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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Antenatals in middle trimester...

13 replies

CardyMow · 22/09/2010 13:28

Is my area unusual? If it is not your first baby now, you get an antenatal at 16 weeks, and you don't get another (so no urine or BP checks, no checks on your general health etc) until you are 28 weeks pregnant. When I had my other 3 dc's (large gap, but same area) you were seen monthly no matter what, more if problems etc. Am I odd in thinking that 3 whole months in the middle of your pregnancy without any check-ups is a bit much? I know it's my 4th dc, but my others are much older (almost 12yo, almost 9yo and almost 7yo), and sooo much seems to have changed in between, and not all for the better. Would I be odd to ring the MW and request a urine check and BP check, as I'm now 23+3, and don't really want to wait another month and a half to be seen?

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Deliaskis · 22/09/2010 13:34

This is my first pregnancy and I had apt at 16 weeks, have scan with consultant follow up at 20 (but not MW so I assume no urine sample etc.), and then nothing until 28 weeks assuming everything is fine.

Whether or not you need to see a MW probably depends on whether you have a reason to be concerned?

nunnie · 22/09/2010 13:38

I had 16 week appointment, then scan, then next appointment with my midwife was 25 weeks, since then have been 3 weekly checks, and now have gone to 2 weekly checks (35 weeks).

nunnie · 22/09/2010 13:41

Deliaskis, here the consultant appointment is held in the antenatal clinic, and with a midwife, so might be worth checking as you may need a urine sample, I know with DD I had consultant appointments every 3-4 weeks and needed to provide samples for all. This time have only needed to see the consultant 3 times once at 16 weeks, once at 32 weeks and one at 34 weeks, and needed to provide sample for those too.

Might be different for different areas though.

Original poster

CardyMow · 22/09/2010 13:44

I have got some concerns, DD (12yo) was induced 5 wks early due to pre-eclampsia, and was still large (6lb12 at 5 wks preemie), and my pre-eclampsia with her kicked in at 24 wks! I haven't had Pre-eclampsia with the DS's, but am a little concerned about the headaches I've been getting for the past week, and the extreme tiredness I'm suffering from (much more so than with the other 3). Also I'm concerned because this baby already seems very large...I'm bigger at 23 wks this time than I was at 40 wks last time! Plus it all feels like baby to me and DP. Even at my 16 wk check, mw said baby was feeling a little 'large', and at my 20wk scan, baby was over the top lines on the chart. Would I be being unfair to other pregnant women who have to share the one MW (the other locally has just retired and not been replaced) if I asked to see her? I just don't understand why it's changed from monthly appointments. Is it just to save money? I just want my BP and pee checked?

OP posts:

nunnie · 22/09/2010 13:47

No that's not unfair at all, if you are worried you must ring and try and be seen sooner if only to set your mind at rest.

Deliaskis · 22/09/2010 13:58

Ahh good tip nunnie I will check!

Loudlass it sounds like you do have concerns so it would be in no way unfair or odd or unreasonable to ask for a check-up. With DC number 4 it's likely you know your body and you're concerned, so if I were you I would be getting something booked in. I'm also sure you're not taking an appointment away from another pregnant lady - the appointments are there for all those who need them, not just for a strict schedule.

tablefor3 · 22/09/2010 14:20

For us for 2nd babies it is:

16 wks with MW
20 scan
28 weeks with MW
34 weeks with MW (although I think that they think that this is a bit rubbish cos they are happy to offer, and I aceepted, a 31 week check up.

It is ridiculous to think that b/c last pregnancy was fine, that this one will be too. And especially in a case like your's where everything was not fine.

Why don't you just make a MW appt, if you can?

Original poster

CardyMow · 22/09/2010 15:51

I think I will phone them in the morning (need credit) and book one. It's just that, while I know baby is kicking OK, I have lots of concerns (that I've never had before) that I would like the reassurance. I just wondered if I was being a bit odd wanting to see them now, when no-one else gets to. I always had monthly appointments with all my others. When did it change?

OP posts:

lucybrad · 22/09/2010 16:00

we get 16w, 24w, 28w.

Piroska · 22/09/2010 16:55

I am in almost exactly the same position as you - 4th pregnancy, almost identical age gaps etc.

When I first read your post I thought that seems a really long break!

But having looked at my notes I have had the same break you mention in my care (with few consultant apptmts because of own health history...) - only with the addition of the 'optional' 25 week apptmt.
(Perhaps you could request to have it? - Seems more than reasonable with your history!)

My maternity notes state an 'optional' appointment at 25 weeks if had a baby before as opposed to a 'compulsory' one for 1st timers.

A long gap when there are possibly results of bloods & scans to discuss (even if all is absolutely fine!) seems entirely reasonable to put your mind at rest and keep you updated.

Incidentally, I wasn't asked if I wanted the optional apptmt it was presumed, so like you, I thought with a number of years since the last pregnancy I'd prefer to have it - I know what you mean about things changing etc.

I hope you get peace of mind and the care you want in the end anyway!

All the best

Piroska · 22/09/2010 16:58

I've also had a 'different' pregnancy this time with extreme tiredness not going away etc.

Some ppl would put down to being older, in my case - less fit than before, and having 3 kids to run round after - but having said all that isn't it always better to check things out?

If it's nothing it'd just be a short appointment so I wouldn't feel guilty about 'bothering' them!

Good luck!

Original poster

CardyMow · 22/09/2010 20:36

I don't get an 'optional' 25 wk one even. I would say it's being older, but I'm only 29, a lot of people haven't had their first by this age, never mind their 4th! Definately going to ring up and ask in the morning.

OP posts:

xMrsSx · 22/09/2010 22:04

Here it is 16wk if you are choosing to have the qud test (which I didnt so no checkup), scan at 20 weeks, then 25 or 28 depending on if 1st or subsequent baby. then 32 and every 2 weeks from then. BUT if you need/want to see a mw at any time there are a load of dop in clinics you can go to to chat/get bp checked or whatever (I have done this a couple of times cos of migraines hence wanted bp checked).

Just ring them and ask or see if they do a drop in clinic near you?

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