Primary maternity services
Most pregnancy and childbirth services are ‘primary maternity services’ delivered in the community by a lead maternity carer (LMC). Most LMCs are midwives although some general practitioners (doctors) and obstetricians also act as LMCs. Some primary maternity services are delivered in hospitals, with secondary and tertiary maternity services (eg, Caesarean sections, terminations for foetal abnormality).
LMCs are responsible for organising women’s maternity care. They may provide all of the care or share the care with one, or more, other practitioners. They also provide information to assist with decision-making during pregnancy, preparation of the birth and for parenting. Information will include a wide range of matters such as nutrition, exercise, the risks of smoking and drinking alcohol when pregnant, labour and the birth process, pain relief, breastfeeding, baby care, immunisation, community services, contraception and many other matters.
For more information about maternity services and choosing a LMC, go to Services and support during pregnancy.