What should I expect during my pregnancy?
As Soon As Your Pregnant – checklist
There are some things you will want to do as soon as you find out you’re pregnant:
- Choosing your maternity service provider and book in before 10 weeks.
- Start taking folic acid and vitamin D.
- If you currently smoke, you need to stop.
- Check what foods you can and can’t eat.
- Reduce your caffeine.
- If you currently drink alcohol, you’ll need to stop.
Visit our GM ‘As Soon As You’re Pregnant’ website for more information.
Your pregnancy timeline
Week 10
Before you reach week 10 of your pregnancy, you should choose your maternity service provider and schedule your first midwife appointment. This will ensure you get the important health checks and screening that you need.
Some screening tests, including those for sickle cell and thalassaemia, are best done before you reach 10 weeks of pregnancy. This is because further tests may be needed, and decisions made about ongoing care.
Visit our GM ‘As Soon As You’re Pregnant’ website for more information.
Week 8 to 10 – booking appointment
This appointment may take place in a clinic, at home or at the hospital. Lots of information will be given to you during this appointment and screening tests will be offered, including blood tests.
You will be given pregnancy notes (paper or online), which will include information about your named midwife (the midwife coordinating your care) and contact details. These notes are yours throughout your pregnancy and you are encouraged to read them; write questions and always bring them to every appointment relating to your pregnancy and birth.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 11 to 14 – dating scan
This is also known as the dating scan and is where your estimated due date will be confirmed. You will be offered screening for Down’s Syndrome at this scan.
Week 16 – antenatal appointment
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 18 to 21 – anatomy scan
Known as an anomaly scan, this scan is examining your baby’s wellbeing. It may be possible to identify the sex of your baby at this scan appointment, however this cannot be guaranteed.
The number of ultrasound scans during pregnancy can vary dependent upon circumstances, but these will be discussed with you during your pregnancy.
Week 20 – Whooping cough vaccine
Whooping cough (pertussis) rates have risen recently. Babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk. Whooping cough can be serious for babies and may lead to complications resulting in hospitalisation and even death. Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated.
You should usually have the whooping cough vaccine at around 20 weeks pregnant, but you can have it from 16 weeks. If you are 20 weeks pregnant and have not been offered the whooping cough vaccine, contact your midwife or GP surgery.
To help give the best protection to your baby, you should have the vaccine before 32 weeks. If you miss out, you can still have the vaccine later.
The vaccine is available from your GP practice. You can also speak to your midwife about getting vaccinated.
Week 25 to 26 – antenatal appointment (first baby only)
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 28 – antenatal appointment
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 28 – RSV Vaccine
RSV – or Respiratory syncytial virus – is a common cause of winter coughs and colds, but it can be serious for small babies. It can cause bronchiolitis, a lung infection that makes it hard for babies to breathe and feed. Some will need hospital care and it can be very serious. Sadly, sometimes babies die.
The RSV vaccination is now being offered to pregnant people to give your baby protection from the day they are born.
It is best to get the RSV vaccine as soon as possible when you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy but can be given anytime before the baby is born. Talk to your midwife to get your RSV vaccine.
Week 31 – antenatal appointment (first baby only)
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 34 – antenatal appointment
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 36 – antenatal appointment
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
At your 36-week appointment, you and your midwife will discuss your birth options if you’ve not already discussed this.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 38 – antenatal appointment
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 40 – antenatal appointment (first baby only)
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
We’ve included the ‘routine’ schedule of antenatal appointments here; however, some people need more. If you need more appointments, this will be discussed with you.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 41 – antenatal appointment
Antenatal appointments are very important for you are your baby’s wellbeing. You will also get to know the midwife/ midwifery team caring for you.
You’re birth options will be explored further if you’ve not yet given birth.
In Greater Manchester we offer pregnant women and birthing people carbon monoxide screening. This simple test will show how much of this gas you and your baby have been exposed to in the past couple of days.
Week 42
If you have not had your baby by 42 weeks and have chosen not to have an induction, you should be offered increased monitoring of the baby.
More information and support
Free NHS prescriptions and dental care
Whilst you are pregnant – and for 12 months after giving birth – you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and free NHS Dental care.
Your midwife, GP, Practice Nurse, or Health Visitor must apply for your Maternity Exemption Certificate for you. They may ask you to sign Form FW8 or they can apply for your Maternity Exemption Certificate online. If they apply for a digital certificate you will receive it by email. Otherwise, you will receive it by post within ten days.
Time off for antenatal appointments
Time off for antenatal appointments – find out more about pregnant employees’ rights.
If you need extra support
During your appointments it’s important to tell your midwife or doctor if you’re in a vulnerable situation and need extra support. This could be because of domestic abuse or violence, sexual abuse, or female genital mutilation.
This could be because of domestic abuse or violence, sexual abuse, or female genital mutilation (FGM).
