I'm pregnant. What happens next?
Finding out you’re pregnant
You should see a midwife or GP as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (ideally before 8 weeks into the pregnancy). It's important to see a midwife as early as possible to get the antenatal (pregnancy) care and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
Your pregnancy will be treated confidentially, even if you’re under 16.
Local Maternity Services:
You can give birth at home, or in a hospital. Your choices about where to have your baby can depend on your needs and history. You can discuss your choices during antenatal care but all pregnancies should be registered, as soon as possible, at your chosen Maternity service.
Warrington Hospital: you can self-refer to Warrington Hospital's maternity care at Badger Notes - Self-refer your pregnancy to Warrington and Halton. You can contact the Community Midwives on 01925 662092.
Whiston Hospital: you can self-refer directly to the maternity service by contacting 0151 495 5079 or 0151 430 1492.
Liverpool Women's Hospital (LWH): you can self-refer to the LWH using 'My Pregnancy Notes' at Just found out you’re pregnant - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust or call 0151 702 4328 to arrange your first appointment.
Countess of Chester: you can self-refer to the Countess of Chester at Maternity Services Self-Referral (office.com) For enquiries call 01244 363487.
There is no need to contact your GP to access maternity care services.
Early Pregnancy
In the early days and weeks of pregnancy, you may not know if you're pregnant.
But you can do the following things:
- take a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms a day while you're trying to get pregnant and until the 12th week of pregnancy
- take a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms a day
- avoid some foods to protect against infections
- stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby's health
Mental health and pregnancy
Being pregnant can have a significant impact on your mental health. While it’s an exciting time for many, you might also feel anxious, worried, confused or shocked.
You should speak to your GP or Midwife:
- If you have a mental health condition and are worried about how it could affect your pregnancy.
- If you’re taking medication for a mental health condition and find out you’re pregnant.
You might also develop a mental health condition during pregnancy or after birth. Your GP or midwife might offer you two types of treatment:
- Talking therapies.
- Medication.
Partners might also have mixed feelings about becoming a parent. It’s important that partners also seek support for their mental health if they need it.
What is antenatal care?
Antenatal care is the care you get during your pregnancy. It is also called pregnancy care or maternity care. You should be offered appointments with a midwife or sometimes a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth.
The midwife or doctor providing your care will:
- Check the health of your baby.
- Give you information about having a healthy pregnancy.
- Discuss your options and choices for care during your pregnancy, labour and birth.
- Ask you how you’re feeling.
- Answer any questions you have.
What antenatal appointments will I have?
In England, the NHS should offer you the following:
- Two pregnancy ultrasound scans at 8 to 14 weeks and 18 to 21 weeks.
- Antenatal screening tests to determine the chance of your baby having certain conditions.
- Blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B.
- Screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia.
Your GP or midwife should do some of these tests before you’re ten weeks pregnant, so it’s essential to see a midwife or GP as early as possible.
Your midwife will also carry out some checks and tests, such as urine and blood pressure checks, throughout your pregnancy.
How many antenatal appointments will I have?
If you’re expecting your first child, you can have up to 10 appointments.
If you have had a baby, you’ll have around seven appointments. This could change if you develop a medical condition.
What’s your experience of maternity care?
If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, we want to hear your experience of maternity care, including what support you have had for your mental health.
By sharing your feedback, you can help improve care for other parents like you.
I’m unhappy with my maternity care. What should I do?
NHS services and staff should treat you with dignity and respect. If you are worried about your maternity care, talk to our midwife or doctor as soon as possible. You can also contact the Head or Director of Midwifery. Their details will be on the NHS Trust or Board website.
If you want to make a complaint, you should:
- Make your complaint within 12 months from the time of the treatment you are complaining about.
- Make your complaint to the NHS body responsible for your care.
- Ask to see your healthcare records before you complain.
- Make notes of what happened as soon as possible.
For more detailed advice on how to make a complaint about NHS maternity care and other ways you can provide feedback about your experience, take a look at the Birthrights complaints factsheet.
Where can I get support to make a complaint?
Birthrights’ free and confidential advice service helps anyone who needs advice about their rights during pregnancy and childbirth. They can also give you advice on making a complaint. Contact Birthrights via their contact form or email at advice@birthrights.org.uk.
NHS Complaints Advocate
An NHS Complaints Advocate provides free, confidential and independent support, and will provide you with information to help you make informed choices to help you navigate through the NHS complaints process.
Not everyone making a complaint about the NHS will need an advocate. Sometimes, you may just need some information.
Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy | Healthwatch Halton
Phone on 0151 347 8183. Available Monday to Friday 9 am until 5 pm.
(An answerphone is available outside of these hours)
