Family Planning
We offer some advanced family planning/contraceptive options at the surgery such as implant and coil fitting.
Our nurses can consult you about starting and continuing contraceptives.
If you would like information about sexual health screening including STI/STD testing please see links to local services listed below.
If you need advice outside of our service or out of hours please look at the following services:
Pregnancy
You will then be contacted to arrange starting your maternity care. You do not need to inform us directly.
The early pregnancy unit at Southend Hopsital is for birthing people up to 17 weeks pregnant. Their service is contactable on 0300 443 1787 Monday-Friday between 8am-4pm.
If you have significant bleeding or tummy pain, you should attend A&E.
Please note we do not offer pregnancy testing service. Pregnancy tests are readily accessed at supermarkets, pharmacies & health stores. If you are unable to purchase a test you should contact your local sexual health service listed above.
There is helpful information online about how to help achieve a healthy start to pregnancy and much more on the following NHS websites: Pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and Start for Life (www.nhs.uk)
- You should start taking 400mcg of folic acid daily to help prevent spinal cord defects.
- If you have diabetes, epilepsy or a raised body mass index (BMI) you will need a prescription for a higher dose. Contact us or your midwifery team for a prescription.
- If you take any prescription medications, please check with us whether it is safe to continue. Some medications should be stopped or closely monitored when pregnant.
- If you smoke, now would be a good time to stop. Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. Even breathing in tobacco smoke from those who smoke around you can affect the health of your baby.
If you or your loved ones need help to stop smoking you can call the NHS Smoke-free advice line on 0300 123 1044.
Whooping cough vaccine
A whooping cough vaccine is recommended in pregnancy. Immunity will pass through to your baby to help protect them from the illness. We tend to offer this from 20 weeks onwards.
More information is available on the NHS website.
Whooping cough is highly infectious and can be fatal to babies and young children. Get vaccinated while pregnant to protect your baby.
RSV vaccine
The respiratory synctyial virus vaccination is recommended in pregnancy from 28 weeks onwards. Immunty will pass through to your baby to help protect them from illness.
More information is available on the NHS website.
Births
Please inform the surgery following the birth of your child. If you have had a home birth or free birth it is recommended that your baby is seen by a Clinician for a neonatal check (if this has not already been arranged by Midwifery services).
You should register your baby as a new patient, you can do this online via new registration page.
You will need to register the birth of your child with the local authority within 42 days. Find your local registry office.
We offer a physical baby check at 8-10 weeks of age followed by NHS recommended immunisation schedule throughout childhood.
Vaccines stop the spread of disease. Even with better hygiene, sanitation and access to safe water, infections still exist.
When people are not vaccinated, infectious diseases that we usually no longer see can quickly spread.