Expecting a baby?
If you think that you might be pregnant, you'll find places that offer free pregnancy tests in the sexual health section, and information about your choices too. If you decide to go ahead with the pregnancy, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor's surgery and arrange an appointment with the midwife. You'll meet regularly with her (or him) to monitor your health and the baby's, talk through your experience, worries and expectations.
As soon as a woman is pregnant, her whole body starts to change, to prepare for the work ahead. Many women experience symptoms from very early on - tender breasts, sickness and tiredness, needing to pee more often. Some sail through pregnancy looking fantastic and never have any problems, but they are rare! Most women find that being pregnant affects their emotions, energy levels, skin, hair, bodily functions, feet, sleep, appetite - you name it!
Get advice early on about your health and diet, as for example some foods are not recommended for pregnant women (such as raw egg, shell fish, nuts or unpasteurised cheese). Alcohol and cigarette smoke can harm your unborn child, as of course can illegal drugs. Talk to your GP or midwife if you are taking prescription drugs. You should start taking a supplement of folic acid straightaway to reduce the risk of Spina Bifida.
Your midwife will regularly test your blood and urine and talk to you about other tests on offer. You will be offered a fetal heart monitor at about 14 weeks, where you can listen to your baby's heartbeat. At 20 weeks you'll be offered a scan at hospital, where you should be able to see your baby moving around, and where they will check that your baby is developing normally. You can usually find out the sex of your baby at this time, if you wish.
Mums2B Project is a 6 week course for young women under 19 (and their partners) helping to prepare for their baby's birth, parenthood and the future. They can negotiate with your school or college for time off to attend if necessary. You can contact them yourself or ask someone you are working with (eg midwife, GP or support worker) to refer you.
Does it hurt?
No one is going to tell you that having a baby doesn't hurt, but actually the pain is only a tiny part of what is mostly an amazing experience. If you are prepared for the birth then you will be less scared, more in control of what is happening, and feel less pain.
Talk to your midwife about your fears, and read up in books or magazines. Find out about your options, such as birthing positions and pain relief, what happens if things aren't going to plan, the hospital staff who may be involved, and what to expect afterwards. It's a good idea to find out about the labour ward - you can now have a ‘virtual tour’ on dvd. Many women like to have their partner present at the birth, or someone else they are close to. Make sure they know as much as possible too so they can support you.
By keeping yourself fit and active throughout pregnancy and eating a healthy diet, you'll also be keeping your body in good shape for labour. Ignore the horror stories that you'll be told by friends and family about difficult or painful births. Every woman's experience of birth is unique.
You may have to be in hospital for a day or two afterwards (unless you have a home birth), so use that time to ask questions of the nursing staff. If you've never changed a nappy or bathed a baby, get them to show you how. Also how to dress, handle, feed, burp and soothe a baby.