Confirming Your Pregnancy
You do not need to see a GP to confirm that you are pregnant or to refer you to a midwife.
You can confirm your pregnancy by using an at home Pregnancy test that can be purchased from a Pharmacy or Supermarket. Just follow the instructions on the box.
Once your pregnancy has been confirmed from by a positive pregnancy test, you can then self refer directly to the midwife.
If you are foreign language speaking, or are unable to notify the Maternity Team using the online form then please call 07834 698 886.
Recommendations
It s important to attend all of your antenatal appointments so that the midwife can help to look after your health of you and your baby by performing necessary tests, scans and checks.
It is recommended that during pregnancy;
- You maintain a healthy diet including a variety of foods (There are some foods that you should avoid in Pregnancy)
- You take Vitamins and Supplements during Pregnancy, such as Folic Acid for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and Vitamin D throughout.
- To stop Smoking if you smoke
- To not drink Alcohol
- To continue your normal level of activity unless advised otherwise
- To accept the Whooping Cough vaccination when you are offered it by your midwife or GP practice.
For more recommendations visit the NHS website
Maternity Exemption Certificate
You can obtain a maternity exemption certificate from your surgery, your midwife or online through the NHS website for free prescriptions whilst pregnant and for 12 months afterwards.
A Maternity Exemption Certificate entitles Pregnant Women to free prescriptions and dental care.
Pregnancy and Your Mental Health
Pregnancy is a big life event, and it is normal to feel lots of different emotion. There is lots of support available if you are finding things difficult. Talk to your GP, midwife, visit Health and Care Portsmouth or call the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub 0300 1236621 – they can help you identify the right support for you. It’s normal to experience different emotions and feelings and it can help to talk about how you’re feeling. You are not alone.
If you are feeling isolated during your Pregnancy you may want to join an antenatal class or group in your local area. The Hive Directory has a list of organisations who can help to support you through your pregnancy.
Where to go for more support and advice during your pregnancy
The NHS website offers a range of support and advice for your pregnancy including; Due date calculator, Your Pregnancy Journey, What to expect at your Midwife Appointment and more.
For a Week by Week guide to Pregnancy and further information visit Better Health Start for Life
Portsmouth City Council offers support through Home Start Portsmouth Start for Life and their Family Hubs.
Family Assist – Solent is an innovative new way of ensuring that parents to be, parents and their friends and families have access to a wide range of information and resources.
Found out that you are pregnant but unsure what to do?
If you are unsure whether to proceed with the pregnancy then please contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service who will be able to give you advice and support so that you can make a decision that is right for you.