Mother & Child Care Unit

Our Pre-motherhood Clinic helps prospective parents understand their health before planning a pregnancy. A preconception consultation provides an opportunity to review medical conditions, previous pregnancies, medicines, family history and lifestyle factors that may influence the health of the mother or baby.

The consultation can involve both partners, particularly when there is a family history of inherited conditions or concerns about reproductive health. Advice is tailored to the couple's circumstances, with further assessment recommended when needed.

Areas discussed during preconception counselling include:

• Medical and pregnancy history: Reviewing diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders and other existing conditions, along with previous miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth or pregnancy complications.

• Medicines and supplements: Checking prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements for their suitability when planning pregnancy. Any changes should be made with the prescribing doctor.

• Nutrition and general health: Discussing diet, weight, physical activity, anaemia and folic acid supplementation before conception and during early pregnancy.

• Family history and screening: Identifying whether genetic counselling, carrier screening or other investigations may be appropriate for either partner.

• Vaccination and lifestyle review: Discussing vaccination history, tobacco and alcohol use, and practical changes that support a healthier pregnancy.

This consultation is useful even when you feel well. It is especially valuable if you have an existing medical condition or have experienced difficulties in a previous pregnancy. Preconception care can reduce some avoidable risks and help plan appropriate monitoring, although it cannot prevent every pregnancy complication.

Our Obstetrics & Gynaecology service supports women from early pregnancy through delivery and postnatal recovery. Care is planned around the mother's health, the progress of the pregnancy and the baby's needs, with specialist input when closer monitoring is required.

Antenatal care involves regular clinical reviews, blood pressure and weight assessment, appropriate blood and urine investigations, and guidance on recommended scans and screening. These visits also provide time to discuss nutrition, medicines, physical activity, common pregnancy discomforts and changes that require medical attention.

Birth planning brings together the mother's preferences and the clinical circumstances of the pregnancy. The obstetrician discusses the suitability of vaginal birth, indications for caesarean delivery and any factors that may affect the timing of birth. Plans are reviewed if the mother's or baby's condition changes.

Care during labour and delivery focuses on monitoring the mother and baby, assessing the progress of labour and responding to complications. Where a baby is expected to need additional support after birth, delivery planning involves the neonatal team.

Postnatal recovery and reproductive health

After childbirth, follow-up addresses healing, bleeding, pain, feeding concerns and recovery from pregnancy-related conditions. Mothers can also discuss emotional wellbeing, contraception and the timing of future pregnancies. Persistent low mood, anxiety or difficulty coping should be raised with the care team so that appropriate support can be advised.

Gynaecological assessment complements maternity care by addressing concerns such as irregular or heavy periods, pelvic pain, PCOS and reproductive health problems. The need for investigations or treatment depends on the symptoms, examination findings and the woman's future pregnancy plans.

Some pregnancies need more frequent assessment because of an existing illness, a previous pregnancy complication or a concern identified during the current pregnancy. A high-risk pregnancy does not mean that a complication is certain; it means that the mother or baby may benefit from closer supervision and a more detailed care plan.

Miscarriage and early pregnancy concerns

Bleeding or pain in early pregnancy needs assessment to establish the cause and check how the pregnancy is progressing. When a miscarriage occurs, care includes explaining the findings, discussing appropriate management and supporting physical and emotional recovery. Repeated pregnancy loss may require further evaluation before another pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the womb, most commonly in a fallopian tube. It requires timely diagnosis because it can cause serious internal bleeding. Assessment and treatment depend on symptoms, ultrasound findings, pregnancy hormone levels and the woman's overall condition.

Waters breaking early

When the waters break before labour and before 37 completed weeks, this is known as preterm prelabour rupture of membranes, or PPROM. Assessment considers infection risk, the stage of pregnancy and the baby's wellbeing. Monitoring and decisions about continuing the pregnancy or delivery are individualised.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia involves high blood pressure with signs of organ involvement or problems with placental function during pregnancy or after birth. It can affect the mother's kidneys, liver or other organs and the baby's growth. Eclampsia involves seizures associated with this condition and is an emergency. Care may require hospital monitoring, treatment and carefully timed delivery.

Placenta related complications

Problems involving the placenta can affect blood supply to the baby or cause bleeding. Examples include placenta praevia, where the placenta lies over or close to the cervix, and placental abruption, where it separates too early. Assessment helps determine monitoring needs and the timing and method of delivery.

Postpartum haemorrhage

Heavy bleeding after childbirth is called postpartum haemorrhage and requires prompt assessment and treatment. Care focuses on identifying the cause, controlling bleeding and supporting the mother's circulation and recovery. Severe cases may require maternal critical care.

