Teenage pregnancy team

The team includes Teenage Pregnancy Midwives, Maternity Support Workers and Obstetric Consultants.

You will be offered referral for specialist pregnancy care at your first midwife pregnancy appointment if you are:

• Age 16 years and under
• Age 17/18 years old, and you have additional support needs

To register for your first appointment, please make a My Pregnancy Notes account.

We will coordinate your care, minimising the number of hospital visits and providing care as close to your home as possible. Our midwives will see you at your own home or at a venue of your choice. We also provide support at home until six weeks after your baby has been born.

We offer information and emotional support personalised to you and your pregnancy. We aim to provide dedicated support from the same midwifery team during your pregnancy and afterwards.

Over the years we have developed links with community groups that support teenagers during pregnancy including Learning Mentors in schools and financial support officers. We also offer different ways to access Parentcraft sessions.

Contact us

If you have a question that isn’t urgent please contact the Teenage Pregnancy Midwives by email [email protected]

If you want to discuss any concerns about your care please contact the Midwifery Team Leader or the Midwifery Matron who will aim to reply to you within 5 working days.

Team Leader: [email protected]

Matron: [email protected]

Support for you

Pregnancy can be a big change at any age, and you may need some extra support during this time. Young people can have different needs from older adults because you may still be growing and developing yourself, and may need additional support with things like emotional wellbeing, housing, education, finances, or relationships.

Being pregnant at a younger age can sometimes bring extra challenges, including a higher chance of some health problems or feeling worried, stressed, or unsure at times. It can also be a really exciting time, and sometimes you might be feeling lots of different emotions! That is completely normal, and we are here to support you throughout your pregnancy, answer your questions, and help you access the care and support that is right for you.

You will be offered additional care and support to help you and your baby stay healthy. Your healthcare team is here to listen, support you without judgement, and help with both your health and any other needs or concerns you may have.

Support services

Healthy Start is available for some pregnant people and children under the age of four. The scheme can be used to purchase milk, infant formula and fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, as well as multi-vitamin supplements.

Visit: Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) or speak to your midwife for more information. If you are under 18 you can apply via telephone or email.

Welfare Rights – free, confidential and impartial advice and support on a whole range of welfare benefits: Welfare rights | Leeds.gov.uk

Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off £500 payment to help towards the costs of having a child.  You usually qualify for the grant if both of the following apply:

• you’re expecting your first child, or you’re expecting a multiple birth (such as twins) and have children already
• you or your partner already get certain benefits

You must claim the grant within 11 weeks of the baby’s due date or within 6 months after the baby’s birth. You do not have to pay the grant back and it will not affect your other benefits. Find more information and apply: Sure Start Maternity Grant: How to claim – GOV.UK

Leeds Baby Bank provide basic essentials to families living in poverty across Leeds: Referrals | Leeds Baby Bank. Please speak to your midwife if you think you would benefit from a Baby Bank referral for support with essential baby equipment.

Baby Basics – Baby Basics Leeds aim to support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby. They provide expectant mums with a variety of requested items to ease the financial burden of a new baby. Referrals are accepted from health professional only for moses baskets and stands, clothes, toiletries and women’s care packages. Leeds – Baby Basics

MindMate and MindMate SPA – is a service run by the NHS that helps children and young people in Leeds find support with their mental health. Find advice and services: About MindMate – MindMate

Women’s Health Matters – services include the Pregnancy Choices Advocacy Service, Bluebirds (support for women and girls 11+ who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault), Leeds Domestic Violence Service and many others aimed to support health and emotional wellbeing of women and girls in Leeds: Our Services | Women’s Health Matters