I think I'm pregnant for the first time in lockdown

[jayseaeff]

Hey!

I'm just here hoping for any advice you could give me in my current situation. A couple of days ago I did a test because my period hadn't arrived the day before, I thought it was a real shot in the dark as sometimes my periods aren't the most reliable but I did it and saw a faint line...so I did a couple more and got the same results. I'm aware that a faint line normally means very early stages of pregnancy so my defence mechanism is to not get overly excited as I have friends who've miscarried and understand this is fairly common with first time pregnancies.

I haven't been able to get through to my GP due to the pandemic so I haven't been able to talk to a professional about anything for reassurance so just trying to act normal and not do the blatant things like drink alcohol. I got upset yesterday after being on hold to the docs for an hour only to be told I need to call a mid-wife who I'm now waiting to hear back from too.

Is anyone going through anything similar or coming out of their first stages of pregnancy? I'm doing my best to try and not get overly worried or anxious but sometimes my thoughts drift away and I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance.

[Seb9]

Congratulations on your positive testf you've referred yourself to the midwife all there is to do now is wait for your booking in appointment, which is normally between around 8 to 10 weeks pregnant.

I wouldn't expect too much in the way of reassurance from your GP, I didn't see them at all through my pregnancy, and the first time I saw a GP was for my 6 weeks check up after the birth. Although my midwived were great and I can't fault the care I got from them. It's hard waiting for the booking in appointment and then for the 12 week scan, time suddenly goes so slowly.

I found lots of information on the nhs website about pregnancy and the journey and what to expect. I still use it now for things like weaning.

nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy...

[Toffeelady123]

Congratulations on your news. I am now 18 weeks but also found out I was pregnant with my first during the pandemic. I also spent ages on the phone trying to get hold of the Doctors but once I finally got through they said I needed to speak to the Midwife.

After several calls I got through to someone. They asked me relevant questions like the dates of my last period etc and scheduled my booking in appointment for 8 weeks. This was a very long wait and I was surprised there wasn’t any more support, as like you I was very nervous and realised how much of a fragile time this was. Unfortunately there is very little they can do at this stage so it’s just best to keep positive, take vitamins incl folic acid and avoid alcohol etc as you’re doing.

Hope you get in touch with the midwives soon so you can get a date for your first appointment. Take care x

[Prettygurrly]

Also just found out I'm pregnant and went to ring the doctors and was told to contact the midwives. I wish the NHS would update their site to say not to bother with the GP as they'll just tell you to ring midwife services. As others have said, it's just a waiting game at the moment. Make sure to check anything you want to take for pain, even athletes foot....Ibuprofen is a big no no and avoid antihistamine. You shouldn't take them unless under advice of your doctor (almost the only reason why you should ring them if you're pregnant it would seem). No steroidal creams and I'd be wary of taking pseudofed etc. Paracetamol is ok (check the packet though to make sure there's no caffeine in the product and obviously read the safety leaflet to make absolutely sure it's ok to take during pregnancy). Don't lift madly heavy stuff but try to stay active. 2.5 hours of light exercise per week. Brisk walk, that sort of thing, unless you're already super fit and a gym bunny and then I'd maybe seek advice from a PT.

I've also told work that I'm pregnant because of COVID, they have to do risk assessments. Book your flu jab asap. Try to get sleep and if you get morning sickness, for me, food little and often did the trick but some days it's been pretty rough going.

There's lots of websites out there which can talk you through things, NHS is obviously a good place to start for advice about food, smoking, exercise etc...