Just found out I'm pregnant

[Elliex1993]

Hi new to this and pregnancy. Just wanted to ask a probably obvious question but when do I need to ring the doctors to book an appointment, also will I need to say over the phone what the appointment is for or do I just go to the appointment tell the doctor and he sorts it from there. It's really difficult to get into my doctors and the only way to get an appointment is to ring first thing in the morning and even then its very unlikely to get an appointment, the only other option is to book an appointment for a few weeks ahead but I believe I'm already 5 weeks gone. I'm just a bit confused about the whole situation, any answers would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Congrats!! Id ring your doctors and ask them what their protocol is as everywhere is different and they will be able to advise you 😊

Congratulations!
It depends on the area, OP, but in London I made a doctors appointment as soon as I found out and they referred me to the midwife for my 12 week scan and initial appointment. I know in some areas you just self refer to the hospital but try your doctors first, they will be the most helpful :)

Your surgery’s website may have the info-ours has a sheet with the protocol, e.g. book an appointment with the midwife around week 8, you’ll be offered these tests...etc.
Congratulations!

Where I am you'd just ask for a midwife appointment at your GP surgery. Tell them it's for booking in as it's sometimes a longer slot. If you need to see a doctor they should tell you when you call (but unlikely). Congratulations!

Where I I am the Dr would just say congratulations, wonder why you were there and tell you to self refer to midwife.

I think in most trusts you self refer, either GP reception or local hospital will tell you how phone/website.

Drs don't have anything to do with early pregnancy, they take your home test as proof, midwives do bloods, weight, book scan etc.

I made an appointment with my gp and he was great didnt make me feel like I wasting his time or anything and took my weight bp asked some questions and gave me advice and changed my medications but i think alot of doctors now dont want to see you and you can now self refer

Tell the receptionist why you're ringing and they'll take you through their protocol. Where I am, you go straight to a midwife at 8 weeks - where she pretty much says congratulations, registers you and says come back at 10 weeks for your booking in appointment.

In my area you phone the GP’s surgery and ask for a booking in appointment with the midwife which is done at around 10 weeks. Don’t see anyone before that.

I didn't even contact my GP, just self referred online to the midwives at my local hospital.

Everywhere is different, I had to let the GP reception know and they booked me in for a midwife appointment, didn't have to see a doctor.

Your Dr's website might say. Mine just had an email address for the midwives so I sent them a message and they emailed me some forms to fill in.

Congratulations!! Me too!! How you feeling? Xx

Congratulations.

We self refer here so no need to go see the GP. There’s a number on google to call. Google ‘book in with midwife -insert your area-‘ and see if that’s an option. If not, you will have to see your GP who will refer you.

We also self refer - go on the website of the hospital you want to have your baby at and the referral information will be there. Some may be gp referral only but majority will allow self referral by post or email.

I happened to make a gp appointment for awful sickness so she took my weight, blood pressure, urine etc as standard because I was there but I wouldn't have bothered going gp unless I had a problem - I find the morning appointment scramble an absolute nightmare so avoid gp unless I know they can help with the problem.

Hi thanks everybody, after looking into it I've found that I can self refer at my local hospital but they say you need to book an appointment through my GP before 11weeks too.