18 weeks pregnant before first doctors appointment

[Unlikelymother]

I have reluctantly accepted I am pregnant after multiple positive tests and a lack of menstruation. I am not a suitable candidate to become a mother. With this in mind i had an implant fitted in November 2017. I last menstrated in late March and the NHS calculator has estimated the propectous child to arrive in early January.

I already feel like a failure as I am unable to secure adequate prenatal care, I will not see the doctor until I am 18 weeks pregnant so I have missed the 12 weeks scan and screening, the test for sickle cells and may not see the midwife until 20 weeks as they are busy. I am terrified there will be significant consequences for the child and myself. Does anyone have knowledge or experience what happens is you miss the inital antinatal care?

For various reasons, I was 4 months pregnant before I realised with my third baby. The midwives marked my notes as 'late booker' when booking in at my first hospital appointment at about 18 weeks.

It wasn't a huge deal and they made sure that I had the tests that I needed.

I did have a scan privately to check everything was ok as soon as I realised I was pregnant at 16 weeks and while I was waiting for my first hospital appointment.

Are you in the UK OP? Most trusts have a target to book women before 12 weeks, to ensure they have access to the relevant screening tests. If women refer later than that then they are often seen as quickly as possible. Also where I am you can refer to the midwifery service directly without seeing the GP- i don't know if this is the case where you are but you might get seen quicker if it is. Hope it all works out ok for you OP