Congratulations! Whether you’re jumping for joy, still in a state of shock, or feeling a mixture of both - we’re here to support you every step of the way to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Make sure you’re sitting comfortably, take a deep breath, and let us guide you through the early days. Here are five things to get your pregnancy off to the best start
1. Calculate your due date
Work out your baby's due date with our simple calculator, and sign up to our pregnancy email for free weekly updates on your baby's development.
📅 Calculate your due date
If your cycle is shorter or longer than 28 days, please adjust the number above.

2. Track your baby's development
You can sign up here to get weekly emails from our midwives that track your baby's development in the womb, tell you what to expect next and let you know what you need to do and when.
3. Contact your GP
This will be the first appointment that kicks off your pregnancy care (antenatal care). Your GP will let the midwifery team know you are pregnant and they will give you a date for your booking appointment, which usually happens around week 8 to 10 of your pregnancy. You may also be able to self-refer or see a midwife straight away, but your GP can let you know how this works in your area.
4. Check how healthy you are
Work out your BMI and check your caffeine intake with our healthy pregnancy tools. Now that you’re pregnant you may need to make some simple lifestyle changes to help your growing baby.
Check how healthy you are with our healthy pregnancy tools.
5. Focus on these for a safer pregnancy
- Stub it out: If you smoke, now’s the time to quit. Get help to stop smoking.
- Say bye bye to booze: Drinking alcohol can harm your baby’s development and avoiding alcohol completely during pregnancy is the only way to be sure baby is safe. Find out how your midwife can support you to stop drinking.
- Take a break: Pregnancy hormones can make you tired and more stressed so it’s important to take time to yourself to relax. See our tips for winding down.
- Keep on moving: Exercise in pregnancy is great for you and your baby but it doesn’t mean you have to join the gym. A daily walk with a friend or the dog can be a great way to stay active in pregnancy. Download our pregnancy exercise plan.
- Get your vitamins: You don’t need to fork out for pregnancy vitamins but there are a few supplements that are essential in pregnancy. Find out which supplements you need to take.
- Watch out for certain foods: It’s important to have a healthy and balanced diet in pregnancy and to try and avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat. There are also some foods that put your baby at risk and should be avoided all together. Find out what food to avoid in pregnancy.
- Be caffeine wise: Caffeine is found in more than just tea and coffee. For example, did you know that it’s hiding in chocolate? The advice is not to have more than 200mg caffeine a day – find out what that looks like.
- Know what medicines are safe: Talk to a health professional before taking any new medication or stopping any current medication. Find out which drugs to avoid in pregnancy.
6. Manage your early pregnancy symptoms
The first few weeks of pregnancy can be the toughest when it comes to feeling iffy. Tiredness, sore boobs and morning sickness are all common in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Find out how to cope with them.
There are some symptoms that could be a sign that something is wrong. Be aware of these with our symptom checker and get in touch with a midwife promptly if you have them.
Find out what happens next
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4 weeks pregnant - what's happening
Congratulations on your exciting news! Tommy’s Midwives are here to guide you through every stage of your pregnancy and help you get to know your growing baby.
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5 weeks pregnant - what's happening
Your baby’s tiny face is starting to form - the beginnings of a miniscule nose and eyes are already taking shape.
First trimester >
Sources
1. Hollis BW et al. (2011). “Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: Double-blind, randomized clinical trial of safety and effectiveness.” JBMR 2011;26:2341-2357
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2008) ‘Antenatal Care’, NICE Clinical Guidelines 62: http://publications.nice.org.uk/antenatal-care-cg62
3. Macdonald S, Magill-Cuerden J (2012) Mayes’ Midwifery, 14th edition, London, Ballière Tindall.
4. NHS Choices [accessed 23/03/2018] Alcohol in pregnancy http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/alcohol-medicines-drugs-pregnant.aspx
5. ROCG (2015) Alcohol and pregnancy, Information for you, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-alcohol-and-pregnancy.pdf
6. NHS choices [accessed 23/03/2018] Why should I avoid some foods during pregnancy? http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/917.aspx?CategoryID=54
Hide detailsℹLast reviewed on April 10th, 2018. Next review date April 10th, 2021.
