Is it essential to have a 40 week antenatal appointment?

[tigerbear]

First baby is due this Thursday and my midwife told me at my 39 week check up that they didn't have any appointments available for the 40 week check, therefore I should make an appointment with my GP. I stupidly didn't call my GP until today and they don't have any appointments until the 19th. Would be pointless making an appt with them, as by then I'll have had my 41 week appt at the hospital (if she hasn't already arrived by then, obviously!).

Unsure what to do - what happens at the 40 week check - just blood pressure, check heart beat, all the usual stuff?

I've been getting mixed messages on this. I'm under shared GP/community midwife care, and was due a 38 week and a 40 week appointment. However, as my day to visit the community midwife is a Monday, and there have been bank holidays recently, my appointments have been all over the place - it's apparently not possible for her to see me on any day other than a Monday. She therefore scheduled my 38 week appointment at 37 weeks. I therefore made my next appointment with the GP for 2 weeks after that (39 weeks), as I didn't think it was wise to go for 3 weeks with no appointment.

When I saw my GP at 39 weeks, she first of all advised me to make another appointment for the following week, as "it's very important that all pregnant women are seen during the week they are due", however at the end of my appointment she declared that as I seemed very fit and healthy, there was no need for a 40 week appointment. Am very confused.

Nance it is all very confusing isn't it? Grrr...
I'd feel dreadful if anything happened to the baby and I hadn't been for a check up. I especially want to have a listen to the heartbeat again because although I know that decreased movement is to be expected at this stage, I get scared that she's not moving enough...

I would ring your midwife and ask her what to do as your GP can't see you, am sure they could squeeze you in if it's just to do quick check of urine/bp etc.

Yep I would ring the midwife too.

FWIW I am sure they don't see pregnant ladies here when they're 40w unless it is your first which makes me think maybe they are not essential.

Do they offer a sweep at the 40w check? Can't remember now.

My sweep is booked in for 41 weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid that one if the little one takes the hint!

Righton not sure about the sweep - I think my hospital lets people go to 42 weeks before doing anything - might be wrong though. Am going to call the midwife now to see what can be done...

I a 40+5 with my first and last saw my mw at 39wks. I had seen her the previous 2 weeks and all has been fine. she just said to make a appt in 2 weeks in case nothing had happened by then