Do I have to see a GP before my booking appointment?

[beebop100]

I've made a booking appointment directly with my midwife. Is it ok for her to be the first person I see about my pregnancy? Last time my GP just gave me a Bounty pack and told me I was fat and to make an appointment with the midwives. So, this time I thought I could probably get away with bypassing that. Is there any reason I would need to see a GP at this point - I've been taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins and have no significant medical or obstetric history.

[Pigginnora]

No need to see your gp. I didn't see my GP at any point during 3 of my pregnancies.

Good luck!

[PenguinsLoveFishFingers]

As long as your area allows you to go straight to the midwives (which it sounds like it does if they made the booking in apt) it is fine. Areas vary - here I don't have to see the GP at all, in my old area you had to see them first.

[eurochick]

It depends on your area. I had to. It was absolutely pointless. He filled out an onscreen form with the info I gave him (with errors, despite me repeating information several times) and took my blood pressure. It was a complete waste of an appointment.

[MrsMonkeyBear]

I only went to my GP as I was on meds that needed adjusting. I could have gotten away with directly calling the midwife if it wasn't for that.

[beebop100]

Aww ladies, thanks for the reassurance, I'll carry on with my plan then x

[DinoSnores]

You mentioned your GP said you were "fat". How overweight are you? If you are over 100kg or have a BMI greater than 30, then patients are now advised to take folic acid 5mg daily, rather than the smaller 400mcg dose.

www.homerton.nhs.uk/uploaded_files/Our_services/Maternity/Leaflets/bmi_justified_leaflet_26.pdf

If that's the case (it might not be, but just thought I'd mention it!), then it would be worth seeing a GP as you can only get the 5mg on prescription.

Hope all goes well!

[beebop100]

Thanks DinoSnores, my BMI is less than 30, my GP's just obsessed with my weight. I do appreciate the heads up though x

[TestingTestingWonTooFree]

My GP appointment was pointless. I'd only make one if you have underlying health issues that need review.