16 week consultant appointment

[WhiskyIrnBru]

Hi, just wondering if this is 'the new normal'

I have been assigned consultant led care due to a thyroid condition and a family history of preeclampsia. I'm on a low dose aspirin.

I had my 12 week scan and I was expecting urine to be checked, but it wasn't.

I was called last night to day the consultant app is now going to be a phone consultation.

I had spoke to my GP about headaches I'd been having and also my BP was a little high (albeit on a home, unreliable monitor)

He just said it was migraines and to take the cocodamol i had been given for a trapped nerve.

Does this sound like standard maternity care? I should know I'd been through it twice before but I just don't understand the point of a phone call with a consultant?

I’m under joint care for existing medical conditions and saw a consultant after my 20 week scan in Jan/Feb during covid.

To be honest the appointment really could have been over the phone. They don’t need to examine you, in mine we just talked through my existing conditions, the doctor called a few other specialists over the phone to get their input.

Your GP on the other hand I would push much more. Do you ever normally get migraines? It does sound like they were fobbing you off.

@PinkPlantCase

I’m under joint care for existing medical conditions and saw a consultant after my 20 week scan in Jan/Feb during covid.

To be honest the appointment really could have been over the phone. They don’t need to examine you, in mine we just talked through my existing conditions, the doctor called a few other specialists over the phone to get their input.

Your GP on the other hand I would push much more. Do you ever normally get migraines? It does sound like they were fobbing you off.

I have had migraines, maybe about 3 in my life. But that was enough for him to say it was 'likely' that. I was in bed for two days and the headache just wouldn't shift with paracetamol.

I did have no swelling or anything.

At my initial midwife app my BP was high and it took 5 tries to record one that was 'suitable'

Just feels a bit...I don't know...detached.

I'm not particularly desperate to go to the hospital tbh, but just wondered how much they could glean over the phone.

Have you got dip sticks to test the protein in your urine at home? I'm sure your midwife can get you some.

The preeclampsia is unlikely to start before 20 weeks, so although headaches and high blood pressure are indicators, it is unlikely to be that.

Your bp may be causing your headaches though.

I would continue to monitor and record your blood pressure at home (if necessary, get a better one, as most home ones can be quite accurate) and then you will have a good record to share with your midwife or consultant.

Maybe aim to start dip testing your urine after 20 weeks?

@WhiskyIrnBru how are you doing now, you should be past the 20 weeks by now? Is all going ok?