To ask my mother and sister to babysit my daughters.

[YouDoYou18]

I’m pregnant and have a consultant appointment at the end of May, and will then have four more between then and my due date at the beginning of August.

I’m hoping this lockdown will have made a little progress by then but assuming we’re in the same position... I can’t take my children to the women’s hospital, and my husband can’t take the time off (I have to have weekly midwife appointments which he’s gotten the time off for, he simply can’t take anymore).

The only people left are my mother and sister, they always babysit together as they are from the same household, they are both shielding (neither had a letter but mother due to a disability and sister just because she lives with her) we are also shielding due to pregnancy complications, so none of us have been outside. There is no one else I can ask, they’re already totally happy with it but I’m concerned we’ll get into trouble, but I have to go to my appointments.

Can I call 111 and get advice on what the law is surrounding this?! Or is that just silly?

AIBU?

What job does your husband do? Is he a doctor/medical professional?

Also you are 5 months pregnant with a 6 month old baby and an 18 month old? OP you must be exhausted!

I hope you are getting time to rest!

As others have said your husband is entitled to take the time, albeit unpaid. Is it HIM saying he can't take the time off or is it is work?

Try not to worry, hopefully things will have relaxed a bit by then

Also, if this is still caring on in May perhaps you can do the appointments over video conferencing

What a load of useless advice in regards to doing video or telephone appointments. Growth scans have to be done at a hospital. I mean what do you think “growth scans” mean??

They are incredibly vital and could be life saving to the OPs baby. Ridiculous nonsense on this thread. Do not cancel any appointment. I was having numerous growth scans/midwife checks/ consultant chats with DS. Arranged for an induction at 38 weeks. Went in for my routine appointment at 34 weeks to have a chat with the consultant and was booked in then and there for emergency induction as baby had stopped growing. This wasn’t even a growth scan. Consultant just wanted a quick image of baby before I left the hospital.
Could you imagine the risk if I opted for a telephone/video consultation rather then seen the DR.

There is lots of hysterics on MN. If your husband can’t take time off as you have explained. Then get mum/sister to babysit. Yes there is a risk. But that’s the choice you have left. I hope you and baby will be in good health and goodluck!

If your sister isn’t high risk just ask her and not your mum. You are allowed to help dependants if there is a genuine need. A medical appointment is essential.

My mother and a driving me to my next growth scan as it’s that or using 2 buses which seems infinitely riskier. Just trust your judgement

@Mamathebest completely and utterly agree with everything you said. I've had preeclampsia and ended up in high dependency so really not sure how bloody video conferencing would work with that one. People are giving very dangerous advice telling the OP she doesn't need to see the doctor.

People on here are losing their ability to think rationally and logically.
Op needs to see the Consultant, they wouldn't be keen to see her unless they felt it was necessary.

Who knows what state the country will be in May. Fingers crossed that we'll be over this initial peak by then.

If definitely ask the Sister to babysit.