You’re pregnant – congratulations! Now’s the time to get organised. This pregnancy checklist is a gentle reminder of your options, recommendations and appointments in the UK.
| What | When |
| Start taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements, as recommended by the NHS | As soon as you find out you’re pregnant (ideally before) |
| Register with your community midwife – ask your GP surgery how to do this | Before 7 weeks |
| Booking appointment (your first appointment) with your community midwife | Between 8 and 12 weeks |
| Get and sign your maternity exemption certificate (free prescriptions and NHS dental care) | At your booking appointment |
| Ask your midwife about Healthy Start and check whether you’re eligible | At your booking appointment |
| First ultrasound scan offered (dating scan) | Around 12 weeks |
| Second ultrasound scan offered (20-week screening scan) | Around 20 weeks |
| Book your antenatal classes | Between 12 and 22 weeks |
| Get your MAT B1 certificate from your community midwife | From 20 weeks |
| If you’re employed: tell your employer about your maternity leave plans in writing, including your MAT B1. If you’re unemployed or self-employed: check whether you’re eligible for Maternity Allowance | At least 15 weeks before your due date (around 22–25 weeks) |
| Check whether you’re eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) | From 29 weeks |
| Find out about your local maternity services – can you book a visit or take a virtual tour? | Around 30 weeks |
| Start writing your birth preferences (birth plan), including some “what if…” options | Around 30 weeks |
| Start packing your birth bags | From 30 weeks |
| Practise your hypnobirthing techniques at least once a day | From 30 weeks |
| Arrange care for pets, older siblings and any other commitments | From 30 weeks |
| Create your list of important contacts and how they’d like to be contacted, and share it with your birth partner or doula | From 32 weeks |
| Create your birth playlist | From 34 weeks |
| Create your birth vision board | From 34 weeks |
| Create your birth affirmations | From 34 weeks |
Contact your midwife or maternity unit if you:
- think your contractions have started
- think your waters have broken
- have any bleeding in pregnancy
- notice a change in your baby’s usual movements
- want reassurance about anything in your pregnancy
Download your free printable pregnancy checklist
Online Birth Preparation Course only £35!
Please also check out my online course! No videos, just text and images to learn in your own time. Includes hypnobirthing mp3s, scripts, workbook, handouts, infographics and much more! Lots and lots of information at your fingertips! Includes:
- hypnobirthing mp3s
- hypnobirthing scripts
- written information
- infographics and other imagery
- printable handouts
- printable workbook/journal
