here - Health Promotion Agency

Your pregnancy
at a glance
0-8 weeks
•
Pregnancy test – you can have
one from the first day of a
missed period, if you wish
(see Finding out if you’re
pregnant, page 26).
• Make an early appointment to
see your GP or a midwife if you
know you’re pregnant or think
you may be (see Finding out if
you’re pregnant, page 26). Begin
to think about where you want
your baby to be born (see
Deciding where to have your
baby, page 33). Ask about
antenatal care (see Antenatal care
and antenatal classes, page 51).
•
Some mothers start to feel sick or
tired around this time or have
other minor physical problems for
a few weeks (see Common
minor problems, page 77).
• Take a folic acid supplement
and try to eat a balanced diet
(see pages 8-12).
8-12 weeks
•
You’ll probably attend your first
antenatal appointment.
Appointments will usually be
monthly at first (see Antenatal
care and antenatal classes,
page 51).
• Ask about your rights at work
and the benefits available
(see Rights and benefits,
page 130).
•
If you’re on Income Support
or income-based Jobseeker’s
Allowance, you can claim free
milk, fresh fruit and vegetables
(see Rights and benefits, page
136).
• Make a dental appointment.
Dental care is free during
pregnancy and for a year after
the birth of your baby.
12-16 weeks
•
Find out about antenatal classes
if you have not already done so
(see Antenatal care and
antenatal classes, page 51).
• Begin to think about how you
want to feed your baby
(see The feeding question,
page 66).
•
Make sure you’re wearing a bra
which supports well.
• You may be offered an
ultrasound scan which will
show your baby moving. Your
partner may like to see this too
(see Antenatal care and
antenatal classes, page 51).
•
If you’ve been feeling sick and
tired in the early weeks, you
will probably start to feel better
around this time.
• You may be offered tests to
check for abnormalities in the
baby (see pages 57-9).
4