A woman having a scan

We encourage you to bring your partner or relative or friend to support you in labour

Your pregnancy

Picture of a patient talking to a member of the Maternity staffBook your first appointment with a midwife

The quickest and easiest option for booking your first appointment is to refer yourself online using our quick and easy form: Maternity Self-Referral.

You can also contact our maternity team directly.

As soon as you know you are pregnant, please get in touch with us to book your first appointment. This is called your 'booking appointment', and you will meet one of our friendly midwives for the first time. In line with the Better Birth Strategy, your booking midwife should then be your named midwife.

Ideally you should be seen by a midwife before you are 10 weeks pregnant, or as early into your pregnancy as possible.

You can make your first appointment quickly and easily using any of the options below and there is no need to see your GP before getting in touch with us.

Other ways to make your first appointment

There are different ways to make your first appointment and we are very happy for you to choose the option that is most convenient for you:

  • You can ask your GP to refer you to us
  • You can visit the antenatal clinic at any of our three hospital sites at Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead where you'll be asked to complete a self-referral form.
  • You can contact your local Family Centre, who can inform you of the midwifery services that are available in your area and you will be invited to complete a self-referral form.

Picture of a nurse measuring the blood presseure of a patient

How to get help

Picture of a pregnant person with hands on tummy

Refer yourself