Having a baby is probably the most important and
precious thing that could every happen to you!
It will be an experience you will never forget. It can also be
an overwhelming, confusing and emotional time, even before you have
conceived! On this page we have given an overview of the issues you
may come across from before conception through to after the baby
has been born
Trying to become pregnant can be a confusing and frustrating
process. For some women, conception is relatively easy, but for
others it can be a little more complicated. So it is important to
remember that achieving conception may take time, and may require
patience.
You may find it helpful understanding the process involved.
Getting
Pregnant has good information on this subject. If you are
feeling anxious or worried about then talk to your G.P.
Links that may be of help:
- BBC
- - On line "ask the doctor"
- Foresight -
The Association for Pre Conceptional Care.
- NHS Direct - - The NHS
Direct On Line
Discovering you are pregnant
Some women just know that they are pregnant! - long before their
suspicions are confirmed. The
BBCi Website gives details of the "signs of
pregnancy".
Your pregnancy will need to be confirmed, either with a home
pregnancy test kit, the family planning centre or a visit to your
G.P. A positive or negative test result is obtained by checking for
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) hormone. This is done by
testing a urine sample or a blood test. These tests are virtually
100% reliable and can detect pregnancy as early as 7 - 10 days
after conception.
When is My Baby Due?
One of the first things you may want to know - once your pregnancy
is confirmed is "when is my baby due". babyzone.com
website can calculate the expected date of delivery of your
baby.
Antenatal
Most women visit their G.P. as soon as they find out they are
pregnant. The G.P. will arrange an appointment where you will be
'booked' into the system'.
Your first antenatal appointment is generally at about 10 weeks and
may take up to an hour. It is designed to find out about your
general health and pregnancy. Further appointments are to monitor
your health during pregnancy, as well as the health and development
of your baby. Antenatal can help predict possible problems with
your pregnancy or at the birth, so they can be either avoided or
treated.
There are many website's that offer advice and information on
Antenatal care but always consult your own G.P. if you are in
anyway concerned about yours or your babies health.
Babyworld
Complications
In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, there are many
groups which can offer help, support and advice. There is a legal
requirement to register the birth of a stillborn baby if the birth
was over 24 week gestation. More help and support can be found
at
The Miscarriage
Association
Women's
Health
UK Online
At Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital, situated in the
Maternity Unit is a comfortable suite,
The Forget-me-not-suite, where families who have lost
their baby can be cared for in a safe and yet homely environment in
their time of grief and sadness.
Benefits
You may be entitled to some of the following benefits whilst
pregnant.
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Statutory Maternity Pay |
Paid by your employer, if certain criteria is met. It can be
paid for up to 18 weeks.
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Maternity Allowance
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A weekly benefit paid to pregnant women who are not entitled to
Statutory Maternity Pay, and to the self-employed. It can be paid
for up to 18 weeks. |
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Incapacity Benefit |
Incapacity Benefit may be available if not eligible for
Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance |
| Sure
Start Maternity Grant |
A grant form Social Fund, if certain criteria are met. |
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Child Benefit |
Child Benefit is paid for each child under 16. It can also be
paid for children under 19, in certain conditions. Should be
claimed as soon as the child is born. |
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Maternity Rights at Work |
All employees are entitled to 18 weeks maternity leave. If you
have worked for the same employer for at least one year before the
11th week before the baby is due, you are entitled to additional
maternity leave of 29 weeks from the start of the week in which the
baby is born. |
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Paternal Leave |
Parental leave may be granted under certain circumstance. |
Where to Have The Baby
Whether you decide to have your baby in hospital or at home, your
midwife and doctor will be able to tell more about your options.
The
BBC online has information on hospital and home
births.
Giving Birth
Everyone's perfect labour would be - your waters break, you make a
mad dash to the hospital, just a little tingle of pain and like
magic, the baby is born - but this may not always be the case and
as you can imagine, having a baby is a total individual
thing.
- The
Babycentre and
- The
BBCi both offers very good of information regarding the
different stages of labour and pain relief.
Caesarean Sections
There are many reasons why doctors decide to give Caesarean Section
rather than a "normal" birth, either a planned Caesarean Section -
decided before you go into labour or a unplanned Caesarean Section
- once labour has started, but there is no doubt, for some mothers
and babies, a Caesarean is a life-saving operation.
-
The Babyworld has information and details concerning
Caesarean Sections including details about "What happens during a
Caesarean Section," "What kind of Anaesthetic is used" and "What
happens after the Caesarean Section."
Once the Baby has Arrived
Congratulations!!
So now you are a new parent! - you will feel like a expert in no
time..........
There are many emotional and physical changes or problems that may
occur through childbirth, your midwife will visit you and arrange
regular times to see you again. Your midwife will know what you
went through during the birth and will understand your needs and
worries. They will also be able to advise you on the practical side
of looking after your new baby, such as feeding options.
- The BBC Health
website offers information and advice on Post Natal Fitness
Naming Baby
You may already have a name for your new baby - but there are some
things that you should keep in mind
- Remember your child has to carry that name all their life.
- If the name is quirky, they may be teased or bullied because of
it.
- Does the name shorten to an unfortunate nickname?
- How does the name sound with your surname?
- If you are giving your baby a middle name, what will the
initials spell out?
If you still need help choosing a name, there are many websites
that offer suggestions, name meanings and name origins.
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Large database of names to help you choose |
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Over 10,000 baby names! |
Registering Baby
Iformation about how to
register
your new baby. Also further information from the general
register office about the time scales in which you need to
register.