Is there a timeframe by which you have to have registered with a midwife?

[ScoutFinch]

I have only just got my positive pregnancy test so I wondered if there was a time by which I have to get organised with a midwife. (This is not my first pregnancy so going along early seems a bit daft to me.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

I shouldn't think so. They probably just like to know so they can plan for the months ahead?

Although tbh, if it isn't your first pg they probably won't want to see you until 38 weeks!!

[ScoobyDoo]

I think they like to see you before 12 weeks, well i know ours do so they can book our first scan but i also know it differs from area to area, the way to find out is call your doctors surgery they will tell you.

[RGPargy]

I went to see my GP at 6 weeks pg, and was told the midwife would get in touch before i was 10 weeks, which she did. I then got booked in for my first scan at 12 weeks.

I would say it doesn't hurt to go as early as possible really!

[Peachy]

I'd go ASAP because I thought the same- leave it, its your 4th whats the hurry etc

But the MW has to book you in for scans so all mine ended up late - my own fault!

After that they decide how often they ant to see you (and then you make the appointments and realise they're having a larf coz they're all booked up until 2066 LOL)

[LOVEMYMUM]

Book as early as you can to make sure you get scans on the correct date. I went to my GP who wrote to my local hospital who then contacted me. Go as soon as you can so that scans can be on the right dates.

[Anna8888]

No. There exists such a thing as a late booking and you can have one up until birth. However, you gain nothing by waiting.

[Prunie]

If you want any sort of antenatal testing (incl 20-wk scan) it makes sense to see her to get booked for those.
Otherwise I think they like to do bloods at 28 weeks (I'm sure this protocol varies), so it would make sense to have the paperwork done by then so you're in the system. but then, what would happen if you didn't? I don't know.

[cece]

I heard a rumour once that hopsitals get full up so won't accept anymore pg ladies onto their books. Now I don't know how true this is... I think about 8 or 9 weeks is about right to go... that is what I did with my first two. However, this time I went at 7 weeks and was surprised to find they do the booking in at 9 weeks here (a new area to last two) In fact with second one I had my booking in at 12 weeks as I had to change the date and that was the earliest they could do it.

[cece]

not 12 weeks, 17 weeks...

[lemonaid]

You don't have to do it at any particular point. However, my hospital is one of those that does get booked up (I personally know women who've been turned away at only 6 weeks pregnant because its books are full for their EDD ) so I hasten to the GP before the urine dries on the pregnancy test, virtually. All they do is send in a form to the hospital, and then I see the midwife at around 13 weeks.