The First Fourteen Weeks
A free early pregnancy guide. Short videos, plain answers, and a set of things worth printing.
Free. No login. Take what you need and leave the rest.
Not everyone who finds out is going ahead. Not everyone knows yet. If that's you, these aren't your questions. The NSW Pregnancy Choices Helpline is free, confidential, and takes no position either way. 1800 008 463, weekdays.
How to use this
You don't have to watch these in order, though they're in the order most women need them. The first ones are about working out where you are and who's going to look after you. The middle is your body and what's normal. Then the tests, and what to make of them.
Most people arrive because of one question, watch that one, and come back when the next question turns up. That's the right way to use it.
Each video is around 10 minutes. Under every one there's the same thing written out, if you'd rather read than watch. (Some of you will be watching at your desk with the sound off. I know.)
Are my first trimester symptoms normal?
Most first trimester symptoms are normal, and so is having very few. What matters is a short list of signs that mean get checked.
The printed version (COMING SOON)
Some of this is better on paper. Especially at 3am, when the last thing you want is a screen.
The bundle is:
The First Fourteen Weeks: The whole guide, to print or read on your phone
A workbook: Room to write down what you're deciding, and what you want to ask
Seven single sheets: When to call and who, food and medicines in Australia, what tests and when, questions for your first appointment, how bad is too bad with nausea, supplements, and one for your partner
One email address, once. You get all of it.
Who am I?
I'm Jen. I'm a Registered and Endorsed Midwife in private practice in Paddington, and I've spent seventeen years at births in every setting there is. Hospital, home, theatre, birth centre. I'm not here to talk you into any of them.
Endorsed means I work independently. You don't need a referral to see me, Medicare rebates apply to most appointments, and I can order your tests and scans and prescribe what you need. Most women don't know a Midwife can do any of that, which is part of why I made this.
If you'd like to talk to someone rather than watch something, that's what appointments are for.
This is general information about pregnancy, not advice about you. It doesn't replace the care of your own midwife, GP or maternity service, and it can't account for what's particular about your pregnancy.
If you're worried about yourself or your baby, contact your maternity service or go to your nearest emergency department. Don't wait to be sure.