New area, not signed up to midwife, 37 weeks!

[3weekstogonow]

I recently moved house to a completely new area (2 hours from my old home). The new place I live is quite rural and the doctors surgery is small, the midwife only visits once a week. I've made an appointment to transfer my care over to this new area but the only appointment I could get is Wednesday next week. I'm not due for another 3 weeks BUT I've started feeling some light cramping/back pain/aches and am wondering if it's the early signs of labour.

The new hospital I'd be delivering at is only about a 15 minute drive from my house so that's not a problem - my problem is that if I go into labour during the next 8 days, before I'm signed up to this new hospital and the new midwife, will I still be able to give birth there?

I'm afraid I have no personal experience in this but am sure this will not be a problem, just be sure to keep your notes on you. Good luck!

I can't imagine that they'd turn you away but call the labour ward and talk to them about the situation.

I moved the same at 34 weeks and it was a pain.

I'd call the GP and ask if someone could take your blood pressure if it hasn't been taken for a few weeks, just to be on the safe side. Then ask for the number for the maternity unit and explain to them what's going on. It may be that someone can see you if you'd like a check up.

When this happened to me and I wasn't going to be checked by anyone for about 6 weeks they sent a home midwife out just to check the basics

I was in this situation last year at first I was very worried about going into labour without a registered midwife but I was reassured everything would be perfectly fine!
The hospital wont turn you away, it would just be like it you were on holiday somewhere! As a pp has said give the labour ward a ring and they may offer for you to have a wander round!
Have you registered with the local doctors surgery?

You don't need to be booked in anywhere, if you go into labour they can't turn you away unless they are full.

That said, they prefer it if you are booked in so it might be worth a call to the maternity unit. It used to be the Supervisor of Midwives you'd need to speak to but that role has gone. Have a look at the hospital website, there may be an email address you can contact.

Thanks for all the reassuring responses! It's been quite stressful moving this late in the pregnancy.

WhyIsARaven yep I've registered with the GP and they did blood pressure, height, weight and general checks, just the midwife seems to be really in demand so I can't see her yet. X

In the same boat. Was supposed to arrive at our new house at 36 weeks, but we've been told there are "delays". I was planning on just phoning the antenatal department of the local hospital as soon as I arrive. I am consultant led so I want to get on their books asap and don't want to wait around to see community midwife.

In meanwhile, I will be commuting to my previous hospital for appointments, despite not living there any more (currently renting in a third location!).

It's very stressful. But my midwife friend said she once booked someone in at 40+10, so no big deal. Even if you rock up in labour with your notes, they don't mind really. The only problem is if you've not been recieving antenatal care at all.

I live rurally and the midwife care has been much more relaxed in a good way. I've not been able to get an appointment a couple of times at the GP surgery and the midwife has just asked me to pop in to the hospital. You might find if you call the hospital they will see you there and then (or at least this week) if it's a smaller hospital. Guessing you have your notes from your old place I'm sure you will be fine xx

Just been through this palaver transferring at 34 weeks. Everything in London is self-referral, and everything where I have moved to is definitely NOT.

Anyway, I need a late scan so I had to be pushy at the GP surgery and they made me an extra appointment with the midwife that week, despite her being booked up. It is one of those 'visits once a week' situations too. Managed to get a proper booking appointment for the following day and the scan booked in for tomorrow, but the midwife was on the phone for nearly an hour sorting it all out so I imagine the people waiting after my 15 minute allocated slot weren't too happy with me.

At my proper booking appointment at 9 weeks, I explained that I would be moving late into the pregnancy and was worried about transfer of care, and the midwife explained that maternity units aren't allowed to turn you away so you can turn up anywhere really.

Yeah you'll be fine! Gave birth to mine whilst on holiday in completely different city, thankfully we had my notes, car seat & bag just in case (wise midwife at the time)

Similar thing here, moved at 34 weeks to a rural area from London. Registered with the GP immediately then insisted on seeing a midwife ASAP as due date was looming. Got an appt 2 days later, so it can be done. Most hospitals allow you to self-refer though, so it's worth giving your local maternity unit a ring. Do you have paper copies of your notes?

Thanks everyone, it's good to know other people have been in the same boat! I have my notes from my last midwife and they're pretty comprehensive. I'm low risk and have had an 'easy' pregnancy (meaning no complications, not that I've found it easy!) So I'm hoping it should be straightforward. X

Best of luck 3weeks, I hope sorting out the house is straightforward and that the baby stays put till 40 weeks so you can have a rest!