What do I need to do? I have just found out I am pregnant!
It can seem a bit daunting when you first find out the news you may have been waiting for and have a positive pregnancy test. For some it might not be welcome news initially and you and or your partner could have mixed emotions. You may have emotions of excitement, worry/anxiety, shock and or upset. For some, it can cause confusion, particularly if you have conceived whilst on contraception or if you have been trying to conceive for a long time without success. If you have had complications in previous pregnancies or deliveries you might have worries regarding this and may benefit from a conversation with your midwife, GP or Obstetrician.
There is lots of help available if you feel you need to discuss your options and it would be advisable to ensure you have support in making any decisions about next steps. Talking to a health care professional, family member or friend can help in alleviating some of your worries. It can seem a long time until your First Pregnancy Scan at 12-14/40. Some couples will want to tell family and friends their news before the scan, whilst some wait until they have had the scan. There is no right or wrong and your past experiences /pregnancy history may affect your decision.
If you are not already taking Folic Acid 400 micrograms (mcg) and Vitamin D 10 mcg it is advised that you take Folic Acid supplements up until the end of 12/40 and Vitamin D throughout the pregnancy. Pregnancy Multivitamins will usually contain both Folic Acid and Vitamin D but check its contents to be sure. Folic acid helps to prevent developmental problems with your baby such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These are called neural tube defects, where the baby’s spinal cord or brain does not develop as it should. If you or your partner have a neural tube defect, have had a baby with one, or if you have diabetes, coeliac disease or epilepsy, it is recommended to take a higher dose of 5 milligrams, (which needs to be prescribed by a Doctor.). If you have a BMI above 30 you should also consult your Doctor as to whether a higher dose is needed. Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight but it is now recommended that Vitamin D is taken outside of the summer months also.
You should be registered with a GP in your area and if not, you will need to register. If you need to find a GP , if you go to the link, Finding out you’re pregnant – NHS (www.nhs.uk) it will allow you to find a GP. You will also need to register for Ante Natal Care, to ensure both you and your baby are receiving the necessary information/support/advice and care required. You do this by registering with your midwife online through Maternity Self-Referral for your area. Your midwife booking appointment will usually be before or around 10/40.
If you take regular medications, please discuss these with your GP/ Pharmacist or midwife to ensure that they are safe to continue in pregnancy. If you are taking prescribed medication, it is important not to suddenly stop taking it without consulting with your doctor. The website bumps – best use of medicine in pregnancy (medicinesinpregnancy.org) provides information on medications in pregnancy and may be helpful.
There are lots of Apps and online pregnancy calculators that can help calculate your due date if you know your last menstrual period date. The gestational calendar will calculate your due date from your Last Menstrual Period assuming a 28 day menstrual period cycle. If you have longer menstrual cycles, you will need to take this into account as you may be earlier in your pregnancy that you think.
D Hamilton-Rose (Nurse Sonographer)