Booking in process - is it usual to have to see GP before midwife?

[Megan2018]

Positive test on Sunday, rang GP surgery today to find out what to do and I have appointment to see GP next week to "confirm pregnancy". Receptionist was new (and lovely) but had no idea what it means/involves. Am I going to have to POAS there?

I was really surprised by this - everything I have read suggests most people nowadays just book in with midwife at 8-10 weeks?
I'm only about 4 weeks now (tested day after period due).

We live rurally, so wonder if it is different to in the city? The hospital trust site makes no mention of seeing the GP.

My surgery made me see a doctor this time at 5 weeks (New surgery as moved since previous pg) the doctor just asked if I am happy about the pregnancy and if I need any support. He said seeing a doctor 1st is an old fashioned practice that the surgery insist on!

That was a month ago and today I have my booking in appointment with the Midwife this afternoon (Finally!)

Really seems to vary from area to area. Some places let you make an appointment directly with the hospital and bypass the Gp. I was able to book my booking in appointment online through the hospital’s website.

Ahh @Purplelion
That makes sense - our GP's is a small part-time village practice so expect they are a bit old fashioned! But on the plus side I think better resourced than in the city.

I'll be 5 weeks when I see the GP - the main thing I want to ask them about is NIPT and when to book. I think our trust does offer some private screening for a reduced fee and as I am nearly 41 I am hoping I might qualify!

@charliefarli
Our hospital website had a form to use but only if you've been unable to get an appointment via GP surgery before 8 weeks - and then the appointments are all in the city at the main hospital which is a long way for me - so would rather go nearer home.
I was expecting self-referral as that is talked about so much on here but I'll just see how it goes locally.
The GP I am seeing I have never met before as she is just back from mat leave - so hoping she will at least have a clue!

I had to see a GP first and they sent of the midwife referral. GP didn't confirm pregnancy, just asked dates and made sure I was taking folate. Also asked history of pregnancies but that was it

I had to see gp, like previous poster they just asked dates and recommended folic acid and vit D tablets. Then he sent a refferal.

They don't bother retesting, just say "congratulations", fill out the midwife referral form and tell you to take folic acid, which is why increasingly a lot of areas just let you self refer to midwifery. But some areas and practices are a bit old-fashioned and still do the GP appt.

We have to see the GP here - I live in an area that operates "shared care" for antenatal services - so routine antenatal appointments are split between the GP and midwife. Most are with the midwife though. In fact this time (second pregnancy) I have only seen GP once at the start as most of the "first pregnancy" appointments are with the GP and these are dropped in second pregnancy.

Basically this means two booking appointments - quick one with the GP and then longer one with the midwife a couple of weeks later. It's the GP here who puts you on the system and refers you for the 12 week scan so can't avoid seeing them!

It also means that the GP sees all blood results and can query them, as well as midwife.

I saw my GP today for my appointment (6+2 today), when I booked it just before Christmas, the receptionist said it would be to confirm the pregnancy. The GP just took my dates, sent off for my scan appointment and asked a few questions, prescribed extra folic acid, took weight, blood pressure etc and asked me to book in for midwife.

My GP surgery did this and I had to do a repeat test at the appointment. They then gave me the paperwork to take to reception to book with the midwife.

I saw the GP yesterday, she was really nice.
Didn't have to re-test, she did weigh me and ask some questions and give some advice on what to do/not do.

Starting to feel a bit more real! Midwives will apparently call me to arrange booking in and scan.

Still only 5+2 though - time is going so slowly!!