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.
If you read a piece in the local press recently, you might have some questions about homebirth care in Lothian and what this might mean for you. If you do, read more here
Explore Our Services
Pregnancy
Next steps, maternity care, preparing for parenthood, your rights in pregnancy and your mental health
Birth
Types of birth, where you can have your baby, what might help you in labour and frequently asked questions
New Baby
Your baby’s first few hours, feeding, postnatal wards, the Special Care Unit and care at home after you leave hospital
Dads, Partners & Co-Parents
Resources for new parents, tips for before and after baby is born and community groups
Feeding Your Baby
Nutrition for healthy development, community groups and supports and baby feeding cues
Additional Languages
Resources if English is not your first language or you would like information in a different format
Pregnant? What next?
Once you are sure you are pregnant, the next step is to book an appointment with a midwife by calling 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.
When to contact maternity services during your pregnancy and important phone numbers
| When | Contact |
|---|---|
| To book your first appointment with a midwife | 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 | 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 | Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – Triage (24hrs) 0131 242 2657 |
| St John’s Hospital – Labour Ward (24hrs) 01506 524 125 | |
| If you are over 37 weeks pregnant and you think you are in labour or your waters have broken | Edinburgh Royal Infirmary – Labour Line (24hrs) 0131 242 2672 |
| St John’s Hospital – Labour Ward (24hrs) 01506 524 125 | |
| If you have an emergency of a life-threatening nature, call 999 for an emergency ambulance. | |
Let Your Voice Be Heard
NHS Lothian wants to hear from you.
We value your input and feedback. There are several ways to let us know what went well with your care and where we might improve.
Are you a dad, partner or co-parent? We value your feedback too. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with the Patient Experience Team or on Careopinion.
What you tell us will help develop services that meet the needs of local families like yours.
Maternity Voices Partnership
The MVP is a unique collaborative forum where the families who access maternity and neonatal services and the people who work for NHS Lothian get together to review these services.
Maternity Care Survey
Do you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians? Have you recently had a baby? NHS Lothian is keen to hear your views on your recent Maternity Services experience.
You can do a short survey (5 min) or a longer survey (15-20 min).
Patient Experience
If you have a personal comment, compliment or complaint, please contact NHS Lothian’s Patient Experience Team. This is the central point for patient feedback for NHS Lothian. You can provide feedback over the phone, via email, in writing or in person.
CareOpinion
If you wish to provide feedback anonymously, 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.
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.
Information Leaflets and Videos
Read or download resources from NHS Lothian and Public Health Scotland, including Ready, Steady, Baby, Your pregnancy scans & tests, Birth options, Feeding your baby, and more.
Watch videos about What might help you in labour, Recovering after a caesarean birth, Epidural pain relief, Bathing your baby, and more.
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
