The World Health Organization stresses that clear, shareable antenatal records can prevent complications. In the United Kingdom that record is called your Maternity Notes. You receive them at your first ( booking ) appointment and they stay with you—either as a paper booklet or digitally via the NHS-approved BadgerNotes app.
What information do Maternity Notes hold?
- Personal details – NHS number, emergency contacts, allergies
- Medical history – previous pregnancies, conditions, medicines
- Routine checks – blood pressure, fundal height, baby’s heartbeat
- Laboratory results – blood group, Rhesus status, HIV, hepatitis B, haemoglobin
- Scan summaries – dating scan (~ 12 weeks) and anomaly scan (~ 20 weeks)
- Birth preferences – place of birth, pain-relief options, cultural wishes
BadgerNotes – the digital alternative
Over half of NHS Trusts now offer BadgerNotes. Key features:
- 24/7 access – letters, results and appointments on your phone
- Real-time updates – entries synchronise straight after each visit
- Secure messaging – ask non-urgent questions between appointments
- Smart reminders – alerts for scans, vaccinations and glucose tests
Data are stored within the NHS clinical network and protected under UK GDPR. Use a strong NHS login password and enable device biometrics for extra security.
Standard NHS antenatal schedule (2025)
- 8–12 weeks: booking visit • blood tests • dating scan
- 16 weeks: midwife review • discuss screening results
- 20 weeks: anomaly scan
- 25 weeks: extra check for first-time mothers
- 28 weeks: full blood count • Anti-D (if Rhesus-negative)
- 31 & 34 weeks: growth, blood pressure, wellbeing
- 36 weeks: birth-plan review • Group B Strep discussion
- 38 & 40 weeks: final routine assessments (41 weeks if not yet delivered)
Lost notes, access requests and data rights
Misplaced your paper booklet? Phone your community midwife; a replacement can be printed from the electronic record. Forgotten your BadgerNotes log-in? Reset via NHS login. Under the Data Protection Act you can request a full digital copy of your maternity record at any time.
Five ways to get the best from your Notes
- Skim new entries after every appointment and flag anything you don’t understand.
- Store photographs of key pages before you travel long distance.
- List questions in the My Questions section of BadgerNotes.
- Share access with your birth partner so you’re on the same page.
- Bring the booklet (or phone) to every hospital or GP visit during pregnancy.
How do other countries record pregnancies?
Germany – patient-held paper Mutterpass
France – Carnet de Santé Maternité plus Mon Espace Santé app
Italy – regional Libretto di gravidanza + hAPPyMamma app
Sweden – digital Graviditetsjournal in national e-record
USA – provider-managed EHR + patient portals
UK – paper or BadgerNotes within NHS systems
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the traditional booklet or the BadgerNotes app, keeping your Maternity Notes up to date is the simplest way to stay informed and safeguard your pregnancy.