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Media last reviewed: 20/03/2024

Next review due: 20/03/2024

You'll have a number of antenatal appointments during your pregnancy, and you'll see a midwife or sometimes an obstetrician (doctor specialising in pregnancy). They will check the health of you and your baby, give you useful information – for example, about a healthy pregnancy diet or antenatal screening – and answer any questions.

This page lists the appointments you'll be offered, and when you should have them. If you're pregnant with your first baby, you'll have more appointments than women who already have children. You can read this whole page or click on the links to go straight to the relevant information.

First contact with midwife or doctor

Eight to 12 weeks: booking appointment

Eight to 14 weeks: dating scan

16 weeks

18-20 weeks: anomaly scan

25 weeks

28 weeks

31 weeks

34 weeks

36 weeks

38 weeks

40 weeks

41 weeks

First contact with midwife or doctor

This is the appointment when you tell your midwife or doctor that you’re pregnant. They should give you information about:

  • folic acid and vitamin D supplements
  • nutrition, diet and food hygiene
  • lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drinking and recreational drug use
  • antenatal screening tests, including screening for sickle cell diseases and thalassaemia, the anomaly scan and screening for Down's syndrome, as well as risks, benefits and limits of these tests

It’s important to tell your midwife or doctor if:

  • there were any complications or infections in a previous pregnancy or delivery, such as pre-eclampsia or premature birth
  • you're being treated for a chronic disease such as diabetes or high blood pressure
  • you or anyone in your family has previously had a baby with an abnormality, for example, spina bifida
  • there is a family history of an inherited disease, for example, sickle cell or cystic fibrosis

Eight to 12 weeks: booking appointment

Your midwife or doctor should give you information about:

  • how the baby develops during pregnancy
  • nutrition and diet
  • exercise and pelvic floor exercises
  • antenatal screening tests
  • your antenatal care
  • breastfeeding, including workshops
  • antenatal education
  • maternity benefits
  • planning your labour
  • your options for where to have your baby

Your midwife or doctor should:

  • give you your handheld notes and plan of care
  • see if you may need additional care or support
  • plan the care you will get throughout your pregnancy
  • identify any potential risks associated with any work you may do
  • measure your height and weight and calculate your body mass index (BMI)
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein
  • find out whether you are at increased risk of gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia
  • offer you screening tests and make sure you understand what is involved before you decide to have any of them
  • offer you an ultrasound scan at eight to 14 weeks to estimate when your baby is due
  • offer you an ultrasound scan at 18-20 weeks to check the physical development of your baby and screen for possible abnormalities

Eight to 14 weeks: dating scan

This is the ultrasound scan to estimate when your baby is due, check the physical development of your baby and screen for possible abnormalities.

16 weeks pregnant

Your midwife or doctor will give you information about the ultrasound anomaly scan you will be offered at 18-20 weeks. They will also help with any concerns or questions you have. Your midwife or doctor should:

  • review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein
  • consider an iron supplement if you're anaemic

18-20 weeks: anomaly scan

You will have an ultrasound scan to check the physical development of your baby. Remember, the main purpose of this scan is to check that there are no physical abnormalities.

25 weeks pregnant

You will have an appointment at 25 weeks if this is your first baby.

Your midwife or doctor should:

  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

28 weeks

Your midwife or doctor should:

  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein
  • offer more screening tests
  • offer your first anti-D treatment if you are rhesus negative

31 weeks

You will have an appointment at 31 weeks if this is your first baby.

Your midwife or doctor should:

  • review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests from the last appointment
  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

34 weeks

Your midwife or doctor should give you information about preparing for labour and birth, including how to recognise active labour, ways of coping with pain in labour and your birth plan. Your midwife or doctor should:

  • review, discuss and record the results of any screening tests from the last appointment
  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein
  • offer your second anti-D treatment if you are rhesus negative

Your midwife or doctor should give you information about caesarean section, because around one in four women will have a caesarean. This discussion may take place at the 34 week appointment, or at another time during your pregnancy. They will discuss with you the reasons why a caesarean might be offered, what the procedure involves, risks and benefits, and implications for future pregnancies and births.

