After the Birth
Read information about after the birth on NHS.uk and GOV.uk
What happens straight after the birth?
It's natural to focus on your baby's birth while you're pregnant. But it's a good idea to also know what to expect after labour.
Getting to know your newborn baby
You'll probably spend a large part of the first few days after birth looking at your baby.
If you notice anything that worries you about your baby, however small, speak to your midwife.
Caesarean section recovery
You'll probably be in hospital for 1 or 2 days after a caesarean section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks.
Vitamin K for newborn babies
What happens straight after the birth?
You'll be offered an injection of vitamin K for your baby. This helps prevent a rare bleeding disorder called haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Exercise after birth
Early days - Your baby after the birth
Being active may feel like a challenge when you're tired, but gentle exercise after childbirth can help your body recover and may help you feel more energetic.
Pelvic floor and stomach exercises
Exercise in pregnancy
The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour.
Sex and contraception after birth
There are no rules about when to start having sex again after you have given birth.
NHS vaccinations and when to have them
NHS vaccination schedule: vaccines for babies under 1 year old
What complications can affect the placenta?
Complications that can affect the placenta during pregnancy or childbirth.
Episiotomy and perineal tears
Sometimes a doctor or midwife may need to make a cut in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) during childbirth. This is called an episiotomy.
Your body after the birth
Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.
Newborn physical examination
All parents are offered a thorough physical examination for their baby within 72 hours of giving birth.
The examination includes screening tests to find out if your baby has any problems with their eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles (testes).
Newborn hearing screening
The newborn hearing screening test helps identify babies who have permanent hearing loss as early as possible. This means parents can get the support and advice they need right from the start.
Newborn blood spot test
Every baby is offered newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally when they're 5 days old.
Registering the birth
All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the child being born.
Contact North Bristol NHS Trust Maternity
Contact a midwife to book for antenatal care or leave a message on 0117 4146743
Antenatal Clinic
Telephone: 0117 4146924 or 0117 4146925
Antenatal Assessment Unit (Quantock Assessment Unit)
Telephone: 0117 4146906
Assessment Ward (Quantock Ward)
Telephone: 0117 4146904 or 0117 4146905
Cossham Birth Centre, Kingswood
Telephone: 0117 4145150
Southmead Maternity Reception
Telephone: 0117 4146894
Mendip Birth Centre, Southmead
Telephone: 0117 4146900
Mendip Ward, Southmead (Postnatal / Transitional Care)
Telephone: 0117 4146901
Central Delivery Suite Reception, Southmead
Telephone: 0117 4146916 or 0117 4146917.
Percy Phillips Ward (Postnatal Ward)
Telephone: 0117 4146821 or 0117 4146822
Southmead Hospital Switchboard: 0117 9505050
Postnatal Care in the Community
When you come home from hospital with your baby a midwife will visit you the next day to assess and plan your postnatal care.
Postnatal Mental Health and Wellbeing
Information on postnatal mental health and wellbeing.
Discharge Advice After an Epidural or Spinal Anaesthetic
If you have received an epidural or spinal anaesthetic during the delivery of your baby this information is to provide advice after you are discharged home.