Just found out you’re pregnant? Start here.

Step by step

1. 1Start folic acid and check what to avoidTake 400 micrograms of folic acid a day until you’re 12 weeks, and 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. Some people need a higher dose of folic acid, so check our vitamins guide. Stop drinking alcohol and get free help to stop smoking, check which foods to avoid, and ask a pharmacist before taking any medicines. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine without advice.
2. 2Refer yourself to a midwifeYou don’t need to see a GP first. Most areas have an online form, and the sooner you refer yourself, the sooner you’ll be booked in. Your booking appointment should ideally be by 10 weeks. How to refer yourself.
3. 3Know what’s normalTiredness, feeling sick, sore breasts, needing to wee more, mild period-like cramps and more discharge are all common in the first weeks. See early pregnancy symptoms, morning sickness and, if you can’t keep food or drink down, hyperemesis gravidarum. It’s also normal to feel anxious: what can help while you wait for your scan.
4. 4Know when to get helpContact your maternity unit or an early pregnancy unit straight away, or NHS 111 if you can’t reach them, if you have any bleeding, pain on one side, pain that’s severe or doesn’t ease after resting, or pain in the tip of your shoulder. Call 999 if bleeding is heavy or comes with severe pain, or you feel faint or dizzy. Read more about bleeding in early pregnancy and the signs of a miscarriage.
5. 5Your first appointments and scansAt your booking appointment you’ll talk about your health and have blood tests. Your dating scan is between 10 and 14 weeks, and you can choose screening for Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes at the same time. If your pregnancy is after IVF, see moving from your clinic to NHS care.
6. 6Telling people and workWho you tell, and when, is up to you: when to tell people. You need to tell your employer by around 25 weeks, but telling them sooner means you can take paid time off for appointments.
7. 7Your rightsPrescriptions and NHS dental care are free while you’re pregnant and for 12 months after: how to get your certificate. At work you have the right to paid time off for antenatal appointments, a risk assessment and protection from unfair treatment: your rights at work.