This page is dedicated to giving you information and guidance on all stages of pregnancy.
What to do when you find out you are pregnant?
Finding out you are pregnant can be a very exciting time but it can also be scary and you may not know what to do next and what to expect.
Referral to the Midwife
If you have found out you are pregnant you can contact the practice to refer yourself to the Midwife. During this process we will confirm your details are up to date and will need the date that your last menstrual period started (this is to work out an estimated due date).
You can do this by contacting the practice directly or submitting an Accurx. Click here to be taken to our Accurx page.
When your referral has been received by the Midwife she will organise your first appointment and inform you of this, normally by test message. This appointment normally takes place between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.
During your first midwife appointment, you will be asked a range of questions to obtain different information from you. You will also be provided with information regarding your care during your pregnancy and advice. There will also be some tests conducted during your first appointment.
It is important you register your pregnancy as soon as you can. You can also register your pregnancy with Lincoln Hospital maternity services online. Once registered online you would be contacted to arrange your first midwife appointment.
Unplanned Pregnancy
If you have found out you are pregnant and would like to explore options and advice, Greater Lincolnshire Integrated Sexual Health offer information for you. You are now able to self-refer for termination of pregnancy. Full information can be found by clicking here.
During Pregnancy
Your main care will be delivered by the midwife during your pregnancy, either at the practice, hospital, or in the community. You may also meet an obstetrician, sonographer, maternity support workers, health care support workers during pregnancy.
Hospitals in England offer at least 2 ultrasound scans during pregnancy:
- at 11 to 14 weeks
- and between 18 and 21 weeks
For advice and information regarding the three trimesters of pregnancy, self-care, professional care and addition support during pregnancy click here.
Antenatal Classes
A 6 week face to face programme of Antenatal classes is offered by Lincolnshire County Council. You can register your interview in attending these classes if you are 28 weeks pregnant or more. To do this - click here.
You are entitled to free prescriptions and NHS dental care while you are pregnant and until your baby is 12 months old. You will need a maternity exemption certificate which is normally organised by the midwife during your appointments, but you can also apply for this online by clicking on the link.
Vaccinations During Pregnancy
There are a number of vaccinations you are eligible for during your pregnancy. These may be organised at the hospital by the maternity team, but we do also offer appointments for these are the practice. These vaccinations include:
- Whooping Cough (from 16 weeks)
- RSV (from 28 weeks)
- Flu and Covid Booster (when done seasonally)
Birth and beyond
During your pregnancy, the midwife will ask if you are happy for your baby to be automatically registered with the practice when born. If you consent to this, when we receive notification we will register your baby.
6-8 week post-natal check
We aim to do baby and mother's 6-8 week check during your appointment for first immunisations - this is to limit the amount of times you have to come in to the practice. We will contact you to arrange these appointments. Prior to the appointment, our Advanced Nurse Practitioner team will contact you to check how you are getting on and if there are any issues.
Full information on immunisations for babies can be found by clicking here.