36 weeks

Your midwife or doctor should give you information about:

  • breastfeeding
  • caring for your newborn baby
  • vitamin K and screening tests for your newborn baby
  • your own health after your baby is born
  • the "baby blues" and postnatal depression

Your midwife or doctor will also:

  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • check the position of your baby
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

38 weeks

Your midwife or doctor will discuss the options and choices about what happens if your pregnancy lasts longer than 41 weeks. Your midwife or doctor should:

  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

40 weeks

You will have an appointment at 40 weeks if this is your first baby.

Your midwife or doctor should give you more information about what happens if your pregnancy lasts longer than 41 weeks. Your midwife or doctor should:

  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein

41 weeks

Your midwife or doctor should:

  • use a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus
  • measure your blood pressure and test your urine for protein
  • offer a membrane sweep
  • discuss the options and choices for induction of labour

42 weeks

If you have not had your baby by 42 weeks and have chosen not to have an induction, you should be offered increased monitoring of the baby.

Page last reviewed: 01/09/2024

Next review due: 01/09/2024

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Comments

The 27 comments posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Ndell91 said on 13 August 2024

Had my 25 week appointment today, she refused to try listen to the babies heartbeat again and refused to measure me. So I'm already behind. Doesn't fill you with confidence during your first pregnancy. That's at vesper road surgery leeds

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ravz86 said on 12 May 2024

Hi sarahlou54 how did you self refer yourself?
Did you find your local maternity unit, call them and tell them your pregnant and then book an appointment with them direct?

I've contacted my local GP and am 6 1/2 weeks gone but haven't had any contact by a midwife yet to meet. I've got time before I need my first scan but just worried in case things get delayed because I've asked the GP and the Receptionist and called another team the Receptionist told me to phone and none of them know how long it'll take for me to even been contacted by a midwife, let alone get an appointment.

Just want to get things in motion as it's my first baby so am understandably like most of you on here, very anxious and just want to get myself and baby checked to ensure everything's in order.

If anyone can advise?

Thanks x

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sarahlou54 said on 05 April 2024

If you are experiencing delays in accessing antenatal care via your g.p you can take responsibility for it and self refer to whichever maternity unit you feel would best meet your needs. I did this and have had excellent care including early urgent scans when I had some bleeding. As many people on here have said you don't need an early scan if no issues and if everyone offered them then they wouldn't be available for those who really need them. The nhs is there for essential needs if you want an early scan there are lots of places you can purchase these privately

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Tashaxxx87 said on 09 November 2024

I need some advice...Basically I rang my GP surgery back to ask if I could book in advance to see the midwife, 4 weeks is a long wait but that would make me 11 weeks by that time and I would definitely want to see the midwife by then. However, this time I was told that the midwife is now fully booked until Christmas! The receptionist didn't know what to do and just said they will call me if a space becomes available. But what if a space doesn't become available? By Christmas I will be 13 weeks, probably ready for my first scan, not my first midwife appointment. I need to see a midwife before Christmas but how do I book to see someone without going to my GP surgery?

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Tashaxxx87 said on 07 November 2024

I'm 7 weeks at the moment and was told yesterday by my doctor's surgery that i won't be able to see a midwife for at least another 4 weeks! It was my first visit to the GP to tell them that i was pregnant and she seemed really uninterested, i wasn't expecting much but perhaps some advice or helping work out my due date etc would have been nice. All she said was thanks for telling her and that i should book to see a midwife at 10 weeks, she didn't ask how many weeks i was, how i was feeling or anything. It was really disappointing. I went down to reception to find out how i book to see a midwife and was told she's fully booked for at least 4 weeks and was basically then ushered out of the door and told to ring another time as they're really busy. The whole experience was really disheartening, especially as i've been feeling ill for the last 3 weeks now and was really looking forward to getting some advice and just hearing something positive.

