When to see the midwife?

[Sej1981]

I’m 6 weeks on Tuesday so I called the doctors today and they told me to call back when I’m 8 weeks and they will make me an appointment.
Has everyone else had this, is it normal?
It’s been 9 years since my last baby

Yeah, I made a booking in appt at about 8 weeks (had the appointment at around 10-11 weeks)

Yeh normally 8-10 weeks for booking appt

But if I call back then and they can’t fit me in for a couple of weeks I’m concerned I’ll miss the correct time for my 12 week scan

They’ll squeeze you in, I’m sure. My doctors messed mine up. I waited over a month for an appointment, then I called them to chase up. That same day, I received a phone call saying I had to have a scan that day, cos they’d worked out I was nearly 12 weeks already!

My doctor had that attitude and I was unimpressed. I just changed surgeries and got referred straight away (at 6+4). The midwife rang me today to arrange the appointment (I'm 8 weeks today).

I’m unimpressed too, I wouldn’t mind if they wouldn’t give me an appt until I’m 8 weeks but to not even do that is ridiculous. Just think it’s cutting it a bit fine

In some areas it's also possible to self-refer. See if that's an option. I'll see my midwife at 8+2 already but I would have been happy if she suggested an appointment 2 weeks away too.

Can't you just self-refer to your local midwifery team? Our hospital website lets you email the midwives directly and they then arrange your appointments and scans. GPs don't have anything to do with pregnant women here.

I had both my booking in appointments at 10 weeks and both scans at just under 12 weeks. This was in 2 different areas 150 miles from each other. It was absolutely fine.

Oh and this was with self referring to the midwifes, I didn’t call the GP at all.

I self referred at 6 weeks, chased and 8 and again at 9 and finally had my booking in at 11. When the call came in to book that, I️ pointed out the delay and they organised my dating scan before the booking in appointment. It’s set for 12+4 but it got booked at ten weeks.

Don’t stress too much although it’s easier said than done. The scan only needs to happen before 13+6 if you’re having the combined testing, and there is still plenty of time. Plus these things do get to get booked st shorter notice.

I self referred. Look in to whether you can do this as it saves your time going to Dr and saves Dr's time/appointments.

Personally, I think self refer should be rolled out everywhere, it just seems to make more sense.

I self referred when I was less than 5 weeks, basically as soon as I found out. Phoned up the midwife number directly and was given an appointment for when I was 8/9 weeks with no argument. I don’t see the point in having to go through your GP. I’m in Scotland though, I appreciate it’s different in other areas. We actually get given an appointment for booking in and the first scan at the same time.

I can make an appointment to go directly to the midwife but she is at the go surgery.
The dragon lovely receptionist insists I call back when I’m 8 weeks and she will then book me an appointment with the midwife

Handbagfan what is combined testing? Like I said, I’m new to all this again after 9 years

I don’t get why the receptionist can’t just book you in for two weeks time? As you say, if you call back at 8 weeks it’s unlikely you’ll get seen then and timings are important with that first scan.

I had my booking appt at 6 weeks with my first pregnancy. I called as soon as I tested positive and the receptionist just booked me in to see the midwife the following week. I did ask if that was a bit early but she just said it didn’t matter either way but I could hold off for a couple of weeks if I’d prefer to. I just went at 6 weeks in the end and had my 12-week scan appt through the post about a week later.

The combined testing is for three chromosomal disorders, including Down’s. They take bloods and check your levels of PappA and HcGb, and during the scan they measure the nuchal fold of the baby (fluid behind their neck). This combined wth your age gives you a ratio chance of your baby having Down’s, Edwards or Patau.

The test has to be done between 11+6 and 13+6 if you want it done. That’s why most people talk about a ‘12 week scan’, but if you opt not to take up the test then it won’t matter if your scan is during week 14 or even after. Just annoying to wait.

It’s absolutely frustrating but honestly there is time and if no one is booking to see the midwife until they’re at least 8 weeks then you know there’s not a massive queue ahead of you!

Thanks handbagfun... I feel like a newbie to all of this again, it’s so strange.
I know right, it would make logical sense to book me an appt for 8 weeks, I’ve no issue with that just that they won’t even make an appointment til 8 weeks is infuriating.
If all drs surgery’s don’t have that policy, there could be a wait.

If you have a chosen hospital for the birth then just call the maternity ward (or some have online forms) & self refer. They will book you in for your booking appointment at 8 weeks and once that’s been done they’ll book your scan.