If you suspect you are pregnant
Home pregnancy kits are just as accurate as a urine sample sent to the hospital laboratory and you find out much more quickly. If you have a positive pregnancy test you need to let us know as soon as possible so that we can provide you with an information leaflet about your antenatal and postnatal care. We will also ask you to complete a simple form which we will use to update your medical record. This is particularly important if you are taking regular prescribed medication as the doctor may need to make adjustments to your medicines.
Medicines in pregnancy
Some medicines, including common painkillers, can harm your baby’s health. Other medicines are safe, such as medication to treat long-term conditions like asthma, overactive thyroid, underactive thyroid, diabetes and epilepsy.
To be sure a medicine is safe in pregnancy: talk to your doctor immediately if you take regular medication, ideally before you start trying for a baby or as soon as you find out you are pregnant. If you’re taking regular medication, don’t stop taking it without consulting your doctor. Make sure your doctor, dentist or other healthcare professional knows you’re pregnant before they prescribe anything or give you treatment use as few over-the-counter medicines as possible.
Medicines and treatments that are usually safe include:
- paracetamol
- most antibiotics
- dental treatments, including local anaesthetics
- some types of vaccinations, including tetanus
- flu nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
However, always check with your midwife, doctor or pharmacist first.
You should avoid alcohol, stop smoking and take a Folic acid supplement. For more information please see the information provided by nhs.uk.
If you would like help to stop smoking please make an appointment with a GP to discuss the Smoking Cessation Services and treatment options.
Why do I need Folic Acid?
Folic acid is important for pregnancy as it can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. If you didn’t take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. You should take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day while you are trying to get pregnant and until you are 12 weeks pregnant. It is cheaper to purchase this over the counter at the pharmacy than to obtain a prescription.
For further information about ante-natal and post-natal services please see our surgery clinics page.