Partners welcome?

[klc364]

When did you first take someone with you to appointments? I have my Booking appointment in 3 weeks time and was wondering whether or not to go it alone as its my first appointment?

First baby ..... Currently 5wks

Hi, I was wondering exactly the same thing. I am also 5 +4 and have my booking appointment in 3 weeks. I'm thinking I probably won't get him to come to that but will do for everything afterwards... But I'm not sure what the norm is!

I only took my DH along to the scans. No need really for him to be at any of the others and would have meant him taking time off work. With the ante natal classes he came along to the one on labour as you had a tour of the ward.

Congratulations! Exciting times

My DH came to the booking in appt of our first, but now I'm pg with DC2 he didn't come. It's not necessary for the partner to be there, but it can be nice. If he needs to take time off work I'd save it for the scans - you do want him there then.

You will be asked to sign a lot of consent forms for various tests (genetic and chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs testing), so if he is not there it might be worth discussing first whether you want this kind of testing or not.

Congratulations! Such an exciting time. It's totally up to you and your DP, but I took my DH to mine as I wanted him involved from the start. I found it helpful to take him for my booking in because it's a long appointment and they ask A LOT of questions, some of which are about health conditions in both parents' sides of the family. They also give you a lot of info to take in so sometimes helpful to have someone else to help remember it. If you'd rather go alone though, just ask him about any health conditions in his family and take a notepad for anything you might want to take note of! Good luck!

Thanks for the advice ladies, as a young (21) first time mum, all advice is valuable as I get to grips with what is yet to come.

Petrified and Excited come to mind!!

Congratulations!

I was asked to bring my partner to booking in as there were lots of questions about our health history and that of our parents. Maybe ring and check?

My dp has come to scans only. Most mw appointments are very routine and a bit pointless for partners. In terms of a booking appointment there are lots of questions - I would say bring him along by all means if he is either not working or can skive off easily but IME midwives don't necessarily expect partners to come along, though wouldn't mind if they did. Congratulations.

My partner didn't come to booking in app as was at local sure start and was at work, he's been to scans and midwife app tho that's because he's home on a fri and luckily all app have been Fridays. I think the scans are important to be there but no app with midwife so far he's needed to be there (18+3)

I have been to the midwife appointments on my own. DP came for scans. Midwives like you to go to at least one appointment on your own.

In my area they send you the forms with all the health questions in the post ahead of time so you can fill them out properly. Haven't taken my other half to any midwife appointments, just scans.

Congrats :)

I've only taken my husband along to scans and then one of my consultant appointments. Its harder for him to get time off work and the midwife appointments as others have said are fairly routine. Probably nice to take him to your 25 week appointment as in most cases its the first time the midwife will listen to the heartbeat. Which is a nice moment to share