Darent Valley Hospital Maternity

Darent Valley Hospital Maternity Caring for women and families in North Kent during pregnancy and birth.

For pregnancy concerns ring our Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) on 01322 428280 or 01322 428278 as this site is not monitored 24/7.

Last months' maternity and Walnut Ward (SCBU) activity...
09/10/2025

Last months' maternity and Walnut Ward (SCBU) activity...

Paracetamol and pregnancy - what you need to knowTHE FACTSThere is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy ...
25/09/2025

Paracetamol and pregnancy - what you need to know

THE FACTS
There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. A major study conducted in Sweden in 2024, involving 2.4 million children found no evidence that paracetamol causes autism in pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose real risks to the unborn baby, so it is crucial to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. Paracetamol continues to be the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Patients should not swap to alternatives such as ibuprofen, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not recommended during pregnancy.

Q&A
Is paracetamol safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes. Current evidence supports the safe use of paracetamol during pregnancy when used as directed. This advice has been consistent for many years. The MHRA regularly reviews the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy to ensure that the benefits to the paint and unborn baby outweigh any risks. Paracetamol is recommended by NHS guidance as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, to be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration. If pain does not resolve then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.

Should pregnant women stop taking paracetamol?

No. Pregnant women should continue to follow current medical guidance. Paracetamol remains a recommended painkiller during pregnancy when used as directed. Women with concerns should speak to their healthcare professional rather than stopping medication without medical advice.

Will the MHRA review its guidance following the US announcement?

No. The MHRA carefully monitors new evidence on the safety of medicines and takes action when evidence shows a potential risk to patients. In the case of paracetamol use in pregnancy, recent studies, including the one published in August, have not established a direct relationship between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism.

Does the MHRA only act when a causal link is proven?

No. The MHRA carefully monitors new evidence on the safety of medicines and takes regulatory action when of evidence shows a potential risk to patients, which exceeds the potential benefits. It continuously monitors emerging data and will introduce safety measures when warranted to protect public health.

How does the MHRA monitor medicine safety in pregnancy?

The MHRA has comprehensive systems including the Yellow Card Scheme for reporting suspected side effects, analysis of healthcare databases, and review of international evidence. MHRA works closely with healthcare professionals and regularly update guidance when new evidence emerges.

Have you experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss under the care of our Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)?If so, we are deeply...
25/09/2025

Have you experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss under the care of our Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)?

If so, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We know that time spent in the EPU can be incredibly painful and personal. If you or someone close to you has experienced pregnancy loss, please know that your story matters - your voice matters.

We’re inviting you to share your feedback to help us better understand how we can support individuals and families during such a difficult time.

Your responses are completely anonymous and will only take a few minutes. Your thoughts help us improve care, compassion, and communication, ensuring that every person feels supported, heard, and respected.

👉 You can complete the survey here: https://gthr.co.uk/1572

Thank you for considering sharing your experience. Even a small insight can make a meaningful difference for others going through similar moments.

💜 Supporting you 💜

As part of our commitment, we now have a dedicated Bereavement Nurse to help guide and strengthen the support we offer during and after loss.

If you need further support, please reach out to us via dgn-tr.earlypregnancyunit@nhs.net or phone 01322 425378 or explore the support resources now available online here: https://padlet.com/dvh_epu_pregnancy_loss_support/early-pregnancy-loss-support-resources-js0io6awrj66egpx

We are pleased to announce that pregnant women under the care of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust can now book their RSV...
18/09/2025

We are pleased to announce that pregnant women under the care of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust can now book their RSV, flu and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations online.

Complete our self-referral form here: https://maternity.dgt.nhs.uk/antenatal-care/vaccinations-pregnancy/vaccination-form

Vaccinations during pregnancy offer your new baby the best protection against severe infections. To learn more about vaccinations during pregnancy, please visit: https://maternity.dgt.nhs.uk/antenatal-care/vaccinations-pregnancy

Have you or your partner recently given birth in Bexley or Greenwich Borough? Bexley and Greenwich MNVP's welcome you to...
10/09/2025

Have you or your partner recently given birth in Bexley or Greenwich Borough?

Bexley and Greenwich MNVP's welcome you to our next in person meeting!

Date: Monday 22 September
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Location: Thamesmead Library, The Nest, Cygnet Square, London, SE2 9UH

August activity on Walnut Ward (Special Care Baby Unit)...
04/09/2025

August activity on Walnut Ward (Special Care Baby Unit)...

August activity on the maternity unit...
03/09/2025

August activity on the maternity unit...

Booked to have your baby at Darent Valley Hospital but unsure where to give birth? Join our Place of Birth Showcase to ...
15/08/2025

Booked to have your baby at Darent Valley Hospital but unsure where to give birth?

Join our Place of Birth Showcase to explore your options—home birth, Birth Centre, or Labour Ward—and feel confident in your choice.

📅 Sunday 14th Sept 2025
📍 Philip Farrant Education Centre, Level 1 Darent Valley Hospital
🕒 Timeslots: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
🎟️ One ticket admits 2 people – please book just one timeslot
What to Expect:
👩⚕️ Meet our midwives 🏡 Birth Centre/Labour Ward tours (room permitting) 🌊 Birth pool & equipment demos
🤰 Parent education advice 🌿 Taster sessions: active birth, massage, breathing 🤝 Connect with other parents

Book via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1587273029359?aff=oddtdtcreator
Open to all birthing people booked with DVH.

📧 Enquiries: dgn-tr.parenteducationenquiries@nhs.net

Please Note:
• Only one ticket is needed per two attendees.
• All timeslots offer the same content, so please only book one session.
• This event is for people booked to have their baby with Darent Valley Hospital.

We’re delighted to share a lovely photo from this year’s Blossom Babies Teddy Bears Picnic.A huge thank you to all the f...
12/08/2025

We’re delighted to share a lovely photo from this year’s Blossom Babies Teddy Bears Picnic.
A huge thank you to all the families who joined us for this special day – it was wonderful to see so many smiles and teddies enjoying the sunshine together.

A very special thanks to Tracy and Sam for their amazing support, Naomi from Abigail’s Footsteps, Craig Bertram, and especially Dartford Valley Community Rugby Club for so kindly allowing us to hold the picnic at their beautiful grounds.

Here’s to another year of friendship, community, and remembering together.

Family, friends, employers, and community. We can all support breastfeeding.
07/08/2025

Family, friends, employers, and community. We can all support breastfeeding.

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Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA28DA

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