Question about second maternity maternity visit.

[LucyB1]

Hiya, Hope everyone is well and enjoying (cough) their pregnancies.

I have my second maternity visit next week and can not wait.. i feel like its been a long time since i have spoken to any medical professional about the pregnancy and cant help but start worrying (is it still there kind of thoughts...even with a big ish bump?)

My question is... do I get to hear babies heart beat?!!?

[LastOneDancing]

How many weeks are you?

The MW didn't try and get a heartbeat until my 24 week check. Apparently around here they don't try before 20 weeks unless there's an issue (I fell at 18 weeks & they had a listen).

[BigW]

Congratulations Lucy. How far gone are you? I believe it varies from area to area and according to circumstances. For me (low risk, first baby) the first time I heard the heart beat was at the 12 week scan. Then the midwife listened in at 16 weeks, followed by the 20 week scan, then at every appointment after that.
Good luck, it's so wonderful.

[LucyB1]

I will be 17 weeks so maybe not hey. Where about's in the country are you (Im Kent)

[BigW]

I'm not in Kent, so you'll have to wait and see I guess!! So exciting! I used to really look forward to those visits. Remember only 3 weeks until you get to see baby wriggling around again!

[firsttimekat]

At my 16 week check MW wasn't going to listen but I asked her to, she said she would only do it if I understood she might not be able to find it and I wouldn't get worried. She tried and couldn't find it, of course I did worry but the rational part of me is trying not to. I also have an anterior placenta which I think can make the heart beat harder to find at first. Really looking forward to my 20 week scan and seeing the bean again.

[KippyVonKipperson]

Depends on the midwife as well as area. I heard it at 16 weeks here (hampshire)

[KiwiBanana]

Totally depends on area. The guidelines have changed now for them to start listening at 24 weeks when it is considered a viable pregnancy. Not all midwives are putting this in to force though.

[younggrasshopper]

I am 39 wks (due tomorrow!!!)

MW couldn't hear the hb at 16wks so I was sent for a scan straightaway at the hospital - everything was fine but it was a worrying drive to the hospital.

[Bumpiemalumpie]

I heard little bean at 16weeks, the mW offered but did the whole 'it maybe too early' speak but it was bold as brass and I recorded it!!!

oh god it was so exciting!!

[MoominIsGoingToBeAMumWaitWHAT]

My midwife wasn't going to do it, asked me if I'd been for a wee yet, I said 'no' so she said may as well have a listen then seeing as my bladder would be pushing it up she found it pretty much straight away, was lovely to hear :)

Have since heard it at the antenatal unit after RFM and at my 25 week midwife appointment, but this week I saw my consultant and she said "It's too early to hear the baby's heartbeat at 26 weeks"... I decided not to tell her the midwife has been doing it since 16 weeks...