Getting to know your baby during pregnancy

Taking time as part of your daily routine to think about and bond with your unborn baby is known to release oxytocin, a hormone which can help your baby’s brain to develop. Babies need adults to nurture and support their development during pregnancy and their speech, language and communication beyond birth. There is lots of helpful information to support you with chatting to your bump during pregnancy and talking, singing, playing and reading with your baby after birth. You can try:

• talking, singing, playing and looking at books with your baby, and encouraging your partner/family/other children to do the same
• gently massaging your bump
• having a bath
• trying pregnancy yoga
• practising hypnobirthing
• playing music to your baby
• writing a letter to your baby
• using an app to help you understand how your baby is growing and developing, such as the Baby Buddy App.

Work, maternity/paternity leave and money

After your 20 week ultrasound scan, you can ask your midwife or GP for a MATB1 form. This form entitles you to statutory maternity pay from your employer or maternity allowance from Jobcentre Plus. During pregnancy/after birth you are entitled to:

• paid time off for your antenatal appointments
• maternity pay or maternity allowance
• maternity leave
• protection against unfair treatment, discrimination or dismissal.

Working partners are entitled to one or two weeks paternity leave and together you may be able to take shared parental leave. If you are not working, or you/your household is on a low income you may be entitled to maternity benefits and allowances. If you are employed, you must inform your employer that you are pregnant at least 15 weeks before your baby’s due date. When you tell your employer they must perform a risk assessment, which ensures any necessary adjustments can be made to your working environment or pattern. It is worthwhile speaking to your company’s human resource department and accessing the policy on pregnancy and maternity leave. More information on maternity/paternity leave, work, child or other benefits and money can be found in these related links:

Antenatal classes

Antenatal education (also known as birth preparation or parent craft classes) can help you to prepare for your baby’s birth, giving you confidence and information. You can attend these classes with your birthing partner so you can prepare together for the arrival of your baby. Antenatal education is also a good way to make friends with other parents who are expecting babies around the same time as you. These friendships can help parents through the first few months with their new baby. There are two types of class available to choose from:

• free NHS antenatal classes available at your local maternity unit or children’s centre. Ask your midwife about these classes
• private/independent antenatal classes.

Most antenatal classes can be started when you are around 28-32 weeks pregnant, but they can often get booked up in advance so it’s good to arrange your place early on. There are specialised antenatal classes for women expecting twins/triplets and your midwife or doctor will give you the information you need about these. Topics covered by antenatal classes include:

• health in pregnancy, including a healthy diet
• exercises to keep you fit and active during pregnancy
• what happens during labour and birth
• coping techniques for labour and information about pain relief
• relaxation technique
• information about the different modes of birth (vaginal, assisted with ventouse or forceps, caesarean)
• caring for and feeding your baby
• your health after giving birth
• emotions and feelings during pregnancy, birth and after.

Classes can be attended by anyone – it doesn’t matter if it is your first baby or your fifth! A series of short videos have been created for those unable to attend classes in person: