How serious to delay 25wk BP check six days?

[FoxtrotSkarloey]

I was due my 25 wk mw appointment today but found out it would be on the phone. The mw today has told me she's booked me an appointment for bp, urine, bump measures and I assume hb listening on Tuesday. I can't go then. The next time they are running that clinic would be the following Monday. She's going to try and book me in then but 'needs to make me aware the importance of timely appointments' in case there's any issues to detect. I get it, but at 4pm on a Friday with a day full of meetings on Tuesday (the next working day from today) I just can't do Tuesday.

It's my second baby and I have no reason for concern, but this has completely stressed me out and I'm terrified it's the wrong decision. I know I'm not thinking logically because I'm exhausted wfh, as is DH, and looking after a toddler. Every minute of every day is carefully choreographed and scheduled and this has just set me off. If I'd have known sooner about the appointment I could have planned for it. I've irrationally cried on the phone to her and all over DH. I'm a mess and I don't know what to do. I can't stop crying, it feels like one decision too many to make.

What if waiting six days is critical? I'm 25+6 today, would be 26+2 on Tuesday and 27+1 the following Monday. BP and urine last done at 20+4. What if I'm harming my baby by delaying?

[sel2223]

I would say not serious at all since most trusts have completely cancelled the 25 week appointments.

I had BP, bloods, urine etc taken at 16 weeks then not again until yesterday when I was 28 weeks so I wouldn't have thought a few days in your case is going to be a big deal.

[islandislandisland]

I'm not being seen between 16 and 28 weeks so assume (hope!) it can't be that important.

[LBB2020]

I saw a midwife in person at my booking appointment when I was 9 weeks and have been told I won’t see a midwife again until I’m 28 weeks (when I called to book a 16 week appointment I was told they weren’t happening at the moment). This is my second baby

[Margo34]

My 25w appt as a FTM has been scrapped completely. Apparently the 28w one is not medically essential but more of a reassurance check in for FTM (usually, anyway). My next appt is 28w which I'm told is medically essential.

Scans aside, I won't have seen a MW in the flesh since my 8w booking appointment!!!

[Margo34]

Whoops typo - I meant apparently the 25w appt is non essential!!

[Namechangedorthis]

I find this very concerning. Throughout my previous pregnancies I often saw literature citing the importance of ante natal checks and how missing them was detrimental as they could identify all sorts of problems early leading to better outcomes.
It was even said once that missing appts was a safeguarding issue as they were vital.

Now it seems that what I assume is a relatively low risk clinic to run is being hugely cut back when other measures could be implemented to ensure pregnant women receive their full quota of care.

It will Interesting to see rates of complications or worse for this period in a year or so although I hope I’m wrong but it worries me there could sadly be women who really suffer due to these cutbacks. The 16 w appt locally here (Unsure if this is nationwide?) is women only to identify those at risk of domestic violence yet even those have been cancelled

[FoxtrotSkarloey]

Thanks everyone, I've calmed down a bit and what you've all said is reassuring that a few days hopefully won't hurt. I know I'm definitely lucky to have the appointments.

I agree that mother and baby health is just one of the many things about which we probably won't know the true impact Coronavirus has had for some time. Very tough times for mums and midwives.

[Namechangedorthis]

I got some of the urine test strips and a bp monitor online to check myself it’s prob a good idea to maybe do that and then any issues contact the midwife. It’s such a worrying time I just hope everyone is ok through it all x