Cannot get a midwife appointment

[purplespink]

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 where are you in the UK? Someone might be able to give more specific help

eg where we are the midwife referral forms are on the local hospital website.

It took me 3 GP appointments to get antisickness tablets. The first 2 were staunchly against them.

Go to the GP and advocate for yourself. Dehydration is a bigger risk to your baby than antisickness tablets.

If you’re struggling with symptoms then you need to see your GP again. A midwife can’t prescribe anything. What symptoms are you struggling with?

There are tests which should be done at 12 weeks. Most people have there booking in appointment from 10 weeks onwards.

Have you been referred to the midwives yet, either by doing a self referral form or through your GP? You should have a date for your booking appt by now, they usually do it around 10 weeks. I’m not a medical professional but I have had a baby in the US where they like to give you every test going and I still don’t know of any tests that have to be done by 10 weeks- perhaps you’re thinking of the NIPT screening test but have confused the fact that 10 weeks is the earliest you can have it, not the latest?! And besides it’s not normally available on the NHS anyway, you’ll usually have your first scan and be offered the combined test at 12 weeks, the combined test they can’t do after 14 weeks so maybe you’re also thinking of that? If you don’t have a referral or a booking appt date yet try calling the GP as the receptionist should be able to signpost you. And for any symptoms in the meantime definitely see your GP. Good luck with your pregnancy!

yeah this is normal, like everyone else says midwife won't prescribe anything. if you have a date for booking appointment you will see them then, they won't see you sooner. In NI some booking appointments are as late as 16 weeks. go back to GP and be pushy for what you need. It's not a great system, particularly for your first, you expect to have a bit of support from someone but sadly not.

I don't have a date for a booking appointment because I cannot get through to make one. That's what's annoying me.

Obviously I don’t know what area you’re in and exactly how it works there but calling to make a booking appt doesn’t sound right. With my first it was a paper form the GP’s receptionist gave you and you filled it in and handed it back. But that was 8 years ago and my understanding is that it’s mostly online now. Google the name of the nearest hospital and ‘maternity self referral’ and see if that can find you the form you need. Failing that call the GP and ask the receptionist how you refer to midwifery, it must be a common question so I’m sure they can signpost you. Then once you’re referred they get in touch with you and tell you when your appointment will be.

@InTheRainOnATrain this is what it says (I blacked out the numbers just for identity reasons ).

If you can't see a midwife see a GP. They can prescribe more anyway, my midwife couldn't even prescribe thrush cream last time (yes I know you can get it OTC, she just suggested I could get it for free).

Just to echo others - sickness is a GP matter.
I’d speak to your GPs receptionist and check with them that you are self referring with the most recent contact details as the website may be outdated. With my latest I filled out a form online to register.

Here we would offer an appointment at around 10 weeks for booking. Seeing as you're 9 weeks Id recommed calling the community team. Where I work we have a community admin line that's in the hospital, so it might be worth googling community mw team in the hospital that is under the trust your GP is at.

In terms of tests you are usually offered a dating scan at around 12 weeks, and at the same time we do your booking bloods and offer screening for the trisomies (13, 18 and 21) depending on your gestation. We don't offer any tests before 10 weeks so I'm not sure what they are you have been told you need sorry.

With sickness we would.advise GP. If it's at the point where you are becoming dehydrated etc then a&e.

Hope you get it sorted