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I'm pregnant - what do I do next?
I’m pregnant, what do I do next?
Once you have a positive pregnancy test, it is advisable to visit your GP. Your GP should:
• Discuss your medical history. This is important, especially if you suffer from a condition such as diabetes or epilepsy, where some changes may need to be made to medication.
• Discuss any previous pregnancy complications that might necessitate referral to an early pregnancy unit for a scan, such as a previous history of an ectopic pregnancy or early referral to a specialist antenatal clinic, such as previous history of a genetic disorder or Downs syndrome.
• Check your blood pressure.
• Give you information on maternity services in your area so that you can decide where to have your baby.
• Write a referral letter to your chosen hospital, birth centre or maternity unit.
It is also important that you let the GP know if you have any pain or bleeding as he or she may need to refer you for an early pregnancy scan to check the location and viability of the pregnancy.
Other points:
• Ensure you are taking folic acid if not already doing so.
• Eat healthily and avoid anything that might be harmful in pregnancy – see Staying Healthy – Diet
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