If you find that you are pregnant then you should let your doctor or midwife know. They can advise you and answer any questions you may have. During your pregnancy your doctor or the midwife will generally see you alternately.
You can ask to have your baby at Reading, Basingstoke or Oxford. As home deliveries are the sole responsibility of the midwife, this option and any others can be discussed when you make your 1st appointment.
Advice for before you get pregnant
Check that you are "rubella immune" by phoning the doctor. Start taking folic acid supplements (discuss with the pharmacist). Keep fit, eat healthily, and don't wait until you are pregnant to give up smoking and to start drinking sensibly (maybe give up completely). Contact you doctor if you have particular health concerns.
When you are pregnant
A home pregnacy test, if positive is very accurate. We don't routinely do any further tests to confirm this. Write down your LMP (first day of your last period), for future reference. If you haven't started folic acid start taking it straight away and continue til 3 months pregnant. Definitely stop smoking, and reduce your drinking to a sensible level (maybe give up completely), perhaps 2-3 glasses of wine a week, maximum. Ask you doctor or midwife about diet and other health issues. You will be sen by the midwife at around 8 weeks. Tell reception at around 6-7 weeks who will let the midwife know. We generally see expectant mums every 4-6 weeks initally, then cutting down to 2 weekly and weekly near term. The doctors alternate visits with the midwife generally.
