Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

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

Delay in getting first appointment

3 replies

Tweet2tweet · 17/09/2012 10:25

Hi there
I went to my GP at the end of August to let them know I'm pregnant. This is my 2nd pregnancy and I feel really overwhelmed at the moment- blaming this on hormones!
Anyway I heard nothing from NHS since seeing GP. So I called last Friday and asked when I'd get my 12 week appointment. They then fobbed me off and I called again today asking them to tell me specifically when my referral was made. They confirmed that this was done last Friday when I called, not after the appointment I had on the 27th Aug. They did not apologise or accept any responsibility for the delay but told me that their admin person was on holiday and works only 3 days a week and that she doesn't always get to things right away.
I also asked whether this would have an impact on my being seen by 12 weeks (or there about). They said that with a second baby you're not seen by 12 weeks and that your seen later- this contradicts what's on the NHS website. They also told me to call the hospital if I wanted more information.
Anyone know when you should be seen by for a second pregnancy and also, anyone think that my GP surgery is not taking this seriously or am I just experiencing normal service!
Thanks for any advice :)

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
bonzo77 · 17/09/2012 10:31

Congrats on your pregnancy! Phone your hospital or check their web site and see if you can self refer. I had appointments by week 12 in my first and 2nd pregnancies, and week 10 in my 3rd. The hospital said it was because the nhs guidelines had changed. I guess different places have different rules, but you should if nothing else get a scan by about 13 weeks for downs screening and dating. In the mean time all you can do is eat well and take folic acid vitamin d.

BionicEmu · 17/09/2012 10:41

Agreed, congrats on your pregnancy!

I'm currently pregnant with DC2 and I've had the same appointments as with my first. Self-refer to MW at GP surgery for booking appt at 7-9 weeks, then at that appt she either calls hospital then and there to book 12 week scan, or faxes the hospital the forms for a scan, depending on which hospital you choose.

It seems that different areas can have v different policies though! But I can't see why there would be a difference between first and second pregnancies (although I saw a consultant at my 12 week scan due to difficulties with DC1).

Tweet2tweet · 17/09/2012 11:00

Thanks bonzo77 and BionicEmu for your advice and congrats.

Just called the hospital and they confirmed that the GP hadn't made referral until last Fri! They suggested I call back at the end of the week as MW should have been able to review referral and made date by then.
Just anxious to get appt and now that all is progressing well- don't know about you but I've felt so much more anxious second time around. Am delighted but am a nervous wreck ;)

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page