What does the preterm birth clinic do?

The Lothian Preterm Clinic aims to reduce the risks of a preterm birth.

The clinic is for women who are at higher risk of preterm birth.

The preterm birth clinic runs every Tuesday morning 9:00-12:30pm at Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health Outpatients Department.

At your first visit we will look at your family, medical and pregnancy history. We may also conduct some additional tests.  This first appointment may take up to one hour but we anticipate future appointments will be around 30 minutes in length. You will have an individualised care plan because not all treatments are appropriate or effective for all people.

The Lothian Preterm Birth Clinic (RIE.PretermClinic@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk) offers:

1. Patient-cantered antenatal care and support
2. Transvaginal Cervical length screening
3. Screening for infection
4. Management of the short cervix  (cervical cerclage, progesterone,)
5. Postnatal follow up following spontaneous preterm birth
6. Preconception counselling for women at highest risk
7. Participation in research studies and clinical trials of new treatments such as the Arabin pessary.

How frequently are women seen in the clinic?

One of our team will discuss this with you at your first visit.

We often see women every two-four weeks between 16-24 weeks of pregnancy. Once your pregnancy reaches 24 weeks gestation we may discharge you from the preterm birth clinic to the care of your midwife or obstetrician. Depending on individual circumstances we may continue to monitor you beyond 24 weeks at the preterm birth clinic.

We recommend that you maintain contact with your community midwife even if you are attending the preterm birth clinic at the hospital for most of your appointments in early pregnancy. You should make an appointment with your community midwife at 16 and 22 weeks. This ensures you get to know the community midwifery team as they will care for you and your baby for the remainder of the pregnancy.