Pregnancy support (DRAFT - Best start)

Pregnancy support (DRAFT - Best start)

Information, advice, and guidance about what to expect through your pregnancy and the support available.

Found out you are pregnant?

If you live in Worcestershire you can refer yourself to see a midwife using the simple online form below.

Tell us you are pregnant

Tip: If you can, book before you have been pregnant for 12 weeks. There is lots of evidence that shows that you and your baby will be fitter and happier if you have your first appointment early. Your community midwife will have lots of information to help you, can answer your questions and arrange your scans.

Things to think about in 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:

You can get supplements from pharmacies and supermarkets, or your GP may be able to prescribe them for you.

If you want to get your vitamin D or folic acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A (or retinol).

You can get vitamin supplements containing folic acid and vitamin D free of charge if you're under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding and qualify for the Healthy Start scheme.

Sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Vaccinations

Some vaccines, such as the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine, are recommended during pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby.

Vaccinations in pregnancy - NHS

Your baby's movements

Counting the kicks

You should start to feel your baby move between around 16 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Once your baby starts to move, it should keep on moving. You should start to recognise a pattern and it shouldn’t stop.

If the movement stops, slows down, or changes or you’re worried for any reason, pick up the phone and call Maternity Triage immediately. Worcestershire Royal Hospital: 01905 733196

It is important to get checked. Don’t keep your worries to yourself.

Support resources

Week-by-week pregnancy guides

There are many week by week and complete pregnancy guides with information about what to expect through your pregnancy. This may include pregnancy signs and symptoms, coping with morning sickness, what you need for your baby, and getting ready for labour and birth.

Week-by-week guide to pregnancy - Start for Life

Pregnancy week-by-week - NHS

Baby buddy app

The Baby Buddy app is a multi-award-winning parenting and pregnancy app.

Baby Buddy's self-care tools are based on the latest research and evidence and provides trusted information to:

  • support and empower mums, dads, and caregivers
  • build their knowledge and confidence
  • help them take care of their physical and mental health during pregnancy, birth and the first year of their baby’s life

Connecting with your baby whilst pregnant

Your baby loves to hear your voice, even before they are born! It helps them feel calm and safe, and it’s a great way to start building a special bond with them. Your baby doesn’t mind what you say or how you sound.

Talk to your baby about anything, what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, or what you need from the shops! Sing your favourite songs, nursery rhymes, or even make up your own. Your baby will love the sound of your voice.

You can also read anything to your baby, a magazine or a children’s book. This helps your baby get to know your voice and feel safe and loved.

Ask your partner to join in too! Your baby can get used to their voice and will recognise it when they are born. Siblings can also talk to the baby bump, sharing songs and stories they love.

Communication During Pregnancy (JustOneNorfolk.org)

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