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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Have you seen a consultant?

20 replies

LeBe · 01/09/2006 16:45

I havent seen a consultant once throughout my pg, and have never been offered or spoken to about it. Is this normal, everyone seems to have seen one.

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petrified · 01/09/2006 16:53

I haven't

spinach · 01/09/2006 16:55

is there a reason you would need one?

millysimmons · 01/09/2006 17:13

Where I live you dont see one unless there is a problem, its all dealt with by the midwives. If you think you need to see one, discuss it with the midwives or GP & they will refer you.

chickenwings · 01/09/2006 17:14

I only saw my GP once during both my pregnancies. Otherwise the midwives dealt with everything. You only usually see the consultant if there is a problem

mygirllolipop · 01/09/2006 17:15

Message withdrawn

Twiglett · 01/09/2006 17:16

I would take that as very good news .. the only reason to see a consultant is if there is something to be concerned about .. either with your health or the baby's .... you are obviously progressing well without any particular concerns

if you do have a concern the midwife can't handle you can ask to see one

Mercy · 01/09/2006 17:19

Only once - because I had a bad chest infection and was hospitalised for 5 days.

Kelly1978 · 01/09/2006 17:23

I never did during hte first two pg, only my twin pg was different, with consultant care.

prettybird · 01/09/2006 17:23

The only reason I say a consultant at my booking in appointment was because I have an extremely distinctive surname and my dad used to be a doctor at that hospital, so he wanted to find out if I was my dad's daughter! (I suppose in theory I could have been his daughter in law!

Otherwiese they are not interested in "ordinary" pregnancies. SO it is good that you haven't seen one.

HopingCat · 05/09/2006 13:36

I have been given an appointment to see a consultant at 32 weeks. This was not my choice and I wasn't even told about it at first! I only know about it because it is written on my ante-natal notes and my midwife pointed it out to me. I've apparently been given the appointment because I had bleeding at 9 and 13 weeks, which stops me being a completely low risk pregnancy in their opinion. I've no idea what the consultant will do or say, but as we're on the same Ante-natal thread LeBe I will let you know.

Piffle · 05/09/2006 13:37

I have but only as I have a previous child with a rare genetic syndrome, that I need extra scans for in this pregnancy and early on in preg due to previous ectopic
Then I'm done with the consultants.
The less doctors the better IMO

Divvy · 05/09/2006 15:50

I have seen one, but only because I am high risk, being over weight. He wasnt bothered with my weight though..and said it was more of height problem that I have! wish midwife was that laid back about my weight !

He dont want to see me until I am 41 weeks now, but just ordered a GTT for 26 weeks.

16+1

Eeek · 05/09/2006 15:52

usually you can see one if you ask - but seriosly, why would you want to if you have a normal pregnancy? they always complicate things! keep well away would be my advice

southeastastra · 05/09/2006 15:54

it may depend on the hospital. i saw the assistant to the assistant consultant first as a routine, but saw another one later in the pg as i had complications.

Redlorry75 · 05/09/2006 16:01

I am seeing a consultant as I had a M/C then a baby then 2 more M/C's. Am now 26+ weeks with baby no. 2. Consultant saw me said I seem to be fine after I get to 9 weeks and there was nothing to worry about, but booked me for a routine 32 weeks scan to size the baby as I am on the big side, and as big babies run in our family, although DD was a normal 8lb,1oz. Then I just go for a chat to see if I am okay and discuss options if baby is a big one.

NomDePlume · 05/09/2006 16:05

I went for midwife led care and had an uncomplicated pregnancy so I never saw a consultant. In my area it is mainly those with a long history of m/c or a problem pregnancy that see the consultant.

FoghornLeghorn · 05/09/2006 16:15

I went to see my consultant when pg with DD purely because my midwife was concerned about my severe urticaria in case I had to have CSection - aparently I can't go under general anesthetic.
Have had no need to go with this pregnancy though, not even been mentioned.

northerndad2006 · 06/09/2006 20:26

My DW was offered the choice by her GP: 'do you want to have consultant care, or GP care and be happy?' She opted for GP/MW care. There's no need to have hospital based antenatal care unless there's a problem, but some women presumably feel happier with it, which is great. As far as I can see, the main disadvantage to consultant care would be the expensive parking or travel costs! BTW I don't think consultants complicate things - generally the patients they see are complicated and need more things doing, unlike the vast majority of pregnancies which sort themselves out with minimal testing / intervention.

magnolia1 · 06/09/2006 20:34

I have consultant care but only because I have had a preemie and a placenta abruption. Have placenta previa this time so need monitoring more because of possible prem labour.
I would prefer not to have to go but need to to be on the safe side.
Its great that your pg is going smoothly enough for just midwife care xxx

NatalieJane · 06/09/2006 20:47

Hi Lebe

I saw a consultant 3 times in my first pregnancy, I didn't ask to, I was just told to go along to the appointments. He did nothing but complicate everything, he couldn't get his head round the fact that my dates had been moved at the first scan, and tried to put in me in for an induction before I was even due, but I managed to argue him off till 40+5. This time I have done my best to see as few people as possible, and I intend to carry that on for as long as possible!! I will be 29 weeks on Saturday and I had my third appointment today, and unless anything goes wrong between now and then, I am not going to be even thinking about seeing the midwife for at least another month, even longer if I can get away with it!

Things vary so much in different parts of the country, as long as you are fine and everything is on the right tracks I wouldn't worry about who you see really.

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