Baby boom is expected in the summer

Feb 5 2010 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Friday

MATERNITY services are preparing for a major baby boom this summer after heavy snow and icy roads kept hundreds of people indoors.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway are expecting a surge in conceptions among couples who have been confined to their homes during one of the coldest winters on record.

A total of 426 babies are expected to be born across the region, compared to only 387 the year before.

And across the country an extra 450 babies are expected to arrive this summer.

The health board is letting mums-to-be know that the maternity care journey is improving.

A national campaign Pregnant? Tell Me was launched across the country to inform women that they can now make an appointment with a midwife as soon as they find out they are pregnant.

The new system means that women no longer need to see their GP to confirm they are pregnant, or to refer them to maternity services.

Instead, the process speeds up as women expecting a baby can be assessed by a midwife very early on.

Director of the Royal College of Midwives, Gillian Smith, said: “It is important women make this appointment early so midwives can organise care that’s best for each woman and her baby and ensure timely intervention for women and families with additional medical or social need. Through this new initiative, women will have more choice and control over how their pregnancy will be cared for.”

Julie Clear, a full time mum from the Stewartry has recently had her fourth baby. The 36-year-old said: “I found out I was pregnant at six weeks and had my first appointment with my midwife at around eight weeks.

“She gave me all the information I needed about the tests and scans I’d be offered, as well as advice on my health and wellbeing.

“It was good to touch base early as it allowed us to build up a rapport and we developed a great relationship.

“I felt that I was able to contact my midwife if I needed to ask anything during my pregnancy, which was really reassuring.”