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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Strange midwife appointment at 18 weeks

23 replies

Mitsouko · 24/10/2011 15:43

Hi ladies, could do with a little reassurance here...

This morning I went in for my second midwife appointment, and it was very rushed and a little weird - left me feeling a bit unnerved.

I'm 18 weeks by my scan dates, but they had my notes as 16 weeks. Both midwives asked me if I'd been feeling any movements / were all movements feeling normal...I've not felt any movements to date but the odd cramp or discomfort from wind (sorry). The looked a bit puzzled for a moment, and then said yes, it might be too early. I didn't really think that things like that became noticeable until 20 weeks or so?

Then one of the midwives had me take my skirt off and was getting ready to measure me, when the other one came back into the room and said that wouldn't be necessary.

Next, they did a check on the heartbeat - after about 5 mins of very uncomfortable poking they thought they heard something. I think I did as well, but it was very faint and I had a hard time hearing it from all the other noises the device was making.

And that was it. All in all, about a 10 minute appointment.

Is there anything that can be done at this point for reassurance? I had a missed miscarriage my last time around and did not find out the baby had died until going in for a scan. Guessing it's just a waiting game for the next 3 weeks until my 21 week scan.

I can't afford a private scan unfortunately. Looked into it, but not manageable.

Any assurance welcome. I wish I could just relax and enjoy the pregnancy. But it's really difficult after what happened the last time - that really took my innocence away I think. I don't feel like I'm being overly worried or negative, just a little numb - trying to keep happy hopes in check.

Thanks for reading this far, it's much appreciated!

OP posts:

Northernlurker · 24/10/2011 15:47

Yes it is too early for you to be feeling noticeable movements so don't worry about that. The measuring thing - some midwives do, some don't. It's only really useful if the same person is going to measure you every time anyway. Otherwise the margin of error is too big.

Re the heartbeat - well sometimes baby's position just doesn't co-operate. If you've had a dating scan and see the heartbeat then, there is every chance your baby is fine. It's such a shame you've had this bad appointment but that's all it is. A bad appointment. You're ok, baby is ok.

DuelingFanjo · 24/10/2011 15:49

I would go back and ask why they have you down as 16 weeks not 18. Do you have your notes with you, has a reason been written?

SenoritaViva · 24/10/2011 15:49

Did the midwives not reassure you? This seems odd as I would have thought that if they were concerned the midwives would have referred you? Perhaps I am naive on this point.

On the note of movement - I didn't feel this one move till about 20 weeks, I'm now 30 so that isn't a necessary indicator of a problem.

I really hope this is just poor midwifing rather than a problem - if you are concerned I would speak and book another appointment.

Chalky04 · 24/10/2011 15:52

Some of this kind makes sense if they got your dates mixed up given what I have been told at various appointments.

I had an appointment at 16 weeks which I believe is when it is due - did your EDD move following your scan?

At that appointment the midwife used a doppler to listen to the heartbeat although I was told today when I had my next appointment with the GP (25 weeks) that I was very lucky to hear anything and sometimes they can't pick it up that early.

I started to feel movement about 18 weeks and from reading other MN posts that seems to be relatively early so I wouldn't feel worried about not having felt anything yet. (Also a bit off topic but the movements to me have always felt like a nerve twitching in my tummy rather than fluttering or bubbles like they say...).

Today has been the first time I have been measured and my SIL tells me she was measured when she got to 25 weeks and not before too.

I sympathise with the worry though - they are supposed to know what they are doing after all!

recall · 24/10/2011 15:57

If your 12 week scan was OK, try not to worry. Nothing negative has been detected, just Midwives being unprofessional. I bought my own doppler and listened in now and then for reassurance.

recall · 24/10/2011 15:58

I was measured by different midwives and they varied where they pressed the tape in loads, I remember thinking "No way !"

YaMaYaMa · 24/10/2011 16:00

I'd check your notes and see what they've written about the app. If not reassured I would call them and explain that you're worried and ask directly if everything seems ok, mentioning specifically that you're worried that your dates don't match.

Try not to worry too much - if there was a problem I'm sure they would've told you. Also, I didnt feel anything til around 19 weeks or maybe even later.

CheeseandGherkins · 24/10/2011 16:06

I'm 19+2 and have been feeling movements for a good few weeks now and there is a pattern to them, first found the heartbeat at about 9 weeks too. I can feel the baby's movements from outside too, dh has also felt it. This is my 5th dc if that matter.

You can call and ask to go in so you can hear the heartbeat for reassurance I'm sure too. I've been told I can go in whenever I want for reassurance or checking but that's because I had a stillbirth last time.

Original poster

Mitsouko · 24/10/2011 16:08

Thanks for the feedback, I know it's pointless to worry, what will be will be, etc...but I was hoping for a little more reassurance at the appointment and was surprised it went as quick as it did.

I'm not sure why they were confused about my dates, I think they may have been noted incorrectly when I had my booking appointment at 11 weeks. My periods are like clockwork and I was charting cycles so I'm pretty certain of when I conceived. The dating scan at 13 weeks confirmed that...and yes, it was a good scan with all looking well! I couldn't believe it, I was so frightened I wouldn't even look at the screen at first. When they found a heartbeat, I burst into tears. But I am assuming that the scan equipment is much more sensitive than what the midwives have to hand?

I wish I would have asked a few more questions, but they were very busy, and there was a queue of about 5 more women waiting after me. They weren't rude or unkind, just didn't give much feedback. I think they are overworked and understaffed.

OP posts:

Original poster

Mitsouko · 24/10/2011 16:13

CheeseandGherkins I'm so sorry for your loss, how terrible. I'm glad that you're expecting again and hope that the outcome will be a happier one this time around.

