Booking in appointment
Most women who think they may be pregnant will have taken a home pregnancy test before seeing their doctor. Some doctors may then want to officially confirm the pregnancy via a urine or blood test. Once confirmed, your doctor's surgery will either arrange your booking appointment for you, or give you the contact details of a midwife to make the appointment directly.
What your midwife will ask you
During the first of your midwife appointments, your midwife will need to ask you about the following, in order to get a good picture of your health and expectations of pregnancy and birth:
- You and your partner’s medical history and lifestyle
- Your midwife will want to know the details of any previous pregnancies and any family history of diseases or genetic conditions. They’ll also ask about your diet, whether you smoke, your alcohol intake, and if you are on any medication.
- Dates
- Be ready to give them the date of your last period to help your midwife calculate your due date. You may also be offered a dating scan to check your due date; this is usually done around the 12th week.
- Where you’re giving birth
- You’ll be asked whether you have decided where you’d like to give birth, whether it’s at home, a birthing centre or a hospital. But don't worry, you won't have to make your final decision just yet. Your midwife will discuss which hospital you'd prefer your scans to be carried out at.
- Feeding
Your midwife will discuss your feeding options and ask you whether you will want to breast or bottlefeed your baby.
Tests and examinations
As well as finding out your medical history, your midwife discuss some routine checks during your booking appointment. These involve taking blood and urine tests, but it will be your decsion whether you'd like these test done. Depending on your stage your midwife may also:
- Listen to your baby’s heartbeat using a hand-held device placed on your tummy
- Record your weight and height
Questions to ask your midwife
Your booking appointment is the ideal opportunity to ask your midwife about any initial questions you may have about pregnancy and giving birth. Don’t worry if something seems basic or silly, they’re there to give you the reassurance and advice you need.
We've got lots of useful articles you might like to read before your appointment. Some of the things you might like to talk to your midwife about include:
- Birthing options
- Further tests and screenings
- Aches and pains during pregnancy
- Booking antenatal classes
- A healthy pregnancy diet
- How to exercise safely
- Details of the local hospital’s birthing facilities
Don’t worry if you think of other questions after the first meeting, you’ll have several more midwife appointments over the next 6 months. If you have any questions that can't wait for your next appointment you could give our midwife a call anytime on 0800 996 1000.
How often will I see my midwife?
If this is your first pregnancy, you can expect to have around ten midwife appointments. These will become more frequent towards the end of your pregnancy. The exact scheduling and number will depend on your primary care trust and whether or not you are having a high risk pregnancy.
If you're particularly concerned about something related to your pregnancy, you don’t have to wait for your next appointment. You’ll be given a 24-hour number (usually your local maternity unit) that you can call for advice. Of course, our experts are also here to help. Our experienced mums and healthcare professionals answer lots of questions on all aspects of pregnancy, birth and motherhood every day. You can call them on 0800 996 1000 or chat with them online using Live Chat - our instant messaging service.