1
Self-refer to maternity services
You do not need to see your GP first. You can refer yourself directly to the BHRUT maternity team online. Please do this as soon as possible, ideally before 10 weeks, to ensure your care begins promptly.
Maternity & antenatal care
Pregnancy support, from the very beginning.
Register your pregnancy with us and we'll co-ordinate your care with midwives at Queen's Hospital — every step of the way.
Tell us as soon as possible — ideally before 10 weeksWe refer directly to Queen's Hospital, Romford (BHRUT)
Found out you're pregnant?
Here's what to do in the first few weeks — before your midwife booking appointment.
2
Take folic acid
Start taking 400mcg of folic acid daily if you haven't already. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Continue until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Vitamin D (10mcg daily) is recommended throughout pregnancy.
3
Your midwife booking appointment
Usually happens between 8 and 10 weeks. Your midwife will take a full health history, order blood tests, discuss your birth options, and give you your maternity notes. This is your main NHS 'booking' appointment.
4
12-week dating scan
Your first ultrasound. Confirms your due date, checks for a heartbeat, and screens for chromosomal conditions including Down's syndrome. Usually at Queen's Hospital or another BHRUT site.
Your maternity care at Queen's Hospital.
Abbamoor patients are referred to Queen's Hospital in Romford, part of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT).
Key numbers
Concerns under 20 weeks
01708 435 076Queen's Hospital maternity triage
Post-delivery helpline
01708 435 07624-hour line, available for up to 10 days after delivery
What antenatal appointments look like
The NHS recommends around 10 appointments for a straightforward first pregnancy (fewer if you've had a baby before). Here are the key milestones.
8-10 weeks
Booking appointment with midwife
12 weeks
Dating scan + combined screening
16 weeks
Midwife check-up
20 weeks
Anomaly (anatomy) scan
25 weeks
Midwife appointment (first pregnancy)
28 weeks
Midwife + blood tests
31 weeks
Midwife (first pregnancy)
34 weeks
Midwife + birth plan discussion
36-40 weeks
Regular midwife checks
Health visitors and family support.
NELFT runs the health visiting service for families in Havering. A health visitor will make contact with you from around 28–32 weeks of pregnancy.
NELFT Health Visiting
Your health visitor supports you from late pregnancy through to your child's school years. They offer developmental checks, feeding support, and signposting to local services.
- Antenatal contact at 28–32 weeks
- New birth visit within 14 days
- Regular developmental reviews
- Perinatal mental health support
Havering Children's Centres & Family Hubs
Free support for families with children under 5. Local children's centres offer classes, workshops, and peer groups.
- St Kilda's, Romford (opens in a new tab)
Becoming the new Best Start Family Hub from April 2026
- Ingrebourne Children's Centre (opens in a new tab)
Satellite hub serving Harold Hill and surrounding areas
- myplace, Harold Hill (opens in a new tab)
Satellite hub with family activities and support
"Preparing for baby" workshop
Free virtual antenatal workshop available via Havering Children's Centres. Ask your midwife or health visitor for details.
Perinatal mental health support
For parents-to-be and new parents
Pregnancy and the postnatal period can be emotionally difficult. Anxiety, low mood, and depression are more common than many people realise — and support is available.
Butterflies peer support
A local peer support group for parents-to-be and parents with babies up to 1 year old. Supports those experiencing perinatal mental illness, anxiety, and depression. Run in partnership with Havering Children's Centres.
Talk to your GP or midwife
Tell your GP or midwife how you're feeling — they won't judge you. We can refer you to specialist perinatal mental health teams and NHS Talking Therapies if needed.
Pregnancy guides.
Plain-English answers to the questions we hear most often.
5 min read
What to do when you find out you're pregnant
Your first steps on the NHS — from home test to booking appointment.
Read guide
5 min read
Antenatal care at Queen's Hospital, Romford
What appointments to expect, who you'll see, and how BHRUT works.
Read guide
5 min read
Your 12-week and 20-week scans
What each scan is for, what to expect, and what the results mean.
Read guide
6 min read
Maternity pay and leave
SMP, MA, Shared Parental Leave — what you're entitled to and when to tell your employer.
Read guide
Let's get your care set up.
Tell us as soon as you know — the earlier we hear from you, the sooner we can arrange everything.