16 week specialist midwife appt - what to expect?

[kaytees]

My 16 week specialist midwife appointment is coming up and I'm just not quite sure what to expect - could anyone tell me what happened at theirs? (I know I should have asked when it was booked, but didn't think!)

For background - this is my second baby. First was born quite big (9 pounds 3) and had shoulder dystocia and I had a third degree tear.

My assumption is that it's to discuss birth options / how ill be monitored throughout this pregnancy but if there's anything specific I should be prepared for I'd appreciate the help!

Not sure how a specialist midwife appt differs from the routine one most people have at 16 weeks. That was just blood pressure, urine test, check everything seems ok, give you your scan results if you haven't had them/talk them through with you.

It probably varies by area but I'm under the consultant and I've been told (by my midwife when I asked at 24 weeks) that birth options won't really be discussed until around 35 weeks, which seems a bit late to me but I guess they will have a better picture of baby's size/position by then.

For me, the plan of appointments I can expect (including growth scans at 28 and 34 weeks) was set out at my booking appointment and is included in my green pregnancy notes (although they don't give much clue as to what will happen at most of the appointments).

In mine I just had blood pressure taken, urine test, listened to baby's heart beat and talked about getting a whooping cough vaccine

All my midwives appointments after booking in the 2nd trimester have been basically the same - blood pressure check, urine test, check on well being and discuss any test results. If I've been worried about baby movements they do a doppler.

Third trimester in addition they take fundal measurements but it is pointless for me as well as I'm under a consultant so I'm booked in for two growth scans. Again I'm another one who can't talk about birth plans due to this.

Hi OP. My first baby was 8lb 9oz and born after a significant shoulder dystocia. It was a terrible birth. This time from the off I've been told it's safer to have (and I've agreed) to an ELCS. I'm 28 weeks and it's been booked in already.

In a normal scenario they won't discuss birth options until later on but if there's a possibility on an ELCS (of that's what you'd like) then they will take you through that earlier. Shoulder dystocia normally means you can have one with little fuss as it's more likely to happen if you've had it once.

You might find at 16 weeks all the midwife will do if you do want to go down the CS route is to refer you to a consultant to discuss it.

Thanks for the replies all! Really interesting to hear the variation and you're probably right @TinyTerror1 it will vary by area. I'm amazed they won't talk birth options until 35 weeks though especially as you're consultant led.

@idratherbe30than20 that sounds like what I'm expecting. When I had DS I was told I would be most likely having ELCS next time and at the time just kind of logged that info, but have been wondering if at that 16 week appointment the conversation about ELCS starts. Sounds like that's what happens, and I'm glad yours sounds like it's been well planned for this time. Agree on the terrible birth thing - I definitely have a lot more anxiety about birth this time round as a result of the dystocia!