Comments
Please note that these comments are monitored but not answered by Tommy’s. Please call your GP or maternity unit if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
1st pregnancy
By Laura (not verified) on 22 Oct 2019 - 12:35
Hi,i just found out i am pregnant w days ago,mh test went positive,think its very early as i only missed my period for few days..I am not sure if i have to contact gp even if its still very early.I am kind of scared as not sure what i have to so ,i havent told anyone apart from my bf but he works away so its kind of difficult for me.
Have done the test but it shows negative can I be pregnant
By Cassandra Djan (not verified) on 13 Sep 2019 - 17:54
Have been menstrating every month and the done the pregnancy test kit and it showing negative and have still done the pregnancy test (blood) and the result was negative but I am feeling something in my stomach
I found that I am pregnant 3
By Anonymous (not verified) on 25 Aug 2019 - 22:04
I found that I am pregnant 3 month and and I am hiv positive and I was not using treatment.i started treatment on Arv when I am four months pregnant it's possible dat my baby will born negative am afraid I used to pray everyday.
Hy guy I need help I had sex
By Rato (not verified) on 18 Jul 2019 - 14:52
Hy guy I need help I had sex before my menstruction so now I feel tired and some cramps so I think am pregnant
need help
By sue (not verified) on 5 Jun 2019 - 18:16
Hi guys I need your help,I removed my jadell implanon on date 24th May...and on that day I had some spotting ,it continued for four days and stopped... since the removal,ve been having regular sex with my partner, it's now two weeks since,and ve not seen my periods,am having bloated stomach, dizziness, fatigue and nausea, could I be pregnant....
Hi sue,
By Paola tabares (not verified) on 20 Jun 2019 - 18:10
Hi sue,
I started feeling the same symptoms a week ago. Decided to take an urine test and it came out positive!!! You should take one dont be scared :)
hi
By natalie (not verified) on 14 Jul 2019 - 12:49
hi sue, i removed my implanon on the 5th of june and got my period, i have been having lots of sex since then, it’s now the 14th of jul and i’m 10 days late of my period today! i was meant to get it on the 5th of jul! what do i do?
How mamy weeks pregnant am i
By ijeoma (not verified) on 31 Mar 2019 - 11:00
My LMP started on 24th feb 2019 and my test is positive..i want to know how many weeks gone that i am..
weeks pregnant
By Courtney (not verified) on 30 Apr 2019 - 16:13
about 9 weeks. search for a due date calculator
How soon will I be able to tell
By Ann (not verified) on 28 Feb 2019 - 16:33
Can I find out if am pregnant before I miss my period
how soon
By Courtney (not verified) on 30 Apr 2019 - 16:16
not usually - sometimes a test can read positive a little beforehand, but most won't be able to pick up until about 2 weeks after ovulation
Am pregnant
By Immeldah (not verified) on 27 Feb 2019 - 13:52
Hi!l just found out am pregnant where by l last had my periods on 24 jan 2019 what could be my due date thank you
Am pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 27 Feb 2019 - 14:19
Hi Immeldah, using your LMP of 24th Jan, you are approx. 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant today, with an estimated due date of around 30/10/19.
