SO… YOU’VE JUST FOUND OUT YOU’RE PREGNANT. NOW WHAT?
- Sam
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
First of all: congratulations.
Whether this was carefully planned or a complete surprise, seeing that positive test can spark a lot of feelings, joy, shock, panic, excitement, even disbelief (yes, it's really happening).
Whatever you’re feeling right now? It’s valid. And you’re not alone.
Here’s a calm, clear guide to what happens next, and how to find your feet in those early days.
Step 1: Let your GP (or Midwife) know
The first step is to contact your GP surgery. You don’t always need to see the GP — many practices will refer you straight to their community Midwife team once you tell them it’s pregnancy-related.
From there, you’ll be booked in for your ‘booking appointment’, which usually happens around 8–10 weeks. This is where you’ll talk through your medical history, get your pregnancy notes, and be referred into your chosen maternity care provider.
Top tip: You don’t have to go with the nearest hospital or service. It’s your body, your pregnancy, your choice — and you can discuss options with your Midwife.
Step 2: Understanding your NHS antenatal care
Wondering how often you’ll see a Midwife or have scans?
The NHS has a standard schedule of appointments for low-risk pregnancies, which usually includes:
Your booking appointment (8–10 weeks)
Your first ultrasound scan (12–14 weeks)
A second scan (usually around 20 weeks)
Midwife check-ins throughout pregnancy
You can find the full breakdown here: NHS Antenatal Appointment Schedule
Step 3: What’s normal in early pregnancy?
Short answer? There is no normal — not really.
Some people feel fine. Some feel everything. You might have sore boobs, mood swings, nausea, or just a strange feeling that something’s changed. You might feel absolutely nothing at all. And that’s all OK.
One of the most common challenges early on is nausea (with or without actual sickness). If you’re struggling, this resource is a good starting point for coping strategies: Pregnancy Sickness Support – Coping Strategies
Step 4: Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal too.
Pregnancy doesn’t always feel the way it looks in stock photos.If you're feeling a bit wobbly, emotionally, physically, or both, you’re in good company. Hormones, uncertainty, excitement, and fear can all show up at once. Talk to someone you trust, and try not to bottle it up.
Partners, we see you too. It’s a lot. Be kind to each other.
Where ScanLinc fits in
Your NHS scan is typically scheduled for around 12–14 weeks. But sometimes, waiting that long can feel hard, especially if you’re navigating big emotions, previous experiences, or just a need for clarity.
That’s where we come in.
We offer early pregnancy scans from around 6 weeks onwards, giving you a chance to:
Confirm that the pregnancy is in the right place (intrauterine)
See the developing heartbeat (if visible)
Check how far along you might be
Have space to ask questions and talk through any concerns
You might book an early scan if:
You’re feeling anxious or uncertain
You’re not experiencing any symptoms and want reassurance
You’re experiencing strong symptoms and want to check things are progressing normally
You have irregular cycles and aren’t sure how far along you are
You just don’t want to wait weeks for your NHS scan
Whatever your reason, you’ll be seen in a calm, unhurried setting with one of our experienced Sonographers. Every appointment is one-to-one, always centred on you, and never rushed. We’ll explain everything as we go, and answer any questions, no matter how small they seem.
We’re not here to replace NHS care, but we can offer a thoughtful, professional stepping stone to support you in these early weeks.
If you have questions, about scans, symptoms, or what happens next, we’re here.
Send us a message, give us a call, or explore our FAQs to find more helpful information.
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