Pregnancy care
Explained for you
Uses your language and style. The medical facts stay the same as NHS guidance.
NHS source (English)
You can refer yourself to maternity services without seeing a GP, search your local hospital's maternity self-referral. Try to see a midwife before 10 weeks. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily until 12 weeks and 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily. Maternity care is free for people ordinarily resident in the UK; you should never be refused urgent maternity care. Call your maternity unit straight away if you have bleeding, severe pain or your baby is moving less than usual.
Key words to recognise
You may hear these English words at appointments.
- Midwife
- A health professional who looks after you in pregnancy and after birth.
- Booking appointment
- Your first main midwife appointment, ideally before 10 weeks.
- Folic acid
- A vitamin recommended before and in early pregnancy.
Things you can do
- Self-refer to your local maternity service
- Take folic acid and vitamin D
- Ask for an interpreter at every appointment if you need one
Questions to ask your GP
- Can I have a female clinician?
- Can I bring a family member?
- What vaccines are offered in pregnancy?
This service provides health information and navigation. It does not diagnose conditions or replace advice from a healthcare professional.