Consultant appt - is this normal?

[Blobby11]

I had pre-eclampsia with DC1. I mentioned this at my booking in appointment for DC2 so the midwife booked me a consultant appointment.

I'm now 22 weeks and I've just been to the appointment and I'm feeling a bit frustrated. I saw a doctor who is on the consultant's team rather than the consultant himself. She asked me to describe what had happened with my first birth. I don't understand why this was necessary. I'd already had to go through it all with the midwife and I'm having DC2 at the same hospital as last time so surely they have access to my records from last time?

Anyway, once she'd ascertained that the pre- eclampsia only came on at the end if my last pregnancy she said e just needed to keep an eye on my bll

Bad phone!

On my blood pressure. That's fine but then why waste everyone's time with a consultant appointment which was no different to a midwife appointment?

She then completely confused me as she said she'd get me a scan in 2 weeks' time and I'd need to see her the week after. Assuming everything is ok at that point she won't need to see me again. Given it was late onset last time what is the point of scanning me and seeing me again so soon?

I'd like to speak to someone at the hospital to explain this and perhaps try and get a later scan. Any idea who?

Thanks

I had PET last time and have only had midwife this care time so it isn't normal as far as my experience goes. However, it may normal for your hospital and it's policies.

Was just saying didn't make sense to me that last time it was late onset yet they'd be happy to sign me off at 25 weeks this time

TBH all doctors should ask you to go through the information again - you may mention something that was relevant that was not highlighted in your notes. They read notes and verify what they said. Personally, I would be horrified if I went for an appointment, they said 'i have read your notes' and moved on. I may have forgotten to say something previously, or had a new, relevant symptom. The level of care you have received sounds great. You don't know what the link between late onset in a first pregnancy is in line with potentially earlier onset in a second, I don't know either - you are seeing her again soon, so why not ask her to go through it with you?

Because you had it in your last pregnancy, I suspect you are a higher risk now than someone who has never had it, so they monitor to make sure your life and your baby's is ok. LunaticFringe is spot on, midwives are not doctors - they simply do not have the same training. What is midwife is concerned about may be a different view point from a doctors, you may say something without realising the bearing it has. I speak from experience here, and am incredibly grateful to sharp eyed docs.

Also - you do know that pre-eclampsia generally occurs from after 20 weeks in, so this is why is suspect they monitor from now on in, as you are now anyway in the 'at risk' period until you deliver?

here is some more info - best of luck!! But be pleased - honestly :-)

www.preeclampsia.org/health-information

Hi,

I had pre-eclampsia with my last birth which was discussed at a booking in appointment and I'm now seeing a consultant at every appointment rather than a midwife or shared care with my GP. I think that it is fairly standard practice as you're considered to have a higher risk worth monitoring if you've had previous pre-eclampsia.

I saw the consultant but he does have a team working for him at my 16 week appointment and he read through my notes and we talked through my previous birth then took my bp etc. (which was fine) and said to come back at 28 weeks (next week) when he'll assess the care I need post 30 weeks as mine didn't come on until 36 weeks last time. I think the important thing is for them to investigate and put an individual plan of care in place for you depending on previous experience and risk factors.

I recently read through the NICE guidelines on manageent of pre-eclampsia which could be useful to read and they do mention additional growth scans so maybe that's what they're referring you for?

I wish someone would've signed me off at 25 weeks!!! xx