Think you’re pregnant?

If you have recently found out you’re pregnant – we’d like to know about it to make sure our midwives can start supporting you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.