EARLY PREGNANCY · TAKE-ALONG GUIDE
Your checkup by 12 weeks
A practical guide to your first antenatal conversation and the steps that follow.
Before your visit
- Bring previous pregnancy records, test results and vaccination information, if available.
- Make a list of medicines, supplements, allergies and existing health conditions. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
- Note the first day of your last period, if known, and questions about symptoms or wellbeing.
- Ask about costs, travel arrangements and whether a support person can attend.
What to discuss at the checkup
Your clinician will tailor care to your history, preferences and local guidance. Not every test takes place at the same visit.
- Your medical and pregnancy history, physical and emotional wellbeing, and an individual care plan.
- Checks such as blood pressure, weight, urine testing and blood tests, including anaemia and blood group testing when appropriate.
- Which infection and genetic screening options are offered, what they can and cannot show, timing, consent and costs.
- Whether and when an ultrasound is appropriate. WHO recommends one ultrasound before 24 weeks; local schedules vary.
- Nutrition, folic acid and iron advice, vaccinations and locally relevant malaria and infection prevention. Ask for your own plan rather than choosing doses from a website.
Before you leave: close the loop
- Ask: “When and how will I receive each result, and who will explain it?”
- Ask what happens if a result needs further assessment. Screening is not a diagnosis, and a reassuring result does not rule out every problem.
- Agree the next appointment and any referrals. If you miss a visit or do not receive a result, contact your care team rather than assuming all is well.
- Know whom to contact out of hours and where to go for urgent care.
My next appointment: ____________________________________
My care team's contact: __________________________________
Results expected / follow-up: ______________________________
Questions to ask: ________________________________________
Fill in this printed copy yourself. This website does not collect these notes.
Do not wait for your next appointment
Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, collapse, seizures, chest pain or sudden difficulty breathing. Get urgent assessment for any vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, fever, severe or persistent headache, visual changes, sudden swelling or vomiting that prevents drinking. Later in pregnancy, reduced or changed baby movements also need immediate advice.
Contact a local emergency service or maternity facility directly. This website cannot monitor symptoms or dispatch help.