Take care, Tommy's Midwife
Just found out i was pregnant after 3 miscarriages
By Anonymous (not verified) on 2 Jan 2019 - 17:59
Hi, just wanted somewhere to put my worries I've just found out I'm about 3-4 weeks pregnant, I've had 3 miscarriages in the last 2 year's my nerves and anxiety is all over the place, I have a early scan in a week but I'm scared my anxiety is going to take over by then :( sorry for going on..... x
Just found out i was pregnant after 3 miscarriages
By Midwife @Tommys on 4 Jan 2019 - 16:43
Hi,
It is completely understandable that you are feeling so worried and anxious in this pregnancy after having had three miscarriages. If we can support you then please do be in touch, you can email us [email protected] and we will support you best as can.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
I'm also afraid
By Lee (not verified) on 9 Jan 2019 - 23:05
I just found out I was pregnant just now and I'm freaking out because I haven't gotten pregnant since 6 years ago when I miscarried at 3 months and 4 days. I don't know what to do right now (I calculated and I should be about 4 w 6 d. I haven't gone to see a doctor or anything. I'm in shock (but completely extatic)
Hi,
By Midwife @Tommys on 10 Jan 2019 - 15:42
Hi,
It is completely understandable that you are feeling so worried and anxious in this pregnancy after having had a late miscarriage. Whilst its still early days at 4+ weeks, it is important you see a midwife/GP soon so they can advise you and refer you for maternity care.
If we can support you then please do be in touch, you can email us [email protected] and we will support you best as can.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
I’ve also found out I’m
By Anonymous (not verified) on 4 Feb 2019 - 18:02
I’ve also found out I’m expecting and feel extremely overwhelmed.. my best advice for you is too take it easy don’t think to much and worry just take it as it comes amd think positive this time round. I pray and hope you make full term. X
Try not to worry
By Jennie (not verified) on 16 Feb 2019 - 23:56
Your experience was very similar to mine. For the first 6-7 months it was so hard for me to try to get pregnant but I am now 36 weeks pregnant! I'm so nervous but excited for baby to arrive! I hope you are okay xx
Not pregnancy safe medications!
By Nicole (not verified) on 31 Dec 2018 - 01:54
I just realized I may accidentally be pregnant, but I have so many reasons I’m not healthy enough to have a second child, have been on pregnancy-dangerous medications for detestation, pain, and hypertension, I am very overweight and had a ridiculously high risk first pregnancy. What can I do!? Is keeping the child a bad idea with these awful medications in my system for the first weeks of development???
I’m pregnant
By Kaylee (not verified) on 24 Dec 2018 - 06:20
Omg I just figured out I was pregnant
Pregnant
By Ann lifted (not verified) on 7 Nov 2018 - 07:36
Am pregnant wit my 1st babies my last period date was oct10 when is my due date
Pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 9 Nov 2018 - 15:48
Hi Ann,
You can use the calculator on this page to see when your estimated due date will be.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Not sure when my last period was
By Danielle (not verified) on 19 Nov 2018 - 20:01
Hi, I have just found out I am pregnant. With already being a busy working mum to a 3 and 1 yr old I cannot for the life of me remember when my last period was. :S
Where do I go from here as I don’t know how far gone I am(suprise baby) x
Not sure when my last period was
By Midwife @Tommys on 21 Nov 2018 - 15:43
Nothing to worry about. You are not alone! Just go and see your GP who will most likely refer you for a dating scan.
Pregnant
By Patricia (not verified) on 31 Oct 2018 - 18:37
Hi,,am pregnant and so disturbed I don't know how to tell my mom I conceived ,,and don't have anyone to confide in do you think an abortion is the best solution and if not please advise me because giving birth at the age of 20 will affect my education as well as my relationship with my parents.
Pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 5 Nov 2018 - 11:46
Hi Patricia
Both https://www.mariestopes.org.uk/ and https://www.bpas.org/ will be able to help you evaluate how you feel about this pregnancy and what you will decide to do.
They offer counselling services to help you come to a decision that you are happy with- as well as explaining the procedure to you so that you can make a fully informed decision. All the best
Tommy's Midwife
Pregnancy
By Ogechukwu (not verified) on 30 Oct 2018 - 07:27
I have just take pregnant test at home with salt and urine sample and it comes out positive,is it possible for me to be having sex with my husband,i just noticed that am pregnant this morning thanks.
