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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Health Visitor wants to see me before baby is born?

19 replies

dino98 · 14/08/2017 16:50

Hi!
So I'm currently 18 years old and 14 weeks pregnant, I'll be 19 when my baby is born.
I know my midwife referred me to a support group for young parents but I just got a text from a health visitor asking to meet me in two weeks time. I don't know if I'm wrong but isn't it normal just to see the health visitor sometime in your third trimester and then after the baby is born?
Is there any reason why she'd want to see me so early on? Or is it just because I'm young and might need extra support?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Ropsleybunny · 14/08/2017 16:53

In some areas HVs have time to do ante-natal visits. These can be very useful as you get to know your HV before the baby is born. HV can be a mine of useful information regarding local groups and support services. I would welcome her with open arms.

GlitterSparkles17 · 14/08/2017 16:56

I think in some areas its normal now so don't panic.

I think its just to meet you and check your all prepared etc. I never had this with my other 2 children but my midwife has told me this will happen before my due date, must be something they have introduced in the past few years.

OrphanAccount · 14/08/2017 16:57

I was a 28 year old married professional when I had my fist. I still got a HV visit before the baby was born so I doubt it's to do with your age. Probably standard for your area. She gave me a Red Book for the baby and details of baby clinics and baby groups. It was quite useful.

boodles101 · 14/08/2017 17:00

It's normal. I had HV come before baby was born to introduce herself. She ran through a checklist with me regarding things like was I planning to breast or bottle feed baby, current SIDS guidelines, signs of post natal depression etc. It's a good chance for u to ask any questions as she will be the one to visit you once baby has arrived. She also gave me info on the local children centres.

SherbertLemon2011 · 14/08/2017 17:01

My hvs wanted to see me a few weeks before full term and then again when the baby was born. The hv for dc1 was amazing, I would have loved to meet her earlier. However with dc2 we had a different one, very patronising, didn't listen to me and was as useful as a chocolate teapot. So much so that I declined to see her after the baby was born and took my baby to weigh in clinics instead. Ultimately the hv service is not compulsory. You can always say no if it is inconvenient or you could ask why such an early appointment?

StealthPolarBear · 14/08/2017 17:01

Antenatal visits are expected nation wide now. Totally standard. Good luck with your pregnancy.

StealthPolarBear · 14/08/2017 17:02

That said she may offer additional support as you are young if you want it.

Orangebird69 · 14/08/2017 17:04

I was 40yo when I had my ds and still had the hv visit a couple of times before ds was born. Maybe because I was a ftm or maybe because I was 'high risk' ie old, but I found it helpful. I've come to value my HV very much 2 years on. I can call her when I need to. I had a bit of a worrying time in ds's first 6 weeks or so - she was so supportive. And even though I've moved since (town but not county), I still go to her weigh clinic/children's centre when I need to as she knows my ds's health history. Really make the most of it. I know there's horror stories about how horrible some HVs are but there are some good ones! I can't imagine that any of them are in it for the money. They really geunuinely do want to support you. Congrats on your baby and good luck.

MagicMoneyTree · 15/08/2017 11:57

I'm in my 30s and also had a home visit from the HV a few weeks before I had DS. I panicked a bit, cleaned the house top to bottom and thought she'd want to inspect baby's room. It was fine and she was lovely and just had a little chat. Depends on your area I think, but it's quite common for home visits pre-baby in some places. Maybe have a think about any questions you might have about baby's arrival and ask them while you've got here there? I didn't think to do that but it's a good chance if you have any concerns or queries xx

MiaowTheCat · 15/08/2017 11:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StealthPolarBear · 15/08/2017 12:30

It should be normal in all areas!

Jellybabie3 · 15/08/2017 15:45

I am meeting HV this week. Was advised this is the norm now. I am 34 weeks

Silverthorn · 15/08/2017 15:48

They just want to check your not living in a drug den. Don't sweat it.

DoubleCarrick · 15/08/2017 15:54

I had a visit from the HV before DS was born. I'm 30 - it's not an age thing as stated by pp. Turns out she was invaluable as DS had health issues when he was born and we've had a few health niggles since. I've leant really heavily on her and she visited monthly or more until my son was about five months. She said it's a service that you can choose to access if you want and she will visit as many times as I need.

BlueeSpottyTiger · 15/08/2017 18:15

They do visits to everyone in my area when they have the staff. When they are busy they mentioned they can only go to the more vulnerable mums.
It's totally normal.. don't worry 🤗xx

daisyrosie · 20/08/2017 16:45

I've just had a letter this week for my first HV visit, but I'll be 37 weeks by the time I have the appointment. Is this usual or should I ask for an earlier appointment? I will be given the red book to take to hospital for the baby, but obviously won't have it if I go into labour early.

MagicMoneyTree · 21/08/2017 13:11

Doesn't matter daisy - they will give you a red book at the hospital if you haven't got one already. I don't know anyone who got theres before having their baby. The chat with HV is just a get-to-know-you, so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't happen as you'll meet her when baby arrives anyway. I think I had mine around 36/37 weeks and didn't give it a second thought timing-wise.

LookImAHooman · 21/08/2017 14:02

OP has said she knows a later visit is the norm...

OP, you're correct that they're usually later in pg. A visit this early is most likely due to your age for additional support. Hope your HV is as lovely as mine! They often get a bad rap and it's so unhelpful. They can be absolute gold.

fatfingeredfran · 21/08/2017 14:17

It does seem early in the pregnancy for a visit, so it could be due to your age. It's not necessarily a bad thing though, I recently had my antenatal visit around 32-34 weeks and the HV was lovely. The main thing they wanted to check was did I feel I had enough support around me and do I need any extra help with anything.

She was also interested to make sure I was prepared practically i.e. That I had somewhere for the baby to sleep (although it hadn't been delivered yet I had it ordered at least), that I had clothing for the baby, that I knew about how to prep formula and also how to breastfeed.

I'd say accept the visit - it'll be fine 👍🏼

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