Just found out I am pregnant - what now?!

[Minky719]

Hi everyone, I have found out this morning I’m pregnant! Bit of a surprise but DH and I are both really happy.

I’ve been doing some googling and I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the different advice and articles out there.

Something that keeps coming up though is folic acid. So I’m thinking I need to get myself down to the shops tomorrow to pick some up. Are there any other supplements I should be taking?

Is there any other advice anyone can give about what to do in the coming weeks? I have already googled my local maternity service and can see I need to be referred by my GP so I’ll be giving them a call this week too.

Thanks in advance! Head feels like a bit of a jumble right now so really appreciate any advice.

Yay congratulations that's amazing news.
Definitely call GP and also set up a midwife appointment. You going to begin that journey. Definitely take folic acid, you can also get a nice pregency supplement your pharmacy can advise based on if you have any allergies etc.

In the coming weeks get yourself into a healthier eating if you not already. Drink lots of water too. Limit the caffeine. And I would avoid all alcohol. Walk, and can look at doing pregency safe excicises yoga or something of the sort. Start getting some books maybe from rhe library, find some YouTube, tiktok or dpendint what platform you using, follow mums they have wonderful advice for the journey.

Remember to enjoy each day, take it as it comes some will be good others challenging. First trimester can make you feel so tired, like more tired then you ever felt before, so take naps.

Also download apps that take show you how your baby is growing week by week. Emma's diary as well, to get free sample packs from boots. I can't remember the other app I'll look it up, was brilliant.

Congratulations!

Contact your GP as planned next week, if it's super early they might ask you to call back in a few weeks (bookings asked me to call back when I was a bit further along as I found out very early)

Definitely take folic acid. I personally didn't take any other pregnancy supplements but there are some you'll find at the supermarket if you want to take more.

I agree with the other poster, avoid alcohol, limit your caffeine, avoid deli meats and unpasteurised cheese etc, NHS have a list of what to not eat.

You may get sickness, be very tired, have sore boobs.

I am so excited for you, I'm currently on the sofa with my 6 month old asleep on me, you have so many amazing, exciting and wonderful moments to come x

Congrats! Get on Folic acid and Vitamin D, read up on the NHS guidance, and prepare for a really long wait until your 12wk scan. First trimester is weird!

Congratulations!
Agree with the other posters. Get yourself a pregnancy vitamin with folic acid and vitamin D in it (pregnacare is obviously the big brand but supermarket own pre-natal vitamins do just the same!) If you have a higher BMI additional folic acid is recommended until 12 weeks. Think about iron as well. If you’ve ever struggled with your iron levels you might need more than the standard amount in pre-natal vitamin all-in-one tablets. I take a sachet of spatone liquid iron in addition to pregnacare because low iron is a problem for me at the best of times, least of all in pregnancy.
You can contact the GP but have a google for antenatal services in your area first as in some regions you self refer for antenatal services rather than going through your GP. You just fill in an online form with your information and they contact you within a few days with your booking appointment date.
Wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy. Not all of it may be enjoyable but it goes fast! So try to live in the moment and embrace it.

Congratulations :)
I took a prenatal and omega 3 (DHA EPA) from the beginning. I also looked at which hospital I wanted to go for the birth so that might be something you want to do, not sure if it works the same everywhere (I'm in London).
All the best for your pregnancy!