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Doorotas said on 30 September 2024

I agree with Avosilmin. I come from Poland, but have been living here for more then 10 years.
I gave birth to my son 4 years ago at UCLH and I was amazed by the level of care I received. I heard stories from my friends in Poland who had their children there and yes, they had more tests, more scans, but first of all most of them were done privately and secondly there was this 'scare the patient' tactic, so they would come more often and pay more money.
I miscarried at the beginning of this year and it was horrible experience especially that I found out about it at my 12 week scan. Would it make a difference if I had scan before? I would probably have the procedure earlier, but I would still miscarry.
The staff at UCLH was very compassionate and above all professional. Not all of them had time to 'chat' with me, but they were there to answer my medical questions and to address my concerns.
Antenatal care in my first pregnancy was great, labour was tough, but pain relief (of my choice) was there and midwives were amazing - they even looked after my newborn for few hours after birth, so I could have some sleep.
My nationality was never an issue and I was treated with full respect.
For all this I am eternally greatful.

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GEEA said on 11 July 2024

I had my first ever midwife appointment recently. Since it's my first ever, I wasn't aware of the process. I was never asked to give a urine sample while I was in the waiting area. During the appointment, I was asked if I gave a urine sample. When I said no one told me I was told that urine sample bottles are displayed outside. the place where the bottles were kept was not really noticeable and even if I saw them, how was I supposed to know that I need to give a urine sample at that particular appointment. When I said I will give a urine sample after the meeting, I was told it was not necessary.
It was really strange that an important test was neglected just because I did not see urine sample bottles which were kept in some "unnoticeable" area. the midwives did not feel their responsibility to tell each patient to take a urine sample during the appointment - especially to first time pregnant women. I don't see how a test becomes "not necessary" if the sample is given after the meeting with midwife.
Anyway, I called the antenatal clinic number and they agreed with my opinion. They said a urine test was imperative and so I should drop in to the clinic to give the sample. Helpful antenatal staff in the hospital but really useless midwife team that visits local GP surgeries- or at least this is what my first impression says.

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emmyrw said on 07 July 2024

The NHS needs to look into why care for women in early pregnancy seems to be so inconsistent according to what ladies are saying on here... Not seeing a doc/midwife until 10+ weeks is crazy! Looking stuff up on google is no substitute for speaking to a trained proff when you are concerned about diet or lifestyle issues, esp if it is your first pregnancy! The important developments happen in the first tri so you want to be getting it right and not everything you read on the internet is going to be reliable! I am so shocked some women are not given the chance to talk to someone about their concerns. I made an app to see the doc at 6 weeks, saw midwife at 8 and both gave me advise and doc gave me a pregnancy pack full of useful info. Looks like I was very lucky! Not everyone is lucky enough to have friends with babies or relatives they can ask about pregnancy, and the NHS should be there for their psychological needs as well as their physical ones.

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Ellen81 said on 10 April 2024

That's awful sunnyD. So sorry you were treated that way and at such a vulnerable time. I think it's important to be able to feed back about these things if you want to so that the Midwife could be offered further training and development in her role (and in Equal Opportunities!) I don't think it's often made clear, how to go about feeding back or making a complaint.

I think a little care can go a long way at such a crucial time in a woman's life. I think if the country can afford billions for war and rescuing the banks it can afford to offer an eight week scan to those bringing the next generation into the world.

