Your Antenatal Care
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity health care that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. As soon as you have had a positive pregnancy test, we recommend you start taking Folic Acid and Vitamin D supplements. Your local pharmacy can advise you on how much to take.
Ready Steady Baby!Non-urgent advice: Midwife
Non-urgent advice: The role of the midwife
They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.
The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.
Your booking appointment (booking visit)
Your first main appointment is your booking appointment (booking visit) with your midwife. It normally takes place between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Once you are sure you are pregnant, the next step is to book an appointment with a midwife by calling NHS Lothian Maternity Services on 0131 536 2009 or booking your appointment online. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:45pm (excluding public holidays). Select the option for first booking appointment.
About your antenatal appointmentEarly Pregnancy Units (EPU)
An Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) provides expert care and support for issues arising before the 12th week of pregnancy. You do not need a doctor’s note to visit; you can self-refer at any time during this period. Once you pass 12 weeks, responsibility for your care transitions to your local maternity department.
Contact your local Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU)Checklist of common reasons to contact an Early Pregnancy Unit
It is important to remember that while many early pregnancy symptoms are normal, the EPU is there to provide peace of mind and clinical assessment when things don’t feel right.
Here is a checklist of common reasons to contact an Early Pregnancy Unit:
Common Reasons for EPU Consultation
- Vaginal Bleeding: This can range from light spotting to heavier bleeding, with or without pain.
- Abdominal Pain: Persistent or sharp pain on one side of the abdomen or lower back.
- History of Complications: If you have previously experienced an ectopic pregnancy or recurrent miscarriages.
- Unusual Discharge: Any significant change in discharge that causes concern.
- Referred Concerns: If your GP or midwife has suggested an early scan due to uncertain dates or symptoms.
When to Seek Emergency Care Instead
While the EPU handles early complications, you should go straight to an Emergency Department (A&E) if you experience:
- Severe, unbearable pain.
- Shoulder-tip pain.
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or collapsing.
- Very heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour).
Note: Most EPUs operate during standard daytime hours. If you have an urgent concern overnight or on a weekend, it is best to call your local non-emergency health line (like NHS 111) or visit A&E.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start is a government scheme that aims to improve the health of pregnant women and mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18 years of age and children who are under 5 years of age. Families who are supported by the scheme receive vouchers to spend on milk (including infant formula), fresh fruit and vegetables.
What is Healthy Start?