Are you obligated to receive anti natal care?

[Tiffany67]

I'm 12 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. Have had numerous miscarriages (12) and an ectopic pregnancy in the past. I have paid for a private scan and everything looks fine at the moment however I really don't want any involvement with doctors or midwives during my pregnancy if it continues am I allowed to just not inform anyone until the big day?

I think it would be better to talk to a HCP about your mental health difficulties which are causing you to want to eschew antenatal care. And I say that kindly, even if it doesn’t sound it. There is perinatal mental health support out there.

Please do get in touch with a midwife, explain how you feel, you are unlikely to be the first woman who has felt this way and I'm sure they will be sensitive. For the health of yourself and your baby though it is important to have the relevant checks etc.

It still early days for you at 12 weeks so take the pressure off yourself. There is a few weeks break from appointments after the 12 week scan for most women anyway, so I would put it out of your mind for now. No need to commit to any plan, take it a day at a time.

I would seek some help for your anxiety surrounding it all though.

I've had 3 relatively uncomplicated pregnancies apart from morning sickness.

But all of these were picked up from 12 weeks to birth:
Low iron (2.6-that's low enough for a blood transfusion)
Congenital amputation
Heart murmur (cleared by 6 weeks)
Small for dates

Now generally these have been an issue long term, but imagine if you missed something that could have been picked up?
I do know of a couple of people who went in for routine checks and were rushed to hospital with something that was deal-able with, but if it hadn't been picked up before birth would have not have had a good outcome.

I don't think I ever had much between 12 weeks and 20 week scan. I agree with the people who are saying that it would be a good idea to talk to your midwife about how you're feeling.

Think I will look into a private midwife much later on (20 weeks plus) I just have no interest in going through the process of an NHS booking in appointment. However this is probably due to my experience with various NHS hospitals. Thanks for the advice

@Tiffany67 just as an aside, I know you don’t want to but I’d consider looking into private midwives sooner rather than later. You wouldn’t have to see them until you wanted to but many are getting booked up now because of covid and women booking them because so much nhs care has been cancelled.