Early Pregnancy - Confused on Drs process!?

[3point141]

Hi there,

It's been a bit of a crazy time for my partner and I. We quit our jobs and went travelling for a few months and just moved back to a brand new city (well new city to us!).

I had some severe cramping over the weekend, internet searching led me to believe I was having an ectopic pregnancy as I had all the signs but I didn't know I was pregnant. Took a test next day, it was positive.

Pain and cramping has gone but tried to get a doctors appointment and I can't because I'm not registered yet (I've been here for one week only!) I explained to receptionist my situation and she told me to call Early Pregnancy Unit directly.

I called them and they said they will get back to me this week sometime!?

I'm just a little lost and confused really. As I'm no longer in pain not so convinced I'm having an ectopic pregnancy anymore and there is no bleeding so not sure it was mc either. But now I feel in limbo and I'd expected to speak to a doctor this week but thinking maybe not, is this normal?

I'm also really unsure how far along I could be, I came off the pill beginning of July and had what I thought was a small short period end of July. (As I say it's been a crazy time and as I was taking pill back-to-back while travelling, periods slipped my mind!)

Doctors generally don't deal with pregnancy-related things. In most areas, you either self-refer or ask doctors' receptionist to refer you to the midwife team. I haven't seen a doctor yet and probably won't (and I'm 21 weeks)

The EPU are the ones who will be able to check for an ectopic –a doctor won't be able to do anything. I'd ask to be referred to a midwife and explain the situation, and give the EPU a ring back to chivvy them along and explain you aren't sure of dating, plus the cramps. They should be able to refer you when you register (which I guess you've since done).

Have you now registered with the GP surgery? You need to start the ball rolling with this asap so that you can be referred to the midwife for antenatal care.

EPU may not see you if the pain has gone away and you are not bleeding but when you book with a midwife they can refer you for a scan to check how far along you are. If you get severe pain or bleeding in the meantime then A&E can assess you and refer for you a scan as needed.

The other option if you don’t want to wait is a private ultrasound scan which usually costs around £70-80.

Doctors generally don't deal with pregnancy-related things.

They do in shared care areas, like the one I live in. Both pregnancies I have had to see the GP before the midwife as they are the one to refer you for the 12 week scan. Also here some routine antenatal appointments are with the GP too.

OP I'd register with the GP surgery ASAP (if you haven't already) and speak to the receptionist again and just check what the procedure is in your new area regarding pregnancy.

Always worth calling EPU again to try and speed things along if you are worried.

Hope all is OK!

Pain and cramping is common in early pregnancy. If you have a positive test and no bright red bleeding or severe cramps or shoulder tip pain, it’s very likely you are pregnant with no need to see anyone until your booking in appointment at ten weeks.

Thanks all.

I can book appointment with doctors in a week so will hopefully find out then who deals with this in my area!

Just to add that a quick google should tell you what the process is in your area too if you don't want to wait to speak to the doctor. I self referred via an email form that lead to my booking in appt, no need to see a GP. But it might be different in your area as others have said