Health visitor 32 weeks

[dippypanda]

Hi all, can anyone explain why I "need" a HV visit by 32 weeks. I've had my appointment through and it's at an inconvenient time as I'm still working full time and have a lot to finish before end of July when I go down to 3 days a week at work. I rang to rearrange but my HV is on holiday till Monday.m, so can't change it yet but explained the above to the HV on the phone and she said they have to visit before 32 weeks.

I'm sorry but I don't understand why, I'm being seen by my midwife which is important but don't understand this "need" by the HV, this is my second pregnancy as well so not a complete novice! Anyone able to help?

You could just ask to be taken of their list. The 'need' will be their need to meet an arbitrary target of 'seeing all expectant mothers by 32 weeks' or some such.

*off

I didn't see a HV until about 10 days after DD was born - I live in Wales so not sure if it's any different here.

Not sure why you'd need to see HV before baby was born as they generally check up on baby's weight and feeding and things.

I had this visit for my second DS when it was a new initiative.

Essentially, they're coming out to your home to check that it's a 'nice environment for baby' (their words, not mine) and to have a chat with you to see how you're getting on, feeling well etc. Doesn't take very long - 20 minutes tops.

I agree it's a faff, and I would think it would be fine to reschedule until after you reduce your working days.

I had my last baby three years ago so perhaps I'm out of step. I never saw the HV until after the births of my kids.

If you have any history of depression, specifically in previous pregnancies, this could explain the HV at 32 weeks. I had PND with DC2 and the midwives and HV were on me like a rash after I delivered DC3. That's a good thing, though it got on my nerves having them show up unannounced ("I was in the area so I thought I'd pop in."), I am grateful for their service and concern. That's a good thing.

If you had other health issues with your last pregnancy, especially close to term, they could just be keeping a closer eye on you. How's your health during this pregnancy? You don't need to answer. It's quite a personal question. But if you have any issues, even small ones, this could explain the HV and MW at 32 weeks.

I wonder sometimes if random people are included in these lists of people to visit so that people who genuinely need a visit don't feel singled out iykwim. I could be way off base though, the service is possibly overstretched as it is!

It's an initiative in our area to meet all expectant mums before birth just to have a chat & answer any questions, quite informal. I didn't have one with DS, had to cancel the first appointment as I was still working so made another one for when I was on mat leave. Scrubbed the house ready & she didn't turn up. Rang the clinic & she was off sick & no one could access her diary. They weren't worried about booking another appointment in, i met the new health visitor when DS was 10 days old.

You'll be fine to rearrange to when you're on mat leave. They'll understand.