www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
enquiries@national-childbirth-trust.co.uk
Tel: 0300 300 0772
The NCT provides information and support to parents, carries out research into maternity services and care, campaigns for improvements in services and runs a network of local antenatal classes and postnatal support groups. Membership line: 08709 908040, Breastfeeding Line: 0300 300 0771

www.bpas.org
Tel: 08457 30 40 30
Has 34 consultation centres and 14 clinics throughout the UK where it offers pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, counselling, abortion care, sterilisation and vasectomy. Its website contains a range of information pages

fetalanomaly.screening.nhs.uk/
The NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme aims to set standards and oversee the implementation of a good quality screening programme for all women in England

sct.screening.nhs.uk/

This website contains information about sickle cell and thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders, about the tests offered at different stages of life, and about how the NHS are developing screening and care.

www.healthtalkonline.org/pregnancy_childten/Antenatal_Screening

info@healthtalkonline.org

The site contains video, audio and written clips from interviews with women about their experiences of antenatal screening. As well as Information and other resources.

www.arc-uk.org
info@arc-uk.org
Tel: 0207 631 0285  Mon-Fri, 10am-5.30pm

Offers information and support to parents who are: making decisions during the antenatal testing process, told that their unborn baby has an abnormality, having to make difficult decisions about continuing the pregnancy, having to make difficult decisions about ending the pregnancy.

www.babyworld.co.uk
A commercial website which offers information pages across a range of maternity topics and message boards where parents can exchange questions and advice.

www.babycentre.co.uk
A commercial website which offers information pages across a range of maternity topics and message boards where parents can exchange questions and advice.

www.ukparents.co.uk
A commercial website which offers information pages across a range of maternity topics and message boards where parents can exchange questions and advice.

www.bounty.com
A commercial website which offers information pages across a range of maternity topics and message boards where parents can exchange questions and advice.

www.birthchoiceuk.com
An organisation which brings together information to support parents in making informed choices about pregnancy and birth.

www.rcog.org.uk
Tel: 020 7772 6200
The RCOG is the professional body for doctors in the UK who specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology, and aims to improve and maintain proper standards of practice for the benefit of the public. It provides training, conducts examinations and maintains a register of members, promotes research, and produces patient information and guidelines for professionals (see the 'Information for Patients' and 'Good practice' sections of its website).

www.rcm.org.uk
info@rcm.org.uk
Tel: 020 7312 3535
The RCM is the professional body for midwives in the UK. Its website includes an Information Centre covering a range of topics.

www.midirs.org
Tel: 0800 581 009
MIDIRS is an educational charity (not-for-profit organisation) set up in 1985 and its mission is 'To be the central source of information relating to childbirth and to disseminate this information to midwives and others.' A series of Informed Choice leaflets is available summarising the most reliable research evidence available. The leaflets are produced by MIDIRS (the Midwives Information and Resource Service) and the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. They are supported by the Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. http://www.infochoice.org

www.ncc-wch.org.uk 
enquiries@ncc-wch.org.uk 
Tel: 0207 438 3010 
Is based at the RCOG and produces evidence-based guidelines and clinical audits for the NHS. Much of its work is funded by NICE (see above).

www.aims.org.uk
Tel: 0 300 365 0663
AIMS members include parents, midwives, doctors and other health professionals. Its objectives are: working towards normal birth, providing independent support and information about maternity choices, raising awareness of current research on childbirth and related issues. It provides an extensive list of publications and has its own quarterly journal.

www.midwifery.org.uk
Tel: 01865 248159
ARM is an association of midwives, student midwives and others in the UK committed to improving the maternity care provided by the NHS. ARM supports the principle of a service tailored more closely to individual women's needs, and a sympathetic attitude on the part of their professional attendants. ARM has its own quarterly journal, and produces a leaflet on 'Choices in Childbirth in the UK'.

www.independentmidwives.org.uk
information@independentmidwives.org.uk
Tel: 0845 4600 105
The Independent Midwives Association represents fully qualified midwives who have chosen to work outside the NHS in a self-employed capacity. The 'find an independent midwife' page helps women find out about independent midwives in their area.

www.doula.org.uk
Tel: 0871 433 3103
Is a non-profit making network run by doulas. "Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. Women can find out about doula services in their area.

www.activebirthcentre.com
Tel: 020 7281 6760
Aims to support and inform women about natural labour and birth. It also provides Active Birth yoga classes, and the website includes information about trained Active Birth yoga teachers around the UK. There is also a section on water birth and birthing pool hire.

www.aquanatal.co.uk
A register of aquanatal classes (swimming exercise in pregnancy) round the UK, founded by a midwife and aquanatal instructor.

www.homebirth.org.uk
Provides information about home birth to help parents who think that it might be the right choice for them, and for health professionals looking for facts and ideas.

