Your Booking Appointment: What to Expect

Your booking appointment is your first official antenatal appointment with your midwife. It usually happens between 8 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. Here's exactly what to expect.

What Is the Booking Appointment?
What Tests Are Done?
Questions Your Midwife Will Ask
What to Bring
What Happens Next?

What Is the Booking Appointment?

The booking appointment is your first detailed midwife appointment. It's called 'booking' because it's when you're officially 'booked in' to the maternity service. Expect it to take 45–60 minutes — it is the longest antenatal appointment you'll have, because your midwife needs to build a full picture of your health before planning your care.

Most NHS areas ask you to self-refer to your local maternity service as soon as you know you are pregnant, so that your booking appointment can be scheduled at the right time. If you are unsure how to self-refer, your GP surgery can help. Some areas still route referrals through the GP, so it's worth checking locally.

Your booking appointment may take place at your GP surgery, a children's centre, a community clinic, or at the hospital antenatal department, depending on where you live. It is usually conducted by a community midwife rather than a doctor.

What Tests Are Done?

The booking appointment involves a straightforward set of checks that give your midwife a health baseline. You will not need to be nervous — nothing is painful.

Blood tests: Your midwife will take a blood sample to check your blood group and rhesus (RhD) factor, look for signs of anaemia (low iron), screen for infections including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and check immunity to rubella. These are all standard NHS screens offered to every pregnant woman.

Blood pressure: Your blood pressure is measured and recorded. This reading becomes your personal baseline for the rest of your pregnancy.

Urine test: You will be asked to bring or provide a urine sample. This is tested for protein (which can be an early sign of pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy) and for signs of urinary tract infection.

Height, weight, and BMI: These are measured to calculate your body mass index. Your BMI helps the team identify whether you may need additional monitoring or specialist input during your pregnancy.

Cervical screening: If you are due a smear test, your midwife may mention it, though this is usually deferred until after the birth.

Questions Your Midwife Will Ask

The booking appointment is a conversation as much as a set of tests. Your midwife is building your antenatal care record, so she will ask about a wide range of topics. You do not need to prepare a script — simply answer as honestly as you can.

Expect questions about your medical history (including conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid problems, or blood-clotting disorders), your family medical history (some genetic conditions are relevant to your baby's care), previous pregnancies or miscarriages, any medications you currently take, your lifestyle including smoking, alcohol, and any recreational drug use, your mental health and emotional wellbeing, and your home situation and support network.

Mental health questions are asked routinely and are not a judgement — they help your midwife connect you with any additional support early, such as a perinatal mental health team if needed.

What to Bring

- A list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take regularly - Details of any relevant medical conditions or previous operations - A urine sample in a clean container (check in advance whether your clinic needs this) - Your partner, a friend, or a family member if you'd like support — they are welcome - A pen and notepad or your phone, for jotting down any advice - A list of questions you want to ask — it is easy to forget things once you are in the appointment

What Happens Next?

After your booking appointment, your midwife will arrange your 12-week dating scan and nuchal translucency (NT) screening. These usually take place between 11 and 14 weeks. You will also receive your antenatal record (sometimes called your pregnancy notes or handheld notes) — keep these safe and bring them to every appointment, including if you attend the emergency department.

You will have regular antenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy. The number of appointments varies depending on whether it is your first pregnancy, but your midwife will explain what your schedule looks like. Between appointments, you can contact your community midwife team or call 111 if you have concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does the booking appointment take?

Expect 45–60 minutes. It is the longest antenatal appointment because your midwife needs to take a full history, complete several tests, and arrange all your future care.

Can my partner come to the booking appointment?

Yes. Partners are welcome at all antenatal appointments, though some women prefer to attend the booking appointment alone as it covers personal medical history. There is no right or wrong choice.

What if I miss my booking appointment?

Contact your midwifery service as soon as possible to rebook. It is important to have your booking appointment before 10 weeks if you can, so that your 12-week scan can be arranged in time. Your GP surgery can help if you are unsure who to contact.

Further reading:

NHS — Antenatal care and screening

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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