BEFORE YOU GET PREGNANT

 • Think about the lifestyle factors that might affect your ability to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy (see Chapter 3). This applies to men too. You are more likely to get pregnant if you are both in good health. – If you smoke, get advice about stopping. You can talk to your doctor, visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree or call the free NHS smoking helpline on 0800 022 4 332. – Eat a balanced diet. – Maintain a healthy weight.

– You should avoid drinking alcohol if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you do choose to drink, then protect your baby by drinking no more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice a week and don’t get drunk (see page 32). – Take exercise. • If you or your partner take any medication, talk to your doctor about whether it will affect your pregnancy.

 Take 5 mgs of folic acid a day. You should continue to take this until you are 12 weeks pregnant

• If you have a health condition, for example mental health problems, diabetes or a family history of any inherited diseases, talk to your GP or a specialist before you try to get pregnant. • Talk to your GP or a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or need support.

0–8 WEEKS

• You can take a pregnancy test from the first day that you miss your period.
•  As soon as you know you are pregnant, get in touch with a midwife or your GP to organise your antenatal care 
• Begin to think about where you want your baby to be born 
• Some pregnant women start to feel sick or tired or have other minor physical problems for a few weeks
• Take 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day, which is in Healthy Start vitamin supplements or other supplements recommended by your midwife. You should continue to take vitamin D throughout your pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding. 

8–12 WEEKS

• You will usually attend your first appointment by 10 weeks and your booking appointment by 12 weeks. 
• At the booking appointment, your weight, height and body mass index will be measured. You will be asked about your health and family history as well as about your baby’s father’s family history. This is to find out if you are at risk of certain inherited conditions. 
• Your hand-held notes and plan of care will be completed. • Your midwife will discuss various tests you will be offered during your pregnancy, one of which is an ultrasound scan to check for abnormalities in your baby. 
• You will be offered information about what to expect during pregnancy and how to have a healthy pregnancy. Ask if you are unsure about anything. 
• You can ask your midwife about your rights at work and the benefits available  
•  You will usually be offered an ultrasound scan between eight and 14 weeks. This will check the baby’s measurements and give an accurate due date. The scan can also detect abnormalities and check if you are carrying more than one baby. Your partner can come along to the scan
•  If you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or incomerelated Employment and Support Allowance or are on a low income and receive Child Tax Credit, you should complete a Healthy Start application form . This is to claim vouchers to spend on milk, fruit and vegetables. Healthy Start vitamin supplements (containing vitamin D) are free without prescription for any pregnant woman, new mother or child who gets Healthy Start vouchers 
• Make a dental appointment. NHS dental care is free during pregnancy and for a year after the birth of your baby. 
• Just 12 weeks after conception, your baby is fully formed. It has all its organs, muscles, limbs and bones, and its sex organs are well developed.
• Your baby is already moving about but you cannot feel the movements yet.