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
• avoid alcohol and drugs 
• keep active as gentle exercise during pregnancy is good (and safe) for you and your baby

See the Planning for pregnancy page for more information about taking vitamins in early pregnancy.

Some vaccines, such as the seasonal flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine, are recommended during pregnancy to protect the health of you and your baby, visit: Vaccinations in pregnancy - NHS for more information.

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

• Your baby's movements - NHS
• Baby's movement in pregnancy - Tommy's
• Your baby's movements in pregnancy (RCOG)
• Your Baby's Movements Matter - Kicks Count

There are many week-by-week 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

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

The Baby Buddy app

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.

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 read to them. This helps your baby get to know your voice and feel safe and loved.

Ask your partner and family to join in too. Your baby can get used to their voice and will recognise it when they are born. 

• Communication During Pregnancy (JustOneNorfolk.org)

A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour, birth , and after the birth. If you would like a birth plan your midwife will help you plan one. 

The following link provides information about how to make your birth plan and a link to download a birth plan template:

• How to make a birth plan - NHS