Health is the most researched subject on the internet, and pregnancy is the most researched health subject. This new service is available on the national NHS website, NHS Choices and the link to the planner is http://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy.
Gwyneth Lewis, the Department of Health Clinical lead for maternity said:
"This new online resource is an excellent way for people to find out more about NHS pregnancy and birth services, and to see what local maternity services can offer them.
All you need to do is type in your postcode, and choose which units to compare, and you can make up your mind on what services you would like to discuss using with your midwife, based on the best and most up to date information and data.
This new service offers mums-to-be vital information, helping mother and baby to be healthy, before, during and after the birth."
Pauline Esson, the Head of Midwifery at Lewisham Hospital said:
"The lack of a comprehensive NHS online maternity guide has become marked in recent years.
Just at the time that people are demanding more and more online information, we haven't had a reliable place to direct people to. I will definitely use this planner as back up to care and will print out the key sections for expectant parents without internet access."
Key features in the Planner
- A personalised NHS Choices pregnancy account which allows users to be sent information of interest to them.
- An online birth plan, update as you go, discuss with your midwifery team, print out and keep with you during the labour.
- Advice on how to best prepare for pregnancy, what is healthy, the best time for conception.
- Information for dads
- Health during pregnancy
- Week by week guide
- The birth and where to have birth.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy
About NHS Choices
NHS Choices is the national public website for the NHS providing comprehensive health information guides, accessible content on healthy living, and comparative 'scorecard' information on local health services. For more information, please visit http://www.nhs.uk.