Pregnancy
By Midwife @Tommys on 2 Nov 2018 - 10:09
Hi,
Sex in pregnancy is safe unless you have been advised otherwise by a midwife or doctor. Please be aware that testing for a pregnancy using a home urine and salt method is not a proven effective way of testing for pregnancy, therefore I would suggest to use a pregnancy test from a pharmacy or shop to be sure.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Bleeding
By Jaden (not verified) on 26 Oct 2018 - 09:54
I am trying to conceve. I've had very light pink bleeding for the past 5 days, not enough to fill a pad or tampon, just as I wipe. Its not continuous either. My period was due to start 2 days ago and this bleeding is not getting heavier. I last had sex 16 days ago during my ovulation period. Could this be implantation? I'm too nervous to take a test.
Bleeding
By Midwife @Tommys on 26 Oct 2018 - 10:33
Hi Jaden,
It is very likely that this could be an implantation bleed, however taking a a pregnancy test is the only way of knowing if you are pregnant. If you are not already, then we would advise for you to be taking a folic acid supplement.
Best wishes,
Tommy's midwife
Can it happen?
By Karlie (not verified) on 15 Oct 2018 - 00:43
I have always been irregular when it comes to my menstrual cycle. I think I have them at the most 3 times a year... although I did go 1.5 years without one once. My last was April 2018. My husband and I are trying to convince I'm just wondering if it's even possible?
Can it happen?
By Midwife @Tommys on 15 Oct 2018 - 16:48
Yes it can happen but you could consider seeing your GP to discuss your options.
I feel pregnant and I have cravings but negative tests
By Anastacia (not verified) on 22 Sep 2018 - 22:02
Hi, me and my boyfriend have been trying since last month for a baby and recently I feel different. I crave foods I hardly eat. I’ve missed my period this month. I’ve been feeling sick (throwing up) but the tests I take still come up negative. I have all the signs of early pregnancy. But I’m afraid that I’m not. What do I do?
I feel pregnant and I have cravings but negative tests
By Midwife @Tommys on 24 Sep 2018 - 12:21
Hi Anastacia,
There are several reasons why you may have a missed period yet the pregnancy test is negative. Mostly the situation will resolve in a few days when either you will get a positive test or your period will come.
Firstly You could be pregnant, but the pregnancy hormones haven't built up enough yet.
Secondly, You are not pregnant, but you have missed your period for an unrelated reason.
Thirdly, You could be pregnant, but the test isn’t working.
And lastly, You could be pregnant, but something is wrong.
I won't go into any detail here but if in a few days this hasn't resolved, please see your doctor. Best wishes
pregnant
By stuck (not verified) on 21 Sep 2018 - 23:26
i just found out i was pregnant. ive had 2 bfp and they showed up dark on the test as soon as it touched the pee basically. so my cohsins thinks im about two months the last period i can remeber was ausgust 1 last day of period. but since i didnt know i was preg ive been smoking cigs and weed if i stop now is it going to affect the baby and if i go to the hospital for a blood test will thwy try to take the baby away
pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 24 Sep 2018 - 12:30
Hello. The most important thing for you to do is to stop smoking and arrange to see your GP as soon as possible. You will be referred to your local hospital who will arrange to see you to plan your care. It is always best to keep babies with their mothers if at all possible and it is rare to need to remove a baby from its own family. Please be reassured that we are here to support you and not to judge you. Take good care of yourself.
13 and pregnant
By katie ann (not verified) on 20 Sep 2018 - 03:41
i am currently 13 and me and my best friend where playing around and we started doing more then playing around. im scared to tell my mother but i took 4 text all coming out positive, you can also see the baby bump starting to form. please help me. i dont understand how to tell my parents
13 and pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 21 Sep 2018 - 15:50
Hello Katie.
