here - Health Promotion Agency

Antenatal care and antenatal classes
such as previous complications of
pregnancy or labour or chronic
illness. If everything is
straightforward, a midwife will
usually deliver your baby. You
should ask to see your consultant
if you wish to discuss any matter
you think is important.
•
A paediatrician is a doctor
specialising in the care of babies
and children. The paediatrician
may check your baby after the
birth to make sure all is well
and will be present when your
baby is born if you have had a
difficult labour. If your baby
should have any problems, you
will be able to talk this over with
the paediatrician. If your baby is
born at home or your stay in
hospital is short, you may not see
a paediatrician at all. Your GP can
check that all is well with you and
your baby.
•
An obstetric physiotherapist
is specially trained to help you
cope with the physical changes
of pregnancy, childbirth and
afterwards. Some attend
antenatal classes and teach
antenatal exercises, relaxation
and breathing, active positions
and other ways you can help
yourself during pregnancy and
labour. Afterwards, they advise
on postnatal exercises to tone
up your muscles again. When
no obstetric physiotherapist is
available your midwife can help
you with these exercises.
•
Health visitors are specially
trained nurses concerned with
the health of the whole family.
You may meet yours before the
birth of your baby. The health
visitor will contact you to arrange
a home visit when your baby is
ten days old to offer help and
support. You may continue to
see your health visitor either at
home, or at your Child Health
Clinic, health centre or GP’s
surgery, depending on where
they are based.
•
Dietitians are available to advise
you on healthy eating or if you
need to follow a special diet such
as that recommended for women
with gestational diabetes.
RESEARCH
You may be asked to
participate in a research
project during your antenatal
care, labour or postnatally.
This may involve a new
treatment or be to find out
your opinions on an aspect
of your care, for example.
The project should be fully
explained to you and you
are free to decline, but your
participation will be most
welcome. Such projects are
vital if professionals are to
improve maternity care.
STUDENTS
Many of the professionals
mentioned have students
accompanying them at times.
They will be at various
stages of their training but
will always be supervised.
You can choose not to be
seen by a student at any
time but agreeing to their
presence helps in their
education and may even
add to your experience of
pregnancy and labour.
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