Insurance
It is important to know that you should always tell your insurer when you are pregnant. Read your policy carefully so that you know what is covered where the pregnancy, the birth and the maternity period are concerned.
Acknowledging paternity and the surname
If you are not married, your baby automatically takes the mother's surname. The baby can also take the partner's surname, but for that the partner has to acknowledge the unborn child during the pregnancy — preferably before 24 weeks, the point of viability. This can be arranged at the town hall.
Maternity care
During a hospital or home birth, and throughout your maternity period, good support from a maternity nurse matters a great deal. Alongside the midwife she is the person to turn to with questions about caring for your baby, about breast and/or bottle feeding, and about anything else that comes up in those first weeks. We advise getting in touch with a maternity care organisation before 16 weeks of pregnancy.