Your First Antenatal Appointment

Finding out you’re pregnant is an exciting time, and one of the first steps is arranging your first antenatal appointment, also known as your booking appointment. This appointment is an important opportunity to assess your health, discuss your pregnancy and plan the care you’ll receive over the coming months.

When Should You Have Your First Appointment?

As soon as you know you’re pregnant, make an appointment with your GP or contact your chosen maternity hospital to begin your maternity care.

Your first hospital booking appointment is usually scheduled between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, although this may vary depending on your maternity hospital and individual circumstances.

If you have any existing medical conditions, previous pregnancy complications or concerns about your pregnancy, contact your GP or maternity hospital as early as possible.

What Happens at the Booking Appointment?

Your first antenatal appointment is usually longer than future visits because your healthcare team will gather important information about your health and pregnancy.

During your appointment, your midwife or doctor will discuss:

* Your medical history
* Previous pregnancies and births
* Any medications you are taking
* Your family’s medical history
* Your lifestyle, including smoking, alcohol and recreational drug use
* Your mental health and emotional wellbeing
* Any allergies you may have

This information helps your maternity team provide the safest care for both you and your baby.

Health Checks

Your appointment may include a number of routine health checks, including:

* Measuring your height and weight
* Checking your blood pressure
* Testing a urine sample
* Blood tests

These tests help identify your blood group and rhesus (Rh) status, check your iron levels, screen for certain infections and identify any conditions that may require additional care during your pregnancy.

Dating Scan

Most women will be offered an ultrasound scan during early pregnancy to:

* Confirm your baby’s due date
* Check whether you are expecting one baby or more than one baby
* Confirm that the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus

The timing of this scan varies between maternity hospitals.

Screening Tests

Your healthcare professional will explain the routine screening tests available during pregnancy.

They will discuss:

* What each screening test looks for
* The benefits and limitations of screening
* Whether the tests are recommended for you

Some screening tests are routinely offered as part of maternity care, while others may be available depending on your individual circumstances or your chosen maternity hospital.

Your healthcare team will answer any questions you have before you decide whether to proceed with screening.

Your Pregnancy Care Plan

During your booking appointment, your maternity team will discuss the model of maternity care that is most appropriate for you.

Depending on your pregnancy and your local maternity services, this may include:

* Midwifery-led care
* Consultant-led care
* GP Shared Care
* Public, semi-private or private care

Your care plan may change during pregnancy if your healthcare needs change.

Questions You May Want to Ask

Your first appointment is a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have, such as:

* What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
* Is it safe to continue exercising?
* Which vitamins should I take?
* What symptoms should I contact the hospital about?
* How often will I have antenatal appointments?
* When will I have my next scan?

No question is too small—your maternity team is there to support you throughout your pregnancy.

What Should I Bring?

Your maternity hospital will let you know exactly what to bring, but it is helpful to have:

* Photo identification
* Your PPS number (if requested)
* Details of any medications you take
* Information about previous pregnancies or medical conditions
* Any referral letter from your GP (if applicable)

You may also be asked to bring a urine sample. Your appointment letter will tell you if this is required.

Looking After Yourself

While waiting for your appointment, there are several important things you can do to support a healthy pregnancy:

* Take folic acid every day if recommended.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
* Avoid smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs.
* Stay active with pregnancy-appropriate exercise.
* Continue taking only medications approved by your doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

Key Points

* Contact your GP or maternity hospital as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
* Your booking appointment usually takes place between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
* You’ll be asked about your medical history, lifestyle and previous pregnancies.
* Routine checks include blood pressure, urine testing and blood tests.
* Your maternity care plan will be discussed and tailored to your individual needs.
* Bring any requested documents and prepare any questions you would like to ask your maternity team.