Just found Im pregnant what should I do? (NHS help)

[rosear]

Hi,

I am very lost, I found out a few days ago I am pregnant, I wasn't expecting it and wasn't planned... I am 35, and feel very lost about what steps I need to take now? I have registered or self referred myself to a hospital that seems to have good reviews, although a bit far from home, but haven't heard back... what should I expect? Can someone help me?
Thank you!

I can only speak for my area, however I know it is the same for others. You usually do a BUMP referral, you can get this online or your GP can send you the link, then a midwife will call you to book in your first appointment before you are 8 weeks. That is when you will also get your pregnancy notes (mine are on the Badger app) and you will then get a date for your 12 week scan. Congrats! x

You should really choose a hospital close to you as well, in case of emergency or if your in labour! You need to be able to get there easily x

When did you self refer? In my experience your first appointment (not scan) should be at around 9 weeks and your first scan (unless there’s a reason for an early scan) should be at 12 weeks. I think I got a letter back within a week or 2 and I self referred when I found out, at 5 weeks.

Buy some vitamins/ folic acid.

Stop smoking/ drinking/ eating pate.

Wait for appointment with midwife- round here it would be about 10weeks pregnant. Otherwise carry on as usual.

Any issues call early pregnancy unit.

That's all assuming you are wanting to continue pregnancy.

Everywhere does it slightly differently. Both times I called my GP and spoke to the receptionist and they talked me through the next steps. There’s also probably something on the surgery’s website.

Self refer (either by telephone or online form) - expect to get an initial booking in appointment for between 8 and 10 weeks depending on your trust. This is just an initial appointment to complete a medical questionnaire, check BP and BMI, assess if there are any factors that would make you higher risk, take an initial blood test etc.
After this you will receive an appointment for your dating scan which will be between 11 and 14 weeks.

In the meantime, you can start taking some pregnancy multi vitamins including folic acid.

And that's all you can do really..... it can be a surprise the first time that there is no initial doctors appointment, no- one confirms your pregnancy etc. They just take your word for it.

Some practical things you can start doing now:

• register with a GP (if you haven't already)
• self refer to a maternity unit/hospital (looks like you have already)
• start taking pre-natal supplements with folic acid in them (e.g. pregnacare or even Boots own brand)
• share the news with someone you trust, so you have a support system in place (i.e. the father?)
• take some time to yourself, it is a massive life event and you'll likely be feeling lots of emotions!

In my area you just ring the GP surgery and they book you a midwife appointment before 8 weeks.

You then start taking folic acid and stop any bad habits smoking, drinking etc

If you don't want to continue with the pregnancy then again I'd call the GP or pop into a pharmacy and they can guide you on next steps if it isn't available online.

Do you want to keep the baby?

I went to my GP to confirm it. Then everything was slotted in to place.

I self referred to the hospital, someone called me and set up a midwife booking apt for when I was 9 weeks. Then at about 10 weeks I got a letter for a scan date at 12 weeks.