Tell us you're pregnant
If you are expecting a baby, you will need to register with an NHS maternity service. Find more information about the care options available to you.
Right to choose
Everyone has a choice about where to birth, and what support (or space) is wanted.
In Kent and Medway, there are four NHS organisations providing maternity care to women and families. Most people will register with their local maternity service, but within the NHS you can choose which organisation will provide your care.
Visit the NHS website to find information on all maternity services you can access.
Register with a maternity service
You can register with a midwife directly. Make an online referral by clicking on the areas below:
If you are thinking about home birth, please register with your local maternity service. Restrictions can change so it's important to have a few different plans depending on what might change.
Choosing the right birth setting
To stay as safe and well as possible through your birth experience, it is important to choose the right setting for labour and birth. No midwife or doctor can decide for you because it depends on what's important for you. With birth, like any important life event, nobody can guarantee that everything will go smoothly, but by finding out the facts and making plans, there is the best chance it will.
Birthrights provides information on your legal rights when choosing where to birth.
Within Kent and Medway, all four maternity services provide:
- regular antenatal (pregnancy) appointments
- support for births at home, in a midwife-led unit (birth centre) and an obstetric unit (hospital birth)
- postnatal (after the birth) appointments (either at home, in a local clinic or hospital).
For most people giving birth in Kent and Medway, community midwives provide antenatal and postnatal care. During the birth, a separate team of midwives provide care.
Maternity services are introducing 'continuity of carer' teams where 'continuity' midwives look after women through all stages of their maternity care, including the birth. Once you are registered, your midwife will let you know if this is available in your area.
Maternity care outside your local area
If you wish to book into maternity services outside of your local area, such as a birth centre for your birth, then please check with the organisation to find out your options for receiving antenatal care. Postnatal care is normally provided by your local organisation.
Unplanned pregnancy
Around half of pregnancies are unplanned. If your pregnancy is unplanned, there are three options available to you:
- to continue the pregnancy and raise your child
- to end the pregnancy with an abortion
- to continue the pregnancy and consider adoption or fostering.
You may need support with these choices. You may know how you feel, or you may be working it out. You might want practical information about these choices. Support is available, whatever your own situation and feelings.
MSI Reproductive Choices provides care for women in Kent and Medway who have an unplanned pregnancy (MSI Reproductive Choices was previously known as Marie Stopes International).
In Kent and Medway, anyone with an unexpected positive pregnancy test can receive private counselling through MSI Reproductive Choices at no charge. Phone 0345 300 8090 to book. Consultations with health advisors are also available to discuss possible procedures.
For those under 25 years old, Brook provides information to support your thoughts and choices. It can also provide counselling.
All counselling will be respectful and non-judgemental, and you will be encouraged to make the right decisions for you.
You can phone
24-hour advice line on 0345 300 8090 if you need support, or want someone to talk through all your options.