A Simple First Trimester Guide (That Won’t Overwhelm You) — Peterborough Edition
Finding out you’re pregnant is a huge moment it’s normal to wonder what you actually need to do next.
1. Arrange Your Booking Appointment Through Peterborough Maternity Services
Most people choose to arrange their booking appointment with a midwife for around 8–10 weeks.
If you’re local to Peterborough, you’re likely to be under:
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (Peterborough City Hospital).
Many people self-refer using the maternity team’s online referral forms, or by contacting their GP surgery if they’re unsure.
This appointment covers:
• Your medical history
• Early checks
• Blood tests
• Information about local pregnancy support
2. Consider Starting Folic Acid + Vitamin D
In the UK, it’s generally recommended to take:
• 400 micrograms of folic acid
• 10 micrograms of vitamin D
If you haven’t started already, many parents find this a simple early step.
If folic acid causes nausea, taking it with food or just before sleep can help.
3. Local, UK-Friendly Food Safety Guidance
You don’t need a special pregnancy diet — but there are a few gentle UK guidelines people often follow:
• Avoid undercooked meat, raw shellfish, liver, and unpasteurised soft cheeses
• Keep caffeine to around 200 mg per day
• Heat any pre-prepared chilled meals until piping hot
And good news for UK parents:
Eggs stamped with the Red Lion are considered safe to eat runny or raw during pregnancy due to strict British safety standards.
4. Tiredness Is Common — Rest When You Can
First-trimester tiredness is incredibly common, whether you’re working in the city centre, commuting, or juggling family life around Peterborough.
Resting isn’t a luxury — it’s sensible and often essential.
5. Early Pregnancy Symptoms (and When to Seek Advice)
Common symptoms include:
• Nausea or sickness
• Mild cramping
• Tender breasts
• Bloating
• Light spotting
• Mood swings
Many of these are considered normal in early pregnancy.
However, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe one-sided pain, or anything that concerns you, it’s completely appropriate to ask for help.
Your local contact is:
Peterborough Early Pregnancy / Maternity Helpline
📞 01733 677266
This number links to the maternity team at Peterborough City Hospital, who can advise or direct you to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) if needed.
If ever in doubt — call.
6. No Rush to Buy Baby Items Yet
Many Peterborough parents say they feel less overwhelmed when they delay the big baby buys until the second trimester.
Whether you’re planning to shop locally (Queensgate, Serpentine Green, or independent boutiques) or online — there’s no pressure to start now.
7. Explore Antenatal or Hypnobirthing Classes in Peterborough Early (If It Feels Right)
Spaces in local antenatal or hypnobirthing classes often fill quickly — especially in-person ones.
Learning tools early can help you feel calmer from the beginning, giving more time to practise breathing, relaxation and partner support.
And because you’re local, attending classes in Peterborough also helps you:
• Build community
• Meet other local parents
• Learn about your specific hospital/birth centre options
• Understand how Peterborough’s maternity pathways work
8. Do Small, Kind Things for Yourself — You Deserve It
A slow walk around Ferry Meadows, a quiet coffee on Cathedral Square, or simply an early night — small acts of care matter during the first trimester.
