Pregnancy can bring a range of health and wellbeing needs, and it is important to receive care early and attend regular appointments to support both you and your baby’s health. Everyone deserves care, support, and understanding throughout pregnancy.
Some people find it difficult to attend appointments or ask for help. You might feel worried about being judged by healthcare staff, or struggle to get to appointments because of travel costs or other challenges.
Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy can increase the chance of:
- Your baby being born early
- Your baby having a low birth weight
- Your baby dying during pregnancy or after birth
- Infections
- Your baby experiencing withdrawal symptoms after birth
Pregnancy can also be a time when people experience stress, anxiety, low mood, or the impact of difficult past experiences, which may affect how easy it feels to trust or access services. In some cases, services can feel hard to navigate or not well connected, which can make getting support more difficult.
Support is available throughout your pregnancy.
Your healthcare team is here to:
- Support you without judgement
- Help you access the right services
- Work with you to support you and your baby’s health and wellbeing
Forward Leeds
Forward Leeds will see anyone before, during and after pregnancy to provide expert support with drug or alcohol addiction. Visit Pregnancy – Forward Leeds to refer yourself, or a midwife or doctor can refer you.
The Springfield Team
During pregnancy, there is a specialist midwifery team called the Springfield Team. This is a small team of Specialist Midwives who work closely with Forward Leeds and specialist pregnancy doctors (Obstetricians).
Once the Springfield midwives know you are pregnant, they will contact you within 5 working days, usually by telephone.
You will be given clear advice and support about alcohol or substance use, and how this may affect you and your baby
You will be offered:
- A midwife appointment
- A specialist clinic appointment
During pregnancy and after your baby is born, you will be supported by a team, including:
- A specialist addictions practitioner
- A midwife
- A case manager
- A specialist pregnancy doctor (Obstetrician)
