Ward specialism: Maternity / Antenatal care
Visiting hours: On Rusper Ward corridor, open Mon to Fri 9am and 7pm. Last appointment is at 6pm.
Sat, Sun and Bank holidays, 9am to 4pm (last appointment 3pm).
Location: first floor, on the Rusper Ward corridor
Extension: 6513/1726
Map:
Ward specialism: Maternity
Visiting hours: 10am to 10pm for partners, 2pm to 8pm for all others
Location: first floor, above and heading east from the East Entrance
Extension: 6310/1954
Map:
Antenatal care aims to maintain and improve your health and to check the baby is as healthy as possible. We aim to pick up any potential problems early.
It will also give you the opportunity to discuss your choices for antenatal screening, for labour and birth, and any concerns you may have.
From the moment you first book for maternity care, plans will be made with you and can be changed with your agreement, according to your individual needs and wishes.
Please feel free to ask your midwife for information and explanations and discuss any concerns you may have at any stage.
Antenatal care can be given in a variety of ways.
Antenatal care is provided by midwives and GPs at your local surgery, health centre or at your home. There may be referrals to a hospital consultant if you, your GP or midwife need further advice.
Your antenatal care, as well as your labour, birth and postnatal care, will be undertaken by midwives. The midwife will refer to a doctor if any problems arise.
Your antenatal care will be shared between hospital doctors, midwives and GPs.
Women with special needs or potential problems will be advised to attend some consultant clinics. These clinics are held at East Surrey Hospital, Crawley Hospital and Horsham Hospital.
You will not necessarily be seen by a consultant for every antenatal check - it will depend on the reason for needing to see him/her and the stage you are at in your pregnancy.
In between times, your GP and midwife will take care of you.
The unit at East Surrey is on the corridor of Rusper Ward.
We run an appointment system, so please ring before attending.
The units are each staffed by a midwife and health care assistant. Doctors are available for consultation when necessary.
The units offer antenatal care in a relaxed, homely environment. They are designed to ease the anxieties of mothers and families by offering prompt, professional care for those who have problems or concerns between their normal appointments.
You can telephone the Antenatal Day Unit directly (see Contact us page).
You will see a community midwife for a booking appointment.
This can take place either at home GP's surgery or Childrens Centre.
You will not attend a consultant clinic unless you want to or your GP or midwife feels a second opinion is needed.
When you have your booking appointment, please make sure we have your correct personal details. If you change your name, address or GP, please let us know.
At the first appointment your midwife will discuss your health and your pregnancy with you. Certain blood tests will be necessary, and these will be discussed in a leaflet.
Details of parentcraft classes held in your area will be given to you. If you wish to attend, it is important that you complete and return your form to your midwife when you have chosen the best class for you.
At the end of your visit you will be given your maternity case notes. Please keep them safe and take them with you to all subsequent visits whether with your GP, the midwife or at the hospital.
Please ask for explanations if there is anything written down which you do not understand. You are also encouraged to make your own comments as well.
You are entitled to paid time off work to attend antenatal clinics and classes.
For subsequent appointments you will again see the midwife/hospital doctor/GP, depending on your individual needs.
On each visit please bring a specimen of urine in a clean container.
Your blood pressure will be checked and the midwife/doctor will feel your abdomen to check that your baby is growing well.
The baby's heart beat will also be listened to.
It is sometimes difficult to remember a question you wanted to ask, so do write a list and bring it in with you.
We want to make the birth of your baby at East Surrey Hospital a safe and satisfying experience, regardless of the mode of delivery.
If you had a caesarean section last time you will be offered a group antenatal session between 16-20 weeks to discuss your options for this pregnancy with a midwife.
Please refer to the leaflet ''Vaginal Birth after Caesarian Section (VBAC)" for further information.
