Lateral flow tests for midwife appointments

Just found out I’m pregnant and spoke to the midwife, she mentioned about doing these tests for covid before I go to appointments. Is this compulsory and commonplace? I haven’t done a covid test ever yet as I’m so scared of putting it up my nose ☹️☹️☹️ I am super cautious about social distancing and only make essential journeys to keep the risk down.