Pregnancy Journey
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1
Your First Trimester
As soon as you know you are pregnant, see your GP or self-refer to the provider of your choice. You should receive your booking appointment before ten weeks. Your journey will start with an initial discussion of care and place of birth.
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Information
There are foods you should avoid when you are pregnant, visit www.nhs.uk for the latest guidance.
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Medical Care
Routine Blood Tests Ultrasound Scan (12 weeks)
You will also have the option to find out the gender of your baby should you wish to.
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Looking After Yourself
Always check with your GP, pharmacist or midwife before you take any medicine
Visit www.Start4life.com for tips on keeping yourself well during pregnancy
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2
Your Second Trimester
Ask your midwife for a MAT B1 certificate (after 20 weeks). This confirms your pregnancy for your employer. Book your antenatal classes - your midwife will give you details.
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Information
If you are out of work or on a lowincome visit www.gov.uk to see what benefits you are entitled to.
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Medical Care
- Routine Blood Tests
- Ultrasound Scan (20 weeks)
You will also have the option to find out the gender of your baby should you wish to.
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Looking After Yourself
You will be offered the following services:
- Whooping cough vaccination
- Seasonal flu vaccination
- Oral glucose tolerance test for women at risk of gestational diabetes
- Screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
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3
Your Third Trimester
To prepare your birth plan your midwife will have a personal discussion with you and will give you the information you need about your choices.
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Information
Please visit www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights for more information on your rights including maternity leave.
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Medical Care
Scans, screening and tests for your baby, and routine blood tests for you. Anti D treatment if you are rhesus negative.
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Looking After Yourself
Visit www.nhs.uk to get advice on common health problems during pregnancy.
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4
After Giving Birth
Shortly after your baby is born you will be given a personal child health record (PCHB), also known as the red book. This may be in an electronic format that is currently being rolled out across areas of England.
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Information
Shortly after your baby is born you will be given a personal child health record (PCHB), also known as the red book. This may be in an electronic format that is currently being rolled out across areas of England.
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Medical Care
- Vitamin K
- Physical Examination
- BCG vaccination
Your baby will also be given a more detailed examination after 72 hours
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Looking After Yourself
You will be seen at your home by a midwife after which, a health visitor will visit you at your home to help you, your family and your new baby stay healthy.
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5
Post-natal care
Register the birth of your baby within 42 days - visit www.gov.uk for details.
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Information
If you were due for a cervical screening test while pregnant, this should be rescheduled for at least 12 weeks after the birth.
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Medical Care
A heel prick test which tests your baby's blood for nine rare, but serious health conditions.
A hearing screening will also be carried out if you had your baby at home. If you had your baby in a birth centre or hospital, this will be arranged for you after the birth.