Our day care assessment area sits within our maternity assessment unit.
In order to ensure the wellbeing of you and your baby we may plan additional monitoring during your pregnancy. The frequency and duration of these visits will depend on many factors that will be discussed at each visit. The majority of routine additional checks will be undertaken in our day care area. If you fall into this category, an individual plan will be developed between you and members of our team so that you fully understand your reasons for coming to see us.
Where will I be seen?
In addition to our maternity assessment unit, Ward 34 now has a smaller day care assessment area equipped with Electronic Fetal Monitoring equipment (CTG’s). You will be seen by a midwife or healthcare assistant initially, with input from medical staff if appropriate.
What might I be seen for?
We see people for a number of reasons such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or obstetric cholestasis. You might also attend for an iron infusion if the iron levels in your blood are low.
What will happen?
What happens during each visit will vary depending on why you are attending. However, we will always check your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature and breathing rate) and ask for a urine sample to check your overall wellbeing. We will provide all equipment and facilities required for this. On the basis of these assessments we may offer you further investigations. We would discuss this with you at the time.
How long will I be there?
Routine day care appointments usually involve a set of assessments. Where possible we aim to send you home within an hour. However, if we require input from the medical team or other specialists, we may ask you to say for longer. In exceptional circumstances, you may require admission for a period of time.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please bring your handheld maternity notes. You can provide a urine sample on arrival – you do not need to bring this with you.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you must wear a mask at all times and we ask that you attend alone. Should you feel you need an additional support person for any reason, please telephone in advance of your appointment to discuss this with us.
If you, or a member of your household, have any symptoms of COVID-19, please call the maternity assessment unit before you attend.
I need to change my appointment – can I do this?
It is important that you attend all scheduled antenatal care. If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please call 0191 282 5748 to rearrange.
