Your booking appointment (booking visit)
Your first main appointment is your booking appointment (booking visit) with your midwife. It normally takes place between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnant? Get the best start by seeing your midwife (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5z-WOxFACI)
If you've just found out that you're pregnant, get the best start for you and your baby by making an appointment with a midwife.
Midwife appointments
Make an appointment with your midwife as soon as you know you're pregnant.
Finding a midwife to help you through your pregnancy's easy. In most Health Board areas you can make your first midwife appointment by asking your GP receptionist. In some areas you can call the midwifery service direct.
Health Board |
To make your first midwife appointment, phone: |
Forth Valley |
01324 567 146 |
Greater Glasgow and Clyde |
0141 232 4005 |
Lothian |
0131 536 2009 |
Orkney |
01856 888 238 |
Shetland |
01595 743 012 |
Tests you'll be offered
At your booking appointment, you'll:
- have your weight and height measured
- have your blood pressure measured - this will be done again at every midwife appointment to check for pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia
- be asked to give a urine sample
You'll probably have your first scan arranged too.
What you'll be asked
Your midwife will ask you about:
- you and your family’s health
- your relationship with your baby’s father or your partner to see whether you or they may need support
- your mental health and how you’re feeling - including if you’ve had mental health difficulties before or if you’re being treated for any now
- whether you drink alcohol and if so how much - if you've been drinking during pregnancy speak honestly to your midwife or GP
Your midwife will tell you about screening tests and vaccines available during pregnancy, and will support you to make choices.
Your midwife will also ask about your income and if you would like support to access maternity benefits or welfare advice services.
Give as much information as you can, as it means you’ll get the care that’s best for you and your baby.
Female genital mutilation
During your booking appointment you'll be asked a question about female genital mutilation (FGM).
It's important to know if this practice has happened to you. This enables health professionals to plan and provide your care.
FGM Aware has more information about how FGM is being tackled in Scotland.
What you'll be told
Your midwife will tell you about:
- the antenatal care in your area
- local services to help you stop smoking, cut down or stop drinking or support you around drug taking - they can also arrange these if needed
They'll also talk to you about your choices for where to give birth
What you'll be given
Your midwife will give you information about:
- the social care benefits you can get while you’re pregnant and after your baby's born
- immunisations recommended in pregnancy
- screening tests in pregnancy and be offered blood tests if you would like them
Emotional support
Your midwife will ask you questions about your own experiences of growing up. Being pregnant may remind you of difficult emotions from your past. For example, if you ever experienced:
- violence at home
- abuse of any kind
- feeling unsafe or neglected
Be as honest as you can. Understanding your experiences will help your midwife to:
- look after your emotional and physical health
- make sure you and your baby have the best possible care
Can I bring someone with me?
It’s fine for your partner or a friend to come with you. Remember you’re likely to be talking about some confidential and private things.
It's up to you whether you'd feel more comfortable discussing these things in confidence with just your midwife, or if you'd prefer to have someone else that you trust there as well.
If you need an interpreter
If you need an interpreter, make sure you or your partner tell your midwife before the appointment.
Further information, other languages and alternative formats
Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.
Last updated:
25 January 2023