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MandaP said on 03 April 2024

I understand that people may want a scan earlier to 'prove' they are pregnant but scans are available for diagnostic purposes not just so we can see our babies. There's no medical reason for it to be standard to have a scan before 12 weeks. The only reason we get offered a 12 weeks scan is because abnormality testing can be done, if the NT test wasn't available, there'd be no medical reason for the NHS to give a 12 weeks scan. The majority of miscarriages are before 12 weeks and these are usually down to foetal abnormalities which cannot be avoided, the medical profession cannot do anything to prevent miscarriage at this stage. Ectopic pregnancies are not symptomless and if you get the symptoms of an ecotopic pregnancy then you will be sent for an early scan. Miscarriages are rarely symptomless and again if you get the symptoms of a miscarriage you should see your doctor and if necessary they will refer you for a scan.
First 12 weeks is a time of waiting and the best thing anyone can do is to eat healthily, stop smoking, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake and take recommended supplements. If you need emotional support then you should contact your practice nurse or midwife depending on the set-up at your GP practice. Children's centres (Surestart) centres also have staff trained to help with the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy.

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HealthyMe said on 05 March 2024

Jessieje - the problem is that if everyone who is 8 weeks pregnant, stressed and worried like you are, expected an early scan the NHS would collapse under the strain. Scans this early tell you very little. Believe me I had an awful time when I had a miscarriage but the care I received was amazing. I went to the EPU after a bleeding a little and they scanned me and told me to come back in a week because even though I was supposedly 6 weeks pregnant, there was only a tiny gestational sack. A week later I was scanned again and there was nothing, but my hormones were high so I had to go back again a week later. A week later there was an embryo although we couldn't tell if it was viable so I then had to go back again a week later. The next week unfortunately the embryo hadn't grown so I ended up having a D&C. All very traumatic, but the signs were there that I needed the extra care.

When I got pregnant again, I started spotting brown at 5 and a half weeks. Once again very traumatic, and reason to call on the NHS. I actually refused to go for an early scan at this point because my previous experience had shown me that when it is that early there isn't anything that can be said, you just have to wait. This I did. I did end up paying for a private scan at 9 weeks for my own piece of mind, although I quite feasibly could have gone back to the EPU given the spotting, I just honestly couldn't bear the thought of going back there. Believe me it's not somewhere I would want to hang out given the bad memories. Luckily everything was fine and I'm now five months pregnant with my first child.

I'm sorry you have had a bad experience with your midwife, but my point is that the care is there if you need it but it can't be an expectation that the NHS should offer a service that is ultimately of no benefit other than to give a snapshot that at that time everything is ok when in reality in early pregnancy it can all unfortunately change very quickly. Relax is my advice!

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jessieje said on 28 February 2025

Funny enough, I find HealthyMe's comments the ones that are ridiculous.

It's true that a scan might not be what's required in the first trimester medically, but if it's your first baby, and all you've got so far is a test kit that says you are pregnant, dramatic changes to your body due to hormones, lack of appetite, constant nausea attacks no matter when, is it really fair to say just bear with it and google can adequately support all your mental and emotional needs?

Even you yourself said the first trimester is the most vulnerable period for the babies when most miscarriages occur. Does that not deserve a bit more attention and care from the medical practitioners?

It's only natural a woman wants what's best for her baby and people should respect that. For one thing I'd really want a scan now that I'm 8 weeks just to ensure everything is where it should be and rule out stuff like ectopic pregnancy etc. But no, I had to wait for 4 days before I can see my GP, whose referral to hospital then got mysteriously lost, and after 2 weeks' wait, I'm back to ground zero.

Now if I'm lucky, I probably will finally get to see MW for the first time after week 11. That means I won't get any sort of clarity or confirmation about my pregnancy during all this wait. It's just not right to sit in complete darkness while your body is going through so much and you are facing one of the events that's going to change your whole life. This really shouldn't be what a first time mum has to go through.

