 |
 |
| by Liz Nightingale, NHS and Independent Midwife |
| So you've done your pregnancy test - what next? You can be pretty sure you are pregnant because modern pregnancy tests are extremely accurate. It's not compulsory to visit your GP, but he or she may like to run through some do's and don'ts with you. Alternatively, you can often just arrange a "booking" appointment with the local NHS midwife through your GPs reception service. Usually a "booking" appointment takes place at about 10-12 weeks: |
| Your First Midwife Appointment This would normally take about an hour (although sometimes less if you have a busy midwife) and cover a range of areas. |
| - taking a record of you previous and current health |
| - creating a computer record for you |
| - discussion of health, smoking, nutrition and exercise issues |
| - routine blood tests (optional), blood pressure measurement and urine sample |
| - discussion of where you want to have your baby |
| - discussion of health and care provisions during your pregnancy |
| - you may be offered an early scan at this point |
| - time to ask the midwife questions! |
| However there are common problems that affect a large proportion of women in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy: Morning Sickness Ranges from a slightly nauseous feeling in the mornings to severe cases where you can't even sip water without vomiting. Try to stop it before it starts... - Regular snacking will help keep you blood sugar level up and more responsive to the babys nutritional needs. Ensure your B6 and B12 levels are topped up by snacking on food rich in these vital vitamins (see pre-conception section). - Try sipping freshly prepared ginger root tea ( not ginger biscuits!). Click here for Liz's own receipe. - Try acupressure (photo here), which works on chinese acupressure points to relieve nausea. Use your own fingers as 'sea-bands' don't always sit on the right spot. - If none of this works and you feel you are getting worse, don't suffer, your GP can help you and monitor the symptoms - in severe cases it's sometimes neccessary to have an overnight stay in hospital to rehydrate you! Bleeding If you experience any form of bleeding during this period, consult your midwife or doctor immediately. Diet and Nutrition Try to eat a healthy balanced diet, which will provide you with everything you need. Moderate your fat, sugar and salt intake and try for 5 fruit and vegetable portions each day. Again, try to include foods rich in B6 and B12 as can be important to reduce your chances of suffering severe morning sickness. There are lots of foods to avoid during pregnancy - you can visit the BBC website and the Food Standards Agency for general nutritional information in pregnancy. Lifestyle and Fitness Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as both have seriously damaging effects on your baby (and you). I recommend regular gentle exercise. Tiredness A very common problem in the first 12 weeks. Go with it, accept that you need the rest, as your body is very active generating a new life. Try to nap whenever possible and treat yourself to some early nights! |
| BACK TO MAIN MENU >>> |
| Disclaimer: Please Read All content within fhtm (from here to maternity online ltd) is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. We are not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the this website. We are not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the pages. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health. |
