Planning A Family

We offer a range of clinics and services here at Acton Health Centre to support you when planning a family, from preconception advice to postnatal care.

Your Pregnancy, Your Choice

When you first learn that you’re pregnant you can either contact your GP, Midwife or self-refer to a maternity unit of your choice. Each maternity unit has a website with details on how to self-refer, advice and further information.

Useful Information, Advice, Resources and Contact Details:

Giving Birth in NW London Maternity Booklet or Maternity Booklet – Easy Read

Maternity Bus Map

What is antenatal care?

Starting your antenatal care

How many appointments you’ll have

Your first visit and booking appointment

Later visits

Checking your baby’s development and wellbeing

Your maternity notes

Maternity Units in NW London

Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3NNTel: 01895 279442

Fax: 01895 279613

Email: thh-tr.maternityreferrals@nhs.net

Website: www.thh.nhs.uk/services 

Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, HA1 3UJTel: 020 8869 5252

Fax: 020 8869 2880

Email: nwh-tr.antenatalbookings@nhs.net

Website: www.lnwh.nhs.uk/services

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HSTel: 020 3312 6135

Fax: 020 8383 8518

Email: ichc-tr.qcchmaternity@nhs.net

Website: www.imperial.nhs.uk/services

West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AFTel: 020 8321 5007 or 020 8321 6420

Fax: 020 8321 5040

Email: wmu-tr.anc@nhs.net

Website: www.westmidmaternity.org.uk

St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, Paddington W2 1NYTel: 020 3312 6135

Fax: 020 3312 1831

Email: ichc-tr.stmarysmaternity@nhs.net

Website: www.imperial.nhs.uk

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NHTel: 020 3315 6000

Fax: 020 3315 7910

Email: caw-tr.ANC@nhs.net

Website: www.chelwest.nhs.uk

Maternity Booking Service, QCCH, 4th Floor, Hammersmith House,

Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS – For general enquiries

Community Midwifery Contact Details

West Middlesex University Hospital (WMUH)Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Mary Maternity Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF

Tel: 020 8321 2581

Fax: 020 8321 6823

The Hillingdon Hospital (THH)

Address: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Mary Maternity Unit, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF

Tel: 01895 279472

Fax: 01895 279 589

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust – Northwick Park Hospital (LNWHT – NPH)Address: Community Midwifery Office, 5th Floor, Maternity Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ

Tel: 020 8869 2871 or 020 8235 4252

Fax: 020 8869 5153

Imperial College Healthcare Trust (ICHT) – Queen Charlotte’sAddress: Community Midwifery Office, Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS

Tel: 020 3313 5185

Imperial College Healthcare Trust (ICHT) – St Mary’s HospitalAddress: Community Midwifery Office, Maternity Unit, St. Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY

Tel: 02033126605 (Antenatal) or 02033121158 (Post-natal)

Our family planning clinics offer free, confidential advice and information about contraception and sexual health.

We provide a range of services including:

Confidential advice about contraception

The combined oral contraceptive pill

The Progestogen-only pill

Progestogen injections

Limited supplies of free condoms

Free emergency contraception

Confidential advice about STIs

Cervical screening

Unplanned pregnancy advice

Free pregnancy tests

Pre-conception advice and fertility awareness information

Fitting and checking of caps, diaphragms, and coils (intrauterine devices, or IUDs)

Please book an appointment (through reception or via our online services) with your GP to discuss any of the above in more detail.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Planning a Pregnancy

NHS Choices – The Facts about Contraception

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex and you don’t wish to be pregnant we would advise emergency contraception. The sooner you take it the better; ideally within 3 days of unprotected sex but sometimes up to 5 days after ovulation.

Emergency contraception is available free even if you’re under 16 from

Contraception and Sexual Health Services

Some GPs (family doctors) –phone for an emergency appointment

Brook centres

Some Pharmacies (some will charge)

Some Urgent care centres

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your condom failed, it is also really important to consider your risk for sexually transmitted infections and to think about your long-term contraception needs.

Please attend the local Sexual Health/Contraceptive Clinics.

Emergency contraception is available as a tablet or a ‘coil’ (Intrauterine Device – IUD). The IUD is more effective. The healthcare professional you see will be able to advise you, depending on your preference, risk or pregnancy, medical conditions, medication and when your last period was.

More information about your choices is available from:

Emergency Contraception Leaflet

Contraception Guide

Postnatal care extends for between 6-8 weeks after the birth of your baby. During this period, routine checks are carried out by the health visitor and you and your baby’s recovery is monitored. This is in the form of a 6-8 week baby check and a 6 week postnatal check for the mum. Please make appointments to see the Doctor for these. ​Once completed, you can book appointments with the nurse for your baby’s vaccinations.

During your postnatal care you will find out about feeding, potty training, illnesses, safety and more. You will be able to ask your health visitor questions and request advice.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Birth to 5 years old guide

NHS – Breastfeeding Guide

Netmums – Information and support

If you are planning to have a baby or you need to know more information about how to look after yourself and your unborn baby, please book an appointment with your GP.

We can provide you with all the information you need to know to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Useful links

NHS Choices – Before you try to get pregnant

NHS Choices – Pregnancy Care Planner

NHS Choices – See how your baby will develop

NHS Choices Tool – Work out your due date

Alert: Measles cases on the rise

It is important to make sure you and your family are fully vaccinated https://www.actonhealthcentre.nhs.uk/measles-cases-on-the-rise/