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sunnyD said on 19 February 2025

I am extremely disappointed from my firs appointment! I was not given any information about nutrition and food suppliments by the nurse i was sent to! I wasn't recommended any frolic acid or whatever. No Healthy lifestyle advice given!! I was nothing but judged by the nurse , because when I was asked how I feel, I said , I am good and I am happy, but the pregnancy was unexpected so I did panic at the beginning and i went trough a bit of a stage which I blame the hormonal changes for! Though I got accused by her , of being emotionally unstable, and I was advised to seriously think if should keep the baby !! Because apparently "women like me " ( I don't know whether that was addressed to emotionally unstable me, foreigner me, or not in a legal yet relationship me..I think all of the above! ) , so women like me ...end up not being capable of managing, and end up abandoning their babies! Then I was asked if was legally in the country ..OMG! I had no idea NHS registers illegal emigrants....!?!? Well here is what I got to say, I am a well respected woman coming from a good family, been running successful business and paying taxes since i live in the UK . I believe that pregnancy is a miracle , not an accident. And I am not at all happy about the judgemental attitude and unhelpful service I was given. I do not blame the system though. I have previously had great NHS experience, and I believe and hope my second appointment with a Midwife will be helpful, and I will be treated with a bit more respect!

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HealthyMe said on 30 January 2025

A lot of the views below are ridiculous especially regarding getting scanned before 12 weeks. In reality there isn't really much point doing anything before 10 weeks because the risk of miscarriage is high. I unfortunately suffered a rather drawn out miscarraiage with my first pregnancy which meant I was backwards and forwards to the EPU weekly for four weeks whilst we waited to see what happens, there is no problem getting scans if there is a problem. From that experience I can assure you that at 6/7/8 weeks pregnant there is not an awful lot they can tell you other than, there is a heartbeat and it matches your dates. This still doesn't mean that you wont miscarry so why waste money scanning people early? At the 12 week point, if everything looks ok then it is incredibly likely that you will go on to have a successful pregnancy. It seems to me that this is the most cost efficient solution.

I also dispute the people moaning about not having contact with a midwife until 10 weeks. What exactly do you want the midwife to tell you, there is nothing to tell except general care, which to be honest most people will have already googled already! Unfortunately the first trimester is a waiting game, which believe me once you have had a miscarriage is incredibly torturous, but that is pregnancy!

I'm lucky enough to be pregnant again and to have been allocated a caseload midwife on the NHS, which really is premium care as I have an allocated midwife for all of my appointments and the birth. I have zero desire to see a doctor as I have no need to see a doctor. I trust the midwife care that I am getting and even if I wasn't so lucky as to have a caseload midwife I am sure the care would be just as good.

I think people should be grateful for what they are getting because I am quite sure that for the majority of people complaining, the tax you have paid in your lifetime will not come close to the cost of the top-rate care you are recieving. Be grateful, not bitter.

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joananicol said on 21 January 2025

From reading other comments here, it seems that the care varies in different parts of the UK. I did get a GP appointment in a couple of days after I rang and said I was pregnant, then the GP referred me to the midwife and I received a letter with a midwife appointment at 8 weeks. The midwife will probably book my 12 week scan, as it happened during my first pregnancy. So far so good. I live in Bushey just outside London.

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Avosilmin said on 17 January 2025

To sash37:
To be honest, I don't see any reason to call NHS antenatal care ridiculous. I always got all the informations I asked for.
You and me should have the same experience as we both experienced the NHS health service and the Czech (in my case) and Slovak health service. In Czech rep. you are provided with all the high-tech examinations, scans etc., but doctors don't treat you with respect, they take you just as a 'case', not an equal human being, because they are doctors and they know the best and you are just a dumb patient. I have a dismal experience with Czech antenatal care as the medical staff didn't listen to me, they didn't give me enough informations of the course of actions and after I went through a miscarriage there was nobody who would at least give a try to express sympathy for the loss of my baby. I was just another case.
I prefer being treated with respect over having the first antenatal scan a few weeks earlier.

