Not seeing my midwife?

[NMRJC20]

I’m a little concerned as at my last midwife appointment (31 weeks) I was told I was carrying a large baby and should see the midwife to be monitored in two weeks time (so appointment at 33 weeks) and every week from then on. I then received my appointment in the post and my appointment wasn’t until 35 weeks leaving a gap of 4 weeks and not 2. Today I’ve received another letter saying this appointment has had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and they’ve booked me in for two weeks later again (so at the time of appointment I’ll be 37 weeks so 6 weeks later). I know the NHS is under exceptional pressure and they do an amazing job so I don’t want to complain for no reason! I also know midwives are brilliant and just want the best for their patients. I’m just a bit concerned after the big baby comment and a suggestion at the 31 weeks appointment that I may need to be induced. It’s my first baby so I’m a bit nervous I guess. My antenatal class for preparation for labour was also cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances so I haven’t talked to a health professional about labour and what my options will be (I’ve looked these up online- I just don’t know if I’ll be allowed a water birth etc due to the baby being large) and so waiting until 37 weeks just seems a bit late. But maybe I’m just being overly cautious as I’m not used to any of this. Would it be unreasonable to call them to try and get an appointment closer than the 7th October? I don’t want to be a trouble!

I'd definitely call.

I would definitely call too - it's not for no reason, this is the health of both you and your child.

Thank you both. I know women have been giving birth forever so I didn’t want to be over anxious but I really don’t want anything to go wrong either!

You’d be one of the few if you weren’t anxious! I’d also call. And if I were you I’d be asking my midwife a lot of questions at my next appointment.

Gobe them a ring but try not to worry. Basically every single mw appointment for all my children were like: measure my bump, tell me the babies huge, send me to see constant same day, consultant would look bemused and say yes it's a big baby but it's fine. Rinse and repeat

That’s pretty poor. I’d call and tell them you have been advised weekly so you need to reschedule.

Yes, do ring, that’s too long between appointments, you will have stuff you want to ask aside from anything else. It’s not in keeping with the standard of care recommended by NICE either and you could mention that if you experience any resistance pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/antenatal-care-for-uncomplicated-pregnancies/antenatal-care-for-uncomplicated-pregnancies-schedule-of-appointments (I’m a midwife, women ring with queries and requests all the time, don’t worry, no one will think you’re trouble)

Given your supposed to have the, at 31/34/36/38/40/41 for first babies I’d defiantly ring up, sounds like midwife might be away on holiday BUT they should have cover. Express your concerns re the length of time... and that essentially you’ll miss two appointments your supposed to have (34 /36). You’ll also miss urine samples being taken (these can show signs of pre-ec) etc.

Does bump measure over? Re bump measuring over I wouldn’t be hugely concerned as the tape measure isn’t wholly accurate, however If you were a few CMs over then it would trigger a growth scan. Good luck!

You won't be induced for size alone - my sixth month old was measuring off the charts and weighed in at over 10lbs at 39 weeks delivery.

You can request induction/section but neither use baby's size as a clinical reason to support this approach.

You can insist on a section and subject to clinical capacity they'll give you one but there is no such requirement for induction.

I was in a big baby trial too. There are some issues to consider with baby's size but there's basically a lack of evidence to support intervention, hence the current study.

i was pre warned to expect a few more people in the room in case my legs had to go over my head to open up the pelvis enough to get the baby out. Oh the dignity of it all ! They'll monitor you closely too.

Don't worry - remember the baby could be long and thin. The extra weight is spread out over the length.

You'll be fine - do not listen to people's horror stories, go with a positive, relaxed attitude (if possible) and speak to your midwife. I'd press for the appointment in your circumstances. Are you under a consultant ? I was so was able to discuss fully there as my midwives weren't really up on the current size criteria and issues. Although the specialist ones doing the study we're really good. They all said secretly they'd avoid intervention if it was them.

Good luck.