Will I see a Consultant during this Pregnancy?

[WendyLit]

Hi,

I am 7 weeks pregnant with my second child and have a booking appointment on Monday.

When I had DS1, 14 months ago, I suffered a third degree tear. Although this was very painful for a long time, I saw a consultant after three months to check the area and he said I would be able to give birth vaginally in any future pregnancy, but I must not go beyond my due date.

My question is, will I be referred to see a Consultant to monitor this pregnancy, the size of the babay and to have an induction booked in if needed? DS1 was two weeks early and 7lb 8oz so a full term second baby may well be much bigger!

I am understandably, a bit worried about the birth this time, so any advice you can give me will be gratefully received.

Wendy

At my hospital it is normal to see a consultant at the same time as you have the 12 week scan. Then they tell you whether or not they think they'll need to monitor you during the pregnancy.

Because I had pre-eclampsia last time, my consultant said he would be monitoring me from 30 weeks (or earler if there are problems), for example.

You could ask your mw for advice about this at your booking-in appointment. She'll know what the standard practice in your area is.

The midwife who does the booking appointment will decide whether you need to be under the care of a consultant as well and she can make the referral I believe. In my first pg, this is how I got referred.

I saw a consultant with my last pregnancy but only because i had a very bad migraine episode and had to actually stay in hospital so they were monitoring me, but I was still classed as a low risk pregnancy as i am this time. MW has not mentioned to me about seeing consultant so i assume i will not see one as i am 20 weeks and no mention.

If you feel you would benefit from seeing your consulltant then ask to be referred if you feel it will help to giveyou peace of mind.

With a previous 3rd degree tear I suspect you will be referred to a specialist obstetric clinic at hosp as well as seeing your regular MW.

That clinic will be run by a consultant - but whether you actually see the consultant in person or junior docs is possibly another question.

If you are referred to the clinic on the day you can request that you see the consultant or a named person and not just the junior docotor who is on rotation and may not be there all the way through your pregnancy.

I was consultant lead for all three of mine and learnt the system