First Pregnancy

[Doveydove]

Hello everyone! I've just had my very first BFPs and I'm just wondering if it's normal for your gp to refer you to a maternity clinic who tell you to wait a month for your first appointment, then tell you they don't do any health checks and that you'll just have to wait for your first appointment ? Thank you so much !

Yes. I actually self-referred. I have had one booking chat on the phone (at 10 weeks) and my first midwife appt is tomorrow, at 17 weeks.

Oh really ! That's so strange. Is it because of covid ? I feel like before, surely the GP usually would've done a preliminary introduction/check up?

Yes, normal. Particularly with COVID throwing everything into disarray.

They don't seem particularly bothered initially if you ask me! I had 'booking' appointment at 11 weeks.

Thank you both so much ! I'm new to this thread. Its so nice knowing its not just me and to have this kind of forum with such quick replies !

@Confused521

Yes. I actually self-referred. I have had one booking chat on the phone (at 10 weeks) and my first midwife appt is tomorrow, at 17 weeks.

Yes, literally the same here. Don't worry OP

@Doveydove

Oh really ! That's so strange. Is it because of covid ? I feel like before, surely the GP usually would've done a preliminary introduction/check up?

I think the booking appointment might have been in person if it wasn't for COVID. Otherwise, this is normal procedure.

Oh okay thanks so much ! 😄💕

There's very little for them to check up at such an early stage, it's normal.

Thank you ! 🥰

Phew alright thanks ! 😁💕

@Doveydove its normal even before COVID. Because home pregnancy tests are so accurate these days they don't need to make an appointment to confirm pregnancies anymore. I believe you wait till your 6 weeks and then can make your first midwife appointment for 8 weeks. May differ slightly depending on the trust, but this is my 4 pregnancy in 4 years and it's been the same process for me each time ☺️ x

@lockdownbabyx thanks so much ! I've taken 3 waitrose tests and one clear blue and they're all positive so I guess that answers that. 😂 that sounds good then. My appointment is in exactly one month so I'll be 8 weeks by then. 😁

@Doveydove how exciting, congratulations ☺️💙💗 xx

@lockdownbabyx thank you very much ! I hope its all fine. God willing my baby will be forming well and healthy by my first appointment 🥰

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I actually quite enjoy the lack of appointments, although looking forward to verything feeling a bit more 'real' tomorrow, if you know what I mean!

Yes it’s normal and not a covid thing. Also if your booking appointment is in person (mine was despite covid) they don’t do any tests or anything like that. It’s mostly going through your medical history, your partner’s medical history, grandparents if you know it. Going through what appointments you’ll have and the process a bit (not the labour but more the administration of your pregnancy and who you might need to see). They’ll get your BMI, blood pressure and take some blood for tests (which won’t check for pregnancy hormone), so you won’t see baby or check that everything is OK until your 12 week scan.

@Doveydove it definitely makes it all feel very real! Very exciting for you ☺️. Put your feet up and look after yourself, the early weeks go super slow when waiting for an appointment haha. Hope all continues to go well for you ☺️ xx

@Confused521thanks so much! Yeah I definitely get what you mean ! The less poking and prodding from strangers, the better. 😅 by the way do you or does anyone know if they usually offer scans at booking appointment at 8 weeks and if you can hear heartbeat at that point as well. Sorry if the questions are dumb. Very new to this 😅

@InTheNightWeWillWish oh wow! Thank you that's very helpful.

I only phoned my Gp to get my midwife info. I called when I was 3 weeks and didn't get an appointment until I was 9 weeks because they're so busy. That was done over the phone then I saw them in person a couple of weeks later.
Congratulations on your BFP!xx

@lockdownbabyx thank you again ! Yeah playing some video games to distract from nicotine withdrawel as well 😂😂

I self referred too - there was a specific hospital I had in mind already!

I just sent in my forms through email and they called me a few days later and booked me in for a midwife appointment at 8 weeks and my first scan at 12 weeks

It's my first too!

@Katefoster thanks so much! Oh well I guess I should count myself lucky that I got one for when I'm 8 weeks. Thank you for your reassurance 😊

@Elsbeth1 congratulations ! I hope all goes well for you ! 💕 sounds about the same as me then. My booking appointment is at 8 weeks as well

@Doveydove they do not offer scans on the nhs until 12 weeks, unless needed due to bleeding or pain etc. You can book a private one, however i wouldn't recommend this until at least 7-8 weeks as you won't see much! I had a scan at 6 weeks due to previous miscarriages, I could see the heartbeat but they don't listen to it at that stage. Also you cant always see the heartbeat that early, so it can cause unnecessary worry. The longer you wait the better, as you will be able to see more ☺️ x