Support during pregnancy
If you just found out you're pregnant, let the NHS know so you can get the right care from the start. Fill out the self-referral form through the NHS service called Badger.
If you're worried about your pregnancy, talk to your GP right away.
There's plenty of support to help you get ready for labour and birth.
Our Start For Life and Family Hubs Booklet (PDF) shows all the support available in Portsmouth for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Support at the family hubs
Our current antenatal (before birth) courses at Portsmouth Family Hubs include:
Understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby
Home-Start Portsmouth, Solent NHS Trust and midwives from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust run this course for anyone who is 20 weeks pregnant or more.
Using the Solihull Approach, the course helps you understand:
- pregnancy
- labour and birth
- your baby's early development
The course runs periodically throughout the year at:
- Monday, 9.30am to 11am – Buckland Family Hub
- Monday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm – Northern Parade Family Hub
- Wednesday, 9.30am to 11am – Milton Family Hub
To find out when the next course is running and to book a place, email the Family Hub Champions.
Birth preparation workshop
The Parenting Network runs this workshop for anyone who is 20 weeks pregnant or more. It helps you prepare for labour and birth.
Booking required.
Sessions:
- Saturday, 12pm to 3pm – Somerstown Family Hub
To book, visit The Parenting Network website.
Midwife appointments
Your midwife may arrange appointments at a family hub. You can also book a meet and greet appointment through Badger.
Sessions:
- Wednesday, 10.30am to 12.30pm – Somerstown Family Hub (once a month, booking required)
Family hubs timetable
See our Family Hubs timetables (PDF) to see what classes, support and events are available to you.
Support on Family Assist
You can also find lots of support on Family Assist - an online platform with a wide range of information and resources for parents and their friends and families.