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Avosilmin said on 17 January 2025

To sash37:
To be honest, I don't see any reason to call NHS antenatal care ridiculous. I always got all the informations I asked for.
You and me should have the same experience as we both experienced the NHS health service and the Czech (in my case) and Slovak health service. In Czech rep. you are provided with all the high-tech examinations, scans etc., but doctors don't treat you with respect, they take you just as a 'case', not an equal human being, because they are doctors and they know the best and you are just a dumb patient. I have a dismal experience with Czech antenatal care as the medical staff didn't listen to me, they didn't give me enough informations of the course of actions and after I went through a miscarriage there was nobody who would at least give a try to express sympathy for the loss of my baby. I was just another case.
I prefer being treated with respect over having the first antenatal scan a few weeks earlier.

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kikaymimi said on 16 January 2025

Hello , Can anyone tell me what happens at the 38 week appointment ? Do u get your cervix checked if your open or not ? Thank you

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Mand9 said on 09 January 2025

I have read with interest some of the comments below. I think for the people who have had bad experiences (particularly the last comment) it is very unfair to say that antenatal care in the whole of this country is poor. My last pregnancy (which was my first) unfortunately ended in a miscarriage, and I can honestly say that the care I received was excellent. From the midwife, to the early pregnancy unit, to the staff at the hospital (when I had the ERPC). I even had my own room at the hospital when I was waiting for the ERPC due to the circumstances, which I found to be very respectful and considerate. I am now expecting again and the day I rang up my local GP at 5 weeks pregnant to book an appt with the midwife, I was offered one the same day. I did not have to wait several weeks as some people have commented here. Also, just to put the last comment straight, the reason that a pregnancy is not proved via the GP initially is because of the high accuracy of home pregnancy tests these days. I am certainly not ashamed of our NHS health service, which by the way is a free service, and think people should be a bit more grateful that it is free and that we don't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money like some other countries when we need medical care.

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sash37 said on 08 December 2024

I only have one thing to say. Your health services especially your antenatal care is ridiculous!!! Unprofessional doctors who seem to barely have studied medicine for a year....seriously, many times I have the feeling that I know more...not to mention the antenatal care- the first trimester I don't see anyone, I don't even have my pregnancy proved which is simply stupid....I am from Slovakia which English people may address as a poor country, but go there and see the difference!!! in there, the first scan is around 5-6 weeks and guess what! the doctors can beautifully see the baby and the patient doesn't need to have full bladder or anything (I actually didn't even have a clue that a doctor would need a full bladder for an ultrasound to see something...) so I think that Britain should really be ashamed for their poor health services, they are the worst I have ever experienced!!! I am 6 weeks pregnant and I need to wait another 6 weeks to at least see midwife, until then I can only guess if my pregnancy is going well as I am first time pregnant....if I would at least get the contact for my midwife so that I could call her if I had any questions, but no, God forbid that someone would care during the first trimester....if I wouldn't have to wait for my degree to end in the may, trust me I would be on the plane on the way home right now!

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gracious1 said on 18 October 2024

i would agree that trying to get hold of my midwife is near impossible, I'm very lucky to have nurses and midwives as friends and family so personally i actually feel the amount of appointments i have is completely over the top and get very bored hearing everything i already know over and over again...appreciated not all first time mums have such knowledgeable support so just a thought my midwife having her phone on would be useful so if i did actually feel unwell and have a problem i could contact her instead of making useless appointments during my working day to chat about nothing for 30 minutes or so just to take sum bloods or urine which i coincidentally only want to know about if theres something wrong!

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blarneyblue said on 30 August 2024

I've been told by Drs surgery io can register for the midwife myself online, I cant find any link to do so, anyone any ideas?

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Victoria_82 said on 25 June 2024

Is it normal to have a different midwife at each appointment? I am a first time mum so it is a little unnerving already and as with most women, trying to manage being pregnant with my job. My most recent appointment (3rd one) was over an hour late; she didn't note from my records that I needed extra scans due to a low-lying placenta. I had some questions that I wanted to ask, but I was so flustered and stressed about being so late for work that I was in and out in less than 10 minutes, didn't ask anything. I'm going for more blood tests, but have no idea what for! I just feel the care is a little inconsistent and not what I expected. Am I being too niave or misunderstood something? Websites have been more helpful and reassuring than the service received to date.

