Having a Baby
Having a baby is probably the most important and precious thing that could every happen to you! | |
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It will be an experience you will never forget. It can also be an overwhelming, confusing and emotional time, even before you have conceived! On this page we have given an overview of the issues you may come across from before conception through to after the baby has been born
Trying to become pregnant can be a confusing and frustrating process. For some women, conception is relatively easy, but for others it can be a little more complicated. So it is important to remember that achieving conception may take time, and may require patience.
You may find it helpful understanding the process involved. Getting Pregnant  has good information on this subject. If you are feeling anxious or worried about then talk to your G.P.
Links that may be of help:
- BBC - - On line "ask the doctor"
- Foresight - The Association for Pre Conceptional Care.
- NHS Direct - - The NHS Direct On Line
Discovering you are pregnant
Some women just know that they are pregnant! - long before their suspicions are confirmed. The BBCi Website gives details of the "signs of pregnancy".
Your pregnancy will need to be confirmed, either with a home pregnancy test kit, the family planning centre or a visit to your G.P. A positive or negative test result is obtained by checking for HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) hormone. This is done by testing a urine sample or a blood test. These tests are virtually 100% reliable and can detect pregnancy as early as 7 - 10 days after conception.
When is My Baby Due?
One of the first things you may want to know - once your pregnancy is confirmed is "when is my baby due". babyzone.com website can calculate the expected date of delivery of your baby.
Antenatal
Most women visit their G.P. as soon as they find out they are pregnant. The G.P. will arrange an appointment where you will be 'booked' into the system'.
Your first antenatal appointment is generally at about 10 weeks and may take up to an hour. It is designed to find out about your general health and pregnancy. Further appointments are to monitor your health during pregnancy, as well as the health and development of your baby. Antenatal can help predict possible problems with your pregnancy or at the birth, so they can be either avoided or treated.
There are many website's that offer advice and information on Antenatal care but always consult your own G.P. if you are in anyway concerned about yours or your babies health.
Babyworld
The Baby Registry
Complications
In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, there are many groups which can offer help, support and advice. There is a legal requirement to register the birth of a stillborn baby if the birth was over 24 week gestation. More help and support can be found at
The Miscarriage Association
Women's Health
UK Online
At Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital, situated in the Maternity Unit is a comfortable suite, The Forget-me-not-suite, where families who have lost their baby can be cared for in a safe and yet homely environment in their time of grief and sadness.
Benefits
You may be entitled to some of the following benefits whilst pregnant.
| Statutory Maternity Pay | Paid by your employer, if certain criteria is met. It can be paid for up to 18 weeks.
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Maternity Allowance
| A weekly benefit paid to pregnant women who are not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay, and to the self-employed. It can be paid for up to 18 weeks. |
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| Incapacity Benefit | Incapacity Benefit may be available if not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance |
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| Sure Start Maternity Grant | A grant form Social Fund, if certain criteria are met. |
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| Child Benefit | Child Benefit is paid for each child under 16. It can also be paid for children under 19, in certain conditions. Should be claimed as soon as the child is born. |
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| Maternity Rights at Work | All employees are entitled to 18 weeks maternity leave. If you have worked for the same employer for at least one year before the 11th week before the baby is due, you are entitled to additional maternity leave of 29 weeks from the start of the week in which the baby is born. |
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| Paternal Leave | Parental leave may be granted under certain circumstance. |
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Where to Have The Baby
Whether you decide to have your baby in hospital or at home, your midwife and doctor will be able to tell more about your options. The BBC online has information on hospital and home births.
Giving Birth
Everyone's perfect labour would be - your waters break, you make a mad dash to the hospital, just a little tingle of pain and like magic, the baby is born - but this may not always be the case and as you can imagine, having a baby is a total individual thing.
- The Babycentre and
- The BBCi both offers very good of information regarding the different stages of labour and pain relief.
Caesarean Sections
There are many reasons why doctors decide to give Caesarean Section rather than a "normal" birth, either a planned Caesarean Section - decided before you go into labour or a unplanned Caesarean Section - once labour has started, but there is no doubt, for some mothers and babies, a Caesarean is a life-saving operation.
- The Babyworld has information and details concerning Caesarean Sections including details about "What happens during a Caesarean Section," "What kind of Anaesthetic is used" and "What happens after the Caesarean Section."
Once the Baby has Arrived
Congratulations!!
So now you are a new parent! - you will feel like a expert in no time..........
There are many emotional and physical changes or problems that may occur through childbirth, your midwife will visit you and arrange regular times to see you again. Your midwife will know what you went through during the birth and will understand your needs and worries. They will also be able to advise you on the practical side of looking after your new baby, such as feeding options.
- The BBC Health website offers information and advice on Post Natal Fitness
Naming Baby
You may already have a name for your new baby - but there are some things that you should keep in mind
- Remember your child has to carry that name all their life.
- If the name is quirky, they may be teased or bullied because of it.
- Does the name shorten to an unfortunate nickname?
- How does the name sound with your surname?
- If you are giving your baby a middle name, what will the initials spell out?
If you still need help choosing a name, there are many websites that offer suggestions, name meanings and name origins.
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| Large database of names to help you choose |
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| Over 10,000 baby names! |
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Registering Baby
If your child is born in Essex, then you must register the birth in the Essex Registration District.
Naming Ceremony
A Naming Ceremony is a formal and dignified non religious ceremony to celebrate the birth of a child, welcome an adoptive child or to embrace stepchildren into a new family. The child or children can be any age.
Adoption & Fostering
Sometimes other options have to be considered.
Adoption is a way of providing a permanent home in a new family when it is not possible for children to live with their own family. Alternatively, fostering is about caring for children or young people in your own home on a temporary basis whilst their own parents are unable to look after them. This can be just for a few days to give the family time to sort out their problems.
There are many sites on the internet that offer information, advice and guidance regarding the procedure of Adoption and Fostering.
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