1st GP visit a bit of an anticlimax...

[lizziemaud]

I just had my first doctors appointment and I was in and out in about 5 mins. Whilst I am still processing the fact that I am pregnant, (even though it was planned its still hasn't sunk in) the GP tells me my first decision is where I have the baby... Choice is C & W or Kingston... any advice? Said I need to decide soon as they get booked up. Also doc didn't tell me anything about the antenatal care so I am assuming that is all done by the hospital? Does that sound right?

I also have the option to get a referall to St Georges if anyone thinks that might be a better choice?

You'll get a letter with a booking in appointment with the midwife - this will be far more extensive. Lots of people's experience with their GP is a bit disappointing. You expect everyone to be as excited as possibly but they rarely are . In fact I went in and told my GP who said 'Oh okay. And?'. I was like

Your midwife appointment with answer any questions you have about the antenatal care and can help you with the choices for hospitals.

Very underwhelming isn't it?
Mine said "congratulations", took my BP & gave me the phone number for the MW. I saw her 2 months later!
Have they said what your next step is? Surely you don't have to decide where to give birth yet??

Oh, & congratulations!

Ha, thanks. Well give him his dues he did pause to say congratulations before taking my blood pressure. /emo/te/1.gif

I also feel very nervous to get too excited, its so early in the pregnancy.

Thank you. He said that deciding where I wanted to have the baby was the next step and that I could self refer to two places or get a referall from them for a third. After I decide he said I could then book in for a scan at 10 weeks.

I'm not familiar with those hospitals but I think most hospitals have a birthing centre and a labour ward. The birthing centre is more laid back and less medicalised. (e.g. you'd be on the labour ward if you were being induced or need a c-section, or if you want an epidural I think). I think most hospitals do tours of their birthing centres at set times, so if you're considering that you might want to have a look at the different facilities at the three hospitals (e.g. do they have birthing pools if you want to use those etc)