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Nimmy7 said on 05 June 2024

I hope all you ladies have had your questions answered by now.I'm now 38 weeks and got my check up today, only came across this sight whilst looking online to see what to expect as was not sure if a normal check up or if they do any checks to see if my cervix is open yet. My due date is 16th June so getting close. This is my first and it is very scary as alot of stuff you do just have to find out yourself. I can highly recommend the book 'what to expect when ur expecting' was very helpfull, it goes into alot of details, has alot of questions answered and also breaks it down month by month.
Also the phone app 'baby centre' is brill, everything I have ever wondered about I have found the answer within this app and it gives you a weekly breakdown of what u should expect, whats going on with you each week, what symptoms you may experience and what is happening to baby that week. Even tells you what size your baby is the equivelent of size wise, all the way from early on being something like a raspberry to mine now at the length of a leek!!
Well happy healthy pregnancies everyone and hope my recommendations might help afew people.

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clarem13 said on 04 June 2024

hey ladies, to be fair the midwives dont really have much contact with you until your 12 weeks! i was seen from 4-6 weeks every week at my local hospital coz we had complications. but basically everything you need to know you can get off these sites. foods to avoid are caffeine (no more then 2 cups of coffee/tea a day), liver and liver pate (due to high vitamin a which can damage your baby), shellfish, sword fish uncooked eggs, no more then 2 portions of tuna a week (again due to high amounts of mercury) dont have really hot baths that sort of burn you as this can also harm your baby! when lifting bend with knees and avoid strenuous lifting and stretching. when eating dairy products make sure it is pasturised so ie blue whole milk etc. try to avoid things like homemade mayonaise and colslaw! thats about it really! just use common sense.

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Tesss said on 24 May 2024

I agree, I am waiting to hear from my midwife! I phoned my surgery and was told a midwife would ring me back. After a week I rang again only to be told the midwife was nothing to do with them and I should take it up with her!!! How when she won't ring me. If companies ran their businesses like the NHS they would have no trade, to me it's common curtesy to call someone back even if its just to hi, it's ok I don't need to see you for a few weeks. I'm seven weeks now but I had a miscarriage my problems starting at 9 weeks so I'm not filled with confidence with my so called health care provider if I knew who to complain to I would.

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Firstbabyonway said on 09 May 2024

I live in suffolk, I'm 8 weeks pregnant with my first baby, when I rang my GPs surgery I was told I don't need to see a GP. An appointment was made for me to see a midwife in mid June, I will be 12 weeks, they say there's nothing before then and I can't get an appointment with a GP for "just pregnancy". How is that helpful. I don't know what I can eat and can't eat, I don't know if I can take paracetamol, I don't know if I can continue with my running and swimming, I have 2 international trips planned in the next 2 months and I don't know if I can travel. I am relying on Internet forums with other mums advice. Having worked solidly for the last 18years and paid into the NHS continually since I was 16yrs, I'm less than impressed with this. My sister lives in London and at 8 weeks, she had a GP appt, a midwife appt and a dating scan, how can the levels of service vary so drastically to the detriment of new mums!

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Sign up for week-by-week emails about your pregnancy and baby, with advice from experts, mums and dads

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Services near you

Get help with all aspects of your pregnancy from the NHS in your area

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Pregnancy planning toolkit

Meet the antenatal team

Find out who's who in the team that provides your antenatal care

Antenatal classes

Find out what's involved in antenatal classes, from exercise and relaxation, to making friends and learning about childbirth

Vitamins and special diets during pregnancy

The essential vitamins and minerals, and how to get enough of them in pregnancy

Foods to avoid in pregnancy

Find out which foods to take care with in pregnancy. Includes cheeses, eggs, meat and the latest on nuts

Staying active in pregnancy

Find out the benefits of daily activity in pregnancy to you and your baby, and how to keep as healthy as possible

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