‘Remote’ midwife appointments?

[Dumpling2]

I’m nearly 5 weeks pregnant so I called up to book my first midwife appointment today. After taking some details they called back and left an answerphone message saying that my first appointment will be done remotely over the phone on 25th May. I am feeling really anxious about not having a face to face appointment because there are things I wanted the midwife to check that I don’t think can be done remotely.

My first labour was quite traumatic as I had a large cervical tear and had to have an emergency operation to repair it under general anaesthetic. Basically, I’m worried that my cervix is weak as a result and I was hoping the midwife could examine me and reassure me that it won’t affect this pregnancy.

When I checked the guidance for midwives re: appointments during the covid outbreak, it seemed to suggest that they don’t even have to do a dating scan - so potentially I might not be seen in person until 18-20 weeks. Feel very concerned about this.

Does anyone have any words of advice/ experiences to share that might help?

I’m pretty sure dating scans are going ahead as normal. They are in my area anyway. Had my booking in appointment with the midwife over the phone, then face to face appointment for dating scan. Next appointment is a phone call with the midwife at 16 weeks then another face to face for scan around 20 weeks.

During my booking in appointment they asked lots of in-depth questions about my own history and family history. I had nothing to report but I had the impression from mine that if there was anything discussed there that they then felt required a face to face appointment then they would schedule one with you.

I would just make it clear over the phone that you are very concerned and see what they suggest 😊

Everything I have seen the 12 and 20 week scans are going ahead, but without partners present. All midwife appointments are done over the phone until 25ish weeks?? Then you will be seen. But this seems to differ hugely depending on area.
From other things I have read (but no experience personally) the cervix is checked via an internal scan rather than an internal examination. Be sure to tell them your concerns when you talk to them and be sure they refer you to the right person about it x

The booking in appointment is really just a q&a session anyway to decide the route of your care from then on.
You can tell them all of this on the phone then they will probably book you in for a face to face or refer you to a consultant. Nothing extra would be dine before that anyway so i'd try not to worry too much.

All 12 week and 20 week scan appointments are still going ahead in my area.

@Dumpling2 dating scans are still going ahead I had mine last week at 13+1 but I d gotten my days wrong so I was further ahead than I thought.
I had my booking appointment over the phone so I was seen by the midwives at the antenatal clinic after my scan, it's likely that the same may happen for you. But tell them over the phone and then they can refer you for face to face if needs be.

Hey my lovely don’t feel anxious. I know different areas are doing different things but I had my booking appointment via the phone last Tuesday and on Thursday I had a face to face for blood tests, blood pressure and urine test and to run through any questions. Literally took 10 minutes

Hi, I have my 34 week appointment next week and I had been told this would be over the phone, it has now switched back to face to face (no reason). I think in 3 / 4 weeks things may be different so no reason to worry about it.

That being said, if you have specific concerns why not ask for a midwifery face to face appointment when you speak on the phone. Im sure they would oblige.

Hey, I had my first midwife appointment yesterday and they did the first part over the phone which took about 30 minutes - questions about health etc and then I popped down to the centre straight after to do the height, weight, bloods etc so this could be the same for you :)

I had questions over the phone and then got to go in tomorrow for bloods and urine tests so you will see them face to face. They're just trying to get you in and out as quick as they can

I had mine over the phone yesterday and it was fine - went through all the questions, had a good chat about my request for a section, gave height & weight measurements. Will have blood work done at 12 week scan and then again at 16 weeks. No face to face till 28 weeks apparently.

I'm not sure you'd get an exam even if it was face to face, when I went for booking with my first baby the room didn't even have an examination bed. Maybe call your GP for advice, they might be able to refer you for an internal scan.

Even in normal circumstances midwife wouldn’t examine you but would likely refer you to an obstetric consultant. Obstetrician might recommend an additional measurement of the cervix at your 20 week scan.

My first appointment was a whole lot of form-filling and taking down details... it could definitely have been done remotely.
That remote appointment will be your chance to request a referral to have your cervix checked etc. But if you're worried you can call and talk it through before, see what they say

Midwife here, as previously said, the booking appointment is mainly form filling and can be done over the phone. Mention your concerns to the midwife but she absolutely would not examine you if it was face to face. Cervical competence is checked by internal scans which are usually arranged by a consultant obstetrician as they would decide when you need them and how frequently. Midwives cannot examine you until you are full term due to the risk of infection or stimulating pre term labour except in an emergency.
Hope that helps, try not to worry, we are doing are best in crazy circumstances.

I've also just found out I'm expecting again and had a phone call from the hospital today saying I will have a face to face appointment on the 19th may I think it just depends on your area she did say I will have some telephone appointments as well. Is there possibility of high cases of coronavirus in your area? Maybe that is why they are limiting in person appointments. Try not to worry I'm certain you will still get the right care needed x

Our best even. Should check before I post!

I have cervical length scans, they started at 12 week scan. I would explain your concerns to the midwife and ask for this to be checked at your first scan then depending on that measurement they can decide how to progress. It sounds like a reasonable request to me given the history, hope all goes well for you