Advice needed! 34 weeks

[UnilakTea]

Hello! Hoping someone may have some advice or just some general nice words/ hand holds. I am 34 weeks and supposed to have a consultant appointment next Friday due to a bladder condition, the plan was for an induction of planned csection between 37-39 weeks. But just had a text to say the appointment won't be going ahead! So no idea what to do.. I had to go in on Monday due to reduced movements, also found out the little hooligan is breech. I have the symptoms for Intrahepatic Cholestasis and am supposed to be on watch for itching! The doctor at the appointment said I must see my consultant but now it's cancelled! My midwife never answers her phone or responds to texts :( just feel completely in limbo, I phone the appointment line and it just rings out and the labour/ antenatal ward won't discuss appointments with me. I feel completely lost at the moment 😔 I already had my 36 week scan cancelled before they discovered he was breech so 🤷

@UnilakTea you need to speak to PALS if you can't get through to anyone. They're leaving you in a potentially serious situation here. I complained to PALS after my hospital EPU refused to scan me early despite a previous ectopic. I had a call back the next day from a midwife who booked me in for a scan. You can't leave this - you've got several things going on what with position, OC and reduced movements. Be strong and don't stop until you get seen.

I've been ringing every available number since I got the text and none seem to answer or be willing to say anything! Will give PALS a go if I don't get anywhere

Good luck! You're absolutely within your rights to insist you get seen. PALS were really good with me, fingers crossed yours will be just as good.

Can you call the unit rather than your own midwife? It sounds like you need to get some advice and sooner rather than later.

I phoned my local unit and they have reduced their hours to only be Monday to Friday. I completely understand why they are having to change things around etc but I really feel like pregnant women's health and their babies are not being taken into consideration whatsoever.

I've also emailed my local pals to see where I get too! Will let you know if anywhere

Hi there. Also consultant led and got my appointment cancelled- got letter the day I was meant to be going in. It says rebook appointment but got a call from the consultant a few days later. Obviously you're further along so I can't imagine how stressful this will be. Give until Tuesday and if no call/letter start ringing around.

Just bear in mind that as it's weekend most of the secretaries will be off as will be most admin. Even if your consultant is on call they will most likely be on the wards rather than clinic. Be a little patient till weekday and I'm sure you will be able to reach someone that has a clue what is going on.

I'm not trying to be rude to the PP but I strongly suggest not waiting. Possible OC and reduced movements is not a 'wait and see' situation covid or not. Push to be seen OP. You'll be fine I'm sure but this is exactly what your care team should be acting on.

@eventhecathasapenis Basically her appointment is on Friday. Unless she wants to go into labour ward today for monitoring for other purposes, nothing will happen over the weekend. No one is saying not to be seen. She will be seen and I guess a letter or a phone is in pipeline. There's nothing wrong in waiting till Monday when she is more likely to get answers or at least reach appropriate people. If she has reduced movements she needs to ring labour ward and they will advise as appropriate which will be come in to be monitored.

I will hopefully hear something tomorrow and will update! It wouldn't be so bad if I could get a hold of my midwife as I'd just ask her! Being pregnant with the current global pandemic is very stressful!

Another suggestion would be to email the head of maternity/midwifery. I also resorted to tagging her on Twitter when I wasn't satisfied with her very rude response. Strangely, it was then sorted by the next morning.

Thought I'd post an update, had a phone call this morning and they have put my consultant appointment to now be over the phone. Better than nothing I suppose! Also finally heard from my midwife.. so have gotten somewhere, but how they can check stuff over the phone is yet to be seen

Another update! Had a call from head midwife with her apologising and explaining away the issue. Not really sure what to make of it.. but assume that they know they've been in the wrong given that i received the call?

I kind of agree with you...I don't know what a phone appointment is going to achieve especially at 34 weeks? I'm coming up to 35 weeks and I saw my consultant today. He checked my blood pressure, urine sample, felt around bump for position of baby and checked baby's heart rate - we went over my birth plan and had a discussion around induction and when this would be, if needed at all. They might just discuss your birth plan with you? If baby's breech though, you really need another scan for a final decision to be made - hopefully you'll get some answers when you have your appointment. Good luck