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New text scheme for mums-to-be
Jul 20 2005
By Alison Dayani, Evening Mail
WHEN a 15-year-old city schoolgirl found out she was pregnant, she was filled with fear and panic.
Anxious Charlotte Goddard, of Packington Avenue, Shard End, Birmingham, had no idea what to do or how she would cope becoming a mother at such a young age.
Now a pioneering scheme by a Birmingham hospital group has given her support at the end of her fingertips - through texts on her phone.
Heartlands and Solihull Hospitals have received acclaim from Whitehall bosses for a text messaging service for teenage mums-to-be.
"Without the texts, I don't know what I would have done," said seven-months-pregnant Charlotte, a pupil at City Technology College, Kingshurst.
"Being pregnant is a daunting prospect and something that once it had happened, I couldn't change.
"On my first visit to hospital, they asked if I wanted the texts. I get reminders for ante-natal classes, parentcraft groups and even what symptoms I should expect at different stages, like the baby kicking or morning sickness."
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Charlotte, who is supported by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Sutton Coldfield College student Sam Taget, added: "It's a brilliant idea. People my age text each other constantly. I haven't missed an appointment or class, and that's got to be good for the baby."
Within the first 18 months, 360 of the 370 teenagers from the maternity wards agreed to receive texts, and nearly half of them turned up to parenting classes.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity awarded the trust a top innovation award.
