Health for Young Parents

Lots of different people help young mothers and fathers on their journey to parenthood.

Regular visits with health providers such as your GP, midwife, and health visitor help during and after pregnancy. They help look after well-being and your physical health.

Take action: Find trusted health advice and guidance for parents from Best Start in Life - NHS.

Doctor (GP)

Parents-to-be need to talk to their GP as soon as possible. 

They provide regular check-ups and you can see them at any time if you have concerns about your or your baby’s health.

Good to know: The NHS have a guide on what to do when you find out you're pregnant.

Midwife

You will see your midwife during the pregnancy. Some appointments will be on your own. Other appointments you can bring your partner or another supporting adult. 

You may find you are referred to a specialist midwife for young parents. 

Take Action: You can find fun activities and more to do with learning and talking with baby from NHS Start for Life.

Health Visitor

The health visitor service provides both antenatal (during pregnancy) and postnatal (after birth) care.

Health visitor checks, also known as Baby Health and Development Reviews, help make sure baby is healthy and developing as expected. 

Family Nurse Partnership

As a young parent, you may be offered extra support from a Family Nurse.

They are very skilled nurses who will support you with just about everything. Each programme is as individual as the mum, and focuses on what will help you and baby.

Crucial: Family Nurse Partnership is available to first-time parents; aged 19 years or under at conception, or under 21 years if they’ve been in care

Activities for babies and children

Playing, having fun and doing regular, interesting activities is crucial to baby.

50 Things To Do Before You’re Five gives you great activities to do with baby.

Each of the 50 things have been carefully developed by education experts, early years workers and parents. Children with special education needs are included, and each of the 50 Things means something across culturally diverse communities.

Activities for young parents

After the baby comes, young parents often find they don't do as much as they used to. But you still need to do regular fun things to keep healthy, and continue learning. This keeps you healthy and happy, which is also great for baby. 

Take Action: Find fun things to do for young parents or childcare on the Activities Oxfordshire website.