Updated Covid Restrictions - doing it alone

[EndoMumtobe]

First post on here - so I'm 22 weeks pregnant, have struggled with perinatal anxiety and just been informed as of today I will have to attend all appointments and scans alone.

The only time I can have support from someone next to me is during last stages of labor (not for sweeps or induction)

I really don't think I can do this alone and the thought of it is causing me to panic. Hoping by posting this I won't feel so isolated or alone.

Wishing you all well!

I've gone to all my appointments and antenatal alone as DH is usually at work and I would fit them in around my work schedule so try not to worry about that! Also at 22 weeks things could change before baby makes an appearance so try to remain positive

I went to nearly all my appointments alone before the pandemic. Most people do.

You won't have any more scans now unless there is something wrong. Your appointments will be fairly routine - hand in your urine sample, blood pressure, mw Will feel your tummy, sometimes you might get a blood test.

You've still got 18weeks before you are due do restrictions could be entirely different by then. No point worrying about it yet.

I know what it's like to struggle with perinatal anxiety but have managed all my appointments alone with the support of the midwives and sonographers.
If lots of people come forward and get their booster and are sensible about their indoor socialising then hopefully we can flatten this wave and get visiting restrictions back to normal!

Just to point out that sweeps and induction are not necessary/obligatory so don't feel you have to have these interventions.
I know that's not the point you're making.

You may not need a sweep or induction. But anxiety will not help labour. All mammals need to feel safe to release the hormones for birth. I would strongly recommend finding a doula or hypnobirthing teacher and working on your own calming techniques with the aim of labouring at home until established and your partner can be with you in hospital. I was 8cm before I went in thanks to good luck but also lots of breathing techniques, staying mobile and a tens machine.

Sorry to hear this 😞 can I please ask where abouts you live? As this is a fear I have at the moment as really want my husband to attend my 20 week scan with me, I am in Wales x

Pregnant Then Screwed on Instagram plus believe it or not, the Daily Mail are highlighting this issue

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10344361/Pregnant-women-stuck-wards-hospital-trust-bans-partners.html

The DM has already gotten the trust in that article to reverse its policy.

I'm being induced tomorrow and partner is allowed 24/7 whilst I'm in hospital (antenatal/labour ward/postnatal) and would still have been allowed at 12/20 week scan. We are in a part of London with Covid rates >3000/100K. The rules at your hospital seem ridiculous.

I would contact the DM and pregnant then screwed about this if you want to try to influence change, it's worked once already.

Not that it's a race to the bottom but I did all mine alone last year with my twins even though had 7 previous losses and bad news at scans etc. even when blue lit into hospital in an ambulance with bleeding still had to be alone. It was tough at times emotionally as still had PTSD from previous bad news. I did end up giving birth to the twins alone too. Trust me You are much much stronger than you think xxx

Sorry to hear about this. It’s an outrageous policy. You will manage, but it’s definitely not fair on you.

A lot of us have been through this, not that it makes it ok. The rules are likely to change by the time you're due so try not to think they're set in stone. Even when things were relaxed for me I did midwife apts and growth scans alone as they're very routine and not that interesting- by the end of pregnancy you don't even get a nice scan photo as baby is so big.
The sweep I had with DH there was the most awkward as who wants another man's hand up your bits when your husbands there too.
You do not have to agree to sweeps or inductions, you could plan a section if you need to, there will be options

Sorry to hear, this I had all my appointments and an induction and a week hospital stay on my own, I know it doesn't make it any easier but what I will say is when I was on the wards, I actually made some great friends and the midwives really tried their hardest to make you feel not so alone. Luckily your through the big scans now so you will only have routine appointments until labour and Most people don't go into hospital until 4cm when their partner can stay with them anyway xx