Whittington Hospital midwife appointments

[itssquidstella]

Morning everyone,

Has anyone been under the Whittington for antenatal care and been allowed to listen to the heartbeat at their 16 week appointment (mine will be at Hornsey Health Centre)? I’m trying to decide whether to book a private scan or not!

Hi, I’m being looked after by the Whittington. Have you not had your 12 week scan?
They didn’t listen to heartbeat at my 16 week midwife appointment (took BP, urine sample), but there is another scan at around 20 weeks. Is there a reason you are particularly worried about heartbeat? If you have pains or bleeding etc you can go to maternity triage and there listen in to the heartbeat there. If everything seems normal then I wouldn’t worry, you can wait until the scan?

Hi @Dontgetmewrong87 yes 12 week scan was all good! I’ve had three previous miscarriages so I’m probably more anxious than some women would be, and I'd like the reassurance that things are still okay in the gap before my 20 week scan, so I can relax over Christmas.

Fair enough! Well as far as I know they don’t listen to heartbeat at the midwife appointment so it might be worth booking a private scan. As I said they do listen at maternity triage (post 18 weeks) so if you have any pain do go there (it didn’t say pain on the website, only bleeding but when I rang them they said to go in hence why I am telling you this!)

Wishing you all the best for your pregnancy xx

Also I should add: why not call the midwives and ask? They might have the machine and be able to do it if you explain the situation. So sorry to hear about your miscarriages - no wonder you are anxious about it x

I'm not at your hospital, but I've heard the heartbeat at most (maybe all) midwife appointments aside from booking. I think if you ask they will probably be able to do it for you.

Thanks @Dontgetmewrong87, I might give them a ring!

@Whatshouldicallme that's good to know, thank you.

My daughter is 4 so I'm not sure now but I had a midwife listen to heartbeat before 20 week scan. I was told might not hear it as too early. This was actually at the hospital though and I'm sure it was a trainee doc that did it.

I’m at the Whittington and whilst I haven’t had my 16 week appointment yet, I’m sure the midwife said on the phone, “We’ll see if we can hear the baby’s heartbeat.” I am conscious that it may not be possible but I got the impression is that she will try.

My appointment is in the next couple of weeks, so I can let you know what happens.

@MustLikeCats thank you! Mine is on 7th December so if yours is sooner then I'd be really like interested to hear how it goes. Are you having yours actually in the hospital?

No, mine is at Hornsey too! It’s the week before yours, so I’ll report back. Nice to have another local to chat to!

Definitely! Let me know how you get on :)

It’s against the NICE guidelines to listen before 28 weeks now, apparently. My midwife tried at 24 weeks but couldn’t find the heartbeat; and wasn’t allowed to refer me for a scan because they’re not supposed to listen; so it caused a fair amount of anxiety for a month!

Just incase that’s useful to know. It doesn’t mean that they definitely won’t and some hospitals do vary on guidance, but they’re not supposed to do it that early.

@TakeYourFinalPosition that is interesting! I might end up having to book a private scan then, as I’m just not sure I can wait until December 31st!

There's a new private scan place in muswell hill actually if you need it

Oh interesting! Do you know what it's called?

Oh yes, it’s called Numi Scan on Colney Hatch Lane (I’ve not been, just driven past).

Thanks @MustLikeCats I will check it out!

Ah yes that's it. I was going to have to look up the name. I think they have been advertising discounts so check before you book

Hi I've been cared for at the Whittington Hospital for my pregnancies and they have listened to the baby's heartbeat during my 16 week appointment. X

@pineapplejuiceisyuck (I love pineapple juice!) that's good to know, thank you!

I’m under the Whittington and had my 16 week appointment a few weeks ago and I heard the heartbeat.

The midwife asked if I wanted to try and hear it and she warned me that it might take a few minutes to find, but she was happy to try.

Oh great @abbaroony that's really good to know!

I am with Whittington and had my midwife appointment 2 weeks ago. The appointment was to go explain the results of 12 weeks scan. They took a urine sample and BP test but no heartbeat.

[quote itssquidstella]@MustLikeCats thank you! Mine is on 7th December so if yours is sooner then I'd be really like interested to hear how it goes. Are you having yours actually in the hospital?[/quote]
Just to update you OP - I’ve had the 16 week appointment and I was lucky enough to hear the heartbeat, which was lovely. I hope it all goes well for you next week!