Is this normal contact?

[icantstandhorridhenry]

Hi,

I'm 34 weeks pregnant, first baby, have no idea what I'm doing!

I understand with COVID restrictions ect... that contact and appointments have changed quite abit for pregnant women and I totally appreciate why BUT I've barely spoken to my midwife.

I've spoken to her twice on the phone, just normal 'how are you doing?' Stuff, nothing too dramatic but the closer I get the more worried I'm getting that I've been forgotten about.

I haven't spoken to anyone about the birth or options, I have no idea what I'm doing or what I'm supposed to be prepping for and I'm just a little lost with it all.

We have a birthing centre at at the hospital where I'm to give birth which I know you may have to book for and I'd like to use but I don't know who to speak to, what I'm asking for ect...

I just feel really forgotten about and I literally feel like I'm going to turn up in labour and wing it with whatever I get given.

I mean, is this normal? When do you normally speak to your midwife more often or discuss plans or is that even a thing?!

So if anyone can shed some light it would be very much appreciated! 😊

Nope never discussed birth plans. Given the option of midwife led birthing centre or labour ward. Ended up with
Labour ward regardless because became high risk in my pregnancies but my appointments for all 3 were just blood pressure and wee checks and then sweeps if required.

You’ve not had any face to face appointment? Your birth preferences should be discussed at your 34 week appt:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/antenatal-appointment-schedule/

Have you been booking appointments. Most areas you need to call up and make your appointments with midwife yourself

I did my birth plan at 36 weeks. Is anyone checking your blood pressure or dipping your wee? It's quite important not to miss preeclampsia.

The RCOG recommends a face to face appointment every 2/3 weeks once you hit 28 weeks. They should have done blood tests at 28 weeks and they usually do urine tests at every appointment. You need to book a face to face appointment. Try the midwife unit or your GP to try and get an appointment booked.

Two face to face appointments and two more on the phone plus two scans is normal here. Usually 36 weeks is face to face and covers the birth plan. Tbh I’m not really sure it’s worth much. You just get them to check the baby isn’t breech and then talk about whether you have any preferences (like wanting a water birth). There’s a solid chance the plan will go out the window anyway!
The only thing I would make sure you know beforehand is what the back up plan is if your birth centre is full.

Pick up the phone and ask???

I've seen mine every at 29, 32, 34, 36 weeks and an appointment booked for 38 weeks. Had birth plan discussion at 36 weeks. Urine dips, blood pressure check, listen for HB and measure bump at each appointment. I'm in one of the worst hit Covid areas so it seems strange if you're not being check properly.

You absolutely should have had a face to face at 28 weeks, that hasnt (or shouldnt have) stopped during covid. You are due bloods, urine, bp etc. If you are first time I think the appointments should start to get more regular. Not all trusts but more and more are doing scans at 36 weeks.

Midwives should be measuring your bump and checking position. I would definitely ring up, this doesnt sound right at all, even in these ridiculous times.

I’m 35wks. Had a face to face at 28wks, next face to face at 36wks (will discuss birth plan then). Did have a routine scan at 35wks too though as that is standard in my trust. The other appointments have been almost all telephone I think. The telephone calls seem to be mainly the midwife asking me if I have any questions. So, I’ve got into a habit of making a list! I thought they would have topics they want to discuss at each appointment/call, but doesn’t seem to work that way, they are very happy to answer my questions though. At the end of each call I ask them what happens next (because I got forgotten about around 24wks and missed off the list for next appointment so now I’m quite proactive about knowing the schedule...

Has no one checked your blood pressure or done dip tests on your urine? Measured your bump?