Your Booking Appointment: What to expect and why it matters
So, you’ve found out you’re pregnant...congratulations! 💛Among the whirlwind of emotions (excitement, nerves, and what now?!), one of the first steps in your pregnancy journey is your booking appointment. It might sound formal, but think of it as your official “hello” to your midwife team and the start of your antenatal care.
What is the booking appointment?
It’s your first real appointment with a midwife, usually around 8–10 weeks pregnant (but don’t worry if it’s a bit earlier or later). It’s all about getting to know you - your health, your lifestyle, and your hopes for this pregnancy. It's not just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a plan that feels right for you and your baby.
What happens during the appointment?
Your history & lifestyle: Your midwife will ask about your physical and mental health, any previous pregnancies, your partner’s health, family history, and things like diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol, and any support you might need.
Blood pressure, height & weight: These help us work out any extra support you might need.
Blood tests & urine sample: These check things like your iron levels, blood group, immunity to certain infections, and any risks for conditions like gestational diabetes.
Due date magic: If you’re not sure how many weeks you are, your midwife can help estimate when your baby’s due.
Planning your care: This is when you’ll chat about where you’d like to give birth, what kind of birth you might want, and what support or services are available in your area.
It’s usually a longer appointment (about an hour), so be prepared for this.
Do I need to do anything before?
Make a note of the first day of your last period - this helps work out your due date.
Gather any info you know about yours and your partner’s family health history.
Write down any questions or worries. No question is silly
After your appointment
You’ll get your hand-held notes or be set up with an online version (depending on your area). These are like your pregnancy passport - you’ll take them to all your appointments. Your midwife will; also organise your first scan (usually between 11 and 14 weeks), any additional appointments you might need and a rough plan for the rest of your antenatal care. Every pregnancy is different, and so is every booking appointment. But the goal is the same: to make sure you feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
If you feel like you come away from the appointment with more questions that you'd like answering, or if you require support in between appointments, you can always chat with a midwife here at Fliss.