If things go well with this pregnancy, it will be my first. All this would probably be a little easier if I had some happier, previous experiences to go by.

OP posts:

YaMaYaMa · 24/10/2011 16:17

Cheese, I read a post from you on another thread where you mentioned your pregnancy and so wanted to tell you how pleased I am for you. You dont know me, but I'm so happy for you and wish you all the best x

Flisspaps · 24/10/2011 16:19

They sound as though they have rushed you through, but if they hadn't heard anything or had thought there was a problem, they would have said something (I would imagine!)

I don't understand why you'd need to take your skirt off to be measured though, the only appointment where I ever had to take anything off was my 41 week appointment where I had a sweep (would have been mighty difficult for the MW to do the sweep with my knickers still on)

CheeseandGherkins · 24/10/2011 16:24

Thanks Mitsouko I hope so too.

YaMa thank you, means a lot :)

Original poster

Mitsouko · 24/10/2011 16:32

Thanks - yes, hoping that no news is good news. It's going to be a long three weeks until that next scan. Will just try to relax and keep busy.

I'm just not sure what they were checking for really. I had a full hour at my booking in appointment, so was surprised this was so brief. The main point of the appointment seemed to be getting my dates for next appointment and GP visits sorted.

Guess that's normal? First time for me, so what do I know about these things?

OP posts:

BelleRomford74 · 24/10/2011 18:24

Hi just wanted to add some reassurance & say I would'nt worry (easier said than done I know).. The 16 week app in our hospital trust area is normally just a brief one as thats when your bloods & 12 week scan report are looked at together to determine if their is a raised risk of downs etc.. which should all be in your folder now..(we keep ours after every app to bring to the next) .. At 16 or even 18 weeks it is not always possible to hear the heartbeat on the doppler or it may only be faint or sometimes MW's just don't put doppler on right position & it is highly unlikely for a 1st baby you feel any movement before at least 20 weeks!!...(my 1st pregnancy I did'nt feel anything til 23 weeks) I have no idea why the MW attempted to measure you so early on..may have been a blonde moment!!
I am sure if she was concerned about anything during the app she would have said so & even sent you for a scan, however if it is playing on your mind phone them & ask to speak to a MW. Home dopplers are quite cheap to buy on ebay...(friends of mine reccommend Angelsounds approx £20-£25) I am waiting for mine to arrive!!
Good luck & with your past history you are entitled to worry enough to call so don't be afraid to if you are stressing out. xx

innerstrength · 24/10/2011 18:31

I would also add that is very likely that one of the midwives was a new trainee (it would be very unusual to have TWO midwives present at this sort of appointment for any other reason). That would explain why they were stopping and starting with what to do.

I would make a GP appointment for some reassurance - they should be able to have a listen for a heartbeat if you want them to.

xkatyx · 24/10/2011 18:39

Hi, just wante to say that I think they must think you are 16 weeks as that's how they do appointments, checking in one then 16 weeks then scan then next is 24 I think.

They don't even attempt to here heartbeat here till 24 weeks because it is so hard to find them!
I always find 16 week app very boring as they usually just check your urine blood pressure and that's it.

Also if they had any concerns about heartbeat the protocall would be to send you for a scan.

Hope all goes well for you

cjbk1 · 24/10/2011 18:47

I'm not preggers rite now but know what u mean about mmc taking your innocence away that's exactly what I said to my real life friend unless u are her?
I'd book a GP apt for reassurance I think xxx

MissRee · 24/10/2011 19:17

I'm now 30 weeks and none of my appointments have been more than 10 minutes except my booking appt which was 15 mins!!! This is my first and I've been very disappointed with my midwife care. I doubt it will be much better now that my usual midwife has left as I'm stuck with "stand-ins" for the rest of my care apparently

bilblio · 24/10/2011 19:39

Try not to worry. All my appointments except the hospital ones seemed quite rushed. The dates thing is weird, but probably just a mix up.

I felt DD move at 14 weeks, but didn't feel DS until 20 weeks, he made up for it later though. MW didn't start measuring me until about 25 weeks.

As for the doppler I had an appointment at 34 weeks a student was trying to find the heartbeat but couldn't, so the MW took over. It took her at least 5 minutes. We could see my bump moving, and every time they thought they'd found the heartbeat he'd move again.

I's agree with innerstrength too. If one midwife is taking the lead it implies the other is a student, or newly qualified.

lisad123 · 24/10/2011 19:46

Do you have a children's centre nearby? Might be worth ringing as some have a drop in midwife session. No appointment just turn up and often not very busy. I would certainly call and ask if your worried. I didn't feel any movement before 20 weeks with dd1 but from about 16 with dd2.

Sorry for your loss and it's completely understandable why you would be a little more worried than some.

hayleysd · 24/10/2011 20:04

Different people feel things at different times, I was over 20 weeks with ds1 before I felt anything (it was like a fluttering) and 12 weeks with ds2 (more like little taps) and I seem to remember they don't always find the heartbeat until later on cant remember how many weeks.

edwinbear · 25/10/2011 08:24

I think they are probably working to you being 16 weeks rather than 18, it is annoying when you have different dates - I have 3 depending on whether you go by the NHS GP and midwives (25th Nov) my private midwife (23rd Nov) or the scan and consultant (18th Nov) so I'm never sure exactly how many weeks I am, but baby will arrive when it's good and ready so I'm not overly bothered. I didn't feel DS until 23 weeks, and with this pregnancy nothing until 20 weeks so please don't be too worried about that, I also didn't think they start taking mesurements until about 20 weeks. It can be tricky to pick up the heartbeat but if the midwives had been at all concerned they would have sent you to hospital to be checked. If you are really worried though, there is no harm in calling and making another appointment to see them, I'm sure they will be happy to set your mind at rest.

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