What is the next step...

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Hi, So I tested positive yesterday, I tried to phone GP this morning as I heard/read you need get it made official by blood test etc. The receptionist told me no this wasn't true and I would only need see midwife at 8 weeks, she then said call back in 8 weeks to make the appt. Would I not for 1 be at 4 - 5 weeks already? period is 1 week late. Therefore need an appointment in 4 weeks time? I'm really confused. I dont know what I'm suppose to do now! Do I need to be taking anything? Folic acid, vitamins etc? HELP!

My gp does not have a self referral system so I had to have it 'confirmed' by the nurse (which was a total waste of time, she didn't even do a test just asked me when my lmp was and gave me an estimated due date) before I could make a booking appointment with the midwife. Booking is around 8 weeks, you will have to answer questions about family health and have weight/height/bmi and possibly bloods done. The midwife then refers you to the hospital for a 12 week scan.

It usually is a lot of waiting around for the weeks to pass but I think if you aren't happy with what you've been told, you could just book with the nurse at your surgery.

You need to get a supplement as well by the way. Sanatogen or pregnacare, something like that.

Firstly, start taking folic acid. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and also consult this website for a list of banned foods (up to you whether you decide to follow this or not!)

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/foods-to-avoid-pregnant.aspx#close

I assume this is your first pregnancy?

Different areas have different ways of dealing with pregnancy, seeing the midwife at 8 weeks sounds about right - she will arrange your 12 week scan and book you in the system and arrange any blood tests needed.

Not sure why the receptionist said to call back in 8 weeks?!

I think she means call back when you are 8 weeks, but I'd call back now and ask for an appointment in 3-4 weeks time.

Hello

Didn't want to read and run :)

Congratulations on your BFP!!

I would maybe ring again and say you are a bit confused with the dates to see what they say. At my GP surgery you fill in a form then the midwife rings you with a date for your booking appointment but I understand the process is different depending on where you live!

With regards to vitamins etc you could by a pregnancy supplement (eg Pregnacare or a lot of supermarkets/Boots/SuperDrug do their own versions which are slightly cheaper) and these contain a number of different vitamins including folic acid

Hope this helps and happy and health 9 months to you

Call back and book an appointment with your midwife in three weeks time. At least it's booked then and once you had the appt she can request an appt for your 12 week scan.

She will take your bloods at booking in, which check for a number of things including iron levels and blood type. As far as the positive goes they just took my word for it. They will also test your urine for infection and ask about your family medical history as well as the fathers history if you have it (I didn't as DH is adopted)

They will advise you of Nuchal screening at the 12 week scan and gain consent to do this. They will also tell you to take frolic acid if not already, what you can and cannot eat, and things to look out for.

*folic

GPs don't confirm pregnancy anymore as the tests are just the same, they take your word for it. You should have a booking in appointment at around 8 weeks with the midwife and a scan at 12-14 weeks.

My GP did my mw referral but lots of areas you just self refer. You'll have bloods done at your 8 week appointment to check your blood group, iron levels etc, they'll do your BP, test your urine and take you and your partners full medical history. Until then take folic acid and look on the NHS website about what foods to avoid.

Congratulations!

Different doctors do things in different ways. I had to go to see my GP so she could refer me to the midwife team but she just took my word for the pregnancy, no tests done.

I then got my booking in appointment for 10 weeks. From there you get booked in for your scans etc.

You only really need to take folic acid as a supplement and to otherwise eat a healthy diet. Ideally you take it from 3 months before trying to conceive until the twelfth week of pregnancy. Some people like to buy one of those packs of vitamins aimed at pregnant women. I never bothered because my diet is pretty good but I did take folic acid. My friend who had awful morning sickness took the vitamins. Up to you.

You live in a self refer area by the sounds of it and you don't need to see a midwife until 8 weeks. Ring up when you are 7 weeks and book in.

There's nothing else to do right now. No point them testing you for pregnancy. You have done that yourself. Relax, celebrate, maybe read up a bit on early pregnancy advice on reputable sites and congratulations.

Thanks guys, will do that! I'm just a whole lot confused, this wasn't planned at all, I've only been with my BF since December so its extremely early in the relationship, it really feels like we been together alot longer though as we are very close and bonded almost instantly after meeting. BUT still this was not planned and is not an ideal situation or time for a million and one reasons. Am definitely not ready to "celebrate" this yet, it doesn't really feel real either. Mind you the nausea and sore boobs and sheer exhaustion definitely feel real. Guess I am just gunna wait out the next few weeks and get some supplements on board.

Oh you didn't mention it was unplanned. Well, believe me even the most planned of pregnancies feels terrifying and confusing. I've had an out of the blue, shock pregnancy and even though I already had a child, I was in a total spin. These early weeks give you time to at least start letting it sink in. Stick around on MN. Ask as many questions as you need to.