Anaesthetist Appointment

[G1988]

I've just received a letter telling me to attend an anaesthetics appointment 3 weeks before the letter is even dated. The letter also includes some blood test results with no explanation on what any of it means.

I've tried to google it to see why I need the appointment as the midwife didn't mention anything but the only thing I can find is that ladies with a high BMI go or if you want an epidural. I don't fit in to either category.

Anyone got any ideas? I'm wondering if there is an error with the cover letter.

Sounds like a potential mistake, I’d get hold of midwife to clarify.

Potential reasons: low platelets, clexane injections, BMI>40, severe asthma, needlephobia, rheumatoid arthritis, previous jaw surgery, scoliosis, spine surgery, requesting a GA, previous problems or family history of problems with anaesthetics, heart problems, brain/nerve problems, intravenous drug user, difficult veins. Probably others too, ideally your midwife/obstetrician should have told you why you are being referred.

As I understand it anaesthetics appointments can be for all sorts of reasons- anything that they might want to investigate in advance so they know what they’re doing if you end up needing an epidural or a spinal.

I have a spinal condition so the midwife referred as she wanted the anaesthetist to check me over in advance. I had no plans to have an epidural- but did need a spinal for stitching after birth.

I called the emergency midwife for some reassurance as it's been the weekend and turns out the blood test results show I'm quite badly Aneamic.

Despite this she couldn't work out why I'd got the appointment as otherwise I'm a heathy low risk pregnancy with no complications what so ever.

She seemed to think it was an error as well but suggested I call during normal hours on Monday to clarify.