FIND A MIDWIFE
Your first step is to make sure you're going to have access to all the medical help and midwife services you'll need. In many cases you do not need to see a GP first and you can "self-refer" your pregnancy to your local trust. The NHS has this handy form to help you find which trust you'd like to refer yourself to.
GET BOOKED IN
After you have referred yourself the maternity services will get in touch to schedhule your fist midwife appointment, where you will receive your pregnancy notes, screening information, and a first scan appointment.
This appointment should happen by the time you're 10 weeks pregnant where possible and will likely take place at a midwifery centre.
I've tried to list the centres local to Little Wonderland Photography below for ease if you need to contact them directly.
FUEL YOURSELF
Start Folic Acid: A daily sode of folic acid supplement taken immediately can reduce the risk of birth defects and should ideally be taken until you are 12 weeks pregnant. NHS GUIDE HERE
Review Medications: If you take medication for a pre-existing condition, contact your GP or specialist immediately to check it is safe and ensure you are keeping yourself and baby safe and well.
Nourish yourself: Make sure you keep yourself fueled to grow this baby! Drink plenty of water, if you can it's advised to cut down on caffeine, stop smoking and avoid alcohol. READ MORE ABOUT A HEALTHY DIET IN PREGNANCY
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Here in Halton we are especially lucky to have the amazing resource of Halton Family Hubs.
From pregnancy and beyond they are there with advice and support to give you the best start on your parenting journey.
Shopping for prams, moses basket, clothes, thinking about feeding, decorating the nursery, these are all the little details personal to you which you can choose, custom to your lifestyle, and of course, planning your new baby portraits and investing in preserving that fleeting new family time is where I can help you! Whether you'd like a shoot when baby is just days old, or would rather wait a few weeks or months to adjust in to new family life, drop me message with your due date and I can make sure the Little Wonderland Photography studio has time for you and your brand new bundle.
