I can’t speak for other countries but it will be similar. If you’ve decided to book with NHS care then you need to contact your local GP surgery and request to book an appointment with the midwife attached to that practice. Find tips, advice and info to help you make the most of your pregnancy. Following this, they will tell you about your birth options so you can start thinking about what you want to do when the big day finally comes. Basildon University Hospital Essex. Although it is important to inform your midwife if you are feeling down, this can be perfectly normal during pregnancy and does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with your mental condition. Home > Community > International > UK Parents > First midwife appointment . *Weaning is recommended at around 6 months. Your first main appointment is your booking appointment (booking visit) with your midwife normally between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. x They go over your medical history, blood and urine tests and then give you a big book explaining the midwife appointments and when you should be having them. It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other and to really understand what your antenatal care involves. Anything you say to them will be treated in confidence, so if you are experiencing problems or want to get anything that could impact your pregnancy off your chest, feel free to share anything you want. The browser you are using is too old for our website. For example, they’ll want to know if you’ve been pregnant before and if there is a family history of diseases. During your first midwife session why not ask them about the other tests you’ll have to take in the not-too-distant future, like your ultrasound scans and screening tests. If you are worried about having your blood taken, don’t be afraid to say - your midwife will put your mind at rest and make sure you’re comfortable. This may include advice and information on why you need folic acid and how to eat healthily during pregnancy (NHS 2019a, … J. If you’ve decided to book with NHS care then you need to contact your local GP surgery and request to book an appointment with the midwife attached to that practice. What foods should I be eating and what foods should I avoid? Bexley CCG (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital, Darent Valley … **For the first 15,000 people who sign up through us. How to prepare for your booking appointment As well as going in with an idea of what your midwife will want to discuss at this first meeting, it’s good to spend some time before the appointment thinking about any questions you’d like to ask. They will then organise your first midwife meeting, which is sometimes called a booking appointment or your first antenatal appointment. There are also independent midwives which you can find online. Your limited edition baby grow will be size 0-6 or 6-12 months, depending on the age of your baby. Whether you have booked your appointment through the NHS or you are using an independent midwife, it is very natural to feel nervous during your first antenatal appointment. Remember, if something is worrying you, there’s no need to wait for your next appointment. What sort of screenings and tests will I need? Tell your midwife how you are feeling, whether down or anxious, and also be sure to disclose any mental health conditions you have. If you start your antenatal care after 12 weeks, your doctor will arrange your first pregnancy appointment as soon as possible. Your local doctor will normally be responsible for putting you in contact with your nearest midwife, or you can also arrange a midwife appointment through your local council or Children Centre. These are all important factors your midwife should know about in order to help you as best they can, so don’t feel the need to hold anything back. At your first midwife appointment, you’ll have some blood taken and be asked for a urine sample for a range of tests. Airedale General Hospital West Yorkshire. Leave Group. Background health questions etc. Your midwife will want to know if you’re feeling a little down or anxious about your pregnancy. They will take blood at that appointment and you'll have some forms to fill it. If you have any symptoms which are causing discomfort, then this is also the perfect time to ask about them. This website is owned by Nutricia Ltd; registered company number 00275552, registered address Newmarket House Newmarket Avenue White Horse Business Park Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 0XQ. Your first midwife appointment Your first midwife appointment is an exciting moment. You'll have an appointment at 40 weeks if this is your first baby. A midwife is there to help and provide you with any reassurance you should need. Your first antenatal contact with the midwife, which is known as the booking appointment should take place at around 8 to 10 weeks. Ashford Hospital Surrey. They book the 12 week scan. So you’ve taken a home pregnancy test and it’s confirmed you’re going to have a baby -  congratulations! Its a lot of information, but you'll be fine. Your midwife won't offer to examine you internally at your first antenatal appointment. Your first appointment is an opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns you might have. The next step is to call your doctor. Your midwife will give you a contact number (usually for your local maternity unit) that you can call anytime, 24/7, for help. Before you meet, it might be worth jotting down any questions or concerns as they pop into your head. At the end of the first appointment, your midwife will give you your maternity notes in a book or a folder.