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Maternity Services NHS Lothian | Our Services
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MATERNITY SERVICES

Welcome to Maternity Services

Being pregnant is a special time in your life and we will be right alongside you, all the way throughout your journey.

Loving Couple holding Baby Scan Photographs

MATERNITY SERVICES

Pregnant – What Next?

If you think you may be, or are sure you are pregnant, NHS Lothian Maternity Services will help and advise you on what you should do now.

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MATERNITY SERVICES

Looking After Myself and my Growing Baby

Diet, lifestyle and financial help and advice from NHS Lothian Maternity Services.

Welcome to NHS Lothian Maternity Services

Each year, NHS Lothian provide care during pregnancy, birth and postnatally for around 8000 women, pregnant people and their babies. This website was designed in collaboration with parents to provide up-to-date information about your local maternity services in Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

How to contact NHS Lothian Maternity Services


To book your first appointment with a midwife, call: 0131 536 2009

Lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.45pm


If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant and are concerned about abdominal pain or bleeding, contact:

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – Pregnancy Support Centre 0131 242 2438

St John’s Hospital – Early Pregnancy Unit 01506 524 015


If you are over 12 weeks pregnant and have urgent health concerns requiring same day assessment, such as vaginal bleeding or reduced movements of your baby, contact:

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – Triage on 0131 242 2657

St John’s Hospital – Labour Ward on 01506 524 125

The above telephone numbers are answered by midwives 24hrs each day.


If you are over 37 weeks pregnant and you think you are in labour or your waters have broken, contact:

Edinburgh Royal Infirmary – Labour Line on 0131 242 2672

St John’s Hospital – Labour Ward on 01506 524 125

The above telephone numbers are answered by midwives 24hrs each day.


If you have an emergency of a life-threatening nature, call 999 for an emergency ambulance.

Here are our Birth Statistics for September.

We hope you find the information in our spotlight on breastfeeding interesting. Please know that whichever way you decide to feed your baby, we are here to support you to make feeding time a special time where you and your baby can build a close and loving relationship ensuring your baby has the best start[...]

Launching! Monthly birth statistics from NHS Lothian Maternity Services

NHS Lothian Maternity Services will publish their birth statistics monthly starting with the August 2023 births. Around 9000 babies are born in NHS Lothian every year – on the labour wards at St John’s Hospital or the Royal Infirmary, at the Lothian Birth Centre or at home. NHS Lothian Maternity Services constantly review their birth[...]

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Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond!

Pregnancy

Getting ready to be a parent can feel overwhelming at times especially if you are having your first baby, but there are lots of resources you can use to help guide you.

Woman in Birthing Pool

All About Birth

Types of birth, where you can have your baby, what might help you in labour and frequently asked questions.

Newborn Baby

I’ve Had My Baby – What Happens Next?

Your baby’s first few hours, feeding, postnatal wards, the Special Care Unit and care at home after you leave hospital.

Dads, Co-Parents & Partners

Becoming a new dad or new parent is exciting, but it can also be quite daunting, so here are a few tips and websites for you

Call our Maternity Booking Service

How do I book with a midwife?

To make an appointment call NHS Lothian Maternity Services on 0131 536 2009. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm. Select the option that lets you make an appointment.

We will ask you for some details, and give you an appointment with a midwife for around 8-10 weeks into your pregnancy & a scan appointment for 11-14 weeks. If you require an interpreter for the appointments this will also be booked at this time.

Details of these appointments and information leaflets will be posted out to you within two weeks.

Maternity Services Virtual Tour

This virtual tour will show you around one of our maternity wards to give you an idea of where you and how your baby will be cared for during and after labour.

We have units at St John’s Hospital, Livingston or The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Giving feedback on my care

We are always happy to hear about your experiences with our service. If you wish to provide feedback on any aspect of the care you have received, please get in touch with your care provider, who will try to resolve issues at the earliest possible opportunity.

NHS Lothian’s Patient Experience Team are able to deal with any compliments, concerns and complaints.

If you wish to provide feedback on general issues, please contact CareOpinion. Unlike the Patient Experience Team it is not part of NHS Lothian but they will tell us about any stories that are shared there.

Lothian Maternity Voices Partnership logo

Are you pregnant and living in the Edinburgh & Lothian area?
Have you had a baby recently?
Are you the parent of a young child?

COVID-19 Information

We understand how much of an anxious time this will be for all expectant parents and their families, and want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to ensure that we can continue to provide safe and person-centred care. 

Still Have Questions?

We know you may have many, but we are always here to help – hover over the red question marks for some FAQs.

Maternity Services have developed this site to provide you with information that you may find helpful during your pregnancy and following the birth of your baby. However if you cannot find the information your require then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

St John’s Hospital, Livingston
Tel: 01506 523000
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 242 2657

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NHS LOTHIAN MATERNITY SERVICES