Pregnancy and having a baby
Having a baby is a big life moment, and Sheffield has friendly, supportive services to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re newly pregnant or planning ahead, you’ll find a welcoming maternity community here.
What should I do when I find out I am pregnant?
You can buy pregnancy tests from most pharmacies in Sheffield.
If you aren’t able to pay for a test then you can usually get them for free from your GP.
When you first find out that you are pregnant, you can book an appointment with your GP or self-refer directly to maternity care. Once registered, you’ll be linked with a midwife team for check-ups, scans, and ongoing support.
You need to make sure you have been referred as soon as possible.
If you have a high risk pregnancy, or if you’ve had a difficult pregnancy or birth previously, you may be looked after by a doctor instead of a midwife; this is called consultant led pregnancy care.
Helpful links:
- Self-referral form for Sheffield Maternity Services
- Check to see if you are eligible for NHS care during your pregnancy and birth on the Maternity Action website
- Visit Tommy's website, a charity which supports women through birth and baby loss
Who helps me during my pregnancy?
Your midwife is your main contact and can help with:
- Antenatal appointments and routine checks
- Healthy pregnancy advice
- Birth planning
- Feeding and newborn care guidance
- Emotional wellbeing support
Interpreters are available for all appointments.
Where do births happen?
Most births happen at Jessop Wing, a modern maternity hospital offering:
- Midwife-led care
- Access to doctors if needed
- Water birth options
- Calm, supportive environment
Your midwife will help you choose the safest and most comfortable place.
What support is there after birth?
You’ll receive continued support from:
- Midwives
- Home visits for up to 10 days after giving birth, depending on the need and health of you and your baby.
- Your midwife will check in on your mental and physical recovery in the early days after having your baby, offer the newborn heel prick test for your baby (to screen for various illnesses) and check your baby's weight.
- Health Visitors.
- Home visits after the first 10 days, your health visitor will become your main contact until your child is 5 years old.
- They usually provide advice on feeding, sleep, development, and check in on your post partum mental health.
- Family Centres – free groups, play sessions, and parenting support
- Find more information about family centres on the Sheffield City Council's website.
What is post natal depression?
Pregnancy and childbirth can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be very challenging both physically and mentally, and having a new baby can be difficult and sometimes feels lonely.
Some women struggle with post natal depression after having a baby. This is a depressive illness.
Some of the symptoms of post natal depression are:
- Can’t stop crying
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling very anxious/ having panic attacks
- Feeling lonely and isolated
- Can't see a way forward
- Feeling trapped
- Sleeping problems
- Changes in appetite/ weight loss
- No motivation
- Guilt
- Loss of enjoyment
If you think you are suffering from post natal depression, you can reach out to your GP, your midwife or health visitor, or a charity or support group.
Light peer support is a wonderful organisation which offers one to one and group support, to help you talk about how you’re feeling in a safe and supportive space.
Try not to be frightened, lots of women have postnatal depression and you will get better in time with the right support.