What happens next? First timer over here...

[BeeHobz]

Hello lovely Mums!

I'm turning to you all because I need some help - and I can't do anymore frantic googling!

Took a positive test last weekend which said 1-2 weeks. Am currently running the gauntlet of emotions and feel like I'm keeping the BIGGEST secret ever.

I've booked an appointment with my GP, and I've started taking folic acid and vitamin D - is there anything else I should be doing??

What will happen in that GP appointment? Will I have to take another test?

And could someone please tell me what will happen after my GP appointment?

Will I have to choose a hospital? Do I get allocated a hospital?

Am I given an appointment to meet a midwife?

Will I get a date for my first scan?

Sorry to be so naive. This is exciting - but I'm so scared I'm not doing something I should!

Please help fellow internet friends...

Thank you xx

[vfoster]

Congratulations! It's such an exciting time!
In my experience, the GPs don't do anything. With my first they gave us the number for the midwife and sent us away! This time round I went straight to the midwives (I got the number from leaflet next to the pregnancy tests in the pharmacist).
I called them and then gave them some details and they booked me a booking appointment at about 8 weeks.
The booking appointment takes about an hour and you're given lots of information and give lots of information. Then they'll book you in for your 12 week scan.
Congratulations again!

[BeeHobz]

Thanks Vfoster!

I think I'll just go to the appointment, even if it is a bit of a waste of time. Hopefully the Dr won't just send me away with nothing!? I'm surprised that it isn't MUCH clearer as to what I'm supposed to do!!

It all just feels completely overwhelming right now.... xx

[vfoster]

Your GP might very well be better than mine! We were in the same position with our first. No idea what we should be doing and GP was the most logical option. This time I know (mostly) what to expect!

[HN42]

I think its quite likely your GP will do a pregnancy test to check you are pregnant, their tests can pick up pregnancy earlier than most shop bought ones - they did one with me when I went in at 6 weeks with abdominal pain. Otherwise I can't imagine much else happening at your GP appointment.

I was given an appointment at 8 weeks with the midwife which is basically an appointment where the midwife asks you and your partner a ton of questions about your health now and in the past, takes weight and height measurements and the midwife will also discuss antenatal screening and whether you want to have blood tests done and screening at your first scan for chromosomal abnormalities. Your pregnancy notes will then be sent off to your most local hospital to get you booked in for your first scan - you should tell your midwife if you do wish to be seen elsewhere for your maternity care if you do not want to use your local hospital.

So you've done everything you need to for now, just look after yourself.

[NotTheBelleoftheBall]

Exciting times!

I remember feeling very much at a loose end in the early stages of pregnancy, the medical profession only really get involved at about 8-10 weeks for your booking in appt.

A GP appt is a sensible place to start, they can give you details of the midwives to arrange your booking in appt (which I had at 10 weeks).

I remember being asked very early on which hosp I wanted to give birth in (I'm equidistant between three) and thinking "how he hell am I supposed to know?" So if you have more than one local hospital it's worth looking up their maternity unit facilities and satisfaction ratings to get an idea which you'd prefer to give birth in (if you choose to give birth in a hospital).

In the booking in appt they give you your maternity notes which you then have to carry to all appointments until you give birth, it's worth buying a plastic wallet to protect them.

They also weigh you, take some blood (to test for immunity to rubella and STI status) and ask loads of questions. Based on the tests and questions they rate your pregnancy risk (low, medium or high). If you're low risk you get a lot more choices about how you want to give birth (home/water/midwife led vs. consultant led etc.) and non invasive care during your pregnancy (e.g. Just two ultrasounds (12 and 20 weeks)).

I admit, even with a very supportive DH and friends and family I felt quite alone in those early stages, especially if you're not feeling very well. Several times between the BFP and my 12 wk scan I convinced myself it was a mistake (I didn't get pregnancy tested by the medical profession at any time) or a phantom pregnancy of some sort - so when I finally saw the tiny outline of DD in the 12 week scan I almost couldn't believe she was real.

Good luck and congratulations!

[2014newme]

Our gp wouldn't see you for this just give you midwife number and tell you to book appointment for 12 weeks. They also don't redo pg tests at our surgery as the off the shelf ones ate so accurate there is no need.

[N0ggins123]

Congratulations! I'm 22 weeks and for various reasons didn't see a GP until today. I was given a flu jab and my baby "Emma's diary" (with lots of lovely vouchers!) And was told to make an appointment with the midwife but i've also been referred to go for a scan because of how far i am. I hope this kinda helps!

[Lunalovepud]

Congratulations! Your GP may take your blood pressure etc and give you some info about shots and Emma's Diary which has loads of info in it about what to expect in the coming months.

Booking in with midwife usually 8 - 10 weeks, scan around 12 weeks then another at 20ish. Other stuff may or may not happen depending on your medical history.

Depending on where you are you may get a choice of hospitals, in London there is a choice but if you are in the countryside then you probably only have one close to you.

People usually tell at around 12 weeks when the scan etc says everything is developing ok... Both times though, I have told a couple of trusted friends before 12 weeks and this time told family at 7 weeks because it was Christmas and they would have guessed anyway because I wasn't drinking.

In the meantime, you are doing the right thing with your Folic Acid and Vit D, the only other thing you might like to do if you are a planner is to read What To Expect When You're Expecting - it is ok as pregnancy books go and has loads of info, although broadly based around the American system.

There is loads of good info on the NHS website about pregnancy and what to eat / what to avoid etc... Another book which I recommend is Expecting Better by Emily Oster - I found it helped me chill out a bit about the things I could / couldn't eat and drink.

Broadly, everyone agrees that you shouldn't smoke, most people agree that you shouldn't drink alcohol although there is some flexibility on that should you want it.

Good luck with your pregnancy!

[BeeHobz]

Wow! Thanks everyone for your very helpful and friendly responses! I can see that this forum is going to become a real go-to over the next few months - and years!!!

Really appreciate all your posts - thank you so much xxx