University Hospitals Plymouth Maternity Services

03/11/2025

Free antenatal education: dates available for November and December.

Looking for more information on labour and birth with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust?

Join one of our online antenatal education sessions led by our friendly and experienced midwifery team! These sessions are designed to support and prepare you for your journey into parenthood, offering expert advice in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait!

Details on how to book your place here.

We look forward to seeing you there and supporting you every step of the way!

21/10/2025

Over the weekend, Plymouth celebrated its first ever Community Awards, highlighting the inspiring people making a difference in our city. It's wonderful news that the Fundraiser Award was awarded to Tracey Stacey, celebrating all of her incredible work with Keep Me Close and NICU! 👏

For the past 14 years, Tracey has been tirelessly supporting the smallest babies and their families within the hospital and the community. Huge congratulations, Tracey! 🫶

19/10/2025

Maternity Triage is open 24hrs a day, 365 days a year to provide urgent help and advice

You should call them if you experience any of the following symptoms during your pregnancy:

- Reduced fetal movements
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Waters breaking - even if you are not sure
- Any contractions before 37 weeks gestation
- Regular contractions from 37 weeks gestation
- Visual disturbances - flashing lights/blurred vision
- Persistent severe headache
- Feeling very unwell or high temperature

Our Triage number is 01752 430200 (if required).

18/10/2025

We’ve created a helpful booklet containing QR codes that link to key topics and resources displayed throughout our maternity and neonatal units on the information trees.

Some of the topics are important for you to read in advance of attending consultant appointments, for example birth after caesarean, considering a caesarean and induction of labour. Other general information can be found such as reduced fetal movements and birth preparation.

Ask a member of staff for a copy if you don't already have one.

17/10/2025

Getting vaccinated while you’re pregnant helps protect your baby, visit the NHS webpage to learn more.

nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vaccinations/

16/10/2025

Last night we lit up University Hospitals Plymouth main building blue and pink, part of the marking the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week. Thank you to all who took part and stood by families affected by pregnancy and baby loss

15/10/2025

It’s been a busy week here at UHP for baby loss awareness week, B&Q came in and totally transformed the Snowdrop Garden for us, we now have a calm and soothing outdoor space for bereaved parents to spend time with their babies and loved ones, we are truly over the moon and very grateful for all of their kind and generous help. Our bereavement midwives Jaime and Kirstie have been visiting the wards handing out ribbons and tealights in preparation for the wave of light tonight at 7pm and Beth (the daughter of one of our lovely midwives) and her mum in law did a sky dive in memory of her baby Alfie

15/10/2025

Please join us for the global Wave of Light, 15 October 7pm. Light a candle in memory of all babies’ lives gone too soon. The hospital will be lit up in blue and pink to in support of all, staff and families who have been affected by baby loss and a reminder that you are not alone.

14/10/2025

Did you know? Your maternity exemption certificate is digital!

At your booking appointment, don’t forget to ask your community midwife about your digital maternity exemption certificate.

This certificate gives you free NHS prescriptions and dental care throughout your pregnancy and for 12 months after your baby is born. For more details click her: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A5uCSTjQi

Share this with other parents-to-be, so no one misses out on the care they deserve!

If you've had a baby in the last 12 months, you get free NHS prescriptions with a valid maternity exemption certificate.

Check if you're eligible: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption/maternity-exemption-certificates

12/10/2025

It's normal to have pregnancy questions. Sign up to weekly Start for Life emails for everything you need to know.

https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/using-hair-dye-in-pregnancy-is-it-safe/

Better Health Start for Life

11/10/2025

"I’d like to say a big thank you to all staff involved in successfully helping my son be here safely even though it was unexpected and quick.

All staff are amazing and work your socks off for everyone who comes through your doors and always have a positive attitude with a open heart towards all.

We will always be grateful for what you did for our little family but now it’s on the road to recovery for our little Jacob.

A big thank you to Nat, Georgia and student midwife jade for keep us all strong in a tough situation.

Love always"
- Baby Hancock

10/10/2025

Postnatal care

The days and weeks after birth can be a whirlwind of emotions, questions, and new experiences, support is always available.

During the first 28 days after birth:

-For routine postnatal midwifery appointments: The Community Midwifery Administration Line: 01752 433256.
-For anything urgent or to contact a midwife: Maternity Triage on 01752 430200- available 24/7.
-For anything non-urgent your Health Visitor and GP are also a good resource.

Beyond 28 days postnatal:

For non-urgent concerns, speak to your:

-Health visitor
-GP

-For urgent concerns NHS 111/ 999 is there for you at anytime.

You’re doing an amazing job, and help is always just a call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t feel right.