I’m Pregnant… What Now?
I’m Pregnant in Peterborough… What Now? A Simple Guide for Parents-to-Be
So, you’ve just seen that positive pregnancy test. Excitement, nerves, or a mix of both? First of all: congratulations!
Once the initial shock settles, you might be wondering:
“Okay… what do I do now?”
If you’re in Peterborough and have just found out you’re pregnant, this guide will take you through the first steps, including how to register your pregnancy, what appointments to expect, and why now is the perfect time to think about antenatal classes.
1. How to Register Your Pregnancy in Peterborough
The first step is to register your pregnancy with local maternity services. In Peterborough, this is usually done through My Pregnancy Notes, a secure online system. You don’t normally need to see your GP first.
To register:
Go on “My Pregnancy Notes Peterborough”
Create an account and complete the short referral form
Wait for the maternity team to get in touch about your first appointment
This makes sure your pregnancy is on record and your care can start properly.
Be Kind to Yourself During Early Pregnancy
Early pregnancy can be a big adjustment. Your body is working hard, and it’s normal to feel tired, emotional, or overwhelmed at times. Everyone experiences it differently, and that’s okay.
Take time to rest, be gentle with yourself, and do things that make you feel supported. Small moments of self-care really help during these first few weeks.
2. Your First Midwife Appointment (Booking Appointment)
Your booking appointment is usually around10 - 12 weeks.
It’s common not to hear anything immediately after registering. Don’t worry if things feel quiet for a few weeks. If you have any questions or concerns before then, the early pregnancy team is always available to offer guidance.
During your booking appointment, your midwife will cover:
Your medical and pregnancy history
How you’re feeling generally
Vitamins, diet, and lifestyle advice
Screening options
What your pregnancy care pathway will look like
Any support you might need
When your next appointments will be
You’ll also get access to your maternity notes, often through My Pregnancy Notes, where you can track appointments and note preferences or questions.
3. Routine Scans in a Low-Risk Pregnancy
Most low-risk pregnancies in Peterborough include two routine scans:
12-week scan (dating scan) – to confirm your due date
20-week scan (anomaly scan) – to check baby’s growth and development
4. Regular Midwife Appointments
Throughout pregnancy, you’ll see your midwife regularly, with appointments becoming more frequent later on. Typical checks include:
Blood pressure and urine tests
Measuring your bump
Listening to your baby’s heartbeat (from around 16 weeks)
Discussion about how you’re feeling
Information to prepare for birth
Time to ask questions
Your midwife will advise when to book your next visit, and your maternity notes make it easy to keep track.
5. Antenatal Classes in Peterborough
Antenatal classes are a great way to prepare for birth, and places can fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to start looking at classes between 12 and 20 weeks, but really, do it whenever you feel ready.
Why Choose My Antenatal Course?
As a FEDANT-accredited antenatal and Hypnobirthing instructor, my classes are:
Evidence-based, friendly, and relaxed
Inclusive of all birthing and feeding choices
Designed to help you feel calm, confident, and informed
Packed with practical tools for labour, birth, and the first weeks at home
Suitable for both pregnant people and their birth partners
We cover labour, pain relief options, induction and caesarean birth, hypnobirthing techniques, postnatal recovery, and feeding your baby.
If you’re local to Peterborough, you can view upcoming course dates on my website or get in touch with questions.
6. Take a Breath — You’re Doing Great
Early pregnancy can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and information. But you don’t need to have it all figured out right now.
Start with registering your pregnancy, know it’s normal to wait a little while before hearing from the midwife, and take things one step at a time. You’re already doing brilliantly.
