- Page navigation anchor for Behaviour change opportunities at mother and baby checks in primary careBehaviour change opportunities at mother and baby checks in primary careAll work aimed to improve health outcomes is important, especially when mothers-to-be or new mums are concerned. At this time the impact their lifestyles have on the health of their baby is hugely important and relevant. I would think this is discussed a great deal by the midwives and health visitors during pregnancy and the post-natal period, and these health care professionals are experts in this field.Having recently retired I am aware I had one 20 minute appointment to do both mother and baby checks and organise future contraception. This was a formidable task. I am also aware that as a GP I am not involved in the antenatal care of these women, though clearly, I would have the opportunity to build a relationship during the consultation if I had not met the patient before. I wonder therefore if this rushed assessment is the right time to discuss lifestyle issues and if research into exploring these antenatally would be better placed? There would be more opportunities and more time to explore them in depth. I do also think that GPs have lots of work to be getting on with and feel guilty about struggling to fit into a long working day.Competing Interests: None declared.