Visits to the Midwife or GP are :- Every four weeks until 30 weeks of pregnancy Every two weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy Every week until you deliver

• Alphafetoprotein Test
  This is a blood test that is offered to all women and taken from the mother between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. This is to detect a raised protein in the mother's blood that can be associated with Spina Bifida (a malformation of the spine and spinal cord) Results are through in one week or less. The test is done by the midwife or GP. A raised AFP does not always mean that your baby has Spina Bifida. It may be raised if your dates are wrong or if you are having twins for example. If no other cause can be found for your raised level, a detailed scan may be performed to check your baby for any abnormalities.
• Ultrasound scan
  This is offered to all pregnant women to check the anatomy of the baby, the placental site and dates. One scan is normal in the whole of the pregnancy, usually at 18 to 20 weeks. However, you may have more than one scan to check placental position or growth, but further information will be given at the appropriate time. Ultrasound scans are performed at Ripon or Harrogate. Your partner is welcome to accompany you and you may wish to purchase a picture of your baby.
• Triple Test
  This is a blood test which is taken from the mother at around 15 weeks of pregnancy. An early scan is done to date the pregnancy. The test is to detect the probability of Down's and Edward's syndromes occurring. It will also include the Alphafetoprotein test. The result of this test takes approximately one week. If you are found to be in the low risk group then these results will be discussed at your next appointment.
  This test is only usually available to mothers over 35 years of age or younger mothers who have a family history of Downs syndrome. In Yorkshire there are no funds to offer triple tests to mothers under 35 years of age, however mothers who would like the test performed who are under 35 may wish to consult the midwife to arrange it privately. Cost approx. £20.00.
• Amniocentesis
  This test will give a very accurate result to show if your baby has Down's Syndrome. It is done at Harrogate and is normally offered to women of 36 years or over, or who may have a family history of chromosomal abnormalities. This is where a needle is inserted through the pregnant woman's abdomen and uterus and draws off fluid from around the baby. It is not a painful procedure but it may be a little uncomfortable. It is usually over very quickly and you need to take it easy for the remainder of the day. To ensure safety, the procedure is carried out during ultrasound scanning. The result of this test takes three weeks as the laboratory has to grow the cells contained in the fluid.
• Hepatitis B
  This is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus. The virus is mainly transmitted through blood to blood contact. It is sometimes passed on sexually but most commonly in intravenous drug users. Infected mothers can also pass the virus on to their babies around the time of birth. Approximately 90% of infected babies become chronic carriers which can lead to long term liver damage. However babies can be protected by vaccination at birth if it is known that the mother is a carrier and for this reason it is recommended that all women be tested for the infection in pregnancy.
• HIV
  This is a virus that can damage the body's defence system. However in the early stages people are usually in normal health and are not aware of their infection. Later in the illness damage from the virus prevents the body from fighting infections. HIV virus can be passed on through unprotected sex, by injection via shared needles, and passed from mother to baby mainly during labour or breast feeding, however the chances of the baby catching the virus from the mother can be reduced dramatically by careful management of the pregnancy and delivery. For this reason it is now recommended that all women are tested for the infection in pregnancy.

Tours of the Maternity Unit
It it advisable to have a look around the Maternity Unit before the baby is due. You and your partner are welcome to attend a tour on a Thursday evening at 7.00pm. Please telephone 01423 553010, the Antenatal Clinic, to book a place.

Other Information
Antenatal hospital appointments are normally at 18, 32, 36 and 41 weeks. These are approximate and may vary according to your individual needs. Please use these as a guide in booking your surgery appointment with the Midwife or GP. If you find that your surgery appointments clash with hospital ones, please cancel the surgery appointment in order to cut down wasted time for you and the health professionals.

You are entitled to free prescriptions during your pregnancy and for one year after the birth. Your will need to fill in a FW8 obtained from the surgery.

Pregnancy can affect dental and gum health and it is important that you see a dentist during pregnancy in case of problems.
Maternity benefit certificates are issued at 26 weeks of your pregnancy and can be obtained from the Surgery.

We hope that you have an enjoyable pregnancy. If you have any queries that are non- urgent, you can contact a Midwife or leave a message at Ripon Community Hospital on 01765 602546.

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