Do I have to see a GP before my booking appointment?

[beebop100]

I've made a booking appointment directly with my midwife. Is it ok for her to be the first person I see about my pregnancy? Last time my GP just gave me a Bounty pack and told me I was fat and to make an appointment with the midwives. So, this time I thought I could probably get away with bypassing that. Is there any reason I would need to see a GP at this point - I've been taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins and have no significant medical or obstetric history.

No need to see your gp. I didn't see my GP at any point during 3 of my pregnancies.

Good luck!

As long as your area allows you to go straight to the midwives (which it sounds like it does if they made the booking in apt) it is fine. Areas vary - here I don't have to see the GP at all, in my old area you had to see them first.

It depends on your area. I had to. It was absolutely pointless. He filled out an onscreen form with the info I gave him (with errors, despite me repeating information several times) and took my blood pressure. It was a complete waste of an appointment.

I only went to my GP as I was on meds that needed adjusting. I could have gotten away with directly calling the midwife if it wasn't for that.

Aww ladies, thanks for the reassurance, I'll carry on with my plan then x

You mentioned your GP said you were "fat". How overweight are you? If you are over 100kg or have a BMI greater than 30, then patients are now advised to take folic acid 5mg daily, rather than the smaller 400mcg dose.

www.homerton.nhs.uk/uploaded_files/Our_services/Maternity/Leaflets/bmi_justified_leaflet_26.pdf

If that's the case (it might not be, but just thought I'd mention it!), then it would be worth seeing a GP as you can only get the 5mg on prescription.

Hope all goes well!

Thanks DinoSnores, my BMI is less than 30, my GP's just obsessed with my weight. I do appreciate the heads up though x

My GP appointment was pointless. I'd only make one if you have underlying health issues that need review.