First appointments via phone? First pregnancy

[MrsBrault]

Hey everyone!

So I found out I was pregnant last week, and will be 6 weeks tomorrow. I had stopped taking my pill less than a month and I was awaiting my period and it never came . I feel very lucky!

I'm just wondering what everyone else's experience with their first appointment is. I'm a bit worried as my first one isn't until 19th and is only a phone appointment because of covid. By then I will be in my 8th week and am anxious about not actually seeing someone in person and having things such as blood pressure etc measured.

Has anyone had this, did you book a private scan? Im not sure what to do.

I'm in Leeds if anyone else is nearby and has experience.

Thanks

I just found out I'm pregnant a couple of days ago and I'm already 10 weeks pregnant. My first appointment is not until the 20th and also by phone.

This is my second pregnancy and I had a high risk first pregnancy and gestational diabetes so quite concerned.

I was told that they will do the bloods on my scan (29th of April).

I did have a private scan the other day as my pregnancy was quite unexpected (I had IVF after 8 years of TTC for my first baby and irregular periods) and I had to date it to make sure I get my NHS appointments before it's too late as the NT scan must happen before week 14.

However, I don't think there is much value at a scan, especially so early, for diagnostic reasons. If you do however have any concerns about your blood pressure etc just call your GP, ask for a general checkup and highlight your concerns.

Thanks for your response and congratulations!

I think I just nervous as this is my first and I have no clue what to expect. I have no idea how long I will have to wait for a scan as that wasn't booked in or even discussed when I called to book and I have heard that there is back logs and some women aren't getting scans till sometimes 15 weeks.

My biggest worry is if I am doing everything right and I don't think I will get rid of the anxieties until I see the little one.

Any advice on how to be less of a worrier?

Unfortunately it's pretty normal atm. There is a list of the standard apps on the NHS website, you get extra ones with your 1st.
I self referred at 6wk. Booking apps were bloods in person at 8+4wk, history app via phone at 9+3wk, dating scan 12+3, anomaly scan 20wk. Under consultant led care and only had a face to face app at 16wk then my next are at 28wk. I held off having a private early scan with this one as I had one with our last and lost it a week later. Did have a private scan at 16+4 to break up the wait between NHS scans. It's hard not to worry but it does get easier as the pregnancy progresses. Good luck

Hi fellow Leeds lass.

I had my first midwife appointment over the phone at 8 weeks general questions about health, family history etc.
Then I had an appointment far 10 Weeks for Blood and urine samples.
I’ve had my 12 week scan and my next appointment is at 16 weeks over the phone.
I don’t think I next physically see anyone until 20 week scan and then 26week appointment but I’m sure if I felt unwell and needed to see someone they would.

Don't worry OP, they will get you in for all the BP testing/blood tests/urine sampling with a face to face appointment at about 10 weeks, and then various other stages throughout your pregnancy as PP has said. They will keep on top of it.

It's my first too I initially thought a telephone appointment would be very odd but it was actually really helpful as went through all the usual background history but also had a good chance to talk about my MH and get early access to services. I felt very listened to and had chance to ask loads of questions.

If I've ever had concerns about urine or bloods in between I've just got bloods done by GP and they've spoken to midwife if needed.

I had private scans before my 12 week one for various reasons and my one word of advice would be do not get one before 8 weeks, ideally 9 weeks if you can.

I went at 6+4 weeks and they couldn't see anything except gestational sac which caused 2 weeks of utter stress and fear. Fortunately turned out well for me as turns out it was just too early but I would never, ever go that early again as just was horrible and triggered my anxiety.

Congratulations on your pregnancy btw!

I had a phone appointment for all the questions, and then 2 days later went in to get my blood pressure checked, and had blood and grind samples taken congratulations!

Urine not grind!!

I'm also pregnant with my first pregnancy and at 6.5 weeks. I've got a telephone appointment with the midwife booked at 8 weeks, and she also made an appointment for a few days after for bloods etc at my local Midwife lead unit.

Thanks everyone. I feel much more at ease now. I think I'm just really impatient.

It almost doesn't feel real until I've actually seen it if you know what I mean haha!