Pregnancy Care

If you think you may be pregnant, please first confirm it with a home pregnancy test, and then make an appointment with our practice midwife, Jo Skinner.

Jo likes to see people who are 8 - 12 weeks pregnant for their first appointment which is held at Downend Clinic. She can be contacted there on telephone 0117 330 2505. Subsequent appointments during your pregnancy are otherwise held at the Willow Surgery on Thursday afternoons.  

Whilst waiting for your first appointment don't forget:

  • Daily Folic acid (folate) is advised for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to prevent spinal deformaties (Spina Bifida). You can buy it without prescription from any chemist or large supermarket.
  • More than ever, it is important to stop smoking to keep your baby well and reduce the chance of having a miscarriage or premature birth. Please speak to Sally or Laura, our smoking cessation nurse, if you require any further assistance or support to stop
  • Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby

Post-natal Check-up

6 weeks after delivery, please book in for your post-natal check-up with the doctor - note this will be a double appointment so can't be booked on line.

Health Visitors

Kathy Fudge is our practice Health Visitor. She is based at the health centre and sees all infants after they are discharged from the midwife team. She is able to give help and advice to all parents of pre-school children (<5years old), as well as providing routine child development checks and taking responsibility for child protection issues.

Childhood Vaccinations

Our vaccination clinic for babies and young children is run on Thursday afternoons. Kathy will also be on hand to discuss any concerns you have. You can also get your baby weighed in this clinic.

  • 8 weeks: 1st vaccines - Diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTP), polio, Hib (causes meningitis), and pneumococcal vaccines (causes pneumonia & menigitis)
  • 12 weeks: 2nd vaccines - DTP, polio, Hib and meningococcal C (causes meningitis)
  • 16 weeks: 3rd vaccines - DTP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, and meningococcal C
  • 9 months: developmental check by health visitor, at your home
  • 12 month: Hib and meningococcal C booster
  • 13 months: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and pneumococcal
  • 3yrs 4months - 5yrs: DTP and MMR boosters