You and your baby's health during pregnancy

Some women are at increased risk of developing problems in pregnancy so we recommend your care is supported by the obstetricians (doctors) based at the hospital.

Referral to consultant care may also be recommended if you or your baby develop problems during your pregnancy. If you do need to transfer to consultant care, the midwife will arrange this for you at the hospital of your choice.

Depending on the needs of you or your baby, some or possibly all of your antenatal appointments will be at the hospital. However, your care is still shared between the hospital and your midwife, and many of your appointments may still be held at your local surgery, health centre or children’s centre, if that is considered the best option for you.


Get support to help you stop smoking

If you stop smoking now it will make a big difference to your health and the health of your baby. 
 

Fetal Maternal Medicine Unit

The Fetal Maternal Medicine Unit is a specialist outpatient area that cares for women who have complex pregnancies. The doctors offer special tests, counselling and advice - supported by specially trained midwives - to women who may have to make difficult decisions about their pregnancy.

It is important that you bring your maternity records to any appointment in hospital.


Location

Maternity & Gynaecology, Level 1
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 8NE


Healthy eating during pregnancy

Eating a healthy, nutritious diet is especially important if you are pregnant.

Your baby relies on you to provide the right balance of nutrients to help them grow and develop properly even after they are born. 

Your weight matters during pregnancy and after and there is no need to eat for two. Most women who are overweight have a straightforward pregnancy and birth and deliver healthy babies. However, being overweight does increase the risk of complications to both you and your baby. We can offer extra care and give you support and information for you to minimise the risks to you and your baby in this pregnancy (and possibly in a future pregnancy).   

If you have any questions please ask your midwife.

Visit the Start4Life NHS website (opens in new window) >


Foods to avoid during your pregnancy

Most foods and drinks are safe to have during pregnancy, but there are some foods you should be careful with or avoid (opens in new window) >.

Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by bacteria called listeria. It usually goes away on its own, but pregnant women have a higher risk of serious problems. We recommend reading about how you can handle, store and prepare foods to reduce the risk of listeriosis (opens in new window) >.


Bereavement midwives and living with baby loss

Sadly, not every pregnancy has a happy outcome and some end in the loss of a much wanted baby. The role of the bereavement midwife is to provide sensitive care and support for families following a pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death.

Bereavement midwives can be contacted via uhdb.bereavementmidwives.patientsupport@nhs.net.

Our Sam works to raise awareness, understanding and improve support for anyone affected by baby loss (opens in new window) > following miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons and neonatal death.