Antenatal care and preparing to be a parent

Antenatal Care

As soon as you decide to go ahead with your pregnancy it’s important to get antenatal care – regular check ups to make sure you and your baby stay healthy. Your midwife will help you with any health issues throughout the pregnancy and is the person who will deliver your baby. Regular check ups with your midwife are important not just to keep you healthy but will also help you to get know and trust the person who'll deliver your baby.

Your GP surgery will put you in touch with a Community Midwife or you could see a specialist teenage pregnancy midwife.

For details of your local clinic contact Teenage Pregnancy Specialist Midwive, Cheryl Perry on: 07973 860 213

Health in Pregnancy Grant

If you're a mum-to-be you may be able to get a one-off payment of £190 called the 'Health in Pregnancy Grant'. The money is to help you stay well and healthy and to meet extra costs during the later stages of your pregnancy. To apply for the grant you need to be 25 weeks pregnant or more and have received health advice from a doctor or midwife to help you and your baby stay healthy throughout the pregnancy. Find out more about the Health in Pregnancy Grant on the Directgov website.

Connexions PIPS advisers (Parenting Information & Pregnancy Support)

Connexions has PIPS advisers that can help you prepare for life as a parent. You can make an appointment to see a PIPS adviser or come along to one of the drop in sessions. You can find out more about PIPS advisers including drop in times on our Support for parents page.

Pregnant school girls & Young Mothers Support (PYMS)

If you live in the county of Leicestershire and you're under 16 you could get help and support from PYMS. PYMS supports young women whatever decisions they make during pregnancy, and on into motherhood, enabling them to continue with their education. They can help you with things like medical appointments, qualifications, breast feeding, childcare, travel, homework and any other issues you are facing. You can find out more about PYMS including how to make an appointment on The Jitty.

Parenting skills and preparing for the birth

Parentcraft sessions

Learn about giving birth and how to care for your baby. There are special free sessions for young mums and dads to be at the Watershed Youth House on Upperton Road in Leicester. For more info ring Cheryl Perry on: 07973 860 213.

Young Mums and Dads To Be programme

Learn more about your body during pregnancy and how to deal with your child's early months and needs. This is a free course that will help you develop skills and understanding to ensure you and your baby stay healthy.

Download more info on the Young Mums and Dads To Be Programme here

Becoming a Dad

If you are a new dad, or soon will be, it’s a lot of responsibility to come to terms with – but the rewards could be great. If you don’t live with the baby’s mother – there is still a lot you can do by keeping in touch during the pregnancy and trying to see your child as much as possible.

You can get support from other fathers and come along to the Parentcraft sessions too.

Young parents' groups

Getting together with other young parents can be a great way to get support from others in the same situation. There are groups all over the city for young parents. Call PIPS team (Connexions young parent advisers) to find out where and when your nearest group meets: 0116 262 7254

or contact your local Children's centre. If you live in the county of Leicestershire you can find details of your local group on The Jitty.

Last Updated: 28-Sep-2009