2nd time round

[MadameJ]

Hi Ladies, I am pregnant again after DD was born at 33 weeks, whilst I appreciate that this is not as early as others on here but obviously it is still worrying.

I have my first mw appointment coming up, can anyone advise me on what I should be asking in regards to care during the pregnancy as I have a feeling that I am going to be fobbed off!!

[MadameJ]

Anyone???

[Mandy21]

Do you know why you went into early labour last time? I had my twins at 27+6 (having gone into labour at 27+4) and there was never any reason given, and 2nd time around, when I was only having a singleton, I was a little fobbed off that I wouldn't need anything specialist care because it had just been "a twin thing". I pushed the midwife for consultant led care - to be honest you might have to fight for at least part consultant led care as I think at 33 weeks, unless there is some identified problem, they probably won't see you as high risk. I also thought my premature labour was down to a UTI - there was never anything on my notes but I do remember 2 or 3 days before going to hospital and them mentionning a possible UTI. I therefore said I wanted it monitoring - they eventually gave me a set of swabs and test tubes so that I could swab myself once a month, drop it into the drs surgery and they would check that I didn't have an infection. I also pushed for extra scans - just before I for to 27 weeks from memory and then at 32 weeks. Just stress how worried you are, how you want to avoid SCBU again at all costs etc.

[MadameJ]

Thanks Mandy, there was no apparent reason although like you someone definately mentioned a UTI at some point. I like the swab idea as at least this will make me feel like Im doing something (if that makes sense??), many thanks for your help x

[LeBFG]

Hi MadameJ. I would ask about progesterone jabs if I were you. I'm having them at the moment (20wks). There's some good evidence they can increase gestational age. Other than that, yes, push for consultant-led care, swabs and ask about extra-scans/provisions they expect to give you esp in the crucial third trimester.