Antenatal care monitors your health during pregnancy, as well as the health and development of your baby. It can help predict possible problems with your pregnancy or the birth, so action can be taken to avoid or treat them.
Antenatal appointments are scheduled in a fairly standard way in the UK, but some areas offer fewer appointments to mums who aren't expected to encounter any problems.
You can use the appointments to ask any questions you may have and to share any concerns. If you need advice between appointments, call your antenatal clinic.
Unless there's a problem with your pregnancy, most of your antenatal care will probably not take place at the hospital. You might go to the hospital's antenatal clinic if your doctor or midwife suggests an appointment with an obstetrician; you may also be asked to go there for antenatal appointments towards the end of your pregnancy.
Your first antenatal appointment will probably be your booking-in appointment and usually happens at about eight to 12 weeks. In some areas, this is done at home by a community midwife; in others, you'll be asked to visit the hospital.
If you plan to have your baby at home, you'll almost certainly have this appointment at home or at your local health centre.
You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, family history and any previous pregnancies. The aim is to get a basic picture of your health and your pregnancy so far.
The midwife might discuss issues such as diet, smoking and work; she may also ask about your thoughts on breast or bottle feeding and give you information on these.
You don't have to make up your mind on this or on any other matter, but it's a good chance to ask questions and clear up anything you're worried about.
You may be asked to give a blood sample at this appointment. Depending on your local hospital's policy, you may also be weighed.