If you are planning to have a baby you need to know more information about how to look after yourself and your unborn baby.

The above link has the information you need to know to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

• Pregnancy Support
• Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting
• A guide to quitting smoking during pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you can arrange your pregnancy care with the hospital of your choice. You do not need to see a GP for a referral. A booking can be done online, directly with your chosen hospital.

You will need to search online for the hospital that you would like to provide your antenatal care. The hospital website will then direct you to a self-referral form which you will need to complete and submit. You will also find useful information relating to maternity care.

• Keeping Well in Pregnancy
• Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy
• Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccination in Pregnancy
• Start For Life
• Bexley Mumma's Together
• The Motherhood Group
• Tommy's the Pregnancy and Baby charity
• Maternity Exemption Certificates

Maternity services in Bexley are provided by:

• Queen Elizabeth Hospital - self-refer online or call 020 8836 4491
• Princess Royal University Hospital - self-refer online
• Darent Valley Hospital - self refer online

Postnatal Care

Postnatal care extends for between 6-8 weeks after the birth of your baby. During this period, routine checks are carried out by the health visitor and you and your baby's recovery is monitored.

During your postnatal care you will find out about feeding, potty training, illnesses, safety and more. You will be able to ask your health visitor questions and request advice.

Bexley Health Visitors - Bexley 0 to 19 - can be contacted via their website bexley0to19.co.uk.

• After the Birth
• Postnatal Depression
• Best Beginnings
• Healthy Start
• Helix (Healing Experience of Loss and Trauma) Service
• Bexley Children's Centres
• Greenwich Children's Centres

One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine childhood vaccinations. It's the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.

Ideally, children should have their jabs at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.

Find out which jabs your child needs, when they need them, and what the benefits of each jab are.

Have a look at vaccination tips for parents for things you can do before and after vaccination appointments.

Please call the surgery to make an appointment.