How do I contact my midwife?

[RockerMummy184]

Silly question, but I quite often see posts on here where people are concerned about symptoms they are having and the advice is usually to contact their midwife.

There are a few concerns I have at the moment, but have no idea how to get in touch with my MW. She only works Wednesdays, there is a 4 week wait for appointments, and the only other number I have been given is for the assessment unit at the hospital, which specifically states is for emergency use only, such as bleeding or reduced movement.

Any ideas how I can get hold of someone to speak to?

Thanks.

Do you have a community midwife team in your area?
What about the maternity ward at your hospital?
Or just phone the assessment unit and explain the above, that you don't know who to contact now, last resort call to them?

Do you have a copy of your notes? I have always been able to text a midwife with any concerns and they will get back to you when they are working next. Alternatively, does your midwife work from a midwifery team? They would be able to help you with any queries.

Failing that, I am sure that some mumsnetters might be able to put your mind at rest if you posted your concerns on here.

I hope you get the answers that you are looking for soon.

I've got my midwife's number written in my notes, but when I've tried to contact her she doesn't answer and doesn't return messages..
When I needed help I called the hospital number just said sorry if I'm calling the wrong number and What I was worried about, and they were absolutely lovely and a midwife called me back. (They did then ask me to go in)

So just call the hospital number they'll be able to help or tell you who can help.

Yep, just call the hospital or birth unit and ask to speak to a midwife, if there isn't a contact number on your notes.

meeska I had a number for the community midwife office when I was pg with DS and same thing happened with them, called and left messages but no-one ever got back to me.

The things that are concerning me are:
Extreme fatigue - I have been told that, being pregnant with twins, I will obviously be more tired, but this is beyond a joke. I'm finding it hard to function. Sometimes I'm so tired even getting dressed makes me feel like I'm going to cry. And it is absolutely unrelenting! By week 15 with DS I was feeling fantastic and full of energy...not this time. I am on iron tablets, but have heard that it could be low ferrin levels?

Headaches - constantly for the last 2 weeks. It makes my vision blurred and I feel sick. Paracetamol helps take the edge off, but I don't really want to be taking painkillers every day. I drink a lot of water so not dehydrated.

Heartburn - Suffered with it for the last 8 years. Can usually keep it under control with Rennies/Gaviscon. Was prescribed 300mg Ranitidine as the over the counter remedies were no longer working, now they've stopped working too! Finally got over the horrible morning sickness and I'm not throwing up because of the heartburn.

I thought about calling the hospital but I thought I'd be told I was wasting their time since the things I'm complaining about are probably things that all pregnant ladies have (I was just lucky not to have experienced them first time round), and they can probably wait to be seen to.

Sorry for going on...

CALL THE HOSPITAL

Yes it may seem like every pregnant person has those symptoms but headaches for two weeks with blurred vision is enough to make me say CALL THE HOSPITAL or even better, just go in.

Please don't think you are wasting anybodies time. In the nicest way possible you are not an expert (nor am I, hasten too add) go let them assess you!

I would call the number you have for the hospital and explain. I don't think they would mind at all. It sounds like you're struggling with the fatigue and the midwives wouldn't want that. Hope you feel better soon.

Just phone and see what they say. Alternatively if you have a GP you can see the same day I'd do that on Monday.
You might need medication for your nausea still, I got mine from the doctor and it helped the horrible flu-ey headaches and tiredness as well.
If you are already anaemic and expecting twins, and experiencing such bad symptoms they may want to try you on a different form of iron or give you an iron infusion to get your levels up quickly.
The headaches should be checked out at least.

You won't be wasting anyone's time at all. I hope you feel better soon.