What do I do now I think I am pregnant?
Pregnancy tests
We normally recommend a pregnancy test if you are a week overdue with your period. Most people do a test available from the chemist as this gives instant reliable results. It is best performed on a fresh sample of urine passed first thing in the morning after not having drunk a lot of fluid the night before.
Negative test
If negative it either means you are not pregnant or the test has been done too soon. Repeat on another early morning sample 1 week later.
Positive test
Make an appointment to see your GP. Preferably before 8 weeks from your last period. Sooner if possible if you are considering termination or if you think you would like screening for genetic abnormalities such as Downs syndrome.
Seeing the GP
The GP will want to know the date of your last period and whether there is a family history of any genetic diseases or any past pregnancy problems. Your GP will sign you up for maternity services, arrange prescription exemption and arrange referral to the hospital of your choice.
Think about which hospital you would like to be booked into.
Midwife
Chester
If you are planning to have your baby at the Countess of Chester the midwife will need to see you for a booking appointment as soon as possible after your pregnancy has been confirmed. Please arrange this at surgery reception. If no appointments are available, a home visit may be arranged. Please leave a contact phone number so the Midwife can arrange a date and time. Please collect a booking pack from reception, filling in the white booking form and read the screening booklet before your first midwife appointment. A dating scan appointment will be sent in the post.
Wrexham
If you are planning to have your baby at the Wrexham Maelor your booking appointment will be at the hospital but you should make a non booking appointment to meet the midwife (who is based at the Countess of Chester) in the surgery.Your hospital appointment will be sent in the post along with a dating scan appointment. Following your anatomy scan at 20 to 22 weeks you will be followed up in between hospital visits by the surgery midwife.
Pregnancy problems
If you are having any problems in the pregnancy do not wait until your next appointment. Feel free to arrange an earlier appointment or contact the surgery so the midwife can ring you back. If it is an urgency such as vaginal bleeding or cramping stomach pains contact the surgery straightaway and ask to speak to a doctor.
For more details about the surgery midwives follow this link - midwives