You are 6 weeks and 2 days

Try not to dwell on your lifestyle before you knew you were pregnant, but start making changes now.

236 days until your due date

Have you only just found out you're pregnant? Not every woman realizes straight away, especially if it wasn't planned. It's natural to worry about things you did before you knew, such as drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and whether you've harmed your baby. Use your pregnancy as a chance to review your lifestyle and improve your health.

Because of the way pregnancy is dated, your baby is still only a little over four weeks old. If you haven't been taking folic acid, start today.

Good to know

Going solo

Being pregnant and single can be tough, especially if it wasn't your choice. Make sure you:

Look after yourself: plan a healthy diet and exercise routine, and get as much rest and good sleep as you can. Ask a friend to keep you motivated, or go online to find other single pregnant women in your area, who'll give you a ready-made support network after the birth.
Ask family and friends for help. They'll probably be delighted to be involved and happy to come to appointments and classes with you, and you might ask one of them to be your birth partner.
Talk to your baby's father about support and access (if appropriate), and get legal advice if you can't agree. You and your baby will benefit from a friendly arrangement, and the sooner you start talking, the easier it will be after the birth.
Arrange support for after the birth. A survey found that grandparents who are actively involved in their grandchildren's lives benefit their wellbeing. If you don't have family nearby, build a network that will see you through the early weeks.
Start thinking early about your career options after the birth. You don't need to decide anything yet, but it helps to know what choices you may face.

Time to think about

Prenatal care

Prenatal care options vary from area to area, and whatever type you choose, scans, tests, and investigations may take place at a hospital. Your options are likely to be:

Group medical practice
Solo medical practice
Combination practice
Maternity center-based practice

Explainer

Don't go it alone

If you're single and pregnant, don't be alone: share the highs and lows with the people close to you.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.