If you are less than eight weeks pregnant, book an appointment with your GP or fill in a self-referral form to arrange your first appointment with the midwife. You should also:

• start taking a folic acid supplement if you haven’t been taking one already
• read up on foods to avoid when pregnant
• start thinking about the screening tests offered in early pregnancy

If you are a smoker, it is really important for you to stop smoking for your health and the health of your unborn baby.

You will usually have your first appointment with the midwife when you are 8-10 weeks pregnant. Your midwife will:

• ask questions about your health, health history and the health of your family
• take your blood pressure and test your urine for infection and diabetes
• give you information about a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

When you are between 10 and 13 weeks pregnant, you will be invited for your first ultrasound scan to determine the expected date your baby will be born. You will also be offered a screening test for Down's syndrome and other conditions.

When you are between 19 and 20 weeks pregnant you will be invited for your second ultrasound scan. During this scan the sonographer:

• looks for abnormalities in the baby and checks the position of the placenta
• may be able to tell you the sex of your baby, should you wish to know. Please note that this is not the purpose of the scan.

If this is your first pregnancy, you will see the midwife when you are 25 weeks pregnant. At this appointment your midwife will:

• check your blood pressure
• measure your uterus (womb) in centimetres to assess the growth of your baby
• ask you how frequently your baby is moving
• give you your MATB1 certificate which enables you to claim maternity leave, maternity pay and certain benefits
• discuss the anti-D injection with you, if you are rhesus negative.

When you are 28 weeks pregnant you will see the midwife who will:

• check your blood pressure
• measure your uterus (womb) in centimetres to assess the growth of your baby
• ask how frequently your baby is moving
• offer you repeat blood tests for haemoglobin (iron) levels and to check whether you have developed antibodies in your blood.

At this appointment your midwife will also discuss your baby feeding choices and ensure you have arranged for antenatal classes if you wish to attend them.

When you are 31 weeks pregnant you will see the midwife who will:

• check your blood pressure and uterus
• ask how frequently your baby is moving
• discuss any blood test results with you.

When you are 36 weeks pregnant you will see the midwife who will:

• check your blood pressure and uterus
• ask how frequently your baby is moving
• check the position of your baby
• discuss your plans for labour and birth.

You will also be given information about recognising early labour and when to call the hospital/midwife. Your midwife will discuss your plans for feeding and caring for your baby and for yourself after birth.

When you are 38 weeks pregnant you will see the midwife who will:

• check your blood pressure and uterus
• ask how frequently your baby is moving
• check the position of your baby
• discuss your options if your baby isn't born before one week after your due date.

When you are 40 weeks pregnant you will see the midwife who will:

• check your blood pressure and uterus
• ask how frequently your baby is moving
• check the position of your baby
• discuss your options if your baby isn't born before one week after your due date.

When you are 41 weeks pregnant you will see the midwife who will:

• check your blood pressure and uterus
• ask how frequently your baby is moving
• check the position of your baby
• offer you a ‘membrane sweep’ which may increase the chances of your baby being born before 42 weeks
• discuss your options for induction of labour and book you in for around 10 to 14 days after your due date, if you would like this.