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AIBU?

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Original poster

Cannot get a midwife appointment

36 replies

purplespink · 18/11/2024 10:18

I might be unreasonable so let me know if I am.

I have been trying to get my first midwife appointment for three weeks. I am really suffering with symptoms and I would just like to be able to actually speak to a midwife. I have called so many times, mostly it goes to voicemail of, which I have left several. I got through to a midwife twice (a week between) and was told both times that they'd call me back when they're free, gave them my name and number etc. They've never called back. AIBU to think that it shouldn't be this hard to get a first midwife appointment?

OP posts:
Borgonzola · 18/11/2024 10:33

Sorry, just seen 9 weeks. Booking in should happen by 10 weeks ideally. I am not sure what the tests are though - I've had the same every appt. CO2, bloods, urine for glucose. Blood pressure.

Skybluepinky · 18/11/2024 10:33

I never saw midwive until 5 months with first and 35 weeks with 2nd, go to yr GP if u r worried.

YouveGotAFastCar · 18/11/2024 10:31

The midwife doesn't do a lot for symptoms, they'll refer you back to your GP.

You also don't really see them a lot in the earlier half. You'll have booking in around 8 - 10 weeks, but that's never with your actual midwife in my Trust, and then you have an appointment at 16 weeks if it's your first, or it might be slightly later for your second. Then you don't see them until 24 weeks or so...

For any health related stuff, they'll refer you on - either back to your GP for something fairly routine like morning sickness or sciatica, or to perinatal mental health support if it's a mental health issue.

They're also not very responsive at the best of times, to be honest. I'm half way now and emailed them last Monday; no reply yet. They're very overworked.

Borgonzola · 18/11/2024 10:31

Hello, just a quick note to say that in my experience anyway, midwife does not deal with symptoms. They are sympathetic but don't prescribe. Definitely go to GP for sickness medication (I went straight to GP for medication this time, weeks before my booking in appt).

You should definitely get a booking in appt though. How far along are you? For my first I went bang on 8 weeks but for my second it was nearly 11 due to clinic closures, etc. have you checked the maternity unit's website? They may have an online form?

Original poster
purplespink · 18/11/2024 10:30

Also I read today that there are certain tests they should take before 10 weeks which doesn't feel likely at this point.

OP posts:
Original poster
purplespink · 18/11/2024 10:29

I was at the gp last week and they did blood tests, not given anything. 9 weeks.

OP posts:
Mrsttcno1 · 18/11/2024 10:29

Yeah need to know how many weeks you are really. Sickness etc though it’s a GP you need not a midwife.

SapphireOpal · 18/11/2024 10:28

If you've got symptoms you need help managing then speak to your GP. How many weeks are you?

loropianalover · 18/11/2024 10:28

How many weeks are you? Why don’t you go to your GP?

littlemousebigcheese · 18/11/2024 10:27

How many weeks pregnant are you? The service is on its knees, no excuse as you absolutely should be able to get an appointment but they might be waiting until you're 10 weeks or so for your booking in appointment?

Lovelysummerdays · 18/11/2024 10:27

How many weeks along are you/ have you been booked in yet? In all honesty you might be better to go to the GP, When I was 9 weeks I saw GP and they were ace in prescribing anti sickness stuff, sending me up to hospital for a IV fluids, getting blood tests (my liver was wonky due to pregnancy hormones which made me feel dreadful) sent off for a scan (twins which can apparently knock you health wise.) If no joy at midwife Id try elsewhere, call 101 they’ll probably get you an appointment somewhere.