When you find out you are pregnant
When you find out you’re pregnant, you will need to register for your first appointment with a midwife, called your booking appointment. You can register online and we ask that you do this as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
Whilst you don’t need to make a GP appointment to confirm your pregnancy, we do recommend that you inform your GP practice you are pregnant so they can update your records.
Once you have completed the online form, a midwife will contact you by 9 weeks of pregnancy to book your first appointment. This call may appear as an unknown number.
Book your first midwife appointmentVaccines in pregnancy
During pregnancy, you will be offered up to four vaccines to help protect you and your baby from flu, covid, whooping cough and RSV.
Find out when and where to get each vaccine below:
Seasonal Vaccinations : NHS Gloucestershire ICBMental health support
It’s very common to need some support with your emotional health during pregnancy, or in the first year after your baby is born. We know that dads and partners can also be affected. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to reach out and find the right support.
There are lots of sources of support if you are experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy or after baby arrives. Some of these support sources are provided by the NHS in Gloucestershire, and there are also lots of services provided by the local voluntary and community sector.
Please follow the link below to find out more.
Perinatal Mental Health Support in GloucestershirePelvic health
Pelvic floor issues such as pain, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common in pregnancy and after giving birth, but there are lots of things that can help, you don’t need to suffer these symptoms.
The Perinatal Pelvic Health Service aims to provide support and information for women around pelvic health during and after pregnancy. There are group sessions for during pregnancy and after birth, and you can self-refer to the physiotherapy service if you need to.
Find out more at www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/pelvichealthMaternity services
Find out more about maternity services in Gloucestershire and how to contact them here:
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/maternity
Useful resources
Baby Buddy
An app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Download Baby Buddy on the Google Play Store
Download Baby Buddy on the Apple App StoreTommy’s
Expert, midwife-led advice for parents before, during and after pregnancy, working together towards safer, healthier pregnancies.
Website
www.tommys.orgNHS pregnancy information
All you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Website
NHS: PregnancyMAMA Academy
MAMA Academy’s mission is to empower all maternity professionals and expectant parents on stillbirth prevention methods to help more babies arrive safely.
Website
www.mamaacademy.org.ukBUMPS – Best use of medicines in pregnancy
Reliable, evidenced-based and accurate information about the use of medicines in pregnancy.
Website
Bumps – Best use of medicines in pregnancyHealthy Start
With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. You could qualify if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and under 18.
Website
Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)Feeding your baby
Feeding your baby can feel quite overwhelming at first – whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both.
Here you can find have lots of guidance to support you, along with hints and tips from other parents.
Website
Feeding your baby – Start for Life – NHS