Although, the answer might seem obvious to some, for others, the next steps are not quite that clear, especially if it’s the first pregnancy or if the pregnancy is unexpected. We know that there may be lots of questions, but there are a few important steps that need to be prioritised.
Register your pregnancy
You need to register your pregnancy with an Antenatal Team.
When you are pregnant, you are in the ‘Antenatal’ stage of pregnancy. The antenatal stage of pregnancy (also called theprenatal stage) refers to the period from conception to birth when a baby develops inside the mother’s womb. This antenatal period is typically divided into three stages, called ‘trimesters’, each lasting about three months.
Antenatal care is the medical and lifestyle care a woman receives during pregnancy to ensure both her health and the baby’s well-being, to maximise the rates of a positive outcome. Regular antenatal visits help monitor the pregnancy, detect complications early, and prepare for a safe delivery.
In the UK, the great majority of antenatal care is led by registered midwives. These are caregivers who specialise in pregnancy and birth. They look after you throughout your pregnancy and in the first week or two after your birth. Antenatal care can also be led by the Primary Care doctor (also called a General Practitioner) or shared between the Primary Care doctor and midwife.
First decide on where you want to have your antenatal care, for example, a Government/Public hospital, Private Clinic/Hospital, or a Community Maternity Health Centre. To help you make the decision, do some research! These factors might help:
- Location and accessibility: Is it close to home? Can I get to it easily in an emergency? What is the transportation like to-and-from the hospital/clinic?
- Quality of care and reputation: What do the user reviews and ratings say? Compliment of staff in the antenatal team: Qualified Obstetricians, Midwives, Gynaecologists, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists
- Maternity Services and Facilities: Does the hospital have a well-equipped labour ward, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and emergency services? Are there options for pain management (epidurals, natural birth support)? If you prefer a water birth, home birth, or birth centre, do they offer it?
- Cost and Insurance Coverage: Check if the hospital accepts your health insurance or government maternity scheme.
- After-Care: Does the hospital provide check-ups after delivery, and breastfeeding support? Is there apaediatrician available for baby care?
Next, contact the clinic/hospital that you have chosen
For most Government or Public-Funded hospitals in the UK, you can now register for your antenatal care on-line! Yes…… In the Google search box, just type in ‘antenatal self-referral’, followed by the name of the hospital. You will be directed to a self-referral registration form. Fill it in, submit it, and that’s it! (We recommend contacting the hospital if you have not had a response back after 2 weeks of submitting your form).
What to expect during your antenatal journey?
Your first antenatal visit usually happens between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. During your antenatal care, you will have blood tests (to check your blood group, blood disorders, infections, genetic disorders), and urine tests. You will have routine check-ups once a month until 28 weeks, then twice weekly until 36 weeks, then weekly thereafter. These visits include:
- Blood pressure and weight check
- Urine tests (to detect infections, diabetes, or preeclampsia)
- Measuring baby’s growth and heartbeat
- Screening for gestational diabetes and anaemia
- Vaccinations (e.g. against Whooping cough)
- Ultrasounds (to check the baby’s development, usually at 12 and 20 weeks)
You may have more frequent scans if you have a medical condition or a high-risk pregnancy. Such conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple pregnancy (twins or more), placental issues, foetal growth or developmental concerns, or known complications in previous pregnancies.
If you have been identified as having any factors that may potentially complicate your pregnancy, you are likely to receive additional support from a specialist or a team of specialists which may include Obstetricians, Endocrinologists, or Cardiologists.
As part of your antenatal journey, you are also likely to receive education in the form of antenatal classes that will help prepare you for birth and the post-delivery period.
It is important that you carry your antenatal notes or ‘case notes’ with you as these records communicate your ongoing antenatal care with other caregivers.
Notify your Primary Care provider or regular doctor
Irrespective of who manages your antenatal care, you need to notify your Primary Care doctor or regular doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Your doctor can give some guidance on diet, prenatal vitamins (like folic acid), and lifestyle changes. You’ll receive advice on avoiding harmful substances (alcohol, smoking, certain medications). If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a thyroid disorder, asthma, epilepsy, or other conditions, your doctor may need to adjust your medications. Furthermore, some medicines are unsafe during pregnancy, so your doctor will need to recommend safer alternatives. This may require discussion with a specialist.
Whoever your caregiver is during your antenatal journey, it is important that you feel comfortable, safe, and able to discuss any concerns you have, however sensitive they may be.
Stay Connected…
Many women have reported that the pregnancy journey, although exciting, can be a lonely time and wished they could connect more with other pregnant women. Speak to your regular doctor, or midwife who will be able to put you in touch with support groups for mothers and babies.
Check-out some useful WEBSITES AND APPs :
The National Childbirth Trust https://www.nct.org.uk
Free app for parents and parents-to-be
https://www.babybuddyapp.co.uk/
Peer Support Group
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/peanut-meet-other-women/id1178656034
Pelvic Floor Exercises
https://www.squeezyapp.com/how-it-works/
Postnatal and perinatal mental health
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/about-maternal-mental-health-problems/
