Packaged in a bright orange plastic folder, the record will be given to women at the start of their antenatal care and will be updated by each health professional who provides care during their pregnancy.
Giving pregnant women ownership of their own records will allow them to feel better informed and have greater control over their maternity care, Co-Director of Women’s and Children’s Health Services Karen O’Shea said.
Karen said the records were also beneficial for women who may need to visit more than one health service during their pregnancy, as they will no longer have to repeat their same personal information for every appointment.