In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Write down your questions about dating and screening before the next visit: what is offered, when, what it can show and what happens after a result.
Dating scans and first-trimester screening sit in defined windows, so confirm your dates with the doctor rather than waiting for a generic week online.
Do not consent to a test only because it appears routine—ask what decision the result could help you make.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Your blood volume and hormone levels are changing, which can influence headaches, dizziness and energy.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
The fetal stage begins around this period as organs continue their early development.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Screening estimates chance; it is not the same as diagnosis. A higher-chance result usually opens a conversation about further options.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Write down your questions about dating and screening before the next visit: what is offered, when, what it can show and what happens after a result.
- Review medicines and supplements with a clinician or pharmacist.
- Choose food-safety and substance-free habits without chasing perfection.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not consent to a test only because it appears routine—ask what decision the result could help you make.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Dating scans and first-trimester screening sit in defined windows, so confirm your dates with the doctor rather than waiting for a generic week online.
Dating and first-trimester assessment
Your care team may offer ultrasound and screening within a defined pregnancy window.
Early pregnancy assessment
Confirm your history, care pathway and the early tests your doctor recommends.
Understand screening choices
Ask what each screening test can and cannot tell you before deciding.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Make a shared question list and learn the difference between screening and diagnostic testing without pushing a preferred choice.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs