Once you get those two pink lines on the pregnancy test it can be really overwhelming. Whether you have been planning and hoping for months or it’s a surprise pregnancy, it’s hard to know what to do first and what to prioritise. Also, there’s the fun stuff to consider, like shopping…
I’m a Midwife, Nurse, and Mum of three, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert in what to do when you find out you’re pregnant. In the UK that is. I can’t speak for other countries, but there will be similarities.
Get planning
When I’m overwhelmed I like to get out pen and paper and make a list, brainstorm, prioritise and get it all out. That’s what you need to do when you find out you’re pregnant. I always wanted to create the ultimate planner for pregnancy to keep everything on track in a pretty way, so I came up with my pregnancy planner and designed it with you in mind.
Register with a Midwife and GP
If you don’t have a GP, make sure you are registered with your local doctors. Then, you can self-refer to the Midwife attached to the GP practice. That takes some of the worries off you because that will generate future appointments for you like scans and any specialist care you may need. You don’t need an appointment with your GP to confirm the pregnancy, home kits are so reliable now that they take your word for it. Bear in mind you won’t see your midwife until about 8-10 weeks for the first booking in appointment.
Sign up for mother and baby websites
You will be inundated with people giving you their unsolicited advice whether you like it or not, and it’s best just to nod and smile and then make up your mind about it yourself. Registering with your favourite mum and baby sites will give you weekly updates, offers, and freebies for you.
>>>See my post on pregnancy freebies you are entitled to<<<
Check what benefits you are entitled to
Your benefits may change when you’re pregnant.
- You will be entitled to free prescriptions during the pregnancy and until the baby is one year old. Your midwife will give you the prescription exemption form, until then if you need a prescription you can just tell your pharmacy you are pregnant.
- You can get free NHS dental care and treatment during pregnancy and until the baby is one year old, you should get a checkup done during pregnancy, as it can affect your gums and teeth.
- Check if you are entitled to a sure start maternity grant.
- Women receiving certain benefits and all pregnant women under 18 will get free milk, infant formula, vitamins, and fruit and vegetables under the Healthy Start scheme.
- You will be entitled to paid time off for maternity appointments, no matter how long you have been in your job.
- You will be entitled to a minimum of statutory maternity pay.
Take your vitamins
There are two supplements currently recommended when you’re pregnant. The most important one is folic acid, which supports the formation of the neural tube and prevents defects such as spina biffida. You need 400mcg of folic acid per day as a supplement. Vitamin D is needed to help us absorb calcium and is good for growing bones. Most of us in the UK are slightly deficient in vitamin D, especially in the winter months. You need 10mcg of vitamin D per day. This can be capsules or as a spray. Of course, there are plenty of pregnancy vitamins out there in the shops, all claiming to be the best, but folic acid and vitamin D are currently the only recommended ones.
Get vaccinated
As part of your antenatal care, you will be offered the flu vaccine during flu season, the whooping cough vaccine from 16-32 weeks, and the covid vaccine at any time. Flu and the covid vaccine can be given at any stage of the pregnancy.
Consider antenatal classes
Depending on where you live in the UK and what NHS trust you are assigned to, you may be offered antenatal classes as part of your midwifery care. Some trusts have classes on Saturdays and evenings to suit you, whereas others have moved online or not at all. There are plenty of other options, such as online antenatal classes. Here are a few of my favourites:
Keep active
Don’t suddenly stop being active and exercising just because you’re pregnant. It’s important to keep the body moving and have optimal blood flow. I know pregnancy can be super tiring, especially in those early months, and of course, you need to listen to your body and rest when you need to. If you currently exercise, keep going, if you go to a gym or classes, let the instructor know you are pregnant and they can tell you about any adjustments you may need to do. The fitter and more supple you are, the better birth you will have.
Start researching baby equipment
I know it’s early but think about the big purchases you are going to need. What sort of cot will you have, what pushchair is going to be practical for you and your partner, and will the car seat fit in your car? Will you need a bigger car? These are the sorts of questions you need to be asking yourselves.
Start baby proofing
Is your house ready for a baby? I know they don’t come out crawling but it is only a few months away from the birth and it’s better to start planning for it now whilst you have time. Think about where your cleaning equipment and your first aid cupboard are and get the locks sorted. Is your garden ready for a family? Maybe you have a rickety fence or a pond that needs fencing off or filling in before the baby comes. If you start thinking about babyproofing now, your future self will thank your present self, trust me.
Prepare your pets
If you have dogs in particular, start getting them used to the idea of a new baby coming into the house. There are different ways to prepare your animals for a new life. The earlier you can get them used to it the better. Get some expert tips on how to prepare your pets for your new baby and the transition will be nice and smooth. You don’t want to have to worry about rehoming your pet once the baby arrives.
I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with too much information! Just take it slowly and you can do a bit at a time. I hope my pregnancy planner helps you, let me know if you use it and if you have any additions you would make to it or any suggestions to improve it. Oh, and come and follow me on Instagram @lifeandthelords
~❤~
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