Pregnancies affected by diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancy or other medical conditions may also need closer follow-up and coordination between specialties.

Foetal Medicine focuses on the growth, development and wellbeing of the baby during pregnancy. It complements routine obstetric care when screening identifies a concern, a previous pregnancy has been affected by a condition, or maternal health creates a need for more detailed assessment.

Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the clinical question, assessment may involve detailed ultrasound review, monitoring of growth, evaluation of amniotic fluid and assessment of blood flow. Findings are considered alongside the mother's medical history and other investigation results.

Important areas of assessment include:

• Foetal growth restriction: FGR, also called intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR, means the baby is not growing as expected. Follow-up helps assess growth, placental function and whether changes to monitoring or delivery planning are needed.

• Structural developmental concerns: Detailed assessment can help identify some abnormalities involving the baby's organs, brain or spine, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida. These defects arise during the early development of the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid before conception and in early pregnancy reduces the risk of some neural tube defects.

• Suspected congenital heart disease: A concern about the baby's heart may lead to further specialist assessment and coordination with paediatric cardiac and neonatal services.

• Pregnancies needing additional surveillance: This may include multiple pregnancies or pregnancies affected by maternal illness or previous complications.

When a concern is identified, counselling helps parents understand the findings, the limits of available tests and possible next steps. Screening estimates the likelihood of certain conditions; it does not confirm every diagnosis, and even a reassuring scan cannot exclude all health problems.

Maternal Critical Care supports women who become seriously unwell during pregnancy, childbirth or the postnatal period. The priority is to stabilise the mother, treat the underlying problem and coordinate obstetric decisions with the care needed by the baby.

Conditions that may require this level of care include severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, major bleeding, serious infection and complications affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys or other organs. Some women need intensive monitoring because a pre-existing medical condition becomes more difficult to manage during pregnancy.

Care brings together obstetric and critical care expertise, with other specialists involved according to the clinical need. Management may include close monitoring of vital signs and organ function, medicines, fluid management and additional support when required.

If the woman is still pregnant, the team considers both maternal stability and foetal wellbeing when planning further care or delivery. After the acute illness has improved, follow-up remains important for recovery, medication review and advice about any continuing health needs.

Neonatology addresses the needs of newborn babies, particularly those who are premature, have a low birth weight or develop difficulties soon after birth. Assessment considers breathing, feeding, temperature, weight and signs of illness, with the level of care matched to the baby's condition.

Common newborn concerns include:

• Prematurity and low birth weight: Babies born early or at a low weight may need additional help with feeding, temperature regulation, breathing and growth. Prematurity and low birth weight are related but are not the same; a baby born at term can also have a low birth weight.

• Neonatal jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes requires assessment in the context of the baby's age, feeding and bilirubin level. Some babies need observation and feeding support, while others need treatment such as phototherapy.

• Feeding difficulties: Problems with feeding, poor weight gain or concerns about hydration should be assessed so that parents receive advice suited to their baby's needs.

• Conditions identified before or after birth: Babies with suspected congenital heart disease, growth restriction or other developmental concerns may need coordinated specialist review.

Care as children grow

Paediatric care continues through infancy and childhood, addressing both illness and preventive health. Consultations cover common concerns such as fever, respiratory symptoms, digestive problems, infections, allergies and feeding difficulties, with investigations or specialist review recommended when appropriate.

Growth and development are also central to these visits. Parents can discuss weight gain, nutrition, sleep, movement, speech and age-related milestones, together with guidance on immunisation. A developmental concern does not always indicate a serious problem, but timely assessment helps identify children who need additional support.

For children with ongoing health needs, follow-up helps review symptoms, treatment and progress over time, while keeping parents involved in decisions.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, provides specialist care for newborn babies whose needs go beyond routine postnatal observation. Admission may be necessary because of prematurity, low birth weight, breathing difficulties, serious infection or another medical concern after birth.

NICU care is tailored to the baby's condition. Priorities include monitoring breathing and circulation, maintaining body temperature, supporting nutrition and growth, and recognising changes that need treatment. Some babies require respiratory support or closer monitoring while they become strong enough to feed and maintain essential functions more independently.

Parents need clear explanations about why their baby has been admitted and how care is progressing. Discussions with the team help families understand treatment, feeding plans and how they can participate in their baby's care as the condition allows.

Discharge planning considers clinical stability, feeding and the support needed at home. Babies born prematurely or with significant medical concerns may need continued review of growth and development after leaving hospital.

The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, or PICU, supports infants and children with serious illness who require intensive monitoring or support for vital body functions. Its role differs from routine paediatric admission, where a child may need treatment in hospital without intensive care.

