Social services referral

[GiveMeCamembert]

I had my booking appointment yesterday and answered all the questions honestly. I have a history of anxiety and depression, used to smoke weed and my partner has a minor conviction for a drunken fight he got into when he was younger, many years before we met. Apparently these factors warrant a referral to social services and today I have had a call from them saying they need to investigate further.

I'm completely taken aback by this. My partner and I are in our 30s, work full time, own our own home, are in a stable and loving relationship and this baby was planned. I thought I was doing the right thing by answering the questions about historic drug use/my partner's conviction but now I feel stupid for being so honest with the midwife.

I know they're just doing their job but this all seems completely unecessary. My anxiety has skyrocketed as a result. What is going to happen?

Probably nothing if it was in the past, they'll pop round and check everything is ok and then you won't hear from them again

You did do the right thing being honest.

Think of it in another way - if you read a case of child abuse where the parents had a known history of drug use, mental health issues and violent criminal records would you expect the professionals involved to answer why none of this was investigated to protect that child? I know I would!

On paper those things look serious, yes they may be trivial to you now, and thats all they have to go on until they've met you in person.

You did do the right thing in being honest and your midwife has also done the right thing referring it.
Most likely you might get a phone chat or visit and if all is as you say ten nothing more will happen.

Thanks for the reassurance. It just seems like a bit of a waste of time and resources. I've also been told I'll need to see the toxicology midwife and be drug tested throughout my pregnancy, apparently this is standard for any drug use within the last five years but again seems like an overreaction given I quit before I got pregnant. Surely if there were real issues I wouldn't have disclosed them?

I'm upset because it's causing me so much anxiety and has slightly spoilt what should be an exciting and happy time.