultation, share the date of your last period if known, previous pregnancies, conditions, medicines and concerns. Ask which checks, tests or scans are recommended, their purpose and when results will be available. Care and the appointment schedule are tailored to your circumstances.
After birth and between visits
Postnatal discussions can cover physical recovery, emotional health, feeding questions and follow-up. Ask your maternity team whom to contact with concerns between appointments. Severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or feeling seriously unwell needs urgent medical assessment.
Planning care during pregnancy
Take pregnancy records, scan and test results, a medicine list and information about previous pregnancies. Tell the team which hospital or clinician is coordinating your pregnancy care. Appointments and tests should follow your individual plan and locally applicable guidance, rather than a schedule copied from another country's website.
Ask which parts of care can be provided at the clinic and which need hospital or specialist services. Make sure you know whom to contact about concerns between visits and which hospital to attend for urgent assessment.
The postnatal review includes the parent’s health
After birth, explain how you are recovering physically and emotionally, and bring the discharge information. Discuss pain, wound concerns, bladder or bowel symptoms, feeding concerns where relevant, medicines and support at home. You do not need to wait for a scheduled check if something is worrying you.
Ask how ongoing health conditions, future contraception and follow-up will be managed. Pregnancy and postnatal care are not substitutes for emergency services: severe bleeding, chest pain, breathing difficulty or a serious new symptom needs urgent medical assessment. The treating maternity team should provide individual safety advice.
Frequently asked questions
When should I arrange pregnancy care?
Contact a maternity or healthcare provider when you know you are pregnant so care can be planned for your circumstances.
What should I bring to my first antenatal appointment?
Bring your medication list, relevant reports, health history and any questions. Mention previous pregnancies and the date of your last period if known.
Can I discuss symptoms after birth?
Yes. Postnatal care can include your physical and emotional health, recovery and questions about feeding or follow-up.
When should pregnancy symptoms be assessed urgently?
Seek urgent medical care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or feeling seriously unwell. Ask your maternity team whom to contact between visits.
Sources and further reading
These sources provide general health information. Recommendations and services may differ by location; discuss your care with your clinician.