Maternity

Pregnancy is a vital period when a mother’s physical and mental health can have a lifelong impact on the child. Evidence has highlighted that maternal stress, diet and alcohol or drug misuse can place a child’s development at risk. Early identification of need and risk will ensure that appropriate monitoring, screening and support is put in place and higher risk parents who may need additional support are identified. Early access to antenatal care is essential and has a positive effect on low birth weights and infant mortality rates.

• Pregnancy and postnatal mental health

• Smoking in pregnancy

• Antenatal and newborn screening