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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

what happens at the 16 week appointment?

20 replies

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:29

As the title says really. I am asking as DH wants to come too but I am thinking it would be pretty pointless if all they did was take my blood pressure and get me to wee in a pot. So, what else happens / is discussed?

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hippieshake · 27/12/2011 22:32

It depends why you're going I think. Is it with a consultant? I had mine two weeks ago because I have PCOS so am at a higher risk for gestational diabetes. I basically pee'd in a pot, had my blood pressure tested and booked in for a glucose test. I did get to hear the heartbeat for the first time though, which was amazing!! x

Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:35

It is with the midwife, although I am meant to be 'shared care' with the midwife and consultant as I am a Type 1 diabetic. I am hoping I'll be able to hear the heartbeat, is this often the case?

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LoveInASnowyClimate · 27/12/2011 22:39

I heard the heartbeat, which was lovely. But most of it is the usual weeing in a pot, blood pressure and tummy groping. I think my MW would probably have been a bit surprised had my DH turned up, but I don't suppose she'd have minded.

mousebacon · 27/12/2011 22:40

My pct gives a list of all the appointments and what happens at them. The 16 week one says:
blood pressure
urine check
discuss results of any screening tests
discuss results of maternal blood screening
listen to fetal heart rate

Please note this is a women only appointment.

It might be worth checking with your mw if your dh is really keen to go.

Mouse x

Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:41

I think DH has gone a bit baby mad, hence him wanting to come to this apt! I think hearing the heartbeat is good though, and kind of makes it worth him coming (well, out of everything.) What is the tummy groping all about?

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ChineapplePunk · 27/12/2011 22:44

At my 16 week check-up, the MW did all the routine tests (took my BP and tested my urine), then discussed the results of the 12 week scan that were written on my pregnancy record. It was also an opportunity to ask her any questions about my pregnancy and express any concerns. Also, it was at this point that she asked me if I would like to be admitted to the midwife led unit or consultant led unit when in labour. My DH came with me. Technically, he didn't have to be there, but that's just the way he and I preferred it.

Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:44

Ah, Mouse, just read your post. Am a bit confused now! BTW we are not some weird joined at the hip type couple, I think he's just got giddy over the scan and wants to feel 'more involved' generally.
Perhaps I talk him out of it, or ask the MW first. (Hope she doesn't think we're muppets for even considering it.)

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Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:45

So, Chinapple, its not that weird for your DH to be there too then? Am assuming not.

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LoveInASnowyClimate · 27/12/2011 22:46

Well, unless my MW has some unusual and unprofessional interest in me () at all my appointments (I think ever since 8 weeks) she's had a feel of my tummy. I know that at the stage I'm at now (29 weeks) she's feeling for the baby's position but I have to admit I don't know what she was feeling for earlier on. Maybe she just really likes me .

Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:51

maybe you have a lovely tummy Loveinasnowyclimate!

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ChineapplePunk · 27/12/2011 22:53

Not at all, babysauras. Actually I feel kind of weird doing pregnancy things on my own. I don't mean that in a pathetic way. It's just that DH wants to be as involved as I am (insofar as he can), and I want that too. I've only been to one appointment on my own, and that was the first antenatal class which was basically run-of-the-mill physio stuff. The only reason he wasn't there was because it stated that it was a mums only class. However, he'll be at everything else. :)

Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 22:56

Oh, good. My DH is the same, esp after the 12 week scan. I know there is a limit to what he actually can do, but he'd like to be around if nothing else. Will still check first but am guessing it'll be okay (and I can't be the only pg woman who's husband is tagging along too, can I?)

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LoveInASnowyClimate · 27/12/2011 23:00

For those whose DHs have gone with them to appointments, are they self-employed or have they taken holiday? Or do they just have really understanding bosses? I don't think my DH would have wanted to come anyway, and I'm not bothered about him being there for anything other than scans, but I'm curious to know how that works. Thanks in advance for indulging my nosiness!

Original poster

babysaurus · 27/12/2011 23:02

Mine is self employed, so that's how he can make it (if he wants to.)

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ChineapplePunk · 27/12/2011 23:05

I'm sure it'll be absolutely fine. Maybe I'm naive (it's my first pregnancy too), but I would totally expect both parents to be there when they can, and to ask questions (though obviously there are also a lot of women who have to do this on their own due to personal circumstances). My DH is just as wet-behind-the-ears in this situation as I am.

ChineapplePunk · 27/12/2011 23:08

LoveInASnowyClimate, my DH's employer has been very flexible in regards to antenatal appointments, plus he works from home a lot.

LoveInASnowyClimate · 27/12/2011 23:10

Thanks for satisfying my prurient curiosity! CP, your DH's boss sounds lovely.

ChineapplePunk · 27/12/2011 23:11

He works for a disability charity, so they are pretty "right on" when it comes to work/life balance. :)

blushingmare · 28/12/2011 08:28

My 16 week appointment.... Ha ha - what a joke! Waited for an hour and a half to be seen, then was in there (absolutely no exaggeration) for 3 minutes! She dipped my pee, took my blood pressure and stapled my blood results into my notes and told me they were fine. Didn't listen to heartbeat and didn't even ask how I was feeling! Was a bit shocked at the time, but now realise that's what I should expect.

justhayley · 28/12/2011 14:25

Mine was so quick it was silly - literally in an out in under 5 mins. I got urine & blood pressure checked and heard the heartbeat for about 30 seconds - it was really rushed & I didn't even get to ask any of my 50 million questions! If yours is like mine It will probably be more useful to get your hubby on mumsnet for half hour with you

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