What happens at 16 week antenatal appointment

[Intelinside]

Hi all

Got my 16 week antenatal appt tomorrow (I'll be just over 18 weeks) and wanted to know what generally happens. My husband is in the police and is going to try and finish his shift early to make it but its not that easy for him. I imagine that it'll be a general check up - blood pressure, urine sample etc - and wonder whether you'd suggest it was an appointment the dad should move things to get to.

He has been to all others and will want to go but the timings just don't seem to work on this one easily.

Not a lot. They go through any screening results and let you know if you’re anaemic. Other than that just blood pressure and urine

I think pretty much all midwife appointments are pointless for men tbh! The 16 week one is quite routine though - blood pressure, urine sample and a general chat. I got some more leaflets and stuff. It's not routine to listen to heartbeat but some areas do.

Pretty much as PP have said, very routine. In my area they do listen to heartbeat and they also take blood if your Rhs negative to see babies bloody type and whether you need the Anti D injection. My husband only ever came to booking in and the 36week appointment with DD1 and we plan on doing the same with this one. It's lovely to have him there but we just can't manage timings and his work commitments. X

If he had nothing better to do and you wanted him to go it would be fine.

But you will literally be in and out in 10 mins or less so not really worth rearranging things for. Save the effort for things like the 20 week scan instead.

Not a lot happens in this appointment she will go through your blood results from last time, if you are RH neg you might need anti D so they will book that in for your next appointment. (I got mine at my 24 week app)

In this appointment she also booked me in for my anomaly scan

General health questions will be asked such as how you feel in yourself, blood pressure will be taken, urine tested for protein etc.

If your hubby doesn't get much chance to be with you in your appointments I'd save them up for later when you get to hear heart beat and may have more questions to ask midwife. It's very quick appointment about 10 minutes.

Hope everything is going well enjoy your pregnancy xx

Will differ unit dependent.. however, where I work and am booked we...
•Blood pressure
•Urine
•(May offer Fetal heart rate auscultation)
•Go through blood results if not already done and book anti d injection for 28weeks if RH-ve
•Book antenatal classes
•Answer any questions
•Go through pattern of care
•Risk assessment including medical/lifestyle/anaesthetic/social
•book next appt

And I don’t think partners need to attend.

I was in and out in 10 minutes, midwufe checked blood pressure, urine, had a quick general chat. That was about it.

Brill, thanks everyone! I've told him not to bother about finishing early for this one. Really helpful.