Why is there an 8 week gap between seeing a MW?

[chattychattyboomba]

I don't get it. Last appointment was 20 week scan. Next appointment is glucose test on Friday (am 28 weeks tomorrow).
That's 2 months! Is it just me or does that seem a little neglectful? It would be helpful to see a MW and discuss things since I haven't even had the opportunity (or been asked) about where/how I would like to give birth, previous history, how I have been for the past 2 months! Etc
It's my 2nd baby so not sure why I'm surprised. I guess I forgot!
Anyone else think this is strange?

8 weeks is too long imo.

I had HG in my first pregnancy. My booking MW appt was at 10 weeks by which time I'd been in hospital on a drip twice, had a scan due to spotting, was on medication for sickness and had lost over 10 per cent of my weight. It felt a bit ridiculous for the MW to START my notes at that point, make a note of a "baseline" weight etc.

This time around I've had spotting and proper bleeding off and on from 6 to 18 weeks. Scan at 6 wk found no cause for bleeding. Despite a history of miscarriage I was told to call again only if bleeding was heavier than a period (ie don't bother us unless you're sure you're miscarrying basically). I didn't feel exactly reassured or cared for. I am always surprised to read about MNetters who say their EPUs encourage them to have every bleed checked. My midwife was completely uninterested.

Sorry for all you have been through Miss. But that's a case for altering the schedule for circumstances isn't it, not a reason to change the arrangements for people without complications. You would have got benefit from focusing resources on you, not spreading them thinner.

I see my midwife every 2-4 weeks, 4 weeks if I am seeing the consultant in between. So I think I see someone every two weeks. I have a problem that requires that level of care though... However this was only finally diagnosed a few weeks ago, and I was seen regularly due to HG and anxiety (just midwife at that point).

I have been very surprised at the standard of care so far, and I do feel very lucky when I read stories on here. Where I am, it's very much a case of "ask if you need us, and we'll book you in".

I agree it's a long time. I had a 25 wk appt with my gp and next see mw at 28 weeks.

I was going to say also that any GP is capable of doing a basic antenatal check. I always say to the multips in my clinic to see the GP inbetween seeing me, as the primips do, if they just want some basic routine reassurance.

Ok, so finally had my appointment today. She pretty much fobbed off the idea of having a growth scan (DD1 was 4.7kg, on time. to say I'm nervous about birthing another giant is an understatement). I was previously told c-section was an option if baby looked big again, but now I won't have any way of knowing so planned c-section is out. F.y.i I have a narrow (but long) frame and always measure under fundal length, so this is not a reliable indication of size. She told me they would only do a growth scan if baby seemed under, because bigger babies are "not an issue"
Thanks. Reassuring. NOT. Next appointment booked for...ANOTHER 8 weeks time. And I couldn't even get to see my team of midwives because they were too busy. By which point I will be 36 weeks. May as well just do this on my own. Feels like I already am. Uuuuugh!

Sorry it was so rubbish. Can you follow up with someone else? Afaik a first timer would have a 31 week appt and even I get a 34 week one.

have you had a C before? if so you need to push to speak to a consultant because a VBAC or a C needs to be discussed with you properly so you can make an informed choice..

Penguins- they seem to not have appointments available

Peeapod- first birth was at MLU zero pain relief, 10 hour labour, 3 hours pushing, tear, stitches, blood loss, retained placenta, chord snapped, in theatre with full epi for placenta removal after several failed manual removals sans epi.

I feel like these midwives think I had some fluffy run if the mill birth so they're expecting me to go 'al naturale' again with no discussion. Just pop em out!
And breathe.

Ah chatty that all sounds awful. Apologies if you have already discussed this but are there any other hospital options in your area that may have more appointments? Can you get in touch with PALS at your hospital and see if a complaint will spur them on to give you a consultant appointment sooner?

NICE guidelines now suggest that you have a right to a CS, so if you had the chance to argue your case, backed with some good facts and figures, they should acede to your request.