Our antenatal service is based at The Royal Oldham Hospital. The service consists of antenatal ward, induction bay, triage and our antenatal day unit.
Antenatal care describes the care you receive during your pregnancy. Your antenatal care will be given by your midwife and this can take place in hospital, at your GP surgery or in the community. For more information about our antenatal services, visit our service page on our A-Z of services.
The Antenatal Unit is led by Lead Nurse, Jennifer Michaels.
Antenatal care during your pregnancy
Early pregnancy
We recommend that you attend regular antenatal appointments during your pregnancy to help monitor your health and that of your baby. Antenatal care describes the care you receive during your pregnancy.
Your antenatal care will be given by your midwife and this can take place in hospital, at your GP surgery or in the community.
Antenatal screening tests
During your pregnancy, you’ll be offered antenatal screening checks and tests to help identify any potential health conditions that might affect you or your baby during your pregnancy or after the baby is born.
Scans and checks will take place at regular intervals during your pregnancy. Antenatal checks and tests might include:
- Weight and height checks
- Antenatal urine tests – to check for protein or any infections
- Blood pressure tests
- Blood tests
- Cervical screening
- Tests for gestational diabetes
- Screening for iron deficiency anaemia
- Ultrasound scans - You will be offered two scans, one early in pregnancy at approximately 11–14 weeks and another at 18–21 weeks (anomaly scan) to check the growth and development of your baby.
- Screening for Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome
- Screening for hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis
- Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia
You can find out more about the timing of these key scans and tests on the NHS.uk website.
Tommy's website is also a great source of information about antenatal screening and diagnostic tests and potential complications that can occur during your pregnancy. You can visit the website at: www.tommys.org.
Antenatal clinics
We have specialist antenatal clinics for patients with medical conditions, heart conditions, raised blood pressure, urology issues and diabetes. We have a specialist midwifery team and consultant who care for the young and pregnant.
If you currently smoke there is a dedicated team who will help you give up to give your baby the best start.
Antenatal classes
Antenatal classes are designed to help you and your partner prepare for childbirth and being a parent. Your midwife will discuss the options with you and advise you on how to book onto the classes you want to participate in.
The classes will include information on:
- Looking after yourself during pregnancy
- Labour and childbirth - hypnobirthing and aromatherapy
- Caring for your new baby
- Feeding and nurturing your baby – breastfeeding, bottlefeeding and mixed feeding
- Advice on early parenting - coping strategies and bonding with your baby.
- Acupuncture and aromatherapy available to women and birthing people.
Unfortunately, all antenatal classes are currently suspended as a result of the COVID pandemic. There are plans to resume antenatal classes as soon as possible.
Our hospital teams
Antenatal Ward F1 Manager - Caroline Green
Antenatal Ward - Tel: 0161 656 1290
The ward has 3 single rooms with ensuite facilities. There are also two six-bedded bays with a shower room in each bay.
Visiting times
Partners (1) 08:00 - 22:00
Siblings or one other visitor – 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00
Catering
- Breakfast - 07:30 - 08:30
- Lunch - 12:00 - 13:00
- Dinner - 16:30 -17:30
- Supper - 20:30
A daily menu is provided for women and birthing people to choose their own diet, all dietary requirements are catered for.
Snacks are available 24 hours a day. Hot drinks and juice are available – due to covid the staff will get this for you.
** snacks available are biscuits, fruit, crisps, and cakes**
Who will care for me?
- Midwives
- Student midwives
- Maternity support workers
- Doctors
A consultant obstetrician will review all women once a day to update a plan of care. There is a ward clerk, a daily domestic cleaner, and a hostess who will provide your meals.
What do I bring in with me?
- Green handheld notes
- Nightgown and bathrobe
- Slippers
- Bra and nursing bra
- Socks
- Underwear
- Hair ties (scrunchies)
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lip balm, lotion, and deodorant
- Comfortable and loose-fitting clothing to wear home
- Magazines, books
You have the patient Hospedia television service is available for free from 0800-1800 everyday.
We have a range of patient information leaflets available on the following topics below. You can access this information via our NCA Patient Leaflet Library. These patient leaflets are also available via the Bounty app.
Patient Information Leaflets
Rhesus negative and Anti D
Group B strep – different languages available
Healthy Eating
Breastfeeding
Healthy start vouchers
Folic acid
Aspirin administration
Screening tests in pregnancy
Sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia
NHS a guide to Covid 19 vaccinations – all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnancy or breastfeeding
Being overweight in pregnancy RCOG
Induction of labour
Assisted vaginal birth
Birth after previous LSCS
Caesarean section
Screening tests for you and your baby
Smoking cessation
The following websites are a good source of advice and information during your pregnancy:
Twins trust – supporting parents with multiple pregnancy
Rochdale and Oldham Maternity Voices Partnership
Homestart (Oldham, Stockport and Tameside)
Oldham early attachment service
ICON - for advice about babies crying