First midwife appointment - what happens?

[amandalk91]

This is my first pregnancy so I haven't a clue what to expect, what happens in the first appointment? I'll be about 8 weeks by then, do you have a scan?

No, no scan.

Your booking appointment will normally consist of

• general chat to confirm edd and see how you are
• blood pressure check
• possibly a urine check for infection
• height and weight
• blood tests if you wish for iron levels, blood type, hiv, hep b, syphilis
• medical history of you and your partner (good to know if heart disease, diabetes or genetic disorders run in the family
• info about folic acid, vit d, drinking and smoking in pregnancy
• you may get a scan date or the mw may do your scan referral at the appointment
• answer any questions you may have

All tests are optional btw, I haven't had any bloods done this pregnancy, nor did I have my weight done

I had mine a couple of weeks ago. No blood tests for me but I did have to take a urine sample (which she tested and gave me back, lovely). Just a lot of questions about medical history, drinking, smoking etc.

Have you already been given any paperwork to look at? I got given a massive ringbinder full of notes, medical questions etc to fill out before I went, so just took that with me.

As above... Your scans will be at 12 weeks and 20 weeks. Midwife appointments at 16 weeks, 23 weeks, then can't quite remember:P

Just to add to everything else they might talk to you about whooping cough (although it's not done till 28 weeks and I don't know if it's still being offered actually) and flu vaccinations and whether you want them done. Most areas will offer screening for Down's Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities but it will only tell you a risk factor, it's not a diagnostic test. In my area you can have the nuchal fold measured at your 12 week dating scan and have a blood test done at the same time but I know the time scale for that differs in different hospital trusts.

You might be offered screening to see whether you're a carrier of sickle cell anaemia but if you or your partner are white British then it's unlikely as it's so rare. It might still be explained to you though. They will also check your blood to see if you're immune to rubella.

Your midwife will book you for either midwife or consultant led care depending on your medical history. She might talk about birth options but it's a bit early at this stage and you've got loads of time to think about it. You're likely to be bombarded with leaflets and information so take your time to digest it all.

Your midwife won't do anything to you in regards to feeling your tummy or listening to the baby as at 8 weeks she won't be able to hear anything. She might at 16 weeks but they can still be tricky to pick up even then so she might not offer it but if you want her to have a go then ask. She'll start measuring your bump from 24 weeks, some do it a bit later though. I think that's all the main stuff!

Thanks for all your answers :) quite excited to get it all started

I ha to pick my chosen hospital or delivery at booking appointment as all scans are there so maybe research what is close by
2 big hospitals in my city one has water birth and active birth facilities the other does not
Equal distance in other city is brand new hospital, lots of people say vv nice, or further afield is midwife led unit (I decided too far away)

This is all useful to know, as I'm in the same boat. DP doesn't need to come does he? I don't know masses about his family's medical history, but do I need to quiz him the night before?

No they actually prefer partners/dh's not to come as they do ask whether there is any domestic violence at home which can't be done if dads are present

To add to the above:

I've only taken my DH to the scans. Might take him to some midwife appointments later on as he's likely to be out of work (great timing!).

If you don't already know, work out when your last period started (I thought it was when it ended that was important) and how long your cycles are (or if they're irregular). This will be used to get an estimated due date which will be confirmed or changed at the 12 week scan. Don't worry if it doesn't fit with when you think as it can be out for a number of reasons -just gives them something to work with.

If you are comfortable with asking them, ask your mum and his about their pregnancies and births as this was something I was asked about. All they really need to know about family history (yours and his) is about diabetes, disabilities and the pregnancy and birth difficulties.

They did ask a lot of questions on mental health. I was worried about this before hand as there's problems in the family and I've had problems in the past but it was all very matter-of-fact so didn't feel uncomfortable or that I was being judged -and it was a student asking the questions (overseen by MW)!

How you go about choosing hospital (if there is a choice)/ booking scans etc changes by area so maybe ask if there's anything you need to do. No choice here so she just booked my first scan for me and I booked the next ones when I was there.

No that's fine. I originally assumed he wouldn't be going anyway, but then wondered if it was expected after all! I already know quite a bit about my mum's pregnancies and birth experiences, but not a lot about his mum's. Perhaps I will open that can of worms with her if I'm brave enough XD