Maternity

[Midwife] Congratulations on your pregnancy.

We're so glad you're considering Guy’s and St Thomas' for your maternity care.

Every year, we care for thousands of pregnant people, women and babies across our maternity services, here at the hospital and in the community.

If you live locally, we're proud to offer a continuity of care model. That means you'll see the same team throughout your pregnancy, during the birth and after your baby is born.

[Natasha] It was really important to me that, during my pregnancy, I was able to access support, whatever the time of day or night.

[Vertika] I think from the scans, to the midwife, to the birthing experience, it almost felt like I had a friend. It was an extended family, and felt really warm.

[Midwife] If you’re local to us, you'll receive most of your pregnancy care at community hubs based on where you live. These hubs are friendly local centres where your midwife appointments take place.

You'll usually see the same midwifery team from your first booking appointment until around 10 days after birth. After that, your health visitor will take over your care.

Our MyChart app shows your health records, test results, and lets you add information before your appointments.

This gives you and your midwife more time for questions and to talk about the things that matter most.

Our Colourful Birth Wallets are full of simple prompts to help Black and Brown women feel informed, confident and heard.

Your first appointment lasts about 1 hour. It's a chance to talk openly about your health, your family's medical history, your preferences, and your hopes for this pregnancy.

We’ll offer routine blood tests, and we'll talk to you about screening options and vaccinations to protect you and your baby. You can have the vaccines at our drop- in maternity vaccination clinic.

Guy’s and St Thomas' is a world-leading centre for maternity research. You may be invited to take part and this is always your choice. Participating helps us improve care and outcomes for mums and babies.

Every pregnancy and birth is different. That's why we listen, learn, and adapt.

We're here to offer you care that is shaped around you, your culture, your needs, and your preferences.

[Rahma] When my birth plan changed at the last minute during labour, I felt really supported at such a critical and vulnerable moment in my life.

[Midwife] You'll have regular appointments to monitor your health, including blood tests and scans, and to follow your baby's progress. We offer antenatal classes in person, online, and in a range of languages, to help prepare you for labour, feeding, and the early days with your baby.

When it's time to give birth you'll be supported by our expert team at St Thomas’ Hospital.

If you're giving birth at the hospital, you'll be supported in one of our two birth centres.

The home from home birth centre: a calm, midwife-led setting with a homely feel, for people with straightforward pregnancies.

Or the hospital birth centre, where you'll have access to specialist care, obstetricians, and anaesthetists, for more complex births, or if you need extra support. This is where you'll be supported if you're having a planned caesarean birth or C-section.

Your birth partner is welcome at all times and we’ll always discuss your birth preferences and birth plan with you in advance.

[Valeria] I felt really supported having my baby at St Thomas’ Hospital. I enjoyed the birthing suite. It was really beautiful and it was a really calming experience for me.

[Midwife] After birth, you’ll recover with support from our expert postnatal team who will check your newborn is doing well.

If you stay in hospital, you can also come to our daily breastfeeding classes on the postnatal ward. We're here to help you make informed choices about feeding and newborn care, and to answer any questions you may have before you go home.

[Felicity] When I found feeding difficult, I felt listened to and understood.

[Midwife] If you live locally, once you're back at home, a community midwife will contact you within 36 hours to arrange a follow up appointment. We'll continue to support you for up to 28 days. You can also continue to access support through your local breastfeeding support groups.

Whatever your plans, whatever your questions, we're here for you.

We'll listen, we'll understand, and we'll work with you every step of the way. So you feel informed, supported and confident.

You are in safe hands and we're really glad to have you with us.

We look forward to seeing you soon.