Conditions that may require PICU care include severe breathing difficulty, serious infection, prolonged or recurrent seizures, circulatory instability and other illnesses that significantly affect organ function. The decision to admit a child depends on the severity of illness and the level of support required.

Care focuses on stabilising the child, treating the cause of the illness and monitoring the response to treatment. Depending on the condition, this can include support for breathing and circulation, careful fluid and nutritional management, and coordination with other paediatric specialties.

As the child improves, the team assesses readiness to move to a lower level of care. Follow-up needs depend on the illness, treatment received and the child's recovery.

Paediatric Cardiac Sciences focuses on heart conditions present from birth and those that develop during childhood. Congenital heart disease can affect the heart's structure or the way blood flows through it, while other conditions may affect the heart muscle or rhythm.

Children may be referred after an abnormal antenatal finding, a heart murmur or symptoms such as feeding difficulty, poor weight gain, unusual breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance. Some heart conditions produce few symptoms initially, making specialist interpretation of examination findings important.

Assessment considers the child's symptoms, growth, medical history and clinical examination. The specialist may recommend tests such as an ECG or echocardiography to clarify the diagnosis and guide further care.

Treatment depends on the exact condition and its severity. Some children need periodic review, while others require medicines or assessment for an intervention or surgery. Families are counselled about the recommended approach and the next steps appropriate to their child's diagnosis.

Ongoing review can address growth, activity, medicines and changes in symptoms. When a heart concern is identified before birth, coordination with Foetal Medicine and Neonatology helps plan assessment and care after delivery.

Paediatric Neurology assesses conditions affecting the developing brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. The aim is to understand the cause of a child's symptoms, identify the support required and plan appropriate treatment and follow-up.

Reasons for specialist assessment can include seizures or epilepsy, repeated unexplained episodes, persistent headaches, muscle weakness, unusual movements and difficulties with balance or coordination. Concerns about delayed milestones, loss of previously acquired skills or suspected brain and spinal abnormalities also need careful evaluation.

Assessment starts with a detailed history of symptoms, pregnancy and birth, development and any relevant family history. Examination and selected investigations help distinguish between conditions that may appear similar. Tests are recommended according to the clinical findings rather than as a routine requirement for every child.

Management may involve medicines, monitoring and advice on further developmental or rehabilitation support. For children with longer-term neurological needs, follow-up considers day-to-day function, learning and participation in family and school life, alongside control of the underlying condition.

Paediatric Radiology & Imaging supports the assessment of illnesses and developmental concerns in babies and children. Imaging can help clarify a diagnosis, assess the extent of a problem and monitor the response to treatment when repeat assessment is clinically necessary.

The choice of examination depends on the child's age, symptoms and the information the treating doctor needs. Ultrasound, X-ray, CT and MRI have different roles; not every child needs every type of scan.

For example, ultrasound can help assess certain abdominal or soft tissue concerns, X-rays may answer questions about the chest or bones, and CT or MRI may be considered when more detailed information is required. The radiologist and treating specialist determine which examination is appropriate.

Imaging in children requires attention to preparation, comfort and avoiding unnecessary examinations. Ultrasound and MRI do not use ionising radiation. When X-ray or CT is necessary, the examination should use a technique suited to the child's size and the clinical question.

Parents should share previous reports and images, along with relevant medical information, so these can inform the assessment.

Paediatric Ophthalmology focuses on eye health and visual development in babies and children. A child may not recognise or be able to describe a vision problem, so parental observations and age-appropriate examination are important.

Concerns that may need assessment include blurred vision, difficulty seeing the board at school, holding books unusually close, frequent eye rubbing, a persistent squint or an abnormal head position when looking at objects. Persistent watering, redness or other changes in the eyes should also be discussed with an eye specialist.

Assessment can identify refractive errors that may need glasses, squint and amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye, as well as other eye conditions. The examination is adapted to the child's age and ability to participate.

Treatment and follow-up depend on the diagnosis. Identifying vision problems during childhood can allow treatment while vision is still developing and help support learning and everyday activities.

Paediatric Dental Care supports the health of children's teeth and gums, with attention to prevention, early assessment and treatment needs. Milk teeth matter for eating, comfort and maintaining space for the permanent teeth that follow.

Dental consultations provide an opportunity to assess tooth decay, pain, gum concerns, injuries and the way teeth are erupting. Parents can also discuss brushing, diet and habits that may affect oral health.

Preventive guidance includes supervised brushing with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste and reducing the frequency of sugary foods and drinks. Advice is tailored to the child's age and ability to brush effectively.

When a problem is identified, the dentist explains the findings and recommends the next steps. Early visits also give children an opportunity to become familiar with dental care before pain or an urgent problem develops. A first dental assessment is appropriate when the first teeth appear or by the first birthday.