www.caesarean.org.uk
Offers research-based information and support on all aspects of caesareans and vaginal birth following caesarean section.

www.vbac.org.uk
The Vaginal Birth after Caesarean pages provide information, references and links on this topic.

www.apec.org.uk
info@apec.org.uk
Tel: 0116 2608088
Support for women who have had or are worried about pre-eclampsia.

www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk

For more information and support on hyperemesis.

www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/
Information pages on SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) provided by the National Childbirth trust - see above for contact details. Pages include an information booklet, accounts of personal experiences and a discussion forum.

www.ocsupport.org.uk/

Tel: 07538 585047 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday

Tel: 07939 871929 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday–Thursday

Tel: 07947 939011 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday–Tuesday
The aim of the Obstetric Cholestasis (OC) Help and Information Line is to provide support to mothers who have the condition and information to those who think they may have had the condition.

www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
info@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Tel: 0800 652 7330
Information and support on liver disease, including obstetric cholestasis.

www.gbss.org.uk
info@gbss.org.uk
Tel: 01444 416176
GBSS is a UK charity which aims to inform and support pregnant women affected by Group B streptococcus infection, inform health professionals about how Group B strep can be prevented, and generate continued support for research into Group B strep. Information leaflets can be downloaded from the site.

www.vasaprevia.org
info@vasapraevia.com
The IVPF is based in the USA. Its members participate in research projects on vasa previa. The Foundation provides information and resources about vasa previa through its website, newsletter, and attendance at medical conferences. It sponsors medical educational programmes, a chat room, message board, and an email support group.

www.dppi.org.uk
info@dppi.org.uk
Tel: 0800 018 4730
DPPi is a UK-based charity providing information and support for disabled people who are already parents and their families, those who wish to become parents and their families, and also for health and social work professionals and other individuals and organizations concerned with disability and/or pregnancy and parenting. UK Textphone: Free-text: 0800 018 9949

www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk
information@disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk.
Tel: 0300 3300 639

Disabled Parents Network (DPN) is a national organisation of and for disabled people who are parents or who hope to become parents, and their families, friends and supporters. It offers advice, information and discussion forums.

www.tamba.org.uk
enquiries@tamba.org.uk
Tel: 0800 138 0509  10am -1pm and 7 -10pm
Information and mutual support networks for families of twins, triplets and more. Tamba operates a Freephone helpline, Twinline, a national, confidential, support, listening and information service for all parents of twins, triplets and more, and the professionals involved in their care. (

www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Tel: 01924 200799 Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm
Provides support and information for women who experience miscarriage, including a Helpline (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm), local support groups and information leaflets. Scottish helpline: 0131 334 8883 (answerphone with names of local contacts).

www.uk-sands.org
support@uk-sands.org
Tel: 0207 436 5881  9.30am - 5.30pm, Monday - Friday and Tuesday and Thursday 6 - 10pm.
Support for parents and families whose baby is stillborn or dies soon after birth.

www.bliss.org.uk
information@bliss.org.uk
Tel: 0500 618140 Monday to Friday 10am-5pm
Bliss is a support group for parents who have a baby requiring special care. It also campaigns for improvements in neonatal care and promotes new developments and innovations in care.

www.mariestopes.org.uk
services@mariestopes.org.uk
Tel: 0845 300 8090 24 hours

Is a charity providing a range of sexual and reproductive health information and services, covering abortion, contraception, health screening and male and female sterilisation. One call numbers: Abortion 0845 300 8090, Vasectomy/Sterilisation 0845 300 0212, Health Screening 0845 300 0460.

www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/

www.infertilitynetworkuk.com
Tel: 0800 008 7464
Infertility Network UK (I N UK) is a national charity, offering face-to-face and telephone support and information at regional and national level for those experiencing fertility problems. The website includes information sheets, forums and chat rooms.

www.fertilityfriends.co.uk
Is an online meeting place which aims to help people through the difficult process of assisted conception by sharing thoughts, experiences and knowledge with others.

www.fertilityuk.org
Is an educational service, offering instruction and counselling in Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning (NFP) for women and couples. The website includes information on the physiology of fertility and the menstrual cycle.

www.endo.org.uk
enquiries@endometriosis-uk.org
Tel: 0808 808 2227
The National Endometriosis Society provides support for couples experiencing endometriosis, raises awareness and funds research. The website contains information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

www.shetrust.org.uk
Tel: 08707 743665
They offer help, holistic information and support to women with endometriosis and everyone else interested, to help make informed choices about conventional, nutritional and complementary therapies that are available for the management of this disease. They also have a message board.

www.verity-pcos.org.uk
Verity is a self-help organisation for women whose lives are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and provides on-line information about the condition and a discussion forum. It does not yet have funding for a telephone helpline.

