Maternity Services

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Before you are pregnant

Here’s some information based on The Pregnancy Book.

All about conception and getting pregnant

Planning another pregnancy

Think you’re pregnant?

Telling you’re a Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. The more you know about your pregnancy and your options, the more you are likely to feel in control.

The Maternity Matters Dorset website is an online guide to maternity options and services in Dorset.

More information on options, services, how to self-refer and check the midwives can support you

Confirming your pregnancy

Pregnancy Tests

You can purchase pregnancy tests from lots of places, such as pharmacies and supermarkets. It’s best to wait until your period is late before you test to make sure you get an accurate result, but there are more sensitive tests available that will give you an answer a little earlier.

If the test is negative, it’s best to wait a few days and then try again. If your period doesn’t start and your tests are still negative, please see your GP.

I am pregnant – what to do next?

It can be difficult to know who to contact when you find out that you’re pregnant. If you haven’t already, the first thing to do is to refer yourself to maternity matters services by completing a self-referral form. You will then be contacted to arrange your booking appointment, which will happen when you’re around 8-12 weeks pregnant, or as soon as possible if you believe that your pregnancy is further along. There is no need to see your GP unless you have existing health problems.

• If you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s health before your booking appointment, please arrange to see your GP.
• If you have any existing health problems, it’s a good idea to see your GP when you find out that you’re pregnant, so that they can review any medication you’re taking and see if you need any additional care.

Finding out you are having a baby

When you find out you’re having a baby, you may feel happy and excited, or shocked, scared, confused and upset. Everybody is different, so don’t worry if you’re not feeling the way you expected. Even if you’ve been trying to get pregnant, your feelings may take you by surprise.

During pregnancy, changes to your hormone levels can affect your mood and make you feel more emotional. The way you feel about your pregnancy may change. Talk to your midwife or GP, who are there to support you, help you adjust or give you advice if you decide you don’t want to continue the pregnancy.

If you’re struggling emotionally, you can refer yourself to a local Steps 2 Wellbeing service via their website or by contacting them directly.