Just Found Out You’re Pregnant? A Midwife’s Guide to What Happens Next
Written by Pip Morrish, UK registered midwife (@midwife_pip), for BellaMoon
Two lines on the test, and suddenly everything feels different. If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, it’s normal to feel excited, overwhelmed and unsure what to do first.
We asked midwife Pip Morrish, a Delivery Suite Sister with years of experience supporting parents through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, to share her advice. Pip has trained and worked in leading UK maternity units, is studying at master’s level, and has been through pregnancy herself, so she brings both professional and personal insight.
Here are Pip’s first steps for early pregnancy.
1. Start taking folic acid and vitamin D
The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day until you’re 12 weeks pregnant, and 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day throughout pregnancy. Some women need a higher dose of folic acid, for example if they have diabetes or a family history of neural tube defects, so check with your GP or midwife.
2. Book in with a midwife
Contact your GP surgery or your local maternity service as soon as you know you’re pregnant. In many areas you can self-refer directly to a midwife. Your first “booking” appointment usually takes place between 8 and 10 weeks, where you’ll discuss your health, your screening options and your care plan.
3. Decide when to share your news, on your terms
There’s no right or wrong time to announce a pregnancy. Some people tell everyone straight away; others wait until after the 12-week scan, as most miscarriages happen in the first trimester.
It’s worth thinking about who you’d want around you for support if things didn’t go to plan, and sharing your news with them early. First trimester symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can also be hard to hide, so telling a few trusted people can make day-to-day life easier.
4. Rest, and be kind to yourself
Your body is working incredibly hard. Your baby’s major organs begin forming in the first trimester, so it’s no surprise if you feel more tired than ever. Nap when you can, go to bed earlier, and give yourself permission to slow down.
5. Look after your wellbeing
Early pregnancy is a good time to focus on:
- Nutrition: a balanced diet, and knowing which foods to avoid in pregnancy
- Mental health: talk to your midwife if you’re feeling anxious or low
- Gentle exercise: staying active is safe and beneficial for most pregnancies
- Pelvic floor exercises: start now and make them a daily habit, as your pelvic floor will need more support as your bump grows
6. Get comfortable for better sleep
Sleep can become harder as pregnancy progresses, and a pregnancy pillow can make a real difference. Pip’s pick is the BellaMoon 3-in-1 Pillow, a multi-functional pregnancy and breastfeeding pillow that supports your bump and back at night, then doubles as a nursing pillow once baby arrives.
“A pregnancy pillow became an absolute essential for me. The BellaMoon gave me well-supported, comfortable nights, and I recommend it to all the expectant mums I speak to.” — Pip Morrish, midwife
Shop the BellaMoon 3-in-1 Pillow
Enjoy the journey
Above all, Pip’s advice is to enjoy this incredible time. You’re doing an amazing job already.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I find out I’m pregnant?
Start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid and 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily, then contact your GP or local maternity service to book your first midwife appointment.
When is the first midwife appointment?
The booking appointment usually happens between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy.
When should I tell people I’m pregnant?
It’s entirely your choice. Many people wait until after the 12-week scan, but you may want to tell close family or friends sooner so you have support.
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?
Whenever you start finding it hard to get comfortable. Many women find one helpful from the second trimester, when sleeping on your side is recommended.
More from Midwife Pip
Follow Pip on Instagram @midwife_pip and visit midwifepip.com for antenatal classes, birth and postpartum planners, and exercise and nutrition guides. You can also listen to her podcast, where she talks with leading experts about pregnancy, birth and life after baby.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own midwife, GP or healthcare professional.
Thank you Pip for the wonderful advice and recommendations.
You can stay in touch with Pip and follow her journey on Instagram @midwife_pip.
She also has a wonderful website full of pregnancy resources including antenatal classes, Birth Preference and Postpartum Survival Planner, Exercise and Nutritional Packages and so much more! Visit https://www.midwifepip.com/
Or listen to her podcast https://www.midwifepip.com/podcast where she chats with special guests and leading experts to discuss all aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum.