www.dcnetwork.org
Tel: 020 8245 4369
Network of parents with children conceived with donated sperm eggs or embryos, adult offspring, and those contemplating or undergoing treatment. Offers information and personal stories, and details of national and local meetings.

www.ngdt.co.uk
Tel: 0845 226 9193
Provides clear and practical information for those considering becoming an egg or sperm donor, health professionals and those requiring treatment with donor eggs or sperm.

www.baaf.org.uk
mail@baaf.org.uk
Tel: 020 7421 2600
The British Association for Adoption and Fostering provide information fostering and adoption.

www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
Tel: 0800 022 4 332 Mon to Fri 9am to 8pm, Sat and Sun 11am to 5pm
NHS advice, information and support on giving up smoking

www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/pregnancy
helpline@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
The Food Standards Agency is an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food (www.food.gov.uk). It includes information pages on healthy eating and foods to avoid in pregnancy.

www.apni.org
info@apni.org
Tel: 020 7386 0868
Provides support and information for women with postnatal depression. It has a countrywide network of phone and postal volunteers, who have had, and recovered from post-natal illness. Mothers are phoned/written to at regular intervals throughout their illness and the recovery period. The Association also runs a support service for husbands and families. Telephone helpline: 020 7386 0868 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10am - 2pm Tues & Thurs 10am - 5pm)

www.laleche.org.uk
enquiries@laleche.org.uk
Tel: 0845 456 1855 (Mondays and Thursdays, answerphone at other times)
A charity that aims to help mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education. Local groups meet regularly, and La Leche can offer breastfeeding counsellor support to individual women.

www.womens-health.co.uk
A site produced by an obstetrician offering information for women and their partners about pregnancy choices, complications and investigations, as well as information on some other conditions affecting women's health.

www.cks.library.nhs.uk/
A website providing evidence-based information about the common conditions and symptoms managed in primary care, including a series of patient information leaflets.

www.mama.co.uk

Tel: 0845 120 3746 - 7pm - 10pm Weekdays Only
MAMA is a charity which was created to try and help thousands of mothers who feel depressed and isolated when their babies are born. It aims to provide friendship and support to all mothers and mothers-to-be, especially those feeling lonely or isolated after the birth of a baby or moving to a new area. By attending a local MAMA group, mums become part of a network of women wanting to make new friends and support each other. If there is not a local group in the area, MAMA will pass on details of mums who have contacted them asking to meet other mums for friendship and support.

www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
mail@fatherhoodinstitute.org 
Tel: 0845 634 1328
A national information centre for fatherhood. It is a charity founded by professionals with expertise in social work, family policy, business development and communications. It exists to support the welfare of children by the positive and active involvement of fathers and male carers in their lives. The website contains information pages for men on a wide range of topics related to pregnancy, birth and parenthood, and a discussion forum.

www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp
Childcare Link is a government site providing information on local and national childcare. ChildcareLink is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families as part of their national childcare strategies.

www.lifeuk.org.uk
info@lifeuk.org.uk  
Tel: 0800 915 4600
Life, a pro-life charity, provides advice and support for pregnant women, unsupported mothers, women with problems relating to pregnancy, fertility or infertility, or suffering from the effects of abortion. It has a national helpline and local care centres where counselling is offered. Its Preghelp website offers a message board and information pages http://www.preghelp.org.uk.

www.womensaid.org.uk
info@womensaid.org.uk
Tel: 0808 2000 247
Is a UK domestic violence charity. Domestic violence (which can include emotional abuse, bullying, physical abuse or sexual abuse) is more common in pregnancy than at other times.

www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/
Sure Start is the Government's programme to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together: early education, childcare, health and family support.

www.portage.org.uk
info@portage.org.uk
Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs. They aim to support the development of young children's play, communication and relationships and to encourage full participation in day to day life within the family and beyond the home. Portage services are committed to securing inclusion in the wider community for all children and families in their own right.

www.diabetes.org.uk
info@diabetes.org.uk
Tel: 0845 120 2960 Monday–Friday, 9am-5pm
Is a national support group for people with diabetes. It includes information on pregnancy for women with diabetes.

www.epilepsynse.org.uk
Tel: 01494 601400  10am-4pm, Monday to Friday
The National Society for Epilepsy provides information and support for people with epilepsy, and its website includes a forum for sharing experiences as well as extensive information, including on epilepsy and women's health.

www.mind.org.uk
info@mind.org.uk
Tel: 0845 766 0163 Monday to Friday 9.15am to 5.15pm
MIND offers extensive information about mental health and seeks to influence policy through campaigning and education. It also runs a confidential helpline (Mindinfoline) and a network of local associations.