Confirming your pregnancy

As soon as you think you are pregnant - or have a positive result from a home pregnancy testing kit - you will need to arrange your maternity care. Find out how to do this in your area. In some areas you will still need to see your GP who can arrange for you to see a midwife, in other areas you may be able to contact the midwives direct to arrange to be seen. If you are not sure what happens in your area contact your GP surgery for advice.

At this first appointment don't be surprised if they do not repeat your pregnancy test. Most home-kits are just as accurate as the tests that your doctor or midwife would use. At the appointment you should be given information about taking folic acid supplemements, food hygiene and lifestyle issue such as smoking ,alcohol and drug abuse. They should also explain what tests and scans are available to you. If you have the choice of one or more centre where you can give birth they will discuss these options with you too.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will also need to discuss what, if any, changes are needed to your medication.

You may be offered an ultrasound scan (a dating scan) at around 10-14 weeks to confirm when your baby is due and whether you are expecting more than one baby. The scan may also form part of the testing for Down's Syndrome which you can read about in the section on antenatal tests.

Where to next?

• Types of antenatal care
• The first antenatal appointment
• Later antenatal appointments

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