Maternity records are kept through pregnancy and birth, either as paper (handheld records) or electronic (digital care records). The NHS in England aims to use electronic records by 2023/4. It is important to keep your maternity records after your baby is born, either as a paper copy or in your digital medical records.
To access your maternity records from the hospital, you can contact the PALS service at the hospital where you gave birth, your primary care trust, local health board or HSS Trust, or AIMS. If you want to go through your notes informally, you can phone the hospital or maternity unit to arrange an appointment. Accessing your pregnancy notes is possible through Badger Notes, an online portal and app that allows real-time access to your maternity, child, or neonatal records.
A request for information from medical records must be made with the organization that holds your records – the data controller. For example, your GP, midwife, doctor, or health visitor can help you obtain your records. You will receive a personal maternity record during your pregnancy, which is usually referred to as your “notes”.
If you have given birth at home under NHS care, the records will be taken by the midwife who has attended you and given to the local hospital. You may download a form to request access to your records via the website of the hospital where you had your baby or contact your local maternity hospital’s patient services department.
You will get your maternity record at the start of your pregnancy and keep it until after you have had your baby. You can access information about your care on the secure personal health record system, the Care Information Exchange.
📹 Creating a digital maternity record
Can you get proof of pregnancy?
To qualify for leave and pay, employees must provide proof of pregnancy, such as a doctor’s letter or a maternity certificate (MATB1 certificate). Some employees may not qualify for both leave and pay. To qualify, employees must have an employment contract, give correct notice, be on payroll in the qualifying week, have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks, and earn at least £123 a week in an 8-week relevant period.
How do you get a confirmation of pregnancy?
Pregnancy tests are a common method used to determine a woman’s pregnancy. They are based on the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the body, which is found in urine or blood. HCG takes time to build up in the body, and as early pregnancy progresses, more HCG is produced, making it more likely for a pregnancy test to show as positive. If a test is taken too soon, it will return negative.
Pregnancy tests react to the amount of HCG in urine or blood, with urine tests showing a plus sign, double vertical lines, or the word “pregnant”. Different tests will display a positive result in unique ways, and it is important to read the directions provided with the test to understand the results.
If a blood test is taken, the provider takes a sample of the blood and sends it to a lab for determination. The lab will then contact the patient with the results. If the test is used correctly, the results are 99 percent accurate.
Do you get to keep your pregnancy notes?
Pregnancy notes serve as indispensable records of health, appointments, and test results, in addition to providing contact information for maternity units or midwife teams. It is recommended that these records be retained until the time of childbirth, as they will enable healthcare professionals to access pertinent information regarding the mother’s pregnancy and health status, should urgent medical care be required.
What happens if my matb1 form is late?
Maternity Allowance (MA) can be claimed 15 weeks before a baby’s due date and paid 11 weeks before. Late claims can only be backdated for up to three months. The date should be specified on the MA1 claim form. If not working, MA will be paid 11 weeks before due date. It is paid at £184. 03 per week or 90 of your average pay for 39 weeks. For more information, refer to Maternity Pay Questions.
How can I get pregnant details?
Regular sex is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, as it increases the chances of successful conception. If daily sex is not possible, consider alternating between 2 to 3 days a week, starting after the end of your period. Maintaining a normal weight is also important, as overweight and underweight women are at higher risk of ovulation disorders. Consult your healthcare provider about preconception planning to identify changes that may improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Taking folic acid a few months before conception can reduce the risk of spina bifida and neural tube defects.
When should I get my MATB1 certificate?
MATB1 forms are issued at the 20th week of pregnancy and cannot be provided before this date. Your midwife or doctor will provide you with your maternity certificate, usually during or shortly after your 20-week routine appointment. If you don’t receive your MATB1 certificate, it’s recommended to ask your midwife or doctor. To avoid delays with statutory maternity pay, give your employer your form at least 28 days before starting maternity leave. Once you have your MATB1 certificate, sign it, make a copy, and store it in a safe place.
What is a proof of pregnancy letter?
A pregnancy verification letter is a document that provides information about a pregnant individual, including their name, date of birth, address, last menstrual period, estimated due date, and medical details. It should also include the name and contact information of the healthcare provider or clinic. The deadline to file a pregnancy verification letter in 2023 varies depending on the employer and the specific situation. Employers typically receive the letter before the end of the employee’s pregnancy or within a reasonable time after giving birth.
How do I get a copy of my MATB1?
The Medical Medical Termination Certificate (MAT B1) is a document given to an employee by a doctor or midwife, and cannot be changed. In rare cases, a new MAT B1 can be issued after a fresh examination. If lost or misplaced, a duplicate can be issued. The MAT B1 cannot be issued before the 20th week before the baby’s due date. Employers can calculate SMP before receiving medical evidence, but must not pay until acceptable evidence is received. Although birth certificates are acceptable, evidence of the due date is needed to check the employee’s continuous employment rule and calculate the AWE.
What happens if I lose my pregnancy notes?
Maternity records should be kept safe and brought with you to hospital appointments, admissions, GP appointments, or when you arrive in labor. If lost, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. After having a baby, the notes will be returned to your Health and Social Care Trust at the end of your care. For more information, visit the Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record (NIECR).
How do I get a copy of my pregnancy notes?
You can request your GP, midwife, doctor, or health visitor to view your medical records at any time without a formal request. In person visits to the hospital or GP surgery are required. A formal request, called a subject access request, can be made in writing under the Data Protection Act 2018. The request should be sent to the NHS Trust’s medical records manager for maternity records. You also have the right to see your child’s medical records, and if your partner has parental responsibility for your child, they also have this right.
How do I get my pregnancy certificate?
To apply for a maternity exemption, it is advisable to consult with a midwife, physician, or health visitor. Once the applicant has confirmed the pregnancy, the relevant professional will complete the application. In the event that one elects to utilize the digital maternity exemption service, the certificate will be transmitted via email. As an alternative, a paper certificate will be dispatched within ten business days. The certificate will be dated one month prior to the submission of the application.
📹 The Maternity Notes App – Registration information for women
An information video about maternity notes, narrated by Badgernet Project Midwife, Elizabeth Cameron.
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