1st Appointment

8 replies

minicreamegg · 12/03/2013 17:53

When is the best time to phone for the 1st booking appointment with the midwife ? I'm thinking of waiting until I'm 10 weeks.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Wommer · 12/03/2013 17:57

I had no idea of procedures when I did mine. Booked in to see the doc as soon as I'd had my bfp (5 weeks) and then saw the mw around 6 ish weeks.
Was really glad I did as I had some issues around 8 weeks (all was fine btw) but was soooo much easier to be already in the system.

I'd phone asap (if you want to) and if your area has strict rules then they'll say so and book you in for whenever complies with them.
Congratulations by the way!

flipflump · 12/03/2013 18:00

After first GP appointment, the midwife called me and invited me to attend first appointment with her at 11 weeks, not sure if this is normal policy or not but I'd think you would need to be on the system sooner than 10 weeks. I got my 12 week scan date through when I was 7 weeks, again had to be on the system to receive invite.

ExhaustedMamasita · 12/03/2013 18:07

Your first booking appointment should take place between 8-10 weeks and your first (either dating or nuchal translucency) scan between 11-13 weeks.

What typically happens is once you've registered at your hospital of choice (either online or via your GP), you?ll receive a letter through the post with the date and time of your booking appointment. If however you?re anxious (like I was) I would call the hospital antenatal unit first thing in the morning to find out the date of your booking appointment for peace of mind. They may tell you they don?t have you on their records in which case, enquire how to go about changing that.

From my experience so far, you have to be on top of all your appointments ? I?ve had to chase and double confirm all of mine because of previous hiccups. The more you badger, the less you?ll be overlooked. Good luck!

ladymia · 12/03/2013 19:49

I would do it between weeks 6 and 9 so there is enough time for them to schedule your 12 week scan, depending on what area you are in this could take some time.

Personally I would go see the doctor at 6 weeks and the MW around 8 or 9

PurpleStorm · 12/03/2013 20:01

Where I live, the first midwife appointment is organised through the GP surgery. Our GP practice won't let you have a midwife appointment before 8 weeks, but they book you in for one in advance as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed.

Our GP practice only has a very limited number of first appointment slots with the midwife per week - maximum of 2, according to the receptionist - so better to call sooner rather than later in case availability is like that where you live.

The midwife organised booking me into the local hospital at the first midwife appointment.

Original poster

minicreamegg · 12/03/2013 20:15

Thanks, where I stay the gp takes nothing to do with pregnancy. I'll give the midwives a phone around 8 weekish as I'm only 5 just now

OP posts:

MisselthwaiteManor · 13/03/2013 05:39

I wouldn't say it's too early for you to phone them now, they'll just book your appointment for a few weeks time. I self-referred too at about 6 weeks and had my appointment at 9 weeks.

MissTweed · 13/03/2013 07:51

I too waited thinking that they wouldn't want to see me until 10 weeks (was told this by a friend). Phoned gp to make an appointment (you have to phone weeks in advance to get an appointment at mine) and was told the midwife 'books you in' at 7 weeks and I had an appointment the next day.

It's always better to phone them and if they don't want to see you yet then at least you can get an appointment for later on... Nothing worse than feeling like you left it late and are behind.

Flip