A little advice about 1st antenatal appt.

[izoot]

Hi all,
I am just over 5 weeks pregnant and have booked my first antenatal appointment for 9 weeks (seems a long way off!). However it is 3 days before I go on holiday for 2 weeks, just wondering if it is wise to have the appt so close to the holiday in case anything needs to be done etc. I am not really sure what the first appointment will involve so any advice on this would be great. I could really do with a holiday but obviously the pregnancy is most important.
Thanks

In our area the only thing you need to get done is a blood test, you are given the form at 1st appointment then just have to fit it in sometime before 12w scan.

Thanks, that is really helpful.

The first appointment will just involve a lot of questions about your and your partners medical history. They will take some blood tests, and probably ask you to provide a urine sample (no need to bring one with you, if they want one they'll send you off there and then).
You'll be asked if you want tested for various issues (such as Down's syndrome) and sign consent forms if you do, so if this is an issue to you it might be worth discussing with your partner first.

You should be totally fine to go on holiday afterwards, at this stage not much is done, you're just entered into the system really. Congratulations!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I found that the hospital just sent me a couple of letters after the appointment with blood test results etc so no need to even be available on the phone. There is nothing else they can check at the appointment that HazelShade hasn't already mentioned, which is often called the 'booking in appopintment'. Though I was glad to be finally 'on the system' too, made it all feel more real... :)

Enjoy your holiday :)

Thank you all so much, you have really put my mind at ease. :)