Pregnancy & maternity

Congratulations on your pregnancy. You can refer yourself to maternity services, you do not need to see a GP first.

Booking your maternity care

Once you are around 6 weeks pregnant, complete the maternity self-referral form to book your first appointment and scan.

If you need urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency.

After 14 weeks of pregnancy, you can call the maternity triage team directly on 01273 664 793 about any pregnancy concern, such as your baby moving less than usual, bleeding, or tummy pain. They are available day and night.

Before 14 weeks, contact us or call NHS 111.

Looking after yourself in pregnancy

Start taking folic acid as soon as you can. Take 400 micrograms a day until you are 12 weeks pregnant. It helps your baby develop and lowers the risk of problems such as spina bifida. If you have diabetes or epilepsy, a higher body weight, or you or your family have had a pregnancy affected by spina bifida, you may need a higher dose, so ask us. Also take 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day throughout your pregnancy.

You may be able to get free vitamins through the Healthy Start scheme. For advice on eating well, foods to avoid and staying active, see the NHS pregnancy pages.

If you smoke, stopping is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby, and it is also best to avoid alcohol. We can refer you for free stop-smoking support, see Self-referral services.

Vaccinations in pregnancy

Some vaccinations are recommended in pregnancy to protect you and your baby. We offer:

  • the whooping cough vaccine, usually from 16 weeks
  • the flu vaccine, in autumn and winter
  • the RSV vaccine, from 28 weeks

Contact us to book, or ask at your appointment if you are not sure which you need.

Your medicines in pregnancy

If you take regular medicine, check whether it is safe to continue. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice, as some conditions can be more harmful to your baby than the medicine. Send us an online request for a medication review, or speak to your pharmacist. Always check with a pharmacist or with us before taking any new medicine, including ones you buy.

Free prescriptions and dental care

While you are pregnant, and for 12 months after your baby is born, you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and NHS dental care. You will need a maternity exemption certificate, which your midwife usually arranges at your booking appointment.

Mental health in pregnancy

Your mental health matters as much as your physical health, during pregnancy and after birth. If you are struggling, you can talk to your midwife, your health visitor or us. Support is available throughout pregnancy and for up to a year after your baby is born. See our Mental health and wellbeing page.

Help deciding about your pregnancy

If you are unsure about continuing your pregnancy, you can talk to us in confidence, or contact MSI Reproductive Choices directly on 0345 300 8090.

After your baby is born

We will see you and your baby for checks after the birth:

  • a postnatal check for you at around 6 to 8 weeks, with a GP, to see how you are recovering in body and mind
  • a check for your baby at around 6 to 8 weeks (your baby is also checked soon after birth)

Please register your baby with the practice after the birth, so we can look after their health and arrange their vaccinations. Your health visitor will also offer support before and after these checks.

This page was last updated in June 2026.