What to expect at booking appointment nhs.

[Laurens2890]

Hi just trying to find out what to expect at a booking appointment which is on Thursday. How long it takes? Are partners allowed now we are in level 0? Just anything really?

Is it face to face or on the phone? Either way it's looongg set of essential information gathering questions really, I didn't have DP at either of mine as he'd have died of boredom (although do ask him about family medical history beforehand).
I'd allow an hour at least. If it's face to face she might take a urine sample and do your height, weight and blood pressure, maybe a blow on a carbon monoxide test if your trust ahs brought them back in (covid). It's mainly the midwife getting a medical history and you getting change to get to know her and ask any questions you might have so far. Perfectly pleasant, nothing invasive is done to you and it starts the feeling that this is all real for you!

In my experience, in Scotland, it's just a lot of questions about your medical history, previous pregnancy history and family medical history. I probably wouldn't bother making my husband take time off for it unless you don't know his medical history or his side of the families. I think mine took about 45 mins, you get info on what to expect from your care and when, and probably some information books and online log on for notes if your hospital uses online.

Mine was in person and then moved to the telephone the day before. I was asked not to take my husband.

They ran through my medical history and then arranged for me to drop off a urine sample at the doctors. I didn't meet my midwife - I'm 18+1 now and still haven't met or talked to my named midwife - and they didn't really tell me anything about what to expect!

I think it took about an hour. They did sort out my Mat exemption form, but I think that usually happens later.

Then I didn't hear from anyone until my 12-week scan, and then a 16-week midwife appointment where not much happened, and now I'm waiting for my 20-week scan .

I have to say they do get a bit more exciting in the third trimester, heart beat, measuring and general 'which way round?' as well as the ever present blood pressure monitor and urine pot. I took my DP to one of my second trimester ones in my first pregnancy just so he could see he wasn't missing out on anything (and also to hear the heartbeat) but he's only really been to scans.

Have a look at the following link from the NHS website...
This will help you with what to expect for each appointment

www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/your-antenatal-appointments/

My booking appointment was lots and lots of questions on my health, family history etc. and I had to do a urine sample and have my blood pressure taken. I think my appointment took about 40 minutes but I would give yourself an hour.

My partner was allowed to my booking appointment. I have been lucky enough to see the same midwife throughout my pregnancy at my local GP surgery near my house. I guess whether your partner would be allowed would depend on where you are going for your appointment and what their current rules are

All the best with your pregnancy

I had an over the phone booking appt. was a long list of questions etc about mine and DH's family history. thankfully i knew all of his.

then had an appt to take height, weight, BP and blood tests in person. they asked me not to bring DH for that as it's quite a short appt and partners had to wait outside til you went in so by the time he'd have got in it would have been over.

I brought my partner with me, it was a face to face appointment and he found it quite interesting when the midwife was explaining some things or answering our questions. Wasn't as boring as I've heard from others 😆 was weighed, height taken & bloods as well as the normal questions

Mine was the same as others, just a long list of questions! I didn't take my partner and glad I didn't as he was really needed at all and other than answering the questions there was no real baby talk

Thank yous so much.

I had same experience as others in pandemic - just 30 mins of Qs about us both. If you take your partner, they will likely also ask to talk to you alone (about mental health, domestic violence)

They might want you to wee in a pot!