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 you get a positive test, you don’t need to see your general practitioner (GP) to confirm it but we would like to know. You can let us know by referring yourself to Dorset’s maternity services by completing the form above – we can then start to support you through your pregnancy.
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 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.
Contact Steps 2 Wellbeing
| Location | Phone number | Opening hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth and Christchurch | 0300 7900542 | dhc.bc.s2w@nhs.net | 09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday) |
| Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset | 0300 1231120 | dhc.pped.s2w@nhs.net | 09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday) |
| North and West Dorset | 0300 7906828 | dhc.west.admin.s2w@nhs.net |
09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday) |
| Weymouth and Portland | 0300 7906828 | dhc.west.admin.s2w@nhs.net |
09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday) |
Vitamins in pregnancy
It is recommended to start taking vitamins during the time you are trying to conceive and up until you are 12 weeks pregnant:
- 400 Micrograms of Folic Acid (Some people may need to take a higher dose of folic acid for example if you have a BMI over 30 and for some medical conditions, please ask your midwife or doctor)
- 10 Micrograms of Vitamin D
Vitamin C:
- Vitamin C protects cells and helps keep them healthy
- Vitamin C can be found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, and a balanced diet can provide all the vitamin C you need
Iron & Vitamin B12:
A varied and balanced diet should provide enough nutrients for you and your baby during pregnancy. But you if you are concerned about low iron levels and not getting enough vitamin B12, due to dietary restrictions, talk to your midwife or doctor about how to make sure you are getting enough of these important nutrients
If you want to get your folic acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A (or retinol), as this can cause harm to your baby. Always check the label.
Where to get vitamins:
You can purchase your supplements from pharmacies and supermarkets, or a GP may be able to prescribe them for you.
Healthy Start Scheme:
You may be eligible to get free vitamins if you qualify for the Healthy Start Scheme, which supports people who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old and receive certain benefits, or you’re pregnant and under 18.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card which you can use to buy certain types of milk, infant formula, fruit, and vegetables.
You can also use your card to get free vitamins to support you during your pregnancy and vitamin drops for babies and young children, from birth to 4 years old.
Deciding to terminate a pregnancy
You might decide that you do not want to continue with your pregnancy, or you might be unsure. You are not alone and there is lots of support available for you. You can get impartial help and advice from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.
If you have decided to terminate your pregnancy, you can refer yourself by calling 0300 456 2217 to book an appointment.
Termination for foetal abnormality
If screening tests show your baby has a serious abnormality you may be offered a termination to end the pregnancy. Some couples wish to continue with the pregnancy and prepare for the needs of their newborn baby, while others decide to terminate the pregnancy (have an abortion). Find out more information at NHS UK.