To think I should have heard from the midwives by now

[MrsSparkles]

I am 11 weeks pregnant. Sent all my forms off to the midwives at 6 weeks since when I have heard nothing. We have a central office where all the forms get sent, then they get passed out to the local centres - all I have is the number for the on call midwife from the local centre who I've left 2 or 3 messages for (over the last 2 weeks). But have heard nothing back. Central office tells me not to worry, they'll be in contact between 8 - 13.5 weeks (but can't actually confirm they've received the forms - I need to do that locally).

It's my second so I'm not overly concerned but I have a lot of meetings for work, and a school age child so I'd appreciate some notice of my appointment to make arrangements.

WIBU to push them or should I leave it another week or so?

[M4blues]

Have you have your nuchal scan appointment through as obviously that needs to be done before 14wks?
If scan is taken care of then as its your second just wait it out unless you have anything specific you need to ask.
If no scan app through then I'd be on to them again.

[Mundelfall]

I'd keep pushing and even then you will probably get zero notice of the scan appointment. I don't understand how these places work but I am guessing they are ridiculously short staffed. I still remember how infuriated I was at the delays and lack of communication and my youngest is 5
Good luck

[MatildaTheCat]

Not unreasonable to check they do have the letter. It may still be a paper system whereby each letter is dealt with according to the EDD and there can be backlogs. However, letters can and do go missing so worth checking.

The only time urgent appointment is the scan/ screening bloods which need to be before 13+6 so you may need to be willing to drop other plans to arrange that. It's possible that when you call a kindly soul will deal with it for you then.

Congratulations.

[MatildaTheCat]

Yes, mundelfall, they are stupidly short staffed and the systems are hopeless. Many letters are duplicated as both faxes and hard copies get sent. And the phone never stops with anxious women needing to know when they will hear. Also there are many difficulties with arranging scan slots etc etc. some scan slots are opened as extras each week to mop up anyone without scans.

And sadly there are many wasted appointments because nobody thinks to inform the service of miscarriages, moves of addresses etc.

It is not an easy job.

[cranberryx]

I had something similar and had to chase to get my scan appointment as they had lost the pink slip that asks for it - it might be worth phoning your local hospital where you will be having your scan and asking to speak to the scan dept to see if they have received the request - if they haven't, chase your midwife.

Also, you should be given your maternity notes to keep at your 12 week appointment as well (so remember to ask/see your midwife around that time to collect them)

Congrats!

[MrsSparkles]

Matilda I think it is all paper based which is what concerns me, that its gone astray. My first was in a different area and everything was booked very promptly (and electronically) so this is all new to me!

I'd just like to know they have me on file and I'm in the system. It just seems really inefficient to potentially have to squeeze me in at the last minute when it all could be booked ages ago. Oh well!

[MrsSparkles]

Cranberry no idea what hospital I'm going to - 3 locally.

Matilda I don't want to be one of these annoying people, but it's hard trying to get the balance of when it really does become urgent to chase them. Which is why I've usually called once a week which I think is fairly reasonable. What if my calculations are wrong and I'm actually further along than I think, which is why I don't want to leave it too late

[M4blues]

I was glad I opted for a Harmony test last time as I got my scan through for 14+5. I understand they're short staffed but what's the point. And phoned and asked why the letter was calling me for a nuchal scan at 14+5 when what it should have said is that due to staff shortages we are unable to offer you a nuchal scan. I was appalled that some women who didn't know the limits might believe they had actually had or were going to have a nuchal scan.

[MatildaTheCat]

At 11 weeks nobody will think you are annoying. I promise you there are people who saw their GP this morning and their period isn't even late yet on the phone 'wanting to make sure it's all sorted'. This makes it hard to concentrate on getting any actual work done.

Btw, I'm not a maternity booking officer but was a midwife for a long time.

[5madthings]

You need to push to get your scan date,do you have no idea what hospital it will be at? Or you could have rung the ante natal dep to see if you were on the system and booked in for a scan and maybe the app letter is on the way?

In mu area you see gp, confirm preg,pointless but then you call the midwife clinic and make a booking in app and at that they sort paperwork and get the dating/nuchal scan.booked.


I know in some areas they do your booking in when they do the dating/nuchal scan.


If you do want the nuchal scan I would be pushing to make sure they have you booked in. What a pita.

[MrsSparkles]

Calles them again and someone answered - hurray! However no trace of me in the system so now frantically trying to squeeze me in somewhere....

[M4blues]

Matilda, I had to fight really hard to get a booking in appointment by 5wks pg 2nd time around. I spent most of the day on the phone being told I'd be seen between 6 and 12wks in my surgery. I have severe HG and spend the time between 6wks and about 30wks virtually bedridden other that when in hospital on a drip. Maybe some mums have very good reasons for getting it all sorted as soon as they're late; I certainly did.
DH literally carried me from the car to my scan. Literally! As if he was carrying me over the threshold. Me clasping a bucket full of vomit.

[M4blues]

And I've had 4 babies and with my 3rd I didn't see a midwife at all between booking in at 5wks and 38wk because they 'don't do home visits for morning sickness'.