There are lots of things to organise when you are pregnant, this pregnancy checklist offers a gentle reminder of what you should be doing and when you should be doing it. The links within this table will take you to pages that offer additional information about each action point – why these things are important, what to expect and how to go about doing them.
Download: New Life Pregnancy Checklist
ACTION |
WHEN |
MORE INFORMATION |
| Start taking Folic Acid and vitamin D supplements | As soon as you know you are pregnant | |
| Register with your community midwife (contact your GP surgery for the phone number) |
Before week 7 | NHS Choices |
| Attend your ‘Booking Appointment’ | Weeks 8 – 12 | NHS Choices |
| Apply for your Maternity Exemption Certificate | From week 8 | |
| Find out if you are eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers |
Before week 10 | Department of Health |
| Find out if you are eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant |
Before week 11 | Department of Health |
| Have your first Ultrasound or ‘Dating Scan’ | Weeks 11 – 14 | NHS Choices |
| Have your second Ultrasound or ‘Anomaly Scan’ | Weeks 18 – 21 | NHS Choices |
| Research and book your antenatal class | Weeks 18 – 21 | New Life Classes |
| Inform your employers, in writing, of your maternity leave plans (must be at least 15 weeks’ notice – take this into account if you are having twins!) |
Weeks 22 – 25 | Department of Health |
| Find out if you are eligible for Maternity Allowance |
Weeks 22 – 25 | Department of Health |
| Start your antenatal classes | Weeks 28-32 | New Life Classes |
| Book a visit to the maternity unit you plan to give birth in (if applicable) |
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| Start writing your birth plan | From week 30 | New Life Classes – How to: Write a birth plan |
| Start packing your bags for labour, even if planning a homebirth |
Weeks 30-37 | What to pack for labour |
| If you have children, start making arrangements for childcare |
From week 32 | New Life Classes – Prepare your toddler for the arrival of a second child |
| Create your ‘important numbers’ list | Weeks 32 – 35 | |
| You’re in labour! Call the maternity unit before leaving home, to let them know you are on the way. | NHS Choices |
