Is a Midwife appt every 2 weeks really necessary at 30 weeks pregnant?

[dejags]

I am debating whether or not to go to my midwife appt this afternoon. In SA you have to see an independent midwife and they cost quite a lot for antental appts. As we are skint I am wondering if it's worth going.

I saw the Consultant two weeks ago at 28 weeks. The baby was fine, had a scan, no reason for concern.

I have an appt with the MW two weeks from today (for some reason she insists on every two weeks after 28 weeks).

Baby is moving well. I am feeling ok'ish - very tired, but who isn't at 30 weeks.

Should I stay or should I go?

[TheBlonde]

Don't bother but double check that she won't charge you anyway

In the UK you only go to 2 weekly appts after something like 36 wks

[bambi06]

i think its to keep checks on baby`s position , as well as mothers health..pre eclampsia etc

[dejags]

But would you go every two weeks bambi?

[lulumama]

i would be inclined to go in another 2 weeks...but to call the midwife to be checked out if you have any swelling or headaches or feel unwell....


is there a reason she insists on seeing you every 2 weeks after 28 weeks?

[dejags]

lulu - it's just her schedule i.e. every two weeks 28 - 36 weeks, then once a week until the birth.

[SenoraPostrophe]

I would def not go. They have excessive ante natal apps in Spain too and my ante natal midwife was a witch. Unless you had complications in your previous pregnancies? I think after your first, you usually know if there's a problem.

You could always get your blood pressure checked at a chemists anyway couldn't you?

[dejags]

Good idea Senora. I will phone my chemist now to see if they can do my BP (it's always fairly low).

[dejags]

Thanks all.

I cancelled the appointment (no charge). I will go to my chemist to have my BP measured (for free) and to have my blood tests done independently.

As I am on no. 3 and working full time, the antenatal appts are not only costly but take valuable time out of my day.

I think as long as the baby is moving well and my BP is fine, I will be ok.

[pulapula]

I'm a bit late, but I would also say its important to get your BP monitored- my rose significantly towards the end of my last pregnancy which was very ususual for me.

As long as baby is moving regularly, then you should be ok with less frequent appointments for now. In the UK, appointments are free, so I take advantage of any I get offered!