You have several options here. If you don't want to talk to your parents you can confide in your school nurse or one of your teachers. You can also arrange to go and see your doctor. This can be in confidence without telling your parents. You can discuss with them when you are ready to do so. If you want to call us anonymously we are here to support you on weekdays Monday to Friday 9-5pm. We can talk for as long as you like.
Take good care of yourself. Tommy's midwives
Pregnant
By Letty (not verified) on 13 Sep 2018 - 21:29
I have just found out that I am pregnant, I am terrified, I am a 19 year old. My last period was on the on the 4th of august 2018. What could possibly be my due date?
Pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 14 Sep 2018 - 11:33
Hi Letty,
According to your dates you will be due about 10th May 2019. If you are not already, then I would advise for you to be taking a folic acid supplement. Finding out you are pregnant can bring about a huge range of emotions and feelings. If you are worried or anxious then please do be in contact with us and we can support you, you can call us on 0800 0147 800 or email [email protected], we are here Monday to Friday 9-5pm.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Folic acid
By Jo (not verified) on 8 Sep 2018 - 13:23
Hi. I'm pregnant. Now it's 2-3 weeks since last ovulation. I wasn't taking any folic acid while trying to conceive. Can it affect pregnancy in a bad way? Thank you.
Folic Acid
By Midwife @Tommys on 12 Sep 2018 - 10:04
It's recommended to start taking Folic acid three months before conception but if it’s too late for that, don’t worry but start taking the recommended daily amount now and continue taking it until the end of the first trimester (week 12 of your pregnancy).
The following link has more information about early pregnancy health-
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/early-pregnancy/dos-and-donts-safer-pregnancy
I'm 8 days late which never
By Anonymous (not verified) on 30 Aug 2018 - 17:08
I'm 8 days late which never happens. My period comes like clockwork. Ive tested negative on 3 hpt and negative on the blood work. What do I do?
I'm 8 days late which never
By Midwife @Tommys on 31 Aug 2018 - 14:09
Hi,
It sounds like it is best to see your GP for a review. Some changes in a cycle is common but if this is ongoing then t is important to rule out anything medical.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Pregnant
By Daisy (not verified) on 28 Aug 2018 - 18:51
Hi I just found out I’m pregnant this is my first pregnancy my last period was on June 16 how far am I in my pregnancy ? & I also have a doctors appointment coming up should I let my doctor know my pregnancy test was positive before I go in to the appointment or should I just wait??
Pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 30 Aug 2018 - 15:36
Hi Daisy, Thank you for your comment and congratulations on your pregnancy.
If your last period was on the 16th June then your estimated due date should be around the 22nd March 2019. You don't have to tell the GP you are pregnant before your appointment just wait until the appointment where you can talk in private when in the consultation and then you should be referred to the midwife. Hope this helps, take care, Tommy's Midwives x
Ave, and blood groups.
By Ayesha (not verified) on 25 May 2018 - 13:40
Hi, I justo found out I al 5 weeks pregnant after trying forma years with muy husband, I al 42, and have 2 grown up children from before, muy concern is that I have B rhesus d negative blood, and muy husband has A +..I nearly lost muy oldest son because he had his dada positive blood, what should i do to prevent problema with this pregnancy, we have waited so long, and at muy age theres many risks, so I need all the help that can be offered, thank you.
Ave, and blood groups.
By Midwife @Tommys on 25 May 2018 - 15:14
Hi Ayesha,
Congratulations on this pregnancy!
I understand your concerns, and this really depends on whether you received the anti-d injection during and after your previous pregnancies? If you did then there should not be a concern and you will be offered the same in this pregnancy. If you did not receive anti - d injection then do discuss this with your midwife and they may refer to you the fetal medicine team and a consultant for close monitoring and a care plan.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwives
preggies
By lovechildparent (not verified) on 9 May 2018 - 10:04
hi I just found out im preggies, married. can I ask my Gynae instead to see me instead of a GP? Im so nervous about all this as it is my first pregnancy.
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