What to do when you find out you're pregnant on the NHS

Step 1 — Self-refer to maternity services

As soon as you have a positive test, you can self-refer to BHR Hospitals maternity services (opens in a new tab). You do not need to wait for a GP appointment or a second pregnancy test.

BHR Hospitals states that accepted patients who book with its maternity service give birth at Queen's Hospital, Romford. Its maternity catchment differs from borough boundaries, so the service will confirm whether it can provide your care.

Step 2 — Start folic acid and vitamin D

If you're not already taking folic acid, start immediately. The NHS recommends:

• Folic acid 400mcg daily (opens in a new tab) — taken until 12 weeks pregnant. Reduces the risk of neural tube defects including spina bifida (opens in a new tab).
• Vitamin D 10mcg daily (opens in a new tab) — recommended throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Both are available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets. If you have a higher risk of neural tube defects (e.g. you or a close family member have had one before, or you take certain medicines), your GP may prescribe a higher dose of folic acid — 5mg daily.

You may also be eligible for free vitamins through the Healthy Start scheme (opens in a new tab) if you receive certain benefits and are at least 10 weeks pregnant. Ask your midwife or GP.

Step 3 — Your midwife booking appointment

Your first formal NHS antenatal appointment is called the booking appointment. It usually takes place between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy and lasts around an hour. This can be at Queen's Hospital or sometimes at your GP surgery, depending on local arrangements.

At your booking appointment, your midwife will:

• Take a full health and family history
• Calculate your estimated due date (EDD)
• Order blood tests (to check blood group, iron, infections, and more)
• Discuss your birth preferences and mental health
• Explain antenatal screening tests available to you
• Give you your maternity notes (sometimes called the "red book")
• Refer you for your 12-week dating scan

Bring any regular medications, relevant medical letters, and ID if you have it. If English is not your first language, tell the surgery when booking so an interpreter can be arranged.

Step 4 — The 12-week dating scan

Your first ultrasound scan is usually offered between 11 and 14 weeks. It confirms your due date, checks for a heartbeat, and looks at whether you're carrying more than one baby. Combined with a blood test, it also screens for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome, and Patau's syndrome.

For most Abbamoor patients, this scan takes place at Queen's Hospital, Romford.

What if I'm not registered with a GP?

You can register with Abbamoor online if your postcode is in the current catchment, but do not delay maternity self-referral while GP registration is processed.

Things to avoid in early pregnancy

• Smoking and alcohol — there is no safe level of either in pregnancy
• Certain foods: raw meat, unpasteurised dairy, liver and liver products, high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, marlin), and unwashed salad
• Changing cat litter (risk of toxoplasmosis)
• Saunas and hot tubs (overheating risk)

Mental health in early pregnancy

Anxiety and low mood are common in the first trimester. Hormonal changes, uncertainty, and physical symptoms can all contribute. Be honest with your GP or midwife about how you're feeling — they won't judge you, and there is support available, including the local Butterflies peer support group (opens in a new tab) for parents-to-be.

Who to call if you're worried

• Under 20 weeks — call the Queen's Hospital Early Pregnancy Unit on 01708 435 076
• Any pregnancy concern, or a concern about you or your baby up to 10 days after birth — call the 24-hour maternity helpline on 01708 503 742
• Your GP — for non-urgent concerns, medication questions, or mental health support
• Emergency — call 999