What happens next?

[NeverStopExploring]

I went to my first midwifes appointment and it all felt very rushed and very tick box excercise which I kind of expected but at no point was I told when my scan appointment would be and I didn’t ask as I got caught up processing everything else that was going on. Do you get contacted seperatly for an appointment? I have no symptoms at all so I’m really kicking myself for not asking as it will reassure me this is actually happening!

You should have been given a folder of information and inside there should be a sheet with appointments on if you can't find a date then just ring your midwife and ask.

I’ve got the folder but it just has my next appointment with her at 16 weeks on it

In my area you receive a letter for your scan from the hospital after your midwife has processed your booking in.

I got mine in the post about 2 weeks after my booking in i think? You could always ring your booked hospitals EPU department (numbers should be on your notes) and double check they may be able to tell you over the phone.

How many weeks are you?

I got my scan letter directly from the hospital, midwife asked ME when it was! Think that's normal here, but there should be a number on your green notes to call to check the appointment with antenatal. Did midwife say anything about getting blood tests done?

I had my blood tests done and urine sample taken as went through my bmi egg. I thought I was just below 9 weeks but she has dated me a week ahead which has thrown me. I knew I wouldn't have one until at least 10 weeks but assumed I would get the scan appointment at that one. will call up today and double check. I was totally unprepared for the appointment so won't make that mistake again!

The midwife sent off the scan request after my booking appointment and I received a letter from the hospital a couple of weeks after.

If your 10 weeks they’ll prob send it to you this week or next. Mine came at very short notice! Fairly standard

I had my first midwife appt this week and it was similar. Basically some leaflets chucked at me and was told the hospital will call me next week to book me in. At least you’ve had bloods taken and medical history gone over, I havent has anything and I am 10 weeks.

I thought that’s what would happen at this week’s midwife appt but basically all that did happen was she asked where I wanted to give birth so she could refer me there, and now I am waiting to here from them.

I know the NHS is stretched but I feel like you’re really just left to your own devices, which is daunted for a 1st pregnancy!

Chances are that you’ll get a letter as midwife just refers for the scan. My booking in was much the same. She just said to make another appt with her when I’m 16 weeks but about 7 days later I got the scan letter then about another two weeks after that I got my consultant appt.

@Wedgiecar58 have they booked you another appointment to have your bloods done? I was told we would aim for a specific birth plan without being asked. It’s what I’d have chosen anyway but did make me feel a little like you didn’t have much control over what will happen!

In my trust we have our booking appointment and then the midwife goes away and logs everything on to the system. Then you get a scan date through the post a week or so later. I know some trusts do tell you the date there and then but that’s by no means the case across the board. If you’re 10 weeks I’d expect a scan date in the post shortly. Your “12 week scan” can actually be anything up to 14 weeks (my most recent was nearly 13 but last one was just before 12). When was your booking appointment?

I got sent my scan letter 2-3 weeks after booking in. Booking in was 6+1, scan is at 12+1

It all sounds pretty standard to me..

It seems to be so different in different regions. I’m in Cheshire and they do the booking in appointment between 8-10 weeks, and last time they booked my 12 week scan while I was in the room so I assume they will do the same again this pregnancy.
Then bloods are taken immediately after the scan as you’re at the hospital anyway, and you have a follow up appointment with the midwife about a week after the scan and bloods.

@NeverStopExploring well, no appt has been booked yet. I’m waiting to hear from the hospital. Is it a bit weird that at 10 weeks I haven’t had any bloods or medicinal history?

My mum says I should have already received a letter for my 12 week scan. I havent.

Will the appt for my bloods etc also be the scan appt?

I just don’t know! I know it’s natural to be nervous but I just didn’t expected a bit more attention (attention not really the appropriate word but you know what I mean!)... “care” I suppose.

But then the NHS is so stretched.

wedgie just varies so much - in my area bloods are done at the same time as the scan (well not literally the same time but you know what I mean! Although that would be efficient...)

@Wedgiecar58 I felt exactly the same. Completely appreciated the midwife must have a lot on and be really busy but I felt like I’d been talked at and sent on my way rather than involved. My notes don’t seem particularly accurate as dad info isn’t filled in and even my title is wrong on it. I know it’s nothing major but made me feel a bit of a burden on them to be honest! Hopefully you will get your tests at the same time as the scan. I’m not sure the cut off point for them

Thank you everyone for your responses! Seems like everyone has different depending on area which explains why I struggled to find information!

@NoParticularPattern my booking appointment was yesterday so not expecting anything for a little while

It’s a shame there is no consistency!
My booking apt took 2 hours and included bloods and urine. Very thorough!
There are more bloods here at the 12wk but thats for the screening test, not infections.

I feel fortunate that its well run here!

I don't know this time but last time (5 years ago) you got the phone number to book your scan at your booking appointment.

I bet a lot of people will find this thread while searching so I'll put up what order I've had things in Worcester
GP appointment for referral to midwifery, I booked it about 7 weeks. He gave me my book and asked me to fill in the obvious stuff to save the midwife doing it. We had a little chat about birth plans and viatmins buy I think it was as his wife had recently given birth in a neighbouring trust (we are on a border).

12 week scan letter arrived in post next. I hadn't had anything about booking so spent some time chasing but got nowhere fast.

Eventually letter arrived for booking appt at 10 ish weeks. Midwife came to me, did blood pressure and urine but obviously no bloods. Booked me for 16 week appointment with her at doctors surgery.

Urine test showed UTI which the GP contacted me about and dealt with.

Bloods done at hospital take a ticket and wait session.

12 week scan was immediately followed by brief midwife appointment at the hospital (discussed booking blood results and would have done another urine but I was still on antibiotics).

Sent me downstairs with apperwork for take a ticket bloods for screening tests.

Screening results arrive in post. 20 week scan appointment letter also direct from hospital.

16 week appointment with midwife just chat about screening, bp, urine and fetal heartbeat.

20 week scan just the scan no chit chat or bloods etc.

Next up is 25 week with midwife at doctors which was booked in during 16 week.

This will vary in different area but I think wherever you are it all becomes easier to follow once you're 'in the system' it's just getting started that seems a headache.

Oh I forgot booked flu jab direct with GP surgery around week 14 and will have whooping cough next week the same (22/23 weeks so a little late but wanted to wait til after scan)