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Maternity notes
You will be given a set of handheld maternity notes you should keep with you at all times, and bring to all your appointments. Your appointments will normally be documented in here, along with results from your blood tests and scans.
All maternity units in England are moving toward the use of digital records and these records are stored securely on the maternity unit’s IT system.
You can ask your maternity care provider to explain anything that has been written in your maternity notes if you’re not sure.
41 weeks
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well check your baby’s position and discuss the importance of this offer you a membrane sweep (a vaginal examination which may help encourage labour to start naturally) discuss induction of labour and book it with your consent be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
40 weeks (first pregnancy only)
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well check your baby’s position and discuss the importance of this discuss your choices and options if your pregnancy lasts longer than 41 weeks be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
38 weeks
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well check your baby’s position and discuss the importance of this be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
36 weeks
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine check your carbon monoxide level and your household smoking status measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well check your baby’s position and discuss the relevance of this review, record and discuss the results of any tests you may have had provide you with information about feeding your baby, Vitamin K for your baby and preparing for parenthood, and discuss your feelings around these topics be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
34 weeks
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well review, record and discuss the results of any tests you may have had discuss choosing place of birth, preparing for birth and beyond and thinking about your birth and after birth care plans you may also be offered more screening tests at this appointment be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
31 weeks (first pregnancy only)
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well review, record and discuss the results of any tests you may have had be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
28 weeks
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
You may also be offered more screening tests at this appointment, and/or an anti-D injection if you have a rhesus negative blood group.
25 weeks (first pregnancy only)
Your care provider will:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns check your blood pressure and urine measure the size of your abdomen to check your baby is growing well be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
Anomaly scan (18-21 weeks)
Your sonographer will check:
enquire how you are feeling and if you have any concerns your baby is growing well for any major physical abnormalities in your baby your baby’s bones, heart, brain, spinal cord, face, kidneys and abdomen your placenta is in the right place and not covering the cervix, which can cause complications be able to reassure you and, if required, signpost you to appropriate services.
You will be given a set of handheld maternity notes you should keep with you at all times, and bring to all your appointments. Your appointments will normally be documented in here, along with results from your blood tests and scans.
All maternity units in England are moving toward the use of digital records and these records are stored securely on the maternity unit’s IT system.
You can ask your maternity care provider to explain anything that has been written in your maternity notes if you’re not sure. 
