Newly pregnant - dr or nurse?

[kitkat321]

Hi - I'm new and looking for a bit of advice please!

I've just discovered that I'm around 5 weeks pregnant :) We hadn't been actively trying but decided last month to actively stop not trying - if that makes sense and we've gotten pregnant on the first attempt which was a bit of a shock.

Based on my calculations, I've just gone 5 weeks and after 6 negative test results I finally got a positive today.

So what next? From reading online, it appears that the recommended route is a gp appointment asap. I don't particularly rate my gp - when I last went to him for extreme back pain he told me that "lots of people get sore backs - just take painkillers" and I had to really push to get referred for physio.

Anyway, I digress. Is a GP the way to go - or can you be seen by the practice nurse instead? How soon do I need to make this appointment? I'm not really sure what happens during this appointment other than simply informing him that I'm pregnant and discussing any potential issues and preferred maternity hospital.

This is our first baby and while I'm pretty clued up on many things, babies and pregnancy is a whole new world!

Thanks in advance!

Ring your GPs. They may be able to refer you straight to the midwives without seeing you.
If not, the appointment is as simple as him/her referring you, some will also weigh you and check bp, but it's a very simple/routine appointment.

Think you see GP - might even be worth checking there isn't am midwifery team attached to your GP practice that you could contact directly (have that with my surgery but know its unusual).
Might even be worth calling the surgery to check their procedures - they have to keep these things confidential so you would be ok to ask them without giving too much away.

Congrats btw

Thanks very much - I assumed it was something pretty straightforward and not necessarily something that would require the doctor.

I'll give them a call later this week.

Thanks Loftyjen - their website was a bit vague and all it said was that the initial appointment took place at the practice.

I envisage a slightly nervous and awkward conversation with the receptionist.

I assume it will be the midwives who are best placed to give advice around exercise etc during pregnancy - slightly miffed that I'd just started a diet and exercise plan and want to keep this up as well as continue horse riding and just want to make sure I go about it in the right way!

I went to my GP who said congratulations, checked bp, updated my notes, removing medication and told me to get a booking in form from reception for the community midwives.

I have been in their care since.

The GP appointment is the start of the process.

You may or may not need to see your gp before being booked in with the midwife depending on how your practice works.

It might be a good time to change gp/practice though as it can't be good to have one you have such little faith in and once you get more pregnant/have a baby you'll have lots to think about.

Congrats.

Why would your conversation with the receptionist be nervous and awkward? Surely it's just:

"I'm pregnant. Do I need to see the gp or should I self refer to the midwives?

Right. In that case can I have a gp appointment/ details of how to reach the midwives?"

Easy.

I just asked at GP's reception and was given the phone number for the midwives, and a Bounty pack! Was a bit taken aback as it is far too early for all that propaganda.
Anyway, still waiting for the midwives to return my phone message...

I just asked at GP's reception and was given the phone number for the midwives, and a Bounty pack! Was a bit taken aback as it is far too early for all that propaganda.
Anyway, still waiting for the midwives to return my phone message...

I rang my gp surgery and said to receptionist. 'Im pregnant what do I need to do next' she made me an appointment directly with the midwife at the same surgery.

I think each pct can be different so I would just ring and ask.

Definitely call and ask if you need to see the GP or can book direct with the midwives. Probably no one will need to see you before 8 weeks though.

Perfect - thanks all - will get on the phone tomorrow.