Resources and Information for Patients
The Maternal Medicine Network (MMN) is a national initiative to improve the outcomes for medically complex pregnancies in England. While the Centre is Birmingham Women’s Hospital, we work with hospitals across the West Midlands to maximise collective knowledge and expertise with patient-focused multidisciplinary meetings and creating individualised care plans.
Why have I been referred?
Your specialist, GP or midwife has identified you as having a medical condition that needs careful planning and monitoring during pregnancy and/or birth.
Our team may be focused on one or more of the following:
- Optimising your condition before a pregnancy.
- Ensuring that appropriate medications are used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Keeping your condition stable during pregnancy, bring it under control if it flares and monitoring your baby's wellbeing.
- Diagnosing any new conditions.
- Organising follow-up appointments, scans, imaging or blood tests.
What happens next?
The team will make an individualised plan for your care dependent on your medical history. This may mean further visits to Birmingham Women’s Hospital or a plan for care to be delivered at your local unit. You will be involved throughout the process; after all, this is all about you!
Where do I need to go?
When you arrive at BWH you will need to go to Antenatal Clinic. This is on the ground floor and is signposted. Just let the reception desk know you have arrived.
How long are the appointments?
The antenatal clinic is a very busy area of the hospital and unfortunately, we cannot predict how long your visit will take. You may see various professionals during your appointment for observations, bloods and a scan if needed before you see the doctor so be prepared that it may take several hours.
Will I have a scan? It may be appropriate for you to have a scan, but this will be individualised for you. You may not have one every time you attend and will be informed before the appointment.